Written Answers of 2 December 1992

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will introduce a leakage prevention programme for all refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by his departments; if he will publish targets for reductions in leakages; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The premises occupied by the Law Officers' departments all form part of the estate of Property Holdings, which is part of the Department of the Environment, and is responsible for any refrigeration and air conditioning equipment incorporated in those premises.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will implement a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; if he will publish targets for departmental reuse and recycling; if he will implement an equipment conversion and replacement programme for all departmental uses of CFCs and HCFCs; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  The Law Officers' departments have no current plans for introducing a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy. However, the departments are replacing halon fire extinguishers with ozone-friendly alternatives. Consideration will be given to the phasing-out of equipment such as refrigerators using CFCs and HCFCs where practicable alternatives exist. Small items of equipment using CFCs and HCFCs, such as refrigerators, will be disposed of in an approved manner which ensures the secure recovery of the gas.

  Matrix Churchill
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney-General what precedents he considered in preparing his advice for Ministers to sign public interest immunity certificates in relation to the Matrix Churchill case.

  The Attorney-General
  I have already told the House of my legal advice on public interest immunity. The signing of the certificates falls within Lord Justice Scott's terms of reference and detailed questions about this matter are now a matter for his review.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Bereavement Training
  Ms. Abbott
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what training is made available to judges and magistrates in relation to defendants who may have suffered a bereavement; and if he will make a statement.
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  Mr. John M. Taylor
  No specific training is given. Written Answers to However, all members of the professional and lay judiciary are encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of those appearing before them.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will implement a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons; if he will publish targets for departmental reuse and recycling; if he will implement an equipment conversion and replacement programme for all departmental uses of CFCs and HCFCs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is already departmental policy not to procure new or replacement equipment which uses CFCs, and for existing equipment which uses them to be disposed of by qualified contractors when it is replaced. It is also departmental policy to convert and replace this equipment as the opportunity arises. The Department is committed to the targets for the reduction and elimination of CFCs and HCFCs established by the Montreal protocol.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will introduce a leakage prevention programme for all refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by his Department; if he will publish targets for reductions in leakages; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The operation and planned maintenance contracts for the Department's estate provide for the routine testing, including leak detection, of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by the Department. Since these arrangements are intended to reduce leakage to the minimum, ultimately the target is nil.

  Land Registry
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 2 November,Official Report, column 26, what has been the cost to the Exchequer of the chief executive of Her Majesty's Land Registry's visits to Australia and New Zealand during the last 12 months.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The hon. Member's question concerns a specific matter on which the chief executive of Her Majesty's Land Registry is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from John Manthorpe to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 December 1992:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your question concerning the cost of the Exchequer of my fact finding visit to land registries in Australia and New Zealand in October 1991.
  The Land Registry is a self-financing agency that makes no call on the Exchequer. The visit, which was in response to an invitation to address the 19th Conference of Registrars of Title, was made at a total cost of £5,199·55.

  Records
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment the Public Record Office has made of the contribution made by family historians and genealogists to the world of archives and records in the United Kingdom since 1979; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The hon. Member's question concerns a specific matter on which the chief executive of the Public Record Office is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive, the Keeper of Public Records, to reply direct.

  Letter from Sarah Tyacke to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 November 1992:
  As Chief Executive of the Public Record Office I am answering your Parliamentary Question, since it is a matter delegated to me under the terms of the Agency's Framework Document.
  My responsibilities as the Keeper of Public Records in the world of archives and records in the United Kingdom principally involve the supervision of the care and preservation of public records, as defined in the Public Records Acts and the management of the Public Record Office. The public records include those in places outside the Public Record Office appointed as places of deposit, for the most part local authority record offices. Such local places of deposit are under the management of the responsible local or other authority; and they hold many other historical records which are used by family historians and benefit greatly from their voluntary activities in cataloguing and indexing such records. The wider ambit of local record offices and other repositories means that it would not be appropriate for the Public Record Office to make an assessment of the kind which you envisage.
  Family historians and genealogists have since 1979, and earlier, represented an increasingly strong element in the readership of the Public Record Office as well as other record offices. The Office has well established links with the major societies and other institutions representing interests in this field. It takes into account these interests in its approach to the selection of records. The growing interest in using the records for these purposes has been a major factor in the making of improvements to the finding aids to the records, and in the planning of reader services both at Kew and Chancery Lane, most notably in the opening of new reading rooms at Chancery Lane for the population census returns in 1990, in their expansion in 1991, and their opening on Saturdays from July 1992.
  Family history interest is represented on the Advisory Council on Public Records and also among the Friends of the Public Record Office, set up in 1988, whose secretary is currently also a member of the Advisory Council. Much valuable work is being undertaken by volunteers, many of whom are family historians, under the aegis of the Friends, in indexing and listing records in the Public Record Office. The contribution made by family historians is thus of considerable benefit in the field of historical research.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what arrangements he is considering to safeguard county record offices for local historians and genealogists in the event of local government reorganisation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  No decisions have yet been made on local government reorganisation in either England or Wales. It is, therefore, too early to be able to assess the implications of reorganisation for county record offices. In the context of the Lord Chancellor's responsibility for public records, the Lord Chancellor will in due course be 198
  considering any advice offered to him by his Advisory Council on Public Records about any implications for the provision of archive services.

  Mortgage Repossessions
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the number of mortgage repossession orders in each local authority in England and Wales in each year since 1987.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Information cannot be provided on the basis of local authority areas. Mortgage possession statistics are collected from county courts the catchment areas of which cannot be easily related to the boundaries of local authority areas. The number of orders for each court, county and standard economic region are published quarterly and placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Fraud Cases
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to accept the recommendation of the Roskill report that complex fraud cases should be tried by a tribunal comprising a judge and two lay members.

  Mr. Jack
  Legislation would be required before this recommendation could be implemented. We have no current plans to introduce such legislation, but the procedures for serious fraud cases will be kept under review, taking into account any relevant conclusions or recommendations from the Royal Commission on criminal justice when it reports next year.

  Jurors (Challenges)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will introduce legislation to restore the right of defendants to challenge jurors without giving reasons.

  Mr. Jack
  I have been asked to reply.

  We have no plans to do so.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Alerce Timber (Customs Seizure)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to take legal action following the Customs and Excise's seizure of a quantity of alerce timber in Oxfordshire in May; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir John Cope
  Decisions on whether to institute legal proceedings are a matter for the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. I understand that the commissioners, on the basis of the evidence before them, do not feel that they would be justified in instituting criminal proceedings in this case.

  Mortgage Interest Tax Relief
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the costs to the Treasury of mortgage interest tax relief and its year-on-year projected costs through to 1995–96, displayed at current prices; and what would be the effect on these costs of a 1 per cent. fall in interest rates.
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  Mr. Dorrell
  The cost of mortgage interest tax relief in 1992–93 is provisionally estimated to be £5·2 billion based on the conventional assumption of no further changes in interest rates. A further one percentage point fall in interest rates—if assumed to take effect from 1 January 1993—would reduce the cost to about £5·1 billion.

  The cost in future years will depend on the pattern of borrowing, the eligibility of borrowers for mortgage interest tax relief, tax rates and interest rates.

  Imports
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the United Kingdom percentage deficit total in trade of imports for the current and last financial year; and what percentage of this deficit derives from EEC partners.

  Mr. Nelson
  Information about visible trade is published regularly in the Central Statistical Office's "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics", and is also available on the Central Statistical Office database, which may be accessed by the House of Commons Library.

  Manufacturing Output
  Rev. Ian Paisley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the percentage rise in the United Kingdom's manufacturing output during 1990–91 and 1991–92.

  Mr. Nelson
  Indices of United Kingdom manufacturing output can be found on the CSO databank, which can be accessed by the House of Commons Library. Information is currently available for months up to September 1992.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the planned real terms increases in the following components of public expenditure for 1993–94 compared with the latest estimates for 1992–93 of(a) general Government expenditure excluding privatisation proceeds, (b) the new control total, (c) central Government expenditure, (d) central Government support for local authorities in England, (e) local authorities' self-financed expenditure in England and (f) total standard spending for local authorities in England.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 27 November 1992]: The information requested, consistent with the autumn statement, is set out in the table.

  Per cent. real growth in 1993–94 on 1992–93

  Public expenditure plans and projections

  Estimated outturn

  General Government expenditure (excluding privatisation proceeds)

  3·75

  New control total

  2·30

  Central Government expenditure within the new control total

  10·40

  Support to local authorities in England

  2n/a

  Local authorities' self-financed expenditure in England

  3n/a

  Local authorities' standard spending in England

  40·4

  1 Growth rate after adjusting for transfers and classification changes.

  2 Figures for total central Government support for local authorities in England are not available at this stage. A detailed break-down will be published in the Statistical Supplement to the

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  Autumn Statement.

  3 Local authorities self-financed expenditure is projected on a United Kingdom basis, and no figures are available for England alone.

  4 Growth on TSS set in 1992–93, after allowing for transfers of functions.

  Independent Taxation
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many new offices were built to accommodate staff handling the work flowing from the changes introduced in 1990 in relation to independent taxation for married women and the associated changes relating to bank and building society interest; where these new offices are located; what the cost of these offices was; and how many of these offices have subsequently been closed.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 30 November 1992]: Twenty-four Inland Revenue offices were set up to deal with the very substantial growth in claims for tax repayments that was expected to follow the introduction of independent taxation in 1990 and the abolition of composite rate tax on bank and building society interest in 1991. These offices are located in Barnsley; Barnstaple; Belfast (two offices); Birkenhead; Bolton; Bootle; Dundee; Falkirk; Glenrothes; Great Yarmouth; Hull; Leicester; Manchester; Middlesbrough; Nottingham (two offices); Plymouth; St. Austell; Southampton; Sunderland; Swansea; Telford; and Wrexham.

  Eleven of the buildings that house these offices were purchased, for a total cost of some £55 million, with the remainder being rented. Nineteen offices are to be closed, because tax repayment claims have not been received on the scale we expected. In all but four cases, the Inland Revenue is to re-use the buildings for other work.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

  Health and Safety
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-on-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission what steps have been taken to implement new health and safety measures in the Palace of Westminster in respect of the provision of suitable office furniture, lighting and ventilation as well as eye tests in respect of VDU users for(a) staff employed by the Commission and (b) staff employed by hon. Members.

  Mr. Beith
  All possible steps are being taken to ensure that the House complies with the new health and safety measures in respect of the provision of suitable office furniture, light and ventilation in the Palace of Westminster and the parliamentary outbuildings. All office furniture being purchased for use in conjunction with VDUs in the Palace of Westminster complies with the minimum requirements set out in European Community Council directive 9/270/EEC.

  An expanded occupational health service has been in place in the Palace of Westminster since September 1991, to deal with health and safety issues with particular emphasis on pending legislation including the EC directive on VDU users. The occupational health adviser is available to all staff employed by the House of Commons Commission and staff employed by right hon. and hon. Members to assess and advise on working environments,

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  light and ventilation, the ergonomics of individual work stations and work patterns, with a view to making recommendations as appropriate. In addition, VDU eye tests are freely available to all the above staff; appointments for these should be made direct with the occupational health adviser.

  Official Report (CD-ROM)
  Ms. Gordon
  To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee when the Official Report for 1991–92 will be available to hon. Members on CD-ROM.

  Mr. Waller
  A CD-ROM version of the Official Report for 1991–92 is expected to be available for purchase by individuals later this month and will be made accessible to hon. Members via the Library in early 1993. The question of supply through the Vote Office to those hon. Members who wish to receive it, as an alternative to the bound volumes, is under consideration.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

  Early-day Motions
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what was the estimated cost to the House of printing and publishing early-day motions in(a) Session 1991–92 and (b) Session 1992–93 up to the summer adjournment.

  Mr. Michael Martin
  The estimated cost to the House of printing and publishing early-day motions in:(a) Session 1991–1992 is £860,000, and (b) Session 1992–1993 up to the summer adjournment is £485,000.

TRANSPORT

  Passenger Rail Services
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the consultation document "The Franchising of Passenger Rail Services"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Over 100 responses have been received to the consultation document, including more than 50 expressing interest in operating passenger rail services under franchise. The replies are being considered and various points are being pursued and clarified with some of the respondents. We hope to be able to announce early next year the first services or groups of services that will be prepared for franchising.

  Citizens Charter
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress made by his Department on setting targets under the citizens charter.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department has made significant progress in establishing an effective framework of targets across its areas of responsibility. These are detailed in the recently published White Paper "The Citizen's Charter, First Report: 1992" (Cm 2101). Nationalised industries and executive agencies sponsored by the Department have published their targets in individual charters and service guides; further details can be found in the bibliography of the White Paper.

  Employee Transport Schemes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to establish pump priming funds for companies wishing to establish company employee transport schemes.

  Mr. Freeman
  No. Transport to places of employment is a matter for the individuals and companies concerned.

  A5
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action has been taken by his Department in connection with the rate assessment and scheme identification study into the A5 from Old Stratford to the M42 announced in the "Roads for Prosperity" White Paper of May 1989.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The report on the scheme identification study for the length of A5 between Old Stratford in Buckinghamshire and the M42 near Tamworth is under consideration.

  Road Humps
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from(a) resident's associations, (b) local highways authorities, (c) individual members of the public and (d) bus operators on the effect of road humps on traffic in (i) the streets where they are sited and (ii) the nearest streets without road humps which provide alternative routes.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No central record is kept of the number of such representations and it would not be economic to produce such figures. Road humps are installed on local roads, for which local authorities have responsibility. For this reason, the majority of the approaches I received on road humps are from local highway authorities seeking technical advice.

  M1
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects contracts to be placed for the widening of the M1 from junction 1 to its junction with the M6.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Apart from the scheme for widening between junctions 9 and 10 (northbound) on which work will start next year, it is too early to predict with any certainty when contracts might be placed for the other four schemes which make up the proposed widening of the M1 between the M25 (junction 6A) and the M6 (junction 19). Preparation work is proceeding satisfactorily. The public were consulted on proposals for widening the length between the M25 and junction 10 in September and on the length between junctions 10 and 15 earlier this month. Consultations on proposals for junction 19 and for the length between junctions 15 and 19 are expected to take place around the middle of next year. We will make every effort to announce our preferred option for each scheme within as short a time as possible.

  Emergency Telephones, Motorways
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to eliminate traffic noise from the emergency telephones on motorways.
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  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  It is not possible totally to eliminate the effects on motorway telephones of noise generated by passing traffic. All new telephones are equipped with noise-cancelling microphones to reduce the effects of noise.

  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to reduce the distance between emergency telephones on motorways.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I have no plans to reduce the distance between emergency telephones on motorways.

  A1
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce whether the new policy on motorway service areas will apply to the A1 when it has been upgraded to motorway standard.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I hope to make an announcement before Christmas.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many civil servants are currently employed by his Department(a) in London and (b) elsewhere.

  Mr. Norris
  Sixteen thousand and seventy six civil servants are currently employed by the Department, including its executive agencies; 2,594 are in inner London, 695 in the intermediate and outer London area, and 12,787 elsewhere.

  Railway Viaduct, Colne
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the annual cost to British Rail of maintaining the railway viaduct at Colne, Lancashire.

  Mr. Freeman
  Detailed costs of the maintenance of individual structures on lines are a matter for British Rail.

  Foreign Underground Systems
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies he has commissioned of foreign underground transport systems as a means of improving(a) the operational efficiency (b) the number of passengers carried by and (c) the financial outturn of London Transport.

  Mr. Norris
  None. London Underground Ltd. has close links with other metro systems worldwide, and draws on their experience, where appropriate, to improve its own performance.

  Highway Authorities (Liaison)
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the level of liaison between highway authorities when one highway authority is proposing a road scheme that has an indirect effect on a neighbouring authority.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The level of liaison is a matter for authorities themselves to determine. In deciding whether to accept a particular scheme for transport supplementary 204
  grant support, the Secretary of State considers all aspects including the supporting information provided in the authority's transport policies and programme submission.

  London Transport (Passengers Charter)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the improvements which have been made by London Transport as a result of the passengers charter provisions on(a) avoidance of delays and disruption of passengers, (b) paying of compensation to passengers whose journeys have been delayed or disrupted and (c) providing timely information to passengers about delays and disruption.

  Mr. Norris
  London Underground's customer charter introduced a refund scheme for customers whose journeys are delayed for 20 minutes or more for reasons within LUL's control. The number of such delays is now lower than it was when the scheme was launched in July. On information, my Department has set London Underground targets to improve by 1 April 1993 the quality of information provided on trains and at stations, so that 78 per cent. and 76 per cent. of customers respectively rate it as acceptable or better. Both these targets are now being met.

  M66 (Middleton-Denton)
  Mr. Callaghan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what future date it is proposed to start construction on the Middleton-Denton section of the M66 motorway.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I expect work at the northern end of the scheme from the River Irk to the junction of the existing M66 with the M62 motorway to start next March. My right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Transport are considering the inspector's report of the public inquiry into revised orders and compulsory purchase orders for the central and southern sections of the scheme which ended last February. Subject to that, work could start on the Tameside section south of the River Medlock in 1995 and on the final section between the River Medlock and the River Irk in 1996.

  A38 (Departmental Survey)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects to publish the survey of the A38 undertaken by his Department; when the survey was originally intended to be published; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: The study into the long-term needs of the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth, which was announced in the White Paper "Roads for Prosperity", was always regarded as a longer-term project, and no date for its commencement or completion was set.

  I now intend to invite fee competition bids for this study early next year.

  Village Bypass Schemes
  Mr. Moate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many village bypass schemes not on primary routes have been accepted for transport supplementary grant during the most recent five years for which information is available.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Following is the information:

  Year

  Number of schemes

  1988–89

  13

  1989–90

  12

  1990–91

  10

  1991–92

  7

  1992–93

  11

  Mr. Moate
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what circumstances his Department could be expected favourably to consider for transport supplementary grant a village bypass scheme which is not on a designated primary route; what guidance he has issued to local highways authorities about this matter beyond the published criteria for transport supplementary grant; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: My Department receives annual bids for eligible schemes from the 108 English local highway authorities. They are considered on their overall merits in competition. The number accepted for TSG depends on the level of resources available.

  The Department issues an annual circular explaining the operation of the TSG system. The latest edition is local authority circular 3/92. It contains details of the eligibility criteria. All roads which are of more than local importance are eligible for TSG. In addition, guidance notes on the completion of the finance forms used to support bids for TSG are issued to each local highway authority. These notes include particulars of information required to support bids for TSG on individual major schemes.

  Q Registration System
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider reforms of the Q registration system for motor vehicles to prevent abuses.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Yes. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is currently reviewing the system for the allocation of Q registration marks in consultation with the police and other interested parties.

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Authorities, Lancashire
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each local authority in Lancashire the capital receipts held by them resulting from the sale of land, property and other assets.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The total usable receipts held by each local authority in Lancashire as at 31 March 1992 are shown in the table. Information disaggregated into receipts from sale of land, property and other assets is not available.
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  £'000s

  Blackburn

  0

  Blackpool

  1,797

  Burnley

  1,103

  Chorley

  600

  Fylde

  282

  Hyndburn

  259

  Lancaster

  385

  Pendle

  675

  Preston

  138

  Ribble Valley

  1,044

  Rossendale

  0

  South Ribble

  178

  West Lancashire

  1,237

  Wyre

  840

  Lancashire county council

  1,961

  Source: Latest local authority returns.

  Local Government Finance
  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, by local authority area in England and Wales, the value of capital receipts held by those authorities, and the annual interest attracted on those capital receipts for revenue spending.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No information is held centrally on the interest attracted on usable capital receipts for each local authority. I have arranged for the latest available information on the usable capital receipts held by authorities in England at 31 March 1992 to be placed in the Library of the House. Information for Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Solar Energy
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to adopt passive solar designs for all Government buildings.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Department of the Environment encourages all forms of energy efficiency measures in Government buildings, including that of passive solar design where appropriate. However, the application of such measures is the responsibility of individual Departments.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the settlement figure to local authorities from the financial year 1984–85 to 1991–92; and what was the percentage increase from 1984–85 to 1991–92.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information is as follows:

  English local authority settlement figures

  Year

  Grant related expenditure £ million

  1984–85

  19,882

  1985–86

  21,221

  1986–87

  22,790

  1987–88

  23,742

  1988–89

  26,006

  1989–90

  27,662

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  Year

  Net total standard spending £ million

  1990–91

  29,805

  1991–92

  35,587

  The increase from 1984–85 to 1991–92 was 84·3 per cent. taking into account changes of responsibilities with the introduction of the community charge system. Net total standard spending is equal to the aggregate of standard spending assessments and is broadly comparable with grant-related expenditure.

  Timber
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he has taken following the seizure in Oxfordshire of convention on international trade in endangered species appendix 1 listed timber in May 1992.

  Mr. Maclean
  This is a matter for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise, who are primarily responsible for the enforcement of CITES controls in the United Kingdom. I understand that an extensive investigation was carried out by their officers, but insufficient evidence was discovered to support a prosecution. Customs action has therefore been confined to the seizure of the timber.

  Leaseholds
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements he proposes to make for the establishment of a new advisory agency to assist leaseholders seeking enfranchisement.

  Sir George Young
  I announced on 17 November, during a sitting of Standing Committee B on the Housing and Urban Development Bill, that the Government would be prepared to contribute towards the costs of a leasehold enfranchisement advisory agency for an initial period. The Leasehold Reform Co-ordinating Committee is working on a scheme for such an agency and hopes to submit proposals shortly.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many civil servants are currently employed by his Department(a) in London and (b) elsewhere.

  Mr. Howard
  The Department of the Environment currently employs 4,012 civil servants in London, 686 of them in agencies; 2,722 civil servants are employed elsewhere, 721 of them in agencies.

  Elephants
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy towards the conservation of elephants.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Government share the widespread international concern about any threat to the survival of the elephant, and we have given strong support to efforts to conserve the species. For example, we are contributing 208
  £600,000 this year to a number of elephant conservation projects in Africa, in addition to our substantial support for general wildlife projects which also benefit elephants. We are committed to maintaining the current ban on the ivory trade for as long as necessary, and at the conference of the parties to the convention on international trade in endangered species in March, we played a leading part in opposing moves to allow a resumption of trade.

  We also supported proposals made at the conference for more discussion between elephant range states and non-range states on the complex questions of elephant management and trade. To this end, one of the Department's senior officials is at present leading an EC fact-finding mission to Africa; they will meet policy makers, wildlife managers, conservationists and nongovernmental organisations in a number of countries.

  Urban Development Corporations
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce the budget for urban development corporations for 1993–94.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The 1993–94 budget for UDCs will be announced as soon as the figures have been finalised.

  City Challenge
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the planned expenditure on the urban programme in 1993–94; how much of this is to be diverted to city challenge; what plans there are to make city challenge available to all urban programme authorities; and what assessment he has made of the reduction in the number of jobs to be created resulting from the change in the urban programme funding.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The answer is:(a) A total of £ 176 million is to be made available to urban programme authorities in 199–94; (b) None. City challenge resources for next year are additional to the £176 million; (c) All 57 urban programme authorities were invited to compete in round 2 of city challenge. The future of city challenge will be considered in the light of next year's review of urban needs and progress in the areas successful in the first two competitions; (d) Taking city challenge together with the urban programme, resources will rise from £319 million in 1992–93 to £408 million in 1993–94. I would therefore expect to see a corresponding increase in the number of jobs created as a result of this expenditure.

  Urban Programme (Rochdale)
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much of the funds allocated to the urban programme for 1993–94 Rochdale will receive; and how much of Rochdale's allocation will be financed through(a) the sale of council houses and (b) the sale of council owned land.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Local authorities' provisional urban programme allocations for 1993–94 will be announced next January as usual. Allocations will cover continuing commitments entered into in 1992–93 and prior years.

  It is for the local authority to decide how to finance the 25 per cent. contribution it is required to make to urban programme revenue expenditure.

  In assessing bids for the urban partnership fund in 1993–94, we will take account of the authority's willingness and ability to provide part of the finance from usable capital receipts.
  209
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many jobs have been created in the Rochdale area as a result of urban programmes in the last five years.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The estimated number of jobs created/preserved in the Rochdale area as a result of urban programmes (UP) in the last five years is as follows:

  Number

  1988–89

  215

  1989–90

  693

  1990–91

  663

  1991–92

  4,900

  11992–93

  150

  1 Interim estimate.

  Sources: Annual reports for Rochdale UP 1988–89 to 1991–92 and Rochdale UP submission for 1992–93.

  Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has yet considered the response of Sefton metropolitan borough council to the notice served on the authority on 24 August under section 19A of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. and learned Friend has given careful consideration to the response which Sefton metropolitan borough council has made to the notice served on the authority on 24 August, and has today given a direction under section 19B of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. The effect of the direction is that, after 1 June 1993, the authority will cease to have the power itself to carry out highways maintenance work as described in the authority's document entitled "Annual Service Contract No. 7".

  He has also today served a notice on the council under section 19A of the 1980 Act setting out his view that in 1990–91 the authority had failed to achieve the required rate of return in carrying out the work described in section 10(2)(d) of the Act—maintenance work, other than such works of maintenance in connection with highways or the maintenance of a sewer. The authority is required to respond to the notice by 13 January 1993.

  Direct Labour Organisations
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take against those local authorities whose direct labour organisations made significant financial losses in 1990–91.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Statutory notices under the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 and the Local Government Act 1988 were served on 36 local authorities between July and September of this year in respect of financial failure in 1990–91. My right hon. and learned Friend has now considered the responses of the 10 authorities on which notices were served on 16 July. He has today given directions under section 19B of the 1980 Act to Canterbury city council in respect of new construction work and to Halton borough council in respect of highways and sewerage work.

  He has decided to take no further action in respect of financial failure in 1990–91 by Aylesbury Vale district
  210
  council (building maintenance), Blackburn borough council (other cleaning), Gillingham borough council (building maintenance), Hampshire county council (ground maintenance), Kerrier district council (building cleaning), South Bedfordshire district council (building maintenance) and Wear Valley district council (building maintenance). In all these cases, either the relevant work is now being carried out by private contractors or the authority has demonstrated to my right hon. and learned Friend's satisfaction that it has taken the necessary remedial measures to ensure that statutory requirement were met in 1991–92 or are likely to be met in the current financial year.

  Similarly, he has decided to take no further action for the present against the London borough of Tower Hamlets (building maintenance) and Halton district council (building maintenance), pending receipt of further quarterly financial returns. He is still considering responses from the remaining 26 authorities on which notices were served during August and September.

  Airport Sales
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if a local authority will be entitled to spend all the capital receipts it receives from an airport sale; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 November 1992]: Under regulations which came into force on 13 November 1992, local authorities may spend in full the capital receipts obtained between that date and 31 December 1993 from sales of most assets, including share or loan capital in airport companies acquired before 15 February 1989.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Sproat
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the average time taken by the Ministers in his Department, including himself, to answer letters from hon. Members, in each of the first three quarters of 1992, measuring the time from the receipt of the letter to the despatch of the substantive reply.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: It is not possible to identify from my Department's records an arithmetical average length of time taken to reply to an hon. Member's letter. Figures from my Department will be published in the Official Report, and made available in the House Libraries, early next year, showing the volume of ministerial correspondence from hon. Members in 1992, the targets set for reply and the percentage of replies within target. My Department's objective is to reply within three weeks of receipt, and this target was achieved for 58 per cent. of letters for hon. Members received in the first nine months of this year.

  The table shows information for each of the first three quarters of 1992, and the year to date:

  Within 3 weeks Per cent.

  Within 4 weeks Per cent.

  Within 5 weeks Per cent.

  1st quarter

  65

  84

  95

  2nd quarter

  58

  75

  90

  3rd quarter

  48

  69

  85

  Overall

  58

  76

  91

  Sheltered Housing
  Ms. Joan Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the retention of sheltered housing incorporating a warden service.

  Mr. Baldry
  Clauses in the Housing Urban Development Bill will give housing authorities the powers to provide welfare services for the tenants and account for the costs within the housing revenue account. These powers would avoid disruption to these services following a Court of Appeal judgment. However, our policy is that the HRA should be a landlord account, and our intention is that these powers should remain in force only until local authorities have had an opportunity to make new arrangements for these services. Before we take any decisions about changes to the arrangements, there will be full consultation with all interested parties, early in the new year.

  The Department has received approximately 130 representations about this subject from local authorities, their organisations and others. The powers in the Bill for housing authorities to provide welfare services and account for their costs in the HRA have been widely welcomed. Many of them suggest that welfare services should continue to be provided by housing authorities as part of the housing service, or at least until local government reorganisation is complete. These representations will be considered along with those received in response to next year's consultation exercise.

  Government Car Service
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many organisations submitted tenders for the contract of supplying vehicles under the Government car service; which company won the contract; when the tender for the contract will next be advertised; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have been asked to reply.

  Cars for the Government car service are generally purchased by the Department of the Environment through a number of running contracts placed by the Ministry of Defence with vehicle manufactures. The requirements are advertised at approximately three-yearly intervals. The next advertisement is likely to be placed in 1994–95.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Legg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the differences between the European Economic Community established under the treaty of Rome and the union to be established by the treaty of Maastricht.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  The union embraces both intergovernmental co-operation—in the fields of common foreign and security policy and justice/home affairs—and co-operation under the treaty of Rome. The Community institutions will act in the former fields under the provisions of titles V and VI of the Maastricht treaty, which sets out different rules from those applicable under the treaty of Rome.
  212
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the articles in the Maastricht treaty which he expects to give rise to the need for domestic legislation in each year from 1993 to 1999.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  It is not possible to predict in which areas co-operation with the other member states in the period 1993–99 will give rise to a need for domestic legislation.

  Esperanto
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received regarding the use of Esperanto as a means of resolving linguistic problems within the European Community consequent on accession of Scandinavian and eastern European countries.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  None. We would expect the rules governing the languages of the institutions of the Community to be a matter for consideration in the course of accession negotiations.

  Languages (Convention)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the countries which have signed the Council of Europe convention for minority or regional languages, together with those eligible which have not signed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  The following countries have signed the Council of Europe convention on regional or minority languages: Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.

  The following countries are eligible but have not signed: Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

  We are still considering whether to sign the European charter on regional or minority languages.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many civil servants are currently employed by his Department(a) in London and (b) elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Goodlad
  On 31 October 1992, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office employed 3,679·5 staff in London and 3,613·5 staff elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

  Foreign and Security Policy
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the application of article J.5 of the provisions on a common foreign and security policy of the proposed treaty on European union in circumstances where United Kingdom policy or interests differ from the policy of the union as represented by the presidency.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  Article J.5 of the treaty on European union provides for the presidency to represent the union
  213
  on the basis of common positions within the common foreign and security policy. In order for there to be a common position, all member states must agree to it. Where there is no common position, member states speak for themselves. Article J.5(4) specifically safeguards the United Kingdom's ability to fulfil effectively its responsibilities as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the enforcement by military means of a no-fly zone over Bosnia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  We fully support United Nations Security Council resolutions 781 and 786, which ban military flights in the airspace above Bosnia-Herzegovina. The ban does not apply to United Nations protection force flights or to other flights in support of United Nations operations, including humanitarian assistance.

  There have been no confirmed reports of combat activity involving aircraft over Bosnia-Herzegovina since 13 October. The Security Council resolutions have therefore had an effect. We are, however, concerned about reports from the United Nations Secretary-General of
  214
  other flights over Bosnia-Herzegovina, apparently violating the ban. The Security Council made clear in SCR 786 its determination to consider urgently further measures to enforce the ban in the case of such violations.

  Public Works
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will list the dates on which regulations equivalent to the Public Works Contracts Regulations 1991 were enacted or came into force in each other EC member state.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  Council directive 89/440/EEC of 18 July 1989 was implemented in the United Kingdom by the Public Works Contracts Regulations of 21 December 1991. Latest information available from the European Commission on implementation for directive 89/440/EEC in other member states is as follows:

  Denmark—8 June 1990 (further measures 14 August 1990 and 25 June 1991)

  Germany—19 July 1990

  Belgium—1 August 1990

  Portugal—11 December 1990

  France—3 January 1991 (further measures 31 March 1992)

  Spain—18 April 1991

  Netherlands—11 September 1991

  Italy—27 December 1991

  Ireland—1992

  As at 28 September 1992, no notification of implementation had been received by the Commission from Greece or Luxembourg.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Third-country Nationals (Visas)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect of whether the determination of which nationals of third countries will require visas to enter the United Kingdom should be made by the Council of the union acting by a qualified majority after 1 January 1996.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Government accept article 100c—to be inserted into the treaty of Rome when the treaty on European union enters into force—which provides for member states to agree a common list of countries whose nationals will require a visa when crossing the external borders of member states.

  Primates (Allegations)
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the outcome of investigations into allegations by the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection in respect of the treatment of primates at Shamrock (GB) Ltd. and Hazleton UK.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Home Office animals (scientific procedures) inspectorate has investigated the allegations contained in written and video material sent to the Home Office by the BUAV, in respect of the treatment of animals at Shamrock Farms and Hazleton UK. The results of that investigation have been reported to the Animal Procedures Committee and to me, and I have had the benefit of the APC's comments on those conclusions.

  The investigation found evidence of poor standards of care and handling at Shamrock Farms, and a lack of effective managerial control. Insufficient attention was paid to the maintenance of a regime in which animals are treated at all times with due dignity and respect, and in which the physical and emotional needs of the animals are given proper emphasis. My conclusion is that poor technique and over-forceful handling may have resulted in avoidable stress and possible suffering.

  I have concluded that these findings represent a significant failure on the part of the named day-to-day care person at Shamrock, and I have directed that Shamrock's certificate of designation be amended to appoint a new person to that role.

  Other measures are being taken in the light of the report:

  (i) I have concluded that new and existing staff at Shamrock should be trained in the wider ethical and legal issues associated with animal use: the nature and content of that training will be agreed between the management and the Home Office inspectorate.

  (ii) Some aspects of the accommodation at both Shamrock and Hazleton fall short of desirable standards, and programmes of improvement and replacement of facilities have been developed or accelerated.

  (iii) Another member of staff at Shamrock will be excluded from duties involving any further animal contact until he has satisfactorily completed the retraining already mentioned.

  I am satisfied that other allegations are misconceived, may be based on a misinterpretation of legitimate procedures or are incapable of being proved one way or the other. All staff in the two establishments have been
  216
  made aware, however, of the importance of the proper treatment of animals in their care, and the seriousness with which alleged breaches will be regarded.

  The response which is being made to problems uncovered as a result of these allegations is firm, fair and designed to deal effectively with public concerns. I recognise that the use of primates in research causes particular anxiety, and I am pleased that the APC is considering the general questions raised. I look forward to hearing their conclusions.

  Fire Cover, Cumbria
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his advisers on fire services have made of the adequacy of the fire services provided by Cumbria county council; and what advice they have given on maintaining adequate cover within the standard spending assessment.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services is satisfied that the Cumbria fire service provides effective and efficient fire services. It is for Cumbria county council to decide, in the light of its statutory responsibilities and of its standard spending assessment each year, on the level of provision which is allocated to the Cumbria fire service.

  Domestic Violence (Northumbria)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the chief constable of Northumbria as to the number of officers in his force who have received training in dealing with domestic violence.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Eighteen officers have undergone specialist training. The subject is covered at a more general level in other training within the force.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many wives were(a) murdered and (b) assaulted by their husbands in the area covered by the Northumbria police force in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Jack
  The number of wives who were the victims of offences currently recorded as homicide committed by their husbands in the Northumbria police force area in each of the last five years is a follows:

  Year

  Number

  1987

  1

  1988

  1

  1989

  1

  1990

  1

  1991

  —

  Information on assaults of wives by their husbands is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ask the chief constable of Northumbria to list the domestic violence units in the area covered by his force.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  There is currently one such unit, situated at South Shields police station.
  217
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many husbands were(a) killed or (b) assaulted by their wives in the area covered by the Northumbria force in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Jack
  The number of husbands who were the victims of offences currently recorded as homicide committed by their wives in the Northumbria police force area in each of the last five years is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1987

  —

  1988

  —

  1989

  1

  1990

  —

  1991

  —

  Information on assaults of husbands by their wives is not collected centrally.

  Convicted Teenagers
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many teenagers are in secure accommodation following criminal proceedings.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  According to records held centrally, which are approximate, there were 4,800 prisoners aged 14 to 19 in secure prison service establishments on 30 June 1992.

  Information supplied by the Department of Health shows that, on 31 October 1992, there were 119 teenagers serving sentences under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 in secure community homes or youth treatment centres. On 31 March 1991, the latest date for which such information is available, there were 12 teenagers subject to criminal care orders and 51 teenagers remanded to the care of a local authority held in secure accommodation.

  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young people in young offenders institutions are(a) convicted and (b) on remand.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The table shows how many under 21-year-olds were held in prison service establishments in England and Wales on 27 November 1992.

  Establishment type

  Sentenced young persons

  Unsentenced young persons

  Total

  Local prison

  129

  128

  257

  Remand centre

  1,224

  1,487

  2,711

  YO institution

  4,214

  0

  4,214

  Female establishment

  50

  48

  98

  Total

  5,617

  1,663

  7,280

  The figures for the unsentenced include remand, trial and convicted but unsentenced young persons.

  Marriage Guidance
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement following his review of the funding of marriage guidance.
  218
  Mr. Jack
  The marriage guidance organisations which receive grants from the Home Office will be notified shortly about their levels of grant for 1993–94.

  Dyslexic Offenders
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to record the number of young offenders in remand centres or young offenders institutions who suffer from dyslexia.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The prison service has no plans to keep separate records of the number of young offenders who suffer from dyslexia. Particular emphasis is, however, placed upon assisting those young offenders in custody who have a range of learning difficulties. The White Paper "Custody, Care and Justice" (Cm 1647), published in September 1991, states that the first priority for education programmes in prisons must be to identify and provide help for those prisoners who have difficulty reading or writing, and who are unable to do simple arithmetic.

  Guildford Four
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what public interest immunity certificates he has signed in respect of documents supplied by his Department to Sir John May's inquiry.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  None.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Metropolitan police as to what documentary evidence they have supplied to Sir John May's inquiry into the Guildford Four convictions; and on what terms.

  Mr. Jack
  No. Questions about the disclosure of documents held by the Metropolitan police are the responsibility of the Commissioner and not of my right hon. and learned Friend.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to publish all oral evidence taken by Sir John May in his inquiry into the Guildford Four convictions when the inquiry is completed.

  Mr. Jack
  As was the case in connection with the oral evidence given to his inquiry into the convictions of the Maguire family and those convicted with them, it will be for Sir John May to decide whether to take any oral evidence in connection with his inquiry into the convictions of the Guildford Four, and whether and in what form any such evidence should be included in his report to my right hon. and learned Friends or otherwise made public.

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 3 November,Official Report, columns 129–30, what has been the cost to the Exchequer of the chief executive of the Forensic Science Service's visits to the Netherlands during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  This is a matter for which the Forensic Science Service is responsible and I have asked the chief executive to arrange for a reply to be given.
  219
  Letter from Dr. Janet Thompson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 December 1992:
  You recently tabled a Parliamentary Question about my visit to the Netherlands. As you know, the arrangement now is that the Chief Executive of an Executive Agency, with the agreement of the Minister, replies to Members of Parliament on operational matters. I am therefore replying on behalf of the Forensic Science Service (FSS).
  The one day visit to the Netherlands took place on 24 June. Its main purpose was a meeting of some of the heads of European Forensic Science organisations to discuss the possible establishment of a European Network of Forensic Institutes and the issues that were of common interest. The visit included a tour of the laboratory. The costs amounted to £305.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former asylum seekers have been granted work permits in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Comprehensive information on the number of asylum seekers who have withdrawn their application or have been refused asylum, and have subsequently been granted a work permit by the Department of Employment, is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Asylum seekers in the United Kingdom whose applications have not yet been decided may apply after six months from the date of application for authorisation to seek employment without a work permit. Persons granted asylum or exceptional leave are granted such authorisation at the time of the grant.

  Commonwealth Exchange of Prisoners Treaty
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Nigerian Government in respect of ratifying the Commonwealth exchange of prisoners treaty; and what progress has been made in reaching bilateral agreements on sentencing and deportation.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 23 November 1992]: The United Kingdom and Nigeria are both party to the multilateral scheme for the transfer of convicted offenders within the Commonwealth. There have been no bilateral discussions with the Nigerians about the scheme, or about agreements on sentencing and deportation.

PRIME MINISTER

  Iraq
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will agree to order that copies of all documents that are made available by Government Department's to Lord Justice Scott's inquiry in the export of arms, components and machine tools to Iraq shall also be made available on request to those committees of the Congress of the United States conducting comparable inquiries or investigation.

  The Prime Minister
  No, but requests for information will be considered on their merits.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister whether the briefing material relating to United Kingdom exports to 220
  Iraq, prepared for the Foreign Secretary's meeting with Tariq Aziz, the Iraqi Foreign Minister in September 1989, still exists; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  Yes. The brief referred to British media interest in Iraqi procurement activities in the United Kingdom, naming Learfan and Matrix Churchill as examples. No further details were given and there was no other reference to United Kingdom defence exports to Iraq.

  Civil List
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list all the occasions since 1972 on which a reimbursement by Her Majesty the Queen of civil list annuities to the Treasury in relation to other members of the royal family has taken place and what sums were involved in each case.

  The Prime Minister
  Since 1975 Her Majesty the Queen has fully reimbursed the Consolidated Fund for the annuities paid under section 3 of the Civil List Act 1972. I will arrange for the right hon. Gentleman to have the detail of each refund.

  Her Majesty The Queen (Taxation)
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer to the right hon. and learned Member for Monklands, East (Mr. Smith) of 26 November,Official Report, column 982, when the discussions with Her Majesty the Queen on taxation of her income began; and what consideration was given to the timing of the announcement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Her Majesty indicated to me some months ago before the summer recess that she wished consideration to be given to the basis on which she might voluntarily pay tax. Once discussion had reached a stage where it was clear that arrangements could be put in place for next year, I agreed with Her Majesty that I should notify the House as soon as possible.

  Public Interest Immunity Certificates
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Prime Minister how many tublic interest immunity certificates have been signed by Ministers in each of the last six months; and in what circumstances.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 24 November 1992]: Ministers signed two public interest immunity certificates in June, two in July, six in September, three in October and two in November.

EMPLOYMENT

  Training
  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Secretary of State fin Employment what proposals she has to improve arid extend employment training schemes in areas directly affected by coal mine closures; and what age groups such schemes will cover.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The training and enterprise councils in areas affected by potential coal mine closures have
  221
  submitted action plans giving their proposals for a range of labour market measures. All unemployed people in areas most affected by pit closures and any redundant miners who live outside them will be eligible for assistance, including training, as appropriate. Local arrangements will depend on final action agreed with TECs.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proposals she has to increase the availability of statistics on the number of young people seeking a youth training place by district.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, to my hon. Friend the Member for Gedling (Mr. Mitchell) on 1 December 1992,Official Report, columns 127–28.

  Mr. Butcher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what considerations underlie her policy of restricting places on the employment training scheme to unemployed people between the ages of 18 and 49 years; and if she will raise the upper limit.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Employment training is open to unemployed people up to the age of 59 who meet the general eligibility conditions. However, those aged 50 and over do not fall within any of the categories of unemployed people who have priority for places. Under training for work, which is to replace employment training from April 1993, age will not be a factor in determining priority.

  Accidents
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to her answer of 19 October,Official Report, column 114, what sorts of information relating to accidents at installations covered by the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1984 are held by the Health and Safety Executive; what arrangements have been made for the analysis of information relating to accidents at such sites; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  In respect of accidents at an installation subject to the Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazard Regulations 1984—CIMAH—that are defined as major accidents by regulation 2, the Health and Safety Executive—HSE—holds information provided by manufacturers in accordance with regulation 5(1). This requires that where a major accident occurs on a site, the manufacturer should notify the HSE and provide the following information as soon as it becomes available:

  The circumstances of the accident;

  The dangerous substances involved;

  The data available for assessing the effects of the accident on persons and the environment;

  The emergency measures taken;

  A statement of the steps envisaged to alleviate the medium or long term effects of the major accident, if any and the steps necessary to prevent a recurrence.

  In accordance with regulation 5(2) of CIMAH, the HSE is responsible for collecting information about major accidents to enable a full analysis to be made. The HSE complies with this requirement by investigating every major accident that occurs on a site subject to CIMAH, determining the cause, collecting information and sending a report to the European Commission for entering on a database used for accident prevention purposes. An analysis of such reports is sent to the competent authorities annually.
  222
  In respect of sites subject to CIMAH, the HSE also holds information on other accidents and dangerous occurrences not reportable under CIMAH, but which may be reportable to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985. These are included in the statistical analysis published by the HSE in its annual reports.

  Additionally the HSE uses the major hazard incident data service maintained by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's safety and reliability directorate—SRD—funded jointly by the HSE and SRD.

  Wages Councils
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to her answer on wages councils on 26 November,Official Report, column 820, when the decision to abolish wages councils was first published.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Government's decision to abolish the wages councils was published on 5 November.

  Factory Inspectorate
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the maximum current annual quota of factory inspectorate new recruits; and if he will ensure that the capacity for training recruits is not an artificial barrier to recruitment.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Health and Safety Executive estimates that it is possible at maximum to train 90 newly recruited factory and agricultural inspectors effectively each year.

  There have been two competitions per annum in recent years to enable planned targets to be met. The rate at which new inspectors can be absorbed into the system is determined not only by institutional training capacity but also by the time of qualified inspectors taken up in training them on the job.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  May Inquiry
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public interest immunity certificates he has signed in respect of documents supplied by his Department to Sir John May's inquiry.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  None.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will call for a report from the Royal Ulster Constabulary on what documents they have supplied to Sir John May's inquiry and on what terms.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  No. Questions about the disclosure of documents held by the Royal Ulster Constabulary are the responsibility of the Chief Constable and not myself.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Slaughterhouses
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on behalf of small slaughterhouses since 1 October; and what measures he proposes to enable such businesses to survive in the single European market.

  Mr. Gummer
  Many right hon. and hon. Members have written to me about small slaughterhouses.

  The Government welcomes the EC fresh meat directive 91/497 which will ensure that all meat traded in the single market is produced to common standards of hygiene and inspection—standards which have applied for almost 30 years to meat moving in international trade. It is high time for the same standards to be applied to meat intended for our domestic market.

  The single market hygiene legislation is not intended to destroy traditional small businesses, which play an important part in the rural economy. My Department has taken a number of steps to ensure that this directive can be implemented sensibly and without imposing unnecessary burdens. During the EC negotiations, we secured agreement that very small abattoirs did not need to comply with all the detailed structural requirements and that all meat premises would be eligible for temporary derogations of up to three years from 1 January 1993 to enable them to upgrade their premises to meet the new standards.

  The Agriculture Departments, as licensing authorities, have made arrangements for all operators to receive advice on what is required, and for ensuring consistent and sensible decisions on licensing. Our veterinary field staff have been instructed to be flexible and realistic in seeking solutions to structural and hygiene problems.

  As a further safeguard, I have asked two independent experts in meat hygiene to assess hygiene standards in a small cross-section of plants and to advise whether the improvements being required exceed what is necessary to rectify structure-related hygiene problems.

  My Department has this week issued further guidance to local authorities on the provision of veterinary supervision at slaughterhouses. This guidance, which has been placed in the Library, should reduce the estimated cost of the inspection service substantially at some plants. My Department believes that the cost to the industry as a whole should be reduced by some £2 million, compared with estimates made by independent consultants on behalf of MAFF earlier this year.

  Local authorities have considerable flexibility to arrange provision of the inspection service in the way which is most appropriate to their local circumstances subject to the overriding need to achieve adequate veterinary supervision. Pending transfer of responsibility for meat inspection to the proposed national meat hygiene service, I shall monitor inspection charges very closely, and will continue to encourage plant operators to discuss with their local authority any possible options for reducing costs. Local authorities have discretion to recover less than the full cost of the inspection service if they so choose, provided the amount recovered complies with the relevant EC legislation. In the longer term, the national meat hygiene service will be required to provide an efficient and cost-effective service to the industry.

  Despite all these measures, I am aware that there remains considerable concern about the impact of the new
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  legislation on small slaughterhouses. This concern is not confined to the United Kingdom, and I am therefore arranging for the December Council of Agriculture Ministers to consider whether any further action at Community level is required to safeguard small traditional slaughtering businesses.

  Oilseed Products
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons the European Economic Community rejected the appeal from the United States of America for a third party to determine by arbitration the level of damage to its interests occasioned by the subsidised production of oilseed products; at what meeting of the Council of Ministers this decision was made; and under what voting requirements.

  Mr. Curry
  The United States proposal for binding arbitration to settle the oilseeds dispute was rejected by the Commission after consultation with a committee of senior trade officials from member states, meeting under United Kingdom chairmanship during our presidency, because of doubts about its consistency with general agreement on tariffs and trade arbitration rules and because other approaches seemed to offer wider scope for an acceptable settlement. The proposal was not put to the Council of Ministers for a formal decision. A number of further options were put forward by both sides during bilateral negotiations before agreement was reached on a satisfactory compromise.

  CAP and GATT
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an estimate of the effect on job numbers in rural areas of(a) the current common agricultural policy reform package and (b) further changes arising from the general agreement on tariffs and trade agreement; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The impact of the common agricultural policy measures agreed in May on employment in rural communities will depend on the response of the farming community over the next few years. The draft general agreement on tariffs and trade settlement is consonant with reforms already agreed and should therefore have no specific impact on employment in rural communities.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the progress establishing new environmentally sensitive areas; and what management commitments and financial remuneration he is proposing.

  Mr. Curry
  In January of next year we plan to launch new environmentally sensitive areas in the Avon valley, Exmoor, lake District, north Kent marshes, south Wessex downs and South West Peak. Full details of the management terms and financial remuneration will be published at the time of the launch. We also plan early next year to hold consultations on a further six new English environmentally sensitive areas which we hope to introduce in the following winter.

  "A Fair Assessment"
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received against the National Rivers Authority's discussion document, "A Fair Assessment"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The Ministry has received a small number of letters about the National Rivers Authority's discussion document. The authority is now considering the comments received in response to the document and, we understand, is looking at more detailed proposals for public consultation.

  Intervention Cereal
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has on the level of cereal production held in intervention stocks in the Republic of Ireland.

  Mr. Curry
  At 22 November 1992, information provided by the EC Commission showed that the level of cereals intervention stocks held in the Republic of Ireland was 81,182 tonnes.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number of confirmed cases of BSE by county, for November.

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested from 1 November to 27 November 1992 for Great Britain is as follows. These cases will have a date of report and date of clinical onset of disease before 1 November.

  County/Region

  Confirmed cases

  England

  Avon

  89

  Bedfordshire

  34

  Berkshire

  14

  Buckinghamshire

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  7

  Cheshire

  120

  Cleveland

  6

  Cornwall

  181

  Cumbria

  105

  Derbyshire

  86

  Devon

  247

  Dorset

  180

  Durham

  15

  Essex

  18

  Gloucestershire

  64

  Hampshire

  65

  Hereford and Worcester

  23

  Hertfordshire

  9

  Humberside

  11

  Isle of Wight

  9

  Kent

  32

  Lancashire

  125

  Leicestershire

  58

  Lincolnshire

  9

  London

  1

  Manchester

  10

  Merseyside

  5

  Norfolk

  50

  Northamptonshire

  25

  Northumberland

  30

  Nottinghamshire

  28

  Oxfordshire

  28

  Shropshire

  64

  226

  County/Region

  Confirmed cases

  Somerset

  298

  Staffordshire

  65

  Suffolk

  25

  Surrey

  16

  Sussex East

  27

  Sussex West

  46

  Tyne and Wear

  1

  Warwickshire

  17

  West Midlands

  2

  Wiltshire

  66

  Yorkshire North

  108

  Yorkshire South

  15

  Yorkshire West

  16

  Wales

  Clwyd

  46

  Dyfed

  120

  Glamorgan Mid

  5

  Glamorgan South

  11

  Glamorgan West

  2

  Gwent

  27

  Gwynedd

  17

  Powys

  45

  Scotland

  Borders

  9

  Central

  5

  Dumfries

  51

  Fife

  4

  Grampian

  29

  Highland

  7

  Lothian

  6

  Orkney

  3

  Shetland

  0

  Strathclyde

  39

  Tayside

  13

  Western Isles

  0

  Live Horses for Slaughter
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will use his role as President of the Council of Agriculture Ministers to prevent the introduction of the European Commission's proposal establishing a compulsory EC free trade area for live horses for slaughter after 31 December.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 1 December 1992 at column 159.

  Coastal Wildlife
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the impact of his coastal defence policies on the loss of coastal wildlife habitats.

  Mr. Gummer
  The primary aim of both flood and coastal defence is to protect life and to reduce the risk of flooding or erosion causing damage to the natural and built environment. In pursuit of these objectives, MAFF gives financial support to capital schemes for flood and coastal defence which are cost-beneficial, technically sound and environmentally acceptable.

  I share the concerns about the loss of coastal habitats and am determined to ensure that our policies for coastal defences help to tackle this problem. It is already well established that all coast and sea defences must take environmental considerations into account. The grant aid arrangements have been extended to facilitate the use of

  227
  "soft" defence measures such as beach replenishment. However, in addition, in order to help stop the decline in the area of wildlife habitats around our coasts, I want the potential impact on coastal habitats to be a key consideration in examining proposed schemes; and there will be a clear presumption in considering applications for grant aid that, except where life or important natural or man-made assets are at risk, natural coastal processes should not be disrupted. I also want to see thorough consideration given in all appropriate cases to whether retreat from the existing line of defence could be managed in such a way as to bring environmental and/or engineering benefits.

  This new approach will be reflected in the strategy for flood and coast defence which I am developing in consultation with the operating authorities and environmental interests, and I look forward to discussing this with them.

  Meat (Inspections)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to ensure that there is an adequate number of official veterinary surgeons for slaughterhouse inspection; how many additional veterinary surgeons have been recruited by his Department; at what cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 26 November 1992]: Until the proposed national meat hygiene service is established, local authorities are responsible for employing official veterinary surgeons for the purposes specified in the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992 and the Poultry Meat (Hygiene) Regulations 1976. My Department runs courses for veterinary surgeons seeking designation as official veterinary surgeons. Some 300 veterinary surgeons have completed the red meat course in the last four years, and over 80 more are booked to attend the course in the new year.

  The Department is discussing with the local authority associations ways in which MAFF might assist local authorities wishing to explore the possibility of recruiting veterinary surgeons from other member states where there is a surplus.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the additional costs to the meat industry of implementing the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 26 November 1992]: Work carried out by independent consultants on behalf of the Agriculture Departments in March and April 1992 estimated the cost of implementing the supervision requirements in the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992 as £33 million per annum, compared with £25 million previously—both figures based on 1991 costs and slaughterhouse numbers. The additional cost of veterinary supervision in medium-sized slaughterhouses was estimated to represent £5·4 million of this increase. However, we estimate that the guidance on veterinary supervision levels issued by the Department on 30 November would reduce this to £3·4 million. A copy of this guidance has been placed in the Library of the House.

  The total costs to the industry of complying with the structural requirements of the new legislation, many of
  228
  which were already contained in or implied by previous Great Britain legislation, will depend on the commercial decisions taken by individual slaughterhouse operators.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to suspend implementation of the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992 until he has received satisfactory assurances from each other EC country that they have implemented similar regulations.

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answers 26 November 1992]: No. The Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992 are an important part of the Department's programme of improving the safety and hygiene of British meat and enhancing the protection offered to the consumer.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister is, however, arranging for the December Council of Agriculture Ministers to discuss progress with implementation of the fresh meat directive 91/497, in particular as it relates to small slaughterhouses.

  Cereals
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations she has made to the European Commission to have the cereal support system in Northern Ireland based upon individual cereal farms; which other community countries have indicated that they prefer the cereal support scheme to be based upon individual cereal farms; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  I have been asked to reply.

  No representations have been made to the European Commission to have the cereal support system in Northern Ireland based upon individual cereal farms. The EC regulation establishing a support system for cereal producers makes allowance for base areas, but not yields, to be established on either a regional or an individual holding basis. No member states are operating individual base areas this year.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Charterline
  Ms. Mowlam
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, pursuant to his answer of 13 November,Official Report, column 982, what is the cost of the contract with Price Waterhouse to pilot the charterline service.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  It is not our practice to reveal the cost of such contracts, as it could prejudice Her Majesty's Government's position when negotiating other contracts.

  All payments are, of course, open to scrutiny by the National Audit Office.

  Next Steps
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the progress of the next steps initiative.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Next steps is progressing well. More than half the civil service is now working on next steps lines and next steps is delivering measurable improvements in efficiency, productivity and value for money.
  229
  The Government today published the third annual review of next steps agencies (Cm 2111). The annual review brings together information on all 76 established agencies, together with the 30 executive units of Customs and Excise and the 34 executive offices of Inland Revenue. The review shows performance against targets in 1991–92 and lists key targets for 1992–93. It shows that agencies have continued to perform well and have met three out of four of their targets in the last year. It gives many examples of the ways in which agencies are providing the better service to the public which is at the heart of the citizens charter and describes the many improvements which have been brought about for the benefit of taxpayers and staff.

  Factory Inspectorate (Recruitment)
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many applications were received in the recent round of recruitment to the factory inspectorate; how many were recruited; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The number of factory inspectorate applications received for the autumn 1992 recruitment competition was 1,846. Of these, 360 have been selected for interview during December 1992 and January 1993, and the Health and Safety Executive expects to offer up to 45 factory inspector posts nationally.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many retired civil servants from the Health and Safety Executive have been subsequently reemployed; and what is the executive's policy on such re-employments.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are currently 16 retired civil servants from the Health and Safety Executive who have been re-employed. The HSE re-employs those who have retired, in accordance with civil service rules, where there is a clear need for particular skills or experience that is not otherwise available.

  Mr. E. Whybrew
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the former Director of Personnel and Development in the Department of Employment, Mr. E. Whybrew, was re-employed by the civil service as a part-time officer in the Certification Office of Trade Unions; and whether the post he now occupies was advertised externally.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Mr. Whybrew's appointment as certification officer for trade unions and employers' associations took effect from 6 October 1992. The appointment was made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State after consultation with the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service; the post was not advertised externally.

HEALTH

  Research Units
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration she has given to the report of the team which reviewed the role and funding of her Department's research units; and whether she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I have now considered the report of the review team chaired by Dr. Peter Williams, which outlines a strategy for the funding of long-term health services research. A copy of the report is available in the Library.

  I accept the review team's view that some larger centres of multidisciplinary excellence could offer an improved career structure and a more secure base for research. We shall set up such a centre as a pilot project. Some smaller units will remain and current units producing excellent high priority research will be granted fixed-term programme contracts in place of their existing rolling contract.

  Peer review and site visits to all units will take place over the next eighteen months. This process will be led by Professor Michael Peckham, the director of research and development.

  Custody (Alternatives)
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, in respect of each social services department, how many teenagers are on alternative-to-custody programmes, run by social services and/or the voluntary sector, following conviction for a criminal offence, on the last date for which information is available.

  Mr. Yeo
  Information is not available centrally in the form requested. Some information about young people involved in social service provision is published in "Supervision Orders and Intermediate Treatment; England" and in "Children in Care of Local Authorities; England". The most recent publications, for the year ending 31 March 1991, are in the Library.

  Children's Homes (Schools)
  Sir John Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to amend the Children Act Regulations to provide exemption for small weekly boarding schools from registration as children's homes with the social services department.

  Mr. Yeo
  We are considering how this might be achieved.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many civil servants are employed by her Department(a) in London and (b) elsewhere.

  Mr. Sackville
  At 1 November 1992, the latest date for which detailed information is available, the Department of Health employed 3,013 whole-time equivalent civil servants in London and 1,725 whole-time equivalent civil servants elsewhere.

  Limited List Prescribing
  Sir Michael Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health upon what basis she identified the 10 new categories of product which are now to be included in the limited list prescribing system for pharmaceutical products.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The categories were chosen because they covered a range of products of varying price levels and therefore offered scope for savings while enabling all clinical needs to continue to be met.

  Wigs
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when a rate was set to cover the cost of NHS wigs; how much it was; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Charges for national health service wigs were introduced in April 1971. The charge for a bespoke wig was £7·50 and £2·50 for a stock wig.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children received NHS wigs for medical conditions for each year since 1987; and if she will state for each year the number of wigs costing(a) less than £50, (b) between £50 and £60, (c) between £60 and £70, (d) between £70 and £80, (e) between £80 and £90, (f) between £90 and £100 and (g) over £100.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response her Department has made to the fourth biennial report of the Mental Health Act Commission.

  Mr. Yeo
  I have written to Sir Louis Blom-Cooper, chairman of the Mental Health Act Commission, thanking the commission for the valuable work reflected in its fourth biennial report, which my right hon. Friend laid before the House on 16 December last. I have included with my letter our detailed responses to specific points made in the report, which have been agreed with my right hon. Friends so far as the Home Office and Welsh Office are concerned. I have today placed copies of my letter and the other documents in the Library.

  Hearing Aids
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been commissioned to consider the benefits to be gained from hearing aids.

  Mr. Yeo
  We have asked the Medical Research Council's Institute of Hearing Research to commence work on a research project: "Multiple outcome measures for evaluating hearing aid fitting". This work will investigate the benefit that people with a hearing impairment derive from an aid and how effective the aid is in alleviating disability. The research will take three years.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Attendance Allowance
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate the number of people(a) currently in receipt of the lower rate of attendance allowance whose claims for medium or higher level allowance have been rejected but who are currently appealing against that decision and (b) currently assessed as eligible for the medium and higher rates of attendance allowance but not yet in receipt or notified of that award; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Christmas Bonus
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will increase the Christmas bonus to take account of the rise in prices or in average earnings, in each year since its introduction; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  No. Because the Christmas bonus is paid to all regardless of income, any increase in the amount would be a poorly targeted use of resources.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for what reasons local statistics on cold weather payments prior to 1 November 1991 were destroyed without being recorded on microfiche; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will he placed in the Library.

  Letter from Michael Richard to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 December 1992:
  As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about cold weather payment statistics.
  As you know, some local statistics had been destroyed in accordance with standing instructions. These instructions have been drawn up over some time (and applied before the Agency was formed). There is clearly a requirement to keep national information about Social Security benefits for a reasonable period of time, but in respect of local information, we need to balance this requirement against their diminishing relevance and the expenditure of public funds in the upkeep of excessive archives. This would include the transfer of records to microfiche.
  It is against this background that no local statistics are held prior to the financial year 1991–92. Information covering the former DHSS North Eastern Region (which includes Doncaster local offices) is, however, in the Library.
  I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.

  Crisis Payments
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many crisis payments have been made to the victims of the Isledon road flood in Islington by the Euston district social security office.
  233
  Mr. Scott
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 1 December 1992:
  As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Social Fund crisis loan payments in Euston District.
  Staff at Euston District acted immediately in response to the flood in Isledon Road that occurred on the evening of 15 October. A team of Social Fund Officers went to a local neighbourhood centre the following day and took applications to the Social Fund. Thirteen Social Fund awards were decided and paid on the same day in response to this crisis.
  I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.

  Independent Living Fund
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on future arrangements for independent living for the most severely disabled people.

  Mr. Scott
  [pursuant to his reply, 24 November 1992, cols. 597–98]: A total of £4 million—on a United Kingdom basis—will be made available in 1993–94 to enable the new fund to provide cash payments to new applications from the most severely disabled people of working age. In 1994–95 the allocation will be £11 million and in 1995–96 it will be £17 million. It is expected that new awards will be made to around 1,500 severely disabled people each year.

  This allocation is in addition to the sums earmarked for the fund to continue cash payments to around 22,000 cases which the ILF is expected to be paying by April 1993. These amounts—again on a United Kingdom basis—are £117 million in 1993–94. £119 million in 1994–95 and £121 million in 1995–96.

  The allocation for new cases recognises the primary role of local authorities under the community care arrangements from April 1993. On 26 November the Secretary of State for Health announced increases to the community care special transitional grant—the means by which local authorities will initially be funded for their new community care responsibilities—in England of £26 million in 1993–94, £64 million in 1994–95 and £100 million in 1995–96. These increases reflect the further responsibilities for disabled people resulting from the planned changes to the ILF. Announcements will be made shortly about the specific allocations in the rest of the United Kingdom.

EDUCATION

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many civil servants from his Department have been relocated from London to other parts of the United Kingdom(a) in the last five years and (b) in the last 10 years; and to where they were relocated.

  Mr. Forman
  The Department has relocated 101 posts from London in the last five years, and 104 in the last ten. All relocations were to Darlington.
  234
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many civil servants are currently employed by his Department(a) in London and (b) elsewhere.

  Mr. Forman
  The Department currently employs 1,398 full-time equivalent civil servants in London and 728 in Darlington. The Darlington figure includes 304 staff in the Teachers Pensions Agency.

  Relocation to Darlington of some of the Department's work related to grant-maintained schools will result in a reduction by 58 FTE staff in London and an increase by 69 in Darlington by March 1993.

  School Playing Fields
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) when he expects to complete his consultation on the disposal of school playing fields, arising out of his document issued on 19 December 1991; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what is his policy in regard to the selling off of playing fields for private development and the assessment of the long-term need for school or community use of those playing fields.

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend expects shortly to inform local education authorities (LEAs) and others of his conclusions arising from this consultation exercise.

  Any decision as to whether or not to dispose of school playing fields is a matter for the LEA concerned. It is the Government's policy to encourage LEAs to dispose of surplus land and buildings in order to avoid unnecessary expenditure and to realise capital receipts for debt redemption and reinvestment in education capital schemes. However, when considering decisions about the disposal of school playing fields we would expect LEAs to balance these considerations against the need to preserve facilities for potential future use.

  School Buildings
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children currently receive their education in buildings that have been assessed as being in need of substantial repair as a result of inspection by Her Majesty's inspector of schools or otherwise.

  Mr. Forth
  This information is not available centrally. The repair and maintenance of school buildings is a matter for those with direct responsibility for the schools: local education authorities in the case of county and voluntary-controlled schools and governing bodies in the case of voluntary-aided and grant-maintained schools.

  Salaries
  Ms. Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on his policy on salary settlements for academic and related staff(a) in the past three years and (b) in the light of the autumn statement.

  Mr. Forman
  Over the past three years the Government have looked to employers in higher education to settle the pay of academic and related staff. The Government have however influenced pay and conditions of service as necessary in the wider public interest through the level of funding provided for the higher education funding
  235
  councils—for example, to support the introduction of performance-related pay. Under the policy of pay restraint in the public sector introduced in the autumn statement, the employers will still be responsible for resolving pay for academic and related staff, but will have to ensure that no more than 1·5 per cent. is added to their pay bill.

  Esperanto
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what advice and assistance he gives to the teaching of Esperanto as a contribution to the linguistic problems of the single European market.

  Mr. Forth
  None. National curriculum requirements for modern foreign language learning give priority to the working languages of the European Community, and the other specified 11 languages of commercial or cultural significance, and any advice or assistance provided nationally is geared to those.

  School Meals
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will include in the revised version of the parents charter the right to a nutritious school meal.

  Mr. Forth
  No.

  Education Inspectors
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total cost of(a) salaries and (b) office accommodation for Her Majesty's inspectorate of education in 1988–89, 1990–91 and 1991–92.

  Mr. Forth
  The information requested is as follows:

  £million

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  (a) Salaries

  16·1

  17·9

  19·8

  21·8

  (b) Accommodation

  1·1

  1·2

  1·4

  1·5

  The figures given at (a) relate to HMI and its support staff, and include overtime and national insurance. The accommodation costs are those incurred at HMI divisional and local offices only. The accommodation costs of HMI and support staff stationed centrally were included within the Department's total running costs and could not be disaggregated without disproportionate cost.

  Office for Standards in Education
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many staff are currently employed by Ofsted; and what is its 1992–93 budget for(a) staff and (b) office accommodation.

  Mr. Forth
  When Ofsted was created on 1 September 1992, it had an initial budget for the remainder of the 1992–93 financial year of £11·7 million and staff, including HMI and support staff, of 550. Finance and staffing of Ofsted from 1 September are the responsibility of Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools.

  Education Inspectors
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many of Her Majesty's inspectors of education are(a) to retire or (b) be made redundant on 1 April 1993.
  236
  Mr. Forth
  The number of Her Majesty's inspectors employed by the Department and planned to be made redundant on 1 April 1993 is 89. There are no retirements on that date.

  I understand that no HMI employed by Ofsted will be made redundant or retire on 1 April 1993.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Public Record Office
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council, pursuant to his answer of 12 November,Official Report, column 880, how long the Privy Council Office has had on loan from the Public Record Office (a) three volumes of Privy Council papers dating from the early 18th century and (b) papers relating to chartered corporations founded in the 19th century; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  The material referred to was held for six weeks and three years respectively. All the papers have now been returned to the Public Record Office.

  Universities
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many university statutes and charters are currently being considered by the Privy Council.

  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council is currently considering seven applications from universities for changes in charters and statutes.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will list the number of changes to university statutes and charters made by the Privy Council in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Newton
  Changes to the charters and statutes of universities and colleges dealt with by the Privy Council Office for the years in question were as follows:

  Year

  Cases

  1983

  11

  1984

  15

  1985

  15

  1986

  11

  1987

  14

  1988

  18

  1989

  14

  1990

  18

  1991

  15

  11992

  254

  1 To date.

  2 Includes modifications made by the University Commissioners under section 204 of the Education Reform Act 1988.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make it his policy that the Privy Council should not approve any further university charters and statutes which require each student to belong to a students' union.

  Mr. Newton
  It has not been the practice for university charters and statutes to require students to belong to a students' union.

SCOTLAND

  Dental Caries
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the figures for the incidence of dental caries since 1979 in children(a) under primary school age, (b) primary school age and (c) secondary school age in (i) Dumbarton district, (ii) Inverclyde district, (iii) Argyll and Bute district and (iv) Renfrew district.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information requested is not available.

  Tooth Extractions
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many tooth extractions are carried out each year since 1979 on children(a) under primary school age, (b) primary school age and (c) secondary school age in (i) Dumbarton district, (ii) Inverclyde district, (iii) Argyll and Bute district and (iv) Renfrew district.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information requested is not available.

  NHS Expenditure
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average national health service expenditure since 1979 per patient using Argyll and Clyde dental services in(a) Dumbarton district, (b) Inverclyde district, (c) Argyll and Bute district and (d) Renfrew district.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information requested is not available.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce details of his proposals for providing a council tax transitional relief scheme to accompany introduction of the council tax in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  The change in the system of local taxation in Scotland will result in a redistribution of the burden of local taxation between households. While many households should gain from the change or face only a small increase in the contribution which they have to make, some households will have to bear a significantly larger share of the tax burden than they do under the community charge. We have provided temporary assistance for households required to pay more under the community charge and I believe it is reasonable to provide such assistance in Scotland in the change to the council tax.

  I therefore intend introducing a council tax transitional relief scheme in Scotland similar to the scheme already announced for England by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment. Under this, households in the lowest council tax band, band A, would be required to pay only the first £1·75 per week of the increase in bills due to the change in tax system, and households in the bands above this would be required to pay an additional 25p per week in each successive band, so that households in the highest band, band H, would be required to pay the first £3·50 per week due to the change in the tax system. The extra amount households would be expected to pay for each band are as follows.
  238

  Range of property values in band (at 1 April 1991)

  £ per week

  Band A Up to £27,000

  1·75

  Band B Over £27,000 and up to £35,000

  2·00

  Band C Over £35,000 and up to £45,000

  2·25

  Band D Over £45,000 and up to £58,000

  2·50

  Band E Over £58,000 and up to £80,000

  2·75

  Band F Over £80,000 and up to £106,000

  3·00

  Band G Over £106,000 and up to £212,000

  3·25

  Band H Over £212,000

  3·50

  The calculation of reductions will be based on whichever is the lower of an authority's actual council tax for the valuation band concerned and its scheme council tax for that band. The cost of such a scheme next year is estimated to be up to £28 million and this cost will be reimbursed to local authorities under the scheme. I have asked my officials to consult with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities on the details of the scheme. The scheme will then be implemented under regulations which I hope will be laid before the House shortly.

  As a consequence of settling on the details of the council tax transitional relief scheme I am able to increase by £15 million the level of aggregate external finance for 1993–94 which I previously announced on 12 November. I can also announce today that I plan to add a further £2·8 million to both the Government-supported expenditure and AEF figures for next year in recognition of the additional responsibilities which local authorities will face from next April as a consequence of changes to the independent living fund which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 24 November. The result of these changes is that aggregate external finance next year will be £5,165·1 million, an increase of 3·5 per cent. on the equivalent figure for this year.

  Environmental Education
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the provision of training for teachers on cross-curricular themes, with particular reference to the theme of environmental education.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 November 1992]: In his guidelines for the construction of initial teacher training courses, my right hon. Friend requires that courses for primary teachers must include environmental studies as a significant element of the course. In addition, there are in-service training courses on environmental studies for teachers which may lead to the award of the primary environmental studies certificate. In-service training on the five to 14 curriculum development programme and the primary education development project also have significant elements related to environmental matters. Environmental education is included within the specific grant scheme for the in-service training of teachers, which supports education authorities' costs for such training in priority subject areas.

DEFENCE

  RAF (Market-testing)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the higher formation costs of RAF Support Command will be taken into account in respect of in-house bids in the market-testing competition for RAF establishments.

  Mr. Aitken
  The market-testing procedures provide for in-house costs to be compared with the prices offered by tenderers on a realistic and consistent footing. Only the resource costs that could be expected to change in the event of contractorisation are included in the in-house bid. The higher formation costs of RAF Support Command would be taken into account only to the extent that they would be affected were a given service or facility to be contractorised.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to ring-fence the higher costs of service men to ensure that in-house bids have a fair chance in the market-testing competition announced for RAF establishments; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  As part of the market test, the in-house operation is encouraged to offer efficiency improvements, such as replacing more expensive military personnel with civilians, in order to become more competitive. Bids will be assessed on that basis. In-house bidders will also be encouraged to engage outside consultants to help with the preparation of their bids.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals he has to ensure that there is a level playing field for in-house bids in the market-testing competition announced for RAF establishments.

  Mr. Aitken
  I have arranged to place a copy of the procedures for market-testing in the Library of the House. They require the in-house bid to be prepared against the same requirements, time scale and, so far as is practicable, contract conditions as the commercial tenders. The evaluation of tenders is carried out by officials in a neutral and objective position, and we are currently considering the means by which we can introduce independent observers into the process, as guarantees of fairness.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce a leakage prevention programme for all refrigeration and air conditioning equipment owned and operated by his Department.; if he will publish targets for reductions in leakages; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  My Department's policy is to prevent leakage of ozone-depleting refrigerants to the atmosphere wherever possible. Special equipment is used during maintenance and repair to avoid venting to the atmosphere. Also, although no targets are published regular monitoring of refrigerants enables leakages to be detected and action taken.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will implement a refrigerant recycling and 240
  reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chloroflurocarbons and hydrochloro-fluorocarbons; if he will publish targets for departmental reuse and recycling; if he will implement an equipment conversion and replacement programme for all departmental uses of CFCs and HCFCs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  My Department is fully committed to the Government's policy for reducing the use of all substances controlled under the Montreal protocol. We already have a programme for refrigerant recycling and reclaim. We have no plans to publish targets but this will be carried out in accordance with the terms of the protocol. All equipment using CFCs and HCFCs is being identified and will either be replaced or converted to suitable alternatives. As an interim measure some will be supported by a bank of recycled substances.

  Defence Research Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 November,Official Report, columns 105–11, what has been the cost to the Exchequer of the chief executive of the Defence Research Agency's visits to (a) the United States and (b) France during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Aitken
  This is a matter delegated to the Defence Research Agency under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from J. A. R. Chisholm to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 December 1992:
  In today's written answer the Minister of State for Defence Procurement informed you that I would be replying directly to your question regarding the cost to the exchequer of my visits, as Chief Executive of the Defence Research Agency. to (a) the United States and (b) France during the last 12 months.
  I visited the United States on two occasions and France on one occasion. The total costs for myself and accompanying official were as follows:

  Total cost £

  (a) 18–19 March 1992

  United States

  1,926

  10–17 June 1992

  United States

  6,202

  (b) 1–2 April 1992

  France

  923

  I hope you will find this information useful.

  Meteorological Office
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 November,Official Report, columns 105–6, what has been the cost to the exchequer of the chief executive of the Meteorological Office's visits to (a) Geneva, (b) China, (c) France and (d) Norway during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Aitken
  This is a matter delegated to the Meteorological Office under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.
  241
  Letter from J. C. R. Hunt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 1 December 1992:
  The costs to the exchequer were approximately (a) £2,300 (total for 3 visits), (b) £2,500, (c) £2,100 (total for 4 visits) and (d) £900. Reports are available on the visits if required.
  You will be aware that international collaboration in meteorology is of crucial importance. As a leading climate and numerical weather prediction centre, with a large supporting research programme, and as one of two World Area Forecast Centres for civil aviation, the Met. Office plays a major role in these international activities which are co-ordinated through the World Meteorological Organisation, an agency of the United Nations. Furthermore, by sharing experience and collaborating with other scientific and commercial organisations and national meteorological services, the Met. Office is able to improve its efficiency and cost effectiveness.
  A copy of the Met. Office's 1991–92 Annual Review is enclosed for your interest. Please do not hesitate to ask if you require further information.

  Maintenance Group
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 November,Official Report, columns 105–11, what has been the cost to the Exchequer of the chief executive of the Maintenance Group Defence Support Agency's visit to Hanover on 12 to 13 March.

  Mr. Aitken
  This is a matter delegated to the Maintenance Group Defence Support Agency under its framework document. I have therefore asked the chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Air Vice-Marshal D. R. French to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 November 1992:
  In response to your Parliamentary Question of 24 November, the cost of my visit to Hanover on 12–13 March was £111·60.

  Guildford and Woolwich Bombings
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what public interest immunity certificates he has signed in relation to documents provided by his Department to Sir John May's inquiry.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many flights over Bosnia in contravention of the United Nations no-fly zone have been identified by radar surveillance deployed to monitor that zone; how many such flights have been directly involved in offensive missions; and what action has been taken in response to such flights.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Monitoring of compliance with the no-fly zone imposed on the airspace of Bosnia-Herzegovina in Security Council resolution 781 of 9 October is being conducted by aircraft of NATO's airborne early warning force and by ground monitors deployed at airfields in Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia/ Montenegro by the United Nations protection force and the EC monitor mission. Immediately following the passage of the resolution there were a number of sorties by fixed-wing aircraft, which included the use of aircraft for ground attack. From 13 October to date, there have been no confirmed reports of any use of aircraft for ground 242
  attack or other combat purpose, by either fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters. The ban on flights in SCR 781 applies only to flights with a military purpose. Provision was made for exemptions, subject to prior approval by the United Nations protection force, for flights for humanitarian purposes or in pursuance of the peace process. In his periodic reports to the Security Council, the United Nations Secretary-General has reported that a total of 204 flights, predominantly by helicopters, have been recorded up to 26 November, other than those for which exemptions have been given, but that there has not been evidence on which to judge whether the flights were of a military nature. Action is being taken to remind the parties concerned of the requirement and procedures for the authorisation of flights. SCR 781 provides that, in the event of evident violations of the ban, the Security Council will consider urgently the further measures necessary to enforce it.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what examination his Department has carried out of the feasibility of the enforcement by military means of a no-fly zone over Bosnia.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  United Nations Security Council resolution 781 of 9 October 1992 banned flights with a military purpose by the warring parties in the airspace of Bosnia-Herzegovina. It did not itself contain provision for enforcement, but provided for regular reports by the Secretary-General on compliance with the ban, and for the Security Council to consider urgently the further measures needed to enforce the ban in the event of violations. The Security Council made clear in SCR 786 of 11 November its determination to do so if necessary.

WALES

  Capital Receipts
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total of accumulated capital receipts held by Welsh district councils resulting from the sale of council houses.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The latest information relates to 31 March 1992. At that date, local councils held £27·4 million of usable housing capital receipts. At the same date, after allowing for redemption, Welsh local councils had net outstanding loan debt of £984·4 million.

  Hospital Construction
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the hospital(a) building programmes and (b) extension and unit programmes currently under way in Wales;

  (2) if he will list the hospital extension programmes and new units that are planned for Wales by the year 2000;

  (3) if he will list the new hospitals that are planned to be completed in Wales by the year 2000.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The following lists of schemes give the centrally funded capital building programme for 1992–93 and, separately, those new hospital schemes included in the All Wales capital programme for completion by the year 2000. Minor works' programmes are for determination by district health authorities from their minor discretionary capital allocations. Proposals for
  243
  major hospital extensions and new units are considered annually for inclusion in future years and district health authorities and NHS trusts are invited to submit bids for appropriate schemes. These will still be subject to the usual planning procedures.

  Major Hospital Building Programme 1992–93

  Deeside Community Hospital

  Ysbyty Maelor Wrexham Phase 2A

  Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Phase 2

  Royal Gwent Scheme VI

  Area Laundry

  Royal Gwent kitchens/X-ray department

  Ebbw Vale Community Hospital

  Torfaen Community Hospital

  Ysbyty Gwynedd Phase II

  West Mon Community Hospital

  North Merionnydd Community Hospital

  Ysbyty George Thomas

  Prince Charles Phase II

  New Hospital for Taff Ely and Rhondda

  Brecon War Memorial Hospital Development

  UHW replacement energy sources

  UHW improvements to fire precautions

  Barry Neighbourhood Hospital

  Cardiff Neighbourhood Hospital (St. David's)

  UHW Cardiac Expansion Programme

  Singleton West Ward Block

  Singleton Linear Accelerator Suite

  Tonna Redevelopment

  Morriston Pathology Department

  New Hospital for Neath and Port Talbot

  Morriston Hospital, Scheme IV

  New Hospital Proposals for Completion by the year 2000

  Ebbw Vale Community Hospital

  Torfaen Community Hospital

  West Mon Community Hospital

  North Meirionnydd Community Hospital

  Taff Ely and Rhondda

  Barry Neighbourhood Hospital

  St. David's Neighbourhood Hospital

  Ncath and Port Talbot

  Unemployment
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in each Welsh constituency have been unemployed for(a) more than six months and (b) more than one year.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The unemployment data requested are available from the NOMIS database, which can be accessed on-line by House of Commons Library staff.

  Cars
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the total number of registered cars in Wales in each of the last five years; and if he will publish figures showing the number of cars owned per adult in Wales in each year.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The numbers of private and light goods vehicles registered in Wales and the numbers owned per adult in Wales are given in the table.

  Year

  1All private and light goods vehicles registered in Wales (thousands)

  2 Private and light goods vehicles owned per adult in Wales (number)

  1987

  926·2

  0·43

  1988

  979·7

  0·45

  1989

  1,018·1

  0·46

  1990

  1,058·3

  0·48

  19913

  1,052·2

  0·47

  244
  1 Source: Department of Transport.

  2 Adults aged 18 years and over.

  3 1991 population figures are provisional.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide funding to Clwyd county council to enable them to fund road safety personnel on the A55 at Hawarden high school, following diversion of traffic from the A494.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Hawarden high school is on the B5125. The B5125 is not being signed as a diversionary route as part of the A494 Aston hill reconstruction works. The local highway authority for the B5125 is Clwyd county council and it is responsible for all matters relating to road safety, including funding on that road.

  Car Owners
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of people in Wales classified within the lowest 25 per cent. income bracket own cars.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Over the two-year period 1990 to 1991, an estimated 14 per cent. of those households in Wales with the lowest 25 per cent. of incomes owned at least one car. (Source: Family Expenditure Surveys).

  Health Authority Funding
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 19 November,Official Report, columns 317–20, (1) what monitoring his Department has undertaken of each of the allocations made to Clwyd health authority in respect of the number of extra patients treated; and if he will list the relevant figures;

  (2) what monitoring his Department has undertaken of each of the allocations made to East Dyfed health authority in respect of the number of extra patients treated; and if he will list the relevant figures.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Early initiatives were assessed on the basis of reports prepared by the health authorities involved. The 1991–92 and 1992–93 initiatives are being monitored by NHS Wales' value-for-money unit on behalf of the Department. The additional throughput facilitated by the initiatives for Clwyd and East Dyfed is as follows:

  Additional throughput contracted for Clywd and East Dyfed health authorities

  Clwyd

  1989–90 20 hip replacements

  1990–91 240 ENT patients

  1991–92 300 urology patients

  East Dyfed

  1989–90 1,150 dermatology patients

  1990–91 550 dermatology patients

  1991–92 120 ophthalmology patients

  40 urology patients

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to issue guidelines to local authorities in Wales allowing them to confine lorries over 17 tonnes over 12 m long to motorways, most A roads and certain other designated roads.
  245
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Guidance on lorry controls has been issued to local authorities in Welsh Office circular 24/82.

  Financial Sector Jobs
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs were created in the financial sector in Wales in each year since 1989.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Between June 1989 and 1992 the number of employees employed in the banking, insurance and finance sector increased by 21,000. While comprehensive information on total jobs created is not available, levels of employment in this sector in Wales each year are given in the following table:

  Employees in banking, insurance and finance

  Year

  Thousands at June

  1989

  68

  1990

  74

  1991

  90

  1992

  89

  Source: Employment Department, Quarterly estimate series.

  A487, Gwynedd
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest estimate of the commencement date for the Llanllyfwi Penygroes and Groeslow bypass scheme on the A487 trunk road in Gwynedd; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The A487 Penygroes-Llanllyfni bypass scheme is planned to start between April 1995 and March 1998.

  Training Schemes
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Wales are currently on training schemes sponsored by local government.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information requested is not available centrally. Local training provision, including any through training schemes sponsored by local government, is negotiated between providers and individual training and enterprise councils.

  Travel Statistics
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what figures he has showing the average length of journey in Wales from home to(a) hospital, (b) leisure facilities, (c) shopping facilities and (d) the place of work in Wales during each of the last 15 years, nationally and by local authority.

  Number of confirmed cases of BSE in Wales by month of service of form A at 30 November 1992

  Clwyd

  Dyfed

  Mid Glamorgan

  South Glamorgan

  West Glamorgan

  Gwent

  Gwynedd

  Powys

  Total

  January 1990

  7

  30

  0

  0

  0

  10

  4

  9

  60

  February 1990

  10

  49

  4

  0

  1

  9

  0

  9

  82

  March 1990

  14

  75

  4

  0

  1

  10

  3

  15

  122

  April 1990

  11

  48

  4

  2

  0

  3

  3

  12

  83

  May 1990

  15

  44

  4

  1

  0

  4

  1

  14

  83

  June 1990

  9

  38

  4

  3

  1

  5

  3

  4

  67

  246
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Information on the average length of journeys is available only for Wales as a whole from the national travel survey. Figures from the latest survey for which Welsh results are available are given in the table.

  Average length of journey in Wales, by purpose, 1985–86

  Miles All journeys

  From home to:

  Leisure facilities

  Social/Entertainment

  6·3

  Holidays/Day trips

  14·7

  Shopping facilities

  4·9

  Place of work

  5·8

  Carry out personal medical business1

  6·2

  All2

  6·2

  Source: 1985–86 National Travel Survey, Department of Transport.

  1 No data are available for hospital visits specifically.

  2 Includes journeys in the course of work, for education purposes and other personal business.

  Cancer Centre
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the siting of the north Wales cancer centre.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The establishment of a dedicated cancer treatment centre in north Wales is dependent upon the outcome of the investment appraisal currently under way.

  "This Common Inheritance"
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the likely cost of local authorities in Wales of implementing recycling plans to meet the targets set out in "This Common Inheritance"; and what percentage of those costs will be met by his Department by specific grant.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information will not be available until local authorities have prepared their recycling plans in accordance with section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The costs will be funded through the unhypothecated element of the local government revenue settlement.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of confirmed cases of BSE by county, in each month since January 1990.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The number of confirmed cases of BSE by county, in each month since January 1990 is shown in the following table:
  247

  Clwyd

  Dyfed

  Mid Glamorgan

  South Glamorgan

  West Glamorgan

  Gwent

  Gwynedd

  Powys

  Total

  July 1990

  12

  36

  0

  5

  0

  5

  2

  5

  65

  August 1990

  9

  46

  3

  3

  2

  4

  2

  10

  79

  September 1990

  17

  46

  6

  0

  0

  12

  2

  9

  92

  October 1990

  24

  58

  4

  5

  2

  13

  3

  12

  121

  November 1990

  30

  58

  2

  2

  1

  4

  5

  19

  121

  December 1990

  24

  55

  2

  1

  0

  11

  2

  13

  108

  January 1991

  37

  99

  2

  4

  0

  10

  4

  18

  174

  February 1991

  21

  62

  2

  2

  2

  9

  4

  14

  116

  March 1991

  24

  79

  8

  0

  1

  14

  5

  15

  146

  April 1991

  29

  102

  5

  9

  1

  11

  6

  14

  177

  May 1991

  20

  75

  0

  5

  1

  11

  2

  23

  137

  June 1991

  30

  84

  3

  6

  1

  10

  3

  11

  148

  July 1991

  36

  92

  0

  3

  0

  14

  6

  10

  161

  August 1991

  30

  122

  3

  3

  0

  10

  5

  27

  200

  September 1991

  35

  130

  2

  5

  0

  14

  7

  21

  214

  October 1991

  41

  135

  5

  6

  2

  17

  15

  28

  249

  November 1991

  42

  146

  5

  6

  1

  16

  17

  37

  270

  December 1991

  37

  130

  6

  9

  1

  18

  7

  34

  242

  January 1992

  44

  197

  3

  8

  1

  24

  10

  33

  320

  February 1992

  52

  156

  2

  16

  2

  30

  15

  38

  311

  March 1992

  59

  201

  3

  9

  1

  24

  17

  55

  369

  April 1992

  43

  190

  4

  6

  7

  10

  9

  42

  311

  May 1992

  31

  125

  3

  4

  2

  23

  5

  29

  222

  June 1992

  32

  123

  1

  9

  2

  9

  12

  37

  225

  July 1992

  43

  155

  5

  9

  1

  23

  15

  34

  285

  August 1992

  31

  147

  3

  14

  6

  14

  11

  35

  261

  September 1992

  40

  147

  5

  7

  1

  21

  12

  39

  272

  October 1992

  28

  83

  4

  8

  1

  16

  14

  36

  190

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Exports (Single Market)
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement on progress towards the removal, in the context of the single market, of bureaucratic impediments to exports.

  Mr. Needham
  Good progress has been made towards completion of the single market, including free movement of goods within the Community. The single market will indeed be open for business by the end of 1992 target date.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library a copy of the letter dated 20 June 1990 from his predecessor's principal private secretary to the private secretary to the chairman of the Commissoners for Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

  Mr. Heseltine
  No. The letter is one of the documents disclosed to the defence for use in connection with the Matrix Churchill trial. Lord Justice Scott will of course have full access to all relevant papers.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his Department's role in the approval of Matrix Churchill exports to Iraq, and his signing of public interest immunity certificates relating to documents relevant to the conduct of the prosecution of Matrix Churchill executives.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I refer the hon. Member to the speech I made in the House on 23 November, at columns 640–53. It is now for Lord Justice Scott to consider this issue under the terms of his inquiry.

  Trading Standards Officers
  Ms. Rachel Squire
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current shortfall in the number of trading standards officers; and what estimate he has made of its impact on the consumer protection service.

  Mr. Leigh
  The total number of trading standards officers in post in local authorities at 1 April 1992 was 288 below complement. This is a shortfall of 15 per cent. The size of the shortfall and its impact varies from authority to authority.

  Small Finns Merit Award for Research and Technology
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many companies in the south of England have won SMART awards.

  Mr. Leigh
  A total of 241 projects have been supported in the South of England—152 in the south-east—under the small firms merit award for research and technology since 1988.

  Small Businesses
  Mr.Gunnell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the level of Government financial assistance to small businesses in each year since 1990–91, expressed in 1990 prices; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Heseltine
  Government provides assistance for small businesses in many ways. Interest rates are at their lowest level since 1978 and are the lowest in the European Community. Inflation has been below the EC average for over a year. We have one of the most favourable corporation tax structures in the major industrialised countries. We have increased capital allowances to bring forward investment. In addition, specific help provided by the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of
  249
  Employment and the Scottish and Welsh Offices, including assistance provided via training and enterprise councils, local enterprise companies and other agencies, was £302 million in 1990–91, £292 million in 1991–92 and a planned £277 million in 1992–93, expressed in 1990 prices.

  Microwave Modules
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what meetings took place between his Department and Microwave Modules, or Microwave Modules International, between 1985 and 1990.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Representatives of my Department have had meetings and other contracts with representatives of these companies covering a variety of subjects for which my Department is responsible.

  Newspaper Distribution
  Mr. Ernie Ross
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the Director General of Fair Trading to complete his inquiries into newspaper distribution practices.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The Director General of Fair Trading referred the supply of newspapers from publishers to wholesalers, and wholesalers to retailers, in England and Wales to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission on 19 August this year. The commission was asked to report to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade within 12 months.

  Manufacturing
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what new proposals he has to assist manufacturing industry.

  Mr. Heseltine
  The autumn statement contained a wide range of measures to help industry. It increased capital allowances, protected major public sector capital projects, encouraged private sector finance for public sector projects, provided £700 million extra help for exporters and abolished special car tax. In addition, I have restructured my Department so as to provide a more immediate response to the needs of industry. This includes major new initiatives on deregulation and in support of exports.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to assist the manufacturing industries in the northern region.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Rugby and Kenilworth (Mr. Pawsey) on 16 November, at columns 71–72. The importance of manufacturing industry in the north is recognised by the wide range of the Department of Trade and Industry's services available to the region.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will meet representatives from the Confederation of British Industry's manufacturing council to discuss the key findings of its recent report on manufacturing.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The launch of the CBI manufacturing council report was accompanied by a debate on 250
  10 November at its conference. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade took part in that debate, replying on behalf of the Government.

  Foam-filled Furniture
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what further representations he has made to the European Commission to ensure that United Nations consumers continue to receive protection against dangerous foam-filled furniture.

  Mr. Leigh
  In May 1991 the Commission announced its decision to suspend further work on the preparation of directive on the fire behaviour of upholstered furniture pending research to establish criteria for test methods. In informal contacts with the Commission, my Department has continued to make it clear that the United Kingdom will retain its furniture regulations until there is agreement on a directive which will afford a level of fire protection commensurate with our prevailing requirements for furniture containing foam and other filling material.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he was made aware of the inclusion of the Point of Ayr colliery in the list of coal mines proposed for closure by British Coal.

  Mr. Eggar
  My right hon. Friend and I were informed by British Coal of the names of the 31 pits which it proposed for closure, which included Point of Ayr, on 12 October.

  Clean Coal Technology
  Mr. Madel
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received since 1 October concerning the future development of clean coal technology; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  My Department has received a number of letters supporting the development of clean coal technologies since 1 October. The Government recognise the importance of developing clean coal technologies and my Department is supporting a wide range of clean coal projects in partnership with the British Coal Corporation, UK industry, the European Commission and the International Energy Agency. At present, around 30 projects are under way, with a contract value of over £100 million. A number of further projects are at the planning stage.

  The development of clean coal technologies are of worldwide interest and my Department has taken the lead in establishing a number of international agreements covering information exchange and collaborative R and D under the auspicies of the International Energy Agency, European Commission R and D programmes and with the United States Department of Energy.

  Single Market
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the progress being made with the completion of the single market; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  Progress on completing the Commission's White Paper is good, with over 90 per cent.
  251
  of the measures agreed by the member states. Under the United Kingdom presidency we are seeking agreement, where possible, on the remainder, although it is recognised that some have a low priority and that agreement will not be reached on all. There has, in addition, been agreement on a large number of other measures, not included in the White Paper.

  These measures should offer major benefits for industry enabling British firms to offer a wide range of goods and services throughout the Community unimpeded by different national rules, standards or testing practices.

  However, these benefits will be felt only if there is effective enforcement of these rules in all member states. To this end, the United Kingdom presidency has initiated and obtained agreement on a resolution on making the single market work. This lays down practical steps to ensure the effective appliction, operation and enforcement of EC legislation in all member states.

  Balance of Payments
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to enable the United Kingdom balance of payments to benefit from the depreciation of pound sterling where(a) there are no United Kingdom suppliers of manufactured components and (b) where the United Kingdom supplies are of low quality.

  Mr. Needham
  My Department helps United Kingdom manufacturers to identify and take full advantage of market opportunities at home and abroad by stimulating innovation and encouraging best practice in quality, design and management.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will meet NUM representatives to discuss the future plans for the coal industry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I will meet a delegation from the National Union of Mineworkers on 7 December.

  Telephone Sex Line Services
  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what further representations have been made by his Department to Oftel about the influence of telephone sex line services.

  Mr. Leigh
  None. The independent committee for the supervision of standards of telephone information services—ICSTIS—is an effective regulator of the premium rate telephone service industry. The ICSTIS code is kept continuously under review and it was further strengthened this year. Therefore, we believe adult premium rate telephone services are strictly controlled.

  Coal Imports
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the latest available figures for coal imports for 1992.

  Mr. Eggar
  The amount of coal imported into the United Kingdom in 1992 up to the end of September was 15,972,000 tonnes.

  Departmental Subcontractors
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many small businesses subcontracted to carry out work for his Department have currently not received payment for work invoiced more than 30 days ago.

  Mr. Leigh
  This information is not available and could be provided only at disporportionate cost.

  However, I can assure the hon. Member that I do recognise the importance of prompt payment of bills, especially to small businesses. The Government should set an example in this.

  In accordance with Treasury guidelines, my Department requires its suppliers or contractors to settle all invoices with its subcontractors within the agreed credit terms or, where no credit terms have been agreed, within 30 days of receipt of an approved invoice.

  Plant and Equipment
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to encourage investment in new manufacturing plant and development by United Kingdom-owned companies.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Investment will be encouraged by the profitable and competitive manufacturing base which our policies are designed to ensure.

  Aerospace Industry
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his Department's assistance to the British aerospace industry.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Since 1979 the Department of Trade and Industry has provided over £1·5 billion in support to the United Kingdom aerospace industry.

  Laboratory of the Government Chemist
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will list by(a) date, (b) destination and (c) cost to the Exchequer of the chief executive of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist's visits to Europe since he was appointed in May 1991;

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 9 November, Official Report, columns 603–5, what has been the cost to the Exchequer of the chief executive of the Laboratory of the Government Chemist's visits to (a) Japan and (b) the United States since he was appointed in May 1991.

  Mr. Eggar
  As this is an operational matter, I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from R. D. Worswick to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 November 1992:

  As these questions complement one another, it is more constructive for me to cover them in one reply.

  The details of my overseas visits are as follows:

  Destination and date

  Cost (£K)

  Europe

  Eurolab, Berlin—22–24 May 1991

  Community Bureau of Reference (BCR),

  Brussels—5–6 June 1991

  BCR, Brussels—15–16 January 1991

  Eurolab, Strasbourg—29–31 January 1992

  253

  Destination and date

  Cost (£K)

  Central Bureau of Nuclear Measurements, Geel—11–13 November 1992

  TOTAL

  2·4

  USA

  Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Analytical Laboratory Managers Association (ALMA)—21·25 October 1991

  2·7

  Japan

  High Level Mission—29 August/6 September 1991

  4·4

  The cost comprises travel and subsistence.

  Many of the visits to Europe and the USA were made in connection with the Validity of Analytical Measurement initiative. The Laboratory undertakes this work for the Department of Trade and Industry on a customer-contractor basis. I am a UK representative on the BCR Management Committee and the Eurolab General Assembly. The High Level Mission to Japan was funded under the DTI's Overseas Science and Technology Expert Mission Scheme (OSTEMS). A report on this Mission was published in January 1992.

  I hope this information is of assistance.

  Radiocommunications Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 9 November,Official Report, columns 603–5, what has been the cost to the exchequer of the chief executive of the Radiocommunications Agency's visits to Australia and New Zealand during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Leigh
  As this is an operational matter for the agency, I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from M. J. Michell to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 26 November 1992:
  The total cost of the visit I made earlier this year to Australia and New Zealand to discuss questions of spectrum management policy, accompanied by a colleague, was £6,550. As a net running costs agency, the Radiocommunications Agency's operating costs are met by its income. This is received from fees charged to users of radio transmission equipment and certain other sources.

  Middle East (Exports)
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assistance is provided by his Department for exporters looking to open up markets in the middle east.

  Mr. Needham
  The Government's overseas trade services are available for most middle east markets and many exporters use them. This year the DTI is supporting 26 trade missions and a United Kingdom presence at 24 trade fairs in the area. It is particularly encouraging that a substantial number of participating companies are new exporters to the region. Export Credits Guarantee Department support is also available for credit-worthy middle east markets. We also see considerable scope in these markets, which last year took United Kingdom exports of £7 billion, for using some of the 100 secondees my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade plans to recruit from industry to assist with the promotion of United Kingdom exports.

  Exports
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what evidence he has of improved British export performance in the last 10 weeks.

  Mr. Needham
  United Kingdom figures are not available on a weekly basis. In the three months to October 1992, United Kingdom exports had increased by 2 per cent. by value, and 4 per cent. in volume terms, compared with a year earlier.

  Consumers Affairs Council
  Mr. Batiste
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the outcome of the Council of Ministers (Consumer Affairs) held in Brussels on 3 November.

  Mr. Leigh
  My noble Friend the Baroness Denton, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Small Firms, was in the chair for the meeting of the Council on 3 November.

  The Council reached political agreement to a common position on the proposed sixth amendment to the directive on the approximation of the legislation of the member states on cosmetic products. This was made possible by the incorporation of a presidency proposal: a ban of the use of ingredients tested on animals for cosmetics after 1998 but with an obligation on the Commission on scientific advice to make a proposal to the appropriate regulatory committee to postpone this ban if alternative tests have not been developed in time.

  The Council held an orientation discussion on the proposed directive on timeshare which revealed strong support for the measure from members of the Council. There was useful clarification of the positions of member states on four key issues—the scope of the directive, the information in the brochure and contract, withdrawal periods and reimbursement upon withdrawal. It is likely that political agreement will be reached during the Danish presidency.

  There was a short debate on the proposed directive on distance selling which highlighted the reservations voiced by several member states, particularly as to whether or not services, and most notably financial services, should be included within the scope of the directive. The permanent representatives committee will continue to examine the proposal, with particular reference to the opinion of the European Parliament.

  Commissioner Van Miert gave a presentation to the Council on the consumer aspects of the report by the high-level group chaired by Peter Sutherland on the operation of the single market.

  In addition, on the basis of a paper from the presidency, the Council explored the question of the need for increased co-operation between enforcement authorities in member states in order to secure the benefit of the single market for consumers. Discussion revealed that delegations were interested in such co-operation, particularly based on existing national structures.

  The Commission described progress that had been made on the implementation of the Community scheme for the rapid exchange of information on dangers arising from the use of consumer products and outlined the current state of work on the European home and leisure accident surveillance system.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish details of Government spending on renewables research and development for the current financial year broken down by the energy source.

  Mr. Eggar
  The estimates provision for the renewable energy research and development programme for 1992–93 is detailed in table 7 of "The Government's Expenditure Plans within the Energy Sector 1992–93 to 1994–95".

  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the names of the members of the Renewable Energy Advisory Group together with their credentials; and if he will make a statement on their agenda for the current financial year.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Renewable Energy Advisory Group was appointed in 1991 to review the Government's strategy to stimulate the development and application of renewable energy technologies wherever they have prospects of economic viability and environmental acceptability. Its report will contribute to the Government's overall review of renewable energy and will be published shortly.

  Membership of the group is as follows:

  Dr. Martin Holdgate1 Chairman

  Director General, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; formerly Deputy Secretary, Environment Protection and Chief Environment Scientist, Department of the Environment.

  Dr. Mary Archer

  Chairman, National Energy Foundation.

  Mr. John Bellak

  Chairman, Severn Trent plc.

  Professor Sir Hermann Bondi

  Fellow, formerly Master, of Churchill College, Cambridge; formerly Chief Scientific Adviser, Department of Energy and Chairman, Natural Environment Research Council.

  Mr. Peter Goldsworthy

  Director of Electricity Generation, NORWEB plc.

  Mr. David Heathcoat-Amory2

  Formerly, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy.

  Mr. Gerald Leach

  Senior Research Fellow, Stockholm Environment Institute.

  Dr. David Lindley, Managing Director, National Wind Power Ltd.

  Mr. Colin Moynihan3

  Formerly, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Energy.

  Mr. Peter Oppenheimer

  Student in Economics, Christ Church, Oxford; Chairman Caminus Energy Ltd.

  Mr. Jeremy Sainsbury

  Sole agent, Fred Olsen Ltd.

  Professor Arnold Wolfendale

  Astronomer Royal, and Professor of Physics at Durham University.

  1 Chairman from June 1992.

  2 Member until April 1992.

  3 Chairman and Member until April 1992.
  256
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on his policy for market-based support for the renewable energy technology through the non-fossil fuel obligation and the fossil fuel levy, with percentage and cash figures for each.

  Mr. Eggar
  My right hon. Friend's policy is to make renewables orders during the 1990s to support 700 MW of renewable generating capacity; the amount of support required through the levy will depend upon the contribution to generators' costs made by revenue from market sales. My right hon. Friend will review this policy in the light of the report from the Renewable Energy Advisory Group, taking into account the coal review now in progress.

  Waste to Energy
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the present level of subsidy for electricity per kilowatt hour through the non-fossil fuel obligation; and how much this represents per tonne of waste incinerated in waste to energy schemes.

  Mr. Eggar
  The details of the price support arrangements differ from order to order, and from technology to technology. However, for municipal waste incineration projects contracted by the regional electricity companies in fulfilment of the 1991 renewables order, a price of 6·55p/kWh will be paid from the due commissioning date until 1998. Assuming an electricity pool price of 3p/kWh, the premium above the pool price approximates to £17 per tonne of waste incinerated until 1998.

  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what price per kWh is currently paid by regional electricity companies for electricity generated from(a) coal and (b) municipal waste.

  Mr. Eggar
  The terms of contracts are a commercial matter for the companies concerned.

  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what estimate he has made of the quantity of electricity that may be generated from waste to energy incineration projects by the year 2000; and what quantity of coal is needed to generate an equivalent amount.

  Mr. Eggar
  No firm estimates have been produced of the capacity of electricity generation plant likely to be generated from waste to energy incineration projects by the year 2000. However, if all the domestic waste incineration projects contracted under the first two rounds of the non-fossil fuel obligation came to fruition, the total capacity in place would be over 300 MW. This capacity would generate approximately the same amount of electricity per year as could be generated from 1 million tonnes of coal.

  Electricity
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will estimate the cost to the coal industry of the subsidy given through the non-fossil fuel obligation for electricity generated by(a) nuclear power, (b) waste incineration and (c) renewables, including wind, wave, tide and solar power.
  257
  Mr. Eggar
  The above-market element of the price paid to generators contracted under the non-fossil fuel obligation is financed through a fossil fuel levy paid by electricity consumers.

  Car Advertisements
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce new guidelines for the Advertising Standards Agency limiting references to engine performance and speed acceleration in car advertisements.

  Mr. Leigh
  The Advertising Standards Authority requires that all advertisements should be legal, decent, honest and truthful and should conform to its British code of advertising practice.

  The Advertising Standards Authority already monitors car advertisements for claims relating to speed, power, acceleration and performance. Its April 1992 survey confirmed an overall improvement in compliance with British code of advertising practice of car performance advertisements.

  The Advertising Standards Authority will investigate any written complaint about advertisements, and if the hon. Gentleman has details of any particular advertisement, I suggest that he contact the Advertising Standards Authority direct.

  The British code of advertising practice is due to be substantially reviewed early next year. Although the terms of reference for that revision have yet to be decided, the Advertising Standards Authority says that they are likely to be wide ranging.

  Oil and Gas
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures he is taking to reduce the burden of regulation on United Kingdom oil and gas field development and production; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  On 22 October I published the report of a recent scrutiny by my Department which recommended a number of measures to reduce the burden of regulation in this area. A copy of the report was placed in the Library of the House. I will be implementing the changed procedures recommended in the report in full. They have been welcomed by the oil and gas industry.

  Debt Payments
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 18 November,Official Report, column 225, on late payments to small businesses, what is the value of his Department's financial support for the pilot prompt payment initiatives; and if he will list the three trade associations involved in the initiatives.

  Mr. Leigh
  The three trade associations contracted for the prompt payment initiatives are:

  The Mechanical and Metal Trades Confederation

  Walsall Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  The Federation of Master Builders

  Funding will be met as required, subject to a maximum spend by the Department of £90,000.

  German Coal Industry
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the EC about subsidies paid by Germany to the German coal industry; and what EC rules and conditions apply to them.

  Mr. Eggar
  We have made representations to the Commission about contract arrangements in Germany which could have the effect of excluding other Community producers, including British producers. All aids by member states to their coal industries must be approved by the Commission within the terms of decision 2064/86/ECSC.

  Nuclear Power Stations
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what separate provision Nuclear Electric has made for decommissioning of nuclear power stations.

  Mr. Eggar
  Nuclear Electric's 1991–92 report and accounts show that the company's balance sheet at 31 March 1992 contained total nuclear provisions of £9,883 million. Of that total, some £1,699 million represented provisions in respect of the decommissioning of the company's nuclear power stations.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many civil servants are currently employed by his Department(a) in London, (b) in Scotland and (c) elsewhere.

  Mr. Eggar
  The information is as follows. Figures relate to staff in post on 1 October 1992—part-time staff are counted as half.

  Number

  London

  7,030

  Scotland

  525

  Elsewhere

  4,405

  Collaborative R&D Projects
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will list the name of each company which received an award from his Department under the LINK scheme, the programme area of each award granted and its value, in each year since 1990–91;

  (2) if he will list the name of each company which received an award from his Department under the small firms merit award for research and technology scheme, the project title of each award granted and its value, in each year since 1990–91;

  (3) if he will list the title of each advanced technology programme, the value of each programme and the names of each organisation involved in the programmes, in each year since 1990–91;

  (4) if he will list the name of each company which received an award from his Department under the EUREKA programme, the project title of each award granted and its value, in each financial year since 1990–91;

  (5) if he will list the name of each company which received an award from his Department under the support for products under research scheme, the project title or process name of each award granted and its value, in each year since 1990–91.
  259
  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: It is not the normal practice of the Department of Trade and Industry to publish names of recipients of grants for collaborative research and development projects. Such information is treated as commercial-in-confidence. However, under the SMART competition and the support for products under research—SPUR—scheme, companies specifically agree to disclosure of their names, and in the case of SPUR they also agree to disclosure of the value of the grants.

  Recipients of grant offers under SMART and SPUR are listed, with grant values in the case of SPUR. For LINK and advanced technology programmes the names of programmes are given, together with the value of grant offers made by financial year. For EUREKA, DTI-funded projects are listed—the "EUREKA year" begins in June.

  Value of DTI grant offers made (£)

  LINK Programmes

  Programme titles

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93 to date

  Advanced Semiconductor Materials

  4,616,076

  1,531,499

  1,790

  Agro-Food Quality

  0

  1,445,300

  61,700

  Asymmetric Synthesis

  0

  353,800

  0

  Biochemical Engineering

  1,012,752

  1,065,226

  678,261

  Biotransformations

  715,702

  0

  254,680

  Control of Plant Metabolism

  68,890

  27,358

  0

  Crops for Industrial Use

  52,990

  0

  0

  Design of High Speed Machinery

  326,107

  2,102,868

  193,078

  Enabling Technologies for Advanced Rotorcraft

  0

  116,000

  0

  Enhanced Engineering Materials

  0

  0

  14,184

  Eukaryotic Genetic Engineering

  388,852

  169,829

  24,130

  Food Processing Sciences

  1,336,368

  1,635,545

  100,300

  Hydrocarbon Reservoirs

  0

  511,000

  333,000

  Industrial Measurement Systems

  587,219

  1,389,358

  118,411

  Medical Implants

  590,370

  205,740

  7,200

  Molecular Electronics

  622,600

  0

  0

  Molecular Sensors

  282,702

  236,740

  0

  Nanotechnology

  808,120

  2,910,000

  790,120

  New Catalysts and Catalytic Processes

  610,653

  674,312

  0

  Optoelectronic Systems

  4,795,194

  4,055,033

  1,909,430

  Personal Communications

  400,000

  1,300,000

  250,000

  Power Electronic Devices and Derived Systems

  376,700

  877,300

  411,200

  Protein Engineering

  243,686

  1,704,400

  312,500

  Selective Drug Delivery and Targeting

  0

  0

  0

  Structural Composites

  628,007

  1,693,169

  344,074

  Technology for Analytical and Physical Measurement

  1,414,443

  1,218,607

  186,737

  Technologies for Sustainable Farming Systems

  0

  0

  0·0

  Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

  425,150

  266,009

  0·0

  Value of Grant Offers made for Projects within Programmes

  20,302,581

  25,489,093

  5,990,795

  Consultancy, Awareness and Training

  483,027

  673,472

  265,777

  Total value of DTI grant offers made

  20,785,608

  26,162,565

  6,256,572

  The names of the businesses, and the project titles, which have received awards under the small firms merit award for research and technology (SMART) scheme in 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 to date are listed. The value of each award is commercial in confidence.

  1990–91—Stage 1

  A. K. & E. M. Campbell Trust

  Aerating Plant

  1Abbey Biosystems Limited

  Brain Oxygenation Monitor

  ABR Partnership

  Treatment of Leachates

  1Abwood Machine Tools Limited

  High Performance Grinding Machine

  Add Control Limited

  Specialised Motor Controllers

  260
  The values of DTI grant offers made for each scheme are as follows:

  Value of DTI grant offers made

  £ million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  11992–93

  LINK

  20·8

  26·2

  6·3

  EUREKA

  22·2

  15·1

  3·4

  Advanced Technology Programmes

  20·1

  42·3

  12·8

  SMART

  10·6

  12·6

  27·9

  SPUR

  —

  12·4

  7·2

  1 To date.

  2 Estimated.

  1Advanced Design and Manufacture Limited

  High Temperature Plastic Heat Exchanger

  Alfas Industries Limited

  Intumescent Sealant Tape

  1Ampys Limited

  Amplitude Limited

  1Andor Technology Limited

  Miniature Spectral Analyser

  1Animax Limited

  Animax Fermentation Project

  1Applied Sensor Research Limited

  Intelligent Vehicle Monitoring

  1Argon Electronics

  Simulation Radiation Dosimeter

  1Bafbox Limited

  Injection Mould Tool

  Ball Burnishing Machine Tools Limited

  Trib-Joints

  1F. Bamford (Instruments) Limited

  High Pressure Transducer

  261

  Bank House Practice and Med Lab Service

  Evaluation of Leucocyte Activity

  1Beran Instruments Limited

  Alternative Data Transmission

  1Biosyn Limited

  Novel Milk Assay System

  1Botham Engineenng Limited

  Large Structure Memory Management

  R J Burston

  Fibre Optics

  Cambrian Plastics Limited

  Camplas "Fiberloc" System

  1Cambridge Antibody Technology

  Small Molecule Detection

  1Capital HPLC Specialists

  Capillary Columns Development

  1Caraderm Limited

  Novel Skin Application

  Cell Adhesion Research and Development

  Design of Bioreactors

  Cell Systems Limited

  Freeze Drying Sperm and Blood

  CFM Metal Fax Limited

  Liquid Ring Machine

  Cheema Technology Limited

  Coatings—Pharmaceutical Industry

  Chemical Management Services Limited

  Synthesis of Hydrofluorocarbons

  1John Chubb Instrumentation

  Test Shielding Capabilities

  Clarinet Systems Limited

  Handheld Electronic Map on CD

  1Clinicaid Limited

  Novel Range of ECG Electrodes

  1 Clive Durose Woodturners Limited

  Woodturning Lathe

  Colebrand Limited

  Crack-sealing

  Columbus Positioning Limited

  Vehicular Positioning System

  1Cryogenic Technology Limited

  Intra Organ Cryosurgery

  CSE (Nottingham) Limited

  Telemetry System

  1D B Electronics Limited

  Standard—C. Fax

  1Danbiosyst UK Limited

  Vaginal Hydrogel Polymer System

  1 Dena Technology Limited

  Colloidal Mixing Techniques

  1Dextra Laboratories Limited

  Oligosaccharides

  1 Digital Real Time Systems Limited

  Digital Signal Processing

  1Digitrol Limited

  Disk Eraser

  1 DSP Consultants Limited

  Digital Audio Noise Reduction

  E & L Instruments Limited

  Logic Array Trainer

  1E R & F Turner Limited

  Computerised Flaking Machinery

  1 Edgley Aeronautics Limited

  All Composite Wing Spar Lug

  1 Edinburgh Sensors Limited

  Carbon Dioxide Detector

  Electronic Systems (Notts) Limited

  Fluorescent Light Controller

  Eng Measurement Analysis and Test

  Ship Propulsion by Wind Power

  ER Fluid Developments Limited

  Variable Displacement Pump

  1Europa Scientific Limited

  Metabolite Detector

  1Exotherm Products Limited

  Polystyrene Waste Densification System

  1Extek Limited

  Extek X1000 Telephone

  1FFR Ultrasonics

  Ultrasonic Plate Fastener

  1Firmac Limited

  Production of Bends in Ducting

  Flowercrete Systems Limited

  Flowscreed

  Formold Limited

  Pallet Trays for Glassware

  Formtheme Limited

  Ambulatory Data Logger

  Fosse Limited

  The Fosse Filler

  Foster Findlay Associates Limited

  Image Analysis Software

  1Fred Limited

  Wind Powered Water Treatment

  Fungal Control Systems Limited

  AIB Development

  Gallex Limited

  Fibre Optics for Robotics

  1Dr Jason Gardosi

  Novel IUCD

  Gilden Research

  Radar Transponder Product Line

  Green Marine Lymington Limited

  Pultruded Composite Yacht Spar

  1Gwent Electronic Materials Limited

  Dielectric Materials

  1Robin Hamilton

  ET2-Litter Collecting Vehicle

  HE Associates

  Dental Bridges

  262

  1Helix Biotechnology

  Products for Gene Technology

  1High Force Research Limited

  Aqueous Phenolic Effluents Treatment

  Owen Holland

  Neural Network Control System

  1Holmes Newman Associates

  Food Quality Control

  1Hughes & McLeod Limited

  Synthetic Reeds

  1Hycontrol Technology Limited

  Industrial Microwave Systems

  Iden Croft Herbs Limited

  Preservation of Edible Flowers

  1Immune Systems Limited

  Cell Culture Priming

  1Index Data Systems Limited

  Mosaic

  Industrial Development Bangor (UCNW)

  Membrane Instrument

  Industrial Health Limited

  Multi-sensor Instruments

  1Ingenion Design Limited

  Low-cost Optical Transducer

  Instrument Transformers Limited

  Optical Techniques

  1Integral Vision

  Beam Straightness Machine

  1Integrated Display Systems Limited

  Clavis Belt Tensioning Equipment

  Integrated Silicon Systems Limited

  Signal Processing Chip

  1Intelligent Applications Limited

  Electronics Troubleshooting

  Interactive Meetings Limited

  Tablet

  Interdive Limited

  Submersible Diving System

  1Jennings Winch & Foundry Co. Limited

  Electro Conductive Resins

  1Jestar Limited

  Inverted Brushless DC Machine

  Keepers Developments Limited

  H P Biotech Cell Disrupter

  Kilim Plastics

  Heat Transfer System

  Kindbrisk Limited

  Atom Probe

  1Knowledge Based Services

  Food (Formal Object Oriented

  Limited

  Design)

  Koral Scientific Limited

  Electron Microscope Module

  1Laser Hire

  Colour Laser Scanning System

  1 Link Technologies Limited

  ImprovedLinkerMolecules/ DNA

  1Linhoff March Limited

  Separation Technology

  1Liquid Levers Innovation Limited

  Reflecting Road Stud

  1Magna Industrials Limited

  Magnabond B Alumino Silica

  1 Magstim Co. Limited

  Novel Nerve Electromyograph

  1 Mangar Aids Limited

  Perairscope

  1 Marcher Enterprises Limited

  OphthalmicCamerafor Glaucoma

  1 Marine Inertial Systems Limited

  Inertial Sensing Unit

  1 Maritime Dynamics Limited

  Prototype Container Crane

  Marline (General Engineering) Limited

  Sports Turf Compaction Relief

  1 Mass Transfer Limited

  Biological Effluent Treatment

  Matrix Systems

  Micro-Plate Incubator

  Medcen Consultancies

  Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging

  Medical Laser Technologies Limited

  Isotropic Optical Probes

  Metal Crystals and Oxides Limited

  Crystals for Acousto-optics

  Micronomy Limited

  Remote Printer Driver

  1 Microplotter Engineering Limited

  Non-Contact Bar Code Reader

  Microsys Consultants Limited

  Icon Based Software System

  Microsystem Design Specialists Limited

  Gas-Phase Sensor

  MIE Medical Research Limited

  Clinical Gait Analysis System

  Minima Industrial Model Making

  Optical Connectors

  1 Mirage Inks Limited

  Detoxification of Printing Ink

  G. W. Mitchell

  Steering System for Trailers

  MLC Limited

  Colour Dry Silver Imager

  Moonstone Computers Limited

  Proximity Sensing Keypad

  1Motorised Air Products Limited

  Fire Safety Damper

  1 Multitech Limited

  Silver Photochemical Machining

  M4 Data Limited

  Optical Recording F/Study

  1Neural Solutions

  Automatic Equipment Monitor

  263

  Operating Theatre Systems

  Opcheck

  1Oretech Marine System Limited

  'Rapid'

  Dr. R. M. Parkin

  High Speed Inspection

  1Pathology Management Services Limited

  Microbiology Control

  1Photoware Limited

  Chemolog/Chemomaster

  Planar Projects

  Planar Research Project

  Polymedica Industries UK Limited

  Novel Gas

  I. T. Power Limited

  Hydro-Turbine

  1Proven Engineering Products Limited

  Wind Turbine Blade System

  PWM Drives Limited

  Fluid Infusion System

  PWS Research and Developments Limited

  Low Alcohol Drinks

  1Q-Par Angus Limited

  Microwave Components

  1Quantec Image Processing Limited

  Measurement of Components

  1Radicode Clocks

  Frequency Synchronisation System

  1Ravensworth Limited

  Heat Resistant Polymer

  Real Photographic Limited

  Microfiche Duplicator

  Reddish Electronics Limited

  Mass Analysis Profiler

  Remonsys Limited

  Electronic monitoring/fridges

  Reredos Limited

  Hi-loch sculling oars

  Roaton Design Consultants

  Tele-nav

  Rockwell Hitec Limited

  Recycle Photographic Chemicals

  Rodar Developments

  Monitoring of land-fill sites

  1Safe Training Systems Limited

  Radiation Monitor Simulation

  1Salford Technology PLC

  Optical Character Recognition

  1Julia Schofield Limited

  DML—A Presentation Manager

  Sense and Vision Electronic

  Electronic Fertility Assessment

  Systems Limited

  1Sensit Limited

  Novel Load Cell

  1SES Technology Consultants

  Laser Glass

  Shorfast Limited

  Garment Transport System

  Sifran Structural Glazing Limited

  Structural Glazing System PT4

  1Sirius Analytical Instruments Limited

  pKa Analyser

  Sprayforming Developments Limited

  Layered Silicon Steel Strip

  1St. Andrews Electronics Limited

  Data Calculators

  Stone Heroes Limited

  Marezzo Moulded Marble

  Structure Testing Services (UK) Limited

  Surface Penetrating Radar

  Swift 943 Limited

  Portable Electronic Notepad

  1Swiftlogic Limited

  Cad Tool for EMI Analysis PCBS

  1System Silicon PLC

  Speech compression

  1Systems Eng (Lancaster) Limited

  Multi-purpose Sonar

  1Tangent Technology Design Association Limited

  Portable IT Device

  Thermal Engineering Systems Limited

  High Humidity Heat Exchequer

  Thermal Measurement Systems

  Thermosure

  1Tor Systems Limited

  High Speed Personalised Ticket Dispenser

  Tri-Vac Dispense Limited

  Beverage Dispensers

  1Valeport Marine Scientific Limited

  Molecular and Optical Sensors

  1Vignan Medical Technology Limited

  Caries Detector

  1VLS Limited

  Auto Visual Inspection System

  Warwick Design Consultants Limited

  Ceramic Swash Plate Motor

  'Watersearch Limited

  Marine Hazard Warning Device

  264

  1Wolfson Microelectronics Limited

  Enhanced Analogue Components

  >1E. Wood Limited

  Polymer Coatings

  Worthington Richardson Designs

  Colour Change Medical Gloves

  1M. J. R. Young and R. Bradnock

  Removal of Plastic Bone Cement

  Zetetic International Limited

  Electromagnetic Signature ID System

  1 Received Stage 2 awards in 1991–92.

  1990–91 Stage 2

  Abbey Biosystems Limited

  Blood Glucose Monitor

  Abbey Instruments Limited

  Bacterial Colony Counter

  Advanced Technology

  Control and Optimising System

  Manufacturing Systems Limited

  Air Safety Products Limited

  Life Support and Location System

  Anthony Best Dynamics Limited

  Novel Noise Source

  Barnard Microsystems Limited

  Integrated Microwave Circuit

  Biocell Research Limited

  Gold Labelled DNA

  Biopharm (UK) Limited

  Dissolution of Blood Clots

  Biosyn Limited

  Safe Diagnostic Kits

  Biotechnology Process Services Limited

  Chromatographic Media

  Bodymedic Limited

  Remote Blood Pressure Monitor

  Boverton Electronics Limited

  Skin Tissue Condition Monitor

  Bradford University Research Limited

  NOAA Receiving System

  Burkard Manufacturing Co. Limited

  Microbiological Air Sampler

  M. H. Butterfield

  Machine Reading of Handwriting

  Camera Alive Limited

  Realtime Camera

  Cedeta Research Limited

  Electronic Pain Relief Device

  Cell Adhesion Research and Development

  Measurement of Cell Adhesion

  Centripetal Technology Limited

  Industrial Scale Cole Vacuum

  Cirrus Research Limited

  Technology Area Noise Monitor

  Clyde Product Technology Limited

  Protection for Printed Circuit

  Crossflow Microfiltration Limited

  Treatment of Rural Waters

  CSE (Nottingham) Limited

  Telemetry Slip Ring

  D. C. Clarke

  Extensible Pneumatic Cylinders

  Danbiosyst UK Limited

  Polymeric Peptide Delivery System

  Edinburgh Instruments Limited

  Microscope Based Spectrometers

  Ensigma Limited

  A Speaker Verifier

  Enzymatix Limited

  Therapeutic Phospholipids

  EST Research Limited

  Power System Development

  Exotech Limited

  Ultrasonic Stud Monitoring

  Fermentech Medical Limited

  Hyaluronic Acid in Joints

  Fiox Limited

  Fibre Optic Image Inverter

  Friction Technology Limited

  Thin Geometry Tooling

  Fyne Designs Limited

  Aqua-Nova Bathing Facility

  Giltech Limited

  Novel Dialysis Fluid

  Green Land Systems Limited

  Green Land Compost

  Haser Co. Limited

  Haser

  Hereford Herbs Limited

  Herb and Spice Beads

  Hi-Tec Metals R&D Limited

  Low Pressure Casting System

  Human Machine Interfaces Limited

  Electronic Energy Analyser

  Hydramotion Limited

  Sonic Plane Density Sensor

  Insight Logistics Limited

  Automatic Interactive Visual Scheduling

  Integrated Sensors Limited

  Detector of Charged Particles

  Intellemetrics Limited

  Impact Emission Spectroscopy

  Ion Tech Limited

  RF Excited Ion Beam Source

  265

  Isle Optics

  All Solid State Laser

  Knight Scientific

  Bioluminescent Materials

  KX Technology Limited

  Low Temp Cooling System

  Lancashire Fittings Limited

  Lead-free Soft-Solder

  Logicflit Limited

  Combined Elemental Mass Spec. System

  Marchbanks Measurement Systems Limited

  Cerebral and Cochlear Fluid Pressure Measurement

  Marine Inertial Systems Limited

  Heave Independent Motion

  MCA Services

  Micronised Silver Chloride

  McFairmond Advanced Technology Limited

  Fast Burn Technology

  Medix Limited

  Novel Insulin Delivery System

  Micrograph Design Limited

  Pressure Measuring Instruments

  MJA Dynamics Limited

  Analysis of Rotating Machinery

  Molecular Products Limited

  Novel Absorbent

  Newcastle Photometric Systems Limited

  Multi-point Low Light Detector

  Novocastra Laboratories Limited

  Monoclonal Antibodies

  Optics & Vision Limited

  Innovative Binoculars

  Oxford Positron Systems Limited

  A Low Cost Hidac Camera

  Oxford Sensor Technology Limited

  Automatic Windscreen Insertion

  Paxdata Limited

  Data Comms

  Prometheus Developments Limited

  Polymeric Intumescent Compound

  PWM Drives Limited

  Microelectronic Controller

  Quatro Biosystems Limited

  Detection of Drug Abuse

  Reeve Analytical Limited

  Chromatographic Data Systems

  S&C Thermofluids Limited

  Exhaust Powered Air Inducers

  S. L. Electrotech Limited

  Intelligent Fire Sensor System

  Salford Ultrafine Chemicals and Research Limited

  Preparations of Morphine

  Seescan PLC

  Exportable Image Analysis System

  Sensit Limited

  Micro Based Transducer Display

  Sherwood Technology Development Limited

  New X-Ray Substrate

  Shrinemark Limited

  Conductive Composite Tubing

  Somerset Fruit Machinery Limited

  Fruit Collector

  Stoneleigh Associates Limited

  Precision Imaging

  Systems Solutions Limited

  Guided Vehicle System

  Tetronics Research and Development Co.

  Preparation of Ferro Titanium Alloy

  Translift Engineering Limited

  Space Saving Fork Truck

  Tribotics Limited

  Research Affecting Chromosome Separation

  Ultra Laboratories Limited

  Industrial First Aid Dressing

  Vetstream (Development) Limited

  Info Management System—Vets

  Voltech Instruments Limited

  Portable Power Analyser

  Warwick Design Consultants Limited

  Open Water Dive Trainer

  1991–92 Stage 1

  A. W. Technology

  Infra Red Sensing

  Abbotsbury Software Limited

  Diver Management System

  Acorn Chemical Limited

  The Biocote Project

  Actuated Controls Limited

  Ultra Low Pressure Instrument

  Advanced Fluid Systems Limited

  Electro-Rheological Decelerators

  Advanced Insulation Products Limited

  Foam Dispense System

  Aerogen Co. Limited

  Aerofume

  Algotronix Limited

  Digital Workbench

  Andover Software Kits

  Speech Processing Transceiver

  266

  Antig Engineering

  Hypocycloidal Engine

  Aston Molecules Limited

  Anti-Tumour Agent

  Baugh and Weedon Limited

  Hand Held Flaw Detector

  Bede Scientific Instruments Limited

  Miniature X-Ray Detectors

  Bendoran Boatyard

  Submersible Shellfish Platform

  Anthony Best Dynamics Limited

  Testing of Vehicle Bodies

  Bio-Diagnostics Limited

  Assay for Nephrology

  Bioprocessing Limited

  Affinity System

  A. Bissell

  Real-time Scan Conversion

  Bookham Technology Limited

  Silicon Integrated Optics

  Z. Brierley Limited

  Tool and Cutter Grinder

  Cairngorm Climbing Rope Limited

  Strain Indicative Climbing Rope

  Cambridge Radiation Technology Limited

  Horizontal Drilling System

  Cardio Carbon Limited

  Percutaneous Access Device

  Castle Associates Limited

  Hand and Arm Risk Measurement

  Celect Electronics

  Remote Thermal Sensor

  Centre for Software Maintenance Limited

  Inverse Engineering for Software

  Ceratex 3D

  Ceratex 3D Transfers

  Clinical Product Development Limited

  Intra-Operative Suction

  Contra Vision

  Polyester Processing

  Counting Technology

  Portable Particle Analyser

  Cytocell

  DNA Probe for Cystic Fibrosis

  Definitive Projects

  The Intelligent Claw

  Dian Micro Systems Limited

  Data Acquisition System

  Digital Engineering Limited

  ISDN Terminal Adaptor/ Modem

  Digital Imaging Systems Limited

  Neural Network Image Processor

  DLB Systems Limited

  Clinical Trial Data Management System

  Drew Scientific Limited

  Micro Albumen Urea Analyser

  Ecossensors Limited

  Disposable Environment Sensors

  Elara Associates

  Exhaust Gas Monitor

  Elimax Limited

  Robotics in Protein Crystallisation

  Encrypta Electronics Limited

  The Re-Usable Security Seal

  Energy Technology and Control Limited

  Combustion Control Coal Boiler

  Envirotech Partnership

  Fluid Separator Prototype

  Euro Dental

  A New Dental Filling Material

  Exoptek Limited

  Machine Vision Depth Encoding

  Faxbase

  Faxbank

  Flow Simulation International Limited

  4GL Field Modelling Tool

  Focusopen Limited

  Symbol Agglutination Reader

  Formal Systems (Europe) Limited

  Tank Quantity Modelling System

  Gaeltec Limited

  Telemetry Transducer Link

  Geoquip Limited

  Perimeter Security Sensor

  Glance Information Systems Limited

  Elapsed Event Display

  Gratek Manufacturing Limited

  Microfilm Imaging Project

  Gwilym Jenkins and Partners Limited

  Scenario Testing Software

  Gyrotech Limited

  Rotaflex

  Gyrus Medical Limited

  Acid-Check

  Hallmarket Limited

  Turf Harvester

  Henrob Limited

  High Speed Rivet Collation

  Hirst Magnetic Instruments Limited

  Permanent Magnet Measurement

  Holscot Industrial Linings Limited

  Fluoroplastic Material

  Roger Hurrey

  Microprocessor Project

  Immune Systems Limited

  A Monoclonal Antibody

  267

  Immunodiagnostic Systems Limited

  Diagnostic Technology for Vitamin C

  Innovadent Technics Limited

  Magnetisable Cap Component

  Innovative Technology Limited

  Note Acceptor NA-1

  Integrated Design Techniques Limited

  Non Linear Search Algorithms

  Integrated Micro Products Limited

  Predictable Open Systems

  Intelligent Applications Limited

  Expert System Based Energy Auditor

  Intelligent Solutions Partnership

  Process Optimisation

  Inventions Limited

  Node Neural Networks

  J. P. J. Engineering Services Limited

  Ceramic Energy Saving Tuyere

  Kayvar Engineering and Automation Limited

  Solid State Current Correction System

  Kern Electrical Components Limited

  EMC Components for new EC Regulations

  Knight Scientific

  Automated "Abel" Monitoring

  Knudsen Computer Products

  Portable Reader

  Kudos Corporation Limited

  Exhaust Conditioning System

  KX Technology Limited

  Platinum-in-Ore Analyser

  Life Support Engineering Limited

  Long Duration Breathing Apparatus

  Lightwork Design Limited

  Computer Graphics Simulator

  Liquid Crystal Technology Limited

  Low Cost LCD Animation

  Liquids Research

  High Quality Ferrofluids

  W. G. Lucas and Son Limited

  Electronic Sewing Machine

  Macon Management and Design

  High Speed Encoder

  Marbco Engineering Limited

  Filling for Fire Extinguishers

  Marine Data International Limited

  Split Ship Sea Going Canal Vessel

  Marine Project Development Limited

  Detensioner Device

  Marshall Biotechnology Limited

  Solid State Temperature Control

  Maxys Circuit Technology Limited

  Neural Accelerator System

  Mecon

  Math Modellers Work Bench

  Medical Advice Service for Travellers Abroad

  A new live typhoid vaccine

  Medical Document Imaging Systems Limited

  Project "VAST"

  Medical Express (UK) Limited

  Preservatives in Toiletries

  Meter Controls International Limited

  Domestic Hot Water Controller

  Metropolitan Business Services

  Heating Device to Strip Paint

  Jonathan A. Michaels

  Devices for Medical Laser Applications

  Microbial Systems Limited

  Microbial Colony Discriminator

  Miller Dent

  Pressure Regulator

  Modular Mouldings

  Firebird II

  D. Moore

  Pipemaster

  MRP Electronics Limited

  Survivor

  Multilyte Limited

  MultiAnalyte Immunoassay System

  Mumed Limited

  Pulmonary Function Monitor

  Neptune Sonar Limited

  Diver Communication System

  New Metals and Chemicals Limited

  Carbon Fibre Reinforcement

  Novocastra Laboratories Limited

  Monoclonal Antibodies

  R. J. and R. S. Nunny—T/A Sea Sediments

  Seabed Stability

  Oilfield Chemical Technology

  Drilling Fluid Development

  Oldham Controls

  Yarnspec Equilength

  Optical Metrology Limited

  Optical Distance Measurement

  Orion Gas Seals Limited

  Front Depression Dry Gas Seal

  Oxford Lensats Limited

  Variable Focus Lenses and Mirror

  Oxford Metrics Limited

  Analysis of Himan Kinematics

  Oxford Sensor Technology Limited

  Optical Tracker Robot Welding

  268

  Pacer Systems Limited

  High speed scalloping of lace

  Pennine Automation Limited

  New Generation Machine Tool

  Pentagram Technical Services Limited

  Automated Drive for Microwave

  Perifleur Products Limited

  Orbital Plant System

  Alfred Peters Limited

  New Technology Audiometer

  Peterson Holographies

  Hologram Lighting System

  Pharmaceutical Proteins Limited

  Trojan Sperm

  Pitchline Transmissions Limited

  Gear Coupling and Test Rig

  Pixel Power Limited

  Graphics Supercomputer

  Planck Instruments (UK) Limited

  Chemical Analysis

  Pollution Control and Measurement Limited

  Portable Optical Dust Monitor

  Power Electronics Controls

  Electric Arc Sensing

  Precision Drilling Limited

  Super Saw Project

  Prendergast and Hickey

  Voice Driven Machine Interface

  Prestek Limited

  High Speed Label Printer

  Prometheus Developments Limited

  Self Reinforcing Plastics

  Quality Systems and Technology Limited

  Open Net

  Quatro Biosystems Limited

  Auto Feed Sampler

  Quest Refrigeration Manufacturing Limited

  Rotational Moulding

  RAD Scientific

  Photodynamic Cancer Diagnosis

  Radiocode Clocks

  Precision time and frequency Distributing System

  Radicontact Limited

  Zonal Intrusion Detection

  Rapaway Energy Limited

  Energy Reduction for Castings

  Research Instruments

  Cell Wall Penetration Technique

  Rhodes Technology

  Refinement of Herbal Therapy

  Robotec Limited

  Low Level Palletizer

  Rockfield Software Limited

  Mesh Generating System

  Rowan Technologies

  Corrosion Monitoring

  Russell Paterson

  Membrane Characterisation

  Sea-Tek Limited

  Fish Counting Biomass Measurement

  Seatron Limited

  Laser Nocturnal Simulator

  Selective Antibodies Limited

  Monoclonal Selective Antibody

  SES Technology Consultants

  Fast Radiosotope Imager

  Sonic Systems

  Electromagnetic Coupling

  Specialists Refractory Service

  Dental Investment Materials

  Spring Research and Manufacturing Association Limited

  Auto Spring-End Coning Machine

  Springco (NI) Limited

  Abrasive Belt Grinding Machine

  Stakesolve Limited

  Intelligent Bar Code

  Sterling Design International

  U Tube Control Tool

  Sulcated Springs Limited

  Sulcated Spring Development

  Surface Active Limited

  Monoclonal Anti-Body Detection System

  System Products Limited

  Electronic Tennis Trainer

  Systems Solutions Limited

  Auto Test Equipment

  T-Plan Systems Limited

  The M Plan Applicator Generator

  Tailor Made Systems Limited

  Predictive Lighting Maintenance

  Adam Thatcher Limited

  Real time monitoring of fall discharge

  Tilt Measurement Limited

  Roll Free Tilt Sensor

  TINT

  Ion Mobility Spectrometer

  Total Temperature Control Limited

  Electronic Control

  Track Analysis Systems Limited

  Radon and Thoron Dosemeter

  Transeise

  Seismic Process/Geophysical

  Trent Valley Water Systems Limited

  Solar Water Sterilisation Unit

  Tritec Developments Limited

  Fibre Tip Power Meter

  UK Plant Services Limited

  Low Emission Waste Gas Burner

  Viking Designs Limited

  Radiotherapy X-Ray Detector

  Viridian Bioprocessing Limited

  Biotreatment Organic Compounds

  269

  Waller Designs

  Ultrasonic Power Unit

  Warren Logic Limited

  Underwater Communication System

  Roger West Laboratories Limited

  Truck Self Weighing System

  Worthington-Richardson Designs

  Surgical Laser Structure

  X-Tek Systems Limited

  Pulsed X-Ray Source

  York Equimed Limited

  Infra Fred Heart Rate Meter

  York Software Engineering Limited

  Zeta Feasibility Study

  Zeta Controls Limited

  Smart Controls

  Zytek Systems Limited

  Battery Car—Computer Control

  2V Microsystems Limited

  Wind Generator Kits

  3D Scanners Limited

  Pantina—the "Colour 3D Scanner"

  1992–95 Stage 1

  A. Carter & P. Tilsley T/A Computer PK

  The Signal Centre

  A. G. Designs Limited

  Non-Contact Strip Gauge

  ABN Engines

  Concept Compression Ignition

  Acorn Business Company Limited

  Solar Heat Engineer (SHE) Pump

  Airborne Particle Classification

  Airborne Particle Classifier

  Airrite Building Services Limited

  Variable Area Diffuser

  AL-ECO Systems Limited

  Modular Hydroponic Product Panel

  Alan G. Jones

  Chemical Bond Based Microchip

  Animax Limited

  Materials Technology Project

  Apex Developments Limited

  Development of Oxygen Sensors

  Applied Technology Developments Limited

  H/Speed Piezo Electric Valve

  April Agri-Biologicals Limited

  Centrifugal Fabric Generator

  Armstrong Projects Limited

  Orthrobot

  Arnage Design Engineering Limited

  Mini Neutral Buoyant Manipulator

  Atlantech Technologies Limited

  High Speed Local Loop Modem

  Avimar Systems & Components Limited

  Advanced Hardware Marine Radar

  Bath Analytical

  Drug Sensitivity Testing

  Beran Instruments Limited

  Hardwood Railway Sleepers

  Bio Tools

  Genome Placement System

  Biocell Research Laboratories

  Metallic Particle Labell, Assay

  Biocolor

  Glycan Assay Kits

  Biopharm (UK) Limited

  Leech Salivary Hyaluronase

  Blackwater Electronics

  Electronic Hydrometer

  Bunting Titanium Limited

  Titanium Valve

  Cabtrac Electronics

  A Mains Paging System

  Cal Gavin Limited

  Enhanced—2 Phase Flow—Tube

  Cambridge Antibody Technology

  Blood Test for Prenatal Screen

  Cambridge Concept Limited

  Vehicle Immobilizer System

  Cambridge Optical Sciences

  Demultiplexer

  Ceramic Developments (Midlands) Limited

  UV Curing Ceramics/Polymers

  Chiprack Electronic Systems Limited

  High Density Modular PC

  Cirrus Research Limited

  A Noise Dose Badge

  Cogent Diagnostics Limited

  Rheumatoid Dipstick Assay

  Computer Industry Research Unit

  Multipoint Audio Video

  Copeland Fluid Power Limited

  Development of Fluidic Motor

  Cryogenic Limited

  A Low Cost MRI Magnet

  Customflex Limited

  Spinal Disc Replacement

  D. G. Teer Coating Services Limited

  Self Lubricating Hard Casting

  David James Cundall

  Solar Energy Battery

  De Montfort Management Limited

  "SERRA" A New Kind of Mirror

  Dextra Laboratories Limited

  Carbohydrate Antigens

  270

  Digital Real Time Systems Limited

  Modular Active Control System

  Don Whitley Scientific Limited

  On-Line Microbial Sensors

  Dr. Cross and Dr. Binner

  Water Potential Meter

  Dr. Paul A. Clifton

  Manufacture of Metal Alkyls

  Dr. R. G. Bardsley

  Genetic Profiling Kit

  E. M. Electronics Limited

  Low Level Isolated Measuring

  East Riding Laboratories Limited

  Hydrogel Drug Delivery System

  Economobile Projects Limited

  Variable Geometry Turbocharger

  Edgley Aeronautics Limited

  Composites in Aircraft

  Edinburgh Instruments Limited

  Surf Structure Port Analyser

  Eident Limited

  Laser Based Depilatory System

  Eldon Technology Limited

  16:9 Display Small Signals SEC

  Electron Microscope Services

  D.L.C. on Glass Knives

  Environics Limited

  Mass Emissions Meter

  Evans Engineering Limited

  High Speed Water Turbine

  Everlastings

  Preserving Plant Materials

  Filtec Limited

  Cenosphere Classification

  Fred Limited

  Pulsed Delivery for AGR Sprays

  FSL Electronics Limited

  Street Light Fault Monitoring

  Fulleon Limited

  High Efficiency Sounder Transd

  Global Specialities Corporation (UK) Limited

  Intelligent Signal Analyser

  Goodwin Air Plasma Limited

  New Plasma Technology

  GPE (Bulk Solids Handling) Limited

  Vacuum Aerator Feed Nozzle

  Gwent Electronic Materials Limited

  Al Inks for Auto Glass

  Gwernafalau Cyfyngedig

  Improved Method-Rapid Prototype

  H. E. Associates

  Unleaded Glass Crystal System

  Haematest Limited

  Development of Visualiser

  Harley Scientific Instruments

  Fibrous Aerosol Detector

  HDP Consultant Engineers

  Sign Capture and Verification

  High Force Research Limited

  Fluorinated Aids Anticorrosion

  Holmes Newman Associates

  Automatic Meat Quality Measure

  Hughes Whitlock Limited

  Detection of Microbial Contaminants

  Image Processing & Vision Company Limited

  Dental Imaging System

  Index Data Systems Limited

  Artemis

  Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group

  Treatment of Crohn's Disease

  Infra-Therm Limited

  Thermal Mannequin

  Innervision MRI

  Small MRI

  Intec Design Limited

  Centrifuge with Sealable Rotor

  Integral Solutions Limited

  Clementine Data Mining System

  Integrated Bus Networks Limited

  Architecture Data Comm Router

  Integrated Display Systems Limited

  Moving Belt Tension Measurement

  International Telesystems Limited

  Voice Recognition Development

  Interstellar Systems Limited

  Simultaneous Windows

  Iomed

  Non Invasive Test

  Ion Vac Technology Limited

  Pollution Free Vacuum Coating

  Isle Optics

  Laser Control Devices

  Janner Enterprises Limited

  Q Nect Connector

  JME Limited

  X-ray Stress Analysis

  John Ashworth & Partners

  Decorative Pyrophytic Coatings

  K. & L. Engineering

  Tube Filling Machine

  L. Jankovic

  Self Learning Electronic Chip

  Leading Edge Research Limited

  Fibre Optic Sensor Bushing

  Less Common Metals Limited

  High Purity Indium Production

  Lexcel Technology

  Lithium Sulphur Trioxide Battery

  Lightdatec Fibre Optic Comms. Limited

  Peripheral Shaving Using Radio

  Lloyd Doyle Limited

  High Speed Optical inspection

  271

  Magna Industrials Limited

  Isostatic Pressing (Dry Bag)

  Marvell Consultants Limited

  On-Line Particle Analysis

  MCA Services

  Novel Biosensor Electrodes

  Medicina Limited

  Gastric Tonometer

  Medimech International Limited

  Sharps Protection Feature

  Metals Research Semiconductors Limited

  Novel Multi-Wafer Movpe System

  Michael J. Billingham Limited

  Silicone Rubber Patterns

  Microbial Developments Limited

  Microbial Control

  Microlight Systems Limited

  Mini Computers

  Microsurgical Equipment Limited

  Joining Blood Vessels

  Midland Valley Exploration

  Landslip Prediction Software

  Milmcga Limited

  Solid State Power Amplifiers

  Minster Composite Industries Limited

  D. S. C. M. Development

  Mirage Inks Limited

  U. V. Curable Ink Food Packaging

  MJA Dynamics Limited

  Diagnose Serious Faults

  Molecular Light Technology Research

  Multiple Virus Screening Tests

  Moredun Animal Health

  Diagnosis/Animal Disease Kits

  Mounture Race Engines

  Hydraulic/Electronic Valve Control

  Mupor Limited

  Surface Morphology Membrane

  Natural Technology Limited

  Aquatic Weed Harvester

  Newtech Limited

  Ultra High Speed CNC Machines

  Nicholas Electronic Design

  Safe Inspection Light

  Nima Technology Limited

  An Intelligent Gas Sensor

  Novocastra Laboratories Limited

  Genetic Engineering

  Objective Software Technology Limited

  Message Base Test

  Omicron Development Limited

  Flat Loudspeaker

  Optoken Instruments Limited

  Alumina Size Exclusion Membrane

  Optolink

  Electronic Health System

  Optomech Limited

  High Power DPSS Laser

  Oswel DNA Service

  DNA & RNA Clinical Samples

  Oxford Applied Research

  Focused Ion Beam Technology

  Oxford Asymmetry Limited

  Automatic Asymmetric Synthesis

  Oxford Optronix

  Blood Flow & Oxygenation

  P. C. Maritime Limited

  Integrated Navigation System

  Parallax Solutions Limited

  Identify Validation

  Permarock Products Limited

  Water Based Conductive Coating

  Photek Limited

  3–5 Hybrid Photomultipliers

  Pi Logic Limited

  Multiparameter Sensor Mattress

  PL Coatings Limited

  Refractive Photometric Monitor

  Pollution Monitoring Systems

  Multi Gas Air Pollution Monitor

  Preformed Rib Markings Limited

  Road Marking Machine

  Advanced technology programmes ' Value of DTI grant offers made (£)

  Programme titles

  1990–91 £

  1991–92 £

  1992–93 to date £

  Advanced Robotics

  0

  2,891,102

  394,935

  Advanced Silicon Technology

  0

  0

  2,467,973

  Compounds Semiconductor Technology

  0

  684,624

  790,708

  Competitive Manufacturing: Information Gathering

  0

  0

  9,940

  Computer Aided Engineering

  1,014,469

  1,345,659

  629,961

  Gallium Arsenide

  4,335,800

  274,376

  0

  Information Engineering

  9,663,596

  7,136,310

  0

  Manufacturing Organisation, People and Systems

  0

  506,209

  727,155

  National Electronics Research Initiatives

  0

  85,000

  900,000

  Open Distributed Systems Architecture

  0

  786,700

  0

  Parallel Applications

  0

  13,000,000

  0

  Safety Critical Systems

  15,000

  7,195,154

  102,226

  Speech and Language Technology

  0

  0

  3,467

  Superconductivity

  312,815

  772,388

  1,326,837

  Systems Technology and Integration

  282,000

  2,119,910

  0

  272

  PRISM

  Continuous Reactor Processing

  Pyramis Limited

  Vital Signs Monitor

  Quantum Vision Limited

  Bio-Medical Imaging Detector

  R. M. Brown T/A Compojet

  Miniature Gas Turbine

  RDM Consultants Limited

  Brain Monitor Development

  Richard H. R. Abbott

  Hydroponic System

  Roger Hurrey

  High Speed Microprocessor

  Rombo Productions

  Multi-Media Development

  Roy Venton-Walters

  Advanced Light Aircraft

  S & C Thermofluids Limited

  Floating Booms—Oil Spillage

  S. Henderson

  The "MAC" Project

  Savawatt (UK) Limited

  Project Ashpic

  Selective Antibodies Limited

  Enhanced Specificity Immunoassay

  Semimetrics

  Materials Quality Testing

  Sintex Limited

  Sinterforming Waste Polymers

  SJB Engineering

  Extensiometers: Creep and Fatigue

  Spatial Image Systems Limited

  New Type of Computer Screen

  Specialist Micro Technology

  Solid State Disc Drive Design

  Spectrum 2000

  Advanced Position Sensors

  Sterimedix Limited

  Small Incision Nucleus Removal

  Swift 943 Limited

  Divemap

  Synpro M. I. Limited

  Gearless Print Roller Drive

  Systems Eng. (Lancaster) Limited

  Hand Held Diver Sonar

  Systems Eng. & Assessment Limited

  Tissue Characterisation

  Team Management Systems Limited

  Improvement in Orthodontics

  Teledictor Limited

  Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge

  Thermatec Engineering

  Electron Beam Welder

  TIC

  Interfaces For Specific Needs

  TJP Electronics Limited

  Automatic Tube Cutting

  Tom Wielkopolski

  Stepless Gear Drive

  Traffic Safety Systems Limited

  Traffic Light Video Camera

  Transmed Limited

  Improved Brain Function Monitor

  Trevor Holroyd T/A Sound

  Acoustic Testing Machine

  Advice

  Visible Sound

  Deaf Vocabulary Training

  Vista Optics Limited

  Deposit Resistant Material

  Vitronix

  Glass Ceramic Semiconductors

  Vuman Limited

  Anaesthesia/Sedation Monitor

  Welland Medical Limited

  Disposal Stoma Bag

  XL Technology Limited

  Inflatable Packer

  3D Research

  3D Digitizer

  3A Biotechnology

  Phonocardiometer

  3D Instruments Limited

  Motion Tolerant Compass

  Judging of Stage 2 entries has yet to be completed.

  273

  Programme titles

  1990–91 £

  1991–92 £

  1992–93 to date £

  Wealth From The Oceans

  2,093,282

  2,272,947

  1,284,068

  VLSI Design Automation

  0

  0

  2,478,996

  Value of grant offers made for projects within programmes

  17,716,962

  39,070,379

  11,116,266

  Consultancy, Awareness and Training

  2,369,015

  3,279,364

  1,703,179

  Total value of grant offers made

  20,085,977

  42,349,743

  12,819,445

  DTI funded EUREKA projects

  FY 1990–91:

  EUI87HYPASSE

  EU358 FORECAST

  EU409 EUROMAR SMURV

  EU462 PEPITE

  EU463 PCW

  EU465 ASSYSTO

  EU466 RUBPLAS

  EU468 EUROCOMP

  EU569 PARTIPRO

  EU574 SUMMIT

  EU584 RIVERMAN

  EU597 IPDOCS

  EU605 UNIPOS

  EU613 CUSOFT

  EU616 EURORIM

  EU625 VADIS

  EU630 QMIS

  EU637 PAL-PLUS

  EU645 MEDICINE

  EU661 SELECT

  FY 1991–92:

  EU99 HALIOS

  EU411 CERAM 2000

  EU487 ENVINET-INFOSYST

  EU568 M EDISENS

  EU579 JAMIE

  EU606 ACROPOL

  EU610 GRAPHICS

  1990–91

  Nil

  1991–92

  £ thousands

  Advanced Design Systems Ltd.

  Auto Robotic Loading System

  16·5

  Aerospace Systems & Technologies Ltd.

  Flash

  150·0

  AES Engineering Ltd.

  Bellows Seals

  43·8

  Aircraft Maintenance Supply Services

  Airconditioning Trolly

  106·2

  Alval Engineering Co. Ltd.

  Pervaporator

  39·0

  Anson Ltd.

  Metlock Union

  46·6

  Apple Engineering Ltd.

  Food Processing

  52·5

  Applied Vision Ltd.

  Ophthalmic Coating

  57·1

  Avondale Property (Holding) Ltd.

  Glass Reinforced Composite

  95·0

  BDS Biologicals Ltd.

  Coated Particle Immunoassays

  41·4

  Beta Instrument Co. Ltd.

  Integrated Process Control

  150·0

  BJM Insulation Products Ltd.

  CFC·Free Foam Manufacture

  38·4

  Boiler Management Systems Ltd.

  Automatic Boiler System

  28·6

  Boxford Ltd.

  Low Cost Lathe/Milling Machine

  70·9

  Boxstrong Ltd.

  Sheet Prismatic Reflector

  22·5

  Bracken Enterprises Ltd.

  Computer Aided Pattern Technique

  69·9

  Bradford University Software Services

  Computer Soft Graphics

  22·5

  Bradley Electronics Ltd.

  Tacan Ground Beacon

  150·0

  Carmichael Design & Engineering

  Roll Fed Labelling Machine

  150·0

  Carver & Co. (Eng.) Ltd.

  Combination Heater

  71·7

  Chilworth Technology Ltd.

  Calorimeter

  87·3

  Colourgen Ltd.

  Metallic Paint Matching System

  30·0

  Concorde Packaging Specialists

  Multi·Station Spooling Unit

  99·0

  274

  EU611 NEFO

  EU626 MUSHROOM FACTORY

  EU636 EUROPICON EU638 PARSIM

  EU643 SAFETY-INDAL

  EU673 TEPREN

  EU674 MOBILE ANALYSIS LAB

  EU681 HONEYCOMP PANELS

  EU690 ALASCA

  EU692 HADRIAN

  EU699 UBIQUITY

  EU701 MAESTRO

  EU710 ECMA PCTE

  EU7I6 QUASIAT

  EU721 BIOGENIE

  EU727 FRAIT

  EU742 E-AUTO

  EU745 EUROVOLTAIC

  EU747 ROFOMAG

  EU755 DIATOOLS

  EU775 TV-MIX

  EU291 LAMA

  EU730 PREMEC

  EU750 PORK MIDDLE

  EU776 CARP

  EU829 DECAY CONTROL

  The names of the businesses which have received grant offers under the support for products under research (SPUR) scheme are listed as follows with the project title and value in the years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 to date.
  275

  £ thousands

  Condition Monitoring Ltd.

  Machine Condition Software

  52·8

  Cooperheat (UK) Ltd.

  Solid State Power Source

  20·4

  Creos International Ltd.

  HF Generator

  128·7

  CSA Ltd.

  Antennae for PC Networks

  150·0

  Darron Tool and Engineering Ltd.

  Multi-Action Circulation Sub

  84·0

  Denford Machine Tools Ltd.

  CNC Desk Top Tutor

  30·0

  Depac Glideflare Systems Ltd.

  Modified Wood Fibre

  119·1

  Diomed Ltd.

  HP Portable Medical Laser

  150·0

  Disc Maintenance Services Ltd.

  High Speed Disc Drive

  121·7

  Don Whitley Scientific Ltd.

  Microbial Growth Monitoring

  62·5

  Edgley Aeronautics Ltd.

  Glider Fuselage

  95·4

  Edinburgh Instruments Ltd.

  Power Ultimate Reliability

  126·9

  Elkay Electrical Manufacturing

  Cable Glands

  64·8

  Emerson & Renwick Ltd.

  High Speed Cut Off Mechanism

  73·4

  Epichem Ltd.

  Monosilane Production

  54·2

  European Colour (Pigments) Ltd.

  Food Colours Based on NICA

  150·0

  Fabric Care Research Association

  Improved Processes for Laundry Industry

  51·7

  Fermentech Medical Ltd.

  Holoderm

  38·7

  Fernau Avionics Ltd.

  Precision DME Development

  147·1

  Fibrecast (UK) Ltd.

  Injection Moulding Resin

  100·3

  Film Technology

  Water Destructible Film

  141·8

  First Class Developments Ltd.

  Edible Holography

  136·5

  Forward Group pic

  Inspection and Test from Data

  150·0

  Geotechnical Instruments (UK) Ltd.

  Ultrasonic Dipmeter

  26·1

  GHB (Holding) Ltd.

  Rotary Letterpress

  27·0

  Giltech Ltd.

  Antibacterial Agent

  150·0

  Gledhill (Water Storage) Ltd.

  Thermal Storage Package

  42·9

  Graff Electronic Machines Ltd.

  Visual System for Simulation

  150·0

  GSPK Ltd.

  Plugging THP Holes

  42·6

  Herga Electric Ltd.

  Intrinsic Fibre Optic

  150·0

  Hocking NDT Ltd.

  Digital Signal Processing

  150·0

  HST Developments Ltd.

  New Kind of High Speed Tractor

  54·2

  Hycontrol Ltd.

  Ultrasonic Transducer

  70·5

  Hydraulic Analysis Ltd.

  Lead Detection in Pipe Lines

  57·3

  Imaging Technology Ltd.

  Microfilm Scanning Camera

  125·1

  Industrial Copolymers Ltd.

  Synthetic Resins

  32·2

  Industrial Electronic Automation

  Tempcheck

  104·3

  Informatics (Europe) Ltd.

  Patient Data Management

  150·0

  Integrated Control Technologies Ltd.

  Joystick Module Family

  18·4

  Integrated Optical Components Ltd.

  Lithium Niobate Component

  126·5

  Intercoat Industrial Paints Ltd.

  Pigmented Paint Finish

  146·3

  Interdri Ltd.

  Vacuum/Radiant Drying System

  105·6

  Interprise Ltd.

  Growth Promoter Animal Feed

  82·0

  J. F. Turkington (Eng) Ltd.

  Parcel Sorting Device

  21·3

  J. L. Automation Ltd.

  Larvis

  57·3

  John McGavigan & Co. Ltd.

  Membrane Car Horn Switch

  48·6

  John Woodhead (Dobroyd Mills) Ltd.

  Fibre Control System

  45·9

  Kays Electronics Ltd.

  Network 500

  4·7

  Ken Mills Eng. Co. Ltd.

  Fibre Bailing

  21·2

  KT Industrial Rubber Products

  Laminow Development

  46·2

  Laboratory Impex Ltd.

  Bactocyte

  150·0

  Lamberton & Co. Ltd.

  Numerical Controller

  117·9

  Lancashire Fittings Ltd.

  Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings

  150·0

  Laser Ecosse Ltd.

  Carbon Dioxide Laser

  135·0

  Longdin & Browning (Surveys) Ltd.

  Development of Clear Count

  44·4

  MacFarlane Smith Ltd.

  Animal Repellent Products

  150·0

  Magnex Scientific Ltd.

  Mini MRI Magnet System

  128·6

  Mast Laboratories Ltd.

  Infection Assessment Device

  52·0

  Materials & Corrosion Technology

  Monitoring Concrete Structures

  36·0

  MCC Engines Ltd.

  Merritt Engine Hybrid

  150·0

  Mutual Systems Ltd.

  Control & Monitoring S&H Ware

  30·0

  M4 Data Ltd.

  Optical & Magnetic Data

  150·0

  N. A. Software Ltd.

  Parallel Signal Processing Toolset

  120·9

  Netlon Ltd.

  Advanced Georgrids

  150·0

  New Tech Ltd.

  Dacromet Coating

  115·0

  276 277

  £ thousands

  Oakdale Batteries Ltd.

  Novel Battery

  94·5

  Oxford Lasers Ltd.

  Copper Laser R&D Programme

  78·6

  Oxley Developments Co. Ltd.

  Multiway Filters

  52·0

  P. G. Technology Ltd.

  Non Contact Measuring Module

  93·3

  Pascall Microwave Ltd.

  Advanced Microwave Amplifier

  31·7

  Pathtrace Engineering Systems Ltd.

  Advanced Manufacturing System

  150·0

  Pegson Ltd.

  Cone Crushers

  150·0

  Penn Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

  Lyophilisation Activies

  29·2

  Pennine Metronics Ltd.

  Child Security Tagging System

  25·4

  Pharmaceutical Proteins Ltd.

  Human Milk From Transgenic Cow

  150·0

  Polymer Laboratories Ltd.

  Torsional Rheometer

  102·5

  R. S. Clare & Co. Ltd.

  Aquaflex Road Markings

  46·1

  RDS Technology Ltd.

  Geographical Information Systems

  105·6

  Recognition Research Ltd.

  Novel Neural Network Software

  50·9

  Reekie Manufacturing Ltd.

  Stone and Clod Separator

  150·0

  Resource Conservation pic

  Wind Turbine Control Electrics

  64·5

  Reynolds Boughton Ltd.

  Mounted Container Handling System

  112·5

  Reynolds Medical Ltd.

  ECG Ambulatory Monitoring

  150·0

  Ridge way Science Ltd.

  On·Farm Heat Detection Kit

  28·5

  RIG Technology Ltd.

  Fluid Quality Control

  69·3

  Robinson Instruments Ltd.

  Stress Control Termination

  31·2

  Romag Glass Products Ltd.

  Furnace for Film Coating Glass

  107·2

  S. H. Wire & Tube Products Ltd.

  Coathangers

  35·9

  S. & D. Rivet Ltd.

  Portable Applicators

  150·0

  Sarclad International Ltd.

  Condition Monitoring System

  134·4

  Sauflon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

  Contact Lens Neutralisation

  49·5

  Servomex (UK) Ltd.

  Gas Analysis

  133·9

  Shering Weighing Ltd.

  Digital Loadcell Project

  60·1

  Sifam Ltd.

  Fibre Optics Communications

  135·0

  Sira Ltd.

  Optical Measurement of Products

  131·0

  Snell & Wilcox Ltd.

  UP Converter for HDTV

  133·7

  Spectra·Tek Holdings Ltd.

  Distributed Database Flow

  94·3

  Steelpress Ltd.

  Coating Integrity of Steel

  37·0

  Sterotech Ltd.

  Sterile Solution

  30·5

  Submetrix Ltd.

  Interferometric Seabed Sonar

  76·6

  Surface Technology Systems Ltd.

  Plasma Wafer Processing

  58·9

  T. A. Savery & Co. Ltd.

  Pressure Balanced Pump

  43·8

  TDS Digitizers Ltd.

  Cordless Digitizing Stylus

  57·0

  Team Precision Engineering Ltd.

  DOUBLE

  19·5

  Tele-Trading International Sales

  DASAP 128i

  150·0

  Test Automation Ltd.

  Series 2000 Replacement

  37·8

  Timberliner Ltd.

  Slurry Injection Project

  39·0

  TQC Ltd.

  Process Control Simulation

  60·3

  TRL Technology Ltd.

  INMARSAT-M/B Modem Design

  39·8

  UCC International Ltd.

  On Line Viscosity Fluid

  56·4

  Usatt International Ltd.

  Power Station Simulator

  45·6

  Valeport Marine Scientific Ltd.

  400 Oceanographic Instrument

  149·0

  Voltech Instruments Ltd.

  3-phase Power Analyser

  46·2

  W. H. Dunn & Sons Ltd.

  "Wagtail' High Speed Product

  138·2

  Western Equipment Development Ltd.

  Multi-Cassette Wafer Sorters

  144·9

  Wicks & Wilson Ltd.

  Duplication of Aperture Cards

  150·0

  Willett Systems Ltd.

  Non·Porous Impulse Jet Printer

  150·0

  Wolfson Microelectronics Ltd.

  Mobile Communications

  98·3

  Zytek Systems Ltd.

  Engine Management Systems

  72·8

  3E Research

  XXEN

  73·7

  1992–93 to date

  £ thousands

  A B Automation Limited

  Control System and Soft/Hardware

  32·6

  Acro-Vu Limited

  Magazine CNC Bar Feed

  94·2

  Adams-Hydraulics Limited

  Membrane in X-Flow Filtration

  105·2

  Agropharm Limited

  Enrichment of Sesame Seed Oil

  58·7

  Akebia Limited

  High Speed Image Generator

  61·1

  Ascada Limited

  Open Computer System

  135·0

  Aztec Developments

  Soft Drink Mixture Control

  81·0

  Blow Moulding Controls Limited

  Electrical Leak Detection

  45·6

  278 279

  £ thousands

  Braid Systems Limited

  Image Messaging System

  150·0

  Branlow Builders Limited

  Branlow Probe Development

  59·9

  British Bio-Technology Products Limited

  R&D of 2 Enzymeimmunoassays

  140·0

  C M Microdat Limited

  Automated Cask Beer Racker

  30·7

  Calder Hydraulic Co. Limited

  VDR

  16·5

  Calluna Technology Limited

  High Performance 1·8 Hard Disc

  150·0

  Castle Care-Tech Limited

  Electronic Alarm Control

  96·9

  Caswell & Co. Limited

  Water Based Contact Adhesives

  48·7

  Chas E Goad Limited

  Geographical Information System

  87·0

  Computionics Limited

  Intelligent Call System

  104·1

  Copystatic Systems Limited

  Parts Forecasting Logistics

  138·5

  Crombie Anderson Associates Limited

  Automatic Aircraft Components

  128·2

  Datel Technology Limited

  Patient Management System

  106·9

  Delta-T Devices Limited

  Modular Data-Logger

  88·7

  Denne Developments Limited

  New Actuator System

  41·6

  Development Plastics Limited

  Residential Door System

  92·6

  Direct Technology Limited

  Automator QA For Windows

  81·9

  Donprint Label Systems Limited

  Radiation Curing Surface Coat

  49·0

  EBAC Limited

  Develop A Water Cooler

  71·0

  Eden Design Group Limited

  Advanced Pen Computer

  150·0

  Electro Automat (UK) Limited

  Switch Mode Charger Control

  18·0

  Equator Wheels & Sections Limited

  Dry Rolling of Aluminium

  24·0

  Europa Crown Limited

  Edible Oil Deodoriser Dev

  73·9

  Everitt Fabrications Limited

  Structural Steel Connections

  72·2

  Ex-Or Limited

  Fluorescent Ballast

  150·0

  First Inertia Switch Limited

  Inertia Fuel Pump Controller

  150·0

  Galatrek International Ltd.

  Powermaster

  145·2

  GBL Ltd.

  Polymer Photoreceptor Drums

  127·1

  GST Holdings Pic

  Windfall

  150·0

  H E Electronics

  Eng Control Inst—Gas Turbine

  34·1

  Hamech Ltd.

  E3 Reach Truck

  94·2

  Highlife Development Co. Ltd.

  Energy Housing Modular

  82·8

  Holroyd Associates Ltd.

  Polymer/Carbon Black Aid

  119·6

  Ilchester Cheese Co. Ltd.

  Pilot Plant for Waxed Cheese

  33·0

  Innovative Technologies Ltd.

  Advanced Wound Dressings

  84·8

  Interconnect Ltd.

  G3 Digital Telephone System

  150·0

  James Proctor Ltd.

  Biomass Mechanical Feeder

  27·3

  Jesse Brough & Co. (Recycling) Limited

  100 per cent. Recycling of Dross

  49·3

  K S Process Eng Ltd.

  Anvil Stamping Machine

  39·4

  Karrimore International Ltd.

  Load Carrying System

  150·0

  Kewill-Xetal Systems Ltd.

  EDI Clearing House

  88·7

  King & Fowler Ltd.

  Aluminium Surface Coating

  150·0

  Lindley Flowtech Ltd.

  Fluid Paniculate Monitor

  43·5

  Loctronic International Ltd.

  Fresh Potato Selector

  60·0

  Manufacturing Electrical Design Cons

  An Ex Loudspeaker

  28·5

  Mark Tyzack & Sons Ltd.

  Autogyro Project

  56·7

  Marl International Ltd.

  Extruded Liquid Optics

  117·0

  Medicina Ltd.

  Gastric Tonometer

  43·4

  Midland Chromium Plating Co. Ltd.

  Durable Electrolytic Finishers

  111·6

  Moor Instruments Ltd.

  Neuropathy Assessment Monitor

  58·6

  Navico Ltd.

  Networked Electronics 4 Boats

  150·0

  Nordiko Ltd.

  Frequency Ion Source

  72·7

  North West Roller Services Ltd.

  Laser Routing System

  46·5

  Pheonix Scientific Industries

  Close Coupled Inert Gas Atomiser

  52·8

  Planner Products Ltd.

  Bio Cryopreservation System

  45·9

  Polymeters Response International Ltd.

  Single Phase Electricity Meter

  150·0

  Precision Manufacturing Services Ltd.

  Saw Blade Grinder

  31·5

  Pulse Service Centre Ltd.

  Mini Servotrack Writers

  45·0

  Rayleigh Instruments Ltd.

  Electromagnetic Communication

  28·8

  Reddiplex Ltd.

  Polypropylene Machinery

  97·7

  Remote Technology Ltd.

  Fatigue Testing Rig

  16·2

  Storechange Ltd.

  Road Cone Sleeves Manufacture

  43·5

  Techlok Limited

  Novel Techring Flange System

  114·6

  280 281

  £ thousands

  Technology Systems Limited

  Laser Based Dot Matrix Coding

  150·0

  Textile Computer Systems (TCS) Limited

  True Colour/Shademaster

  48·0

  Transense Technologies Pic

  Electric Power Steering System

  46·9

  Trifid Software Limited

  Simultaneous Engineering Control

  150·0

  TRL Technology Limited

  Inmarsat M/B & Mes-B

  42·2

  Value Added Medical Products Limited

  Dev of Integ Med Management System

  150·0

  Ventron Technology Limited

  Synthesise Organotin Compounds

  146·7

  VLSI Vision Limited

  Colour Image Sensing

  150·0

  Webster Machine Development Limited

  The Webster Boom

  118·8

  Wellman Furnaces Limited

  Auto Metal Stacker/Pallet Feed

  71·9

  Weston Electric Units Limited

  High Speed Machining

  50·4

  Zeal Holdings Limited

  Glass Marking Laser/Monomer

  37·1

  Technology Transfer
  Dr. Moonie
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what responsibilities his Department has for the promotion of technology transfer from the public sector research base into industry.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: As part of improving the competitiveness of United Kingdom industry the Department of Trade and Industry seeks to optimise the benefits to industry of work carried out in the science base. Technology transfer is an important aspect of this process.

  The Department of Trade and Industry encourages technology transfer by offering direct help through a range of generic technology transfer programmes, for example, in biotechnology and information technology and also by
  282
  improving education/industry links, for example, the teaching company scheme. Overall, the Department spends some £100 million per year in support of technology transfer.

  Parcelforce
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will ensure that after the privatisation of Parcelforce a uniform tariff will be maintained.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: In the statement by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade to the House on 15 July, Official Report, column 1137, of his intention to privatise Parcelforce, he stated that an essential requirement for the Government would be a continued universal parcel service at a uniform and affordable tariff. This remains the case.

  DANGEROUS DOGS ACT 1991
  DANGEROUS DOGS ACT 1991
  SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS: PAY FREEZE
  SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS: PAY FREEZE
  COAL IMPORTS: TRUE COST
  COAL IMPORTS: TRUE COST
  CONSUMER AFFAIRS COUNCIL, 3rd NOVEMBER
  CONSUMER AFFAIRS COUNCIL, 3rd NOVEMBER
  THORP: LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES
  THORP: LIABILITY FOR DAMAGES