Written Answers of 7 June 1991

EDUCATION AND SCIENCE

  School Clothing Grants
  Mrs. Heal
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what would be the cost of a non-discretionary school clothing grants scheme administered by his Department.

  Mr. Fallon
  The cost would depend on the scale and nature of any scheme. We have no plans to introduce such a scheme; it is for local authorities to decide, in the light of local circumstances, when and to what extent to provide clothing grants.

  Official Visits
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what visits or other official engagements were undertaken by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science during his visit to the east Birmingham task force area on 23 April 1990.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  The programme included visits to the Aston Science Park, a meeting with Sir Reginald Eyre and Heartlands training group, attendance at the Heartlands training event, visit to the east Birmingham task force, East Birmingham college and attendance at the launch of the Asian business handbook.

  Natural Environment Research Council
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the level of funding to the Natural Environment Research Council in each year since 1 April 1985.

  Mr. Alan Howarth
  Details of the level of grant in aid paid by this Department to the Natural Environment Research Council since 1 April 1985 are as follows:

  £ million

  1985–86

  67·880

  1986–87

  70·325

  1987–88

  73·315

  1988–89

  91·859

  1989–90

  114·955

  1990–91

  135·233

  11991–92

  122·564

  1 Estimates.

TRANSPORT

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures are currently being taken to meet Government targets for the stabilisation of carbon dioxide emissions by the year 2005.
  350
  Mr. Chope
  Over the past year or so, the Government have taken a number of initiatives which will help to reduce emissions from the transport sector. These include an emissions check in the MOT test, proposals to fit speed limiters to heavy goods vehicles, and improvements to information about new car fuel economy. The tax changes announced in the last Budget statement will also help to improve incentives to choose fuel efficient cars and drive them in a fuel economic fashion.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken for his Department to show how the Government will meet their target of stabilising carbon dioxide emissions at 1990 levels by the year 2005; and if he will make available any forecasts and associated calculations.

  Mr. Chope
  My Department has published a report by Dr. M. H. L. Waters on "United Kingdom road transport's contribution to greenhouse gases: a review of TRRL and other research" (Transport and Road Research Laboratory contractor report 223.) This is being followed up by a programme of research into various measures which might help to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Where appropriate, the results will be published in due course.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are his Department's traffic forecast for the next 15 years; how he estimates these will affect the Government's declared objective of stabilising carbon dioxide emission levels from 1990 by the year 2005; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  The Department's traffic forecasts are published as National Road Traffic Forecasts (Great Britain) 1989 copies of which are in the Library. They indicate that by the year 2005 traffic will be 31 to 52 per cent. higher than in 1990. The impact of traffic levels on emissions of carbon dioxide will largely depend on the fuel efficiency of the vehicle fleet.

  Great Glen Bypass
  Sir John Farr
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made since 1987 in plans for the construction of the Great Glen bypass, Leicestershire, on the A6; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Chope
  Following public consultation the preferred route for the A6 Great Glen bypass was announced in November 1989. Since that time surveys have been carried out leading to the detailed design of the scheme. We plan to publish draft orders in the autumn.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Residential Homes
  Mr. Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people living in residential and nursing homes are paid for by income support; and how many of these are over pension age.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The latest estimate of the number of people in receipt of income support in residential care and nursing homes is for August 1990, when the figure was 199,000. Information on how many of these were over
  351
  pension age is not available but, as of May 1989, about 80 per cent. of income support recipients in such homes were over pension age.

  Community Charge (Lambeth)
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many community charge payers in Lambeth were in receipt of community charge benefit at the last period for which figures were available, based on claims for refunds by his Department to Lambeth council.

  Miss Widdecombe
  As at 28 February 1991, it is estimated that 38,200 charge payers were receiving community charge benefit in the London borough of Lambeth. This figure is likely to understate the true position as, in addition to having a number of unprocessed claims, a computer-related problem prevented Lambeth from including certain cases in its February stock count.

  Social Fund Reviews
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for review by a social fund inspector were outstanding for more than one month on 30 April.

  Mr. Scott
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 3 May 1991 at column 350.

  Benefit Claimants
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's policy on informing the next of kin of deceased unemployment benefit claimants of any outstanding benefits to which they are entitled; and if he will make a statement on the considerations leading to the formulation of this policy.

  Mr. Jack
  When a claimant dies, any outstanding unemployment benefit may be paid to persons claiming that benefit as legal personal representatives, legatees, next of kin or creditors of the deceased. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the individuals mentioned to make sure that any outstanding benefit has been claimed. However, following the hon. Member's question, steps are being taken to ensure that in administering unemployment benefit on a day to day basis instructions to employment

  Married couple with two children aged 4 and 6

  Gross Pay (£pw)

  Net income in work after mortgage and community charge (£pw)

  Net income on income support after mortgage and community charge (£pw)

  mortgage £50,000

  mortgage £75,000

  mortgage £100,000

  200

  60·84

  -1·42

  -63·68

  101·22

  250

  93·84

  31·58

  -30·68

  101·22

  300

  126·84

  64·58

  2·32

  101·22

  350

  159·84

  97·58

  35·32

  101·22

  400

  197·34

  13508

  72·82

  101·22

  450

  234·84

  172·58

  110·32

  101·22

  500

  272·34

  210·08

  147·82

  101·22

  352
  service offices properly reflect this policy intention and that, where a legal personal representative or next of kin notifies the ESO that a claimant has died, an invitation to claim any arrears will be issued. Instructions to staff in offices of the Benefits Agency will also be reviewed to ensure that similar procedures are followed where this is not already the case.

  Information regarding the payment of arrears of benefit following a death can be obtained from offices of the Department of Social Security and unemployment benefit offices. In addition, advice on claiming arrears of benefit is included in social security leaflet D49, "What to do After a Death", which contains detailed information on the action to be taken when someone dies.

  Disposable Income
  Sir Ian Gilmour
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish figures showing disposable income in and out of work, after 16 weeks, for a single-wage family with two children aged four and six years and a mortgage of(a) £50,000 (b) £75,000 and (c) £100,000 assuming offer wages of £200, £250, £300, £350, £400, £450 and £500 a week.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 20 May 1991]: The information is set out in the table. The figures are based on the following assumptions.

  Mortgage payments are for interest only and contain no repayments of capital. Where an income support claimant's outgoings are unnecessarily high they may be restricted to the amount that they would need to obtain suitable alternative accommodation. In the table, it has been assumed that no such restriction has been applied. They are shown net of tax. The mortgage shown is the capital outstanding. Mortgage interest is calculated at 12–95 per cent.

  In calculating the figures the same assumptions have been used as are found in the tax benefit model tables. Net income in work includes child benefit and any community charge benefit as may be payable. It should be noted that the results in the tables remain arbitrary. They cannot reflect, except by chance, the actual circumstances of particular people and cannot claim to be representative of the population at large.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Iraqi Detainees
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he intends to publish the report prepared by the Red Cross on prison conditions under which the Iraqi detainees in the United Kingdom were kept during the course of the Gulf war.

  Mrs. Angela Rumbold
  No. The convention is that such reports are made available only to the Government of the detaining country and to the national Government of those detained, and in confidence.

  Racial Attacks
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints have been made to each police authority in England and Wales in the past year regarding improper handling of an offence caused by racial prejudice.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  This information is not held centrally and may only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Police Records
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will describe the procedures used by the Metropolitan police when disclosing criminal records to local authorities to allow them to determine who is a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence; whether he will list the offences deemed to make a taxi driver unfit to hold a taxi licence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  It is not the practice of the Metropolitan police to disclose criminal records to local authorities for this purpose.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has issued advice to local authorities concerning the use of criminal records to determine on who is a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence; what appeals procedure there is should a criminal record be inaccurate or not relevant to a taxi licence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Home Office has not issued any such advice to local authorities. Anyone aggrieved by the refusal of a district council to issue a licence may appeal to the courts.

  Dangerous Dogs
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many successful prosecutions there have been in each of the past five years under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 relating to having an unmuzzled ferocious dog at large in a street, park or open public place;

  (2) how many successful prosecutions there have been in each of the past five years under the Animals Act 1971 for injury or damage caused by dogs in England and Wales.

  Mrs. Rumbold
  The table shows the number of prosecutions and convictions under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 Section 28(2) to (4).
  354

  Number of defendants prosecuted and convicted under the Town Police Clauses Act 1847 section 28(2) to (4) 1985 to 1989 England and Wales

  Year

  Prosecutions

  Convictions

  1985

  55

  28

  1986

  54

  26

  1987

  52

  37

  1988

  80

  43

  1989

  93

  60

  Note: Information is not collected centrally on civil offences committed under the Animals Act 1971.

  Control of Explosives
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of cases where explosives other than fireworks have caused accidents in the home in the past five years.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Accurate figures are not available. In 1989, my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Jones) drew my noble Friend's attention to an unfortunate accident in his constituency when a young boy was badly injured while playing with materials used in the home loading of ammunition.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bear the extra cost to the police of carrying out inspections under the proposed control of explosives regulations.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The cost of operating the statutory enforcement powers to be conferred on the police as a result of the proposed control of explosives regulations, which should not result in a significant additional burden upon police resources, will be met by police funding in the usual way.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of cases in the last convenient period where explosives have been stolen from private homes.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  There is no legal requirement to report thefts of explosives. Accurate figures for thefts from private homes are not available, but five are known to have been reported by police since 1969.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now postpone the control of explosives regulations to allow increased consultation time for the guidance notes to be fully studied by all interested parties.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  It is not normal practice for the Health and Safety Executive to consult on guidance notes. They represent an explanation of the regulations and advice on compliance. The proposed control of explosives regulations have been subject to full consultation. We see no need for postponement.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long has been allowed for consultation on the form of the guidance notes applying to the new proposed control of explosives regulations; and what factors underlay the decision to set this length of time for consultation.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No general consultation on draft guidance notes applying to the new proposed control of
  355
  explosives regulations has taken place. Draft guidance notes were sent to a number of organisations by the Health and Safety Executive on 3 May 1991. Comments were requested by 17 May 1991. This time was set to permit the guidance notes to be published prior to the draft regulations coming into force. However, important comments received after this date could be taken into account if printing schedules permitted.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library the case histories that led to the proposal by the Health and Safety Executive of new control of explosive regulations.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The new proposed control of explosives regulations are part of the ongoing modernisation of the Explosives Act 1875 and related regulations. This forms part of the Health and Safety Commission's programme of work to review and reform existing legislation. So far a number of new explosives regulations have been made. The draft control of explosives regulations are the latest proposals. These proposals are not driven by particular case histories.

  Dog Fights
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Greater Manchester on the action taken in connection with publication of "Pit Bull News" by P. Graham from 44 Midland road, Bramhall, Stockport, in respect of possible offences related to promotion of organised dog fights.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand from the chief constable of Greater Manchester police that the police are aware of the publication "Pit Bull News". Together with the RSPCA, they have looked into the possibility of prosecuting the publication for offences relating to the promotion of organised dog fights, but have concluded that there is insufficient evidence for a prosecution to proceed.

  Sellafield (Security)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Cumbria as to the investigations being conducted into the break-in at the Sellafield site in the week beginning 20 May, and as to the security implications of these events.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The incident was handled by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority constabulary and Cumbria police were not involved.

CIVIL SERVICE

  Civil Service College
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Minister for the Civil Service what targets he has approved for the Civil Service College for 1991–92.

  Mr. Renton
  The primary target for the Civil Service College executive agency will be to cover its costs from income: planned costs for 1991–92 are £14,476K. Other agreed targets for the college in 1991–92 are:356

  Targets

  Student days

  82,750

  Course days

  5,465

  Students

  20,900

  Students at grade 7+

  5.501

  Number of students in development schemes

  4.190

  Number of students for formal qualifications

  1,980

  Number of students from the private sector

  450

  Percentage of course evaluations in boxes 1 and 2

  78

  Students per course day at the college's two main sites

  16·5

  Income from consultancy

  £130K

  There is also a target for "cost per student day" which is not published for commercial reasons, and a five-year value for money target. The rating of college services as revealed by a detailed survey of the views of students must increase over the five-year period to 1995 by 10 per cent. more than the real cost of the college's output.

  I am arranging for copies of the college's stategic plan for 1991–1995 to be placed in the Libraries of the Houses of Parliament.

EMPLOYMENT

  Redundancies
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average time for his Department to process redundancies; how many redundancies are awaiting processing; and whether there are any plans to recruit extra staff to increase efficiency.

  Mr. Forth
  The average time to process a redundancy payment is currently 10 weeks and the number of claims awaiting processing is 53,000. My Department has introduced a number of efficiency measures to improve the time taken to deal with claims, including the recruitment of additional staff.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment has been made of the effect on employment of the introduction of a minimum wage based on two thirds of male median earnings.

  Mr. Forth
  Officials in my Department have estimated that the introduction of a minimum wage of two thirds male median earnings could over time lead to the loss of over 1 million jobs if wage differentials were restored by 50 per cent. They have also estimated that in the extreme case of full wage restoration the losses could be of the order of 2 million jobs.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what would be the cost to the public sector wages and salaries bill of the introduction of a minimum wage of two thirds of male median earnings.

  Mr. Forth
  We do not have the information to provide a full answer, and even a partial answer could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Employment Training
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much money is set aside for employment training in each English county.
  357
  Mr. Jackson
  The information is not available in the form requested. In 1991–92 budgets were allocated by funding block rather than by individual scheme. Funding block 2 includes employment training (ET) fees, ET allowances and high technology national training (HTNT). The table below shows the money allocated to each regional office in England for funding block 2:

  Region

  Allocation £ million

  South East

  57·25

  London

  93·02

  South West

  46·51

  West Midlands

  89·88

  East Midlands

  67·75

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  100·49

  North West

  123·93

  Northern

  82·63

  Health and Safety Executive
  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action the Health and Safety Executive is taking in respect of the drafting of regulations for the storage of(a) propane or butane gas, (b) petrol and (c) weed killer, in the home.

  Mr. Forth
  The Health and Safety Commission's current reviews of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1984 and regulations concerning the storage of petrol in containers include consideration of the domestic storage of liquefied petroleum gas and petrol respectively.

  The storage of weed killer in the home is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who has no plans to produce regulations on such storage.

  Mr. Wiggin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the role of the Health and Safety Executive in respect of safety in private domestic premises as proposed in the new draft of the Control of Explosives Regulations; and on what section of which Act this role is based.

  Mr. Forth
  None. The Health and Safety Commission has proposed new draft control of explosives regulations to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The police will be the enforcing authority for most requirements in the proposals; the Health and Safety Executive for others. The proposed new regulations give the Health and Safety Executive no role in respect of safety in domestic premises.

  Training (Finance)
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received regarding reductions in funding for people on training schemes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jackson
  A number of hon. Members have written to me about funding for training, including the hon. Member for Truro. It is for training and enterprise councils to allocate funding to training schemes locally. Nationally resources for youth training and employment training now stand at over £1.7 billion for 1991–92. Following a reappraisal of the range of measures available to help unemployed people and a reassessment of the overall demand for ET adjustments were made to the 358
  balance of our measures involving an increase in the number of opportunities delivered through the Employment Service.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much money has been set aside for the purchase of tools to enable the unemployed to gain skilled employment.

  Mr. Jackson
  No money has been allocated specifically for the purchase of tools for this purpose.

  Skills Training
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans the Government have to provide training for people aged over 25 years in skills necessary to gain employment, including interview skills, literacy and numeracy.

  Mr. Jackson
  The Government aim to offer to all adults under 50 who have been unemployed for more than two years, and to all unemployed people with disabilities, a place on employment training (ET), enterprise allowance, the job interview guarantee or in a job-club. Many people who need the help described will be included in this group. Other people who need help with literacy/numeracy are eligible to enter ET without being unemployed for 26 weeks.

  Job preparation courses are offered as part of the job interview guarantee initiative and are designed to give long-term unemployed people the knowledge and confidence to succeed at a guaranteed interview for vacancies offered at the end of the course.

  The Government have recently announced sponsorship of £3 million over the next three years for a new initiative called "Basic Skills at Work" intended to enhance the quantity and quality of literacy/numeracy training.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how many people of employment age are on literacy and numeracy training courses; and if he will give these figures for each English county;

  (2) what money is available for each English county For people with special training needs in literacy, numeracy and social skills; and what the figures were for 1990.

  Mr. Jackson
  This information is not available.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much grant aid has been provided for Sri Lanka during each of the past five years; and if he will increase grant aid for next year.

  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aid is being provided to Sri Lanka in this financial year; and what was the figure in each of the previous three years.

  Mrs. Chalker
  I will write to the hon. Members.

HEALTH

  Cancer
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths have been recorded in Gwynedd caused by cancer in each of the past five years; what incidence rate the figure for each year represents; how that rate corresponds to the figure for(a) Wales and (b) Great

  Deaths from malignant neoplasms, ICD 140–208 in Great Britain, Wales and Gwynedd. 1986–90.

  Great Britain

  Wales

  Gwynedd

  Age

  Deaths

  Rate per 1,000 population

  Deaths

  Rate per 1,000 population

  Deaths

  Rate per 1.000 population

  1986

  Under 1

  17

  0·02

  2

  0·05

  0

  0·00

  1–4

  122

  0·04

  7

  0·05

  1

  0·09

  5–14

  269

  0·04

  10

  0·03

  2

  0·07

  15–24

  515

  0·06

  24

  0·05

  1

  0·03

  25–34

  1,125

  0·14

  69

  0·19

  6

  0·21

  35–4

  3,630

  0·48

  196

  0·52

  13

  0·44

  45–54

  9,994

  1·66

  500

  1·63

  40

  1·61

  55–64

  29,070

  4·87

  1,648

  5·18

  132

  5·01

  65–74

  48,679

  9·95

  2,604

  9·73

  243

  10·01

  75–84

  45,853

  15·78

  2,412

  15·72

  241

  15·36

  85 and over

  14,348

  20·62

  656

  18·46

  72

  18·56

  All ages

  153,622

  2·78

  8,128

  2·88

  751

  3·20

  1987

  Under 1

  20

  0·03

  0

  0·00

  0

  0·00

  1–4

  116

  0·04

  5

  0·03

  1

  0·09

  5–14

  249

  0·04

  9

  0·03

  0

  0·00

  15–24

  480

  0·05

  18

  0·04

  3

  0·08

  25–34

  1,148

  0·14

  52

  0·14

  4

  0·13

  35–44

  3,717

  0·49

  183

  0·48

  22

  0·74

  45–54

  9,971

  1·66

  535

  1·73

  54

  2·15

  55–64

  28,473

  4·85

  1,574

  5·03

  122

  4·68

  65–74

  48,722

  9·89

  2,616

  9·67

  257

  10·55

  75–84

  47,198

  15·98

  2,474

  15·86

  262

  16·60

  85 and over

  15,324

  20·54

  786

  20·31

  90

  21·26

  All ages

  155,418

  2·81

  8,252

  2·91

  815

  3·45

  1988

  Under 1

  19

  0·03

  2

  0·05

  1

  0·34

  1–4

  135

  0·05

  6

  0·04

  0

  0·00

  5–14

  266

  0·04

  17

  0·05

  1

  0·03

  15–24

  534

  0·06

  15

  0·03

  1

  0·03

  25–34

  1,125

  0·14

  53

  0·13

  2

  0·06

  35–44

  3,838

  0·50

  200

  0·52

  14

  0·46

  45–54

  9,999

  1·64

  550

  1·75

  45

  1·76

  55–64

  27,921

  4·81

  1,481

  4·77

  111

  4·24

  65–74

  49,130

  9·99

  2,821

  10·38

  247

  10·12

  75–84

  48,154

  16·10

  2,546

  16·09

  258

  16·23

  85 and over

  16,117

  20·63

  864

  21·23

  105

  23·50

  All ages

  157,238

  2·83

  8,555

  2·99

  785

  3·28

  1989

  Under 1

  22

  0·03

  0

  0·00

  0

  0·00

  1–4

  146

  0·05

  7

  0·05

  0

  0·00

  5–14

  228

  0·03

  13

  0·04

  2

  0·07

  15–24

  485

  0·06

  30

  0·07

  1

  0·03

  25–34

  1,107

  0·13

  37

  0·09

  7

  0·21

  35–44

  3,807

  0·50

  196

  0·51

  25

  0·82

  45–54

  9,992

  1·60

  529

  1·65

  45

  1·72

  55–64

  26,985

  4·70

  1,448

  4·71

  133

  5·10

  65–74

  48,903

  9·96

  2,790

  10·21

  253

  10·33

  75–84

  49,504

  16·33

  2,631

  16·35

  284

  17·70

  85 and over

  17,177

  20·95

  871

  20·45

  95

  20·25

  All ages

  158,356

  2·85

  8,552

  2·98

  845

  3·51

  1990

  Under 1

  13

  0·02

  1

  0·03

  1

  0·34

  l-4

  109

  0·04

  4

  0·03

  0

  0·00

  5–14

  271

  0·04

  13

  0·04

  4

  0·14

  15–24

  420

  0·05

  22

  0·05

  0

  0·00

  25–34

  1,109

  0·13

  46

  0·11

  7

  0·21

  35–44

  3,702

  0·48

  187

  0·49

  18

  0·59

  360
  Britain in each of those years; and if he will break down the total number of cancer deaths in each year into convenient age groups.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The tables list the number of deaths, and rates per 1,000 population, from malignant neoplasms (ICD 140–208) for the years 1986–90, in Gwynedd, Wales and Great Britain. The data are presented in convenient age groups.
  361

  Great Britain

  Wales

  Gwynedd

  Age

  Deaths

  Rate per 1,000 population

  Deaths

  Rate per 1.000 population

  Deaths

  Rate per 1,000 population

  45–54

  9,956

  1·57

  552

  1·69

  48

  1·84

  55–64

  26,494

  4·65

  1,417

  4·65

  118

  4·53

  65–74

  48,636

  9·94

  2,738

  9·96

  250

  10·21

  75–84

  49,416

  16·20

  2,591

  15·90

  260

  16·20

  85 and over

  17,654

  20·92

  868

  19·73

  91

  19·39

  All ages

  157,780

  2·83

  8,439

  2·92

  797

  3·31

  Note: 1990 rates for Gwynedd based on 1989 population for all ages.

  Cervical Cancer
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress of research into a vaccine for cervical cancer; and what funds are being made available by his Department for such research.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research in the United Kingdom is the Medical Research Council (MRC) which receives its grant-in-aid from the Department of Education and Science. I understand that no research into this subject is currently being undertaken by the MRC.

  The Department's view is that although some strains of human papilloma virus, against which such a vaccine would be used, may pre-dispose to the development of cervical cancer, there is no absolute proof that it does.

  It is not normal practice to contemplate developing a vaccine unless there is clear proof that the infectious agent against which the vaccine is directed has been proved to cause the condition under consideration.

  Population Statistics
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current population of England, Scotland and Wales who are aged 18 years or over.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The estimated resident populations aged 18 years and over at 30 June 1990 were as follows:

  Million

  England

  37·00

  Scotland

  3·94

  Wales

  2·22

  HIV (Blood Transfusions)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has had from Mr. Graham Ross in regard to financial help for NHS patients who have become infected with HIV through infected blood transfusions, and their families; what reply he is sending; if there is any action he has taken or will be taking; and if he will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply that I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Edgbaston (Dame J. Knight) on 6 June at column 302.

  Sefton General Hospital
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will direct the Liverpool area health authority to publish its plans for the future of Sefton general hospital.
  362
  Mr. Dorrell
  No. The planning and development of health services locally is a matter for the health authority concerned. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. Michael Emberton, the chairman of Liverpool health authority.

  Trent Regional Health Authority
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will itemise land and property sales by Trent regional health authority between 1987 and 1991.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Information in respect of sales of over £50,000 and over 1 acre in area is given in the tables.

  Trent Regional Health Authority

  District health authority—Property and address

  Price obtained (£)

  1987–88

  Leicestershire—Francis Dixon Lodge, Towers Hospital

  280,000

  Leicestershire—Glengate Hospital, Desford

  420,000

  North Derbyshire—Ridgway Hospital, Belper

  200,000

  North Derbyshire—Land at Penmore Hospital, Chesterfield (Phase 1)

  229,750

  North Lincolnshire—Louth and District Hospital

  30:5,000

  Nottingham—Coppice Hospital, Ransom Road

  450,000

  Rotherham—Land at rear of Fairfield House

  340,000

  South Derbyshire—The Grange Children's Unit, Etwall Road, Mickleover and adjoining land

  90,000

  South Derbyshire—Rough Heanor Allotments, Kingsway Hospital

  475,000

  South Derbyshire—Derbyshire Hospital for Women

  403,000

  South Derbyshire—Ilkeston General Hospital

  385,000

  1988–89

  Barnsley—Land at Broadway Ambulance Station

  52,000

  Central Nottingham—Dale Crescent, Balderton

  932,500

  Central Nottingham—Langwith Lodge

  620,000

  Leicestershire—Bosworth Park Infirmary

  1,500,006

  Leicestershire—Land at LeicesterGeneral

  2,670,000

  Leicestershire—Welford Road Ambulance Station

  585,900

  North Derbyshire—Land at Penmore Hospital

  257,296

  North Derbyshire—Penmore Hospital

  60,000

  North Derbyshire—Carbar Hall, Buxton

  150,000

  North Derbyshire—Dronfield Hospital

  363,000

  North Lincolnshire—St. Mark's House

  51,000

  Nottingham—Land at Highbury Hospital

  591,200

  Nottingham—Saxondale Hospital

  767,000

  Nottingham—Clarendon Street

  612,000

  Sheffield—Edgar Allen Poe TC

  70,590

  Sheffield—Clifford Road

  268,000

  South Derbyshire—Derwent Hospital

  658,333

  South Derbyshire—Makeney Hospital

  541,100

  South Derbyshire—Etwall Hospital

  676,000

  South Lincolnshire—Johnson Hospital

  325,000

  1989–90

  Barnsley—Land at Bolton on Dearne HC

  121,100

  Barnsley—Pinder Oaks

  105,000

  Bassetlaw—49 and 51 The Holdings

  80,000

  Central Nottingham—Collingham Health Centre

  225,000

  Doncaster—Land at Neston Hospital

  175,000

  363

  District health authority—Property and address

  Price obtained (£)

  Leicestershire—Welford Road Ambulance Station

  390,130

  Leicestershire—Courtesthorpe Health Centre

  350,000

  Leicestershire—67 Coventry Road

  440,000

  North Derbyshire—Penmore Hospital

  540,000

  North Lincolnshire—St. John's Hospital

  4,641,508

  North Lincolnshire—2 Ancaster Avenue

  67,000

  Nottingham—Saxondale Hospital

  6,848,000

  Nottingham—54 and 56 The Ropewalk

  516,000

  Rotherham—Ferham House

  148,500

  South Derbyshire—Ashbourne Maternity Home

  535,250

  South Derbyshire—Heanor Maternity Hospital

  150,000

  South Lincolnshire—Oldleake Health Centre, Boston

  120,000

  Trent RHA—Markfield Training Centre

  1,750,000

  1990–91

  Bassetlaw—Larwood Health Centre

  220,000

  Leicestershire—Humberstone Grange Cottage

  60,000

  Leicestershire—40 Thumaston Lane

  176,500

  Leicestershire—Land at Carlton Hayes Hospital

  15,900,000

  Leicestershire—Kibworth Hall Hospital

  675,000

  Leicestershire—Framland Hospital

  540,000

  Leicestershire—Fielding Johnson Hospital

  1,130,000

  North Derbyshire—178 Broomhill Road

  170,000

  North Lincolnshire—Land at Birchwood Health Centre

  50,000

  North Lincolnshire—St. John's Hospital (Stage 1)

  450,000

  Nottingham—Radcliffe-on-Trent Health Centre

  205,000

  Sheffield—73 Lightwood Lane

  53,500

  Sheffield—Land at Chapeltown Nursing Home

  120,000

  Sheffield—7 Leopold Street

  475,000

  Sheffield—74 Lightwood Lane

  50,000

  Sheffield—471 Redmires Road

  50,000

  Sheffield—33 Clifford Road/14 St. Andrews

  184,000

  South Derbyshire—7 Hospital Lane, Mickleover

  52,200

  South Derbyshire—Manor/Kingsway Hospital (Phase 1)

  1,275,000

  South Lincolnshire—13 Rushcliffe Road

  56,333

  Regrading Appeals
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give his latest figures for the number of outstanding nurse regrading appeals at regional and at national level for each health district or NHS trust in(a) Yorkshire regional health authority and (b) Trent regional health authority; and when he expects all the regrading appeals to be completed.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  At 31 May 1991 the number of regional clinical grading appeals in Trent regional health authority and Yorkshire regional health authority was as follows:

  Regional Health Authority

  Number of appeals outstanding

  Yorkshire

  1,242

  Trent

  1,416

  Information about regional appeals outstanding for each district or NHS trust in these regions is not available centrally.

  At 31 May 1991 the number of national clinical grading appeals outstanding in Trent regional health authority and Yorkshire regional health authority was as follows:

  Number outstanding

  Yorkshire

  District

  Calderdale

  1

  364

  Number outstanding

  Dewsbury

  1

  East Yorkshire

  1

  Harrogate

  1

  Hull

  1

  Pontefract

  11

  Wakefield

  6

  York

  5

  Trent

  District

  Barnsley

  1

  Central Nottinghamshire

  3

  Nottingham

  1

  Sheffield

  4

  These figures include appeals outstanding in NHS trusts.

  We cannot predict when all the regrading appeals will be completed, but every effort is made to process cases as quickly as possible within the currently agreed procedures.

  East Birmingham Hospital
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health why he has appointed Mr. John Bettinson to be chairman of the trust for East Birmingham hospital before the end of the consultation period for the proposal to establish a trust for this hospital.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  NHS trust chairmen and non-executive directors cannot be formally appointed until an NHS trust is established. Our current programme for second-wave NHS trusts envisages formal establishment in the autumn of this year. The names of the chairmen will be provided around the same time.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the applications received for approval in the second wave of NHS trusts.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The information requested is as follows:

  Formal applications approved for consultation in the second wave of trusts

  Northern RHA

  Cleveland Ambulance Services

  Gateshead Community Unit

  Northgate Hospital Northumberland Services

  Derwentside (North West Durham Hospital and Community Unit)

  North Tees Acute and Community Services

  Royal Victoria Infirmary and Dental Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne

  South Tees Acute Hospital Services

  Yorkshire RHA

  Airedale Health Services

  Bradford Mental Health and Community Services

  Harrogate Health Services

  Northallerton Health Services

  Scarborough Health Services

  York Health Services

  Trent RHA

  Barnsley Community and Priority Services Unit

  City Hospital Nottingham

  Nottingham Community Unit

  Mulberry Health Care Services (South Lincolnshire Mental Handicap Services)

  Central Sheffield University Hospital (South Sheffield

  365
  Hospitals)

  South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Services

  Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield

  Bassetlaw Hospital and Community Services

  Children's Hospital Sheffield

  Doncaster Priority and Community Services

  East Anglian RHA

  Allington (East Suffolk Community Unit)

  Hinchingbrooke (Huntingdon Acute, Hinchingbrooke Hospital)

  King's Lynn and Wisbech (QE2 Hospital)

  North West Thames RHA

  Barnet Community Health Services

  Wellhouse (Barnet and Edgeware Hospitals)

  Ealing Acute Hospital

  East Hertfordshire Acute, Priority and Community Services

  Northwick Park Hospital (Harrow Acute Unit)

  Harrow Community Services

  Hillingdon Community Health Unit

  North West Hertfordshire Mental Handicap Unit

  Parkside Community Health Services Unit

  South Bedfordshire Community and Mental Health Services

  Bedford Hospital (South Bedfordshire General Hospitals)

  St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington

  Ashford Acute (Hounslow and Spelthorne)

  Luton and Dunstable Hospital

  North East Thames RHA

  Basildon and Thurrock General Hospitals

  Essex Ambulance Services

  Mid Essex Hospital Services

  Essex Rivers Healthcare

  North East Essex Mental Handicap Unit (Turner Village)

  North East Essex Mental Illness Unit (Severalls Hospital)

  Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital

  Southend Community Care Services

  Forest Healthcare

  South East Thames RHA

  Brighton Community and Mental Health Services

  King's Healthcare Trust (Camberwell)

  Eastbourne Acute Services

  Hastings Provider Services

  Optimum Health (Lewisham Community)

  Mid-Kent Healthcare Services (Maidstone Acute)

  Maidstone Priority Care Services

  Thameslink Healthcare (Dartford and Gravesham Priority Services)

  Princess Christian (Tunbridge Wells Mental Handicap Unit)

  West Lambeth Priority Services

  South West Thames RHA

  Frimley Park Hospital

  Mid Surrey Mental Handicap Unit

  North West Surrey Acute Unit

  North West Surrey Community Services

  Wessex RHA

  Bath District (Mental Health Unit)

  Bournemouth and Christchurch Acute Unit Poole Acute Unit

  East Dorset Community Services

  Royal United Hospital, Bath

  Wiltshire Healthcare (Bath and Wiltshire)

  Avon and Somerset Community Unit

  Oxford RHA

  Aylesbury Vale Priority Care Services Unit

  East Berkshire Mental Handicap Unit

  Horton General Hospital

  Milton Keynes Acute and Maternity Services Unit

  Milton Keynes Community and Mental Health Services Unit

  West Berkshire Mental Handicap Unit

  Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospital

  South Bucks (Wycombe Health Services)

  South Western RHA

  Avon Ambulance Services

  366

  Royal Cornwall Hospitals (Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Acute Hospitals)

  Frenchay Acute and Community Services

  Plymouth Community Unit

  Southmead Acute and Community Services

  Gloucestershire Ambulance Services

  West Midlands RHA

  Coventry Walsgrave Health Services

  East Birmingham Acute

  Herefordshire Community Services Unit

  South East Staffordshire Community and Mental Health Unit

  South Warwickshire Community and Handicap Services Unit

  Staffordshire Ambulance Services

  Mersey RHA

  Aintree Hospitals (Walton and Fazakerly)

  Liverpool Community and Priority Services

  Liverpool Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit

  Mersey Regional Ambulance Services (Mersey Metropolitan Ambulance Services)

  Mersey Regional Centre for Radiotherapy and Oncology

  Mersey Regional Centre for Neurosciences

  St. Helens and Knowsley Community Unit

  Southport Acute Unit (Southport and Formby)

  North Western RHA

  Burnley Provider Unit

  Oldham Acute and Community Services

  Rochdale Acute and Community Services

  Lancaster Acute Hospital Services

  Lancaster Priority Services

  Wrightington Health Services

  Post-registration Education
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are being made to fund both training and time off for training under the post-registration education and practice project.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The post-registration education and practice project has been undertaken by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC). I understand that the UKCC has just completed consultation with the professions on the project report and that it plans to discuss the outcome with the United Kingdom Health Departments in due course. Any specific proposals addressed to the Health Departments will be considered at the appropriate time.

  Abortion
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Hearth what information his Department has on the links between abortion and subsequent sterility or reproductive complications.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The most recent information that the Department has comes from a major study we have funded of the short and long-term sequelae of abortion. The researchers, who have presented some of their recent findings orally at conferences have concluded that overall, abortion was not materially related to future fertility. However, the findings showed lower fertility in women who had induced abortion in their first pregnancy, as measured in the time it took to conceive again. It was also shown that induced abortion does not increase the risk of non-viable outcome, decreased birthweight of the baby or shortened gestation in the subsequent pregnancy, although certain features of the abortion operation may affect the outcome.
  367
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost to the national health service over the last year for which figures are available of(a) abortions performed within the national health service, (b) abortions contracted out by the national health service, (c) pre-abortion counselling and preparation, (d) post-abortion counselling, (e) treatment following abortions and (f) other costs associated with abortion in the national health service.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The estimated revenue cost of a straightforward abortion as an in-patient in a national health service hospital is £250 in 1989–90 prices. The other information is not collected centrally.

PRIME MINISTER

  Middle East (Arms Control)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with the United States Government concerning the creation of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the middle east.

  The Prime Minister
  We worked closely with the United States Government and other members of the United Nations Security Council in the preparation of Security Council resolution 687, which specifically refers to the need to work towards the establishment of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the middle east. President Bush's recent initiative, if implemented, would be an important step towards that objective.

  Special Forces
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister what questions Her Majesty's Government have answered relating to special forces since November 1990.

  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces on 24 January at column 317 and on 21 March 1991 at column 230 and by me on 17 May 1991 at column 281 and 20 May at column 333.

  National Security
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) whether GCHQ, or Cleave station, Warminster has undertaken surveillance of any communications in order to assist criminal or civil investigations or to aid the enforcement of court orders since 1979;

  (2) whether GCHQ, or Cleave station, Warminster has undertaken surveillance of any communications for purposes other than national security since 1979;

  (3) what provisions are in place to prevent the dissemination of information gathered at GCHQ, or Cleave station, Warminster, in cases other than those representing a clear danger to national security.

  The Prime Minister
  It has been the policy of successive Governments not to discuss the work of the intelligence services. The dissemination of intercepted information is governed by safeguards under the Interception of Communications Act 1985.

  NUM
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will request the commissioner appointed under the Interception of Communications Act 1985 to report on allegations of the use of intercepted material in pursuit of the enforcement of court orders against the National Union of Mineworkers.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Foreign Visits (Journalists)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 3 June,Official Report, column 34, if he will list by date of journey and newspaper those accounts for journalists travelling on official transport provided for Prime ministerial visits abroad which remained unsettled as of 3 June.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 6 June 1991]: It is not my practice to give details of outstanding accounts.

WALES

  Motorways
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many miles of(a) motorway and (b) near-motorway standard trunk road have been started in Wales in each year since 1979.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The number of miles of major new construction involving motorway and dual carriageway trunk roads started in Wales for each year since 1979 are given in the following table:

  Motorway standard

  Dual carriageway

  1979–80

  —

  14·5

  1980–81

  2·7

  3·1

  1981–82

  —

  22·8

  1982–83

  —

  14·4

  1983–84

  —

  —

  1984–85

  —

  5·9

  1985–86

  —

  16·5

  1986–87

  —

  9·5

  1987–88

  —

  7·6

  1988–89

  —

  —

  1989–90

  3·0

  7·1

  1990–91

  —

  3·9

  5·7

  105·3

  Cancer
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what investigations have been commissioned by his Department during the past four years into the level of cancer incidence in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  An investigation of data relating to the incidence of cancers in north Wales over the period 1974 to 1983 was undertaken at the invitation of the Welsh Office by Professor Hubert Campbell, emeritus professor of medical statistics, university of Wales. The results were published in July 1988.

  "Cancer Registration in Wales: 1974–1984", published in 1988, contained a comprehensive analysis of cancer incidence in Wales based on information held on the

  369
  Welsh Cancer Registry in respect of the years 1974 to 1984. A further report of the Welsh Cancer Registry, which will include data for 1984 to 1986, is currently being prepared.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what further steps he proposes taking to improve cancer services for people residing in Gwynedd.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Consultation on the wide-ranging recommendations in the Deloitte, Haskins and Sells report into cancer treatment services for north Wales produced numerous and varying responses. These are being considered and an announcement will be made in due course.

  Sheep
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a table indicating the number of farms in Wales affected by the sheep movement prohibition resulting from the Chernobyl disaster, in each year since that disaster occurred, together with an estimate of the number of sheep involved in each year.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The information is given in the following table:

  Date

  Approximate number of holdings

  Approximate number of sheep (post-lambing)

  20 June 19861

  5,100

  2,000,000

  1 January 1987

  315

  225,000

  1 January 19882

  416

  300,000

  1 January 1989

  416

  300,000

  1 January 1990

  416

  300,000

  14 January 19913

  410

  292,000

  1 Date of first Statutory Instrument imposing restrictions.

  2 Some re-restriction was necessary during 1987 on about 2 per cent, of those holdings released from restriction during 1986.

  3 Date of most recent Statutory Instrument derestricting part of the restricted area.

  Right-to-buy
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish figures showing the number of households currently on right-to-buy housing waiting lists in each district council area in Wales and the latest available figures showing the average amount of time spent by applicants on such waiting lists in each district authority.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  The number of households on right-to-buy waiting lists at the end of March 1991, the latest available dates, are given in the following table.

  Information regarding the average amount of time spent by applicants on right-to-buy waiting lists is not collected centrally.

  District

  Applications outstanding

  Aberconwy

  52

  Alyn and Deeside

  121

  Arfon

  107

  Blaenau Gwent

  50

  Brecknock

  121

  Cardiff

  2,263

  Carmarthen

  121

  Ceredigion

  283

  Colwyn

  0

  Cynon Valley

  353

  370

  District

  Applications outstanding

  Delyn

  18

  Dinefwr

  80

  Dwyfor

  61

  Glyndwr

  40

  Islwyn

  135

  Llanelli

  692

  Lliw Valley

  80

  Meirionnydd

  103

  Merthyr Tydfil

  76

  Monmouth

  270

  Montgomeryshire

  78

  Neath

  160

  Newport

  575

  Ogwr

  349

  Port Talbot

  273

  Preseli Pembrokeshire

  30

  Radnorshire

  0

  Rhondda

  55

  Rhuddlan

  47

  Rhymney Valley

  978

  South Pembrokeshire

  63

  Swansea

  382

  Taff-Ely

  361

  Torfaen

  496

  Vale of Glamorgan

  174

  Wrexham Maelor

  665

  Ynys Mon

  193

  Wales

  9,905

  Music Teaching
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the implications for the provision of peripatetic music teaching in the schools of south Glamorgan of the introduction of local management of schools.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  We attach great value to the music service in schools and are anxious to see it continuing. Nevertheless, we do not believe that valuable provision of this sort will be threatened if local education authorities decide to delegate the funds to schools. Parents will want to see music provision maintained in the schools that their children attend and so will governors.

  Unruly Children
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales where in Wales, when the Children Act comes into operation, children subject to unruliness certificates can be accommodated.

  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Secure units at Ty Mawr, Silverbrook and Llwyncelyn community homes; and Cardiff and Swansea prisons. This matter is covered in the review of secure care policy in Wales which has been undertaken and which is to be issued for consultation next month.

  Children's Homes
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales why copies of the Welsh Office report on three children's homes in Wales published on 4 June were not placed in the Library; why they were not made immediately available to hon. Members via the Vote Office; and whether he will make immediate arrangements for them to be placed in Library and to be made available at the Vote Office.
  371
  Mr. Nicholas Bennett
  Copies of the reports were placed in the Library of the House on 5 June and have been provided to the hon. Gentleman. Copies are freely available from the Welsh Office.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Recycled Paper (HMSO)
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of Her Majesty's Stationery Office documents are printed on recycled paper; and what plans he has to increase the percentage.

  Mr. Maples
  To calculate the proportion of HMSO documents printed on recycled paper would be possible only at disproportionate cost.

  Monthly interest payments1

  Region

  Average new building society mortgages Quarter 2 1988

  On (A) at June 1988 9–8 per cent, interest rate, inflated to 1991 prices2

  On (A) at current 12–9 per cent, interest rate

  Difference (C)-(B)

  (A) £

  (B) £

  (C) £

  £

  Northern region

  22,200

  169·78

  178·99

  9·21

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  23,000

  175·90

  185·44

  9·54

  East Midlands

  27,000

  206·49

  217·69

  11·20

  East Anglia

  34,800

  278·37

  293·48

  15·10

  Greater London

  54,900

  483·33

  509·55

  26·22

  South East

  44,500

  377·28

  397·75

  20·47

  South West

  34,900

  279·39

  294·55

  15·16

  West Midlands

  28,100

  214·90

  226·56

  11·66

  North West

  24,300

  185·84

  195·92

  10·08

  Wales

  23,900

  182·78

  192·69

  9·92

  Scotland

  24,200

  185·07

  195·11

  10·04

  Northern Ireland

  24,300

  185·84

  195·92

  10·08

  United Kingdom

  32,900

  259·00

  273·05

  14·05

  1 Assuming endowment mortgage, net of basic rate tax relief.

  2 Inflated from June 1988 to April 1991 prices by reference to the movement in the RPI.

  Unleaded Petrol
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action he is taking to ensure that the price of unleaded petrol is contained to make its use attractive to private motorists; and if he will publish an analysis of the cost of this petrol throughout the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Measures taken in the Budget increased the tax advantage of unleaded over leaded petrol to more than 4 pence a litre (18·4p per gallon). The Government neither have nor seek the power to intervene directly in commercial price setting, but are determined to maintain a free market where the consumer is best served by unfettered competition between the oil companies. Pump prices of unleaded petrol at locations throughout the United Kingdom are published in the Petroleum Times energy report, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Economic and Finance Council
  Mr. Colin Shepherd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the latest meeting of the European Community's Economic and Finance Council.
  372
  HMSO actively encourages increased usage of recycled paper. Currently initiatives includes trials of recycled copier paper, computer stationery and recycled paper for tinted forms.

  A catalogue has been issued highlighting the availability of environmentally friendly products.

  Mortgage Payments
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list by region in tabular form and at constant prices the average monthly domestic mortgage payment payable in the month when interest rates were at their lowest since 1983, the current average mortgage payable and the difference between the two figures.

  Mr. Maude
  Information for average new mortgages in the second quarter of 1988 is in the table. Details of average amounts outstanding on all mortgages by region are not available.

  Mr. Norman Lamont
  The Economic and Finance Council of the European Community met in Luxembourg on 3 June. I represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council discussed a Presidency package of proposals on VAT and excise rates and systems, the most important elements of which were a minimum standard VAT rate of 15 per cent., minimum rates for all excises and provision for reduced rates including protection for our own zero rates. There was no agreement on the package as a whole and discussion will resume on 10 June.

  In the discussion of VAT rates, I restated the Government's view that the centrally imposed approximation of tax rates was not necessary for the establishment of the single market, but I made a statement that the United Kingdom had no present intention of reducing the standard rate of VAT below the 15 per cent. minimum proposed by the Presidency or indeed of making any change to the current rate of VAT of 17·5 per cent.

  On excise duties, I argued that, for health reasons, we needed to agree either high minimum rates for the duties on alcohol and tobacco, or limits on the amounts of these goods which can be brought into any member state tax-paid, and I said that the United Kingdom would in principle be prepared to accept a minimum rate for diesel

  373
  duty which would not oblige us to make any changes to our present levels. Any final agreement will, of course, be subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

  In a brief discussion of export credits and tied aid I urged that the European Community should agree to the Helsinki 5 revised package for revision of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development export credit arrangement and of the Development Assistance Committee's draft agreements on tied aid.

  Inland Revenue (Leaflet)
  Mr. Cartwright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations have been made to the Inland Revenue by the Royal Mail about the wording of a leaflet advising taxpayers on payment methods; and what action has been taken as a result.

  Mr. Maude
  The Post Office recently asked the Inland Revenue for a meeting to discuss this subject, and this meeting will take place shortly.

  P11D Forms
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 26 April,Official Report, column 593, what is his estimate of the yield from the outstanding P11D forms.

  Mr. Maude
  The additional yield from examination of the outstanding forms is estimated at £10·25 million.

  Many of the forms on hand in April included benefits returned for earlier years and already covered by adjustments to tax codes.

  Security Vetting, Northern Ireland
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many posts in the Inland Revenue in Northern Ireland are subject to reliability checks under the new procedures for security vetting announced by the Prime Minister on 24 July 1990.

  Mr. Maude
  Since the new procedures were introduced, no posts in the Inland Revenue have been the subject of reliability checks. All new recruits to Northern Ireland complete a security questionnaire which is the basis for counter-terrorist checks.

  Investment Income
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of people with annual investment income over £3,000 in 1991–92 who are(a) over the age of 55 years, (b) women over the age of 60 years and (c) men over the age of 65 years.

  Mr. Maude
  [holding answer 6 June 1991]: Available information indicates that approximately 500,000 men aged over 65 and 500,000 women aged over 65 have investment income over £3,000 in 1991–92. I regret that information for those aged between 55 and 65 is not separately available.

  Number of medical physics technicians

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Total

  Scotland

  14

  42

  140

  102

  31

  12

  0

  2

  343

  CSA

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Argyll and Clyde

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Textiles
  Mr. Lee
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list in the Official Report all investigations which the European Commission has made into state aids in textiles and clothing in the European Community since 1986 and the eventual outcome of those cases which have been resolved; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer my hon. Friend to the European Commission's annual competition policy reports (part 3, chapter 1 and the annexes to the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th reports on competition policy), copies of which are available in the Library of the House. These list all formal investigations opened by the European Commission into state aids, including those for textiles and clothing, arid their outcome.

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will refer bank margins on interest rates to the Office of Fair Trading for inquiry in to the extent and effectiveness of competition.

  Mr. Lilley
  I would of course ask the Director General of Fair Trading to investigate any anti-competitive practices by banks of which I had evidence. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has asked his officials, with the Bank of England, to look into concerns which have been raised about bank lending and my regional offices have been arranging a number of meetings between banks and small businesses.

SCOTLAND

  Health Service Pay
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each health board the number, in both absolute and percentage terms, of medical physics technicians, pharmacy technicians and medical photographers in each of the new pay scale categories.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  An agreement concluded by the Professional and Technical Staffs "B" Whitley Council in September 1989 introduced a new pay and grading structure for various groups of technicians in the NHS. Medical physics, technicians, pharmacy technicians and medical photographers were assigned to one of the eight medical technical officer (MTO) grades which are assistant, senior assistant, trainee and grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Health boards have stated that on 30 September 1990 the number of staff formerly in these grades in each of the MTO grades is as set out in the following tables.
  375

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Total

  Ayrshire and Arran

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  2

  Borders

  0

  0

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Fife

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Forth Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grampian

  0

  3

  9

  4

  2

  1

  0

  0

  19

  Greater Glasgow

  6

  18

  78

  60

  15

  6

  0

  1

  184

  Highland

  0

  2

  15

  2

  0

  0

  0

  1

  20

  Lanarkshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Lothian

  7

  12

  28

  18

  6

  1

  0

  0

  72

  Orkney

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Shetland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Tayside

  1

  7

  8

  16

  7

  3

  0

  0

  42

  Western Isles

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Percentage of total number of medical physics technicians

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Scotland

  4·1

  12·2

  40·8

  29·7

  9·0

  3·5

  0·0

  0·6

  CSA

  0·0

  0·0

  100·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Argyll and Clyde

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Ayrshire and Arran

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  50·0

  50·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Borders

  0·0

  0·0

  33·3

  66·7

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Fife

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Forth Valley

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Grampian

  0·0

  15·8

  47·4

  21·1

  10·5

  5·3

  0·0

  0·0

  Greater Glasgow

  3·3

  9·8

  42·4

  32·6

  8·2

  3·3

  0·0

  0·5

  Highland

  0·0

  10·0

  75·0

  10·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  5·0

  Lanarkshire

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Lothian

  9·7

  16·7

  38·9

  25·0

  8·3

  1·4

  0·0

  0·0

  Orkney

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Shetland

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Tayside

  2·4

  16·7

  19·0

  38·1

  16·7

  7·1

  0·0

  0·0

  Western Isles

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Number of pharmacy technicians

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Total

  Scotland

  0

  2

  24

  85

  124

  76

  0

  3

  314

  CSA

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Argyll and Clyde

  0

  0

  0

  4

  9

  1

  0

  0

  14

  Ayrshire and Arran

  0

  0

  3

  12

  2

  11

  0

  0

  28

  Borders

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  0

  0

  3

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0

  0

  1

  1

  5

  1

  0

  0

  8

  Fife

  0

  0

  0

  4

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Forth Valley

  0

  0

  0

  4

  8

  4

  0

  0

  16

  Grampian

  0

  0

  8

  6

  7

  4

  0

  0

  25

  Greater Glasgow

  0

  0

  1

  24

  43

  26

  0

  3

  97

  Highland

  0

  0

  0

  3

  1

  4

  0

  0

  8

  Lanarkshire

  0

  0

  0

  4

  12

  6

  0

  0

  22

  Lothian

  0

  1

  7

  21

  18

  17

  0

  0

  64

  Orkney

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Shetland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Tayside

  0

  1

  4

  2

  17

  1

  0

  0

  25

  Western Isles

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Percentage of total number of pharmacy technicians

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Scotland

  0·0

  0·6

  7·6

  27·1

  39·5

  24·2

  0·0

  1·0

  CSA

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Argyll and Clyde

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  28·6

  64·3

  7·1

  0·0

  0·0

  Ayrshire and Arran

  0·0

  0·0

  10·7

  42·9

  7·1

  39·3

  0·0

  0·0

  Borders

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  00

  66·7

  33·3

  0·0

  0·0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0·0

  0·0

  12·5

  12·5

  62·5

  12·5

  0·0

  0·0

  Fife

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  100·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Forth Valley

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  25·0

  50·0

  25·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Grampian

  0·0

  0·0

  32·0

  24·0

  28·0

  16·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Greater Glasgow

  0·0

  0·0

  1·0

  24·7

  44·3

  26·8

  0·0

  3·1

  Highland

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  37·5

  12·5

  50·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Lanarkshire

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  18·2

  54·5

  27·3

  0·0

  0·0

  376 377

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Lothian

  0·0

  1·6

  10·9

  32·8

  28·1

  26·6

  0·0

  0·0

  Orkney

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Shetland

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Tayside

  0·0

  4·0

  16·0

  8·0

  68·0

  4·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Western Isles

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Number of medical photographers

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Total

  Scotland

  0

  0

  12

  23

  13

  3

  0

  0

  51

  CSA

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Argyll and Clyde

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Ayrshire and Arran

  0

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Borders

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Fife

  0

  0

  1

  3

  0

  0

  0

  0

  4

  Forth Valley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grampian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greater Glasgow

  0

  0

  5

  11

  11

  1

  0

  0

  28

  Highland

  0

  0

  1

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  3

  Lanarkshire

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  2

  0

  0

  5

  Lothian

  0

  0

  3

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  Orkney

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Shetland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Tayside

  0

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  Western Isles

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Percentage of total number of medical photographers

  Grade 5

  Grade 4

  Grade 3

  Grade 2

  Grade 1

  Trainee

  Senior assistant

  Assistant

  Scotland

  0·0

  0·0

  23·5

  45·1

  25·5

  5·9

  0·0

  0·0

  CSA

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Argyll and Clyde

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  100·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Ayrshire and Arran

  0·0

  0·0

  50·0

  50·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Borders

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Fife

  0·0

  0·0

  25·0

  75·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Forth Valley

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Grampian

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Greater Glasgow

  0·0

  0·0

  17·9

  39·3

  39·3

  3·6

  0·0

  0·0

  Highland

  0·0

  0·0

  33·3

  33·3

  33·3

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Lanarkshire

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  40·0

  20·0

  40·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Lothian

  0·0

  0·0

  60·0

  40·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Orkney

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Shetland

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Tayside

  0·0

  0·0

  50·0

  50·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Western Isles

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Health Boards (Regrading)
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the time between an appeal against the physiological measurement technicians, cardiology, regrading and the hearing of that appeal;

  (2) how many physiological measurement technicians, cardiology, have appealed against their regrading in (a) Greater Glasgow health board and (b) all other health boards.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information on appeals lodged with health boards against their implementation of a new pay and grading structure for various groups of technicians and the length of time it has taken to process them is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Sillars
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest number of expressions of interest about hospital trust status received by his Department; and if he will name the hospitals concerned.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  There have been seven expressions of interest arising from which South Ayrshire and the Royal Scottish National hospitals have submitted applications and an application from Foresterhill (Aberdeen) is expected shortly. The Victoria infirmary (Glasgow), West Grampian unit and Princess Margaret Rose hospital (Edinburgh) are continuing exploratory work, but I have indicated to those promoting the Forfar proposal that it would not be appropriate for trust status in its original form.

  Health Consultation Document
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to publish a green paper in line with "The Health of the Nation", as released for consultation by the Secretary of State for Health; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I have already published on 25 March, after an extensive period of consultation, "Health Education in Scotland: A National Policy Statement", copies of which were placed in the Library. The statement identifies our priorities and sets challenging targets for improvements in health in Scotland. It describes the role of the health education board for Scotland, which was established on 1 April 1991 to lead the health education effort in Scotland, and sets the framework within which the board, health boards, local authorities, voluntary organisations, employers, the media and individuals can work together to secure the health improvements we seek. I expect to take further initiatives which will be announced in due course.

  Church of Scotland (Expenditure)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate to which vote in the estimates expenditure incurred by or on behalf of the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is attributed; and if he will list the amounts provided for the current year and in each of the last three years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The expenditure for 1991–92 is held on class XV vote 13, law, order and miscellaneous health services, Scotland. The amounts provided were:

  £

  1988–89

  158,000

  1989–90

  173,000

  1990–91

  171,000

  1991–92

  76,000

  1 Outturn.

  Lanarkshire Working Group
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he has received the report of the Lanarkshire working group; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  I welcome the report of the Lanarkshire working group, which was published today and I commend the way in which the organisations represented on the group have worked together to propose Lanarkshire-wide solutions to the economic problems caused by major steel and related job losses.

  The group's report makes it clear that Lanarkshire has many advantages and assets. Building on the Lanarkshire development agency's business plan, and the ideas and plans of the other private and public bodies in the area, the group has offered proposals which would greatly benefit Lanarkshire's economy. These embrace good sites, good communications and infrastructure, improved training and business support, a better environment, and attractive tourism and leisure facilities. All of these together will support the new and replacement jobs Lanarkshire needs. Given the spirit of co-operation evident in the group itself,
  380
  I expect the local authorities, Scottish Enterprise, the Lanarkshire development agency, East Kilbridge development corporation, Scottish Homes, the local enterprise trusts and British Steel (Industry) Limited, together with officials of the Scottish Office and the Employment Service, to maintain that partnership and work to ensure that in their programmes and activities, projects identified by the working group are given priority and driven forward to successful completion. The financial assistance now being made available by the Government totals £120 million.

  The group has identified a number of early action and medium-term projects, achievement of which will require the sustained co-operation of the various local and national bodies involved, as well as the full co-operation of the private sector. It will be for the Lanarkshire development agency to co-ordinate implementation of the 16 early action projects for site development identified in the report. The agency is, I know, keen to get on with the job.

  The group laid particular stress on the need for improvements to the road infrastructure of Lanarkshire and, in particular, the need for early upgrading of the A8 between Newhouse and Baillieston to give better access to industrial sites in the Lanarkshire area and to accommodate increased traffic flows. I recognise the need for such improvements and I have, therefore, commissioned Strathclyde regional council to undertake a design study for a revised road scheme for the upgrading of the A8 between Newhouse and Baillieston which would also allow for early upgrading of the existing Shawhead and Chapelhall junctions to facilitate access from local industrial sites in line with the group's recommendations.

  The group also noted the economic benefits which construction of a new general hospital would bring to the Motherwell area. I am therefore very pleased to announce that I have today endorsed Lanarkshire health board's proposal in its acute services strategy to build a new district general hospital at Netherton in Wishaw. This decision will enable detailed planning work to go ahead with a view to a start on site well within the period of four to seven years envisaged by the group. Apart from its welcome contribution to improved health care, this project will contribute construction and long-term jobs, and should help attract business, to the area. A fuller announcement will be made in due course about other aspects of the board's strategy.

  Throughout the group's report, stress is laid on the need to stimulate private sector investment in Lanarkshire. I strongly support this approach. Now that we have a report which highlights Lanarkshire's assets and its many and varied prospects for development, I shall be looking to the private sector to take up the opportunities available, and to build on the foundations of increased public sector investment.

  I look in particular to the positive role which British Steel can play, recognising British Steel (Industry) Ltd.'s important existing contribution to the area, and welcoming its recent initiative in opening a new office in Wishaw. I am also especially pleased to welcome today's announcement by British Steel (Industry) Ltd. that it intends to spend an additional £10 million in Lanarkshire over the next three years on measures to which the Lanarkshire working group also attached priority—particularly the provision of finance for business projects,

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  and additional managed work space. This will integrate well with the proposals in the working group's report, and make a valuable contribution towards their fulfilment.

  The report recommends that selected strategic and industrial development sites in north Lanarkshire should be given enterprise zone status, recognising that for an enterprise zone to be designated within an area, it has to satisfy the criteria established by the European Commission. The Government are considering this recommendation against the background of its existing policy on enterprise zones, and the costs which might be involved.

  Taken together, the recommendations of the group would represent a substantial call on public expenditure. The bulk of the expenditure needed to implement the proposals on site and business development, training, and environmental improvement would be the responsibility of Scottish Enterprise and the Lanarkshire development agency. Strathclyde regional council and the five Lanarkshire district councils would be responsible for meeting necessary expenditure on local roads, water, sewerage and factory building identified in the report.

  I have already made available for the Lanarkshire development agency and the Lanarkshire district councils nearly £28 million of additional funding for expenditure in the course of 1991–92. These resources, which include the £15 million announced in May by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, are over and above Scottish Enterprise's basic allocation to the Lanarkshire development agency of £36 million, the £5 million spent by the Scottish Development Agency in buying key north Lanarkshire sites earlier this year, and the £26 million capital programme for East Kilbride development corporation, and will enable a substantial early start to be made on the site developments and environmental and other improvements recommended by the group.

  Through the Department of Trade and Industry the Government will make available some £28 million to assist British Steel employees made redundant who qualify under the iron and steel employees readaptation benefits scheme.

  I am also pleased to announce today that the Scottish Office has approved a project proposed by Strathclyde regional council for funding under the urban programme to help redundant steelworkers. The project would be based in Motherwell, and concentrate on the deprived communities in north Lanarkshire.

  On European Community assistance, I agree that Lanarkshire's needs should be urgently considered for enhanced support under the Strathclyde integrated development operation. I shall ensure that the other recommendations concerning European Community assistance are drawn to the attention of the European Commission.

  The Government will announce their expenditure plans for the years 1992–93 onwards at the end of the public expenditure survey. I shall give the needs of Lanarkshire priority in deciding the allocations to my programmes. I shall also expect the other public bodies represented in the group to give similar priority to projects for which they are responsible. It will be important that the projects which proceed in the short term are those which provide the maximum economic benefits for Lanarkshire, thus ensuring the best use of the resources available.

  In Lanarkshire, the Government have identified the problem, established the working group to address it and
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  is now bringing together the measures and resources to respond to it so that, over the next few years, Lanarkshire's economy will have the chance to diversify and regenerate for the benefit of its people and of Scotland as a whole.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Diversification
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what advice he gives to farmers about diversification in the countryside if they wish to develop motor-cross training areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  Under the Agriculture Act 1986 there is no charge for general advice to farmers on diversifying their businesses into non-agricultural activities. Such advice is given within the context of the farm's resources, its location and the objectives of the farmer. Activities such as the provision of motor-cross training facilities normally require planning permission and as such, farmers will be advised to consult their local authority, whose responsibility it then is to approve or reject such projects.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what financial aid is available in the United Kingdom for the breeding and rearing of greyhounds as part of the diversification of agriculture; and whether he has made any such payments.

  Mr. Gummer
  No such aid is available in the United Kingdom. No such payments have therefore been made.

  43 International Whaling Commission
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the members of the United Kingdom delegation from the non-governmental organisations who were represented at the 43 International Whaling Commission meeting at Reykjavik; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  The United Kingdom delegation included two representatives from Wildlife Link, the liaison body for major voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom concerned with wildlife.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has completed his review of environmentally sensitive areas policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  My review of the ESA policy has been based primarily on an evaluation of the schemes that have been in operation since 1987 in the Broads, Pennine dales, south downs, Somerset levels and moors and west Penrith. I have also received views from a wide range of interests. The achievements of these schemes have been carefully monitored and have proved their value in conserving he special habitats, landscapes and items of historical or archaeological interest in these areas. I have, therefore, concluded that they should continue with the aim of securing further environmental protection and enhancement.
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  I intend to publish reports on the monitoring together with proposals for these ESAs as a basis for consultation, and to bring revised schemes before Parliament later this year. Agreements with farmers in the remaining ESA schemes in England that were introduced in 1988 begin to expire in 1993 and I will be reviewing those schemes next year.

  My right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales have reached similar conclusions concerning the ESAs designated in 1987 in Scotland and Wales. They will also be making proposals for consultation.

  Phosphate Waste
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what informaton he has on phosphate waste being discharged into British coastal waters and its effect on marine life.

  Mr. Baldry
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 7 May 1991, Official Report, column 398.

ENERGY

  Sellafield (Illegal Entry)
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Energy (1) if he will Ball for a report from the chairman of British Nuclear Fuels plc on the circumstances of the illegal entry of two persons into secure areas of the Sellafield plant during the week beginning 20 May;
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  (2) if he will make a statement on the security and health and safety implications for the people of Workington of the break-in to secure areas of the Sellafield site in the week beginning 20 May;

  (3) if he will call for a report from the Chief Constable of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority constabulary on the circumstances of the break-in at the Sellafield site during the week beginning 20 May, and on the security implications of these events.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  British Nuclear Fuels plc has kept my officials fully informed of this incident. I understand that in the late evening of Thursday 23 May two demonstrators were detected and apprehended within the Sellafield perimeter fence. BNFL and the UKAEA constabulary are satisfied that no access was gained to sensitive buildings.

  All civil nuclear sites employ defence in depth, these include successive layers of protection around sensitive operations and materials. I understand that in this case, only the outermost layers were involved. Security of the installation was, therefore, maintained and there were no health and safety implications for the demonstrators, the Sellafield workers on site or the public.