Written Answers of 3 December 1992

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

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

  The Attorney-General
  None.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Attorney-General what documents the Law Officers have supplied to Sir John May's inquiry into the Guildford Four convictions; and on what terms.

  The Attorney-General
  The Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers provided Sir John May with complete copies of the files relating to the prosecution of the Guildford Four and the Maguires. In addition, his inquiry was provided with a number of files relating to other cases arising at about the same time as the matters under consideration by Sir John May where decisions were taken whether to authorise proceedings under the Explosive Substances Act 1883.

  These documents were supplied to Sir John on a confidential basis and with an understanding that he would discuss with us any question of their further use which might arise in the course of his inquiry.

TRANSPORT

  West Coast Main Line
  Dame Elaine Kellett-Bowman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has for recognising wider social benefits and making provision for through ticketing when financing new rail infrastructure, with particular regard to the west coast main line.

  Mr. Freeman
  Under our privatisation proposals, ownership of the railway infrastructure will pass to Railtrack, a public sector track authority. Investment in infrastructure will largely be financed from charges to operators but, as stated in the White Paper "New Opportunities for the Railways", the Government may provide direct support for investment schemes not earning an adequate financial return but which have satisfactory cost-benefit returns when wider social and economic benefits are taken into account. No proposals for major investment in the west coast main line have been submitted to the Secretary of State. We have given a clear commitment in the White Paper to preserve through ticketing arrangements across the network.

  M25 (Junctions 12 and 15)
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many letters his Department has received commenting on his proposals to enlarge the M25 between junctions 12 and 15; and how many of these supported the proposals.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  In total, 2,691 letters, some copied to other Ministers, and 7,405 pre-printed postcards have been received specifically commenting on the link road proposals between junctions 12 and 15 of the M25. A number of other letters have also been received raising wider M25 issues. Eight letters in support of the link road proposals have been received.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the alternative routes considered when he was preparing his proposals to enlarge the M25 between junctions 12 and 15.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I am arranging for the list to be placed in the House Libraries.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a list of those organisations that have submitted comments on his proposals to enlarge the M25 between junctions 12 and 15.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  A range of possible measures to improve the M25 was outlined in a report by consultants, Rendel, Palmer and Tritton, published in July 1989. This was followed by the M25 action plan published in December 1990 which announced plans to deal with congestion on the M25 and to improve the operation of the motorway. More recently, a review report and a technical appraisal report outlining alternative options for providing additional capacity between junctions 12 and 15 of the M25 were placed in the Library.

  Chris Green
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what capacity he has invited Chris Green, head of InterCity, to attend the meeting of potential rail operators scheduled for 9 December.

  Mr. Freeman
  The meeting on 9 December will discuss the procurement of rolling stock following privatisation, particularly through leasing. Those attending are therefore mainly representatives of financial institutions, together with a number of potential franchisees.

  British Rail will be represented by the board member for finance, Mr. James Jerram. Mr. Chris Green is not attending.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information his Department has about the extent, and the reasons for, the decline in freight on British Rail(a) in the two years preceeding 14 July and (b) since 14 July.

  Mr. Freeman
  Total tonnage carried by rail fell from 143·1 million tonnes in 1989–90 to 135·8 million tonnes in 1991–92. Factors affecting changes in rail freight are discussed at pages 18 to 20 of the 1991–92 annual report and accounts of the British Railways Board, which is responsible for rail freight in Great Britain.
  285
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met representatives of the rail freight group; and what discussions they had on the switch of freight moved by British Rail to road transport.

  Mr. Freeman
  I last met the rail users group on 19 May 1992. During the discussion we exchanged views on how rail freight could best compete with other modes.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of state for Transport if it remains his policy to encourage a switch of freight from road to rail; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  It remains Government policy to encourage a switch of freight from road to rail where this makes commercial sense.

  InterCity (Franchising Bids)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider the propriety of serving managers of InterCity, and other senior British Rail executives, being allowed to work with, and facilitate prospective franchises in the negotiation and preparation of franchising bids for InterCity which would involve them as shareholders if successful.

  Mr. Freeman
  We wish to encourage bids for franchises from the management and employees of BR. The BR Board has issued appropriate guidance to its managers so that potential conflicts of interst can be identified. It will be a concern of the franchising authority to ensure equality of information and treatment for all prospective bidders at each stage of the tendering process for each franchise.

  British Rail Executives
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether British Rail executives may be considered for the advertised posts of rail regulator and head of franchising; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  We placed no restrictions on the field of application for candidates wishing to be considered for the posts of railway regulator or passenger railway franchising authority. British Rail employees, like any others, were free to apply. The public advertisement for the posts said that railway or public transport experience would be an advantage, though not essential; and it was one of several criteria on which we have been considering candidates.

  Advanced Channel Express Ltd.
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the operational conditions, in respect of catamarans operated by Advanced Channel Express Ltd, which his surveyor has identified as not currently meeting specified standards; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The operational conditions for all high-speed craft are set out in a permit to operate, issued in accordance with a safety code developed by the International Maritime Organisation. The owners of the catamaran are aware of this, having been advised that the Department will have to be satisfied that the craft is suitable for the intended service.

  Catamaran Safety
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review all aspects of catamaran safety; and if he will make a statement.
  286
  Mr. Norris
  The United Kingdom has requested a formal review of the International Maritime Organisation safety code for high-speed craft. The United Kingdom is at the forefront of that review which will include all aspects of catamaran safety and is expected to be completed next year.

  HGV Operators' licences
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to change the regulations that prevent a regional centre processing applications for heavy goods vehicle operators' licences from accepting objections from neighbouring regions.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  There is nothing to prevent an owner or occupier making representations against the proposed use of a goods vehicle operating centre which is the subject of an application before a licensing authority, in circumstances where the operating centre and the owner or occupier's property are in different traffic areas. The only criteria are that the representor's property must be shown to be adversely affected and that it falls within what the licensing authority determines to be the vicinity of the operating centre in question.

  Traffic Congestion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimates he has made of the cost per annum of traffic congestion to(a) the Exchequer, (b) businesses and (c) the average household; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Congestion is costly, but the cost can be measured usefully only against realistic alternatives such as more or less road building or policies for reducing or redirecting traffic. There is therefore no single figure which can be quoted. Much of the Department's roads and traffic expenditure and policies are, however, concerned with reducing congestion and making the best possible use of available road space.

  Bus Companies (Future)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will be meeting the chairman of the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority to discuss the authority's reaction to his announcement on 23 November about the future of local authority-owned bus companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  I have written to the chairman of the Greater Manchester passenger transport authority on behalf of my right hon. Friend agreeing to meet him to discuss the division of Greater Manchester Buses.

ENVIRONMENT

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library a copy of the health and safety policy of each of the agencies within his Department.

  Mr. Howard
  The Building Research Establishment, the planning inspectorate and the Queen Elizabeth
  287
  conference centre all come under my Department's health and safety policy statement and I have placed a copy of the document in the Library.

  I have asked Professor David Rhind to place in the Library a copy of his health and safety policy for the Ordnance Survey, and Mr. Roger Powell for the Buying Agency.

  Municipal Waste
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he will give of the relative average net costs per tonne of disposal of municipal waste based upon projects handling 250,000 tonnes per year comparing landfill via road at a distance of 100 km and waste-to-energy incineration based on a rate of interest of 20 per cent. over 20 years showing the costs per tonne for incineration both with and without non-fossil fuel obligation subsidy.

  Mr. Maclean
  The wide range of factors involved and the price variations that exist across the country make it very difficult to give general estimates for the cost of waste disposal. Recent work carried out for the Department suggests that the current disposal costs for waste destined for disposal to landfill vary from between £7·50 to £22·50 per tonne. These costs are likely to increase substantially over the next few years as the Government's improved waste management arrangements are brought into effect. Waste to energy incineration costs are thought to be about £20 to £25 per tonne at present. Without the non-fossil fuel obligation, these are thought likely to be nearer £30 to £35 per tonne. These prices are not expected to change significantly over the next few years.

  Timber
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in meeting the requirements of CITES, he intends to make changes to the system of monitoring timber imported into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maclean
  We have already made the changes necessary to meet the latest CITES requirements.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State For the Environment what labelling of timber species listed in the appendices of CITES is required prior to entry into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maclean
  CITES-listed timber imported into the United Kingdom is not required to be labelled. It must, however, be accompanied by appropriate export and import permits identifying the species in each consignment. The Government are currently supporting schemes to develop effective labelling systems in producer countries.

  Water
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next plans to meet the chairmen of the regional water companies; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Maclean
  Ministers have had a number of meetings in recent months with the chairman of British Waterways at which, among other things, matters of strategic policy and board appointments have been discussed. But the Secretary of State has at present no plans to meet him.

  Research
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much funding was made available by Her Majesty's Government to fund research outside Government Departments on international environmental policy issues in the financial year 1991–92; and what expenditure is proposed for 1992–93.

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not readily available in the form requested and could be assembled only at disproportionate cost. However, the Cabinet Office annual review of Government-funded research and development gives a useful overview of the substantial research efforts devoted to diverse and important international policy issues across Government. In addition, considerable proportions of United Kingdom subscriptions to international bodies are devoted to relevant research.

  Clean Air Grant
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the clean air grant will continue to be available to local authorities in England and Wales after 1 April 1993; what economic instruments will be made available to local authorities wishing to improve local air quality; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The future of the clean air grant is under review, but the grant will certainly continue to be available to local authorities in 1993–94. Supplementary credit approval will also be available to local authorities in 1993–94 to assist the financing of their capital expenditure on smoke control which is not covered by clean air grant.

  Sulphur Dioxide
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in which month he expects the United Kingdom to meet the large combustion plant directive target of a 20 per cent. reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The directive requires the United Kingdom's total emissions of sulphur dioxide from our existing large combustion plants in 1993 to be at least 20 per cent. below those in 1980. Emissions from such plant in 1991, the latest available year, were 71 per cent. of the 1980 figure.

  Urban Programme (Rochdale)
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many urban programme proposals in the Rochdale metropolitan borough council were funded in 1992–93; and how many are likely to be funded in 1993–94.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  In 1992–93, 102 proposals received urban programme funding. In 1993–94, it is likely that 34 proposals will receive funding.

  Toxic Waste
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) of 27 October,Official Report, column 543 what steps he intends to take to implement the EC regulations agreed on the supervision and control of shipments of toxic waste; and when he will publish the regulations;
  289
  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ribble Valley (Mr. Evans) of 27 October, Official Report, column 543, on control of shipments of toxic waste in the European Community, if he will make it his policy in implementing the proposals to ensure that toxic waste is disposed of as close as possible to its source within the United Kingdom and that no waste is imported for commercial gain.

  Mr. Maclean
  The regulation will be published in the Official Journal after adoption by the Council and is likely to apply 15 months after publication. We shall be giving careful consideration to the application of the regulation's provisions in relation to imports for final disposal. We expect no change as result of the regulation to existing practice within the United Kingdom.

  Waste Incinerators
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what criteria he will adopt regarding stack emissions for waste incinerators approved by him;

  (2) what level of emission of dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls he regards as (a) safe and (b) acceptable from waste incinerators;

  (3) what criteria he will adopt regarding stack emissions for waste-to-energy incinerators approved by him;

  (4) what level of emission of dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls he regards as (a) safe and (b) acceptable from waste-to-energy incinerators.

  Mr. Maclean
  Prime responsibility for the control of stack emissions from incinerators rests with the appropriate enforcing authority under part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990; either Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution or the relevant district or borough council. Several guidance notes have been published by the Secretary of State and by the chief inspector, Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution concerning emission control standards for incinerators.

  In granting authorisations, the regulating body will have regard to the advice contained in the relevant

  Table showing provisional 1993–94 SSAs by selected inner London boroughs (excludes the City of London)

  Service

  Relative Position

  Authority

  SSA per head or per child

  All Other Services

  Highest SSA

  Westminster

  £562 per head

  Lowest SSA

  Greenwich

  £191 per head

  Next Lowest SSA

  Lewisham

  £233 per head

  Child Social Services

  Highest SSA

  Lambeth

  £860 per child

  Lowest SSA

  Greenwich

  £311 per child

  Next Lowest SSA

  Lewisham

  £461 per child

  Education Services

  Highest SSA

  Tower Hamlets

  £700 per head

  Lowest SSA

  Kensington

  £236 per head

  Next Lowest SSA

  Westminster

  £275 per head

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in which inner-London boroughs standard spending assessments are below £950 a head; and which are above.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Within the provisional standard spending assessments for 1993–94 announced on 26 November, the SSA per head for Greenwich is £923. That for all other inner London boroughs is above £950 per head.
  290
  guidance note. These notes provide guidance on the techniques considered to be appropriate to meet the requirement to use the best available techniques not entailing excessive cost to either prevent the release of prescribed substances or, where that is not practicable, to minimise such releases and to render them harmless. They also provide guidance on the levels of releases achievable using these techniques. For dioxins these are set as release limits which accord with the best international safety standards. To facilitate the complete destruction of a wide range of toxic substances, including PCBs, the requirement is to ensure that the gases resulting from the combustion of the waste are raised to a sufficiently high temperature for a minimum time period.

  Copies of all guidance notes have been placed in the House Library.

  Housing Conditions Survey
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the last survey of housing conditions was made; and if he will publish the result of the survey.

  Mr. Baldry
  The latest national survey of housing conditions was begun in September 1991 and completed in October this year. Results from the survey will be published next year.

  Standard Spending Assessments (London)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the highest, lowest and next lowest standard spending assessment elements for inner London boroughs for(a) other services, (b) child social services and (c) education expressed for each relevant person.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested, in respect of the provisional standard spending assessments, is shown in the table below. The education SSA has been expressed in £s per head since this SSA covers services provided across the full age range.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what standard spending assessments would be allocated to Greenwich if it was the same for each person as the assessment for(a) Wandsworth and (b) Lewisham.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Combining the SSA per head for Wandsworth and for Lewisham with the latest resident population figure for Greenwich would produce SSA totals of £205 million and £206 million respectively. SSAs are intended to reflect the social characteristics of the area
  291
  concerned. Greenwich's SSA is different from that of Wandsworth and Lewisham because, inter alia, its social characteristics are different.

  Mr. Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the effects on the standard spending assessments for Greenwich of(a) population change and (b) the factors II (i) to (vi) in his Department's letter of 26 November to local authorities on local government finance (England).

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No such estimates have been made.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the significant factors other than population affecting standard spending assessments and what effect each contributed to the difference between the standard spending assessments of Greenwich and Wandsworth.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  All the factors on which standard spending assessments are based are listed in the draft Local Government Finance Report (England) 1993–94 which is in the Library. These are very similar to those used for 1992–93. The SSA Handbook for 1992–93, which is in the Library, shows the contribution of the main indicators to each authority's SSA in £per adult. Similar calculations have not been carried out for provisional 1993–94 SSAs.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state for each air pollutant monitored by his Department at what levels the Department classifies the pollution as good, average and below average; if he will list the guidelines or standards advised by the World Health Organisation in each case; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  For the purposes of the air quality bulletins issued by the Department to the media for public consumption, the quality of air, based on measured concentrations of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, is divided into four categories: very good, good, poor and very poor. The bandings are as follows:

  Department of Environment guidelines (parts per billion/1 hour)

  Very good

  Good

  Poor

  Very poor

  OZONE

  < 50

  50–89

  90–179

  > = 180

  NO2

  < 50

  50–99

  100–299

  > = 300

  SO2

  < 60

  60–124

  125–399

  > = 400

  World Health Organisation guidelines (parts per billion)

  1 hour

  8 hour

  24 hour

  OZONE

  76–100

  50–60

  33

  NO2

  210

  —

  80

  SO2

  122

  —

  35

  Environmental Health Regulations
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the environmental health regulations he is considering for modification or abolition; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  My Department is currently reviewing the Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and 292
  Substances) Regulations 1991, which prescribe the processes to be controlled by local authorities under part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  We have received representations about the enforcement of legislation concerning houses in multiple occupation and common lodging houses and these are being considered.

  Following a review of the house renovation grant system for private sector properties a number of changes have been proposed. These include amendments to:—

  —the Housing Renovation etc. Grants (Reduction of Grant) Regulations 1990;

  —the Housing Renovation etc. Grants (Prescribed Forms and Particulars) Regulations 1990;

  —assistance for Minor Works to Dwellings Regulations 1990.

  Planning Applications
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of whether local authorities considering planning applications that will have a direct effect on a neighbouring authority pay sufficient care and attention to the needs, costs and infrastructure of that neighbouring authority.

  Mr. Baldry
  Planning authorities are required to keep under review all matters that are expected to affect the planning of development in their area, and to take account, in consultation with the authorities concerned, of the effects for their areas of similar matters in neighbouring areas. In preparing development plans, all local planning authorities are required to consult the planning authorities for areas adjacent to the area covered by their plan proposals, and to take into account any representations made. We advise them to consult other authorities likely to be affected.

  Planning applications must be decided in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. A local planning authority is required by article 18 of the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988 to consult the neighbouring planning authority about any application which affects land in its area.

  Darwin Initiative
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his oral answer of 11 November,Official Report, column 862, if he will make a further statement on the Darwin initiative in the light of the autumn statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Subject to parliamentary approval, funding for projects which meet the objectives of the Darwin initiative will be £1 million for 1993–94, £2 million for 1994–95 and £3 million for 1995–96. We will be consulting widely on the priorities and programmes for the initiative. I am establishing a small advisory committee to consider the responses to that consultation. I am pleased to say that Sir Crispin Tuckell has agreed to chair it.

  Caravan Sites
  Mr. Malone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish the responses to the consultation paper on reform of the Caravan Sites Act 1968; and if he will make a statement.
  293
  Mr. Baldry
  Copies of the responses to the consultation paper, "Reform of the Caravan Sites Act 1968", will be placed in the Department's library shortly, and a list of the responses will be placed in the House of Commons Library. We are now considering over 1,200 responses we have received so far. We will make an announcement about the way forward in due course.

  Industrial Processes (Controls)
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the risks to the global environment arising from the transfer of industrial processes from the United Kingdom and other countries with strict environmental legislation to countries with poor or non-existent controls.

  Mr. Maclean
  The main risks to the global environment from industrial processes are from those which contribute to global warming and through the release of ozone depleting substances. The Government are committed to pursuing multilateral solutions to these problems.

  This year over 150 countries including the United Kingdom signed the United Nations framework convention on climate change. All partners will be committed to producing national programmes of measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

  The Montreal protocol provides controls on the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances and trade in them. At a recent meeting of the parties to the protocol it was agreed that CFC's should be phased out by the end of 1995 and halons by the end of 1993.

  EC Environmental Standards
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the consistency of the application through the Community of EC environmental standards affecting the operations of manufacturing industry.

  Mr. Maclean
  Ensuring consistent application of legislation throughout the EC is, in the first instance, a matter for the Commission. One of the priorities of our presidency has been to highlight the importance of consistent and effective implementation and enforcement of EC environmental legislation. To this end, Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has, during our presidency, hosted the first meeting of a network of EC environmental regulatory authorities. Separately we are encouraging the Commission to bring forward proposals for an audit inspectorate to inspect the work of national enforcement agencies.

  Environmental Protection
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration is being given by his Department to the effect on United Kingdom industry's competitiveness of failure of overseas governments to enforce measures to protect the national and global environment; and if he will support the introduction of agreed and enforced environmental standards on an international basis.

  Mr. Maclean
  The relationship between industrial competitiveness and environmental protection was the 294
  subject of a resolution agreed by the EC Council of Industry Ministers on 24 November, and of a communication from the Commission to that Council.

  High environmental standards can increase the competitiveness of industry, as well as providing major new market opportunities. However, where necessary to reduce poor standards overseas undermining the competitiveness of certain sectors of United Kingdom industry, we would support action on an international basis.

  Empty Council Property
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of dwellings which have been empty for more than six months for each London borough and the percentage which empty properties constitute of each council's housing stock; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  The latest information reported by the London boroughs in their annual housing investment programme (HIP1) returns relates to April 1992 and is as follows:—

  Borough

  London Authority dwellings empty more than six months

  All empty London Authority dwellings

  Number

  Percentage of stock

  Percentage of stock

  City of London

  6

  0·3

  1·5

  Barking and Dagenham

  6

  0·0

  1·1

  Barnet

  26

  0·2

  1·0

  Bexley

  14

  0·2

  1·0

  Brent

  261

  1·4

  3·4

  Bromley

  9

  0·1

  0·9

  Camden

  135

  0·4

  1·8

  Croydon

  19

  0·1

  2·0

  Ealing

  90

  0·5

  2·1

  Enfield

  18

  0·1

  1·8

  Greenwich

  156

  0·5

  1·7

  Hackney

  1,776

  4·4

  6·0

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  85

  0·5

  2·3

  Haringey

  87

  0·4

  1·7

  Harrow

  20

  0·3

  1·4

  Havering

  14

  0·1

  1·6

  Hillingdon

  62

  0·4

  1·6

  Hounslow

  24

  0·1

  1·5

  Islington

  259

  0·7

  1·9

  Kensington and Chelsea

  32

  0·4

  1·8

  Kingston upon Thames

  4

  0·1

  1·9

  Lambeth

  633

  1·4

  3·1

  Lewisham

  301

  0·8

  2·0

  Merton

  5

  0·1

  0·9

  Newham

  555

  2·1

  3·4

  Redbridge

  130

  1·5

  4·2

  Richmond upon Thames

  34

  0·4

  1·8

  Southwark

  638

  1·1

  2·9

  Sutton

  12

  0·1

  1·0

  Tower Hamlets

  1,068

  2·6

  4·2

  Waltham Forest

  93

  0·5

  2·0

  Wandsworth

  67

  0·3

  1·8

  Westminster

  159

  0·9

  1·8

  Council Rent Arrears
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the rent arrears for each London borough and indicate the percentage arrears constitute of each council's rent revenue; and if he will make a statement.
  295
  Mr. Baldry
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 2 July 1992 at column 675 to the hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. Robertson), which included the latest figures, relating to the end of March 1991.

  Community Charge Arrears
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the community charge arrears for each London borough and indicate the percentage which arrears constitute of each council's community charge income; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer given on 5 November at columns 370–71 to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Jones).

  Councillors (Travel Allowances)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if local authority councillors are permitted to claim travelling allowances in connection with their official duties in respect of travel by bicycle; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The provisions governing the payment of travelling allowances to councillors do not currently permit the payment of a bicycle allowance.

  London Residuary Body
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if any termination payments will be made to members ceasing to be members of the London residuary body in January 1993.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make any new appointments or re-appointments to the board of the London residuary body in 1993.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  It is the intention of my right hon. and learned Friend to reappoint Mr. Wallace Mackenzie, Mr. Michael Roberts and Mr. Jack Wolkind as members of the London residuary body when their present terms expire on 31 March 1993. Sir Godfrey Taylor was reappointed as chairman on 1 December this year.

  Battersea Power Station
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 20 November,Official Report, column 426, if he will state the main points made by English Heritage following the inspection of Battersea power station on 7 October.

  Mr. Baldry
  Following its inspection on 7 October, English Heritage concluded that there had been no

  Number of council house sales and value by region

  £ thousands

  July to September 1988

  October to December 1988

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  1,987

  36,709

  25,028

  2,034

  38,297

  25,614

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2,633

  52,054

  35,490

  3,780

  79,233

  52,993

  East Midlands

  3,310

  83,791

  57,128

  3,998

  99,758

  66,721

  Eastern

  4,652

  207,008

  141,136

  9,233

  230,629

  154,252

  296
  significant deterioration of the structure since work stopped. The external brick clad structure is adequately supported where necessary by the temporary steelwork. There has been some ingress of water into the control room due to failure of temporary waterproofing where a small section of the superstructure was removed. A temporary felt roof is to be provided shortly.

  Water Quality
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to introduce statutory water quality objectives; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have today published a consultation paper on river quality. This sets out the Government's proposals for safeguarding our rivers, including the introduction of statutory water quality objectives (WQOs) gradually from 1993, and initially for a limited number of objectives in order to test the new system. The paper proposes a new classification scheme as the framework within which individual WQOs would be set; and a revised basis for carrying out the regular overall assessments of river quality. The proposals are based on recommendations published by the National Rivers Authority in October, following wide consultation. I am grateful for the authority's work which underpins our proposals.

  Our strategy builds on the major programmes of water investment which are already planned or under way and takes account of the implications for consumers. We have set out proposals for maintaining river quality, for reversing recent deteriorations, and for targeting further resources on those improvements which can be achieved most quickly and cost-effectively. This represents a firm foundation for introducing WQOs.

  As discussed in "Using Water Wisely" last July and "This Common Inheritance: the Second Year Report" in October, I am developing proposals for water pollution charging which I believe can play a role as an alternative to further regulatory action as a way of achieving WQOs.

  I have placed copies of our paper in the Library of the House.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number and value of council house sales by region for each of the last 16 quarters(a) at current prices and (b) at 1981 prices.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 30 November 1990]: Information on sales in the period July 1988 to June 1992 is given in the table. The figures exclude dwellings transferred to housing associations and other registered bodies in large scale voluntary transfers. Such transfers accounted for some 94,000 dwellings valued at about £800 million during this period.
  297

  July to September 1988

  October to December 1988

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  London Boroughs

  6,714

  362,265

  246,989

  6,125

  366,884

  245,383

  South East

  3,971

  190,650

  129,983

  5,858

  296,916

  198,586

  South West

  4,306

  156,295

  106,560

  3,998

  150,392

  100,587

  West Midlands

  3,844

  94,945

  64,733

  5,031

  115,756

  77,421

  North West (including Cumbria)

  2,558

  48,266

  32,907

  3,287

  69,860

  46,724

  England

  33,975

  1,231,983

  839,954

  43,344

  1,447,725

  968,282

  January to March 1989

  April to June 1989

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  2,870

  50,173

  32,915

  2,814

  53,385

  34,607

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4,418

  77,390

  50,770

  5,038

  103,921

  67,368

  East Midlands

  3,947

  100,460

  65,905

  3,441

  102,685

  66,567

  Eastern

  4,288

  227,040

  148,945

  3,345

  179,422

  116,312

  London Boroughs

  7,997

  464,267

  304,573

  6,960

  369,307

  239,407

  South East

  10,823

  223,562

  146,663

  3,617

  193,226

  125,261

  South West

  3,684

  155,889

  102,268

  3,279

  141,094

  91,466

  West Midlands

  5,165

  126,229

  82,810

  4,870

  136,882

  88,735

  North West (including Cumbria)

  3,908

  78,040

  51,197

  4,698

  95,387

  61,836

  England

  47,100

  1,503,050

  986,046

  38,062

  1,375,309

  891,558

  July to September 1989

  October to December 1989

  DOE Regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  2,409

  48,029

  30,717

  3,205

  64,908

  40,981

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4,946

  115,025

  73,565

  4,815

  116,218

  73,377

  East Midlands

  2,941

  93,824

  60,006

  2,429

  78,891

  49,809

  Eastern

  2,926

  160,757

  102,814

  2,316

  133,353

  84,195

  London Boroughs

  6,871

  396,835

  253,800

  7,697

  456,854

  288,444

  South East

  3,239

  181,639

  116,169

  3,081

  177,520

  112,081

  South West

  2,511

  120,463

  77,043

  2,081

  94,343

  59,565

  West Midlands

  4,412

  133,129

  85,144

  4,635

  147,126

  92,891

  North West (including Cumbria)

  4,292

  99,185

  63,435

  5,026

  118,681

  74,932

  England

  34,547

  1,348,886

  862,694

  35,285

  1,387,894

  876,275

  January to March 1990

  April to June 1990

  DOE Regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  3,276

  67,646

  41,819

  2,654

  60,062

  36,315

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  5,245

  151,261

  93,510

  3,425

  90,974

  55,005

  East Midlands

  1,945

  68,422

  42,298

  1,443

  50,753

  30,686

  Eastern

  2,317

  128,199

  79,253

  1,867

  103,780

  62,747

  London Boroughs

  7,580

  460,364

  284,597

  5,671

  361,103

  218,330

  South East

  2,507

  134,138

  82,924

  1,811

  103,258

  62,432

  South West

  1,801

  80,982

  50,063

  1,319

  57,695

  34,884

  West Midlands

  4,510

  149,355

  92,331

  3,203

  110,390

  66,744

  North West (including Cumbria)

  5,364

  125,478

  77,570

  4,347

  104,706

  63,307

  England

  34,545

  1,365,845

  844,365

  25,740

  1,042,721

  630,450

  £ thousands

  July to September 1990

  October to December 1990

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  2,155

  50,270

  29,549

  1,828

  47,086

  27,399

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2,446

  69,326

  40,751

  2,309

  65,553

  38,145

  East Midlands

  1,095

  38,966

  22,905

  984

  33,740

  19,633

  298 299

  July to September 1990

  October to December 1990

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Eastern

  1,630

  86,420

  50,799

  1,574

  83,715

  48,713

  London Boroughs

  4,926

  311,363

  183,022

  4,581

  301,318

  175,334

  South East

  1,473

  86,096

  50,608

  1,252

  74,669

  43,449

  South West

  1,002

  46,590

  27,386

  904

  40,946

  23,826

  West Midlands

  2,564

  89,846

  52,812

  1,951

  66,297

  38,578

  North West (including Cumbria)

  3,395

  86,399

  50,786

  3,255

  83,722

  48,717

  England

  20,686

  865,276

  508,618

  18,638

  797,046

  463,793

  January to March 1991

  April to June 1991 (Provisional)

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  1,553

  37,956

  21,821

  1,315

  35,832

  20,038

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2,080

  60,829

  34,971

  1,299

  38,779

  21,686

  East Midlands

  768

  28,154

  16,186

  707

  25,529

  14,276

  Eastern

  1,367

  69,156

  39,759

  1,236

  64,318

  35,967

  London Boroughs

  4,107

  250,770

  144,170

  3,021

  190,697

  106,640

  South East

  1,333

  74,395

  42,771

  1,220

  67,599

  37,802

  South West

  797

  37,310

  21,450

  722

  32,638

  18,251

  West Midlands

  1,751

  63,950

  36,765

  1,416

  48,494

  27,118

  North West (including Cumbria)

  2,593

  69,743

  40,096

  1,832

  53,393

  29,858

  England

  16,349

  692,263

  397,989

  12,768

  557,279

  311,636

  July to September 1991 (provisional)

  October to December 1991 (provisional)

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  1,407

  38,414

  21,218

  1,306

  35,140

  19,198

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,338

  41,953

  23,172

  1,162

  38,943

  21,276

  East Midlands

  904

  32,603

  18,008

  807

  28,800

  15,734

  Eastern

  1,417

  73,907

  40,822

  1,244

  66,829

  36,511

  London Boroughs

  2,781

  174,979

  96,648

  2,845

  172,056

  93,999

  South East

  1,388

  79,219

  43,756

  1,270

  69,120

  37,762

  South West

  853

  38,310

  21,160

  876

  37,592

  20,538

  West Midlands

  1,511

  54,749

  30,240

  1,336

  52,798

  28,845

  North West (including Cumbria)

  1,759

  54,049

  29,853

  1,848

  50,124

  27,384

  England

  13,358

  588,183

  324,877

  12,694

  551,402

  301,247

  January to March 1992 (provisional)

  April to June 1992 (provisional)

  DOE regions

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Number of sales

  Undiscounted value of sales

  Value 1981 prices

  Northern (excluding Cumbria)

  1,510

  39,748

  21,445

  1,067

  30,212

  16,012

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,289

  41,801

  22,552

  990

  32,787

  17,376

  East Midlands

  815

  28,390

  15,317

  697

  24,974

  13,236

  Eastern

  1,331

  66,021

  35,620

  1,143

  56,156

  29,762

  London Boroughs

  2,651

  178,011

  96,040

  2,310

  126,305

  66,939

  South East

  1,192

  63,770

  34,405

  1,055

  56,051

  29,706

  South West

  767

  35,710

  19,266

  733

  31,365

  16,623

  West Midlands

  1,317

  51,366

  27,713

  1,056

  37,963

  20,120

  North West (including Cumbria)

  1,617

  50,080

  27,019

  1,287

  40,205

  21,308

  England

  12,489

  554,897

  299,378

  10,338

  436,018

  231,081

  Fire and Civil Defence Authorities
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the standard spending assessment element for fire and civil defence for each county council and metropolitan fire and civil defence authority in England in each year since 1983–84; and what are the figures for 1993–94.
  300
  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Standard spending assessments were first introduced for the settlement year 1990–91 as a replacement for grant related expenditure assessments. The SSA elements for fire and civil defence for each county council and metropolitan fire and civil defence authority in England are shown in table 2 of the SSA handbooks for 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93, all of which are in the Library. The provisional figures for 1993–94 are given in the table.
  301

  1993–94 Provisional SSA Elements for Fire and Civil Defence

  Authority

  £ million

  Greater Manchester Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  70·787

  Merseyside Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  47·118

  South Yorkshire Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  28·117

  Tyne and Wear Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  34·449

  West Midlands Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  67·514

  West Yorkshire Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  49·002

  London Fire and Civil Defence Authority

  242·568

  Isles of Scilly

  0·053

  Avon county council

  20·473

  Bedfordshire county council

  11·073

  Berkshire county council

  16·601

  Buckinghamshire county council

  12·360

  Cambridgeshire county council

  12·039

  Cheshire county council

  20·103

  Cleveland county council

  19·464

  Cornwall county council

  7·181

  Cumbria county council

  8·753

  Derbyshire county council

  17·067

  Devon county council

  19·557

  Dorset county council

  12·065

  Durham county council

  12·973

  East Sussex county council

  14·891

  Essex county council

  31·445

  Gloucestershire county council

  9·605

  Hampshire county council

  31·585

  Hereford and Worcester county council

  12·116

  Hertfordshire county council

  20·328

  Humberside county council

  21·322

  Isle of Wight county council

  2·229

  Kent county council

  30·998

  Lancashire county council

  32,276

  Leicestershire county council

  16·924

  Lincolnshire county council

  9·583

  Norfolk county council

  13·010

  Northamptonshire county council

  11·260

  Northumberland county council

  5·823

  North Yorkshire county council

  12·001

  Nottinghamshire county council

  21·087

  Oxfordshire county council

  11·284

  Shropshire county council

  7·839

  Somerset county council

  7·693

  Staffordshire county council

  19·345

  Suffolk county council

  11·023

  Surrey county council

  22·133

  Warwickshire county council

  8·993

  West Sussex county council

  14·836

  Wiltshire county council

  10·054

  Total England

  1,139·000

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the actual expenditure on fire and civil defence services by each county council and metropolitan fire and civil defence authority in England for each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: I have arranged for the information to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning appeals for opencast coal sites his office has dealt with in each year since 1983–84 and from 1 April to 30 September 1992; how many were approved and refused each year; what extent of land and volume of coal were approved and disapproved each year; how many appeals are outstanding; and what extent of land and volume of coal these involve.
  302
  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Information on planning appeals involving opencast coal extraction between 1983–84 and 1986–87 is not available. The outcome of appeals determined between 1987–88 and 30 September is given in the table.

  Planning appeal decisions for opencast coal sites

  Appeals decided

  Appeals allowed

  Appeals dismissed

  1987–88

  15

  7

  8

  1988–89

  16

  8

  8

  1989–90

  16

  8

  8

  1990–91

  18

  9

  9

  1991–92

  8

  7

  1

  To 30 September 1992

  5

  3

  2

  At 30 November 1992 there are 14 appeals involving opencast coal extraction before the Secretary of State.

  Information on the extent of land and the volume of coal approved and disapproved is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  British Waterways
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next expects to meet the chairman of British Waterways; and what matters will be discussed.

  Mr. Maclean
  Ministers have had a number of meetings in recent months with the chairman of British Waterways, at which among other things matters of strategic policy and board appointments have been discussed. But the Secretary of State has at present no plans to meet him.

  Multilateral Fund
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contribution Her Majesty's Government has made to the interim multilateral fund to assist the developing nations to phase out CFCs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  I have been asked to reply. We have paid the equivalent of US$3·443 million to the interim fund which meets the United Kingdom's full share of approved projects and support costs up to June 1992. We are firmly committed to providing the remainder of our share of the US$240 million fund.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the current value to the Legal Aid Board, at 1992 prices, of those statutory charges placed on homes as a consequence of civil legal aid proceedings; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  As at 31 March 1992—which is the most recent date for which a total figure is available—the value to the Legal Aid Board of charges placed on property as a consequence of civil legal aid proceedings was £86 million.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the changes in civil legal aid eligibility on(a) the numbers

  303
  who will take legal action and (b) the access to legal representation and its quality of those client groups no longer financially eligible for legal aid; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I estimate that the number of civil legal aid bills paid will rise from around 298,000 in 1992–93 to around 327,000 in 1995–96. Legal services for those outside the legal aid scheme will continue to be available from lawyers in private practice and from other sources.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultations he has had with(a) the Law Society and (b) the Law Centres Federation concerning the impact of changes in the legal aid system on the numbers eligible for legal aid.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  My Department regularly discusses a range of issues relating to legal aid with both the Law Society and the Law Centres Federation. I am always open to receive representations on any matter.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the impact of his amended eligibility criteria for legal aid on applications for legal advice under the green form scheme and private medical examinations for appellants against refusal of invalidity care allowance, attendance allowance, mobility allowance and disability living allowance.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The changes announced on 12 November do not affect the type of work that can be done under the green form scheme. Those people receiving income support or with incomes at income support level will be unaffected by the changes. This will mean that around 21 per cent. of households will be eligible for advice under the green form scheme. People with incomes above income support level will in future be unable to receive help under the green form scheme. However, the average green form bill in the last financial year was £82 and it is not unreasonable to expect them to meet costs of this order.

  Guildford Four
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what public interest immunity certificates he has signed in relation to documents provided by his Department to Sir John May's inquiry.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None.

  Privity of Contract
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans the Government have to reform the law on the privity of contract principle.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor is actively considering the recommendations of the Law Commission on this subject—"Landlord and Tenant Law: Privity of Contract and Estate"—Law Com. No. 74—and hopes to be able to make an announcement about it in the near future.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will carry out a survey 304
  into how many tenants are estimated to be facing bills for back rent because of default by their successors to whom they had assigned leases.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor has no plans to carry out such a survey, but he takes careful note of the representations he receives from former tenants and from landlords in relation to the operation of the doctrine of privity of contract.

WALES

  Sheltered Housing
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the funding of the warden service in sheltered housing after 1994; and what is his estimate of the number of wardens employed by health and social services authorities in sheltered housing.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A Court of Appeal judgment cast doubt on housing authorities' powers to provide care services and charge their costs to the housing revenue account. To avoid the risk of disruption to these important services, the Government are seeking powers in the Housing and Urban Development Bill to regularise housing authorities' practices in connection with these services.

  The Government's policy is that the housing revenue account should be a landlord account. We therefore propose that these new powers would be temporary. However, before any decisions are taken about the tinting of any change in the arrangements, about how the services would be provided thereafter, or about how their costs would be accounted for, there will be full consultation with all parties in the new year. When considering how best to implement any new arrangements, we shall consider all the financial and administrative issues to ensure that support continues to be available for those who need it. Information on the number of wardens in local authority sheltered accommodation is not held centrally.

  Training Schemes
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many young people in south Glamorgan are currently on waiting lists for youth training schemes.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  However, as at 12 November 1992, of the number of young people in south Glamorgan registered for employment or training with the careers service, 228 were reported to be seeking entry or re-entry to youth training. This figure includes young people still receiving guidance as well as those already under submission to training schemes.

  St. Mary's Hospital, South Glamorgan
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what requirements he has imposed on South Glamorgan health authority and Llandough hospital unit for public consultation before any plan to close St. Mary's day hospital is implemented.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Welsh Office guidance requires health authorities to discuss service changes with
  305
  community health councils, prior to taking a view on whether those changes are substantial and therefore subject to formal consultation procedures.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 16 November,Official Report, column 91, if the Mid Glamorgan, West Wales and Clwyd training and enterprise councils have completed their action plans for local job creation in the areas affected by the Taff Merthyr, Betws and Point of Ayr collieries; if he has considered their contents; if he will place a copy of each plan and any written response he has made to them in the Library; and if the £4·8 million he has allocated for employment and training in these areas is drawn from the £75 million allocated for this purpose by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The Mid Glamorgan, West Wales and North East Wales TECs have now submitted action plans proposing initiatives which could be taken in their respective areas. These plans are currently being finalised in discussion with my officials and I will announce my proposals as soon as possible.

  Of the allocation of £4·8 million which I have already announced, £2·8 million is included in the £75 million announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment.

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 30 November to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West, relating to the auditing arrangements of the Cardiff Bay development corporation, on what date he expects to complete the amendment to the financial memorandum; and if he will place a copy of the amendment in the Library.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My officials wrote to the corporation yesterday with the amendment to the financial memorandum. I have placed a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Performance-related Pay
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff in the Treasury at principal grade and above are in receipt of performance-related pay by grade; and what is the total cost of performance-related pay for these grades in the Treasury.

  Mr. Nelson
  In total some 116 people at grade 7—principal—and above are in receipt of performance-related pay. The total cost of performance-related pay for these grades in 1992–93 is estimated at £270,000. The numbers of staff in each grade are as follows:

  Numbers

  Grade 7 (principal)

  47

  Grade 6

  8

  Grade 5

  30

  Grade 4

  2

  Grade 3

  23

  Grade 2

  6

  306

  Numbers

  116

  Chancellor's Tenant
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the accounting officer appointed under section 22 of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1866 minuted the Comptroller and Auditor General about the expenditure arising in connection with the eviction of a tenant renting property from the Chancellor of the Exchequer; and if he will name the relevant accounting officer.

  Mr. Portillo
  No minute was sent to the Comptroller and Auditor General. The relevant accounting officers were Sir Peter Middleton and Sir Terence Burns, who succeeded him on 3 May 1991.

  Football Grounds
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to confirm his decision to extend the life of the pool betting duty relief announced in the 1990 Budget to provide funds to assist with the implementation of the Taylor report at football grounds.

  Sir John Cope
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor will decide whether to extend the reduction in pool betting duty in the light of evidence from the Football League and football clubs that they have moved ahead with planning their own contribution to implementing the Taylor recommendations.

  Corporation Tax
  Ms. Estelle Morris
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the tax regime applicable to the payment of corporation tax on income accrued as a result of superannuation contribution holidays; and whether any differences exist with respect to the treatment of nationalised industries.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Companies can obtain a deduction from taxable profits only for superannuation contributions actually paid. This applies equally to nationalised industries as well as the private sector.

  Independent Forecasters
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to announce the appointment of a team of independent forecasters to assist the Treasury; and if he will name the individuals he has approached to date.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: It is planned to issue invitations to join the forecasting panel in the next few weeks. An announcement about the panel's membership will follow shortly afterwards.

  Empty Properties
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of the £750 million allocated in the autumn statement for buying empty and repossessed properties will be allocated to London local authorities.
  307
  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Of the total £750 million allocated to boost the housing market in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, £580 million was allocated to the Housing Corporation to enable housing associations in England to purchase empty properties. Seventy-five per cent. of this £580 million has already been allocated to individual associations. Of this 75 per cent., half—around £220 million—has been allocated to projects in the Housing Corporation's three London and home counties regions.

PRIME MINISTER

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the affidavit sent to him by Ms. Tess Lawrence on 30 November.

  The Prime Minister
  The affidavit has been sent by Ms. Lawrence to Lord Justice Scott. It will be for him to consider the information which it contains.

  Legal Advice (Ministers)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister on how many occasions since 1979 the Government have funded, wholly or in part, the cost of legal advice of representations for Ministers of the Crown in respect of matters which related in part to personal and private matters; and if he will list the names of the Ministers in respect of whom such payments have been made.

  The Prime Minister
  There is no central record of such cases. Such advice is normally confidential.

  Sprinkler Systems
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy that sprinkler systems similar to those to be installed at the National Library of Scotland should be installed at the British museum in London.

  The Prime Minister
  It is for the trustees and directing staff of individual museums and galleries to decide on the most appropriate fire systems for their institutions with regard to the nature of their collections.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister on what date the Government received copies of the report prepared by the International Atomic Energy Agency into the attempt by Iraq to build and develop nuclear weapons.

  The Prime Minister
  So far, the International Atomic Energy Agency has carried out 15 inspections aimed at uncovering Iraqi attempts to build and develop nuclear weapons. As reports of these inspections are published as Security Council documents, they are placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 3 December.

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if lie will list his official engagements for Thursday 3 December.

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

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants are employed by the Northern Ireland Office in(a) London, (b) Belfast and (c) elsewhere.

  Mr. Mates
  As at 1 November 1992, the number of people working for the Northern Ireland Office was:

  (a) 110 in London

  (b) 2,813 in Belfast and

  (c) 2,870 elsewhere.

  Terrorism
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a comprehensive list of all those who have died as a result of Northerrn Ireland terrorism, including the date and location of their death and of the incident leading to their death and the organisation allegedly responsible for the death since August 1968 in(a) Northern Ireland, (b) Great Britain, (c) the Republic of Ireland and (d) other EC countries.

  Mr. Mates
  I will write to the hon. Gentleman when compilation of the available information is completed and arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Wildlife
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he or his officials last met representatives of the agrochemical industry to discuss the future funding of the wildlife incident investigation schemes.

  Mr. Hanley
  Wildlife incident investigation schemes operate on a common basis throughout the United Kingdom. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food takes the lead in negotiations with the agrochemical industry, and I understand that it has recently met with industry representatives to discuss the funding of the scheme.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the future funding of the wildlife incident investigation scheme Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Hanley
  Wildlife incident investigation schemes operate on a common basis throughout the United Kingdom with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the lead Department as far as their operation is concerned.

  Laganside Corporation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 26 November,Official Report, column 789, relating to the auditing arrangements of the Laganside Corporation, on what date he expects to complete the amended financial memorandum; and if he will place a copy in the Library.

  Mr. Atkins
  Laganside Corporation was advised by letter dated 1 December 1992 of the amendment to the financial memorandum. The amended section now reads:
  309
  "The Northern Ireland Audit Office shall have full access on request to the books and records of the Corporation."
  I am arranging for a copy of the memorandum to be placed in the Library.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about aid to Bangladesh.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Britain provided £56 million in aid to Bangladesh in 1991. Our aid programme supports development of the country's natural resources, its physical infrastructure and its human resources through health and population, education and training. We promote good government through our assistance with economic reform, and improvements to the efficiency and accountability of public services. We have established a new aid management office in Dhaka, staffed by a multi-disciplinary team, which will allow us to focus our aid still more effectively on Bangladesh's development priorities.

  Global Environment Facility
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans Her Majesty's Government have to provide additional resources for replenishment of the global environment facility; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The Government have agreed to provide new and additional resources for the replenishment of the global environment facility. Provision for this will be made following the outcome of the replenishment negotiations and as soon as the level and the timing of our contribution is known.

  Malawi
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on British aid to Malawi.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  At the Consultative Group in May 1992, we and other donors agreed to withhold new balance of payments and restrict other forms of aid, pending improvements in Malawi's human rights record. We welcome the decision to hold a referendum on the one-party system and other indications that the Malawi Government are beginning to address human rights issues. It is essential that the referendum is conducted fairly and those calling for democratic changes are allowed to campaign freely and openly. We continue to urge the Malawi Government to make further improvements in human rights.

  We keep our position on aid under regular review, but for the moment we are concentrating new aid on humanitarian relief and projects to help the poorest. So far this year we have allocated £12·3 million of humanitarian relief, including £0·5 million of medical supplies offered during November.

  Tropical Forests
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his latest information on the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation's estimates on rates of tropical forest loss.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Preliminary estimates from the current 1990 FAO forest resources assessment indicate a rate of tropical forest loss in excess of 17 million hectares annually.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure implementation of the forest principles agreed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We shall publish a national plan on our own implementation of the forest principles, by the end of 1993. We are also using our influence, together with our EC and G7 partners, to seek agreement to an international review process. We believe that this should involve the Sustainable Development Commission which is being established by the United Nations General Assembly.

  Grenada
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the environmental impacts of the Commonwealth Development Corporation/Liberty Club Ltd. tourist hotel development in Grenada.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  It is the Government's responsibility under the Commonwealth Development Corporation Act to set the policy framework in which the Commonwealth Development Corporation carries out its activities. Decisions on individual investments are the responsibility of its board. Assessment of the environmental aspects of proposed investments is an integral part of the Commonwealth Development Corporation's project appraisal and approval procedures. In these circumstances, it would not be appropriate for the Overseas Development Administration to undertake separate studies of proposed projects.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals he has to authorise the Commonwealth Development Corporation to extend its area of operations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Approval has been given to the Commonwealth Development Corporation undertaking activities in the Dominican Republic. In pursuing investment opportunities the Commonwealth Development Corporation will endeavour to give priority to promoting the private sector.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether applicants for membership of the Commonwealth have to fulfil any standards with regard to democracy or respect for human rights.
  311
  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding reply 1 December 1992]: All countries applying to join the Commonwealth are expected to adhere to the "Declaration of Commonwealth Principles" issued at the 1971 Singapore Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

  Cameroon
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has received about the arrest and detention of Dr. Bieleu, president of the Union of Cameroonian Democratic Forces.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: We have received a large number of representations about human rights abuses in Cameroon following the Presidential elections on 11 October. Particular concern has been expressed by human rights groups in both the United Kingdom and Cameroon about the detention of opposition leaders, including Dr. Bieuleu, who is currently detained without charge at the headquarters of the Gendarmerie Nationale in Yaoundé. The authorities have also apparently refused Dr. Bieuleu medication to control his diabetes.

  We have made our concerns about human rights abuses plain to the Cameroon Government and have called publicly on President Biya to release those in detention, especially leaders of the opposition parties.

  World Bank
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the number of staff available to support the United Kingdom executive director of the World bank in his evaluation of the economic poverty alleviation and environmental impact of proposed World bank projects.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 26 November 1992]: The United Kingdom executive director has a joint office dealing with World bank and IMF matters. In addition to two alternate directors, there are six assistants, all of whom have responsibilities for reviewing World hank projects and policies. Technical back-up is available as necessary from professional advisers at the ODA's headquarters.

  Malaria Conference
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the conference in Amsterdam on malaria, at which the Department of Health was represented.

  United Kingdom contributions to United Nations organisations in cash terms

  £ thousands

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  11991

  United Nations Development Programme

  21,000

  21,000

  23,000

  24,500

  26,001

  27,114

  28,964

  World Food Programme2

  500

  500

  10,392

  4,542

  15,674

  4,030

  15,190

  United Nations High Commission for Refugees

  16,860

  14,020

  14,800

  19,470

  19,316

  19,495

  23,475

  United Nations Children's Fund

  8,400

  8,308

  12,000

  12,223

  12,200

  9,285

  11,232

  United Nations Population Fund

  4,500

  4,500

  5,000

  5,250

  5,500

  36,000

  47,500

  United Nations Environment Programme

  750

  1,000

  1,000

  1,250

  3,000

  3,000

  4,000

  United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  2,746

  391

  719

  898

  n/a—Not available.

  1 The figures for the United Nations Development Programme, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund have been updated since the answer given to the House on 14 July 1992.

  2Contributions to the World Food Programme include subscription payments, commodity purchase and, from 1987, food aid. Prior to 1987 the food aid channelled through the World Food Programme could not be distinguished from other food aid, and therefore is not included

  312
  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 27 November 1992]: I have been asked to reply.

  Participants from 102 member states of the World Health Organisation unanimously adopted the world declaration on the control of malaria at the ministerial conference in Amsterdam on 26 to 27 October. Acknowledging that malaria constitutes a major threat to health and to economic development, the conference concluded that malaria can and must be controlled with the tools now available; the key to success is applying the right strategy in the right places at the right time; in most endemic countries the goal will be to prevent malaria mortality and to reduce morbidity as well as social and economic losses due to the disease through building local and national capabilities; and aid donors should increase support for malaria control efforts.

  The United Kingdom delegation was led by ODA's chief health and population adviser and included representatives from the Department of Health and the Liverpool and London Schools of Tropical Medicine. The United Kingdom delegation stressed the need for cost-effective interventions to tackle malaria. It noted that ODA already provides substantial support to the management of malaria in many developing countries, and announced ODA's intention to establish a United Kigdom malaria consortium to help developing countries acquire skills needed to develop cost-effective malaria strategies and undertake relevant operational research. Developing countries will be able to apply for such assistance under ODA's bilateral country programmes. We hope that other aid agencies, such as WHO and the World bank, will also draw on this United Kingdom expertise.

  United Nations Programmes
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of the United Kingdom contributed financially to(a) the United Nations development programme, (b) the world food programme, (c) the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, (d) UNICEF, (e) the United Nations fund for population activities, (f) the United Nations environment programme and (g) the United Nations disaster relief organisation, in cash and at 1991 prices for each year since 1985.

  Mr. Lennox Boyd
  [holding answer 16 November 1992]: Contributions in cash terms and in 1991 prices were as follows.
  313
  in this table.

  3 United Kingdom pledge for 1990, of which £3 million was actually paid in February 1991.

  4 United Kingdom pledge for 1991. Excludes payment of £3 million in February 1991 against 1990 pledge.

  United Kingdom contribution to United Nations organisations at 1991 prices

  £ thousands

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  11991

  United Nations Development Programme

  30,047

  29,044

  30,301

  30,279

  29,990

  29,052

  28,964

  World Food Programme2

  715

  692

  13,691

  5,613

  18,079

  4,318

  15,190

  United Nations High Commission for Refugees

  24,124

  19,391

  19,498

  24,063

  22,279

  20,888

  23,475

  United Nations Children's Fund

  12,019

  11,490

  15,809

  15,106

  14,072

  9,949

  11,232

  United Nations Population Fund

  6,439

  6,224

  6,587

  6,488

  6,344

  36,429

  47,500

  United Nations Environment Programme

  1,073

  1,383

  1,317

  1,545

  3,460

  3,214

  4,000

  United Nations Disaster Relief Organisation

  N/a

  N/a

  N/a

  3,394

  451

  770

  898

  Note: Latest available Her Majesty's Treasury deflators (consistent with the Autumn Statement) were used. These figures therefore differ from those given in the answer to the House on 14 July 1992.

  N/a—Not available.

  1 The figures for the United Nations Development Programme, the World Food Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund have been updated since the answer given to the House on 14 July 1992.

  2 Contributions to the World Food Programme include subscription payments, commodity purchase and, from 1987. food aid. Prior to 1987 the food aid channelled through the World Food Programme could not be distinguished from other food aid, and therefore is not included in this table.

  3 United Kingdom pledge for 1990, of which £3 million (in cash terms) was actually paid in February 1991.

  4 United Kingdom pledge for 1991. Excludes payment of £3 million (in cash terms) in February 1991 against 1990 pledge.

EDUCATION

  Open University
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if the Open university will be given the extra funds previously indicated for 1993 to enable it to continue to increase its undergraduate student numbers.

  Mr. Forman
  The baseline funding for the Open university, which is being transferred to the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 1993–94, includes provision for the university to recruit an additional 2,000 undergraduate students in 1993. I understand that the funding council's decision on the university's funding for the period up to 31 July 1993 takes account of these additional students.

  Adult Illiteracy
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what measures are being taken to tackle adult illiteracy in England.

  Mr. Forman
  The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 places the Further Education Funding Council under a duty to secure adequate provision of basic literacy teaching for adults. The Government also support the adult literacy and basic skills unit which provides advice and undertakes development work in basic skills.

  Birmingham City Council
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the effect of penalties imposed on council spending which exceeds standard spending assessment on the ability of Birmingham city council to reach its standard spending assessment for education; and what action he proposes to take.

  Mr. Forth
  Birmingham city council is responsible for deciding its overall budget and spending priorities and is accountable locally for the decisions it takes.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Legg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the provisions of the treaty of Maastricht which(a) alter the status of the council as an institution of the European Community, (b) increase the scope of majority voting or (c) reduce the right of unilateral action by the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing) on 20 May at column 169 detailing extensions of majority voting under the Maastricht treaty. The status of the Council is not altered by the treaty on European union. The United Kingdom would forgo the right to act unilaterally in monetary mattes if it chose to join the move to a single currency, but the treaty does not oblige it to do so. The treaty includes new articles on education, training, culture, health, consumer protection, industry and development which include powers for the Community to act. But measures in all these areas had already been adopted under the existing treaty, so the articles concerned largely make explicit what is already possible under existing provisions. In addition, article 3b of the treaty sets new criteria for Community action across the board, which will limit its right to constrain member states' activities. On balance, therefore, we are confident that member states' freedom of action will be increased.

  South-West Atlantic (Fish Stocks)
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions have taken place with the Argentine Government concerning the conservation of fish stocks in the south-west Atlantic; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  Discussions were held with the Argentine Government at the fourth meeting of the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission on 23 and 24 November 1992. The delegations exchanged views on conservation and related matters. We shall continue the dialogue with the Argentine Government.
  315
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the value of licences to fish for illex squid in Falkland Islands waters in 1992, if he will make an estimate of the projected income for 1993; what information he has concerning investment in fisheries in the Falkland Islands; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  The income from illex squid licences to fish in Falkland Islands waters in 1992 amounted to £20·768 million. The current licensing round is riot yet complete and prospective income is uncertain. It could be significantly lower. The market for squid is weak. There may be fewer applications for licences.

  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has concerning the depletion of stocks of the illex squid in the waters of the south-west Atlantic; and what is his policy for ensuring that immature squid is protected from overfishing in these waters.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  The proportion of the annual illex squid brood which is not caught each season and is thus able to breed has been sufficient to maintain an adequate stock in Falkland Islands waters.

  We support the measures taken by the Falkland Islands Government to prevent overfishing by limiting the number of licences for fishing in the Falkland Islands conservation zone (FICZ), closing the fishery early if necessary and negotiating voluntary restraint agreements to prevent overfishing in the adjacent high seas. We discuss with Argentina measures for fisheries conservation in the South Atlantic Fisheries Commission.

  Malta
  Sir Russell Johnston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made with Malta's application for membership of the European Community.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  The Maltese application has been referred to the European Commission for its Opinion. We look forward to an early discussion by the Council of Ministers when the Opinion is available.

  Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current status and recent implementation of the CFE treaty.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  An agreement to apply the CFE treaty provisionally from 17 July 1992 was signed by all 29 CFE states parties at the Helsinki summit on 10 July. This was in response to the view of many states parties that implementation of the treaty, which was signed on 19 November 1990, should not be delayed any further by the failure of some states parties to ratify quickly. The treaty entered into force definitively on 9 November, following ratification by the last two states parties, Belarus and Kazakhstan, on 30 October.

  In the 120-day period of intensive inspection since 17 July, the United Kingdom has conducted 21 inspections in the countries of the former Warsaw pact, and has received seven inspections from them. On 14 November the treaty moved into its three-year reduction phase, in the course of
  316
  which states parties will reduce their equipment holdings to the limits specified by the treaty. We are satisfied that the CFE treaty, which we regard as a cornerstone for co-operative security in Europe, has been properly implemented so far.

  EC Officials
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 13 November,Official Report, column 1012, how many of the British employees at the European Commission are translators or interpreters; and if he will break down the figure for those in the administrative grade by directorate general.

  Mr. Jackson
  I have been asked to reply.

  There are currently 185 full-time British translators and interpreters working for the European Community institutions. These are additional to the figures for British officials employed in the European Commission in my answer of 13 November, at column 1012. The provision of detailed breakdowns of staffing figures is a matter for the European Community institutions.

  Cameroon
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Government have taken at the United Nations or elsewhere about the current political and constitutional position in Cameroon.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  A Cameroonian mission, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Francis Nkwain, visited the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on 18 November. We called on the Cameroon Government on this occasion to take all possible measures to end human rights abuses and to take active measures to demonstrate their commitment to democracy. We have subsequently drawn to the attention of the Cameroon Government a British statement issued on 19 November which urged President Biya to end the state of emergency and to release those in detention or under house arrest, especially leaders of the opposition parties.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what investigations he has made into the civil rights position of the SDF candidate for the presidency in Cameroon in respect of human rights; and whether his Department has sought to meet Mr. John Fru Ndi recently.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The continued restriction on Mr. Fru Ndi appear to run counter to Cameroon's obligations under the international convention on civil and political rights. The British ambassador to Cameroon has spoken to Mr. Fru Ndi several times by telephone and a member of the embassy visited the North-West Province on 23–24 November, when he was able to meet him in person.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Government have made about the treatment of the English-speaking Cameroons in recent years.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We have been given no grounds to make such representations in recent years. The current problems in Cameroon are not solely related to problems
  317
  between the anglophone and francophone communities in Cameroon, but rather stem from the conduct of the presidential election on 11 October and the increase in human rights abuses in the aftermath of that election.

  Tropical Forests
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many species of tropical rain forest timber he considers to be in danger of global extinction as a result of over-harvesting.

  Mr. Maclean
  I have been asked to reply.

  Species threatened with extinction which are, or may be, affected by trade are listed in appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The appendix currently includes two tropical timber species: the Guatemalan Fir, Abies guatemalensis, and Brazilian Rosewood, Dalbergia nigra.

HEALTH

  Health Practices
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are being taken to promote better health practices in England.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Over £150 million has been invested since 1989 to support medical and clinical audit. The philosophy of audit is now generally accepted by the medical and other health care professions.

  The clinical outcomes group, jointly chaired by the chief medical officer and chief nursing officer and representing all the major professional groups in the national health service, has been set up to drive forward the concept of clinical audit and focus on establishing outcomes.

  Other initiatives include:
  the "Health of the Nation" which has set targets in the area of awareness and prevention of illness; and
  a series of bulletins entitled "Effective Health Care", bringing together evidence of the effectiveness of specific health care interventions. Four bulletins have been issued to date:

  Population Screening for Osteoporosis

  Rehabilitation after Stroke

  The Management of Subfertility

  Treatment of Persistent Glue Ear in Children

  Department of Health funded research programmes which will form the basis of standards for audit in future;
  encouraging the medical royal colleges to set best practice standards for their specialties.

  Vaccines
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to speed up the supply of children's HIB vaccines to district health authorities; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  More than 2 million doses of HIB vaccine have been issued to health authorities since the vaccine was introduced on 1 October. The recommended programme for immunisation, which gives priority to the youngest children because they are at most risk from invasive haemophilus disease, required some 850,000 doses in October and November. This has left a substantial balance to allow for the immunisation of older children 318
  who would otherwise be called in at a later stage in the programme. The objective is to immunise all children under four years of age by September 1993.

  It is the responsibility of health authorities to arrange equitable distribution of the vaccine they receive, according to requirements, and to make any adjustments to the supply arrangements considered necessary. Continuing supplies of HIB vaccine should ensure that a total of 5 million doses will be distributed in the first six months of the programme.

  Family Planning
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for every district health authority in England and number of family planning clinics in 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Drugs (Labelling)
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to require drug companies to label drugs with Braille symbols.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  There are no such plans. I understand that the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has had discussions with the industry which is looking at ways of introducing some degree of Braille labelling.

  Secure Units (Juveniles)
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many places in secure units for juveniles there are in England and Wales; and how many places the Government are intending to provide by 1995.

  Mr. Yeo
  On 30 November 1992 there were 292 places in local authority secure units in England.

  Plans are being prepared to provide an additional 60 to 65 secure places in order to implement the new juvenile remand provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1991 by the mid 1990s.

  The information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current average cost of keeping a juvenile in a local authority secure unit.

  Mr. Yeo
  Information in the form requested is not collected centrally.

  Eyesight and Dental Checks
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make regulations to restore the right to a free eye test and the right to a free dental check-up.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  No.

  Social Security Budget
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the adjustment in the amount to be transferred from the social security budget to local authorities from 1 April 1993 in the light of the uprating of benefits announced by the Secretary of State for Social Security on 12 November; and if she will make a statement.
  319
  Mr. Yeo
  The amounts of the transfer which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 2 October were based on a calculation made at that time of the resources which the Government would otherwise have provided to finance care through social security payments to people in residential and nursing homes. The transfer was calculated on the assumption of an increase in social security benefit levels of 4·25 per cent. In the event the uprating of social security benefits announced on 12 November amounted to 3·6 per cent., but I do not envisage any adjustment being made to the transfer amounts.

  Chemical Entity Medicines
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 26 November,Official Report, columns 810–11, if she will name the indigestion remedy, the laxative and the vitamin product that have been granted product licences by the United Kingdom licensing authority since 1985; and what was the recommendation of the NHS Advisory Committee on Drugs in each case.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The indigestion remedy is Pepulsid which the Advisory Committee on National Health Service Drugs accepted was appropriate for supply on NHS prescription. The laxative is Importal which the committee decided should not be prescribable under the NHS by its proprietary name, although it can be supplied under the generic name Lactitol. The vitamin is Hearn which has not been considered by the committee; I understand it may never have been marketed in the United Kingdom.

  GPs Fee Scale
  Mr. Dicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recommendations the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body is planning to make on the fee scale for general medical practitioners in 1993–94; and if she will make a statement.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  When my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister informed the chairman of the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body of its amended remit for the coming year, he invited the review body to make recommendations as normal on a fee scale for general medical practitioners that would make provision for their practice expenses and deliver the new intended average net income set by the Government's policy for public sector pay settlements for the coming year.

  The review body expressed some reservations about what this might entail. There have been discussions between my officials, the profession, and the DDRB secretariat, to explore the review body's concerns and to see how far the two sides could offer evidence which might help. A good deal of common ground has emerged, but it is now clear that there remain some issues which it would be difficult for the review body to handle in current circumstances.

  The Government have therefore concluded that the best course is not to refer these questions to the review body for the 1993–94 pay round. Instead, the Health Departments will pursue them directly with the profession, to a time scale which should allow further progress on the unresolved technical matters. My officials are in touch with the British Medical Association about the arrangements for these discussions.

  Osteopaths
  Mr. Wolfson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to introduce provisions that osteopaths should be trained to minimum standards of competence and be regulated by a governing body capable of enforcing an appropriate code of practice.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Government are supporting the private Member's Bill by my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, North-East (Mr. Moss) to establish a single statutory governing body for osteopaths responsible for developing, promoting and regulating the profession of osteopathy and for setting educational standards and standards of professional conduct.

  Limited List Prescribing
  Sir Michael Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has concerning the effectiveness of the limited list prescribing system which is used in each other member country of the European Community which has adopted such a system.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I understand that steps have been or are being taken to ensure that the best use is made of resources available for the provision of drugs in a number of member states in the European Community including Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Belgium. We have no information about the extent to which the effectiveness of such schemes has been formally evaluated.

  Health-related Projects
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the health-related projects currently funded by(a) city challenge and (b) the urban programme.

  Mr. Sackville
  City challenge funding commenced in April this year and health-related projects are reflected in the action plans of Manchester, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Newcastle, Wirral, Lewisham, Middlesbrough and Bradford. Plans include a wide range of health promotion projects and others related to primary care, maternity services, drugs prevention, a well woman clinic, health services for ethnic minorities and for elderly people, and family and community health.

  The latest information available centrally under the urban programme is for 1991–92. A list of health-related projects for which details are held centrally has been placed in the Library.

  Private Ambulance Services
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she has taken in the last 12 months to monitor the activities of companies providing private ambulance services; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) what measures she has undertaken to monitor the suitability and qualifications of staff working for private ambulance companies; and if she will make a statement;

  (3) what guidelines exist governing the operation of private medical services which offer an emergency response service; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  Private ambulance services and their staff are not subject to any specific statute or regulation. It is for the prospective purchasers of private ambulance
  321
  services to satisfy themselves that operators are competent to provide the required service. Private ambulance services do not respond to emergency 999 calls.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she or her officials have had with Belmont International Air and Road Ambulance in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  Research Units
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list(a) the research units within the NHS funded by her Department, (b) their principal publications in the last four years and (c) any plans for their reorganisation.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The Department currently supports 13 research units on rolling contracts. In addition, there are 15 research programmes on fixed-term contracts. None of these contracts is currently held with national health service authorities. The units and programmes are largely based in university departments.

  Details of research contracts supported over the past four years are contained in the Department of Health "Handbook of Research and Development", an annual publication, which is available in the Library. A list of units' principal publications is not held centrally. The majority of research units on rolling contracts receive funds from a variety of sources, of which the Department is one.

  In respect of plans for reorganisation, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Porter) on 2 December.

  Mentally Disordered Offenders
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on her response to the Reed report on mentally disordered offenders.

  Mr. Yeo
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Teignbridge (Mr. Nicholls) on 27 November, at columns 873–74.

  Ativan
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what criteria the drug Ativan was originally made available; and what drugs its availability was intended to supersede.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Ativan is a proprietary brand of lorazepam, one of the benzodiazepine group of drugs. It was licensed by the licensing authority on the basis of the normal criteria of quality, efficacy and safety. Whether or not a particular drug is intended to supersede another one is not relevant to the licensing procedure.

  Under the selected list arrangements, general practitioners are not permitted to prescribe Ativan tablets under the National Health Service, although lorazepam tablets can be prescribed generically.

  Extra-contractual Referrals
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to monitor the system of extra-contractual referrals in the NHS; and if she will make a statement.
  322
  Mr. Sackville
  The level of expenditure on extra-contractual referrals is monitored during the year. There are no plans for additional monitoring.

  NHS (Private Investment)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on her plans to attract private investment into the NHS.

  Mr. Sackville
  Measures already announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will increase the scope for using private finance in joint ventures with the national health service to improve and extend services. We aim to ensure that NHS patients will benefit from these new freedoms to the greatest possible extent.

  Pay Beds
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a table showing for each regional health authority and for England as a whole(a) the number of NHS pay beds and (b) the total revenue generated from those beds for 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92 and the projected figures for 1992–93 and 1993–94.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information available centrally is given in the table.

  Number of authorised pay beds in NHS hospitals

  Region

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Northern

  97

  97

  Yorkshire

  188

  188

  Trent

  136

  136

  East Anglian

  108

  108

  North West Thames

  283

  283

  North East Thames

  411

  411

  South East Thames

  333

  333

  South West Thames

  180

  180

  Wessex

  116

  116

  Oxford

  194

  194

  South Western

  100

  100

  West Midlands

  276

  276

  Mersey

  129

  129

  North Western

  233

  227

  Special Health Authorities

  178

  178

  England

  2,962

  2,956

  Data for 1991–92 are not yet available. Nor do we project this data for future years.

  Income front private in-patients

  Region

  1989–90 £000 (cash)

  1990–91 £000 (cash)

  Northern

  1,275

  1,408

  Yorkshire

  3,020

  3,642

  Trent

  2,064

  1,755

  East Anglian

  3,953

  4,153

  North West Thames

  9,936

  11,013

  North East Thames

  11,598

  13,291

  South East Thames

  7,007

  8,979

  South West Thames

  2,449

  2,874

  Wessex

  1,817

  2,246

  Oxford

  6,315

  7,421

  South Western

  2,768

  3,836

  West Midlands

  3,080

  3,968

  Mersey

  1,206

  1,499

  North Western

  3,928

  4,933

  Special Health Authorities

  12,861

  14,635

  England

  73,277

  85,653

  323
  Source:

  Annual accounts of regional and district health authorities in England and those of the special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals.

  Note:

  Information derivable from 1991–92 annual accounts will be available shortly. Relevant figures are not collected in-year and any estimates for 1992–93 or 1993–94 would consequently be speculative.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to improve the operation of the ambulance service; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Government remain committed to the maintenance of high standards by NHS ambulance services.

  The patients charter sets performance standards for ambulance emergency response times. Progress towards the achievement of the Government's target of one paramedic per front-line ambulance by 1996 continues and is generally ahead of schedule.

  In London the inquiry established by the South West Thames regional health authority has been asked to identify the lessons to be learned for the operation and management of the London ambulance service against the imperative of delivering service of the required standard.

  NHS Services (Contracting-out)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the future of the contracting out of NHS services, in connection with recent European rulings on the transfer of undertakings.

  Mr. Sackville
  In the national health service market testing has been mandatory for catering, laundry and linen and domestic services since 1983 and a significant amount of work has been put out to commercial contractors. NHS managers have undertaken market testing in some 20 other support services and the NHS is preparing for an enhanced programme of testing as set out in the "Competing for Quality" White Paper.

  Contractors and would-be tenderers may have seen confusing reports concerning an amendment to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (1981) proposed in the employment legislation now before Parliament.

  These regulations provide for the transfer of employees' contracts where an undertaking has transferred to a new employer. It is not true, as reports have suggested, that the amendment which is being made applies the regulations to the public sector for the first time. Nor is it correct to suggest this cuts across the Government's policy to open central and local government services to competition. The Government have always accepted that the regulations cover both the public and private sectors.

  However, in every case the crucial consideration in deciding whether the regulations require that existing terms and conditions of employment should be preserved, is whether or not an undertaking is actually being transferred. This test has always applied and will continue to apply.

  In the NHS there is a wide spectrum of work and contracting scenarios. Health authorities, trusts and would-be contractors need to consider in each case, whether there is likely to be a transfer of undertaking involved and if in any doubt to take legal advice.
  324
  The Bill makes no difference to the likely outcome of such consideration. The only relevant changes that are being made in the Bill are that it will no longer be necessary to show that the undertaking is in the nature of a commercial venture and that it is made clear that property does not have to be transferred for there to be a transfer of an undertaking.

  These changes are required to bring the wording into line with the EC acquired rights directive and to clarify its interpretation.

  The changes in the Bill do not imply that past cases should have been decided differently because other criteria may have been relevant to those decisions, nor can it be assumed that future cases will be decided differently.

  Market testing in the NHS has led to both improvements in quality of service and financial savings thus releasing resources for direct patient care. The NHS is committed to pressing ahead with the challenging programme of market testing for the future.

  Hospital Waiting Times
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a table showing for each regional health authority the latest figures on(a) the percentage of patients receiving an immediate assessment in casualty, (b) the percentage of patients whose waiting time has been limited to 30 minutes and (c) the percentage of patients who have experienced the cancellation of a booked operation.

  Mr. Sackville
  Health authorities, as purchasers of services, are required to publish annual reports giving details of the performance against all relevant patients charter rights and standards achieved by their providers. A commentary on overall performance will be included in the chief executive's annual report for 1992–93.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Loan Objects
  Mr. Wolfson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what was the number of indemnity undertakings given by Departments under section 16 of the National Heritage Act 1980 for the six-month period ended 30 September; and what was the value of contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time and which remain outstanding as at 30 September.

  Mr. Brooke
  The information my hon. Friend requests is as follows:

  In the six-month period ended 30 September 1992 the following undertakings to indemnify were given by the relevant Departments for items on loan to national and non-national institutions.

  Number

  Department of National Heritage

  535

  Scottish Office Education Department

  93

  Welsh Office Education Department

  38

  Department of Education for Northern Ireland

  8

  The value of contingent liabilities in respect of such undertakings given at any time and outstanding at 30 September 1992 are:
  325

  £

  Department of National Heritage

  1,303,095,363

  Scottish Office Education Department

  284,743,138

  Welsh Office Education Department

  56,733,397

  Department of Education for Northern Ireland

  2,899,587

  Items in Lieu of Tax
  Mr. Wolfson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what allocations of items accepted in lieu of tax there have been since his last announcement on 6 November.

  Mr. Brooke
  Since my last announcement, on 6 November at column 429, I am pleased to inform the House of an allocation of an offer in lieu of tax. The offer is of minutes and accounts relating to the Hambledon cricket club. These documents will be allocated to the Hampshire record office.

  Children's Play
  Mr. Wolfson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what support he intends to give to children's play after 31 March 1993.

  Mr. Brooke
  My Department's current funding of the national children's play and recreation unit, through the Sports Council, comes to an end on 31 March 1993, Discussions have now been opened with the Sports Council with a view to its taking over direct responsibility for a number of the play unit's functions.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on the football pools if the total percentage taken out in tax and in payments to good causes were identical for pools and national lottery;

  (2) what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on football pools assuming no changes are made in the current rules governing the pools operation and promotion;

  (3) what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on football pools if pools were permitted (a) to be promoted to potential clients who want to use lucky numbers rather than skill and judgment in placing their bets, (b) to run roll-over jackpots, (c) to be advertised on television or (d) to have pools coupons collected from shops;

  (4) what advice he has received on the consequences for the proposed national lottery's turnover if the lottery were not to offer instant games;

  (5) what advice he has received on the number of jobs lost in the football pools industry if the national lottery is introduced and no changes are permitted in the regime governing football pools operation and promotion;

  (6) what advice he has received on the consequence for the proposed national lottery's turnover if (a) the number of types of retailer handling lottery tickets were restricted to one, (b) if it were not advertised on television or (c) limits were imposed on prizes and jackpots;

  (7) what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on retail sales of newspapers and sweets.
  326
  Mr. Brooke
  The Department commissioned a firm of consultants to advise on a number of aspects of the national lottery. This advice was intended to identify the key determinants for a successful lottery. Among the matters covered was advice on the issues the hon. Member raises in his questions. This advice contained a number of illustrative scenarios based on ranges of assumptions. Much of the information in the report is commercially sensitive to those who provided it, and I do not intend to publish the report.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on funding for football, assuming no changes in the rules governing pools operation and promotion.

  Mr. Brooke
  I have received a number of letters from chairmen of football clubs and the Football Trust, which refer to the concerns expressed by the pools companies.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will allow representatives of the GAH consulting group to meet representatives of the pools promoters to discuss its report on the impact of the proposed national lottery on football pools.

  Mr. Brooke
  GAH is bound by normal Government contract conditions not to disclose details of its report.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on the sale of premium bonds.

  Mr. Brooke
  Internal advice suggests that the products offered by these two schemes are very different. Premium bonds are a savings instrument. We expect both schemes to be viable.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he last met the Pools Promoters Association members to discuss the proposed national lottery.

  Mr. Brooke
  My officials have met the Pools Promoters Association to discuss the national lottery on a number of occasions, most recently on 4 November. I am due to meet the chairman and representatives of the pools companies on 9 December.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his latest forecast of the projected annual income of the national lottery.

  Mr. Brooke
  All forecasts at this stage must be speculative. I hope that the national lottery will generate substantial sums for good causes.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many reports have been commissioned on the impact of the national lottery on football pools.

  Mr. Brooke
  The GAH group was commissioned to undertake a report to help the Department shape its legislation on the national lottery. Part of this report looked at the possible effects of the national lottery on the pools industry.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what has been the cost to public funds of the research he has commissioned on the impact of the national lottery on football pools.
  327
  Mr. Brooke
  The GAH report, commissioned to cover a wide range of issues, cost £44,985.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he is taking to ensure that football pools are not damaged by the introduction of the national lottery.

  Mr. Brooke
  The football pools companies have compiled a list of the relaxations they would like to see to the regime which regulates their operations. The Government are considering whether any changes are appropriate.

  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what advice he has received on the impact of the proposed national lottery on lotteries run by sports clubs.

  Mr. Brooke
  A number of organisations which run small lotteries, including sports clubs, have submitted information in response to the White Paper "A National Lottery Raising Money for Good Causes".

  Historic Homes
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many grade I historic homes have sprinkler systems installed as a fire precaution.

  Mr. Brooke
  This information is not held centrally and is not readily available.

EMPLOYMENT

  Disability Quota
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list the percentage quota for disabled people employed by each local authority in England and Wales.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Tables of figures showing the number and percentage of registered disabled people employed by a wide range of public sector employers, including, local authorities, are published annually in the Employment Gazette. This information is published with the agreement of the individual employers. The latest figures for local authorities in England and Wales were published in the February edition of the Employment Gazette, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Youth Training Scheme
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people are currently waiting to get on to places on the YTS; and if she will make a statement.

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

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Crime Statistics
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a table showing the percentage increase in each category of recorded crime 328
  during the 12 months ended June over the 12 months ended June 1989 (a) in England and Wales and (b) in each police force area.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 24 November 1992]: The information requested is contained in the tables.

  Notifiable offences recorded by the police by police force area Percentage change for 12 months ended June 1992 compared with 12 months ended June 1989 Violence against the person

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  23

  Bedfordshire

  -10

  Cambridgeshire

  48

  Cheshire

  4

  Cleveland

  7

  Cumbria

  16

  Derbyshire

  26

  Devon and Cornwall

  2

  Dorset

  14

  Durham

  1

  Essex

  5

  Gloucestershire

  28

  Greater Manchester

  4

  Hampshire

  34

  Hertfordshire

  2

  Humberside

  -8

  Kent

  45

  Lancashire

  5

  Leicestershire

  34

  Lincolnshire

  28

  City of London

  7

  Merseyside

  31

  Metropolitan Police District

  33

  Norfolk

  3

  Northamptonshire

  1

  Northumbria

  15

  North Yorkshire

  24

  Nottinghamshire

  21

  South Yorkshire

  2

  Staffordshire

  14

  Suffolk

  19

  Surrey

  7

  Sussex

  9

  Thames Valley

  7

  Warwickshire

  12

  West Mercia

  12

  West Midlands

  26

  West Yorkshire

  15

  Wiltshire

  39

  Dyfed-Powys

  53

  Gwent

  18

  North Wales

  15

  South Wales

  31

  England and Wales

  19

  Sexual offences

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  -3

  Bedfordshire

  -16

  Cambridgeshire

  12

  Cheshire

  30

  Cleveland

  -2

  Cumbria

  4

  Derbyshire

  -17

  Devon and Cornwall

  12

  Dorset

  38

  Durham

  16

  Essex

  -4

  Gloucestershire

  36

  Greater Manchester

  -1

  Hampshire

  15

  329

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Hertfordshire

  -19

  Humberside

  -6

  Kent

  33

  Lancashire

  -20

  Leicestershire

  8

  Lincolnshire

  -12

  City of London

  41

  Merseyside

  26

  Metropolitan Police District

  29

  Norfolk

  12

  Northamptonshire

  -16

  Northumbria

  3

  North Yorkshire

  -13

  Nottinghamshire

  -9

  South Yorkshire

  -4

  Staffordshire

  -6

  Suffolk

  34

  Surrey

  30

  Sussex

  4

  Thames Valley

  -19

  Warwickshire

  -11

  West Mercia

  7

  West Midlands

  6

  West Yorkshire

  7

  Wiltshire

  6

  Dyfed-Powys

  29

  Gwent

  -20

  North Wales

  -33

  South Wales

  -3

  England and Wales

  6

  Robbery

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  85

  Bedfordshire

  113

  Cambridgeshire

  171

  Cheshire

  160

  Cleveland

  71

  Cumbria

  92

  Derbyshire

  148

  Devon and Cornwall

  54

  Dorset

  126

  Durham

  100

  Essex

  36

  Gloucestershire

  190

  Greater Manchester

  90

  Hampshire

  104

  Hertfordshire

  75

  Humberside

  31

  Kent

  138

  Lancashire

  89

  Leicestershire

  45

  Lincolnshire

  78

  City of London

  8

  Merseyside

  25

  Metropolitan Police District

  32

  Norfolk

  55

  Northamptonshire

  94

  Northumbria

  87

  North Yorkshire

  78

  Nottinghamshire

  86

  South Yorkshire

  48

  Staffordshire

  87

  Suffolk

  75

  Surrey

  93

  Sussex

  55

  Thames Valley

  100

  Warwickshire

  118

  West Mercia

  85

  West Midlands

  69

  West Yorkshire

  174

  Wiltshire

  63

  330

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Dyfed-Powys

  182

  Gwent

  102

  North Wales

  44

  South Wales

  62

  England and Wales

  54

  Burglary

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  97

  Bedfordshire

  92

  Cambridgeshire

  113

  Cheshire

  82

  Cleveland

  35

  Cumbria

  82

  Derbyshire

  132

  Devon and Cornwall

  80

  Dorset

  81

  Durham

  45

  Essex

  89

  Gloucestershire

  88

  Greater Manchester

  37

  Hampshire

  83

  Hertfordshire

  90

  Humberside

  70

  Kent

  117

  Lancashire

  57

  Leicestershire

  117

  Lincolnshire

  67

  City of London

  32

  Merseyside

  -13

  Metropolitan Police District

  37

  Norfolk

  65

  Northamptonshire

  100

  Northumbria

  45

  North Yorkshire

  70

  Nottinghamshire

  98

  South Yorkshire

  81

  Staffordshire

  87

  Suffolk

  43

  Surrey

  66

  Sussex

  83

  Thames Valley

  96

  Warwickshire

  123

  West Mercia

  86

  West Midlands

  59

  West Yorkshire

  99

  Wiltshire

  70

  Dyfed-Powys

  80

  Gwent

  104

  North Wales

  51

  South Wales

  53

  England and Wales

  62

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  59

  Bedfordshire

  49

  Cambridgeshire

  83

  Cheshire

  56

  Cleveland

  49

  Cumbria

  66

  Derbyshire

  88

  Devon and Cornwall

  46

  Dorset

  38

  Durham

  61

  Essex

  57

  Gloucestershire

  102

  Greater Manchester

  33

  331

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Hampshire

  67

  Hertfordshire

  52

  Humberside

  45

  Kent

  97

  Lancashire

  56

  Leicestershire

  82

  Lincolnshire

  37

  City of London

  14

  Merseyside

  17

  Metropolitan Police District

  25

  Norfolk

  62

  Northamptonshire

  46

  Northumbria

  13

  North Yorkshire

  69

  Nottinghamshire

  62

  South Yorkshire

  39

  Staffordshire

  59

  Suffolk

  54

  Surrey

  83

  Sussex

  70

  Thames Valley

  79

  Warwickshire

  80

  West Mercia

  74

  West Midlands

  30

  West Yorkshire

  70

  Wiltshire

  56

  Dyfed-Powys

  75

  Gwent

  66

  North Wales

  48

  South Wales

  31

  England and Wales

  47

  Fraud and forgery

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  6

  Bedfordshire

  2

  Cambridgeshire

  58

  Cheshire

  29

  Cleveland

  -22

  Cumbria

  2

  Derbyshire

  32

  Devon and Cornwall

  3

  Dorset

  24

  Durham

  49

  Essex

  88

  Gloucestershire

  66

  Greater Manchester

  23

  Hampshire

  43

  Hertfordshire

  -39

  Humberside

  22

  Kent

  113

  Lancashire

  -30

  Leicestershire

  58

  Lincolnshire

  42

  City of London

  25

  Merseyside

  45

  Metropolitan Police District

  42

  Norfolk

  48

  Northamptonshire

  44

  Northumbria

  55

  North Yorkshire

  26

  Nottinghamshire

  60

  South Yorkshire

  30

  Staffordshire

  49

  Suffolk

  57

  Surrey

  66

  Sussex

  801

  Thames Valley

  97

  Warwickshire

  88

  West Mercia

  38

  West Midlands

  49

  West Yorkshire

  42

  332

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Wiltshire

  101

  Dyfed-Powys

  -2

  Gwent

  5

  North Wales

  -25

  South Wales

  43

  England and Wales

  35

  Criminal damage

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  36

  Bedfordshire

  28

  Cambridgeshire

  55

  Cheshire

  32

  Cleveland

  38

  Cumbria

  79

  Derbyshire

  65

  Devon and Cornwall

  43

  Dorset

  27

  Durham

  40

  Essex

  34

  Gloucestershire

  27

  Greater Manchester

  29

  Hampshire

  34

  Hertfordshire

  23

  Humberside

  30

  Kent

  75

  Lancashire

  18

  Leicestershire

  70

  Lincolnshire

  39

  City of London

  4

  Merseyside

  20

  Metropolitan Police District

  36

  Norfolk

  51

  Northamptonshire

  72

  Northumbria

  78

  North Yorkshire

  20

  Nottinghamshire

  35

  South Yorkshire

  41

  Staffordshire

  41

  Suffolk

  18

  Surrey

  45

  Sussex

  47

  Thames Valley

  68

  Warwickshire

  55

  West Mercia

  23

  West Midlands

  43

  West Yorkshire

  49

  Wiltshire

  30

  Dyfed-Powys

  49

  Gwent

  47

  North Wales

  35

  South Wales

  63

  England and Wales

  41

  Other offences

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  15

  Bedfordshire

  -5

  Cambridgeshire

  94

  Cheshire

  123

  Cleveland

  68

  Cumbria

  113

  Derbyshire

  35

  Devon and Cornwall

  46

  Dorset

  54

  Durham

  104

  Essex

  36

  Gloucestershire

  132

  333

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Greater Manchester

  67

  Hampshire

  98

  Hertfordshire

  26

  Humberside

  101

  Kent

  64

  Lancashire

  55

  Leicestershire

  64

  Lincolnshire

  132

  City of London

  21

  Merseyside

  70

  Metropolitan Police District

  17

  Norfolk

  105

  Northamptonshire

  91

  Northumbria

  41

  North Yorkshire

  92

  Nottinghamshire

  20

  South Yorkshire

  128

  Staffordshire

  29

  Suffolk

  58

  Surrey

  36

  Sussex

  44

  Thames Valley

  49

  Warwickshire

  111

  West Mercia

  44

  West Midlands

  62

  West Yorkshire

  148

  Wiltshire

  167

  Dyfed-Powys

  19

  Gwent

  99

  North Wales

  64

  South Wales

  47

  England and Wales

  55

  All offences

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  Avon and Somerset

  57

  Bedfordshire

  47

  Cambridgeshire

  82

  Cheshire

  55

  Cleveland

  39

  Cumbria

  66

  Derbyshire

  85

  Devon and Cornwall

  48

  Dorset

  14

  Durham

  49

  Essex

  56

  Gloucestershire

  85

  Greater Manchester

  32

  Hampshire

  62

  Hertfordshire

  44

  Humberside

  44

  Kent

  94

  Lancashire

  41

  Leicestershire

  83

  Lincolnshire

  43

  City of London

  16

  Merseyside

  11

  Metropolitan Police District

  31

  Norfolk

  58

  Northamptonshire

  57

  Northumbria

  33

  North Yorkshire

  58

  Nottinghamshire

  59

  South Yorkshire

  47

  Staffordshire

  58

  Suffolk

  44

  Surrey

  68

  Sussex

  66

  Thames Valley

  77

  Warwickshire

  83

  West Mercia

  61

  West Midlands

  40

  334

  Police force area

  Percentage change

  West Yorkshire

  70

  Wiltshire

  55

  Dyfed-Powys

  62

  Gwent

  62

  North Wales

  39

  South Wales

  41

  England and Wales

  47

  Domestic Supervision Cases
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide funding for Relate to assist the probation service with domestic supervision cases.

  Mr. Jack
  I have no plans to give Relate direct funding in relation to supervision orders.

  Derek Bentley
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what opportunity he gave to the individuals mentioned in paragraph 7 of his press statement of 1 October, on the case of the late Derek Bentley, to be interviewed or to provide any information supplementary to the material referred to.

  Mr. Jack
  All the people mentioned in paragraph 7 of the memorandum issued by my right hon. and learned Friend to accompany his statement on 1 October about his review of the case of the late Derek Bentley had the opportunity to submit further material about the case at any time; two persons involved in the preparation of the Thames TV programmes were interviewed by a senior officer in the Metropolitan police in the course of inquiries carried out at the request of my Department.

  Burglary
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for a report from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis on the burglary at the office of Ms. Tess Lawrence at 109 New Bond street, London W1, on 26 November; what documents were taken; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  On the evening of 26 November officers from West End Central CID were called to investigate a burglary at 109 New Bond street, the office of Ms. Tess Lawrence.

  I understand from the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police that, among the items which were alleged to have been stolen was a copy of a sworn affidavit, draft letter, and various other papers.

  Police at West End Central are continuing with their investigations into this incident.

  Immigration
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will(a) make available to the members of Standing Committee A on the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Bill and (b) deposit in the Library the draft immigration rules discussed by the meeting of EC Ministers with responsibility for immigration held in London on 30 November;
  335
  (2) if he will (a) make available to the members of Standing Committee A on the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Bill and (b) deposit in the Library the agenda for the meeting of EC Ministers with responsibility for immigration held in London on 30 November.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Details of the conclusions of the EC Ministers' meeting were placed before the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Bill Committee and in the Library on 1 December. Details of the agenda for the meeting were placed in the Library on 30 November.

  In addition, my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary will shortly be reporting to the House on the discussions and conclusions of EC Ministers responsible for immigration at their meeting on 30 November, and we will he making available those resolutions and recommendations which Ministers adopted.

  May Inquiry
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the final report by Sir John May of his inquiry into the convictions of the Maguire family will be published; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General and I have received the final report by Sir John May of his inquiry into the case of the Maguire family and their co-defendants, who were convicted in 1976 of the unlawful possession of explosives. Those convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal on 26 June 1991 following Sir John's interim report on the case and the decision of the then Home Secretary now Lord Waddington, to refer the whole case to the court under the provisions of section 17(1)(a) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968.

  This report is being published today in response to an order of the House for a return. We wish to thank Sir John and all those who assisted him for the care and thoroughness with which his inquiry has examined the circumstances of the convictions of the Maguires and their co-defendants and issues arising therefrom.

  In his report Sir John reviews the basis of the decision to prosecute the Maguire family and their co-defendants. He then examines the role of Home Office Ministers and officials in the consideration of representations received over a number of years alleging that there had been a miscarriage of justice. Sir John has also re-examined some of the scientific issues which were dealt with in his interim report, although that re-examination has not caused him to amend his conclusions on the scientific aspects of the case.

  It is a very serious matter whenever there is a miscarriage of justice and my right hon. and learned Friend and I are determined that the lessons from such cases should be learned and applied effectively.

  Sir John concluded that the criteria which successive Home Secretaries have used to determine whether intervention in a conviction can be justified are sound in law and logic and provides no grounds for criticism. I welcome his further conclusion that, within the limits imposed by those criteria, the Home Office investigated the representations it received with care and thoroughness.

  Since the time when those representations were considered, the Home Office has developed its approach to the consideration of alleged miscarriage of justice—in
  336
  particular, by being ready to investigate the circumstances of a case more widely than the scope of representations made to it and, where there appear to be grounds for doing so, by being ready to initiate inquiries without having first received any representations. We are constantly seeking to apply the lessons to be learned from cases and we will continue to do so, taking account now of what Sir John has said in this report. It will continue to be our aim to give prompt, diligent and impartial consideration to all representations taking whatever action may be necessary including, where appropriate, the referral of a conviction to the Court of Appeal.

  Sir John's report raises important questions about the part played by scientific evidence and by expert witnesses in the prosecution of offenders. Since the time when the Maguires and their co-defendants were prosecuted, there have been significant advances in procedures and quality control in the field of forensic science. Questions about the role of experts in criminal proceedings, their responsibilities to the court, prosecution, and defence, the relationship between the forensic science service and the police and access by accused persons to court evidence are being examined by the royal commission on criminal justice.

  In his report Sir John May concludes that there should be some new machinery indpendent of the Home Office to consider whether alleged wrongful convictions should be referred to the Court of Appeal. In the oral evidence which I gave recently to the royal commission, I put forward the same proposal.

  The commission, of which Sir John May is a member and to whose deliberations he is ideally placed to contribute the wider lessons of his inquiry, is expected to make its own report in June 1993.

  Cephalopods
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he received the advice of the Animal Procedures Committee on whether cephalopods used in research should be protected by the controls of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Government recently received the views of the Animal Procedures Committee. The committee has concluded that there is not yet definite scientific evidence to suggest that cephalopods can experience pain or suffering. However, a majority of the committee believes that there is sufficient doubt about one species of cephalopod, the common octopus or Octopus vulgaris, that the benefit of the doubt should be given to that species and that it should be protected by the 1986 Act.

  The Government accept the majority view of the committee and agrees in principle that Octopus vulgaris should be included within the definition of protected animal for the purposes of the 1986 Act. Work is in hand to give effect to this change.

  I have placed in the Library of the House a copy of the letter from Lord Nathan, chairman of the APC, to my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary giving details of the committee's considerations.

  Blakenhurst Prison
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contract has been let for the management of Blakenhurst prison; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  On 5 December 1991 my right hon. Friend the then Home Secretary announced that tenders would be sought for the management of a new 649 place prison at Blakenhurst then under construction near Redditch in Hereford and Worcester.

  On 15 June 1992. invitations to tender for the management of Blakenhurst were issued to nine contractors.

  Today I am pleased to announce that the contract has been awarded to UK Detention Services Limited. UKDS
  338
  is a consortium comprising Corrections Corporation of America, John Mowlem & Company and Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons (Trade Investments) Ltd.

  The success of UKDS follows detailed consideration of proposals submitted by seven potential contractors in response to the Home Office invitation to tender. There was keen competition to secure the contract and several excellent proposals were received. It was considered that UKDS had submitted well researched proposals underpinned by CCA's experience of running penal establishments in Australia and the USA, which offered value for money, and a high quality regime for prisoners. The quality of all proposals submitted has confirmed our view that the private sector has much to offer.

  Blakenhurst is the first private sector local prison and is due to take its first prisoners in April 1993.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Travel Allowances
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if hon. Members are allowed to claim travelling allowances in respect of travel by bicycle.

  Mr. Newton
  No.

  Members' Funds
  Mr. Ray Powell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what consultations he had before 25 November with the managing trustees of the House of Commons Members' Fund on its role in relation to pensions and death benefits applicable to hon. Members and their dependants from 1 January 1993.

  Mr. Newton
  I spoke informally on 25 November to the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) and my hon. Friend the Member for Horsham (Sir P. Hordern) in their capacities as chairman and member of the trustees of the parliamentary pensions fund: these discussions did not touch specifically on the Members' fund.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what powers the House of Commons Members' Fund has to supplement a pensions benefit in cases where an hon. Member now in service dies or retires due to ill-health after 1 January 1993.

  Mr. Newton
  The trustees' powers to make discretionary payments are very wide indeed since the Ministerial and Other Pensions and Salaries Act 1991.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on the circumstances in relation to which it may be necessary to consider the role of the House of Commons Members' Fund in relation to hon. Members' pensions in the very short term.

  Mr. Newton
  I am discussing pensions matters raised in the debate with the trustees of the parliamentary pensions fund shortly, and have nothing to add at the moment to my remarks at the end of the debate on 25 November.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Privy Council
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will conduct a review into the functions of the Privy Council; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  I have no plans to review the functions of the Privy Council.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many appeals from the decisions of professional disciplinary bodies have been heard by the Privy Council in each of the last three years; and if he will provide a breakdown by professional body and the number which are(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful.

  Mr. Newton
  The total number of appeals in each of the last three years has been:

  1990

  4

  1991

  2

  1992

  8 (to date)

  340
  The details are as follows:

  General Dental Council

  1990

  1 successful, 1 unsuccessful

  1991

  None

  1992

  1 awaiting judgement

  General Medical Council

  1990

  1 successful, 1 unsuccessful

  1991

  2 successful

  1992

  1 successful, 5 unsuccessful,1 awaiting judgement

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what representations he has received seeking a review of the functions of the Privy Council in relation to its function in hearing appeals from the decisions of professional disciplinary bodies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  I have received no such representations.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on the functions of the Privy Council.

  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council advises the sovereign on the making of Royal Proclamations and Orders in Council, and on the grant and amendment of royal charters. It approves certain rules made by statutory registration councils responsible for the medical and certain other professions, and makes instruments of government for higher education corporations. The Privy Council is also responsible for certain appointments to statutory councils and to the governing bodies of universities and colleges, and for the appointment of high sheriffs. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council is the final court of appeal from courts of the United Kingdom dependencies and from courts of those independent Commonwealth countries which have retained the right of appeal. The committee also hears appeals from courts of the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and from the disciplinary and health committees of the medical and allied professions, together with some ecclesiastical appeals.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what plans he has to ensure that appeals heard by the Privy Council from persons resident in Scotland are held in accordance with the principles of Scots law; and if he will maake a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  It is for the Judicial Committee, on the basis of the facts and circumstances of each case, and having heard argument, to determine the relevant applicable legal principles.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many appeals have been heard by the Privy Council from persons who have had their names erased from the medical register by the Professional Conduct Committee of the General Medical Council under the Medical Act 1983 in each of the last three years; and if he will provide a breakdown showing figures for(a) Scotland, (b) Wales, (c) England, (d) Northern Ireland and (e) the United Kingdom and the number which were (i) successful and (ii) unsuccessful.

  Mr. Newton
  The total number of appeals in each of the last three years has been:

  1990

  1

  1991

  1

  1992

  3 (to date)

  The details are as follows:
  341

  Scotland

  1990

  None

  1991

  None

  1992

  1 awaiting judgment

  Wales

  1990, 1991 and 1992

  None

  England

  1990

  1 unsuccessful

  1991

  1 unsuccessful

  1992

  1 unsuccessful, 1 unsuccessful

  Northern Ireland

  1990, 1991 and 1992

  None

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) 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;

  (2) 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.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Department will, by the end of 1992, have a green housekeeping strategy in place. It will include a commitment to reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances.

  Steps which are being taken to reduce leakages of ozone-depleting refrigerants include regular checks, servicing and maintenance; compliance with professional codes of practice; and installation of leakage detection systems.

  The information needed to set targets for reductions is not currently available.

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

  Mr. Burt
  There are 11,572 staff employed in London, and 80,413 staff employed elsewhere.

  Notes:

  1. Staff numbers relate to permanent staff as at 20 November 1992.

  2. London has been defined as the London pay area.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reply to the letter of 2 November from the hon. Member for Walsall, North, acknowledged under reference S/3644/9, regarding the rule whereby women over 60 years are not allowed to pay the extra sum to qualify for a state pension.
  342
  Miss Widdecombe
  I replied to the hon. Member's letter yesterday. The delay arose because it was necessary to contact both the Benefits and the Contributions Agencies regarding aspects of the individual case in question.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate(a) the costs for the setting up of the Child Support Agency, (b) the running costs of the Child Support Agency in 1993–94, and for each of the financial years up to the year the agency will be fully operational, (c) the total number of staff the agency will employ, (d) how many staff will be located in the six regional centres, (e) how many child support officers the agency will employ and (f) how many of the child support officers will be located in the six regional centres.

  Mr. Burt
  The current estimates are:

  (a) Total costs of setting up the agency—£146 million.

  (b) Running costs of the agency—

  £ million

  Year

  Costs

  1993–94

  94

  1994–95

  111

  1995–96

  117

  1996–97

  114

  1997–98

  116

  (c) The agency will employ around 5,000 staff when fully operational.

  (d) About 500 staff employed will be employed in each of the six Child Support Agency centres.

  (e) The agency will employ around 1,500 child support officers.

  (f) There will be about 250 child support officers located in each Child Support Agency centre.

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications it is estimated that the Child Support Agency will deal with in each year from 1993–94 to the year in which it becomes fully operational.

  Mr. Burt
  The Child Support Agency will become fully operational during 1997–98. On current predictions, the number of applications per year until then are estimated to be as follows:

  (thousands)

  Year

  Applications

  1993–94

  830

  1994–95

  570

  1995–96

  650

  1996–97

  430

  Income Support
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) male and (b) female (i) pensioners and (ii) people of working age were in receipt of income support at the latest available date; and what proportion they made of the relevant population in each case.

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested is in the table.
  343

  Number of income support recipients

  Percentage of relevant population in Great Britain

  Male claimants over 65

  270,000

  7·64

  Female claimants over 60

  1,140,000

  16·86

  Total number of claimants who are of pensionable age

  1,410,000

  13·70

  Male claimants of working age

  1,390,000

  6·34

  Female claimants of working age

  1,700,000

  7·15

  Total number of claimants who are of working age

  3,080,000

  6·76

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten thousand

  Figures may not sum due to rounding

  Pensioners are defined as males over age 65 and females over age 60

  2. Source: Income Support Statistics Annual Enquiry, May 1991 Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, 1990

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people on income support had automatic deductions for(a) electricity, (b) gas, (c) social fund loan repayments, (d) rent arrears, (e) mortgage arrears, (f) water charges and (g) community charge arrears at the latest available date; and what were the average amounts for each type of deduction.

  Mr. Burt
  The latest available information showing the numbers of income support recipients with deductions is as follows:

  Numbers

  Fuel

  1305,000

  Social fund loan repayments

  2637,000

  Rent arrears

  1134,000

  Mortgage interest

  3461,000

  Water charges

  1147,000

  Community charge arrears

  1337,000

  1 These figures are based on Management Information Statistics (MIS) collected by the Benefits Agency at the end of August 1992. MIS figures do not distinguish between gas and electricity deductions or provide an average amount for each type of deduction. These figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand, are provisional and may be subject to amendments.

  2 It is not possible to exclude from the social fund figure repayments made by people not in receipt of income support.

  3 The figures for mortgage interest deductions is based on the number of direct payments made during November 1992. Recipients with more than one mortgage will be counted more than once.

  The latest information available showing separate figures for gas and electricity deductions and the average amount of individual deductions is contained in table 10·1 of volume 1 of the "Department of Social Security Income Support Statistics Annual Statistical Enquiry, May 1991", a copy of which is in the Library.

  Figures distinguishing between deductions for current charges and those for arrears are not available.

  Prioritisation
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance is given by his Department in respect of prioritisation within high priority groups for community care grants and budgeting loans.
  344
  Mr. Scott
  National guidance on the priority to be accorded to social fund applications is contained in the social fund guide, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Child Benefit
  Ms. Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will estimate what the level of child benefit would be in 1993–94 if it had been fully uprated since 1979 and its structure had remained the same.

  Mr. Burt
  The rate of child benefit in April 1979 was £4 a week for each child. If this level had been uprated annually in line with the retail prices index, and with the normal rounding to the nearest five pence, it would become £9·55 at April 1993.

  Invalidity Pension
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many women are in receipt of the housewives' non-contributory invalidity pension; and how many men were in receipt of non-contributory invalidity pension in each year since 1984.

  Mr. Scott
  Severe disablement allowance replaced the two non-contributory invalidity pensions from 29 November 1984. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 23 October, at column 396.

  Income-related Benefits
  Ms. Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the latest figures showing the take-up rates of income-related benefits.

  Mr. Burt
  Work on the statistics on the take-up of income-related benefits in 1989 has not yet been completed. The results will be published early in the new year.

  Benefits Agency
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow can expect to receive an answer to his letter, dated 28 October, to Mr. Michael Bichard, chief executive, Benefits Agency, concerning his constituent, Mr. McMaster—Ref. DB103169.

  Mr. Scott
  Correspondence on operational issues 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 Dr. Norman Godman, dated 2 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 concerning correspondence about your constituent Mr. McMaster (Ref. DB103169).
  I can confirm that decisions have now been made on Mr. McMaster's claims and these have been notified to him. I replied on 1 December to your letter of 28 October and this explains the position in greater detail.
  I offer my sincere apologies to Mr. McMaster for the delay in dealing with his claims and for delay in responding to your correspondence. Clearly neither you nor your constituent have received the standard of service to which you have every

  345
  right to expect of the Agency. You will be aware from my letter of 19 October to all MPs of the problems we have encountered since the successful launch of the new benefits and the positive steps taken to improve the situation.
  I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.

  Disability Allowances
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set up an emergency office in Stoke on Trent North to deal with outstanding disability living allowance and attendance allowance applications.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of disability living allowance and attendance allowance 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 Ms. Joan Walley, dated 2 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 setting up an emergency office in Stoke on Trent North to deal with Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance (AA) claims.
  There are no plans to set up an emergency office in Stoke on Trent. New claims to DLA and AA are dealt with by ten Disability Benefit Centres (DBCs) around the country. All claims from the Stoke on Trent area are dealt with by the DBC in Birmingham.
  My letter of 19 October to all MPs outlined the measures that were implemented to deal with the backlog of claims successfully. We are of course closely monitoring the effectiveness of the procedures and organisation in place for DLA. As with all new benefits, procedures and organisation will be reviewed and I can assure you that every opportunity will be taken to identify new initiatives to speed up processing times.
  I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Plutonium and Uranium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 23 October,Official Report, column 411, how many representations on plutonium exports his Department has received; and if he will indicate the nature of the representations from the (a) United Kingdom and (b) abroad.

  Mr. Eggar
  Over the past four months or so, my Department has received over 50 letters which mentioned, in most cases among other topics, the transfer of plutonium overseas. None of these letters came from abroad. Further representations may have been received by other Departments.

  The letters came either direct from members of the public or through hon. Members and raised the possible misuse of the plutonium and its safe transport. The replies explained that civil plutonium is transferred overseas only subject to the application of safeguards and on receipt of assurances covering peaceful use, physical protection and controls on re-transfer.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of plutonium are contained in(a)
  346
  nuclear fuel in reactors and (b) spent nuclear fuel in one-site cooling ponds at reactor sites in England and Wales; and what information on this plutonium his Department is required to report to the Euratom safeguards authorities.

  Mr. Eggar
  The information requested by the hon. Member is given in the annual plutonium figures published by my Department. Operators meet the requirements of the Euratom safeguards authorities by supplying monthly inventory change reports. These reports, which are sent via my Department's safeguards office, include any shipments off site of their irradiated fuel. Reports on such shipments contain estimates of the plutonium content of the fuel.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how long plutonium and depleted uranium is permitted to be stored before these substances can no longer be used as fuel for nuclear power stations without further processing.

  Mr. Eggar
  The properties of uranium, whether natural, depleted or recovered from reprocessing, do not vary significantly over time. In the case of plutonium, the material changes its characteristics over time, mainly as a result of the formation of americium 241. The rate of this change depends on the burn-up of the fuel and the cooling period before reprocessing. The acceptable levels of americium when re-cycling plutonium are a commercial matter for the manufacturer of the recycled fuel and the operator of the reactor in which it will be used.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when current supplies of uranium will be depleted; and if he will make a statement on the future of the United Kingdom's energy resources.

  Mr. Eggar
  The United Kingdom has no uranium resources which could be extracted economically under current world market conditions. The Government's aims are to promote the economic development of our indigenous energy resources and to ensure that the United Kingdom's energy needs are met cost-effectively.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will implement a refrigerant recycling and reclaim policy covering all departmental equipment currently using chlorofluorocarbons 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;

  (2) 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. Eggar
  My Department is committed to eliminating the use of ozone-depleting substances on its estate. As an interim measure, the Department has established policies for the use and disposal of such substances which are designed to minimise releases to atmosphere.

  Control procedures have been introduced to minimise leakages, including arrangements for the regular monitoring and servicing of refrigerant and air conditioning

  347
  systems containing ozone-depleting substances. When discharging equipment containing ozone-depleting substances, every effort is made to recover CFCs/HCFCs rather than release them to atmosphere. Wherever practicable, ozone-depleting substances are recycled in order to minimise purchases of new supplies.

  Waste to Energy
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to halt any approvals for waste to energy incinerators pending the outcome of the Select Committee inquiry into the pit closure programme.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sherwood (Mr. Tipping) on 30 November, at column 33.

  Fossil Fuel Levy and Renewable Energy
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how much has been levied under the fossil fuel levy in 1990–91 and 1991–92;

  (2) what proportion of the amounts levied has been used under the NFFO for renewable energy schemes; and what value this represented in 1990–91 and 1991–92.

  Mr. Eggar
  The fossil fuel levy raised £1,175 million in 1990–91,and £1,324 million in 1991–92. The proportion going to renewables was about 0·5 per cent. (£6 million) in 1990–91, and I per cent (£15 million) in 1991–92.

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is his latest assessment of the proportion and value of the fossil fuel levy that will be used for renewable energy schemes over the entire life of its operation until December 1998; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what assumptions were made about the proportion and value of the fossil fuel levy that would be used for renewable energy schemes over the entire life of its operation until December 1998.

  Mr. Eggar
  The proportion of levy receipts going to renewables is set to rise through the 1990s. The exact amounts will depend on a number of factors, including the pool price and the number of projects coming forward under the non-fossil fuel obligation.

  Electricity
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the electricity bought from the pool by RECs was from renewable energy sources in 1990–91 and 1991–92; how many megawatts this represented; and what are the RECs' obligations under the NFFO in comparable terms.

  Mr. Eggar
  The great majority of renewables-sourced electricity in the United Kingdom is not traded through the pool. In 1990–91 and 1991–92 about 2 per cent. of electricity generated in the United Kingdom came from renewable energy sources. This represented the output from, respectively, about 1500MW and 1600MW of capacity. The aggregate obligation on the regional electricity companies to contract for electricity from renewable sources eventually builds up to 102MW under the 1990 order and 457MW under the 1991 order. At the end of 1990–91 the obligation was 29MW, and at the end of 1991–92 it was 37MW.

  Gas
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his review of energy policy will address the consequences for long-term gas supplies and gas prices caused by purchasing policies of the regional electricity companies; and what representations he received on this aspect of policy during 1992.

  Mr. Eggar
  The terms of reference of the Government's coal review were set out in the answer which the President of the Board of Trade gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Waveney (Mr. Porter) on 26 October, at columns 522–23. Estimates of likely reserves of gas and the scale of gas-fired power generation in the United Kingdom are being considered in the context of the review, as are the relative costs of gas and coal-fired power generation.

  Excluding evidence submitted to the coal review, by the end of November 1992, Ministers had received around 20 representations on these issues.

  EC Industry Council
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the discussions which took place in the EC Industry Council on 24 November.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I chaired the meeting of the Industry Council in Brussels on 24 November. My right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry represented the United Kingdom.

  From the United Kingdom point of view, this was a highly successful Council which met all our objectives. In particular, we secured adoption of two resolutions: one on deregulation which highlights the importance of the Commission's impact assessment system in helping to reduce the burdens of EC legislation on industry and will ensure regular scrutiny and review of the Community's record on deregulation; and one which underlines the importance of dialogue with business on the best way of achieving environmental objectives and ties the Commission to assess the costs and benefits of different means of achieving these objectives.

  We also succeeded in securing satisfactory Council conclusions on the future of the European Coal and Steel Community which call for substantial reductions in the levy on coal and steel producers.

  A discussion of the Commission's annual report on competition policy resulted in Presidency conclusions supporting the vigorous and even-handed application of EC competition policy.

  The main debate in the Council centred on proposals for aid to the Spanish steel industry. The Council was unable to approve the derogations from the steel aids code required to accommodate the Spanish proposals. The Council decided that further work was needed and the issue should be reconsidered under the Danish Presidency. The Council discussed recent Commission ideas on restructuring the steel industry, which will also need further consideration under the next Presidency.

  Other items briefly discussed included future policy on small and medium-sized enterprises and a Commission communication on the non-energy mining industry.

  Telecommunications Council
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Telecommunications Council on 19 November.

  Mr. Leigh
  The Council continued its discussion, begun at the last Council meeting in June, of the European Commission's proposal for a Council decision on an action plan for the introduction of advanced television services in Europe. The action plan proposes a subsidy of up to 850 mecu to help accelerate the development of the market for widescreen and high-definition television services. Agreement was reached on the text of the action plan, subject to a reservation by one member state and consideration of amendments proposed by the European Parliament. However, member states were unable to reach agreement on funding. The United Kingdom opposed the sume of 850 mecu as unacceptably high and questioned the justification for any subsidy. Several other member states could not give agreement to funding while the Community's overall financial perspectives remain to be settled. A number of member states have sought a further meeting of the Telecommunications Council on this issue before the end of the year, but the possibility of further progress on this question will be clearer after the Heads of Government summit in Edinburgh.

  The Council also discussed the Commission's review of the situation in the Community telecommunications sector, which considers further liberalisation of the European telecommunications market. It agreed a resolution calling upon the Commission, to report to the next Telecommunications Council, currently scheduled for 10 May 1993, on the results of its consultations on the review document.

  Presidency proposals on the process and time scale for taking forward the work on the Commission's Green Paper on postal services, once the present consultation period has ended, were also adopted. The Commission agreed to prepare for the next Council, a summary of the results of the consultation period, the main conclusions which the Commission draw from the consultations and a detailed and signposted timetable for subsequently moving forward to draft directives. The Council also agreed on the urgent need to seek reform of arrangements at both European and global level under which postal administrations account with each other for imbalances in mail flows between them.

  The Council adopted resolutions on frequencies and numbering, setting out a framework for future Community action in both these fields. It also reviewed progress on the ONP voice telephony directive and discussed trans-European networks and a Commission communication on the European telecommunications equipment industry.

  Number of establishments subject to

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Issue of improvement and emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Aberdeen City

  944

  41

  191

  —

  Angus

  1,676

  4

  189

  2

  Annandale and Eskdale

  664

  1

  12

  1

  Argyll and Bute

  968

  —

  371

  —

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  212

  —

  83

  —

  Banff and Buchan3

  2,055

  —

  181

  —

  British Coal Corporation
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the final response from the British Coal Corporation concerning the 1989 report of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission into the corporation's investment programme.

  Mr. Eggar
  British Coal has prepared a comprehensive final response to the 1989 report into the corporation's investment programme, which has now been placed in the Library of the House. Many of the issues mentioned in the response, such as the market prospects for coal and the competitiveness of British Coal as an organisation, will be examined in the coal review which was announced in October.

  Argentina
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the value of imports from Argentina for the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available; and what is the value of British exports for the same period.

  Mr. Needham
  The value of imports from Argentina for the 12 months ended September 1992 was £122·3 million. The value of British exports to Argentina was £103·4 million for the same period.

  Collieries (Redundancy Applications)
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library regularly updated details of how many people are applying for redundancy at each of the 31 collieries originally planned for closure; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: This is a matter for British Coal.

SCOTLAND

  Food Safety
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many inspections of food premises have been carried out by each local authority in Scotland under the Food Safety Act 1990; and how many of those inspections have resulted in(a) the issuing of improvement and emergency prohibition notices, (b) informal warnings letters or (c) the voluntary closure of companies.

  Sir Hector Monro
  At present information is available only for 1991. This is given in the table1
  351

  Number of establishments subject to

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Issue of improvement and emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  156

  2

  6

  —

  Berwickshire3

  178

  1

  26

  —

  Caithness3

  135

  2

  38

  —

  Clackmannan3

  390

  31

  110

  —

  Clydebank

  697

  6

  32

  —

  Clydesdale3

  481

  1

  —

  —

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth3

  62

  22

  23

  —

  Cumnock and Doon Valley3

  741

  10

  411

  —

  Cunninghame3

  995

  —

  —

  —

  Dumbarton3

  607

  7

  15

  1

  Dundee City3

  1,570

  —

  581

  —

  Dunfermline

  1,119

  55

  —

  —

  East Kilbride

  482

  —

  413

  —

  East Lothian

  820

  12

  325

  —

  Eastwood

  284

  —

  20

  —

  Edinburgh City3

  5,374

  120

  892

  3

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  409

  2

  101

  —

  Falkirk

  3,396

  16

  442

  —

  Glasgow City

  9,670

  259

  490

  7

  Gordon3

  394

  3

  246

  —

  Hamilton

  987

  24

  190

  —

  Inverclyde

  645

  6

  431

  —

  Inverness3

  510

  —

  236

  —

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  755

  —

  209

  —

  Kincardine and Deeside

  317

  —

  103

  —

  Kirkcaldy3

  1,940

  9

  631

  1

  Kyle and Carrick3

  1,338

  10

  309

  3

  Lochaber

  229

  22

  11

  —

  Midlothian3

  240

  16

  65

  —

  Monklands

  1,222

  40

  463

  2

  Moray3

  622

  —

  217

  —

  Motherwell3

  1,298

  2

  458

  —

  Nairn3

  111

  —

  —

  —

  Nithsdale3

  472

  —

  68

  —

  North East Fife3

  509

  12

  275

  —

  Orkney3

  92

  —

  48

  —

  Perth and Kinross

  1,281

  11

  661

  —

  Renfrew

  2,671

  72

  3

  —

  Ross and Cromarty

  703

  1

  16

  4

  Roxburgh3

  199

  25

  64

  4

  Shetland3

  258

  —

  44

  —

  Skye and Lochalsh3

  85

  —

  55

  —

  Stewartry3

  336

  17

  195

  —

  Stirling3

  578

  6

  17

  —

  Strathkelvin

  769

  29

  11

  —

  Sutherland3

  474

  3

  19

  3

  Tweeddale

  120

  —

  39

  —

  West Lothian3

  597

  53

  53

  —

  Western Isles3

  104

  —

  —

  —

  Wigtown3

  467

  1

  54

  —

  1 These statistics cover work carried out by local authorities under the Food Safety Act 1990, regulations made under it and the Official Control of Foodstuffs Directive. They exclude:

  meat hygiene inspections carried out under EC veterinary legislation;

  inspections carried out by the Wine Standards Board under EC wine legislation.

  2 The number of food hygiene and food standards inspections covers:

  inspection of premises;

  inspection of equipment including cleaning and maintenance equipment;

  inspection of process or operational procedure;

  inspection of the hygiene or practices of personnel;

  inspection of food (including ingredients, additives and products at any stage of manufacture) or contact materials;

  inspection of labels, labelling equipment and advertising matter and/or inspection of records.

  These figures exclude all other visits, eg revisits to check compliance with notices, sampling visits and visits to follow up complaints.

  3 Excluded figures for first quarter of 1991. This was only required on a voluntary basis.

  University Students
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scots were attending Scottish universities; and how many students were attending Scottish universities from other parts of the United 352
  Kingdom in each year since session 1979–80; and if he will list the regions that all students attending Scottish universities were from in each year since session 1979–80.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 13 November 1992]: The information requested on students attending the eight traditional Scottish universities in the academic years 1979–80 to 1990–91 is given in the tables.
  353

  Students attending Scottish universities Full-time postgraduate

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  4,716

  4,758

  4,871

  4,976

  5,261

  5,626

  6,201

  6,689

  6,762

  6,910

  7,387

  7,625

  8,539

  Scotland

  2,053

  2,299

  2,467

  2,416

  2,522

  2,637

  2,720

  2,705

  2,726

  2,761

  2,862

  2,976

  3,388

  Borders

  22

  24

  29

  29

  30

  44

  45

  41

  23

  40

  41

  35

  54

  Central

  107

  122

  137

  131

  134

  128

  146

  159

  144

  124

  116

  141

  129

  Dumfries and Galloway

  32

  33

  32

  28

  40

  45

  49

  46

  51

  43

  61

  38

  52

  Fife

  126

  133

  132

  130

  143

  156

  170

  167

  156

  145

  146

  159

  189

  Grampian

  185

  209

  234

  207

  215

  214

  203

  228

  270

  247

  247

  252

  349

  Highland

  44

  52

  57

  49

  58

  67

  62

  71

  71

  75

  76

  60

  70

  Lothian

  512

  536

  544

  537

  515

  528

  557

  539

  540

  559

  596

  624

  711

  Strathclyde

  847

  999

  1,072

  1,093

  1,165

  1,204

  1,249

  1,212

  1,231

  1,289

  1,315

  1,374

  1,522

  Tayside

  165

  178

  214

  190

  189

  214

  219

  210

  219

  208

  233

  255

  271

  Islands

  13

  13

  16

  22

  33

  32

  20

  32

  21

  31

  31

  36

  41

  Not known

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Other United Kingdom

  884

  851

  829

  909

  1,003

  1,088

  1,197

  1,299

  1,306

  1,390

  1,494

  1,539

  1,848

  England

  767

  740

  726

  787

  881

  963

  1,077

  1,172

  1,160

  1,220

  1,320

  1,358

  1,649

  Wales

  30

  33

  42

  46

  48

  51

  49

  45

  49

  72

  68

  62

  71

  Northern Ireland

  85

  77

  61

  76

  72

  74

  69

  81

  96

  98

  106

  119

  128

  United Kingdom not known

  2

  1

  0

  0

  2

  0

  2

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Overseas

  1,779

  1,608

  1,575

  1,650

  1,736

  1,901

  2,284

  2,685

  2,730

  2,759

  3,031

  3,110

  3,303

  Full-time undergraduate

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  38,568

  39,688

  40,081

  39,824

  39,588

  39,647

  40,008

  40,541

  41,579

  42,869

  44,966

  46,417

  49,989

  Scotland

  29,536

  30,198

  30,412

  29,904

  29,129

  28,715

  27,982

  27,744

  28,324

  29,128

  30,045

  30,300

  31,741

  Borders

  412

  450

  495

  478

  505

  513

  483

  496

  489

  514

  556

  550

  599

  Central

  1,477

  1,557

  1,588

  1,589

  1,563

  1,539

  1,545

  1,576

  1,580

  1,629

  1,698

  1,702

  1,783

  Dumfries and Galloway

  795

  835

  823

  837

  799

  752

  745

  719

  724

  752

  764

  752

  752

  Fife

  1,785

  1,812

  1,912

  1,861

  1,879

  1,793

  1,710

  1,683

  1,768

  1,823

  1,916

  1,897

  2,028

  Grampian

  2,324

  2,343

  2,325

  2,243

  2,206

  2,168

  2,132

  2,160

  2,315

  2,444

  2,729

  2,902

  3,099

  Highland

  1,039

  1,041

  1,036

  1,016

  1,009

  1,009

  995

  974

  1,009

  1,034

  1,085

  1,111

  1,180

  Lothian

  4,561

  4,713

  4,717

  4,657

  4,436

  4,375

  4,212

  4,138

  4,294

  4,515

  4,665

  4,696

  4,978

  Strathclyde

  14,549

  14,741

  14,836

  14,544

  14,143

  13,997

  13,632

  13,446

  13,548

  13,718

  13,888

  13,860

  14,271

  Tayside

  2,292

  2,397

  2,357

  2,359

  2,284

  2,252

  2,202

  2,191

  2.208

  2,287

  2,329

  2,429

  2,627

  Islands

  292

  306

  321

  320

  305

  317

  326

  360

  388

  411

  414

  399

  423

  Not known

  10

  3

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  1

  1

  2

  1

  Other United Kingdom

  6,535

  7,071

  7,452

  7,763

  7,992

  8,223

  8,724

  9,196

  9,670

  10,103

  10,824

  11,634

  13,425

  England

  5,761

  6,206

  6,504

  6,780

  6,902

  7,130

  7,495

  7,901

  8,265

  8,516

  9,011

  9,687

  11,200

  Wales

  147

  165

  162

  163

  176

  176

  201

  198

  214

  233

  258

  289

  295

  Northern Ireland

  627

  700

  786

  819

  914

  916

  1,027

  1,096

  1,190

  1,353

  1,555

  1,658

  1,930

  United Kingdom not known

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Overseas

  2,497

  2,419

  2,217

  2,157

  2,467

  2,709

  3,302

  3,601

  3,585

  3,638

  4,097

  4,483

  4,823

  Total full-time students

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  43,284

  44,446

  44,952

  44,799

  44,849

  45,273

  46,209

  47,230

  48,341

  49,779

  52,353

  54,042

  58,528

  Scotland

  31,589

  32,497

  32,879

  32,320

  31,651

  31,352

  30,702

  30,449

  31,050

  31,889

  32,907

  33,276

  35,129

  Borders

  434

  474

  524

  507

  535

  557

  528

  537

  512

  554

  597

  585

  653

  Central

  1,584

  1,679

  1,725

  1,720

  1,697

  1,667

  1,691

  1,735

  1,724

  1,753

  1,814

  1,843

  1,912

  Dumfries and Galloway

  827

  868

  855

  865

  839

  797

  794

  765

  775

  795

  825

  790

  804

  Fife

  1,911

  1,945

  2,044

  1,991

  2,022

  1,949

  1,880

  1,850

  1,924

  1,968

  2,062

  2,056

  2,217

  Grampian

  2,509

  2,552

  2,559

  2,450

  2,421

  2,382

  2,335

  2,388

  2,585

  2,691

  2,976

  3,154

  3,448

  Highland

  1,083

  1,093

  1,093

  1,065

  1,067

  1,076

  1,057

  1,045

  1,080

  1,109

  1,161

  1,171

  1,250

  Lothian

  5,073

  5,249

  5,261

  5,194

  4,951

  4,903

  4,769

  4,677

  4,834

  5,074

  5,261

  5,320

  5,689

  Strathclyde

  15,396

  15,740

  15,908

  15,637

  15,308

  15,201

  14,881

  14,658

  14,779

  15,007

  15,203

  15,234

  15,793

  354 355

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Tayside

  2,457

  2,575

  2,571

  2,549

  2,473

  2,466

  2,421

  2,401

  2,427

  2,495

  2,562

  2,684

  2,898

  Islands

  305

  319

  337

  342

  338

  349

  346

  392

  409

  442

  445

  435

  464

  Not known

  10

  3

  2

  0

  0

  5

  0

  1

  1

  1

  1

  4

  1

  Other United Kingdom

  7,419

  7,922

  8,281

  8,672

  8,995

  9,311

  9,921

  10,495

  10,976

  11,493

  12,318

  13,173

  15,273

  England

  6,528

  6,946

  7,230

  7,567

  7,783

  8,093

  8,572

  9,073

  9,425

  9,736

  10,331

  11,045

  12,849

  Wales

  177

  198

  204

  209

  224

  227

  250

  243

  263

  305

  326

  351

  366

  Northern Ireland

  712

  777

  847

  895

  986

  990

  1,096

  1,177

  1,286

  1,451

  1,661

  1,777

  2,058

  United Kingdom not known

  2

  1

  0

  1

  2

  1

  3

  2

  2

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Overseas

  4,276

  4,027

  3,792

  3,807

  4,203

  4,610

  5,586

  6,286

  6,315

  6,397

  7,128

  7,593

  8,126

  Part-lime postgraduate

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  2,964

  3,084

  3,161

  3,158

  3,394

  3,688

  3,585

  4,142

  4,122

  4,480

  4,902

  5,134

  5,549

  Scotland

  2,327

  2,394

  2,457

  2,447

  2,653

  2,817

  2,916

  3,308

  3,265

  3,490

  3,827

  3,890

  4,162

  Borders

  21

  32

  26

  22

  21

  15

  18

  26

  32

  44

  47

  46

  44

  Central

  184

  180

  172

  159

  163

  167

  163

  187

  185

  194

  186

  169

  180

  Dumfries and Galloway

  18

  15

  14

  22

  22

  30

  22

  27

  30

  31

  41

  44

  40

  Fife

  160

  146

  134

  164

  157

  159

  172

  179

  163

  173

  212

  228

  227

  Grampian

  147

  148

  161

  146

  183

  187

  195

  265

  253

  280

  353

  361

  409

  Highland

  14

  17

  17

  25

  25

  33

  33

  30

  33

  39

  49

  66

  58

  Lothian

  498

  586

  621

  649

  717

  768

  698

  791

  780

  891

  973

  996

  1,023

  Strathclyde

  1,087

  1,089

  1,127

  1,085

  1,216

  1,295

  1,440

  1,591

  1,560

  1,608

  1,715

  1,697

  1,879

  Tayside

  191

  179

  179

  172

  146

  154

  161

  195

  210

  212

  234

  263

  286

  Islands

  7

  2

  6

  3

  3

  9

  14

  17

  19

  18

  17

  20

  16

  Not known

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Other United Kingdom

  263

  289

  305

  345

  350

  397

  370

  440

  475

  531

  567

  606

  568

  England

  236

  256

  277

  308

  313

  357

  332

  391

  433

  487

  519

  558

  534

  Wales

  9

  7

  8

  12

  14

  19

  11

  17

  15

  18

  16

  15

  13

  Northern Ireland

  17

  26

  18

  25

  23

  21

  24

  28

  24

  25

  30

  32

  21

  United Kingdom not known

  1

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  3

  4

  3

  1

  2

  1

  0

  Overseas

  374

  401

  399

  364

  391

  374

  299

  394

  382

  459

  508

  638

  819

  Part-time undergraduate

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  650

  732

  998

  1,260

  1,546

  1,845

  2,033

  2,285

  2,194

  1,835

  1,674

  1,277

  1,299

  Scotland

  525

  558

  807

  1,061

  1,321

  1,643

  1,826

  2,080

  1,938

  1,618

  1,497

  1,128

  1,140

  Borders

  2

  2

  8

  8

  7

  8

  9

  29

  12

  22

  18

  15

  7

  Central

  29

  61

  93

  108

  131

  125

  150

  178

  152

  148

  126

  106

  159

  Dumfries and Galloway

  10

  11

  21

  27

  33

  35

  37

  42

  39

  30

  22

  11

  11

  Fife

  17

  9

  25

  33

  30

  38

  45

  50

  45

  38

  45

  35

  49

  Grampian

  9

  8

  21

  34

  49

  141

  177

  248

  270

  252

  257

  244

  231

  Highland

  8

  8

  11

  20

  23

  32

  27

  29

  52

  42

  51

  28

  16

  Lothian

  89

  77

  111

  129

  149

  137

  184

  197

  175

  171

  178

  116

  119

  Strathclyde

  347

  365

  480

  650

  828

  1,053

  1,111

  1,214

  1,107

  818

  686

  519

  471

  Tayside

  9

  8

  26

  40

  57

  58

  70

  74

  68

  66

  97

  50

  71

  Islands

  5

  8

  11

  12

  14

  16

  16

  17

  16

  12

  15

  2

  5

  Not known

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  19

  2

  2

  1

  Other United Kingdom

  32

  18

  43

  57

  69

  78

  93

  104

  128

  103

  75

  42

  46

  England

  26

  15

  39

  50

  61

  71

  86

  89

  110

  86

  64

  33

  39

  Wales

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  3

  3

  7

  5

  3

  4

  1

  3

  Northern Ireland

  5

  3

  4

  7

  8

  4

  4

  8

  13

  14

  7

  7

  4

  United Kingdom not known

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Overseas

  93

  156

  148

  142

  156

  124

  114

  101

  128

  114

  102

  107

  113

  356 357

  Total part-time students

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  3,614

  3,816

  4,159

  4,416

  4,940

  5,433

  5,618

  6,427

  6,316

  6,315

  6,576

  6,411

  6,848

  Scotland

  2,852

  2,952

  3,264

  3,508

  3,974

  4,460

  4,742

  5,388

  5,203

  5,108

  5,324

  5,018

  5,302

  Borders

  23

  34

  34

  30

  29

  23

  27

  55

  44

  66

  65

  61

  51

  Central

  213

  241

  265

  267

  294

  292

  313

  365

  337

  342

  312

  275

  339

  Dumfries and Galloway

  28

  26

  35

  49

  55

  65

  59

  69

  69

  61

  63

  55

  51

  Fife

  177

  155

  159

  197

  187

  197

  217

  229

  208

  211

  257

  263

  276

  Grampian

  156

  156

  182

  180

  232

  328

  372

  513

  523

  532

  610

  605

  640

  Highland

  22

  25

  28

  45

  48

  65

  60

  59

  85

  81

  100

  94

  74

  Lothian

  587

  663

  732

  778

  866

  905

  882

  988

  955

  1,062

  1,151

  1,112

  1,142

  Strathclyde

  1,434

  1,454

  1,607

  1,735

  2,044

  2,348

  2,551

  2,805

  2,667

  2,426

  2,401

  2,216

  2,350

  Tayside

  200

  187

  205

  212

  203

  212

  231

  269

  278

  278

  331

  313

  357

  Islands

  12

  10

  17

  15

  17

  25

  30

  34

  35

  30

  32

  22

  21

  Not known

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  19

  2

  2

  1

  Other United Kingdom

  295

  307

  348

  402

  419

  475

  463

  544

  603

  634

  642

  648

  614

  England

  262

  271

  316

  358

  374

  428

  418

  480

  543

  573

  583

  591

  573

  Wales

  10

  7

  8

  12

  14

  22

  14

  24

  20

  21

  20

  16

  16

  Northern Ireland

  22

  29

  22

  32

  31

  25

  28

  36

  37

  39

  37

  39

  25

  United Kingdom not known

  1

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  3

  4

  3

  1

  2

  2

  0

  Overseas

  467

  557

  547

  506

  547

  498

  413

  495

  510

  573

  610

  745

  932

  Grand total students

  Domicile of student

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Total (all domiciles)

  46,898

  48,262

  49,111

  49,215

  49,789

  50,706

  51,827

  53,657

  54,657

  56,094

  58,929

  60,453

  65,376

  Scotland

  34,441

  35,449

  36,143

  35,828

  35,625

  35,812

  35,444

  35,837

  36,253

  36,997

  38,231

  38,294

  40,431

  Borders

  457

  508

  558

  537

  563

  580

  555

  592

  556

  620

  662

  646

  704

  Central

  1,797

  1,920

  1,990

  1,987

  1,991

  1,959

  2,004

  2,100

  2,061

  2,095

  2,126

  2,118

  2,251

  Dumfries and Galloway

  855

  894

  890

  914

  894

  862

  953

  834

  844

  856

  888

  845

  855

  Fife

  2,088

  2,100

  2,203

  2,188

  2,209

  2,146

  2,097

  2,079

  2,132

  2,179

  2,319

  2,319

  2,493

  Grampian

  2,665

  2,708

  2,741

  2,630

  2,653

  2,710

  2,707

  2,901

  3,108

  3,223

  3,586

  3,759

  4,088

  Highland

  1,105

  1,118

  1,121

  1,110

  1,115

  1,141

  1,117

  1,104

  1,165

  1,190

  1,261

  1,265

  1,324

  Lothian

  5,660

  5,912

  5,993

  5,972

  5,817

  5,808

  5,651

  5,665

  5,789

  6,136

  6,412

  6,432

  6,831

  Strathclyde

  16,830

  17,194

  17,515

  17,372

  17,352

  17,549

  17,432

  17,463

  17,446

  17,433

  17,604

  17,450

  18,143

  Tayside

  2,657

  2,762

  2,776

  2,761

  2,676

  2,678

  2,652

  2,670

  2,705

  2,773

  2,893

  2,997

  3,255

  Islands

  317

  329

  354

  357

  355

  374

  376

  426

  444

  472

  477

  457

  485

  Not known

  10

  4

  2

  0

  0

  5

  0

  3

  3

  20

  3

  6

  2

  Other United Kingdom

  7,714

  8,229

  8,629

  9,074

  9,414

  9,786

  10,384

  11,039

  11,579

  12,127

  12,960

  13,821

  15,887

  England

  6,790

  7,217

  7,546

  7,925

  9,157

  8,521

  8,990

  9,553

  9,988

  10,309

  10,914

  11,636

  13,422

  Wales

  187

  205

  212

  221

  238

  249

  264

  267

  283

  326

  346

  367

  382

  Northern Ireland

  734

  806

  869

  927

  1,017

  1,015

  1,124

  1,213

  1,323

  1,490

  1,698

  1,816

  2,083

  United Kingdom not known

  3

  1

  2

  1

  2

  1

  6

  6

  5

  2

  2

  2

  0

  Overseas

  4,743

  4,584

  4,339

  4,313

  4,750

  5,108

  5,999

  6,781

  6,825

  6,970

  7,738

  8,338

  9,058

  Small Businesses
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many small businesses have gone out of business in Scotland in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: Comprehensive information on all types of businesses is not available. The figures in the table refer to liquidations
  358
  of limited companies registered in Scotland, but it is not possible separately to identify those company liquidations involving small firms.

  Number of companies

  1987

  636

  1988

  651

  1989

  674

  1990

  689

  1991

  848

  Source: Companies house.

  Disabled Persons' Housing
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many payments were made by Scottish Homes for adaptations to houses for disabled persons in each region in each month since May.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: This information is not held by the Scottish Office Environment Department. I shall ask the chairman of Scottish Homes to write to the hon. Member.

  Public Conveniences
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice is given to(a) Scot Rail and (b) local authorities on the proper provision of public conveniences suitable for (i) disabled and elderly people, (ii) public transport users and (iii) those with children; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: Requirements and standards for sanitary facilities, including access, are given in the Technical Standards for Compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 1990. These apply to all buildings open to the public including railway stations and other transport facilities. Guidance on the design of public conveniences with facilities for the disabled was given by the Scottish Office to local authorities in SDD circular No. 53/68.

  Police (Court Appearances)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many man hours were used by police officers attending courts in(a) Dundee and (b) Scotland in each of the past five years for which figures are available; and what proportion of total police manpower hours this represented in each year.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 19 November 1992]: This information is not recorded.

  Legal Proceedings
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many defendants appeared before the High Court on criminal charges in each of the past three years; how many were(a) convicted and (b) acquitted; how many of those acquitted had pleaded guilty in the first instance; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 2 December 1992]: The particular information requested is not held centrally. The number of indictments which called in the High Court in each of the past three years, and to the end of October 1992, is as follows:

  Number

  1989

  773

  1990

  795

  1991

  833

  1992

  786

  The information requested on disposals is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  360
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many charges were(a) brought and (b) withdrawn by the Procurator Fiscal in each sheriffdom in each of the last three years in (i) the district court and (ii) the sheriff court; how many guilty pleas were tendered to the original charges; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 2 December 1992]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Monkfish
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what policy he has for raising the precautionary total allowable catch on monkfish fishing west of 4°w; and if he will make a statement on fishing access to deep water fisheries.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Scientific studies of west of Scotland anglerfish have been conducted in response to representations from the industry for an increase in total allowable catch. Unfortunately the results suggest that the stock is already fully exploited.

  The Government view the development of deep water fisheries as a useful extension of the fishing opportunities available to our fleet.

  Haddock
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the fishing community about the accuracy of the calculations used to determine the 1992 North sea haddock total allowable catch.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: I have received a number of representations from the industry about the possibility of increasing the North sea haddock total allowable catch for this year. Scientific surveys conducted during 1992 confirmed the estimates of stock size on which the TAC was set.

  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the accuracy of the methodology used to arrive at the 1992 haddock North sea total allowable catch; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: The North sea haddock total allowable catch was set on the basis of the stock assessment and of scientific advice on the need for a 30 per cent. reduction from the 1989 level of fishing effort. This advice was based on the standard methodology employed for stock assessment and the reduction in effort was considered necessary in order to reduce the very high level of mortality of the stock.

  Marine Mammals
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many reports regarding incidental catches of marine mammals by fishermen his fisheries officers have received to date under the scheme set up to monitor the extent of this interaction.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: Since the voluntary report scheme was introduced in

  361
  January 1992, there have been three confirmed reports of incidental capture of a marine mammal in Scottish waters. These were two porpoises and one dolphin. The dolphin was successfully released.

  New Town Housing Stocks
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to announce the financial arrangements for the transfer of new town housing stocks.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 1 December 1992]: The draft guidance was issued for consultation on 27 November and comments are due to be submitted by 31 January 1993. A copy has been sent to the hon. Member.

  Rural Employment
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the effect on job numbers in rural Scotland of(a) the current common agricultural policy reform package and (b) further changes arising from the GATT agreement; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 2 December 1992]: The impact of the CAP measures agreed in May on employment in rural Scotland will depend on the response of the farming community over the next few years. The draft GATT settlement is consonant with those reform measures and should therefore have no separate employment impact.

  Voluntary Organistions
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Leukaemia and Cancer Children's Fund applied for a special grant of £35,000 for the Millerfield family centre; when it was paid; what criteria he applied in considering this application; which fund was the source of the grant; and if he will list the grants given in 1992 from the same source.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 2 December 1992]: The Leukaemia and Cancer Children's Fund applied to the Scottish Office Home and Health Department in May this year for funding under the scheme of grants operated under section 16B of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978. The grant was paid in June this year to meet the organisation's immediate funding difficulties. As with all such applications, the criteria employed were those set out in statute and in the memorandum of guidance approved by Her Majesty's Treasury which applies to the scheme. The possibility of assisting the fund in 1993–94 is still under consideration. Expenditure on the section 16B grant scheme is borne on vote 12 subhead K6(1). Total expenditure on that sub-programme in the current financial year will amount to some £300,000, and the following bodies will benefit:

  Action on Smoking and Health (Scotland)

  Age Concern Scotland

  ACET—AIDS Care and Education Training

  Alzheimers Scotland

  Bell's Palsy Self-Help Group

  Breast Care and Mastectomy Association

  British Association of Immediate Care Schemes

  British Fluoridation Society

  Brook Advisory Centre

  Cancerlink

  Community Service Volunteers

  362

  Dementia Services Department Centre

  Disability Scotland

  Enuresis Resource and Information Centre

  Epilepsy Association

  Family Planning Association

  Hypogammaglobulinaemia Society

  Leukaemia and Cancer Children's Fund

  Medical Commission on Accident Prevention

  Muscular Dystrophy Group

  National AIDS Trust

  National Association for the Childless

  National Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital

  National Childbirth Trust

  National Family Planning Group

  National Schizophrenia Fellowship

  Play Matters

  Play in Scottish Hospitals

  Red Cross Society

  RSPCC—Overnewton Centre

  Scottish AIDS Monitor

  Scottish Association for Mental Health

  Scottish Catholic Marriage Advisory Council

  Scottish Child and Family Alliance

  Scottish Cot Death Trust

  Scottish Council on Alcohol

  Scottish Drugs Forum

  Scottish Heart and Arterial Risk Prevention Group

  Scottish Huntington's Association

  Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association

  Scottish National Blood Transfusion Association

  Scottish Partnership Agency for Palliative and Cancer Care

  Sense in Scotland

  Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society

  Twins and Multiple Birth Association

  Volunteer Development Scotland

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many special grants have been awarded in 1992 to voluntary and charitable organisations;

  (2) how many grant applications his Department received from voluntary organisations in the last year for which figures are available; and how many of these applications were not successful in obtaining his Department's funding.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 2 December 1992]: My right hon. Friend is directly responsible for a wide range of voluntary sector grant schemes. Grants may be for continuing administrative costs, projects, capital expenditure or in exceptional circumstances single payments. In 1991–92 the Department received 722 applications from voluntary organisations from which 463 grants were given.

ACCOMMODATION AND WORKS COMMITTEE

  Westminster Hall (Fire Prevention)
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will review fire prevention in respect of Westminster hall(a) generally and (b) in relation to its historic roof.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  A 10-year programme for upgrading fire precautions within the Palace of Westminster is nearing its completion. It has been agreed by Her Majesty's inspector of fire services. Following the appointment of a fire safety manager earlier this year, those measures and related procedures are already under review. As part of the existing procedures, all areas of the parliamentary estate, including Westminster hall, are patrolled regularly by members of the Palace of
  363
  Westminster fire section. Plans for further preventive measures, which will specifically include protection For the roof of Westminster hall, are in hand.

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Church Property Investments
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, what is the value of Church property investments for each year since 1987.

  Mr. Alison
  The value of the Church Commissioners' property investments held at the end of each year was as follows:

  £ million

  1987

  1,128

  1988

  1,327

  1989

  1,441

  1990

  1,171

  1991

  1,034

  There is no centrally held information of the value of other Church property.

  Fulham Football Club Ground
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, what was the independent valuation of the Fulham football club ground at Craven Cottage prior to its sale to Mr. Ernie Clay.

  Mr. Alison
  As I said in my answer on 26 November to an earlier question from the hon. Member for Pendle, the Commissioners' property investments are professionally valued each year. Their freehold interest in Fulham Football Club ground was valued at £70,000 as at 31 December 1984.

DEFENCE

  RAF (Schools)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of state for Defence if he will list the RAF establishment bases within the United Kingdom that currently have an on-site school for the children of RAF personnel.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The following RAF stations within the United Kingdom currently have on-site schools for children of service personnel aged between five and 18:

  RAF Benson

  RAF Coltishall

  RAF Coningsby

  RAF Cottesmore

  RAF Digby

  RAF Henlow

  RAF High Wycombe

  RAF Kinloss

  RAF Leeming

  RAF Odiham

  RAF Scampton

  RAF St. Mawgan

  RAF Wyton

  In all cases, the local education authority is responsible for the school and admission is not restricted to RAF dependants.

  Amphibious Helicopter Carrier
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the prospects are of the proposed amphibious helicopter carrier for the Royal Navy being built in the near future.

  Mr. Aitken
  Our current plans are to place a contract in the autumn of 1993.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many SSNs and SSBNs will be decommissioned in the next five years; and what are the Navy's plans for laying up of these submarines.

  Mr. Aitken
  It is not our practice to reveal in advance details of plans for decommissioning nuclear-powered submarines. Our policy remains that when nuclear-powered sumarines have been decommissioned the hulls are stored afloat at a suitable berth, pending eventual disposal.

  Strategic Nuclear Force (Employee Costs)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current cost per employee of the strategic nuclear force.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I gave the estimated cost of the nuclear strategic force for the current financial year in an answer to the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Cohen) on 6 November 1992,Official Report, column 533. This equates to approximately £2,700 for each of the Ministry of Defence's 469,000 service and civilian employees.

  Challenger
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total cost to date of Challenger; and if he will report on progress with regard to the sale of this vessel.

  Mr. Aitken
  The total project acquisition cost of HMS Challenger, together with the cost of the two docking periods which she has undergone is some £240 million at 1990–91 prices. The marketing of the ship continues.

  Defence Exports
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy relating to the release of information on the export of British defence equipment to(a) Argentina and (b) Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  The policy of successive Governments has been to treat information about specific defence exports as commercially confidential. In the special circumstances of Argentina and Iraq, information that is not commercially sensitive has exceptionally been made public.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, further to his oral remarks of 23 November,Official Report, columns 705–6, if he will now release information on the export of British defence equipment to Argentina; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  Information on the export of defence equipment to Argentina was given in the answer to
  365
  question 7 of the minutes of evidence before the Foreign Affairs Committee on 10 November 1982. A defence equipment embargo has been in force since the 1982 Falklands conflict.

  AWACS Contract
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the figure of offset business placed with British firms on the AWACS contract following the Nimrod cancellation; was this greater or less than the 13 per cent. offset agreement; what proportion of this business would have been placed in the United Kingdom if Nimrod had not been cancelled; and if he will list which firms benefited.

  Mr. Aitken
  As I stated in my answer of 20 May,Official Record, column 190, Boeing has submitted to my Department reports listing contracts placed with United Kingdom firms totalling some $2·1 billion, of which we have agreed some $1·57 billion to count for offset credit. This latter figure exceeds the 130 per cent. target set in the agreement and Boeing have therefore met their obligation. It is not possible to say what proportion of these orders would have been placed in the United Kingdom had Nimrod not been cancelled. Details of Boeing's reports of the firms which benefited are commercially confidential and cannot be released.

  Warships (Refitting and Repair)
  Dr. Liam Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he now intends to publish his proposals for future arrangements for warship refitting and repair; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  We continue to receive from a variety of sources much detailed and important information which bears on future arrangements for the refitting and repair of Royal Navy vessels, particularly nuclear-powered submarines. This information has recently included a further series of proposals from the contractors at the royal dockyards for the provision of the new dockyard facilities that will be needed to support Trident submarines. We now expect that the need to assess properly the latest contractor proposals will preclude an announcement before the House returns after the Christmas recess, but we will make an announcement thereafter as soon as we responsibly can.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Alcohol Products
  Mr. Enright
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussion he has held in the Council of Agriculture Ministers on equal treatment for British alcohol products in continental countries of the EC; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  I defend British interests at all times, but there has been no recent discussion within the Council of Agriculture Ministers on this subject.

  Departmental Canteen
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has for introducing into his Department's official canteen animal welfare friendly and environmentally friendly foods, including game meat and game fish.

  Mr. Soames
  The Government's policy on consumer choice is fully reflected in menus offered in the Department's staff restaurants.

  Fish Laboratories
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on progress on the new building programme at his Department's fish laboratories in Weymouth.

  Mr. Curry
  Tenders for the main building works were received on 23 November and are being evaluated. We expect to appoint a contractor before Christmas with a view to completing the works early in 1994.

  Retirement Schemes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reconsider the Government's policy on pre-pension retirement schemes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  No.

  Slaughterhouses
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will make a statement about the implementation of the costs directive and the hygiene directive in their application to slaughterhouses.

  Mr. Soames
  In response to the widespread concern across Europe about the impact of these directives on small abattoirs, my right hon. Friend announced yesterday that he is 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.

  As far as implementation in Great Britain is concerned, local authorities are at present responsible for meat inspection and hygiene control in slaughterhouses and are required to charge for this service. Where their actual costs are higher than the standard charge specified in the EC decision on meat inspection charges, they have discretion to recover less than their full costs. The Department has this week issued further guidance which should enable some local authorities to provide the inspection service at a lower cost than they have been estimating.

  GATT
  Mr. Knapman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the implications for agriculture of the current situation in the GATT talks.

  Mr. Gummer
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier to the hon. Member for Derbyshire, North-East (Mr. Barnes).
  367
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the action taken by his Department to monitor the effects of the GATT negotiations on food standards.

  Mr. Soames
  The GATT round negotiations have not specifically addressed food standards, but will provide for greater transparency in thm setting and enforcement of animal and plant health requirements affecting trade.

  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the GATT negotiations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  I have had discussions about the GATT negotiations with a wide range of individuals and organisations.

  Potato Marketing
  Mrs. Browning
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of the United Kingdom potato marketing scheme.

  Mr. Curry
  The Government will take decisions on the future of the potato marketing scheme in the light of the recently published proposals for an EC potato regime and following extensive consultations.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the of total CAP expenditure received by Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  The United Kingdom's share of receipts from the CAP is around 7 per cent. or approximately £1·8 billion per annum. CAP reforms agreed earlier this year are likely to increase the United Kingdom's share of receipts to over 9 per cent.

  Milk Marketing Boards
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Government's proposals for reform of the milk marketing board.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future of milk marketing boards.

  Mr. Gummer
  The Agriculture Bill received its Second Reading in another place on 23 November.

  Transport of Live Animals
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the transportation of live animals.

  Mr. Soames
  The Department continues to receive a very large number of representations on this subject. The Government attach great importance to this issue and will continue to press for the high standards in this country to be adopted throughout the European Community.

  Agricultural Tenancies
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will bring forward legislation on agricultural tenancy reforms arising out of his consultations.

  Mr. Gummer
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I plan to introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time becomes available.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give details of his intentions in relation to the designation of further environmentally sensitive areas.

  Mr. Curry
  We plan to launch six new English environmentally sensitive areas in January next year, and a further six the following winter.

  Sheep
  Mr. Knox
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he is next due to meet the President of the National Farmers Union to discuss the sheep sector.

  Mr. Curry
  My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I meet the president of the NFU regularly on this subject.

  Fisheries Council
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress was made with the review of the Common Fisheries Policy at the council meeting of EC Fisheries Ministers on 23 November.

  Mr. Curry
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Finchley (Mr. Booth) on 24 November at column 570.

  Wheat and Barley
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what quantity of(a) wheat and (b) barley was exported from the United Kingdom in the last 12-month period.

  Mr. Curry
  For the year October 1991 to September 1992, the latest for which data are available, the quantities exported were 4·707 million tonnes and 1·942 million tonnes for wheat and barley respectively.

  Hens
  Mr. Jopling
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the number of hens kept for(a) laying eggs and (b) poultrymeat production in each county.

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is given in the following table. Data are from the 1991 June agricultural census. Estimates for minor holdings are excluded.
  369

  Number of laying hens and table chicken by county June 1991 agricultural and horticultural census1

  County

  Hens kept mainly for producing eggs for eating2

  Breeding hens

  Table chicken

  Cleveland

  28,706

  28

  1,249,027

  Cumbria

  396,012

  48,455

  1,488,874

  Durham

  151,800

  16,234

  335,786

  Northumberland

  58,702

  16,110

  38,276

  Tyne and Wear

  64,479

  22

  0

  Humberside

  188,969

  165,630

  1,021,189

  North Yorkshire

  1,073,912

  83,911

  3,950,065

  South Yorkshire

  251,935

  7,047

  313,644

  West Yorkshire

  619,922

  60,220

  343,922

  Derbyshire

  223,991

  492

  1,757,260

  Leicestershire

  289,574

  17,211

  1,014,567

  Lincolnshire

  2,286,927

  626,543

  2,786,702

  Northamptonshire

  386,490

  81,358

  686,315

  Nottinghamshire

  1,199,964

  27,450

  274,084

  Cambridgeshire

  357,039

  40,421

  1,621,364

  Norfolk

  1,695,264

  507,712

  4,054,052

  Suffolk

  543,750

  67,881

  4,191,549

  Bedfordshire

  396,483

  370

  213,728

  Berkshire

  163,084

  198

  109,068

  Buckinghamshire

  214,583

  106

  1,763,907

  East Sussex

  219,883

  400

  554,579

  Essex

  874,972

  284,330

  2,214,152

  Greater London

  33,471

  25,364

  110

  Hampshire

  1,383,803

  290,694

  2,577,162

  Hertfordshire

  115,655

  137,445

  495,366

  Isle of Wight

  11,453

  778

  12

  Kent

  1,316,886

  55,420

  764,210

  Oxfordshire

  467,661

  86,686

  271,376

  Surrey

  185,977

  29,397

  390,929

  West Sussex

  549,236

  1,113

  511,241

  Avon

  488,420

  534

  171,525

  Cornwall and Isles of Stilly

  685,752

  862

  94,489

  Devon

  1,247,897

  93,654

  2,070,086

  Dorset

  456,225

  12,522

  892,766

  Gloucestershire

  452,697

  139,418

  546,763

  Somerset

  409,954

  161,620

  2,670,988

  Wiltshire

  966,905

  96,648

  2,580,654

  Hereford and Worcester

  776,566

  360,045

  4,935,620

  Shropshire

  1,876,694

  39,032

  1,758,698

  Staffordshire

  683,927

  40,863

  549,589

  Warwickshire

  357,932

  86,527

  903,101

  West Midlands

  108,862

  43

  24,108

  Cheshire

  663,548

  120,712

  1,232,193

  Greater Manchester

  257,017

  270

  198,141

  Lancashire

  1,273,554

  159,359

  1,855,844

  Merseyside

  236,419

  9,566

  113,905

  England

  26,692,952

  4,000,701

  55,590,986

  Notes:

  1 Minor holdings excluded.

  2 Growing pullets excluded.

  Counties

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishments subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Avon3

  1,451

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Bedfordshire

  772

  0

  0

  3

  0

  Berkshire

  570

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Buckinghamshire3

  410

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  907

  0

  0

  172

  0

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

  Mr. Curry
  The information as at 1 December 1992 is shown as follows. The figures include permanent and casual staff but exclude fee-paid staff, and those on loan or unpaid leave.

  Number

  (a) London

  3,468·0

  (b) Scotland

  205·5

  (c) Elsewhere

  7,092·0

  Part-time staff are counted as half posts.

  Rapeseed
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has of the effects of a discontinuance of the rapeseed subsidies on British farmers.

  Mr. Curry
  EC subsidies to rapeseed growers have not been discontinued, though the previous tonnage payments have been replaced by an area payment scheme.

  Fisheries (Rating)
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation to introduce into the Water Resources Act 1991 a right of appeal against rating of fisheries; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  I have no plans to do so. Section 115 of the Water Resources Act 1991 already provides for the inclusion of supplemental and consequential provisions in any order providing for the payment of contributions by owners and occupiers of fisheries. A right of appeal could be introduced under such provisions. This is a matter which the National Rivers Authority will have to take into account in developing its proposals for a contribution scheme.

  Food Premises (Inspection)
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many inspections of food premises have been carried out by each local authority in England under the Food Safety Act 1990; and how many of those inspections have resulted in(a) the issuing of improvement and emergency prohibition notices, (b) informal warning letters of (c) the voluntary closures of companies.

  Mr. Soames
  At present information is available only for 1991. This is given in the table1.
  371

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishments subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Cheshire3

  459

  0

  0

  62

  0

  Cleveland3

  864

  0

  0

  44

  0

  Cornwall3

  363

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  741

  0

  0

  90

  0

  Derbyshire3

  851

  0

  0

  167

  0

  Devon

  4,694

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Dorset3

  623

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Durham

  943

  0

  0

  13

  0

  East Sussex3

  405

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Essex

  500

  0

  0

  66

  0

  Gloucestershire

  356

  0

  0

  45

  0

  Hampshire3

  3,435

  0

  0

  5

  0

  Hereford and Worcester

  583

  0

  0

  231

  0

  Hertfordshire3

  578

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Humberside3

  1,277

  0

  0

  15

  0

  Isle of Wight

  144

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Kent

  3,286

  0

  0

  91

  0

  Lancashire3

  1,350

  0

  0

  497

  0

  Leicestershire

  1,071

  0

  0

  120

  0

  Lincolnshire

  502

  0

  0

  10

  0

  Norfolk

  837

  0

  0

  40

  0

  Northamptonshire3

  301

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Northumberland3

  297

  0

  0

  0

  0

  North Yorkshire3

  155

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Nottinghamshire

  723

  0

  0

  23

  0

  Oxfordshire

  279

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Shropshire3

  630

  0

  0

  154

  0

  Somerset

  430

  0

  0

  8

  0

  Staffordshire3

  182

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Suffolk3

  130

  0

  0

  4

  0

  Surrey3

  969

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Warwickshire3

  851

  0

  0

  10

  0

  West Sussex3

  772

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Wiltshire3

  889

  0

  0

  0

  0

  English district

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishment subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Adur

  159

  2

  0

  10

  0

  Allerdale3

  224

  36

  0

  114

  0

  Alnwick3

  137

  26

  0

  16

  0

  Amber Valley3

  707

  15

  0

  644

  0

  Arun

  838

  19

  0

  31

  12

  Ashfield3

  279

  25

  1

  168

  1

  Ashford

  634

  86

  0

  230

  0

  Aylesbury Vale3

  446

  33

  0

  136

  2

  Babergh3

  276

  11

  0

  66

  0

  Barrow-in-Furness3

  536

  87

  1

  240

  0

  Basildon

  446

  26

  1

  131

  2

  Basingstoke and Deane3

  593

  89

  0

  536

  0

  Bassetlaw3

  636

  78

  0

  79

  0

  Bath City3

  187

  20

  0

  20

  0

  Berwick-upon-Tweed3

  97

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Beverley

  940

  6

  0

  97

  0

  Blaby

  547

  12

  0

  132

  0

  Blackburn3

  424

  220

  0

  159

  0

  Blackpool

  280

  69

  2

  171

  9

  Blyth Valley3

  127

  13

  0

  190

  0

  Bolsover3

  200

  32

  0

  227

  0

  Boothferry

  523

  48

  1

  542

  6

  Boston

  512

  5

  1

  205

  0

  Bournemouth

  906

  19

  0

  865

  0

  Bracknell Forest3

  302

  1

  0

  0

  2

  Braintree3

  181

  2

  0

  179

  0

  Breckland

  390

  8

  0

  174

  0

  Brent wood

  419

  50

  0

  73

  0

  Bridgnorth3

  148

  15

  0

  128

  0

  Brighton

  814

  78

  1

  0

  1

  Bristol City

  832

  175

  4

  564

  0

  Broadland3

  673

  7

  1

  161

  4

  372 373

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishment subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Bromsgrove3

  217

  5

  0

  130

  0

  Broxbourne3

  485

  31

  0

  378

  0

  Broxtowe3

  577

  72

  0

  475

  0

  Burnley3

  268

  87

  1

  60

  1

  Cambridge City

  1,163

  78

  1

  802

  0

  Cannock Chase3

  228

  1

  0

  67

  0

  Canterbury City3

  1,280

  148

  0

  1,010

  0

  Caradon3

  538

  4

  0

  377

  0

  Carlisle City

  716

  122

  10

  417

  0

  Carrick3

  768

  8

  0

  632

  0

  Castle Morpeth

  748

  213

  0

  179

  0

  Castlepoint

  458

  39

  0

  243

  0

  Charnwood3

  656

  1

  0

  628

  0

  Chelmsford3

  930

  25

  0

  178

  2

  Cheltenham

  368

  14

  1

  267

  1

  Cherwell

  927

  282

  0

  67

  0

  Chester City

  1,476

  53

  0

  925

  0

  Chester-le-Street3

  31

  6

  4

  20

  0

  Chesterfield3

  297

  29

  0

  299

  0

  Chichester3

  918

  50

  0

  313

  0

  Chiltern3

  428

  15

  0

  190

  3

  Chorley3

  272

  86

  0

  65

  0

  Christchurch3

  55

  12

  0

  30

  0

  Cleethorpes3

  371

  35

  0

  407

  1

  Colchester

  608

  102

  0

  142

  2

  Congleton3

  334

  12

  0

  15

  0

  Copeland3

  403

  28

  0

  246

  0

  Corby3

  177

  22

  2

  143

  2

  Cotswold3

  666

  52

  0

  529

  1

  Craven3

  373

  7

  0

  187

  0

  Crawley

  643

  4

  0

  132

  0

  Crewe and Nantwich3

  242

  32

  0

  139

  1

  Dacorum

  650

  5

  0

  82

  0

  Darlington

  243

  5

  0

  175

  0

  Dartford3

  346

  7

  0

  173

  0

  Daventry

  362

  46

  1

  178

  0

  Derby City3

  272

  93

  4

  272

  4

  Derbyshire Dales3

  584

  63

  0

  163

  0

  Derwentside3

  683

  7

  0

  94

  0

  Dover3

  381

  23

  0

  93

  0

  Durham City3

  97

  0

  0

  127

  0

  Easington3

  206

  73

  1

  148

  0

  East Cambridgeshire3

  500

  3

  0

  99

  0

  East Devon

  996

  112

  0

  269

  1

  East Dorset3

  241

  34

  0

  187

  0

  East Hampshire

  688

  15

  0

  144

  0

  East Hertfordshire

  445

  44

  0

  319

  0

  East Lindsey3

  838

  14

  1

  250

  1

  East Northamptonshire3

  251

  46

  0

  56

  0

  East Staffordshire

  845

  74

  1

  888

  1

  East Yorkshire3

  1,211

  24

  0

  228

  0

  Eastbourne3

  754

  9

  0

  436

  0

  Eastleigh

  606

  27

  0

  262

  0

  Eden3

  696

  14

  0

  195

  0

  Ellesmere Port and Neston

  369

  0

  0

  131

  0

  Elmbridge3

  55

  20

  0

  28

  1

  Epping Forest3

  489

  28

  2

  383

  2

  Epsom and Ewell3

  55

  1

  0

  20

  0

  Erewash3

  573

  68

  0

  274

  0

  Exeter City3

  584

  32

  0

  56

  0

  Fareham

  544

  57

  0

  399

  0

  Fenland3

  440

  29

  0

  293

  0

  Forest Heath

  398

  8

  0

  104

  0

  Forest of Dean3

  789

  18

  0

  291

  0

  Fylde3

  355

  115

  0

  144

  0

  Gedling

  983

  12

  0

  634

  0

  Gillingham3

  307

  63

  0

  209

  0

  Glanford3

  146

  20

  0

  80

  0

  Gloucester City3

  284

  1

  0

  128

  0

  Gosport

  321

  24

  0

  178

  0

  Gravesham3

  671

  117

  0

  346

  0

  Great Grimsby3

  1,332

  3

  0

  477

  0

  Great Yarmouth3

  1,059

  163

  0

  682

  3

  Guildford

  585

  135

  2

  207

  2

  374 375

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishment subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Halton3

  333

  20

  0

  182

  1

  Hambleton3

  186

  62

  0

  45

  0

  Harborough

  406

  0

  0

  164

  0

  Harlow3

  173

  24

  2

  76

  2

  Harrogate3

  843

  142

  0

  442

  0

  Hart

  561

  19

  0

  304

  0

  Hartlepool3

  301

  33

  0

  166

  0

  Hastings

  767

  105

  0

  608

  0

  Havant3

  842

  86

  0

  447

  0

  Hereford City3

  516

  0

  0

  229

  0

  Hertsmere3

  776

  123

  0

  400

  0

  High Peak3

  340

  33

  0

  239

  0

  Hinckley and Bosworth

  712

  16

  0

  269

  0

  Holderness3

  86

  0

  0

  49

  0

  Horsham3

  771

  10

  0

  68

  0

  Hove3

  545

  120

  0

  282

  0

  Huntingdon3

  441

  85

  0

  333

  6

  Hyndburn3

  447

  73

  1

  451

  0

  Ipswich3

  339

  101

  1

  125

  1

  Kennet3

  551

  23

  0

  299

  0

  Kerrier3

  479

  28

  0

  311

  0

  Kettering3

  358

  112

  0

  83

  0

  Kings Lynn and West Norfolk3

  499

  42

  0

  750

  0

  Kingston-Upon-Hull3

  1,070

  85

  0

  545

  23

  Kingswood3

  406

  61

  0

  322

  0

  Lancaster City3

  362

  206

  0

  96

  0

  Langbaurgh-on-Tees3

  107

  1

  0

  25

  0

  Leicester City

  413

  57

  1

  209

  0

  Leominster

  341

  144

  0

  197

  0

  Lewes

  388

  30

  0

  341

  0

  Lichfield3

  425

  2

  0

  234

  1

  Lincoln City3

  383

  37

  0

  134

  0

  Luton

  966

  112

  0

  346

  0

  Macclesfield3

  910

  164

  0

  287

  0

  Maidstone3

  243

  0

  0

  68

  0

  Maldon3

  151

  6

  0

  64

  0

  Malvern Hills3

  163

  59

  0

  106

  0

  Mansfield

  1,157

  83

  1

  554

  0

  Medina3

  763

  69

  0

  146

  2

  Melton3

  276

  8

  0

  219

  0

  Mendip3

  822

  97

  1

  114

  1

  Mid Bedfordshire3

  480

  8

  0

  333

  0

  Mid Devon3

  223

  6

  0

  44

  0

  Mid Suffolk

  269

  43

  0

  23

  0

  Mid Sussex3

  356

  19

  0

  117

  0

  Middlesbrough

  260

  36

  0

  138

  0

  Milton Keynes3

  463

  18

  0

  0

  2

  Mole Valley

  324

  42

  0

  280

  0

  North West Leicestershire3

  960

  8

  0

  586

  0

  New Forest

  565

  42

  0

  194

  0

  Newark and Sherwood3

  236

  35

  0

  118

  0

  Newbury3

  310

  23

  1

  130

  0

  Newcastle Under Lyme

  349

  4

  0

  411

  1

  North Bedfordshire3

  566

  3

  0

  588

  0

  North Cornwall3

  314

  2

  0

  68

  1

  North Devon3

  311

  153

  0

  29

  0

  North Dorset

  257

  8

  0

  204

  0

  North East Derbyshire3

  180

  7

  0

  120

  6

  North Hertfordshire3

  813

  94

  0

  79

  0

  North Kesteven

  376

  30

  0

  236

  3

  North Norfolk3

  627

  2

  0

  130

  0

  North Shropshire3

  169

  6

  0

  87

  0

  North Warwickshire3

  365

  62

  1

  80

  1

  North Wiltshire3

  1,119

  35

  0

  428

  0

  Northampton

  814

  50

  1

  534

  2

  Northavon3

  699

  20

  0

  409

  0

  Norwich City3

  793

  97

  0

  418

  0

  Nottingham City3

  2,252

  75

  0

  1,552

  1

  Nuneaton and Bedworth3

  856

  195

  1

  341

  1

  Oadby and Wigston3

  148

  26

  0

  126

  0

  Oswestry3

  205

  20

  0

  227

  0

  Oxford City3

  334

  109

  0

  199

  0

  Pendle3

  849

  35

  0

  496

  0

  376 377

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishment subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Pen with3

  673

  32

  0

  168

  1

  Peterborough City3

  1,042

  1

  0

  117

  0

  Plymouth City3

  879

  40

  0

  299

  0

  Poole3

  340

  36

  0

  313

  0

  Portsmouth City3

  1,416

  66

  0

  407

  1

  Preston3

  470

  93

  3

  3

  5

  Purbeck

  158

  11

  0

  18

  0

  Reading

  815

  77

  0

  284

  0

  Redditch3

  180

  35

  0

  179

  0

  Reigate and Banstead3

  295

  13

  1

  178

  1

  Restormel3

  420

  2

  0

  421

  0

  Ribble Valley3

  206

  0

  0

  14

  0

  Richmondshire

  482

  0

  0

  208

  0

  Rochester upon Medway3

  911

  22

  0

  797

  0

  Rochford3

  85

  50

  1

  7

  1

  Rossendale3

  352

  253

  0

  163

  1

  Rother3

  804

  30

  0

  80

  0

  Rugby

  570

  141

  0

  495

  0

  Runnymede3

  382

  27

  0

  267

  0

  Rushcliffe

  85

  23

  0

  62

  0

  Rushmoor3

  575

  86

  1

  95

  2

  Rutland3

  237

  39

  0

  13

  0

  Ryedale3

  407

  29

  0

  84

  0

  Salisbury3

  397

  13

  0

  223

  0

  Scarborough

  1,060

  78

  0

  536

  0

  Scunthorpe

  571

  40

  0

  158

  1

  Sedgefield3

  184

  15

  2

  23

  2

  Sedgmoor3

  642

  19

  0

  64

  0

  Selby

  288

  98

  0

  142

  0

  Sevenoaks3

  258

  1

  0

  172

  0

  Shepway3

  821

  72

  0

  36

  0

  Shrewsbury and Atcham

  209

  22

  0

  124

  0

  Slough3

  393

  34

  0

  168

  0

  South Bedfordshire3

  366

  164

  0

  0

  0

  South Buckinghamshire3

  186

  51

  0

  157

  0

  South Cambridgeshire3

  373

  18

  0

  261

  0

  South Derbyshire3

  998

  11

  0

  256

  0

  South Hams

  502

  45

  0

  319

  0

  South Herefordshire

  232

  0

  0

  147

  0

  South Holland3

  606

  10

  0

  268

  0

  South Kesteven3

  796

  0

  0

  343

  0

  South Lakeland3

  1,857

  64

  0

  36

  0

  South Norfolk3

  805

  201

  0

  318

  2

  South Northamptonshire

  360

  5

  0

  62

  0

  South Oxfordshire

  712

  8

  0

  442

  0

  South Ribble3

  319

  11

  0

  200

  0

  South Shropshire3

  87

  49

  1

  0

  1

  South Somerset3

  906

  0

  0

  109

  0

  South Staffordshire3

  108

  20

  0

  34

  2

  South Wight

  539

  6

  0

  330

  2

  Southampton City

  1,086

  37

  1

  297

  3

  Southend-on-Sea

  447

  221

  1

  98

  1

  Spelthorne

  158

  15

  0

  25

  0

  St. Albans City

  547

  105

  0

  122

  0

  St. Edmundsbury

  975

  23

  0

  394

  0

  Stafford3

  747

  188

  1

  231

  1

  Staffordshire Moorlands3

  1,346

  0

  0

  220

  4

  Stevenage3

  78

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Stockton-on-Tees

  775

  36

  0

  429

  0

  Stoke-on-Trent City3

  714

  281

  0

  316

  0

  Stratford-on-Avon

  675

  489

  2

  132

  7

  Stroud

  541

  24

  0

  346

  0

  Suffolk Coastal3

  470

  30

  0

  460

  0

  Surrey Heath3

  214

  4

  0

  210

  0

  Swale3

  435

  50

  0

  265

  0

  Tamworth3

  263

  138

  0

  241

  0

  Tandridge3

  314

  7

  0

  315

  0

  Taunton Deane3

  343

  48

  0

  144

  0

  Teesdale

  281

  1

  0

  29

  0

  Teignbridge

  1,272

  58

  0

  1,086

  0

  Tendring

  2,133

  149

  1

  1,050

  1

  Test Valley3

  734

  5

  0

  200

  0

  Tewkesbury3

  657

  21

  0

  326

  0

  Thamesdown

  1,312

  57

  0

  571

  0

  Thanet3

  1,569

  117

  0

  344

  3

  378 379

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishment subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  The Wrekin3

  623

  95

  1

  153

  1

  Three Rivers3

  610

  228

  0

  157

  0

  Thurrock3

  419

  23

  0

  136

  0

  Tonbridge and Mailing3

  423

  215

  0

  173

  0

  Torbay3

  662

  22

  0

  656

  0

  Torridge3

  125

  6

  0

  6

  0

  Tunbridge Wells3

  388

  51

  0

  313

  0

  Tynedale3

  58

  20

  0

  21

  2

  Uttlesford

  378

  0

  0

  88

  0

  Vale of White Horse3

  438

  1

  0

  307

  3

  Vale Royal3

  248

  28

  1

  221

  7

  Wansbeck3

  5

  4

  0

  2

  0

  Wansdyke3

  411

  27

  0

  76

  0

  Warrington

  432

  36

  0

  350

  2

  Warwick3

  252

  149

  3

  0

  1

  Watford3

  718

  6

  0

  172

  0

  Waveney

  354

  18

  0

  245

  0

  Waverley3

  150

  24

  0

  141

  0

  Wealden

  506

  24

  0

  112

  0

  Wear Valley3

  223

  17

  0

  283

  2

  Wellingborough

  369

  35

  0

  141

  0

  Welwyn Hatfield

  344

  1

  0

  137

  0

  West Devon3

  523

  7

  0

  86

  0

  West Dorset3

  346

  72

  0

  130

  0

  West Lancashire3

  711

  23

  0

  460

  0

  West Lindsey3

  592

  38

  0

  202

  0

  West Oxfordshire3

  281

  1

  0

  0

  0

  West Somerset3

  224

  0

  0

  118

  0

  West Wiltshire3

  385

  17

  0

  666

  0

  Weymouth and Portland3

  174

  108

  0

  15

  0

  Winchester City3

  176

  7

  0

  128

  0

  Windsor and Maidenhead3

  518

  135

  0

  0

  0

  Woking3

  175

  28

  0

  46

  0

  Wokingham

  609

  13

  1

  37

  0

  Woodspring3

  1,152

  401

  2

  1,167

  I

  Worcester City3

  215

  101

  0

  108

  0

  Worthing

  1,266

  21

  0

  294

  0

  Wychavon

  93

  1

  0

  6

  0

  Wycombe

  610

  7

  0

  261

  0

  Wyre

  703

  230

  0

  237

  0

  Wyre Forest

  451

  42

  0

  206

  0

  York City

  555

  106

  0

  153

  0

  Counties

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishment subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Isles of Scilly

  48

  0

  0

  12

  0

  London boroughs

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishments subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Barking and Dagenham3

  518

  36

  3

  0

  2

  Barnet3

  597

  31

  2

  446

  2

  Bexley3

  759

  238

  3

  201

  3

  Brent

  565

  29

  6

  274

  10

  Bromley3

  1,074

  43

  0

  217

  0

  Camden3

  757

  19

  2

  54

  1

  Croydon

  2,251

  262

  1

  1,033

  1

  City of London3

  25,309

  12

  0

  93

  0

  Ealing3

  546

  57

  2

  256

  2

  Enfield

  680

  100

  4

  469

  4

  Greenwich

  219

  32

  3

  88

  4

  Hackney4

  461

  54

  2

  380

  2

  Hammersmith and Fulham3

  156

  6

  0

  0

  0

  380 381

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishments subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Haringey3

  425

  87

  4

  90

  5

  Harrow

  1,690

  27

  0

  232

  0

  Havering3

  729

  121

  1

  291

  1

  Hillingdon3

  1,633

  455

  0

  402

  9

  Hounslow3

  460

  55

  0

  37

  0

  Islington3

  512

  233

  1

  92

  2

  Kensington and Chelsea3

  1,222

  132

  3

  620

  16

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,204

  69

  0

  280

  0

  Lambeth3

  1,335

  204

  0

  569

  10

  Lewisham3

  1,212

  58

  0

  553

  0

  Merton

  677

  147

  0

  403

  0

  Newham3

  109

  20

  0

  57

  0

  Redbridge3

  298

  24

  0

  134

  0

  Richmond upon Thames3

  179

  10

  0

  126

  0

  Southwark3

  803

  262

  16

  509

  37

  Sutton3

  716

  24

  0

  215

  0

  Tower Hamlets3

  1,225

  138

  1

  464

  9

  Waltham Forest3

  654

  18

  0

  130

  0

  Wandsworth3

  473

  81

  1

  72

  1

  Westminster3

  1,615

  79

  0

  0

  0

  Metropolitan councils

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishments subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Barnsley3

  841

  13

  0

  345

  0

  Birmingham3

  4,283

  572

  56

  505

  64

  Bolton3

  1,146

  51

  4

  589

  6

  Bradford

  2,413

  276

  11

  680

  9

  Bury3

  890

  266

  0

  315

  0

  Calderdale3

  1,211

  97

  1

  374

  1

  Coventry3

  699

  227

  9

  173

  9

  Doncaster3

  972

  102

  0

  40

  0

  Dudley3

  1,401

  106

  0

  1,071

  0

  Gateshead3

  867

  11

  0

  444

  0

  Kirklees

  4,354

  234

  1

  1,124

  1

  Knowsley3

  2,109

  135

  1

  154

  0

  Leeds

  2,175

  79

  1

  1,203

  0

  Liverpool3

  3,086

  258

  10

  246

  2

  Manchester3

  854

  230

  6

  33

  9

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  769

  200

  0

  470

  0

  North Tyneside3

  163

  12

  0

  125

  0

  Oldham

  1,638

  81

  3

  856

  4

  Rochdale3

  361

  73

  4

  218

  4

  Rotherham3

  565

  134

  1

  231

  1

  St. Helens3

  810

  69

  0

  117

  0

  Salford3

  649

  90

  2

  247

  3

  Sandwell

  1,045

  153

  1

  584

  5

  Sefton3

  1,399

  95

  0

  196

  1

  Sheffield

  4,401

  21

  0

  438

  0

  Solihull3

  1,286

  174

  1

  255

  1

  South Tyneside

  474

  156

  0

  75

  0

  Stockport3

  1,312

  121

  5

  21

  5

  Sunderland3

  3,080

  37

  1

  1,929

  0

  Tameside3

  1,585

  33

  0

  0

  0

  Trafford3

  282

  0

  1

  201

  1

  Wakefield3

  1,051

  121

  3

  411

  0

  Walsall

  2,402

  215

  6

  691

  2

  Wigan3

  742

  27

  1

  616

  5

  Wirral3

  1,450

  947

  0

  411

  0

  Wolverhampton3

  1,255

  468

  8

  254

  1

  382 383

  Port health authorities

  Enforcement authority

  Number of inspections of food premises2

  Number of establishments subject to

  Issue of improvement notices

  Issue of emergency prohibition notices

  Written warnings

  Closures (voluntary and compulsory)

  Barnstaple

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Barrow

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Boston

  34

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Bridgewater3

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Bristol3

  16

  0

  0

  7

  0

  Colchester3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Cowes3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dover

  36,200

  0

  0

  48

  0

  Exeter3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Exmouth3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Falmouth and Truro3

  5

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Faversham

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Felixstowe3

  4,919

  0

  0

  26

  0

  Fleetwood3

  35

  35

  0

  0

  0

  Folkestone3

  3,436

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Fowey

  73

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Great Yarmouth3

  477

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grimsby3

  1,044

  0

  0

  4

  0

  Hartlepool

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Harwich

  3,120

  0

  0

  54

  0

  Hull and Goole3

  1,285

  0

  0

  17

  0

  Immingham3

  383

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Ipswich3

  981

  0

  0

  1

  0

  King's Lynn

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Lancaster3

  25

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Littlehampton

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Liverpool3

  780

  0

  0

  0

  0

  London3

  30,087

  0

  0

  87

  0

  Lowestoft3

  203

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Maldon

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Manchester

  1,563

  0

  0

  19

  0

  Medway3

  91

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Newhaven

  468

  0

  0

  1

  0

  New Shoreham

  52

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Penwith

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Plymouth3

  68

  0

  0

  9

  0

  Poole Harbour3

  4,677

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Portsmouth3

  2,128

  0

  0

  —

  0

  Ramsgate3

  460

  0

  0

  3

  0

  River Blyth

  10

  0

  0

  2

  0

  River Tees3

  1,455

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Southampton3

  1,528

  0

  0

  12

  0

  Stroud

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sunderland

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Teignbridge

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Tyne3

  1,196

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Wells3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Weymouth3

  13

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Whitstable3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wisbech

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Workington3

  Nil Return

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 These statistics cover work carried out by local authorities under the Food Safety Act 1990, regulations made under it and the Official Control of Foodstuffs Directive. They exclude:

  meat hygiene inspections carried out under EC veterinary legislation;

  milk hygiene inspections of production plants;

  inspections carried out by the Wine Standards Board under EC wine legislation.

  2 The number of food hygiene and food standards inspections covers:

  inspection of premises;

  inspection of equipment including cleaning and maintenance equipment;

  inspection of process or operational procedure;

  inspection of the hygiene or practices of personnel;

  inspection of food (including ingredients, additives and products at any stage of manufacture) or contact materials;

  inspection of labels, labelling equipment and advertising matter and/or

  inspection of records.

  These figures exclude all other visits to check compliance with notices, sampling visits and visits to follow up complaints.

  3 Excludes figures for first quarter of 1991. This was only required on a voluntary basis.

  4 For port health authorities this includes the number of consignments and ships' kitchens inspected.

  Wildlife Incident Investigation
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the future funding of the wildlife incident investigation scheme in England and Wales.

  Mr. Soames
  Officials are reviewing the information required to monitor the effects of pesticides on wildlife and will be putting proposals to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides. Arrangements for funding will need to be considered in the light of their conclusions.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he or his officials
  384
  last met representatives of the agrochemical industry to discuss the future funding of the wildlife incident investigation schemes.

  Mr. Soames
  Officials met representatives of the agrochemical industry and other interested organisations on 30 October to discuss industry funding of pesticides related( work, including the wildlife incident investigation schemes.

  Animal Carcases
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture., Fisheries and Food (1) what action has been taken against farmers reported for leaving animal carcases in fields during the last 12 months;
  385
  (2) what information he has regarding recent cases of decomposing sheep carcases being left in fields with grazing cattle; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  The state veterinary service has continued over the last 12 months to monitor closely reports of dumping of animal carcases wherever they occur. Whenever evidence of offenders is available they act with local authorities to try to ensure that prosecutions are secured as appropriate. Legislation is being drawn up to implement the EC directive on the disposal of animal waste, which will increase the penalties for the dumping of carcases.

  Calves (Transport)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 27 November,Official Report, column 890, what are the welfare implications of sealing vehicles transporting calves from Great Britain to Holland.

  Mr. Soames
  Any sealing of vehicles would be required to be carried out without prejudicing the welfare of the animals and in conformity with legislation on the protection of animals during transportation.

  Mink
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes in procedure have been adopted by his Department on mink farming since August 1989.

  Mr. Soames
  No changes to departmental procedures have been implemented in this time.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for what reasons his officials did not inspect two adjoining mink sheds when inspecting Swalesmoor Mink Farm to ensure compliance with the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987 in 1987, 1988 and in April and September 1989.

  Mr. Soames
  An additional inspection covering the buildings in question was carried out in September 1989, when officials were made aware that mink were being kept in them. The visit confirmed that the security arrangements in operation complied with the Mink (Keeping) Regulations 1975, as amended, which lay down the manner in which mink can be kept under licence. The mink farm owner was therefore acting within the terms of the licence issued to him, to keep mink in any building on the farm.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what monitoring his Department conducts of breaches of the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987.

  Mr. Soames
  All mink farms are inspected annually by officials of ADAS, the Ministry's wildlife experts, to ensure that they meet the security requirements laid down for the keeping of mink. Any reported breaches of these security requirements would also be investigated by ADAS.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many applications for licences to operate a mink farm have been rejected since the coming into operation of the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987.

  Mr. Soames
  No applications for licences to keep mink in a mink farm have been rejected since the coming into operation of the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many reports of mink escapes from fur farms have been officially notified since 1980;
  386
  (2) how many reports of mink escapes from fur farms have been officially notified since 1987.

  Mr. Soames
  Based on available information, the Ministry has received only one report of escapes of mink from a fur-farming establishment since 1980.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions are made by his Department to protect the welfare of mink during transportation.

  Mr. Soames
  Welfare of mink during transport is protected by provisions of the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973, as amended. The legislation imposes a duty of care on all those who transport animals. It requires transport in suitable conditions and animals must be fed and watered at appropriate intervals.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conditions apply to the transportation of mink between licensed premises under the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987.

  Mr. Soames
  The Mink (Keeping) Regulations 1975, as amended, as currently applied by the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987, require that no mink shall be transported from place to place except in closed cages or other containers constructed in such a manner and of such materials as to prevent their escape.

  Horses (Export)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the export and transit of horses next to be discussed in the EC Agriculture Ministers' Committee; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Directive 91/628 provides for national safeguards to remain applicable until the Council decides what additional safeguards are necessary. No timetable has been set for a return to the subject.

  Intervention Board
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 4 November,Official Report, columns 283–86, if he will list by name and location the company that the chief executive of the Intervention Board visited on his fact-finding visit in respect of deboning beef for intervention storage; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gummer
  Since this question concerns a matter which is the direct responsibility of the chief executive of the Intervention Board Executive Agency, I am asking him to write directly to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 December 1992:
  You asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, following his Answer of 4 November reported in Hansard at columns 283–6, whether he would list by name and location the deboning company I included in my previous letter to you as one of my fact-finding visits. As this is a matter within the operational responsibility of this Agency, the Minister has asked me to reply to you direct.
  The company was Barretts & Baird of West Bromwich.

  NAGORNO-KARABAKH: RELIEF GRANTS
  NAGORNO-KARABAKH: RELIEF GRANTS
  ISRAEL: NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAMME
  ISRAEL: NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAMME
  CFE TREATY: IMPLEMENTATION
  CFE TREATY: IMPLEMENTATION
  COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
  COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
  PARLIAMENT HILL SCHOOL
  PARLIAMENT HILL SCHOOL
  SCHOOL PERFORMANCE TABLES
  SCHOOL PERFORMANCE TABLES
  SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS: PAY FREEZE
  SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS: PAY FREEZE
  MOTORWAY SERVICE AREAS
  MOTORWAY SERVICE AREAS
  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1990: SECTION 143 REGISTERS
  ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT 1990: SECTION 143 REGISTERS
  ROYAL NAVY VESSELS: REFITTING AND REPAIRS PROVISION
  ROYAL NAVY VESSELS: REFITTING AND REPAIRS PROVISION
  TREATY ON EUROPEAN UNION, ARTICLE 100c: VISAS
  TREATY ON EUROPEAN UNION, ARTICLE 100c: VISAS
  MAGUIRE FAMILY: MAY REPORT
  MAGUIRE FAMILY: MAY REPORT