Written Answers of 2 June 1992

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Attorney-General what percentage of the total work force in the Law Officers' departments is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people in those departments; and if he will make a statement.

  The Attorney-General
  Neither the legal secretariat to the Law Officers nor the Serious Fraud Office has any officers who are registered as disabled. Some 3·5 per cent. of the total work force in the Serious Fraud Office is composed of staff with disabilities who have chosen not to be registered.

  In the Crown prosecution service 0·7 per cent. of established staff—5,318·5 staff as at 1 June 1991-were registered disabled. The CPS also employs staff with disabilities who are not registered, but the numbers are not readily available.

  In the Treasury Solicitor's Department 2 per cent. of the established staff of 500 as at 1 June 1991 were registered disabled.

  Each of the Law Officers' departments is an equal opportunities employer. Moreover, the CPS will shortly introduce a programme for action on the disabled which will include guidance and good practices on the recruitment and retention of disabled people.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Commonwealth of Independent States
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the total tonnage of all meat products despatched to each CIS republic separately from the United Kingdom under all aid programmes has been(a) delivered to warehouses in former CIS republics, (b) delivered to retail outlets ready for sale and (c) delivered to caring and educational institutions for free distribution.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Russia is the only CIS republic to have received meat products from the United Kingdom under an aid programme. Of the total of 5,200 tonnes of beef delivered, approximately one third went to meat processing factories, one third to retail outlets—supermarkets—and one third to special institutions—hospitals, schools and orphanages.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what moneys have been spent on providing know-how to persons residing permanently in the CIS on the subject of farm product and retail food distribution.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Food distribution is one of four priority areas identified for assistance under the 352
  Government's know-how fund for the former Soviet Union. In Russia alone we have already provided £1·022 million as technical assistance to support Feed Aid, food processing and distribution, plus about £1 million for a study of bread production in Moscow. A further £1·6 million has been earmarked for food-related projects and several further major food production and distribution proposals are currently under consideration.

  In Ukraine, we have approved a £2·5 million food marketing and distribution project. Expenditure to date is £0·075 million. Also under way is a £0·460 million radioactivity food screening project, of which £0·1 million has been spent.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total tonnage of all meat products despatched to CIS states from the United Kingdom under all aid programmes in the last six months.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  A total of 5,200 tonnes of beef were despatched to Russia from the United Kingdom under all aid programmes during the last six months. No deliveries were made to other CIS states.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many monitors from EC countries have been stationed in each of the former CIS republics, with the responsibility for monitoring meat distribution in each of the last six months.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  An EC task force of some 50 personnel from the member states has been based in Russia since the end of January, monitoring the transport and distribution of EC humanitarian food supplies. The United Kingdom has supplied six personnel at any time. In other states of the former Soviet Union, the Commission has arranged for European non-governmental organisations to monitor delivery and distribution.

  Cambodia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United Nations development programme about aid to Cambodia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The staff of the British mission in Phnom Penh and in the ODA's regional office in Bangkok are in regular contact with UNDP officials about aid priorities in Cambodia. We attend the regular donor co-ordination meetings convened by the UNDP in Phnom Penh to underpin the efforts of the UN aid co-ordinator, Mr. Bernander; we have welcomed the UNDP's role in providing technical support to the Supreme National Council; and through a seconded ODA official we have contributed to the UNDP's "Comprehensive Paper on Rehabilitation Needs of Cambodia". The UNDP is one of ODA's partners in co-financing a health planning project in Phnom Penh and other possibilities for co-operation have been discussed.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what assistance in personnel and aid has been given to Cambodia in each year since 1979; and what assistance is planned for the current year;
  353
  (2) if he will list the ODA personnel currently serving in Cambodia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The table shows disbursements of United Kingdom gross bilateral aid to Cambodia for the years 1979 to 1990.

  Gross bilateral aid to Cambodia 1979–90 (£'000)

  Financial Aid (including debt relief)

  Technical co-operation

  Total

  1979

  703

  —

  703

  1980

  486

  —

  486

  1981

  110

  —

  110

  1982

  18

  —

  18

  1983

  693

  —

  693

  1984

  18

  —

  18

  1985

  18

  —

  18

  1986

  18

  —

  18

  1987

  18

  —

  18

  1988

  18

  100

  118

  1989

  18

  283

  302

  1990

  —

  110

  110

  In addition, during this period £1·25 million was allocated to support programmes in Cambodia carried out by the United Nations Children Fund, the World Food Programme and the World Health Organisation; and nearly £15 million has been committed for assistance for refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border.

  Firm expenditure figures are not yet available for 1991 and 1992, but, since the signing of the Paris peace accords in October 1991, the United Kingdom has granted an additional £750,000 to the World Food Programme for food pre-positioning for returnees and for the internally displaced; made payments of £2 million to the UNHCR in support of the repatriation programme; and has met a further £180,000 of the cost of bridge strengthening and provision along the repatriation route. Since January 1991 some £950,000 has been spent on the joint funding scheme in support of non-governmental organisations in Cambodia in the health, education, water supply and other priority sectors.

  In the current financial year, further support for non-governmental organisations activity is planned and we are developing a significant programme of bilateral country assistance focused on health, water supply, English language training and some essential infrastructural improvements.

  Between 1979 and the Paris peace accords, assistance with personnel was provided indirectly through our support for NGOs and the multilateral agencies.

  Two permanent members of ODA's staff are currently on secondment in Cambodia. One is the deputy head of the British mission, with special responsibility for development matters. The other is ODA's senior health and population adviser. She is seconded to the World Health Organisation and is leading a health planning and management team in the Ministry of Health in Phnom Penh.

  In addition, we expect more than 20 technical experts financed by the ODA to be undertaking short and long-term assignments in Cambodia during the course of this year in the fields of English language training, water use and development, inland fisheries, urban planning and support to small scale industry. We are also fully funding a repatriation adviser working with the International Federation of the Red Cross in support of the UNHCR repatriation effort.
  354
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with(a) the Government of Thailand and (b) the Governments of other countries about deforestation in Cambodia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Under the co-ordination arrangements between donors, the United Kingdom's main focus in Cambodia is on health, water use and development, English language training, and bridge repair to assist repatriation. Forestry is not a sector of concentration for the United Kingdom in Cambodia. However, deforestation and other environmental dangers are critical issues for the development of Cambodia; and ODA officials in Phnom Penh have participated in discussions with the Supreme National Council and other country representatives, including Thai officials, at which these issues have been raised. We have urged EC officials to tackle forestry and environmental protection problems in the next tranche of EC assistance. We expect environmental concerns to play a prominent part in the forthcoming co-ordination meeting in Tokyo on 22 and 23 June at which the United Kingdom will be represented at ministerial level.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of health needs in Cambodia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Malaria is considered the major health problem in Cambodia, with some 500,000 cases per year resulting in between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths. Other serious problems are tuberculosis; diarrhoeal and other childhood communicable diseases; undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency; pregnancy-related problems; and trauma.

  In the short term, the immediate needs are adequate supplies of potable water, food and essential medicines and equipment; a programme of child immunisation; and the transfer of basic health skills. In the longer term, it will be essential to rebuild and strengthen the health service system.

  In response to these needs, the United Kingdom is co-funding the WHO's three year anti-malaria programme in-country; ODA has seconded a senior health and population adviser to a two-year WHO assignment in the Cambodian Ministry of Health; and assistance to the water sector is a priority in the United Kingdom bilateral programme to Cambodia.

  Guatemala
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, United Nations agencies and the Overseas Development Administration bilaterally, separately provide to Guatemala.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Guatemala has been in non-accrual status—default with the World bank—since 1990 because of loan arrears. The Guatemalan Government have indicated their intention fully to clear their arrears to the bank, and discussions are in progress about this. Parallel discussions with the IMF on the possible use of resources under the IMF standby arrangement are continuing.

  The various United Nations agencies operate different systems of financial control and it is not possible to provide reliable figures on an annual country basis.
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  There is no British bilateral aid programme at present. We have agreed to provide £22·5 million of grant aid for a joint infrastructure project, yet to be agreed, to support the development of full and normal relations between Belize and Guatemala. A total of £15 million will be spent in Guatemala.

  Southern Africa (Drought)
  Mr. Biffen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the latest assessment of the consequences of the drought in southern Africa; and what plans there are to provide further unilateral and multilateral British aid.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The most comprehensive assessment of the consequences of the drought is to be found in the appeal document just issued jointly by the United Nations and the Southern African development co-ordination conference—SADCC. This indicates that up to 130 million people may be affected, with cereal production at less than half the normal level and an import requirement of some 11·6 million tonnes. We have already pledged some £30 million in additional drought-related assistance and will continue to play a full and active part in the international response to the drought, including attendance by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development at a UN/SADCC conference in Geneva on 1 and 2 June.

  Zimbabwe and Zambia
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs by what means and through what agencies the expenditure of £5 million for Zimbabwe and £5 million for Zambia will be spent; and what restrictions have been applied to the use of these moneys respectively.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The additional balance of payments aid for Zambia and Zimbabwe, announced on 4 March and 29 April in response to the drought and totalling £10 million and 7·5 million respectively, is being made available by way of reimbursement of completed and satisfactorily documented fuel oil transactions subject to undertakings that equivalent sums will be allocated to purchase food or other drought-related goods.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to increase the amount of grant aid to Sri Lanka.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  As I stated in my written reply of 24 July 1991 to the hon. Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon), consideration of major new aid commitments to Sri Lanka was delayed following the expulsion of the British high commissioner last year. This policy remains under review.

  Aid Budget
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set a timetable for Britain's overseas aid budget to reach the UN target of 0·7 per cent. of gross national product.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  No. The Government have stated on many occasions that, while they accept the target and are providing for real-terms increases in the aid programme, they are not prepared to set down a timetable.

  Zaire
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Zaire concerning human rights; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The Zairean Government are fully aware of the importance the United Kingdom attaches to human rights. Together with EC partners, we have made regular representations to the Zaireans on the internal political situation in Zaire, including the need for democratic reform and respect for human rights.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the Government of Sierra Leone concerning human rights; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We have stressed to Sierra Leone's National Provisional Ruling Council in Freetown the importance we attach to human rights, in particular that those detained following the coup be released or properly charged. We have also asked them to honour their commitment to return Sierra Leone to multiparty democracy as soon as possible.

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response has been made by Her Majesty's Government to the appeal made in early April by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for donors to meet an increased requirement for !27·5 million to aid 150,000 additional refugees arrived in Bangladesh.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees appealed to the international community on 9 March 1992. The United Kingdom responded on 24 March with a contribution of £1 million, the largest single contribution made to this appeal. Our contribution via the EC amounts to about £50,000 and we have additionally responded to a Red Cross appeal with a further £200,000.

  Tropical Rainforests
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to encourage a reduction in the deforestation of the tropical rainforests.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The ODA has more than 200 forestry projects under way or in preparation, at a cost of over £158 million to the aid programme. We are working for a statement of principles on the sustainable management of the world's forests to be agreed at the UN conference on environment and development and a legally binding agreement thereafter. We take a leading role in promoting sustainable forest use in international fora such as the International Tropical Timber Organisation and the tropical forest action programme.

  Kurdistan
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the Overseas Development Administration has directly spent on its own activities in Iraqi Kurdistan in the month of April; and what is the projected figure for May 1992.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  In 1991–92 we gave a total of £51·5 million for humanitarian relief to Iraq, of which £824,000 was provided in grants to British and Kurdish non-governmental organisations for relief work in northern Iraq. Some of this money is still being spent. Expenditure figures for April and May 1992 are not available. In May we provided a further £600,000 towards the cost of UN guards in Iraq.

  RMS St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library a copy of the tender documents for the new RMS St. Helena contract.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The tender documents are not expected to be issued before 5 June. A copy will be placed in the Library as soon as possible.

  Total expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on press and public relations from 1983–84 to 1990–91, latest estimates for 1991–92 and budget provisions for 1992–93 are (£ million)

  Year

  Payments to Central Office of Information for overseas information material and related activities

  Other information services

  Running costs of Diplomatic Wing Information/News Department

  Running costs of ODA Wing Information Department

  Costs of information staff at overseas posts

  Total

  1983–84

  17·4

  0·9

  1·8

  0·3

  12·4

  32·8

  1984–85

  18·8

  0·8

  1·4

  0·3

  12·8

  34·1

  1985–86

  18·3

  0·9

  1·9

  0·3

  13·6

  35·0

  1986–87

  18·7

  0·7

  1·9

  0·2

  14·6

  36·1

  1987–88

  19·2

  0·9

  2·0

  0·2

  17·6

  39·9

  1988–89

  18·3

  0·9

  1·8

  0·3

  17·5

  38·8

  1989–90

  18·1

  3·3

  2·4

  0·4

  18·8

  43·0

  1990–91

  15·7

  5·8

  3·6

  0·4

  23·2

  48·7

  1991–92

  12·6

  4·9

  4·1

  0·4

  24·8

  46·8

  1992–93

  9·3

  6 ·9

  4·3

  0·4

  25·9

  46·8

  Note:

  Figures for the period before 1983–84 are not available on a comparable basis.

  Thailand
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the Government of Thailand about human rights abuses there.

  Mr. Goodlad
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) on 22 May, at column 310.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those additional areas of policy which are to be subject to majority voting under the Maastricht treaty, setting out an explanatory memorandum in each case.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  I refer my hon. Friend to the detailed answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 20 May to the hon. Member for Newham, South (Mr. Spearing).

  A memorandum analysing the provisions of the Maastricht treaty and their implications for the United Kingdom in the Community was submitted to the Foreign Affairs Committee enquiry into "Europe after Maastricht". This memorandum has been published by HMSO and is available in the Library of the House.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The details are as follows.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office employs 48 registered disabled persons—RDPs—with 24 in the diplomatic wing—1·1 per cent. of its home civil service payroll or 0·4 per cent. of its total work force—and 24 in the Overseas Development Administration, 1·9 per cent. of its total work force.

  Recent steps to encourage the employment of disabled people include use of the disability logo; placing recruitment advertising in publications aimed specifically at people with disabilities; interviewing all RDPs who meet the sift criteria; establishing a budget for accommodation changes and the purchase of equipment; and giving disabled staff access to positive action and development training courses run specifically for people with disabilities.

  Sea Levels
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what examination has been made of the susceptibility of United Kingdom protectorates in the southern hemisphere to sea level rises arising from global warming.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The United Kingdom has contributed to the work of the coastal zone management group of the intergovernmental panel on climate change which is undertaking studies on the vulnerability of small island and low-lying states to sea-level rise. The United Kingdom also contributes to the trust fund of the IPCC to enable developing countries to play a full part in this work.

  In addition, the Overseas Development Administration has funded a preliminary study of the effects of sea level rise for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. The results of this work were presented at the IPCC workshop on "The Rising Challenge of the Sea" held in Venezuela in March 1992.

  Diplomatic Services
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in which countries the United Kingdom provides diplomatic services for the Republic of Ireland.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Her Majesty's Government have agreed to provide consular protection to Irish nationals in countries where the Republic of Ireland is not represented.

  Croat and Bosnian Refugees
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the United Kingdom, alone or in conjunction with the other member states of the European Community, has or intends to provide assistance to Slovenia to assist it in dealing with the Croat and Bosnian refugees in Slovenia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The United Kingdom has since November 1991 given £3·3 million bilaterally and £6·4 million through the EC in humanitarian aid to the former Yugoslavia. This money has been allocated primarily to the International Committee of the Red Cross and to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for work in all the republics of the former Yugoslavia according to need.

  Gulf Ecology
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what matters in regard to progress made in ecological restoration of the desert and the Gulf waters and shores were discussed during his recent visit to Kuwait to meet Ministers of the Gulf Co-operation Council.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  No such discussions took place during my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs' visit to Kuwait.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing 360
  organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—A Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Goodlad
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by HM Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of the prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payment should normally be stipulated in Government contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, Departments should pay within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later. To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their sub-contractors, all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its sub-contractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the sub-contractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards the strengthening of the inspection procedures in the nuclear non-proliferation treaty; and what would be the financial implications thereof.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  With European partners we put forward a list of proposed improvements to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards, including greater use of special inspections, in September 1991. We welcome the recent reaffirmation by the board of governors of the IAEA of the agency's right to conduct such inspections. Extending safegurds activities will have financial implications. Within the total provision for safeguards in the agency's draft budget for 1993–94 some 500,000 US dollars are allocated for a review and analysis of background information relevant to safeguards activities, including special inspections.
  361
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the actions that may be taken against a state that violates its obligations under the nuclear nonproliferation treaty.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Under article XIIC of the IAEA statute, the IAEA board of governors is required to report any state which violates its safeguards obligations under the NPT to the Security Council and general assembly. It is then for the Security Council to decide on appropriate action—as it has done with Iraq. Should the state in question not take full corrective action within a reasonable time, the board of governors may curtail or suspend assistance being provided to it by the agency or by an IAEA member, and call for the return of materials and equipment. The agency may also suspend any non-complying member from the exercise of the privileges and rights of membership.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the effect of article VI of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty with regard to the number of strategic nuclear warheads that the United Kingdom may deploy above the number presently deployed on Polaris;

  (2) what are the implications for the United Kingdom's treaty obligations under article VI of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty of the deployment of a United Kingdom tactical air-to-surface missile;

  (3) what are the impllications for the United Kingdom's treaty obligations under article VI of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty to Her Majesty's Government's decision to raise the maximum level of warhead deployment of the strategic nuclear force with the introduction of the Trident missile system.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  It is the Government's policy to maintain the minimum nuclear capability necessary to ensure effective deterrence. This is consistent with the United Kingdom's obligations under article VI of the non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards a greater use of special inspection procedures under the existing terms of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have long advocated greater use of special inspections. With European partners, we put forward a list of proposed improvements to IAEA safeguards, including greater use of special inspections, in September 1991. We welcome the recent reaffirmation by the board of governors of the IAEA of the agency's right to conduct such inspections.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what status his Department accords the declarations of intent included in the preamble to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  As a matter of law, the substantive articles of the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons are binding upon states parties. The declarations of intent contained in the preamble to the treaty are not, but reflect the long term aspirations of the signatories. The Government attach great importance to them.
  362
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is his Department's policy towards a conditional moratorium on underground nuclear tests;

  (2) what are the implications for the United Kingdom's policy towards nuclear testing of France's decision to undertake a moratorium on all nuclear tests.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear in a written answer on 12 May, at column 90, we have a continuing requirement to sustain a minimum programme of nuclear tests to maintain the effectiveness and safety of our nuclear deterrent.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations his Department will make to the Russian Government to secure an extension of Russia's one-year moratorium on nuclear tests;

  (2) what assessment he has made of the security implications for the United Kingdom of the Russian moratorium on nuclear tests.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Russia's nuclear testing requirements are a matter for the Russian Government. There are no immediate implications for United Kingdom policy.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards the conducting of an underground nuclear weapons test by any country other than those of the permanent five of the United Nations Security Council.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Our policy is to support the non-proliferation treaty, which is the cornerstone of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards the negotiations of a global ban on all sub-strategic nuclear weapons.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We and our NATO allies believe a sub-strategic nuclear deterrent remains necessary to provide the essential link between conventional and strategic nuclear forces.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards the strengthening of the obligations imposed upon nuclear suppliers under the terms of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We exercise our supplier obligations under the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons through our membership of the Zangger committee. We were a founder member of this committee, provide its secretariat and play an active role in its work. We are a strong supporter of strict supplier controls and are also members of the nuclear suppliers' group. Last September we adopted a policy of full-scope safeguards as a condition of nuclear supply.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy towards banning all nuclear tests by all potential nuclear armed adversaries of the United Kingdom.
  363
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Kingdom remains committed to a comprehensive test ban—CTB—as a long-term goal. However, we have continuing requirement to sustain a minimum programme of nuclear tests, and problems of effectively verifying a CTB remain. Progress can therefore he made only on a step-by-step basis.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if his Department will accept(a) a testing quota or (b) a lower threshold limit on the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons testing programme.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Kingdom's nuclear test programme is the minimum necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our nuclear deterrent. Our requirements are kept under review.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Total expenditure by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on advertising and other promotional material for the years 1979–80 to 1991–92, and latest estimates for 1992–93 are:

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Diplomatic wing (£)

  Overseas Development Aid wing(£)

  1979–80

  100,266

  214,739

  1980–81

  116,532

  145,697

  1981–82

  162,998

  207,964

  1982–83

  229,711

  135,506

  1983–84

  205,247

  252,691

  1984–85

  149,932

  234,050

  1985–86

  160,535

  271,084

  1986–87

  335,754

  228,347

  1987–88

  195,000

  351,000

  1988–89

  289,184

  689,631

  1989–90

  395,842

  1,066,447

  1990–91

  926,610

  902,000

  1991–92

  755,000

  1,031,000

  1992–93

  754,000

  1,057,000

  These figures cannot be disaggregated to identify the medium used without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Medjugorje
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Serbian Government about the bombing of Medjugorje; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We supported UN Resolution 752 which demanded that all concerned should stop the fighting in Bosnia and Herzegovina immediately.

  Yugoslavia
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has made to the Croatian Government 364
  following attacks against the withdrawing Yugoslav Federal Army on 20 and 21 May; if he will seek assurances that Croatian forces will allow the Yugoslav Federal Army to retire to Serbia unmolested; and what guarantee he will require from the Croatian Government for the remaining Serbian population of Croatia.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We deplore all acts of violence in Croatia, particularly those which contravene agreements with the UN. It is an essential part of the agreement covering the deployment of the UN protection force that the JNA should withdraw from the protected areas. We are scrutinising the new legislation passed on 8 May to ascertain whether it provides the necessary guarantees for minorities.

  Cyprus
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether Turkish Cypriots have been consulted about the application of Cyprus to join the European Community; whether the Turkish Cypriots support this application; and whether the United Kingdom supports this application.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Council of Ministers referred the application to the Commission for opinion in September 1990. We understand that Commission officials will consult acknowledged leaders of the Turkish Cypriot community. We will study the Commission's opinion carefully before reaching conclusions.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government will make to the Bosnian Government regarding the drafting of a new constitution and specifically on the future right of secession and self-determination.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We strongly support the efforts of Lord Carrington and Ambassador Cutileiro to draw up constitutional arrangements acceptable to all parties. We look forward to the speedy resumption of these talks.

  Croatia
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government are making to the Croatian Government regarding the recruitment of British mercenaries.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have seen media reports that British citizens are fighting as mercenaries in Croatia. We deplore any foreign encouragement of this tragic conflict.

  European Union
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if, in respect to the proposed amendments to the treaty of Rome proposed in title II of the treaty on European union, he will place in the Library a document showing for each of the current articles proposed to be amended, using distinctive type and deletion marks respectively, the changes proposed to each relevant article.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Title II of the treaty on European union, when read against the treaty of Rome, makes clear
  365
  how the latter treaty is to be amended: new articles are to be "inserted", certain articles are to be "repealed" and articles which are to be amended are "replaced" by new versions of the existing articles. The last category contains all the amendments to which the hon. Member refers. As was explained by my right hon. Friend in a letter to the hon. Member on 18 May, the Government do not intend to publish a consolidated version of the treaty of Rome as amended by the treaty on European union prior to the latter's entry into force. A copy of the letter was placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will specify those other provisions of the treaty on European union, in the Cm. 1934 version, other than titles II, III and IV, which relate to those titles.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The question raised by the hon. Member is covered in the notes on clauses relating to the European Communities (Amendment) Bill which are available in the Vote Office.

  British Embassies
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those British embassies which have desk-top communications for(a) their own purposes and (b) commercial and trade purposes.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Of the 230 British overseas posts where there are resident United Kingdom-based staff, all but 15 have computer systems which can be used both for their own internal purposes and to store and process commercial and trade data.

  Diplomatic Services
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in which countries the United Kingdom provides diplomatic services for other European Community nations.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Under an informal arrangement made in 1985, the diplomatic missions of European Community member states may provide consular assistance to unrepresented EC nationals in non-Community countries.

  Dependent Territories
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the performance monitoring organisations used by United Kingdom dependent territories to monitor the performance of their equity investment advisers and the performance of their equity investment.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Responsibility for monitoring the performance of the investments and investments advisers of the United Kingdom's dependent territories rests with the Minister of Finance, or equivalent official, of each territory. These investments are also subject to scrutiny by an officer responsible for the public audit of each territory, and by the legislature or equivalent body, as appropriate.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish a366
  league table showing the percentage increase or decrease of each of the dependent territories' equity investments over the last five years.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  This information is not centrally recorded. It would incur a disproportionate cost to collate it.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all recipients of licences to fish within the 12-mile limit off St. Helena.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  All recipients of licences are local St. Helena boat owners. Twenty-seven licences have been issued in 1992 of which 18 are for full-time fishing, five for occasional fishing and four for sport.

  I shall write shortly to the hon. Member with a full list of the holders of the licences.

ENVIRONMENT

  Private Lettings
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give further details of the nature of the proposed rent-a-room scheme and his estimate of the number of new lettings which might be brought into existence through this scheme in a full year.

  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to introduce more tax advantages for private lettings.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Conservative election manifesto included an undertaking to introduce a new 'rent a room' scheme under which home owners will be able to let rooms to lodgers without having to pay tax on the rent they receive. This matter is under consideration.

  Marsham Street Premises
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state, or give reference to any document describing, the full reasons why it is considered the best value for money to demolish the Government premises in Marsham street; what was the date of their completion; and what necessary work, and approximate cost, would be required to render them fit for office reoccupation.

  Mr. Howard
  The Government building at 2 Marsham street, which was first occupied in 1970, is in need of major repair. Because of the scale of necessary remedial work, a wide range of alternative options was reviewed, based on advice from Arup Associates. The options ranged from immediate repairs, through various levels of refurbishment to demolition. Demolition proved to be the best value for money, when the overall costs of each option were compared.

  The repair option with the lowest initial cost consisted primarily of remedial work to concrete, replacement of windows and decoration of affected areas. It would involve a substantial programme of decanting staff for several years and would cost about £50 million, over and above routine maintenance and running costs. This would do no

  367
  more than keep the building going. Similar expenditure and further decanting would be required within 10 years to replace obsolete services and carry out further concrete repairs. Upgrading the building to allow greater use of modern office technology, more efficient energy consumption and better use of space would be more expensive still.

  Ozone-depleting Chemicals
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the outcome of the international meeting of Government experts held in Geneva during April on strategies to accelerate the phase out of ozone-depleting chemicals.

  Mr. Maclean
  This meeting provided the opportunity for parties to the Montreal protocol to propose changes to the protocol which might be agreed at the fourth meeting of the parties, to be held in November in Copenhagen. Proposals put forward included those from the EC, on which the Government provided explanatory memorandum 5162/92 on 21 May 1992. Substantive discussion of the various changes proposed will take place at the next meeting, to be held next month in Geneva.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table showing his estimate of the percentage of the net income of housing association tenants which would on average be taken by their rent, broken down on a regional basis in each of the years from 1979 to 1991.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Department does not compile this information.

  Information is, however, available from the National Federation of Housing Associations. The NFHA collects information relating to new housing association tenancies, and has published regional data on weekly rent as a percentage of weekly income in its CORE quarterly bulletin since the end of 1989.

  The relevant copies of the bulletin are in the House of Commons Library.

  London Docklands
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table indicating, for each year since 1981, at current prices, the amount of money the Government have provided for all private investors in London docklands, in terms of(a) direct subsidies, (b) tax allowances, (c) rates relief and (d) discounted land sales.

  Mr. Redwood
  Figures relating to direct subsidies(a) and to rate relief (c) are as follows:

  £ thousands

  (a) Direct subsidies

  (c) Rate relief

  1981–82

  215

  —

  1982–83

  351

  2,091

  1983–84

  304

  2,401

  1984–85

  324

  3,587

  1985–86

  600

  3,353

  1986–87

  739

  4,186

  1987–88

  493

  8,562

  1988–89

  199

  9,596

  1989–90

  263

  15,018

  368

  (a) Direct subsidies

  (c) Rate relief

  1990–91

  216

  1—

  1991–92

  221

  1—

  1 Not available.

  (a) Direct subsidies—Financial assistance by the Corporation for industry in Docklands, including relocation and modernisation grants;

  (b) Tax allowances—Data is not available for capital allowances paid in respect of individual Enterprise Zones, such as the Isle of Dogs;

  (c) Rate relief—Reimbursement for local authorities in Enterprise Zones for loss of rates revenue;

  (d) Discounted land sales—The London Docklands Development Corporation is expected to achieve market price for land disposals.

  London Docklands
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what study he has made of the costs and benefits of moving substantial elements of his and other Departments' operations to docklands; and if he will publish details of its findings.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: Following the decision announced on 6 February to demolish the headquarters building of my Department at 2 Marsham Street, my predecessor asked officials to draw up proposals for moving a substantial number of this Department's HQ posts away from central Westminster to another London location. In particular, he said that he was considering establishing a substantial departmental presence in docklands. An analysis of the properties available and the overall market position indicates that in terms of cost, quality and suitability docklands currently offers the best option. Further work is in hand.

  I have made no analysis of any relocation proposals of other Departments.

  Poisons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the proposal by the European Commission that poisonous materials on the green list of wastes for recovery prepared by the OECD should not be regulated by Community law.

  Mr. Maclean
  Green list wastes do not exhibit any of the hazardous characteristics listed in OECD Council decision C(88)90(final). Under Community law all waste recovery must be carried out at an authorised facility. Movements of green list wastes within OECD are subject to normal commercial controls. The Government consider that any general imposition of additional controls on movements of such wastes outside OECD would be a discriminatory measure in breach of our international obligations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade.

  Housing
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table setting out the average rent level, region by region, for housing association lettings in each of the years from 1979 to 1991, identifying assured tenancy rents separately from the fair
  369
  rents from 1989 onwards and indicating the annual percentage increase in rents in each year by comparison with the retail price index.

  Mr. Baldry
  Complete information on housing association rents is not available in the form requested.

  Housing Association unfurnished tenancies: average fair rents registered1

  £/week including service charges

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Northern

  11·09

  13·86

  15·09

  17·83

  17·74

  20·48

  20·40

  23·06

  23·12

  26·85

  28·71

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  13·83

  15·27

  16·68

  17·80

  18·75

  20·60

  21·81

  23·75

  25·77

  29·10

  31·63

  East Midlands

  15·03

  16·60

  17·77

  19·37

  20·20

  22·21

  23·37

  25·50

  26·56

  30·13

  32·08

  East Anglia

  15·25

  15·91

  17·72

  18·68

  20·51

  21·57

  23·29

  25·25

  27·40

  29·12

  33·73

  Greater London

  14·63

  15·98

  17·67

  19·44

  20·76

  22·25

  24·62

  26·35

  28·96

  32·23

  35·94

  Rest of South East

  16·98

  18·35

  20·48

  21·32

  23·53

  25·12

  26·77

  28·97

  30·90

  34·85

  38·10

  South West

  15·73

  17·07

  19·07

  20·40

  22·17

  24·10

  26·33

  28·63

  32·00

  36·06

  39·88

  West Midlands

  14·19

  15·00

  16·72

  17·52

  18·76

  20·02

  21·35

  23·35

  24·92

  27·73

  30·37

  North West

  12·03

  13·35

  14·80

  16·06

  16·79

  18·48

  19·48

  21·34

  22·79

  24·75

  26·50

  RPI: annual increase per cent·

  12

  9

  5

  5

  6

  3

  4

  5

  8

  9

  6

  1 The regional averages are for fair rents registered during the calender year and as rents are normally only registered every two years they do not reflect the average for all tenancies in existence during that year

  Source: Rent Officers' Survey.

  Housing association assured tenancies: average rent for lettings made in the year

  £/week including service charges

  1990

  1991

  Percentage increase

  Northern

  31·50

  34·00

  8

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  31·50

  36·50

  16

  East Midlands

  34·00

  37·50

  10

  East Anglia

  33·50

  36·50

  9

  Greater London

  37·00

  43·50

  18

  Rest of South East

  37·00

  42·00

  14

  South West

  37·50

  43·00

  15

  West Midlands

  33·00

  38·00

  15

  North West

  31·00

  34·50

  11

  Source: National Federation of Housing Associations.

  Woodlands
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about changes affecting the area of ancient semi-natural woodland since 1962.

  Mr. Maclean
  Details of changes since 1962 are not available. However, the former Nature Conservancy Council's—now English Nature's—ancient woodland inventory shows that in England and Wales, of the area of ancient woodland present in 1930, 38 per cent. has been replaced by plantations usually of non-native species and 7 per cent. has been cleared for other land uses. The Government's broadleaves policy, the changes to the criteria for felling licences, introduced in 1984 and 1985 and the more recent woodland management scheme have resulted in a marked reduction in the rate of change.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it part of his planning policy to prevent any further loss of ancient semi-natural woodland.

  Mr. Maclean
  The felling of woodland is not a development under the town and country planning system. The protection of ancient woodland will however be a material consideration in preparing development plans and determining planning applications. Felling which is
  370
  The following statistics show fair rents registered for housing association tenants in the years 1981 to 1991, and assured tenancy rents for new lettings made in 1990 and 1991. As registered fair rents are fixed for two years the changes between the annual averages below are not comparable with the increases in the RPI.

  undertaken other than for development purposes is effectively controlled through the felling licence system administered by the Forestry Commission. Sites of special scientific interest which may include ancient woodland are given particular protection and development in or near them is strictly controlled.

  Housing Repossessions
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, columns 238–39, what statistical information is available to support his expectation that the number of repossessions will reduce in 1992.

  Mr. Baldry
  A number of building societies have reported reductions in the numbers of repossessions this year and figures published by the Lord Chancellor's Department show a decline in the number of court actions entered for possession in England and Wales, in the first quarter of 1992.

  Urban Programme
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds have been allotted to the Yorkshire-Humberside area this year, last year and the previous year for urban programme fund projects.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Total urban programme resources allocated to local authorities in the Yorkshire Humberside region this year, last year and the previous year are as follows:

  £ million

  1990–91

  130·291

  1991–92

  134·207

  1992–93

  28·009

  1 included supplementary allocations of £2·18 million in 1990–91 and £4·75 million in 1991–92 for special projects in Sheffield.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the establishment of the urban regeneration agency will be achieved without any reduction in moneys at present allotted to the urban programme.
  371
  Mr. Robin Squire
  The responsibilities of the URA have yet to be finalised, but I do not expect its establishment to affect future financial provision for the urban programme.

  Conservation Areas
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish his programme for the establishment of special areas for conservation.

  Mr. Maclean
  The EC habitats directive sets out the programme for establishing special areas of conservation for all member states. It requires each member state to prepare a national list within three years of the notification of the directive. Within six years of notification, the Commission, in agreement with each member state, shall establish a draft list of sites of Community importance drawn from the national lists. Once a site has been adopted as a site of Community importance, the member state concerned has a maximum of six years thereafter to effect its designation as a special area of conservation. I shall ensure that the United Kingdom complies with this programme.

  Caravan Sites Act 1968
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what organisations he intends to consult in his review of the Caravan Sites Act 1968; and whether individuals will be offered the opportunity of contributing to the review;

  (2) what will be the terms of reference, membership and composition of the Caravan Sites Act 1968 review team;

  (3) when the review of the Caravan Sites Act 1968 will be completed.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Government have in hand a review of the operation of the Caravan Sites Act 1968, with the aim of reducing the nuisance of illegal encampments. We hope to issue shortly a public consultation paper containing our proposals for reform; and comments from individuals will be welcome.

  Packaging Waste
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek from the EC Commission a statement of the evidence for the assertion in the draft packaging directive that packaging waste contributes in a great proportion to the increase in the volume of wastes and to the saturation of landfills.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Commission has not yet produced a proposal for a directive, so it would be premature to comment at this stage on the possible contents.

  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the extent to which packaging waste as a proportion of household waste has changed over the last five years.

  Mr. Maclean
  Information on the extent to which packaging contributes to household waste has been collected only in a few recent studies. There is therefore insufficient data on which to assess changes over a period of time.

  The national household waste analysis project, currently being undertaken by Warren Spring laboratory
  372
  and Aspinwalls on behalf of my Department, has been set up to provide better and more detailed information on the composition of household waste. The first results should be available later this year.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Howard
  The following surveys, carried out by my Department since 1 November 1991, include questions to individuals about their opinions:

  Monitoring the new local authority performance regime.

  Housing Attitudes Survey.

  English House Conditions Survey: Interview survey of Householders.

  Surveys on the housing needs of elderly people:

  (a) Survey of residents of special needs housing.

  (b) Survey of elderly people on waiting lists for special needs housing.

  (c) Housing needs of non-elderly, disabled people in the community.

  Ventilation in new homes.

  Householders' response to Radon in the home.

  Energy Efficiency Campaign—Creative Development Research [Stage 3] (jointly sponsored with the Department of Energy).

  Energy Efficiency Campaign Evaluation (jointly sponsored with the Department of Energy).

  Waste
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the collection of data on waste within the EC during his presidency of the Council of Ministers.

  Mr. Maclean
  Work is already in hand to improve the collection of data on waste within the EC, and we will ensure the work continues under our presidency.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he monitors the reliability of information provided by persons acting as holders of non ferrous waste requiring disposal, when making declarations for waste covered by article 17 of EC directive 84/631/EEC.

  Mr. Maclean
  Monitoring and enforcement of the procedure in article 17 for consignments of hazardous waste containing non-ferrous metals for recycling is a matter for the waste disposal authorities.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to ensure that producers of recycleable waste, or their agents, provide waste regulation authorities with information relating to the quantity of waste requiring disposal by reclamation.

  Mr. Maclean
  Section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires waste collection authorities to prepare a recycling plan. In doing so each council has a duty to investigate what recycling arrangements are appropriate for dealing with household and commercial waste arising in its area and it must include information as to the kinds and quantities of waste that it expects to deal
  373
  with in that way. The draft plans must be submitted to my right hon. and learned Friend for approval; he has asked for them all to be with him by 1 August. Once a council has determined the content of the plan it is under a duty to sent a copy, and any subsequent modification of it, to the waste regulation authority for the area.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will extend the powers of waste regulation authorities giving them rights(a) to require information about the composition of waste and the processes which produce it and (b) to verify the information.

  Mr. Maclean
  Powers already exist in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for these purposes insofar as they are necessary for environmental protection.

  Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act requires all holders of waste to ensure that, on the transfer of the waste, a description of it is also transferred. Such a description must be sufficient to enable subsequent holders to manage the waste safely and legally, and will contain information about the processes producing the waste where such information is necessary to that end. Under the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991, made under section 34, waste regulation authorities have powers to require waste holders to produce copies of such descriptions.

  The onus to ensure that descriptions are correct and adequate rests on the parties to transfers of waste; authorities are not charged with the verification of waste descriptions. Waste disposal authorities are responsible for the supervision of activities at licensed waste disposal sites under section 9 of the Control of Pollution Act. Authorities may set licence conditions requiring the keeping of records and have powers under section 91 of that Act to enter, inspect and take samples of any waste at licensed sites.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will amend current regulations governing the importation and transportation of waste to ensure that regulatory authorities receiving the waste are fully aware of the companies and countries from which the waste is being transferred;

  (2) what action he will take to ensure that adequate information about the harmful and hazardous nature of waste material is made available to regulatory authorities;

  (3) if he will introduce a legal requirement for regulatory authorities to receive pre-notification of the precise time of departure and arrival of waste imported for recycling and disposal.

  Mr. Maclean
  Negotiations are in progress on an EC regulation, to replace the current regulations, on the supervision and control of shipments of waste within, into and out of the Community. The current draft of this proposal would require information on the source, composition and the producer of the waste proposed for shipment to be notified to the competent authorities. These authorities would also receive advance notification of the date of shipment of waste for recycling and disposal.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to introduce legislation controlling the imports of toxic and hazardous wastes along the lines of the United States Waste Export and Import Prohibition Act (HR G2580).
  374
  Mr. Maclean
  No. This Bill, which is not a United States Government measure, would prevent all transfrontier movements of waste, except pre-sorted textile rags, glass and paper wastes for recovery. The United Kingdom is looking to the draft EC waste shipments regulation to improve existing controls on movements of waste. This will include appropriate controls on wastes destined for recovery, implementing a recent decision by the OECD on this subject, which will also be implemented by the United States of America.

  World Climate
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to press for international targets, timetables and penalties to ensure that We world climate is protected from made-made environmental pollution; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The climate change convention adopted on 9 May sets as its objective the stabilisation of greenhouse gases concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate. As a first step towards this objective, the convention also sets targets and timetables for greenhouse gas emissions which all developed countries will aim to achieve.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to enable the receipts from the sales of council houses to be applied into the new building programmes for housing to rent; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  Local authorities must set aside part of their capital receipts as provision for repaying debt. This remains a sensible and prudent requirement. It also enables a greater amount of new credit approvals to be issued to those local authorities where housing needs are greatest or where the resources will be put to best use.

  The provision of new social housing is now mainly the responsibility of housing associations.

  Fire Safety
  Mr. Roger Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will amend the building regulations to impose a requirement in respect of sealed double glazing units that one pane is capable of opening sufficiently to permit persons to escape in circumstances where no other secondary means of escape from fire exist.

  Mr. Baldry
  There are no plans to amend the building regulations along the lines suggested.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Shore
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, in order of magnitude, the central funding grant per adult towards the cost of local services paid out to each of the London boroughs in 1991–92; and what is proposed for 1992–93.

  Mr. Redwood
  The table shows the total external support, expressed in pounds per adult, received by each London borough in 1991–92 and 1992–93. The boroughs are listed in ascending order by the amount of support
  375
  recieved in 1991–92. Total external support consists of revenue support grant, redistributed non-domestic rates and, for some authorities, area protection grant and ILEA grant, following the abolition of the Inner London education authority.

  Local authority

  1991–92(£/adult)

  1992–93(£/adult)

  City of London

  11,466

  12,528

  Tower Hamlets

  1,862

  2,138

  Hackney

  1,755

  2,080

  Lambeth

  1,557

  1,628

  Southwark

  1,427

  1,607

  Islington

  1,392

  1,687

  Westminster

  1,385

  1,638

  Newham

  1,308

  1,612

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,261

  1,465

  Lewisham

  1,260

  1,466

  Camden

  1,238

  1,413

  Greenwich

  1,227

  1,433

  Wandsworth

  1,192

  1,424

  Haringey

  1,133

  1,316

  Brent

  1,128

  1,435

  Kensington and Chelsea

  1,000

  1,251

  Waltham Forest

  998

  1,231

  Ealing

  975

  1,200

  Barking and Dagenham

  846

  1,055

  Hounslow

  799

  1,063

  Enfield

  754

  1,002

  Croydon

  739

  972

  Redbridge

  702

  944

  Harrow

  695

  913

  Hillingdon

  686

  869

  Kingston upon Thames

  673

  880

  Barnet

  670

  951

  Merton

  654

  881

  Bexley

  635

  848

  Sutton

  634

  832

  Havering

  583

  804

  Bromley

  543

  755

  Richmond upon Thames

  529

  752

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will show for each local authority for the financial years 1990–91 and 1991–92(a) their standard spending assessment relating to capital charges, (b) their actual expenditure relating to this item and (c) the difference between (a) and (b), showing totals for each column for England as a whole;

  (2) if he will show for each local authority for the financial years 1990–91 and 1991–92 (a) their standard spending assessment relating to the other services block, (b) their actual expenditure relating to this item and (c) the difference between (a) and (b), showing totals for each column for England as a whole.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 13 May 1992]: The table shows the England totals for the information requested. The figures for individual local authorities have been placed in the Library.

  Standard spending assessment £ million

  Equivalent net revenue expenditure £ million

  Difference £ million

  Other services

  1990–91

  4,502

  5,632

  1,130

  1991–92

  5,933

  6,361

  428

  Capital financing

  1990–91

  2,380

  2,922

  542

  1991–92

  2,951

  2,973

  22

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list in chronological order those areas that have already received a recommendation from the Local Government Boundary Commission that they should be reorganised to a unitary authority together with the date of each recommendation.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Only in its review of the Isle of Wight did the Local Government Boundary Commission state that it would have proposed a unitary authority, had it been in its power to do so. Their final report was received by the Secretary of State on 10 October 1986.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, at the lowest level of sub-heading used, the expenditure categories employed in itemising public expenditure attributable to the Department of the Environment.

  Mr. Howard
  Details of my Department's expenditure plans are set out in the Department's 1992 annual report, Cm 1908, and the 1992–93 supply estimates for class VIII environment, Cm 273. Copies of both documents are available in the Library of the House.

  Earth Summit
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the specific objectives of Her Majesty's Government at the Earth summit in relation to each item in the proposed "Agenda 21" action plan.

  Mr. Maclean
  The 40 or so chapters of the Agenda 21 action plan all contain numerous proposals for action by Governments, international bodies, non-governmental organisations, business, local authorities and individual citizens. It is not feasible to set out the United Kingdom's objectives on every specific item. The Government are working with the other participants in the Earth summit to ensure that agenda 21 is given a high level of political commitment in Rio. It will then need to be adapted to the circumstances of individual countries and regions and to evolve over time.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if Her Majesty's Government will press for the inclusion of(a)the polluter pays principle, (b) and extension of environmental impact assessment and (c) encouragement properly to evaluate environmental costs in the market place, to be included in the Earth summit declaration on the environment and development, the earth charter; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The latest draft of the Rio declaration, which has sometimes been referred to as the earth charter, is the product of long and detailed negotiations. It contains satisfactory language, much of it proposed by the United Kingdom, on environmental impact assessment and on internalising environmental costs, taking into account the polluter pays principle. The United Kingdom will strive to ensure that these references are retained in the final text.

  Opencast Coal
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) pursuant to his answer of 19 May,Official Report, column 74, on minerals planning guidance note 3, whether the terms of reference of the recent review have included the principles of planning guidance as well as their practical operation;

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 19 May, Official Report, column 74, if he will list the organisations consulted during the consultation exercise on minerals planning guidance note 3; how many responses have been received; if he will provide a breakdown of the responses; and if he will publish a copy of any questionnaire distributed as part of the exercise;

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 19 May, Official Report, column 74, when his consultation exercise on minerals planning guidance note 3 was begun; when it is scheduled to finish; whether it was part of the normal review process or was initiated as a special review; when an announcement of the results will be made; and whether he plans any further reviews in 1992;

  (4) pursuant to his answer of 19 May, Official Report, column 74, on minerals planning guidance note 3, how local authorities were consulted; and if he will publish copies of the letters or questionnaires sent to local authorities.

  Mr. Baldry
  It is normal practice to monitor the effectiveness of mineral planning guidance notes. As part of the monitoring of MPG3 the Department wrote to representatives of the local authorities, the industry and environmental organisations on 19 December 1991 seeking their views on how well the guidelines were operating and whether they had created any problems. I am placing copies of the letter, which sought views on all the principal aspects of the guidance in MPG3, together with a list of the organisations consulted, in the Library of the House. Comments were requested by 20 March 1992, but responses have continued to come in since that date and will all be considered. Separate consultations were carried out by the Welsh Office.

  To date, 55 responses have been received from outside bodies: 30 from local authority associations and individual local authorities; 10 from representatives of the industry; nine from environmental groups; and six from local residents' action groups. The responses are currently being evaluated and in the light of the results of that evaluation, I shall consider whether there is a need for revision of MPG3. I shall announce my decision as soon as possible.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration is being given to reversing the rule at public inquiries that local communities cannot in their objections to opencast mining challenge the commercial need for opencast coal.

  Mr. Baldry
  There is no such rule. Inspectors must take into account all representations which are material to the planning decision including any arguments advanced by the applicant in support of the proposals and any counter arguments advanced by objectors. However, the potential profitability or otherwise of any proposed development is not usually material to land use planning decisions.

  EC Legislation
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he intends to bring forward during the United Kingdom presidency of the Council of Ministers in respect of varying standards of implementation of EC environmental legislation by member states; what proposals he intends to bring forward on subsidiarity as it relates to environmental legislation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  During the presidency we intend to bring the question of proper implementation and enforcement of EC environmental legislation to the attention of the Environment Council, with a view to initiating regular reviews of those issues by Environment Ministers.

  We shall continue to press the European Commission to bring forward proposals to set up a Community inspectorate to audit the performance of enforcement agencies within the member states. We will be hosting the first meeting of a new "network" of member state enforcement agencies with a view to setting this up on a permanent basis.

  The principle of subsidiarity is already written into the environment chapter of the EC treaty. The treaty on European union agreed at Maastricht will, when it comes into effect, extend the principle to other areas of Community policy.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those sites of special scientific interest in the United Kingdom which contain significant areas of woodland, indicating for each whether the woodland consists mainly of native wildwoods; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  This information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Climate Change
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals on(a) global warming and climate change and (b) the United Nations conference on environment and development will be put forward by the United Kingdom at the meeting of the European Agriculture Council on 24 and 25 May.

  Mr. Maclean
  Proposals for discussion at meetings of the Council of Ministers are primarily a matter for the presidency. My right hon. and learned Friend and I played a full part in discussion of the topics in question at the Environment Council on 26 May.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals on climate change were(a) discussed and (b) decided at the EC Environmental Council on 26 May.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Council endorsed conclusions on climate change tabled by the presidency which recognised the climate change convention as a significant first step in tackling this global problem and urged all countries to sign the convention during UNCED and thereafter to ratify it as soon as possible. The Council also received a report from the European Commission on proposals it intended to make on specific measures to limit CO2 emissions.

  City Challenge
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for what reasons Tameside MBC was not allowed to make a city challenge presentation.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Tameside is not one of the 57 urban priority authorities and was not therefore invited to submit a bid. We have considered the possibility of including Tameside's bid in the city challenge competition, but came to the view that our policy should remain unchanged. Tameside MBC was formally notified of this decision on 18 May.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—A Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Howard
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by Her Majesty's Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92. The results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Howard
  It is the policy of my Department to ensure that payments, including those to small business suppliers, are made promptly within the period stipulated in the appropriate contract or where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their sub-contractors all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier of contractor to pay its sub-contractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Conservation Areas (Shops)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for enabling local planning authorities to issue statutory guidelines for shop fronts and advertisements in conservation areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  We have no plans to introduce statutory guide lines. Paragraphs 53 to 71 of my Department's circular 8/87 give general policy guidance to planning authorities about control of development, including outdoor advertisements, in conservation areas. The Government intend to issue later this year a consultative draft of a new planning policy guidance note about listed buildings and conservation areas.

  Recycling
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the progress by local authorities in encouraging private citizens to separate all recyclable materials from household waste prior to collection.

  Mr. MacLean
  It is the Government's aim that 25 per cent. of household waste should be recycled by the end of this century. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires all waste collection authorities to prepare waste recycling plans. I am expecting the draft plans to be submitted to my right hon. and learned Friend by 1 August. These plans will provide the first comprehensive national survey of recycling activity. To assist local authorities in planning for recycling we have made available a programme of supplementary credit approvals worth £60 million over four years to stimulate investment in recycling projects and from 1 April this year it is now mandatory that waste disposal authorities should pay recycling credits to collection authorities that recycle waste.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evaluations have been made of the risks in use of the pesticides(a) pentachlorophenol, (b) pentachlorophenyl laurate and (c) sodium pentachlorophenoxide by (i) his Department, (ii) consultants to his Department or (iii) agencies which report to his Department.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Department of the Environment has commissioned two reviews of pentachlorophenol, its salts and esters:"Timber Preservation Chemicals: Volumes la and 1 b"— Consultants in Environmental Sciences Ltd. Published October 1988, placed in the Library, November 1988.
  "Environmental Hazard Assessment: Pentachorophenol" —S. J. Hobbs, (Building Research Establishment) P. D. Howe, S. Dobson (Institute of Terrestrial Ecology). To be published in Autumn 1992
  The Department also contributes to the work of the International Programme on Chemical Safety, which in 1987 produced an Environmental health criteria document on pentachlorophenol:
  "Pentachlorophenol: Environmental Health Criteria 71"—World Health Organisation 1987. ISBN 924154271 3.

  Green Citizens Charter
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response his Department has had to the brochure, "Green Rights and Responsibilities: a Citizen's Guide to the Environment", published by his Department earlier this year; and how many copies of the green citizens charter have been published, and at what cost to date.

  Mr. Maclean
  This booklet has received a positive response from members of the public, local authorities, companies and voluntary groups. One million copies have been published at a total cost of £119,000. My Department has held initial discussions of the document with the local authority associations and I look forward to developing those discussions further.

  Timetable of Local Government Boundary Commission Reviews

  Name of Review

  Dale of draft proposals

  Date by which recommendations were to be received

  Date of further draft proposals

  Date by which comments were to be received

  Date of additional further draft proposals

  Date of additional further draft proposals

  Date of publication of final report

  Barking and Dagenham—boundaries with Redbridge, Newham and Havering

  02.11.89

  27.11.89

  27.03.91

  29.05.91

  06.11.91

  18.12.91

  —

  Brent1—boundaries with Barnet, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminister

  31.07.91

  23.10.91

  —

  —

  —

  —

  20.05.92

  Bromley—boundary with Lcwisham

  21.08.91

  16.10.91

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27.05.92

  Camden—boundaries with Barnet and Westminster

  04.01.91

  01.03.91

  10.01.92

  06.03.92

  —

  —

  —

  Ealing/Hammersmith and Fulham/ Hounslow (including Hounslow's boundary with Richmond Upon Thames)

  09.03.92

  11.05.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Enfield—boundaries with Barnet, Hertsmere, Welwyn, Halfield, Broxbourne and Epping Forest

  17.09.90

  26.11.90

  06.03.92

  01.05.92

  —

  —

  —

  Greenwich—boundary with Bromley

  21.08.91

  16.10.91

  —

  —

  —

  —

  27.05.92

  Hackney—boundaries with Haringey and Islington

  09.07.91

  10.09.91

  24.02.92

  21.04.92

  —

  —

  —

  Haringey—boundaries with Barnet, Camden and Enfield

  11.03.91

  17.05.91

  09.03.92

  05.05.92

  —

  —

  —

  Havering—boundaries with Redbridge, Brentwood, Thurrock and Barking and Dagenham

  17.10.88

  12.12.88

  21.06.91

  23.08.91

  —

  —

  —

  Heathrow—Hillingdon, Hounslow and Spelthorne

  29.05.90

  01.11.90

  17.01.92

  16.04.92

  —

  —

  —

  Hillingdon—boundaries with Ealing, Hounslow, South Bucks and Three Rivers

  05.03.90

  30.04.90

  24.02.92

  21.04.92

  —

  —

  —

  Hounslow—boundaries with Richmond and Spelthorne

  10.02.92

  06.04.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kensington and Chelsea—boundary with Hammersmith and Fulham

  05.03.92

  29.05.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kingston Upon Thames—boundaries with Merton, Richmond, Sutton, Wandsworth, Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell and Mole Valley

  26.11.91

  18.02.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lcwisham—boundaries with Greenwich and Tower Hamlets

  06.12.91

  14.02.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Merton—boundary with Croydon

  10.02.92

  06.04.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newham—boundaries with Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Hackney and Tower Hamlets

  29.01.90

  26.03.90

  30.04.91

  25.06.91

  —

  —

  —

  Redbridge—boundaries with Waltham Forest and Epping Forest

  31.05.89

  26.07.89

  14.12.90

  15.02.91

  —

  —

  12.05.92

  Richmond Upon Thames—boundary with Wandsworth

  26.11.91

  21.01.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  11.05.92

  Sutton—boundaries with Croydon, Epsom and Ewell and Reigate and Banstead

  27.01.92

  16.03.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wandsworth—boundaries with Merton, Lambeth, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and including Merton's boundary with Lambeth

  10.01.92

  09.03.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Westminster—boundaries with Kensington and Chelsea and Lambeth

  27.02.92

  23.04.92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Local Government Boundary Commission
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library copies of his guidelines for the Local Government Boundary Commission on London and metropolitan counties, contained in his Department's circulars 33/78 and 20/86.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Copies of the circulars have been placed in the Library today.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all the draft proposals published by the Local Government Boundary Commission regarding the boundaries of London boroughs for which final reports have yet to be issued, showing the dates of publication of first and further draft proposals and the dates by which comments were to be received.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information is set out in the table. It includes those reviews where the final report has been submitted recently.
  383

  1 The Commission will submit a separate report on the electoral consequences of their final report in due course

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the findings of the Local Government Boundary Commission in its report No. 627, "The Boundaries of Greater London arid the London Boroughs"; and if he will set up a wide-ranging review of the pattern of London boroughs.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The report is a useful document based on the thorough work the Local Government Boundary Commission has done in its London boundary reviews. We have no plans for radical change to the pattern of local government in London.

  Community Charge
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people were registered for the community charge in each parliamentary constituency in Greater London for each year that the community charge register has been in operation.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested is not available.

  Water Meters
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to accelerate the findings of the water meter trial areas.

  Mr. Maclean
  Two reports have so far been published and a final report will be produced in about 12 months' time, when all the trials have been completed. As I am keen that the substantial body of data collected about water metering should be fully analysed and made available promptly not only to the water industry but also to the regulatory bodies, I have proposed to the water industry that the Director General of Water Services should take the lead from the Government side in analysing the results of the trials and the implications for charging methods. In consultation with DOE and NRA, he will also co-ordinate, and where necessary commission, any further studies that are needed.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to speed up the introduction of water meters.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Director General of Water Services has warned water companies that they must make metering a more attractive option for individual customers. He has also asked them to draw up strategies for the general introduction of water metering where the overall benefit to customers outweighs the costs of installation.

  We shall be issuing a consultation paper before the summer recess which will consider a range of possible water conservation measures, including the potential role of metering.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has reached any conclusions on the ability of water metering to avoid the issuing of drought orders.

  Mr. Maclean
  Information from the national water metering trial areas indicates a substantial reduction in the volume of water supplied particularly during periods of 384
  peak demand. However, any programme for the introduction of meters to existing properties will require careful planning and will take some years to complete. In the meantime, drought orders may be required in areas where there is a shortage of rainfall.

  Council Elections
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to allow for local council elections in the metropolitan districts in 1993; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Government have no plans to change the arrangements for elections to metropolitan district councils.

  Paper Products
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has considered the environmental impact of(a) paper and (b) tissue products manufactured using (i) recycled feedstock and (ii) new fibre; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The European Council of Ministers adopted a regulation in March establishing a Community eco-labelling scheme which is due to come into operation towards the end of the year. The aim of the scheme is to identify products which do the least harm to the environment.

  In preparing for the introduction of the scheme Denmark is leading a study to develop criteria for the award of eco-labels to paper products including fine papers and tissues. This study, to which the United Kingdom is contributing, is examining all the environmental impacts of paper manufacture.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to dry-store all nuclear waste on site and ban the disposal of nuclear waste underground or at sea.

  Mr. Maclean
  Government policy for radioactive waste management is set out in chapter 15 of the 1990 White Paper "This Common Inheritance". High-level or heat generating radioactive waste will be stored at Sellafield and Dounreay for at least 50 years to allow the heat and radioactivity to reduce. It is planned to dispose of intermediate and low-level radioactive waste in the deep disposal facility which UK Nirex is responsible for developing. The Government are reviewing whether the sea disposal option for the disposal of radioactive waste needs to be maintained.

  Deep Reservoirs
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he has made of the mining of deep freshwater resources; what is the estimated age of these deep reservoirs; and what is their estimated current depletion rate.

  Mr. Maclean
  These are matters for the National Rivers Authority which under section 19 of the Water Resources
  385
  Act 1991, has responsibility for the conservation, redistribution and augmentation of water resources in England and Wales.

  Derelict Land Grant
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much derelict land grant was paid in Liverpool last year; how much is budgeted for the present year; and if he will consider ways of accelerating the treatment and landscaping of derelict urban land.

  Mr. Baldry
  Derelict land grant paid in Liverpool last year was £2,315,190. The provisional grant allocation for the present year is £1,508,000.

  In order to improve the delivery of policies for land development, including the reclamation of derelict urban land, the Government propose to establish an urban regeneration agency. One of the agency's main objectives will be to treat derelict land in urban areas.

  Toxic Waste Incinerator, East Howden
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make a decision on the inspector's report arising from the public inquiry into the application to build a toxic waste incinerator at East Howden, north Tyneside.

  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. and learned Friend will issue his decision on the Howden and linked incinerator inquiries on Teeside as soon as it is practicable to do so.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the regulations for the procedure for an appeal against the valuation of a property for the purpose of the council tax.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I expect regulations to be available before the summer recess.

  Liverpool Garden Festival
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the present use of the Liverpool garden festival site.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Liverpool garden festival site covers 105 acres of which 85 acres has recently been taken over by Tomorrow's Leisure, a subsidiary of Norstead Leisure Ltd, to develop a multi-leisure complex known as Pleasure Island. Officially launched on 7 May 1992, with regional selective assistance of £1 million towards the estimated project cost of £10 million and car parking provided by Merseyside development corporation, Pleasure Island is expected to create 250 new jobs.

  The remaining 20 acres was designated for public open space and housing, of which 393 dwellings are now complete.

  Power Plant Pollution
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information has been provided by his Department to the European Commission on the levels and types of atmospheric particulate pollution discharged from Britain's most polluting power plants; and if he will publish the documentation.
  386
  Mr. Maclean
  None.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when his officials will reply to the letters from Castle Morpeth borough council dated 8 November 1991, 28 January 1992, and 16 March 1992 requesting guidance on compulsory competitive tendering for leisure management.

  Mr. Redwood
  My officials replied on 21 May 1992. I will send a copy of the letter to the hon. Member.

  Poll Tax Surcharges
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average level of poll tax surcharge levied in the current financial year in(a) England and Wales and (b) the city of Liverpool; what rights he will give to citizens to refuse payment of surcharges; what representations he has received about the Liverpool surcharge; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The average amount shown under "other adjustments" on 1992–93 community charge bills for English authorities is £22. Of this, £14 is accounted for by the budgeted provision for non-collection of 1992–93 community charges. The corresponding figures for Liverpool city council are £106 and £30 respectively, and I have received a number of letters from citizens of Liverpool about this. Whilst I have considerable sympathy with those chargepayers who have to pay extra for non-collection, I believe it is right that these amounts should continue to be met locally as part of the total charge, in the same way as the equivalent unpaid sums were treated under the old rating system.

  Groundwater
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's estimate of the level of groundwater under London over the past 10 years, and of its quality; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  This is primarily a matter for the National Rivers Authority which monitors groundwater levels. I understand that indications from recent surveys are that levels below London are rising by some 1 to 2 metres per year because of a drop in industrial activity and consequent abstraction. The NRA and Thames Water are currently conducting studies into the rising levels and the quality of London's groundwater.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to monitor the purity of groundwater from private boreholes.

  Mr. Maclean
  This is primarily a matter for the National Rivers Authority. However, water companies and other abstractors of water from private boreholes do carry out their own monitoring of groundwater quality. Holders of authorisations to discharge effluents underground also monitor groundwater by the use of boreholes.

  The Private Water Supplies Regulations 1991 set out the duties of local authorities for sampling and analysing those supplies used for drinking, washing, cooking or commercial food production. The drinking water inspectorate is responsible for checking that authorities in England and Wales comply with the requirements of these regulations.

  Valuation Tribunals
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to receive the report of the review committee of the management of tribunals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  I expect to consider the report of the financial management and policy review of the valuation tribunals shortly.

  Disabled People (Housing)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list by district council the amount of money spent on adaptations to the homes of disabled people in each of the last five years; and what contribution was made towards those costs from central Government funds.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 18 May 1992]: A table has been deposited in the Library with the available information about amounts of money spent by local authorities on adaptations to homes of disabled persons. It covers the calendar years 1987 to 1991.

  This table shows total grants paid by local authorities to private owners and tenants, including council tenants, for adaptations to homes of disabled persons. These payments are of conversion and improvement grants, and intermediate grants for disabled persons' dwellings under part XV of the Housing Act 1985, together with disabled facilities grants under part VIII of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, as introduced from July 1990.

  The table also shows the value of the work completed on authorities' own housing stock on adaptations for disabled persons.

  For grants approved under the Housing Act 1985, the Department provides a contribution of 90 per cent. of the loan charges payable on grant expenditure.

  For disabled facilities grants the Department provides a 75 per cent. contribution towards local authorities' expenditure on grants for owner occupiers and private tenants. Local authorities' expenditure on these grants for council tenants is eligible for 100 per cent. subsidy from the housing revenue account within the authority's subsidy limits, as is their expenditure on adaptations for disabled council tenants.

  Canary Wharf
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total sum expended by the London Docklands development corporation in connection with the development of Canary Wharf.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 21 May 1992]: The London Docklands development corporation spent £4 million on acquisition and site clearance, £28 million on the eastern access road and Heron's Quay roundabout and £15 million on the expansion of the electricity supply., and received from Olympia and York £20 million for a long lease on the site. In addition, Olympia and York contributed £70 million to the docklands light railway which benefits the whole northern docklands area.

  DNV Technica
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what role is being undertaken for his Department by DNV Technica; whether this company was appointed as a result of competitive tender; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 21 May 1992]: DNV Technica completed last year an evaluation of currently available technologies for abating nitrogen oxide emissions from large combustion plants. The initial contract was let by competitive tendering in December 1989 and completed in March 1991. A further contract with Technica, let in August 1991 by single tender action and completed in March 1992, provided United Kingdom input to the UNECE NO task force.

  Housing, Liverpool
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much money has been obtained in Liverpool in capital receipts from the sale of council homes since the introduction of the right-to-buy.

  Mr. Baldry
  The total discounted values of all sales of houses and flats for each year from 1980–81, as reported by Liverpool city council, are listed in the table. Actual cash receipts in any year will depend on the extent to which the sales were financed by loans from the authority.

  Liverpool Discounted value of all sales (£000)

  Year

  Value

  1980–81

  3,796

  1981–82

  1—

  1982–83

  1—

  1983–84

  18,610

  1984–85

  1—

  1985–86

  2,884

  1986–87

  3,615

  1987–88

  2,272

  1988–89

  3,329

  1989–90

  5,156

  1990–91

  5,868

  1991–92

  4,282

  1 Not available

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent communications his Department has had with the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee on the options for returning to countries of origin radioactive wastes arising from spent fuel reprocessed at Sellafield and Dounreay.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee has been asked for its views on the technical basis of British Nuclear Fuels' proposals on implementing the return of waste options in its reprocessing contracts with overseas customers, and in particular on the likely radiological and environmental impact for the United Kingdom. The Atomic Energy Authority is still considering its options for the management of waste from reprocessing at Dounreay.

  Eyhorne Manor
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that British Rail is discharging its
  389
  listed buildings responsibility for Eyhorne Manor, Hollingbourne in the corridor of the safeguarded section of the currently proposed route for the Channel tunnel rail link.

  Mr. Key
  I have been asked to reply.

  Enforcement of listed building controls, including service of repairs notices, would in the first instance be a matter for the local planning authority; but I understand that Maidstone borough council is not aware of any current problems at the manor. British Rail is taking steps to tidy the garden.

  Caravans Act 1966
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in considering designation within the terms of the Caravans Act 1966, he will make it his policy to approve an additional transit site for the county of Hereford and Worcester.

  Sir George Young
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State will consider applications for designation on a county or district-wide basis and must be satisfied that the criteria for designation have been met. It is for the county council to decide whether or not an additional transit site is needed in the county of Hereford and Worcester. In doing so, the county council will bear in mind the numbers of gipsies frequenting the area and they must satisfy my right hon. and learned Friend that adequate site provision has been made to meet the accommodation needs, within reason, of the gipsies who reside in or resort to the area.

PRIME MINISTER

  Leith
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Prime Minister if he intends to pay an official visit to Leith in the near future.

  The Prime Minister
  I visited Scotland yesterday. I have no immediate plans to visit Leith, but I shall be visiting Scotland again in the near future.

  Telephone Rental Charges
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received regarding the regulation of telephone rental charges; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I have received various representations on this subject. The regulation of British Telecom's rental charges is a matter for the Director General of Telecommunications in the first instance. I understand that he hopes to complete his current review of BT's prices shortly.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 2 June.

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

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will give the total expenditure by the Prime Minister's Office on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  The Prime Minister
  Expenditure by my office on press and public relations was not recorded separately before 1987–88. The total expenditure for each year since then is as follows:

  Year

  £

  1987–88

  377,987

  1988–89

  419,326

  1989–90

  427,802

  1990–91

  553,068

  1991–92

  1606,933

  1992–93

  2629,649

  1 estimate

  2 budget

  Note: The figures from 1990–91 onwards include notional superannuation costs which are excluded from the figures for earlier years.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will give the total expenditure by the Cabinet Office on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  The Prime Minister
  Expenditure by the Cabinet Office on press and public relations for the years from 1984–85 is as follows:

  Year

  £

  1984–85

  247,495

  1985–86

  232,980

  1986–87

  224,813

  1987–88

  215,925

  1988–89

  201,837

  1989–90

  205,650

  1990–91

  165,088

  1991–92

  1217,358

  1992–93

  2229,471

  1estimate

  2 budget

  In addition, there was expenditure on publicity and public information associated with the citizens charter of £1,014,045—estimate—in 1991–92. Similar expenditure in 1992–93 is provisionally estimated at £1,280,000.

  Similar information is not available for earlier years.

  Consultants Fees
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the total sum paid out in fees by the Cabinet Office to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  The Prime Minister
  The expenditure by the Cabinet Office, including, from its creation on 1 October 1987, the Office of the Minister for the Civil Service on management and computer consultancies, including certain consultancies relating to the civil service as a whole, in the financial years from 1983–84 was as follows:
  391

  Year

  £

  1983–84

  152,000

  1984–85

  423,818

  1985–86

  329,334

  1986–87

  505,092

  1987–88

  417,778

  The figures for each year since then, which exclude the cost of computer consultancies, are as follows:

  Year

  £

  1988–89

  70,608

  1989–90

  51,500

  1990–91

  182,000

  1991–92

  1194,390

  1992–93

  2343,060

  1 Estimate.

  2 Budget.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the total sum paid out in fees by the Prime Minister's Office to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  The Prime Minister
  There has been no expenditure by my office on fees to management consultants since 1979–80, and none is planned for 1992–93.

  EC (Enlargement)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Government policy in respect of Chancellor Kohl's proposed veto on the enlargement of the EC; and what means exist of overcoming this veto under the Maastricht treaty.

  The Prime Minister
  I am not aware of any such statement by the German Government. The Maastricht European Council agreed that accession negotiations could start as soon as the negotiations on future financing are concluded. Under the terms of the treaty on European union decisions to admit new members are taken by unanimity.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by(a) the Prime Minister's Office and (b) the Cabinet Office since 1 November 1991.

  The Prime Minister
  No such surveys were carried out for my office or the Cabinet Office during the period in question.

  Earth Summit
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Prime Minister what attempts have been made by Her Majesty's Government(a) to publicise the issues to be discussed and decisions to be taken at the Earth summit in Rio in June and (b) to publicise Her Majesty's Government's policies and proposals for the Earth summit; and what has been the cost to Her Majesty's Government of publicity promoted by all Departments of Government and the United Nations conference on environment and development.

  The Prime Minister
  We have taken an active and positive role in disseminating information on the 392
  forthcoming Earth summit. The United Kingdom's approach has been set out to Parliament, in speeches, articles and correspondence, and media briefings. We have produced booklets and videos, commissioned reports and kept in close touch with local authorities and the non-governmental community. The directly attributable publicity costs have fallen within the budgets of the Departments concerned.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations he has received since 9 April on the Earth summit to be held in Rio de Janeiro in June; and what responses he has made.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government have received many thousands of representations from interested organisations and individual citizens. Replies have confirmed that I will be going to Rio de Janeiro: that the Government are committed to working for a successful and productive outcome to the Earth summit; that we are aiming for international conventions on climate change and biological diversity; and that we will be working for a statement on the sustainable management of the world's forests, a Rio declaration of international environmental principles, and a coherent, realistic and measurable plan of action for the 21st century, agenda 21.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with counterpart heads of government on the prospects for the Earth summit in Brazil since 9 April.

  The Prime Minister
  I have discussed the Earth summit with many of the Heads of Government I have met since 9 April.

  Third World Environment
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Prime Minister what responses Her Majesty's Government intends to make to the World bank's call for greater multilateral investment to be made in the world's poorer countries to improve the environment.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government broadly agree with the analysis in the 1992 world development report published by the World bank last month. This suggests that the bulk of the investments required to meet the costs of a better environment will be paid for by the customers of the private and public enterprises responsible for the damage and by the beneficiaries of improved environmental conditions.

  The World bank notes that Governments will have to spend more too, primarily from increased domestic savings; but that international finance, private and official, will also have a crucial role. Britain intends to participate fully in the replenishments of the multilateral funds which will help to provide developing countries with the necessary resources.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Prime Minister what percentage of the total work force in his office are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his office; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  No current members of my work force are registered as disabled. For recruitment purposes
  393
  my office is part of the Cabinet Office which is an equal opportunities employer, and continually seeks to encourage the employment of people with disabilities.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will give separate figures for the spending by the Prime Minister's Office on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  The Prime Minister
  My office has incurred no expenditure on advertising or promotional material and there are no plans for any such expenditure in 1992–93.

  Libya
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will assess the results of sanctions against Libya.

  The Prime Minister
  Members of the United Nations were required to report by 15 May on the measures they have taken to implement the sanctions imposed by United Nations Security Council resolution 748. The United Nations secretariat is now assessing their responses. Sanctions are being widely implemented. I hope they will achieve their objective: to make Libya comply in full with Security Council resolutions 731 and 748.

PRIME MINISTER

  Radar Station, Fylingdales
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to refuse any request made by the US administration to modify the radar station at Fylingdales; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 June 1992]: RAF Fylingdales is a ballistic missile early warning site whose operation is the subject of a bilateral agreement drawn up in 1960 between the governments of the United Kingdom and the United States. There has been no request for any change to this agreement.

  India (Treaty)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Prime Minister if the extradition treaty agreed between Britain and India has been ratified by both Governments; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 2 June 1992]: We and the Indian Government have not yet signed the treaty, but we intend to do this as soon as possible. Ratification will follow in due course.

  Ministerial Sub-committee on London
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make a statement on the role of the ministerial sub-committee on London as a policy forum for discussions on the future of London; when the sub-committee has met; and what was its agenda;

  (2) what plans he has to publish the proceedings and decisions of the ministerial sub-committee on London.
  394
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The terms of reference of the ministerial sub-committee on London, together with those of all other ministerial committees and sub-committees of the Cabinet, were given in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Mr. Hayes) on 19 May at columns 110–18.

  The Government will continue to make their decisions known to Parliament and the public. I do not, however, propose to give details on the topics discussed by individual committees, the timing of meetings or their proceedings.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Schedule E Tax
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will issue a practice note to confirm that re-employment counselling and training is not taxable under any part of the schedule E tax legislation.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The tax position of re-employment counselling and similar training arranged by employers for their employees depends on the precise circumstances in which it is given. It is not the case that it is invariably exempt from tax. A charge might arise under the legislation dealing with the taxation of redundancy arrangements, subject to the £30,000 exemption which the legislation provides for a redundancy package as a whole.

  Maxwell Companies
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had with the Governor of the Bank of England regarding the role of banks and other financial institutions involved in lending currency and share dealing transactions with the late Mr. Robert Maxwell and companies connected with him; and if he will raise issues of public concern arising from those transactions with the Governor when he next meets him.

  Mr. Nelson
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer meets the Governor of the Bank of England from time to time to discuss a range of issues.

  Alcohol Tax
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on setting a minimum rate of excise duty on spirits.

  Sir John Cope: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing) on 21 May 1992, Official Report, column 203,.

  Stamp Duty
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received regarding the continuation of the temporary suspension of stamp duty after August; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  We have received a number of representations for the temporary increase in the stamp duty threshold to be extended beyond 19 August. When my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced the increase last December, he made it clear that it was a temporary measure for eight months to help stimulate the housing market. We do not propose to extend the increased threshold beyond 19 August.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of the total work force in his Departments are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Departments; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  The percentage of the total work force in the Chancellor's departments who are registered as disabled is shown in the table. In many instances, departments also employ people with disabilities who have chosen not to register. Departments seek to implement the relevant parts of the civil service code of practice on the employment of disabled people.

  Departments, Agencies and NDPBs

  Per cent.

  Her Majesty's Customs and Excise

  1·3

  Government Actuary's Department

  11·4

  Inland Revenue

  1·6

  National Investment and Loans Office

  4·7

  Department for National Savings

  2·8

  Paymaster General's Office

  3·7

  Registry of Friendly Societies

  10·6

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  1·0

  Central Office of Information

  11·2

  Central Statistical Office

  11·6

  HMSO

  11·6

  Royal Mint

  12·3

  National Economic Development Office

  10·0

  1 As at May 1992. All other figures as at June 1991.

  Wholesale Financial Markets
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the benefits arising from the transfer of the regulation of wholesale financial markets from the Department of Trade and Industry to the Treasury.

  Mr. Nelson
  The wholesale financial markets are regulated by the Bank of England under section 43 of the Financial Services Act 1986. I have no reason to believe that the transfer of responsibilities for financial services from the Department of Trade and Industry to the Treasury will have any impact in this area.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers."

  Mr. Portillo
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by Her Majesty's Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has undertaken a survey of prompt payment records of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late
  396
  payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Portillo
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payment should normally be stipulated in Government contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, Departments should pay within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their sub-contractors all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its sub-contractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Inland Revenue
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has held with the Inland Revenue Staff Federation on the future of performance-related pay and plans for structural change within the Inland Revenue; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dorrell
  My right hon. Friend the Chancellor met the general secretary last September and discussed performance-related pay. Discussions are now taking place between Inland Revenue management and the Inland Revenue Staff Federation about the future of performance-related pay and plans for structural change within the Inland Revenue.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Sir John Cope
  Expenditure on press and public relations is as follows:

  The expenditure for Her Majesty's Treasury, excluding the BT share offer, was £548,264 in 1988–89, £564,691 in 1989–90, £510,489 in 1990–91 and £578,358 in 1991–92. The estimate for 1992–93 is £624,432. Press and public relation expenditure for the BT share offer was £1,644,000 in 1991–92 and is estimated at £40,000 in 1992–93. The figures for the BT share offer include the cost of marketing advice. Comparable figures for earlier years are unavailable because of machinery of Government changes and could be given only at disproportionate cost.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give separate figures for the estimated spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material during 1992–93.

  Mr. Nelson
  The estimated spending on advertising and other promotional material by Her Majesty's Treasury during 1992–93 is £72,500, none of which will be for television or radio advertising.

  RPI Advisory Committee
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the members of the Retail Price Index Advisory Commitee, the dates on which they were appointed and the length of their terms of office; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  The members of the Retail Prices Index Advisory Committee are:

  Chairman

  Mr. W. P. McLennan (Director, Central Statistical Office)

  Members

  Mr. J. Astin (EUROSTAT, Luxembourg)

  Mr. S. Brittan (The Financial Times)

  Professor D. Currie (London Business School)

  Professor M. C. Fleming (Loughbourgh University)

  Mr. K. H. B. Frere (Nominated by the National Federation of Consumer Groups)

  Mr. S. G. B. Henry (Bank of England)

  Mr. T. Hoyes (Nominated by Age Concern)

  Mr. J. Hughes (Nominated by the National Consumer Council)

  Mr. D. Lea OBE (Nominated by the Trades Union Congress)

  Miss R. Lea (The Mitsubishi Bank Ltd.)

  Miss R. J. Maurice

  Mr. C. J. Mowl (HM Treasury)

  Dr. J. Muellbauer (Nuffield College, Oxford)

  Professor J. F. Pickering (Portsmouth Polytechnic)

  Professor D. G. Rhys (Cardiff Business School)

  Mrs. B. Rosewell (Business Strategies Ltd)

  Dr. P. Rowlatt (National Economic Research Associates)

  Dr. A. Sentance (Nominated by the Confederation of British Industry)

  Professor R. Turvey (London School of Economics)

  Mr. R. G. Ward (Central Statistical Office)

  Secretary

  Mr. D. J. Sellwood (Central Statistical Office)

  Assistant Secretary

  Mrs. M. S. Dolling (Central Statistical Office)

  They were appointed in March 1992. There is no fixed term of office for committee members; the committee is appointed with specific terms of reference and members normally serve until examination of the matters referred has been completed. The current terms of reference were announced on 19 May 1992, at column 75 by my right hon. Friend, the Chancellor in answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Worcestershire, South (Mr. Spicer).

  Car Taxation
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will alter the current tax treatment of cars so as to favour fuel efficient cars.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I have noted the hon. Member's suggestion.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Ralph Howell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list any two or more countries which operate a single market but do not have a single currency.

  Mr. Nelson
  Australia and New Zealand have removed most barriers to the free movement of goods, services, labour and capital between them, but do not share a single currency. Other groups of countries—such as the United Kingdom and Ireland and the Benelux countries—have had very liberal trade arrangements for some time without a single currency.

  Spirits and Wines
  Mr. McKelvey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give an update on negotiations at the last Ecofin regarding the question of harmonisation rating of spirits and wines.

  Sir John Cope
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Moray (Mrs. Ewing) on 21 May 1992,Official Report, column 203.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library(a) the representations he has recently received from the CBI and others on advance corporation tax and (B) the text of his replies to these submissions.

  Mr. Dorrell
  In his last Budget statement, my right hon. Friend said he had received many representations about surplus advance corporation tax and set out the Government's position. A copy of the representations made by the CBI on 29 January 1992 has been placed in the Library.

  European Co-operative Statute
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 12 May,Official Report, column 79, if he will give the starting date and the closing date for the formal consultation exercise in regard to the draft European co-operative statute.

  Mr. Nelson
  We hope to issue a combined consultative document before the end of this month on all three draft EC 'social economy' statutes, including the European co-operative statute, and their accompanying employee participation directives. Interested parties will be invited to give their comments by 28 August.

  Environment
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what matters in regard to the environment were(a) discussed and (b) decided at the meeting G7 held in Washington on 25–26 April.

  Sir John Cope
  I refer the hon. Member to the statement issued by the G7 on 26 April, copies of which are being deposited in the House Libraries. The statement sets out the topics considered at the meeting: these did not include the environment, and no decisions were taken on environmental matters.

  Company Cars
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring forward proposals to eliminate the company car subsidy.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ceredigion and Pembroke, North (Mr. Dafis) on 14 May, at column 163.

  Inheritance Tax and CTT
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer with respect to schemes for conditional exemption from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax since 1976 involving the granting of public access to the countryside(a) how many such schemes have been agreed and what is the total amount of tax relief involved, (b) how many schemes are under discussion, (c) how many miles of public footpath have been created, (d) how many miles of permissive path have been created and (e) how many acres of land have been opened up for a right to roam.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The table shows the number of cases of land and buildings for which conditional exemption from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax has been granted in each year from 1983–84. Comparable figures for earlier years, separate figures for land only and figures for cases under consideration are not available at acceptable cost.

  Number

  1983–84

  16

  1984–85

  18

  1985–86

  22

  1986–87

  18

  1987–88

  22

  1988–89

  11

  1989–90

  9

  1990–91

  17

  1991–92

  16

  The annual average cost of inheritance tax conditional exemption for land and buildings is estimated to have been between £5 million and £10 million over this period.

  I regret that statistics of new public footpaths and permissive paths, or of land over which there is a right to roam, resulting from conditional exemption are not available.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to the Exchequer of the Gulf war; and what was the cash contribution of other countries.

  Mr. Portillo
  The total cost to the exchequer of the Gulf conflict will not be known with certainty for some time. The additional military costs incurred are currently estimated by the Ministry of Defence to be of the order of £2·5 billion. Further direct costs borne by the Exchequer include claims against the Export Credits Guarantee Department, for which the corrected estimate is some £750 million, to be met over several years but which may be recoverable in part; and costs of some £13 million for the health departments and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Cash contributions provided by other Governments to help meet the United Kingdom costs amount to some £2,049 million.

  Wakefield Valuation Office
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the reasons for the closure of the district valuation office in Wakefield and outline the steps taken to inform the public of this proposal prior to closure.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The Wakefield valuation office closed on 30 September 1991, upon merger with the Doncaster valuation office.

  The merger was effected as part of the valuation office restructuring programme announced in 1989, to address the loss of domestic rating and the loss of 1,000 posts associated with that function.

  The operational needs of the branch with the personnel considerations of the staff involved were met by a merged office, located in Doncaster. Local professional practices were advised of the transfer of work as were members of the public who were in correspondence with the office during the preceding four weeks. Arrangements have been made for mail to be redirected for 12 months and telephone directories amended.

  Commonwealth of Independent States
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will consider linking the availability of Government credits to the Commonwealth of Independent States to the amount of bad debt outstanding to British companies who have exported to the Commonwealth of Independent States; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The Prime Minister announced at the time of President Yeltsin's visit to London in February that up to £280 million of medium-term export credit cover would be made available to the states of the former Soviet Union subject to certain conditions. One of these conditions was that the country concerned should have signed the memorandum of understanding of 28 October 1991, acknowledging joint and several liability for the debts of the former Soviet Union, including, of course, debts outstanding to British exporters. This condition will ensure that no new credit is given to any member of the CIS which does not accept liability for its obligations to British exporters. The Government lose no opportunity to remind its various interlocutors in the CIS of the importance of honouring these obligations.

  Public Service Pensions
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the number of(a) civil service pensioners and (b) other public service pensioners who left the pension list during the years 1986 and 1987.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: Details of the pensioners of the main centrally managed public service pension schemes who ceased to draw their pensions in the financial years 1986–87 and 1987–88 are as follows. Figures are not kept centrally for the locally administered local government, police, and fire service schemes, nor for those schemes operated by non-departmental public bodies.

  1986–87

  1987–88

  Civil service

  9,798

  9,033

  Armed forces

  112,265

  10,790

  Teachers (England and Wales)

  6,021

  6,313

  401

  1986–87

  1987–88

  Teachers (Scotland)

  919

  878

  NHS (England and Wales)

  8,121

  8,932

  NHS (Scotland)

  835

  776

  1 Includes an estimated figure for Royal Navy and Royal Marine ratings.

  PSBR
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest Government forecast for the public sector borrowing requirement in 1992–93.

  Mr. Portillo
  £28·1 billion, as set out in the 1992 "Financial Statement and Budget Report".

  Photocopy Agreements
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the total of capital allowances to(a) finance companies and (b) supplier companies in respect of cost per copy photocopy agreements in the most recent year available; and what is his estimate of the total of revenue allowances for users of copiers subject to such agreements.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I regret that the information is not available.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payment should normally be stipulated in Government contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, Departments should pay within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or on the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government to their sub-contractors all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its sub-contractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the sub-contractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  My Department will continue to comply with Government best practice on this matter.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".
  402
  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exists and are distributed by HM Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what future measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Police Manpower
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications there were in each police force in England and Wales for increased police manpower for 1992–93; what are the numbers involved and the numbers agreed to for the current year; and if he will list alongside the percentage change in crime for each force since 1979.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Additional posts applied for

  Posts approved

  Per cent. change in crime 1979–92

  Avon and Somerset

  7

  2

  +200

  Bedfordshire

  76

  61

  +103

  Cambridgeshire

  10

  10

  +136

  Cheshire

  20

  20

  +118

  Cleveland

  Nil

  Nil

  +124

  Cumbria

  24

  4

  +131

  Derbyshire

  56

  25

  +96

  Devon and Cornwall

  70

  48

  +149

  Dorset

  26

  15

  +122

  Durham

  20

  Nil

  +138

  Dyfed Powys

  50

  25

  +121

  Essex

  58

  58

  +101

  Gloucestershire

  48

  1

  +237

  Greater Manchester

  140

  20

  +124

  Gwent

  10

  1

  +89

  Hampshire

  69

  67

  +115

  Hertfordshire

  34

  4

  +43

  Humberside

  22

  9

  +147

  Kent

  82

  82

  +150

  Lancashire

  32

  4

  +114

  Leicestershire

  27

  26

  +196

  Lincolnshire

  Nil

  Nil

  +156

  Merseyside

  88

  Nil

  +37

  Norfolk

  25

  25

  +183

  Northamptonshire

  23

  23

  +155

  Northumbria

  92

  27

  +127

  North Wales

  30

  17

  +88

  North Yorkshire

  25

  4

  +135

  Nottinghamshire

  Nil

  Nil

  +107

  South Wales

  44

  Nil

  +126

  South Yorkshire

  16

  15

  +123

  Staffordshire

  20

  4

  +127

  Suffolk

  30

  17

  +98

  Surrey

  30

  3

  +86

  Sussex

  35

  32

  +131

  Thames Valley

  132

  87

  +147

  Warwickshire

  15

  4

  +189

  West Mercia

  30

  29

  +111

  West Midlands

  121

  11

  +93

  West Yorkshire

  79

  Nil

  +130

  Wiltshire

  77

  67

  +91

  City of London

  Nil

  Nil

  +11

  403
  The rate of increase in crime is only one aspect of a complex of information against which decisions on establishment increases are made. These include actual crime levels; other demands on the police; population levels; and existing manpower levels.

  Fines (Non-payment)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his plans for future imprisonment of non-payers of fines.

  Mr. Jack
  Imprisonment is needed as the last resort for fine defaulters who have culpably failed or wilfully refused to pay a fine. The Criminal Justice Act 1991 which comes into effect in October this year will make fine assessment more realistic and fines easier to enforce. A new system of unit fines, relating fines more closely to an offender's ability to pay, should, together with the new power to attach fines to income support, ensure that imprisonment for default is restricted to those who have no excuse not to pay.

  Number of assaults on police officers in north Wales

  Offences Against the Person Act 1861

  Date of offence

  Section 18

  Section 20

  Section 47

  Police Act 1964 Summary section 51

  Total assaults

  May 1991

  —

  —

  10

  8

  18

  June 1991

  1

  —

  13

  15

  29

  July 1991

  —

  1

  8

  10

  19

  August 1991

  1

  —

  9

  6

  16

  September 1991

  —

  —

  11

  10

  21

  October 1991

  —

  —

  10

  10

  20

  November 1991

  —

  3

  14

  14

  31

  December 1991

  —

  2

  14

  10

  26

  January 1992

  —

  —

  6

  4

  10

  February 1992

  —

  —

  9

  6

  15

  March 1992

  —

  —

  9

  12

  21

  April 1992

  —

  —

  6

  8

  14

  Total: May 1991 to April 1992

  2

  6

  119

  113

  240

  Offences Against the Person Act 1861:

  Section 18—Wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

  Section 20—Inflicting bodily injury.

  Section 47—Assault occasioning bodily harm.

  Police Act 1964:

  Section 51—Assaults on constables.

  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there were for each of the last 12 months for assaulting police officers of the North Wales constabulary whilst on duty.

  Mr. Jack
  The information available centrally relates to a study undertaken in the last six months of 1991 into

  Number sentenced for assault on a police officer by CPS area

  All offences

  Indictable offences1

  Total sentenced

  Number per 100,000 population

  Percentage use of custody

  Total sentenced

  Number per 100,000 population

  Percentage use of custody

  Avon and Somerset

  146

  12

  16

  30

  2

  20

  Cambridge/Lincoln

  42

  4

  17

  23

  2

  217

  Cheshire

  51

  6

  22

  21

  3

  229

  Cleveland/North Yorkshire

  58

  5

  14

  13

  1

  28

  Derbyshire

  22

  3

  250

  9

  1

  278

  Devon and Cornwall

  42

  3

  10

  7

  1

  2—

  Dorset/Hampshire

  66

  3

  18

  21

  1

  229

  Essex

  32

  2

  25

  14

  1

  221

  Gloucester/Wiltshire

  91

  9

  16

  28

  3

  21

  Greater Manchester

  97

  4

  15

  20

  1

  225

  Hertford/Bedford

  70

  5

  27

  27

  2

  30

  National Identity Cards
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce national identity cards for all citizens; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I am not at present persuaded of the case for a national identity card system either on policing grounds or for immigration control purposes.

  Police Assaults
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers of the North Wales constabulary have been victims of assault whilst on duty for each of the last 12 months.

  Mr. Jack
  The available information has been provided by the North Wales police force and is contained in the table.

  convictions for assaults where the victim was a police officer. The study was published in Home Office Statistical Bulletin 3/92, a copy of which is in the Library. Table 9 of this bulletin shows that there were 45 such convictions recorded in North Wales/Dyfed-Powys during this six-month period.
  405

  All offences

  Indictable offences1

  Total sentenced

  Number per 100,000 population

  Percentage use of custody

  Total sentenced

  Number per 100,000 population

  Percentage use of custody

  Humberside

  36

  5

  8

  2

  —

  2100

  Kent

  55

  4

  18

  9

  1

  244

  Lancashire/Cumbria

  86

  5

  14

  31

  2

  28

  Leicester/Northampton

  100

  8

  20

  27

  2

  37

  Inner London

  245

  12

  24

  41

  2

  51

  North London

  31

  1

  19

  11

  —

  245

  South London/Surrey

  119

  5

  22

  41

  2

  35

  Merseyside

  132

  11

  10

  10

  1

  250

  Norfolk/Suffolk

  48

  4

  23

  23

  2

  243

  Northumbria/Durham

  54

  3

  11

  7

  —

  229

  North Wales/Dyfed Powys

  45

  5

  7

  10

  1

  220

  Nottingham

  94

  11

  30

  36

  4

  50

  South Wales/Gwent

  235

  15

  12

  25

  1

  223

  South Yorkshire

  143

  13

  14

  36

  3

  17

  Stafford/Warwick

  55

  4

  5

  13

  1

  28

  Sussex

  22

  2

  245

  9

  1

  267

  Thames Valley

  18

  1

  2—

  2

  —

  2—

  West Mercia

  49

  5

  20

  11

  1

  236

  West Midlands

  149

  7

  20

  56

  2

  32

  West Yorkshire

  68

  4

  18

  24

  1

  233

  1 Excludes common assault (S.39) and assault on a constable.

  2 Less than 25 offenders sentenced.

  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers of the North Wales constabulary were assaulted with a weapon whilst on duty for each of the last 12 months.

  Mr. Michael Jack
  The North Wales police force's computer records indicate that three officers in the force were assaulted with a weapon between May 1991 and April 1992.

  Boundary Commission
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the Boundary Commission for England to begin its review of the parliamentary boundaries in London; what work has already been undertaken in this regard; when submissions will be invited from interested individuals and organisations prior to the publication of provisional recommendations; and from what date submissions will be invited.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand that the Boundary Commission for England has not yet decided when it will start work on its review of parliamentary boundaries in London. However, the practice of the commission is not to undertake consultation prior to publication of its provisional recommendations. When such recommendations have been published, representations with respect to the proposed recommendations may be made to the commission within the statutory period of one month after the date of publication.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the names of the Parliamentary Boundary Commissioners for Wales.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Madam Speaker is chairman of the commission. The other members are:
  406

  Member

  Appointed by

  Period of office

  The Hon. Mr. Justice Anthony Evans

  Lord Chancellor

  April 1989 to 31 December 1992

  Mr. W. P. Davey CBE, DL, IPFA

  Home Secretary

  March 1989 to 31 December 1992

  Mr. M. P. McLaggan JP, DL, MA

  Secretary of State for Wales

  1March 1989 to 31 December 1992

  1 First appointed in July 1980.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Figures for expenditure on newspaper and television advertising from 1979–80 to 1983–84 were given in answer to a question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 25 May 1984, at column 587 and those for 1984–85 were given in answer to another question from the hon. Member for Newham, North-West on 19 December 1985, at column 275.

  Figures for radio advertising and other promotional literature for the years from 1979–80 to 1984–85 were given in answer to questions from the hon. Member on 19 November 1986, at columns 202–4 and the hon. Member was also given in those replies figures for expenditure on newspaper, television and radio advertising and other promotional literature for 1985–86.

  Figures for the years 1986–87 to 1990–91, provisional, for total advertising expenditure—all media—and production and distribution of other promotional material were given in answer to a question from the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras on 12 March 1990 at columns 23–24.

  Apart from the final year, 1990–91, it would not be possible to provide more detailed information for those

  407
  years except at disproportionate cost as stated in a previous answer to a question from the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras on 25 April 1991 at columns 535–36.

  Expenditure figures for the years 1990–91, 1991–92 and estimates for 1992–93 are as follows:

  1990–91 (expenditure) 000's

  1991–92 (expenditure) 000's

  1992–93 (estimate) 000's

  TV advertising

  2,024

  3,000

  4,000

  Radio advertising

  109

  117

  196

  Newspaper advertising

  3,595

  2,225

  1,380

  Prodution and distribution of other promotional material (including poster advertising)

  6,750

  6,976

  8,630

  I trust that the hon. Member will recognise that this expenditure is incurred on public information schemes of the kind that are undertaken by any Government Department and do not in any way involve party political campaigning.

  Carl Bridgewater
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the safety of the conviction in the Carl Bridgewater trial; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  Since 1982 there have been about 200 representations concerning the safety of these convictions from Members of Parliament and members of the public. In 1987, my right hon. Friend the Member for Witney (Mr. Hurd) referred the cases of Michael Hickey, Vincent Hickey and James Robinson to the Court of Appeal. In 1989, the court concluded that the verdicts were safe and satisfactory.

  In June 1991, solicitors acting on behalf of the families of the convicted men submitted a petition to the Secretary of State seeking a further intervention in the case. It was decided that further inquiries should be made and, at the request of the chief constable of Staffordshire, a senior officer from the Merseyside police is currently investigating these representations.

  Albany Prison
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the future policy for Her Majesty's prison Albany on the Isle of Wight.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Present plans are for Albany prison to be withdrawn from the dispersal system later this year. Its future role will then be that of a category B non-dispersal training prison.

  Police Homes
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance his Department gives to police authorities over the repossession of police homes occupied by the wives and families of policemen from whom the wife is separated or against whom divorce proceedings are under way.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  No guidance is currently issued by the Home Office since occupation is a matter for the police 408
  authority concerned. However, a joint working party has recently been set up by the two sides of the Police Negotiating Board for the purpose of drawing up guidelines.

  Criminal Convictions
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases concerning the safety of criminal convictions are currently being received by his Department.

  Mr. Jack
  Statistics for the quarter ended 31 March 1992 show that 195 cases of alleged wrongful conviction were received.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to reply to the letters to him dated 11 February, 4 March and 16 April from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr. Tyrrell at Littlehey Priory.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  A reply has been sent to the right hon. Member.

  Brixton Gaol (IRA Escape)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish all the inquiries by the police and the Prison Department into the Special Branch operation and the July 1991 escape of the alleged IRA suspect at Brixton gaol; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  No. The recent report by Mr. Bailey, deputy chief constable of Nottinghamshire, was commissioned by the chief constable of Staffordshire. As to earlier reports, I have nothing to add to the various statements made by my predecessor on this matter.

  Sam Kulasingham and Prem Sivalasingham
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive a report from the Essex constabulary on their investigations into the convictions of Sam Kulasingham and Prem Sivalasingham; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  The Essex police are actively proceeding with their inquiries into this case but the extent of their remaining inquiries makes it difficult, at this stage to give a precise timing for their conclusions.

  UKIAS
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the annual level of funding by his Department to UKIAS; and if he will make a statement on the future of that organisation.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Home Office paid £1,666,000 grant in aid to the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service in 1991–92. This included grant for the service's refugee unit which has now been constituted as a separate body. In respect of the future of UKIAS, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) on 18 May 1992, at column 10.

  Buildings at Risk Trust
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Buildings At Risk Trust, based in Derbyshire, has applied to the Charity Commissioners to register as a charity.

  Mr. Jack
  The Buildings At Risk Trust, a proposed charitable company, has not yet formally applied for registration as a charity to the Charity Commissioners. It has, however, submitted its draft memorandum and articles of association to the commissioners with a view to being registered. The commissioners are currently considering these.

  Expatriate Votes
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, when the information becomes available to his Department, he will list by constituency the number of expatriate votes cast in the last general election.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I refer the right hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Great Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 13 May 1992, at column 116 and to a question from the hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) on 11 May 1992, at column 20.

  Ashford Remand Centre
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his current intentions for the site of the former Ashford, Middlesex, remand centre.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: Our current intention is to redevelop this site by building a new prison for 600 adult males. The date on which construction would begin has yet to be determined.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will indicate, in connection with the decision to demolish Ashford, Middlesex, remand centre and to build a category B prison, the costs of(a) the cancellation of the building contract, (b) tidying up and seeding the site and (c) agreeing and preparing the lease granted to Spelthorne borough council in October 1991.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The information requested is as follows:

  (a) no contract to build a new prison on the site at Ashford had been let when it was decided to defer the construction of the prison in November 1990 and so no costs were incurred on this score;

  (b) the total cost of clearing and preparing the Ashford site, including the demolition of the remand centre which formerly occupied the site, was £880,000;

  (c) it is not possible to quantify the cost of the time spent by officials on agreeing and preparing the lease granted to Spelthorne borough council in October 1991, because it formed only a small part of their overall duties. Other costs, including solicitors' fees, totalled £779·25.

  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will indicate, in connection with the plans for the Ashford remand centre site, how much has now been offered to Spelthorne borough council to vary the terms of the lease, how much is being spent on seeking to renegotiate the lease and how much extra it will cost to build a new prison on this site.
  410
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: Spelthorne borough council was offered £20,000 including VAT, as part of proposals to vary the terms of the lease it currently holds on the site for a new prison at Ashford.

  It is not possible to quantify the cost of the time being spent by officials on seeking to renegotiate the lease, because it forms only a small portion of their overall duties.

  The current estimated cost of building a new prison on the site is £69 million. The actual cost will depend on when construction actually begins.

  Karamjit Singh Chahal
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to release Karamjit Singh Chahal from Bedford prison; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: I am actively considering Mr. Chahal's case, including the question of his detention and will take a further decision shortly.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The full cost of staff, accommodation and administration for the Home Office press office from 1979–80 to 1990–91 was:

  £

  1979–80

  283,140

  1980–81

  392,532

  1981–82

  381,799

  1982–83

  424,290

  1983–84

  516,362

  1984–85

  560,512

  1985–86

  606,996

  1986–87

  548,136

  1987–88

  599,282

  1988–89

  674,945

  1989–90

  715,646

  1990–91

  786,519

  1991–92

  792,125

  The estimate cost for 1992–93 is £835,441·38.

  Notes:

  1. Figures supplied before 1986–87 were the costs estimated by the Treasury. After devolved budgets the estimates are based on Home Office costs.

  2. Press Office figures include the costs for staff accommodation and administration costs.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: For information prior to 1990–91, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the then Home Secretary on 1 May 1991, at column 177. The Home Office spent

  411
  approximately £1,686,000 for the financial year 1991–92. There is no centrally determined estimate for expenditure on management consultancies in 1992–93.

  Notifiable offences recorded by the Police in which shot guns were reported to have been used.

  England and Wales

  Number of offences

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Avon and Somerset

  10

  15

  16

  12

  24

  26

  Bedfordshire

  11

  15

  10

  4

  9

  14

  Cambridgeshire

  7

  11

  II

  13

  24

  24

  Cheshire

  9

  9

  6

  11

  12

  9

  Cleveland

  1

  3

  3

  4

  2

  4

  Cumbria

  7

  2

  21

  4

  7

  3

  Derbyshire

  13

  10

  15

  11

  7

  11

  Devon and Cornwall

  23

  29

  20

  16

  17

  12

  Dorset

  3

  0

  0

  2

  2

  3

  Durham

  8

  5

  12

  6

  15

  9

  Essex

  30

  28

  36

  24

  25

  37

  Gloucestershire

  0

  2

  5

  6

  6

  3

  Greater Manchester

  51

  65

  87

  99

  103

  87

  Hampshire

  23

  20

  11

  12

  14

  21

  Hertfordshire

  17

  19

  19

  14

  22

  18

  Humberside

  8

  10

  17

  18

  9

  13

  Kent

  41

  34

  52

  41

  57

  37

  Lancashire

  8

  16

  7

  17

  8

  25

  Leicestershire

  8

  5

  12

  19

  7

  8

  Lincolnshire

  6

  8

  9

  7

  6

  5

  London, City of

  5

  7

  3

  I

  1

  2

  Merseyside

  35

  33

  48

  61

  89

  64

  Metropolitan

  464

  441

  419

  426

  447

  374

  Norfolk

  19

  22

  8

  15

  11

  16

  Northamptonshire

  7

  12

  14

  16

  20

  9

  Northumbria

  24

  26

  48

  45

  85

  60

  North Yorkshire

  6

  5

  12

  12

  3

  20

  Nottinghamshire

  18

  6

  7

  8

  11

  17

  South Yorkshire

  22

  17

  20

  11

  22

  25

  Staffordshire

  11

  11

  9

  12

  9

  9

  Suffolk

  13

  12

  10

  15

  13

  8

  Surrey

  17

  16

  10

  7

  14

  10

  Sussex

  16

  17

  11

  10

  20

  19

  Thames Valley

  24

  43

  49

  39

  28

  40

  Warwickshire

  11

  10

  7

  7

  21

  4

  West Mercia

  10

  12

  11

  13

  15

  12

  West Midlands

  63

  97

  87

  80

  49

  50

  West Yorkshire

  25

  21

  38

  44

  30

  36

  Wiltshire

  3

  4

  5

  0

  5

  2

  Dyfed-Powys

  9

  7

  8

  16

  13

  18

  Gwent

  5

  7

  6

  4

  8

  5

  North Wales

  9

  9

  24

  14

  10

  7

  South Wales

  5

  19

  11

  10

  13

  17

  England and Wales

  1,105

  1,160

  1,234

  1,206

  1,313

  1,193

  Mr, Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of state for the Home Department how many criminal offences involving shotsguns have been domestic incidents in each year from 1985 in each police force area.

  Mr. Jack
  For offences involving shptguns, informations about the relationship between suspect and victim is

  Year

  Police force area

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Avon and Somerset

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Bedfordshire

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cambridgeshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cheshire

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Cleveland

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cumbria

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Firearms
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many notifiable offences in which shotguns were used took place in each year(a) from 1985 and (b) in 1992 so far in each police force area.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The information requested is set out in the table. Information for 1991 and 1992 is not yet available.

  available only for homicide offences. The number of homicide offences in which the relationship between the suspect and victim was domestic and where a shotgun was used in given in the table, each police force in England and Wales for each year between 1985 and 1990.
  413

  Year

  Police force area

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Derbyshire

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Devon and Cornwall

  0

  8

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Dorset

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  1

  Durham

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Essex

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Gloucestershire

  0

  I

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Greater Manchester

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hampshire

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hertfordshire

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Humberside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Kent

  0

  1

  2

  1

  1

  0

  Lancashire

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  1

  Leicestershire

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Lincolnshire

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  London, City of

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Merseyside

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Metropolitan

  1

  0

  2

  1

  0

  2

  Norfolk

  4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Northamptonshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Northumbria

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  North Yorkshire

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Nottinghamshire

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  South Yorkshire

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Staffordshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Suffolk

  1

  1

  0

  1

  0

  2

  Surrey

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Sussex

  0

  0

  1

  1

  1

  0

  Thames Valley

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Warwickshire

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  West Mercia

  0

  1

  0

  1

  1

  1

  West Midlands

  0

  3

  0

  0

  0

  1

  West Yorkshire

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Wiltshire

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Dyfed-Powys

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  2

  Gwent

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  North Wales

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  0

  South Wales

  0

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  England and Wales

  16

  24

  15

  12

  11

  17

  Information for 1991 is not yet available.

  Notes:

  1. Offences currently recorded as homicide as at 1 September 1991.

  2. The term "Domestic" includes the following relationships between victim and suspect: son or daughter; parent; spouse, cohabitant or former spouse or cohabitant; other family; lover or former lover including spouse's lover or lover's spouse or other associate.
  414

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Of the total Home Office work force some 0·4 per cent. are registered disabled persons: we have no record of the number of staff with disabilities who have chosen not to register. Specific targets have been set to increase the numbers of staff with disabilities employed in the Department. A departmental working group keeps the position under review and has taken a number of initiatives to promote policies and improve practices.

  Knife Offences
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many(a) men and (b) women, who were under the age of 21 years, have been convicted of

  Table A

  Number of offenders aged under 21 years who were found guilty of offences of possession of knives in the Metropolitan Police District1 by sex 1988–90

  Offence

  Males

  Females

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or excuse2

  765

  587

  400

  36

  17

  11

  Having article with blade or point in public place3

  23

  174

  180

  —

  6

  7

  1 Including City of London.

  2 Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Section I.

  3 Criminal Justice Act 1988, Section 139, which came into force in October 1988.

  Table B

  Number of persons prosecuted in magistrates' courts and found guilty at all courts of offences of possession of knives in England and Wales by sex 1988–90

  Offence

  Males

  Females

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Possession of offensive weapons without lawful authority or excuse1

  Prosecuted

  7,487

  6,623

  5,911

  297

  264

  250

  Found guilty

  5,572

  4,908

  4,120

  221

  189

  161

  Having article with blade or point in public place2

  Prosecuted

  145

  1,927

  2,053

  5

  90

  92

  Found guilty

  125

  1,471

  1,508

  5

  73

  69

  1 Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Section 1.

  2 Criminal Justice Act 1988, Section 139, which came into force in October 1988.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by the Duchy of Lancaster since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  No public opinion surveys have been carried out by the Duchy of Lancaster from 1991 to the present day.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the total sum paid out in fees by the Duchy of Lancaster's Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Fees paid to management consultants by the Duchy of Lancaster are as follows:
  416
  offences which involved the use of a knife at courts covering the Greater London area for each of the last three years;

  (2) how many (a) men and (b) women were charged with the use of a knife in a criminal offence at courts in England and Wales during the last three years;

  (3) how many people appearing in court in England and Wales were charged with offences which related to the use of a knife in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: Information available centrally, which is given in the tables, relates only to the number of persons prosecuted and found guilty for possession of knives under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, section 1 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988, section 139 for the years 1988 to 1990. It is not possible to distinguish centrally whether or not knives have been used for other offences, such as wounding. Information for 1991 is not yet available.

  Period

  Amount (£)

  Consultant

  1979–80

  34,097

  Peat Marwick

  1980–81

  Nil

  1981–82

  Nil

  1982–83

  Nil

  1983–84

  Nil

  1984–85

  Nil

  1985–86

  10,524

  M.C.P.

  1986–87

  28,629

  M.C.P.

  1987–88

  4,185

  M.C.P.

  1988–89

  8,510

  M.C.P.

  1989–90

  6,729

  M.C.P.

  1990–91

  9,555

  M.C.P.

  1991–921

  8,149

  M.C.P.

  1992–932

  8,000

  M.C.P.

  1 To date.

  2 Estimate.

  Nuclear Structure Facility, Daresbury
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for what reason the decision to close the nuclear structure facility at Daresbury was taken without any scientific review.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  The decision to close the nuclear structure facility was taken by the Science and Engineering Research Council. The council is fully qualified to make such scientific decisions, looking across its programme as a whole.

  The council had before it the views of its nuclear physics board which naturally regretted the closure decision but nonetheless reported that keeping the facility in operation beyond 1993 was of lower scientific priority than other claims on the resources available.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster where the current nuclear physics research carried out at the nuclear structure facility at Daresbury will be carried out once the nuclear structure facility closes.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  Researchers in this field will have access to a number of facilities in Europe to continue their work, notably those at Mainz and at Legnaro and, in due course, at the Vivitron facility being built at Strasbourg.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many scientists, physicists and support staff will lose their jobs when the nuclear structure facility at Daresbury closes; and what the redundancy cost of the closure will be.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  The Science and Engineering Research Council has made clear its commitment to keep compulsory redundancy to the minimum consistent with an orderly run down of the facility. Some redundancies may however prove necessary. The actual number, and costs, will depend on the level of early voluntary retirement, the rate of natural wastage, both at the Daresbury laboratory and elsewhere, and the extent to which retraining and redeployment can be achieved.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much the Science and Engineering Research Council will save by the closure of the nuclear structure facility at Daresbury.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  The Science and Engineering Research Council estimates that, after the costs associated with the closure itself have been met, the net saving will be some £5 million a year released for other, higher priority science.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the impact of the proposed closure of the nuclear structure facility at Daresbury on the facility to undertake world-leading nuclear physics research in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  The impact of a scientific decision such as this is a matter which the research councils are best placed to assess. The Office of Science and Technology will not seek to make a separate judgment.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give the total expenditure by Duchy of Lancaster's Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Duchy of Lancaster advertises in some national and local newspapers as part of the administration of intesteces as required by statute. Sums spent and estimates are as follows:

  Newspaper advertising

  £

  1979–80

  13,899·34

  1980–81

  11,779·80

  1981–82

  14,305·41

  1982–83

  13,810·77

  1983–84

  14,456·67

  1984–85

  9,017·73

  1985–86

  17,633·63

  1986–87

  14,715·97

  1987–88

  11,888·66

  1988–89

  16,882·72

  1989–90

  23,222·64

  1990–91

  26,889·97

  11991–92

  25,800·00

  11992–93

  25,000·00

  1 Estimated.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The proportion of registered disabled persons employed by the Cabinet Office is 1·3 per cent. The Cabinet Office is an equal opportunities employer, and continually seeks to encourage the employment of people with disabilities.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  It is the policy of my Department to pay bills promptly. The timing of payment is normally stipulated in contracts or on suppliers' invoices. Where it is not, the Department's aim is to pay within 30 days of the presentation of a valid invoice.

  To help encourage prompt payment by our contractors to their sub-contractors, a clause has been added to the Department's standard terms of contract requiring the contractors to pay their sub-contractors within the same time scale.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".
  419
  Mr. Waldegrave
  The publication has been made available to those staff in my Department, including its executive agencies, who have a particular interest in purchasing or bill paying.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will give separate figures for the spending by the Duchy of Lancaster on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Duchy of Lancaster advertises in some national and local newspapers as part of the administration of intesteces as required by statute. Sums spent and estimates are as follows:

  £

  Newspaper advertising

  1979–80

  13,899·34

  1980–81

  11,779·80

  1981–82

  14,305·41

  1982–83

  13,81077

  1983–84

  14,456·67

  1984–85

  9,01773

  1985–86

  17,633·63

  1986–87

  14,715·97

  1987–88

  11,888·66

  1988–89

  16,882·72

  1989–90

  23,222·64

  1990–91

  26,889·97

  1991–921

  25,800·00

  1992–931

  25,000·00

  Television advertising

  Nil

  Radio advertising

  Nil

  Other promotional material

  Nil

  1Estimated.

  Dr. Bray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he received the advice of the Advisory Board for the Research Councils relating to the 1992 public expenditure survey; if he will publish that advice; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I received the Advisory Board for the Research Councils' advice on I May. It was offered to me in confidence and I have no plans to publish it.

  Dr. Bray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether the advice received from the Advisory Board for the Research Councils relating to the 1992 public expenditure survey included a request for the publication of that advice.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  No.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Darwen Magistrates Court
  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what decision has been reached about the future of Darwen magistrates court.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  As mentioned in my letter of 27 May 1992 to the hon. Member, the Lord Chancellor has 420
  carefully considered the appeal by Lancashire county council against the Lancashire magistrates courts committee's determination to close this courthouse and has found the courts committee's decision to be soundly based; he has therefore dismissed the appeal.

  Court Administration Procedures
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he has any plans to review the court administration procedures to encourage better use of both court time and police resources; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  We are taking forward a number of measures in both the Crown court and the magistrates courts aimed at better use of court and police resources. These include action to implement the recommendations of the inter-agency working group on pre-trial issues concerning the listing of cases and the communication of information between the courts and other agencies; the creation of a magistrates' courts inspectorate with a brief to promote best practice in this and other areas; and research into delays in the Crown court.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the total work force in his department is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  At 1 June 1991 the percentage of people registered as disabled was 1·5 per cent. The figure relates only to those staff registered as disabled. There are other staff with disabilities who have chosen not to register.

  The Lord Chancellor's Department is taking steps to implement the civil service code of practice on the employment of people with disabilities. In advertising vacancies, disabled people are encouraged to apply. Application forms are available in braille and on tape. Applicants can take a short answer test if they do not possess the necessary educational qualifications. Interviews are offered to all registered disabled applicants with the necessary qualifications who pass the short answer test. Care is taken to ensure that the criteria for recruitment are defined in terms of the needs of the job and that disabled persons are not unfairly excluded. At the point of selection preference is given to a registered disabled person if otherwise the respective merits of the candidates are evenly based. A budget is available for the purchase of any equipment that might assist a disabled person to carry out a job. Recruiters and managers are given guidance on the employment of people with disabilities.

  Jurors
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether a person whose knowledge of the English language is limited is normally appointed to serve as a juror if his or her name comes forward by way of the random process of selection of jury; and if he will make a statement.
  421
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The summons sent to potential jurors explains that a person may apply for excusal from jury service on the grounds of an insufficient understanding of English. In addition if there is doubt that a person summoned under the Juries Act 1974 would be able to act effectively as a juror on account of an insufficient understanding of English the judge shall determine whether or not he or she should act as a juror. If the judge decides the person cannot act effectively as a juror, the summons shall be discharged.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consultations he has held with the Law Society before issuing the recent circular to justices' clerks concerning the conditions attached to the availability of legal aid for defendants.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None. The Law Society had an opportunity to comment on the rules governing the availability of criminal legal aid in 1989 during the passage of regulations associated with the Legal Aid Act 1988. The circular provides advice and guidance to justices' clerks on the administration of criminal legal aid regulations.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if his Department has sought any independent legal advice on the lawfulness of their recent circular to justices' clerks concerning the conditions attached to the availability of legal aid for defendants.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor's Department has access to legal advice from a variety of sources, but it is not the normal practice to reveal the source of legal advice in any particular case.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the implications for duty solicitor schemes of the recent circular from his Department to justices' clerks concerning the conditions attached to the availability of legal aid for defendants.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The circular was not concerned with the operation of the duty solicitor schemes.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what estimate was made of the additional costs incurred as a result of the introduction of his Department's recent circular to justices' clerks concerning the conditions attached to the availability of legal aid of(a) cases being adjourned and (b) defendants being remanded in custody whilst proof of income is obtained.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None. The purpose of the circular was to provide advice and guidance on the proper application of the regulations for the grant of criminal legal aid.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Scottish Heritage
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what jurisdiction he has over the national heritage of Scotland; and how this compares with his responsibilities in other parts of the United Kingdom.
  422
  Mr. Key
  The responsibilities of the Secretary of State for National Heritage in relation to heritage matters in Scotland broadly follow the territorial division of responsibilities which existed prior to the creation of the Department of National Heritage. Responsibilities of the Secretary of State which extend to Scotland are; sponsorship of the National Heritage Memorial Fund; the work of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites; the Great Britain Sports Council and the international promotion of British Sport; British Screen Finance; European Co-production Fund; Audio Visual Eureka; Film Certification; the United Kingdom Film Commission; the MEDIA programme; the National Film and Television School; the British Film Institute; the work of the Reviewing Committee on the Export Works of Art; broadcasting; the British Library and the performing arts. He consults the Secretary of State for Scotland on these matters where appropriate.

  Responsibility for national museums and galleries, public libraries, acceptance of works of art in lieu of tax, the Government indemnity scheme and tourism in Scotland lies with the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  The Secretary of State's responsibilities in Scotland do not extend to the acceptance of property or works of art in satisfaction of tax or the policy and funding of film culture as they do in Wales; otherwise his responsibilities in Wales and Scotland are broadly similar. In Northern Ireland, he does not have responsibility for the performing arts, museums and galleries, libraries, tourism, heritage matters or sport and recreation.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what percentage of the total work force in his Department is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  This information is not held centrally and at this time could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Department of National Heritage will be committed to the implementation of the code of practice on the employment of people with disabilities in the civil service.

  Welsh Heritage
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make a statement outlining what responsibilities his Department will have regarding heritage issues in Wales.

  Mr. Key
  The responsibilities of the Secretary of State for National Heritage in relation to Wales broadly follow the territorial division of responsibilities which existed prior to the creation of the Department of National Heritage. Responsibilities of the Secretary of State which extend to Wales include: sponsorship of the National Heritage Memorial Fund; acceptance of property in satisfaction of tax; the work of the Advisory Committee on Historic Wreck Sites; the GB Sports Council and the international promotion of British Sport; British Screen Finance; European Co-production Fund; Audio Visual Eureka; Film Certification; the UK Film Commission; the MEDIA Programme; the National Film and Television School; the Crafts Council; the British Film Institute; policy and funding for film culture; the business sponsorship incentive scheme; acceptance of works of art
  423
  in lieu of tax; the work of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art; broadcasting; the performing arts; the British Library and the Public Lending Right. He consults the Secretary of State for Wales on these matters where appropriate.

  Responsibility for national museums and galleries, public libraries, the Government indemnity scheme and tourism in Wales lies with the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—A Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Mellor
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by Her Majesty's Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Mellor
  The Department of National Heritage, and its executive agency and non-departmental public bodies are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payments should normally be stipulated in contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, reimbursement should be made within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their subcontractors all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its subcontractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Radioactive Seaweed, Cumbria
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the discovery of radioactive seaweed on the beaches of west Cumbria near Sellafield and its possible repercussions on the purity of laver bread eaten in south Wales.

  Mr. Curry
  In the course of the environmental monitoring programme which the Government require British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) to undertake, material of weed-like appearance, known as hydroids, contaminated with very low levels of radioactivity, has been found on beaches in the Sellafield area. Hydroids are, in fact, inedible animal material similar to coral. We should not expect the findings to have any implication for the food chain, and this is confirmed by recent results from the Ministry's own monitoring programme.

  The risk associated with direct exposure of the skin to this material is extremely low. Nevertheless, we require BNFL to clear contaminated material from beaches. The circumstances behind the incident are being investigated and we shall ensure that steps are taken to avoid a recurrence.

  Sell-by Dates
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the number of people prosecuted and convicted for selling food after the date shown in a use-by date relating to it in each year since 1984.

  Mr. Soames
  This information is not available centrally.

  The enforcement of food labelling regulations, including those relating to the date marking of foods, is the responsibility of individuala local authorities.

  The requirement to apply use-by date marks was introduced on 1 January 1991. There would have been no prosecutions for the sale of food after the date shown in a use-by date before 1 January 1991.

  Bee Diseases
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what success he has had in action against the varroa mite and related bee disease.

  Mr. Curry
  Following the discovery of varroasis in the United Kingdom on 5 April controls were put in place to minimise the spread of the disease and an extensive survey of apiaries carried out to check the extent of the infestation. An infected area has been declared and movement into or out of that area is prohibited except under licence. Inspection and sampling outside the infected area revealed no evidence of the varroa mite. We are aware, however, that the mite is difficult to detect in the early stages of infestation. We are, therefore, continuing to keep the situation under close review and are prepared to amend the infected area if the disease is found outside its boundaries. The approval of veterinary medicines for the control of varroasis is being expedited.

  Sheep Dips
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached on the future use of organo-phosphorus sheep dip substances, following consultation with the Health and Safety Executive.

  Mr. Soames
  Under the European Community rules, all long-standing licensed pharmaceutical veterinary medicines, including sheep dips, are currently subject to a comprehensive review. The purpose of this review is to ensure that such products meet the most up to date standards on safety, quality and efficacy.

  The independent Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) has recently completed the initial phase of its review of sheep dips. It has concluded that, at present, there is no clear evidence that these products cause any unacceptable level of health risk to humans when used in accordance with the label instructions. Nevertheless, the VPC has noted that certain aspects of the products and conditions of use need further evaluation and the companies concerned are being asked to provide additional data. These, together with reports of suspected adverse reactions, will then be considered by the VPC. On the basis of the VPC's advice, decisions will then be taken by the licensing authority on the future authorisation of sheep dip products.

  Health and Safety Executive officials attend VPC meetings and are represented on an appraisal panel set up to consider reports of human suspected adverse reactions to sheep dips.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the use of organo-phosphorus sheep dip substances should continue to be authorised and encouraged, that the medical knowledge available to users is adequate for their protection and that the substances should continue to be excluded from control under the pesticide regulations.

  Mr. Soames
  Sheep dips are classified as veterinary medicines. Before any veterinary medicine can be placed on the market, it must first be licensed in accordance with the Medicines Act 1968. Licences are issued only after the Veterinary Products Committee (VPC) has satisfied itself that the required standards of safety, quality and efficacy have been met. The assessment of safety includes that of operators using the product.

  As part of the current review of licensed sheep dip products the VPC has recently advised that, at present, there is no clear evidence that these products cause any unacceptable level of health risk to humans when used in accordance with the label instructions. No medical knowledge is necessary to follow these instructions nor to comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.

  Nevertheless, the VPC has noted a need for further evaluation of certain aspects of these products and conditions of use and the companies concerned have been asked to provide additional information. Information requested includes studies of farm operators, including blood tests and details of protective clothing worn as well as studies to show which areas of the bodies of operators are most exposed. This further data will be considered by the VPC on whose advice decisions on the future authorisation of sheep dip products will be made.
  426
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the regulations governing dipping for sheep scab to protect the health of those undertaking this task.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I have been asked to reply.

  All sheep dipping operations are subject to the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) and to the more specific requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988. These regulations apply to employers and the self-employed. They require assessment of health risks from chemicals, prevention or control of exposure and, where necessary, health surveillance and exposure monitoring. If the regulations are complied with, the health of those exposed during dipping should not be put at risk.

  Employers and operators are responsible for complying with the HSW Act and the regulations. They are vigorously enforced by inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Curry
  Public opinion surveys carried out by my Department since 1 November 1991 are as follows:

  "Foodsense" information campaign—evaluation research.

  "Foodsense" new booklets—evaluation research.

  "Joint Imports and Rabies Control"—awareness assessment research.

  1992 touring exhibition programme—evaluation research.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Curry
  The annual costs of fees paid by the Department (excluding agencies) to management consultants, excluding computer consultants, since 1984–85 are set out in the table. Data for earlier years can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Under decentralised budgeting arrangements in MAFF, there is no central provision for such consultancies in 1992–93. Any which are commissioned will have to be funded from the general running cost allocated to the units concerned. Decisions will therefore he taken as necessary during the year.

  Financial year

  Expenditure (£)

  1984–85

  27,110

  1985–86

  174,724

  1986–87

  135,279

  1987–88

  44,015

  1988–89

  162,114

  1989–90

  143,150

  1990–91

  129,817

  1991–92

  441,351

  Farmed Fish
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has any proposals for the introduction of a welfare code in respect of farmed fish; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Welfare standards for farmed fish are expected to be developed in the Council of Europe. We will participate constructively in these negotiations.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Curry
  The information required for the financial years 1979–80 to 1983–84 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The figures for subsequent years are as follows:

  £million

  1984–85

  3.2

  1985–86

  3·5

  1986–87

  3·0

  1987–88

  0·6

  1988–89

  0·8

  1989–90

  1·1

  1990–91

  0·5

  1991–92

  0·6

  1992–93

  10·6

  1Forecast.

  Figures for the years 1984–85 to 1986–87 refer to the total cost of press services and paid publicity which could be separated to show expenditure on press services only at disproportionate cost. Figures for 1987–88 to 1992–93 relate to press services alone.

  Bio-fuels
  Mr. Ancram
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to promote further research into the production and viability of bio-fuels as an alternative agricultural product; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The Government conduct some research into potential biofuel crops, the scale of which is kept under review. However, whether biofuels are produced and marketed will ultimately depend on the economics. At present biofuels such as biodiesel cost about three times as much to produce as fuels from conventional sources.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money was granted to farmers in England and Wales through the ESA scheme in 1990–91.

  Mr. Curry
  The total amount paid to farmers under the ESA scheme in England and Wales during 1990–91 was £8,341,000.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the total work force in his Department is registered as disabled; what 428
  steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  The Department employs 141·5 (1·4 per cent.) staff who are registered as disabled, counting part-timers as half units. These figures do not include staff with disabilities who have chosen not to register.

  The Department is fully committed to the policies and good employment practices set out in the code of practice on the employment of people with disabilities in the civil service. Officials are making every effort to ensure that both policies and practices are implemented effectively and sensitively, in order to increase access for people with disabilities to the full range of recruitment and career development opportunities available, irrespective of whether they have chosen to register. The Department also participates in schemes designed to increase opportunities for the employment and retention of people with disabilities such as the sheltered placement scheme.

  Farm Diversification
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money was granted to farmers in England and Wales through the farm diversification scheme in 1990–91; and if he will give a breakdown of this expenditure between the various activities eligible for grants.

  Mr. Soames
  A total of £2,765,691 was paid in grants under the farm diversification grant scheme in England and Wales in 1990–91. A breakdown of these figures by the various eligible enterprises is set out in the table.

  Grant paid to farmers in England and Wales by eligible enterprise

  1990–91

  Enterprise type

  Grant paid £

  Manufacture of craft items

  20,595

  Food processing

  237,288

  Timber processing

  28,482

  Non-food agricultural produce

  76,110

  Repair of agricultural machinery

  5,635

  Farm shops

  197,264

  Pick your own sales

  9,530

  Tourist accommodation

  1,376,741

  Catering

  83,629

  Recreation and education

  346,977

  Horse enterprises

  184,487

  Letting of land or buildings for any of the above

  89,606

  Sub-total

  2,656,344

  Feasibility and marketing grants

  109,347

  Total

  2,765,691

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to use a different health mark for meat produced from low-throughput abattoirs and those operating under temporary structural derogations.

  Mr. Soames
  Meat fit for human consumption produced in low throughput abattoirs and abattoirs operating under temporary structural derogations will be given the national health mark.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Curry
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by Her Majesty's Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Curry
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payment should normally be stipulated in Government contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, departments should pay within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their subcontractors all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its subcontractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Pig Slurry
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what domestic or EC proposals he expects to be made to make the disposal of all pig slurry subject to compulsory processing through registered processing plants; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  I know of no such proposals.

  Flora and Fauna
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals on the protection of flora and fauna have been put forward by his Department for inclusion in the United Kingdom submissions for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil in June.
  430
  Mr. Curry
  Protection of flora and fauna is an important feature of the recently completed biodiversity convention and the agenda 21 proposals which will be before the conference. The lead on this is taken by the Department of the Environment, but our officials have been active in helping to achieve constructive proposals.

  Veal Crates
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many calves have been exported from Britain to be reared in veal crates in EC countries since veal crate farming was banned in Britain.

  Mr. Soames
  During the period 1 January 1990 to 2 May 1992, a total of 839,820 calves intended for further fattening were exported from Great Britain to other EC countries. It is not possible to determine what proportion were for rearing in veal crates.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Curry
  Expenditure by the Department in the financial year 1982–83 and each subsequent year was as follows:

  (a) TV £

  (b) Radio £

  (c) Press advertising £

  (d) Other publicity material £

  1982–83

  nil

  nil

  3,000

  n/a

  1983–84

  nil

  nil

  27,000

  n/a

  1984–85

  nil

  nil

  26,000

  575,000

  1985–86

  nil

  nil

  29,000

  656,000

  1986–87

  nil

  nil

  54,000

  825,000

  1987–88

  nil

  nil

  12,000

  693,000

  1988–89

  nil

  nil

  380,000

  1,004,000

  1989–90

  nil

  nil

  116,000

  2,373,000

  1990–91

  nil

  nil

  53,000

  2,379,000

  1991–92

  159,000

  nil

  103,000

  4,135,000

  11992–93

  500,000

  nil

  203,774

  3,783,226

  1 Forecast.

  Figures for publicity advertising prior to 1982–83 are not available as the information for those years includes recruitment and other types of advertising. Information is not readily available to distinguish between expenditure on advertising in newspapers and that in the press generally. Separate figures for expenditure on other publicity material prior to 1984–85 are available only at disproportionate cost.

  Vitamin Pills
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about EC proposals to reclassify vitamin pills from food supplements to medicines available on doctor's prescriptions only.

  Mr. Soames
  The question of establishing acceptable upper levels for vitamins and minerals as a possible basis
  431
  for future legislation is under consideration by the EC Scientific Committee for Food. We do not expect the Commission to make proposals on possible controls on vitamins or mineral pills until that process is complete.

  Alcoholic Drinks
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what monitoring his Department carries out of the alcoholic strength of spirits on sale in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Curry
  The monitoring of the alcoholic strength of spirits at retail level is the responsibility of local food authorities, which undertake routine monitoring of alcoholic drinks.

WALES

  Ancient Woodlands
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement about changes affecting the area of ancient semi-natural woodland since 1962;

  (2) if he will make it part of his planning policy to prevent any further loss of ancient semi-natural woodland.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment today.

  Rural Initiative
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made with the rural initiative launched by the Welsh Office; if he will detail specific changes of policy and specific additional resources associated with this initiative; and what is his future plan of action for taking this initiative forward.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The Secretary of State announced the launch of the rural initiative in February 1991, when he confirmed a £20 million increase in resources to tackle the problems of rural Wales. Around 75 per cent. of that sum was targeted on additional housing provision, assistance for local authority projects, and higher spending by the Welsh Development Agency. The balance of £5 million was made available for capital projects put forward by authorities which were likely to be of most benefit to the development of rural communities.

  Subsequently, my right hon. Friend and I undertook extensive consultations with local authorities, the various agencies and other representative bodies, to seek their views on a way forward for rural Wales in the 1990s. We were very much encouraged by the unanimity of support for the initiative, and published in December 1991 "The Rural Initiative—putting the heart into rural Wales", the document which set out our objectives and policies for rural Wales.

  My right hon. Friend also announced at the same time a fresh series of measures to consolidate and take forward rural programmes across the economic, social and environmental fields. In addition to already announced extra funds for the Development Board for Rural Wales and the national parks, totalling over £3 million, a further £29 million has thus been made available for capital
  432
  projects, rural housing provision, and extra resources for the WDA, the Countryside Council for Wales arid the Wales tourist board.

  Turning specifically to the capital grants scheme, the total allocation for 1992–93 is £6 million, a 20 per cent. increase on the first year, when 265 applications were submitted by authorities and 36 approved for funding. For the current year, 308 applications were received and successful projects put forward by west Wales authorities have been announced. We hope shortly to be in a position to confirm successful applications for the rest of Wales for the current year.

  I am writing to the hon. Gentleman to provide fuller details of the policies and additional resources associated with this initiative.

  With the introduction of these measures, I believe we now have a very powerful range of organisations and resources to press ahead vigorously with development of the economic, social and environmental fabric of rural Wales, and to secure for it the long-term prosperity which is our common objective. Our policies for rural areas will continue to be reviewed in response to identified demands, as of course they are for the whole of Wales.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. David Hunt
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by HM Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results, the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payment should normally be stipulated in Government contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, Departments should pay within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  Dentists
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what representations he has received on the state of morale among national health service dentists in Wales; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations he has received from national health service dentists in Wales concerning a new fee structure; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have received a number of letters from general dental practitioners concerning the general dental service. The proposed reduction in fees which was announced in February has been suspended, and discussions are taking place between health departments and the dental professions' representatives to review the level of payments in 1991–92. The results of these discussions are to be announced as soon as possible. A fundamental review of the system for dental remuneration is also being jointly undertaken with the profession.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many national health service dentists there are in Wales;

  (2) how many dentists practise in the county of Clwyd.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The requested information is given in the table.

  Wales

  Clwyd

  General Dental Practitioners1

  Unrestricted principals

  815

  109

  Assistants

  9

  —

  Vocational trainees

  29

  7

  Hospital Dental Staff2

  119

  7

  Community Dental Staff2

  121

  15

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  General Dental Practitioners1

  Unrestricted principals

  769

  781

  799

  809

  797

  815

  Assistants

  11

  17

  28

  28

  8

  9

  Vocational trainees

  3n.a.

  3n.a.

  3n.a.

  3n.a.

  327

  329

  Hospital dental staff2

  112

  100

  112

  119

  3n.a.

  3n.a.

  Community dental staff2

  127

  127

  119

  121

  3n.a.

  3n.a.

  1 As at 30 September except for 1992 which are Provisional figures as at 31 March.

  2 All grades of permanent staff (excluding clinical assistants) in post as at 30 September 1990.

  3 Means not available.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people have received dental treatment in Wales in each of the last five years.

  Courses of dental treatment (thousands)

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  General dental service:

  Adults

  1,135·75

  1,167·0

  1,266·6

  1,197·1

  1,189·9

  Children

  623·4

  621·3

  634·7

  620·6

  1n/a

  Community Dental Service

  75·8

  73·3

  66·2

  60·6

  54·3

  Hospital Dental Service New Out·patients

  38·3

  40·5

  42·3

  44·4

  47·1

  1 The number of courses of treatment for children is no longer available as dentists are now paid on a per capita basis. However at 31 March 1992 there were 361,498 children registered with a dentist in Wales which represents 55 per cent. of the population of under-18s.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many dental practices have gone bankrupt in Wales over the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
  434

  1 Provisional figures as at 31 March 1992.

  2 All grades of permanent staff (excluding clinical assistants) in post as at 30 September 1990.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many national health service dentists in Wales have notified him of their intention to enter private practice; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Hunt
  None. Dentists who wish to cease providing NHS treatment are required to give notice to either the family health services authority with which they are in contract or, in the case of hospital or community dentists, their employing authority.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what meetings he has had with the leaders of national health service dentists in Wales concerning fee structures.

  Mr. David Hunt
  NHS dentists in Wales are represented in negotiations which are conducted with health departments, including the Welsh Office, at United Kingdom level. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has agreed to meet elected representatives of the profession in Wales when the outcome of the current negotiations is known.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many national health service dentists have left the service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not available but the table gives the number of dentists in Wales for each of the last five available years:

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not available, but the total number of courses of dental treatment is given in the table:

  Mr. David Hunt
  Statistics relating to bankruptcies are collected by the Department of Trade and Industry and published by the Association of British Chambers of Commerce. The detailed information requested is not
  435
  available from this source. Figures for Wales are combined with those for England and dental practices are not identified separately.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The available information is as follows:

  Welsh Office publicity spend

  £000

  Year

  Radio

  TV

  1Joint press and TV

  Press

  Other

  1979–80

  Nil

  —

  61

  —

  24

  1980–81

  Nil

  —

  62

  —

  22

  1981–82

  Nil

  —

  100

  —

  44

  1982–83

  Nil

  —

  99

  —

  28

  1983–84

  Nil

  —

  108

  —

  34

  1984–85

  Nil

  —

  66

  —

  100

  1985–86

  Nil

  Nil

  —

  31

  92

  1986–87

  Nil

  27

  —

  49

  331

  1987–88

  Nil

  39

  —

  191

  615

  1988–89

  Nil

  64

  —

  112

  1,105

  1989–90

  Nil

  57

  —

  354

  1,758

  1990–91

  Nil

  17

  —

  251

  1,161

  1991–92

  2Nil

  4

  —

  221

  1,732

  1 Television and Press advertising for the years 1979–85 cannot be readily separated.

  2 Provisional outturn.

  Publicity expenditure in 1992–93 is expected to be about £2 million. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of this under each heading because in many cases decisions about the extent to which different media will be used are taken as projects develop.

  Enterprise Allowance Scheme
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what weekly payment is made by training and enterprise councils in Wales to participants in the enterprise allowance scheme.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The TECs have considerable discretion to respond to local needs in operating the enterprise allowance scheme and the weekly payments may be in the range of £20 to £90 for duration from 66 weeks to 26 weeks.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Fluoride
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made in artificially increasing the fluoride content of the water supply during the most recent 12-month period for which information is available.

  Mr. Hanley
  No water fluoridation schemes have been implemented in the past 12 months. Following approval in 436
  principle by the Department of Health and Social Services, public consultation has taken place on the fluoridation of Dunore Point water scheme. Confirmation of the approval, and approval in principle to the fluoridation of a further scheme at Silent Valley, should be given shortly.

  BSE
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the trend of evidence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in livestock.

  Mr. Hanley
  The incidence of BSE in Northern Ireland is very low. Up to 21 May 1992 only 414 cases have been confirmed in a herd of 1·5 million cattle. The incidence of the disease is expected to increase for at least a further year when it is hoped that the ban on feeding ruminant-derived protein should begin to show visible results.

  Weekly Newspapers
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his reply of 18 May,Official Report, column 37, which printing houses in Northern Ireland were directed to the attention of the local enterprise development unit in connection with the grant application by The Cross Examiner, before LEDU approved the grant of £16,000.

  Mr. Atkins
  The grant application contained financial projections based on a price quoted by Ronan Press.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Mates
  The following public opinion surveys have been carried out since 1 November 1991:

  Northern Ireland Continuous Household Survey

  Household Survey on Ownership of Smoke Detectors

  Road Safety Advertising Recall

  Road Safety Monitor

  Rate Collection Agency—opinion survey in respect of service to the public

  Lower Ormeau Training Needs Survey

  Lower Duncairn Residents and Businesses Survey

  Belfast Residents' Survey

  Training & Employment Agency Customer Attitude Survey

  Social Security Agency—survey of customer opinion of the services provided.

  Ards Hospital
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are presently in Boyd house at the Ards hospital; what capacity is unused at present; and if he will make a statement on the future of Boyd house.

  Mr. Hanley
  There are 37 patients in Boyd house, and 15 beds are presently unoccupied. The organisation of services at local level is a matter for health and social services boards. The Eastern board is currently reviewing its acute hospital services and intends to issue a public consultation document within the next three to four weeks. The outcome of this review will have a bearing on the future role of the Ards hospital in the provision of services to elderly people.

  Agricultural Colleges
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many students are attending each of the agricultural colleges in the current year; and what were the equivalent figures five years ago.

  Full-time courses

  Part-time courses

  Short courses

  1 2All courses

  Enniskillen College of Agriculture

  1986–87

  42

  19

  1389

  450

  1991–92

  40

  54

  2658

  752

  Greenmount College of Agriculture and Horticulture

  1986–87

  230

  55

  1781

  1,066

  1991–92

  247

  194

  22,089

  2,530

  Loughry College of Agriculture and Food Technology

  1986–87

  199

  37

  11,414

  1,650

  1991–92

  270

  219

  23,015

  3,504

  All colleges

  1986–87

  471

  111

  12,584

  3,166

  1991–92

  557

  467

  25,762

  6,786

  1 1987 calendar year.

  2 Provisional.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Mates
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Expenditure (£)

  1979–80

  281,641

  1980–81

  344,596

  1981–82

  393,239

  1982–83

  519,912

  1983–84

  482,188

  1984–85

  528,666

  1985–86

  701,685

  1986–87

  684,727

  1987–88

  783,771

  1988–89

  3,622,972

  1989–90

  4,226,581

  1990–91

  5,699,510

  1991–92

  5,701,719

  1992–93

  16,048,241

  1 Budget.

  Airport Privatisation
  Mr. Clifford Forsythe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library the Hambros Bank Ltd report on the privatisation of Northern Ireland airports commissioned by his Department.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am unable to do so for a number of reasons. The Hambros report is confidential to the Government and any disclosure of the facts or opinions contained in the report may be commercially damaging to Northern Ireland Airports Limited and may adversely affect the terms upon which privatisation can be achieved. The report also contains information of a security sensitive nature.
  438
  Mr. Hanley
  The total number of students and trainees enrolled on full-time, part-time and short, in-service training courses in the 1986–87 and 1991–92 academic years was as follows:

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mates
  At 22 May 1992 there were 1,272 staff in the Northern Ireland civil service—4·3 per cent. of the service —who reported themselves as having a disability. Of these 443–1·5 per cent. of the service—were, or had been, registered as disabled. In addition, 45 registered disabled people were working in the Northern Ireland civil service under the sheltered placement scheme. No-one currently in the small home civil service staff group in the Northern Ireland Office is registered disabled.

  As equal opportunities employers the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland civil service—NICS—encourage people with disabilities to apply for appointment. This is emphasised in all recruitment campaigns and advertising. Qualifications are waived for registered disabled persons for all posts in the NICS which include an aptitude test as part of the selection procedure. Every effort is made to enable people with disabilities to present themselves to best advantage and practical arrangements are made where required, for example, test papers in Braille or enlarged print, use of interpreters and so on. Where the merits of candidates are evenly balanced at interview, preference is given to a registered disabled person. Recruiting officers in the Northern Ireland Office receive disability awareness training, and all disabled applicants who meet the criteria are automatically invited for interview.

  There is a comprehensive code of practice, "The Employment of Disabled People in the Northern Ireland Civil Service", a copy of which is included in the third report of the service's equal opportunities unit published in October 1989, and is available in the Library.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing
  439
  organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Mates
  The director of the Government Purchasing Service for Northern Ireland, formerly the central unit on purchasing (Northern Ireland), issued a directive on payments policy to all purchasing staff across the Northern Ireland civil service and related non-departmental public bodies on 28 December 1989. This stated that all public sector buying organisations should implement a declared commercially acceptable payment policy. The recommended policy was to have quick payment where prompt payment discount was offered and to pay after a stated interval of between 30 and 60 days without a discount.

  Reviews of payment performance since that date have shown that the payment of bills is no longer an identifiable problem for public sector suppliers in Northern Ireland.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—A Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Atkins
  The publication has been circulated to the Department of Economic Development and to the local enterprise development unit, the organisation responsible for the promotion and development of small firms within Northern Ireland. The document is available at LEDU's headquarters and in each of its seven regional offices.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Mates
  The information could be obtained in the form requested only at disproportionate cost. The total figures for spending on all advertising and other promotional material are, however, set out in the table:

  £

  1979–80

  468,972

  1980–81

  487,393

  1981–82

  613,464

  1982–83

  1,550,896

  1983–84

  2,853,451

  1984–85

  2,699,659

  1985–86

  3,916,824

  1986–87

  3,787,628

  1987–88

  4,028,259

  1988–89

  4,606,655

  1989–90

  5,227,759

  1990–91

  5,886,796

  1991–92

  7,387,167

  1992–93

  17,988,100

  1 Budget

  Cohesion Fund
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding has been allocated to the cohesion fund within the context of the agreement between the European Community and EFTA countries; when it becomes operational; how many applications for support from the cohesion fund have been submitted from Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Mates
  The EC/EFTA treaty which was signed on 2 May and comes into force on 1 January 1993 will bring the EFTA countries into the Communities' single internal market. The treaty includes provision for a financial mechanism aimed to assist certain member states and less favoured regions to cope with the competitive pressures arising from the agreement and to contribute to the reduction of regional, social and economic disparity. The island of Ireland including Northern Ireland will benefit from this assistance.

  Two types of financial assistance will be available under this mechanism in the form of interest rebates on loans and direct grants. The total volume of loans for which interest rebate will be available will be 1,500 million ecu. The total amount of grant available will be 500 million ecu.

  The assistance will be disbursed through the European investment bank and particular emphasis will be placed on the environment, transport, education and training. The allocation of the assistance between member states will be decided by the Community.

  When financial allocations are known suitable projects will be submitted.

  Teachers (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what criteria are used in determining whether teachers in the controlled sector taking early retirement can receive added years or other enhancement of pension;

  (2) what criteria are used in determining whether teachers in the maintained sector taking early retirement can receive added years or other enhancement of pension; by whom the decision is taken; and what report of such decisions is made to the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Hanley
  In the case of controlled and maintained schools with fully delegated budgets, decisions on pension enhancement are taken by boards of governors; in the case of special schools and schools with partially delegated budgets, decisions are taken by the education and library boards in respect of the controlled sector, by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools—CCMS—in respect of Catholic maintained schools and by the boards of governors of non-Catholic maintained schools.

  In taking these decisions, boards of governors, education and library boards and the CCMS take account of guidance issued by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland, which recommends maximum levels of compensation related to years of service and which contains points to be considered when awarding pensions and lump sum enhancements. These include: whether enhancement is necessary to achieve the premature retirement; whether the full level of enhancement provided for is justified; the circumstances leading to the teacher becoming a candidate for premature retirement; the teacher's effectiveness; factors relating to the school's organisation and management.
  441
  Enhancement decisions also take account of guidance issued by the relevant education and library board and the CCMS and of the total cash made available by my Department to the board for the premature retirement compensation scheme.

  The various deciding authorities notify the Department of Education of the name of the teacher, the date on which premature retirement is to take effect, and the level of enhancement.

  Maghaberry Prison
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on events in the female wing of Maghaberry prison on 2 March.

  Mr. Mates
  Following the receipt of information that a serious breach of security may have occurred, it was necessary to initiate a full search of Mourne house and its inmates.

  Difficulties arose on 2 March because a number of prisoners decided to resist the legitimate attempts of staff to undertake the search in accordance with the prescribed procedures for such searches. Because of their resistance it was necessary, physically, to restrain them in order to facilitate the search. This was achieved without serious injury to the prisoners. Two members of the board of visitors and a prison chaplain were present throughout the search.

  Full searching is an essential component of prison security policy which is practised not only in the United Kingdom but in the Republic of Ireland, in western European countries and in the USA.

  Rural Development
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the members of the Rural Development Council; and what criteria were employed to select the most deprived rural areas for the purposes of the rural development initiative.

  Mr. Hanley
  The membership of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council is as follows:

  Jimmy Armstrong

  Executive Chairman

  Pat Jess

  Open University Lecturer

  John Kelly

  Lending Manager, Allied Irish Bank

  Aideen McGinley

  Member of Community Development Review Group

  Patsy McShane

  Chief Executive, Workspace (Draperstown) Ltd.

  Malcolm Woods

  Chief Executive, Leckpatrick Holdings Ltd.

  Robert Hanna

  Deputy Chairman, Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC)

  Mark Conway

  Chairman, Rural Community Network

  John Donaghy

  Chairman, Omagh Forum for Community Associations

  Paul McAllister

  Chairman, Glens of Antrim Rural and Community Development Association

  442
  John McGrady

  Member of Rural Community Network

  John Fee

  Newry and Mourne District Council

  Warren Loane

  Fermanagh District Council

  Malachy McSparran

  Moyle District Council

  Hugh Linehan

  Vice President, Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU)

  Wilfred Mitchell

  Chairman, Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association (NIAPA)

  The most deprived rural areas of Northern Ireland—West Fermanagh, the Sperrins, the western shore of Lough Neagh, South Armagh/South Down and the glens of Antrim/Rathlin—were identified by the interdepartmental committee on rural development—IDCRD—after the application of combinations of standard criteria used to assess social and economic need, including geographic and social isolation, high unemployment, demographic imbalances, declining services and poor facilities. The IDCRD also established that pockets of deprivation can be isolated in most rural areas on a ward or townland basis.

EDUCATION

  Law Examinations
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will arrange for the Law Society final examination and the Bar final examination to be treated in the same way as the post graduate certificate of education in respect of eligibility for mandatory awards.

  Mr. Forman
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Morgan) on 22 May 1992 at col.265.

  Postgraduate Degrees
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will state(a) how many people were awarded undergraduate degrees by United Kingdom institutions in each year from 1974 to date, (b) how many people commenced postgraduate degree courses in each of these years and (c) how many of those commencing courses were in receipt of Government-funded postgraduate awards.

  Mr. Forman
  The number of undergraduates awarded degrees from United Kingdom higher education institutions were as follows:

  Number

  1980–81

  105,000

  1981–82

  102,000

  1982–83

  100,500

  1983–84

  116,000

  1984–85

  121,400

  1985–86

  121,200

  1986–87

  124,700

  1987–88

  127,300

  1988–89

  129,600

  443
  The number of students commencing postgraduate degree courses at higher education institutions in the United Kingdom for each of the academic years 1979–80 to 1990–91 were as follows:

  Number

  1979–80

  55,400

  1980–81

  56,000

  1981–82

  59,900

  1982–83

  57,500

  1983–84

  61,000

  1984–85

  63,600

  1985–86

  68,500

  1986–87

  73,000

  1987–88

  74,000

  1988–89

  78,900

  1989–90

  85,400

  1990–91

  98,000

  The figures for postgraduate students in receipt of Government-funded awards were as follows:

  Number

  1979–80

  10,500

  1980–81

  10,400

  1981–82

  9,300

  1982–83

  9,100

  1983–84

  9,000

  1985–86

  9,500

  1986–87

  9,300

  1987–88

  8,700

  1988–89

  8,700

  1989–90

  9,400

  Sparsholt Agricultural College
  Sir David Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects loan sanction to be given for the first stage of the expenditure by Sparsholt agricultural college, Hampshire to provide additional library and classroom facilities.

  Mr. Forth
  Hampshire education authority's bid for a supplementary credit approval for 1992–93 for major building works at Sparsholt college, including additional library and classroom facilities, is currently being considered along with bids from other authorities. Decisions on the bids will be announced shortly.

  School Buildings, Rossendale
  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take into account the severe weather conditions in the Rossendale Valley in future capital allocations for school buildings.

  Mr. Forth
  Capital resources for local authority maintained schools are distributed on the basis of national priority criteria. These criteria—which were agreed with local authority associations—give priority to the second and third year costs of work approved under earlier allocations, new school places needed in areas of population growth, and projects to remove surplus places. The remaining resources are then largely distributed to contribute towards the cost of all other capital work including improvement and replacement projects. Local authorities are responsible for the state of their school buildings, and for deciding expenditure levels and priorities from the resources available to them.

  For voluntary aided schools, governors are responsible for effecting repairs to school buildings and the Secretary
  444
  of State is under a duty to provide grant of 85 per cent. towards the cost of such. Applications for approval to carry out repairs are dealt with throughout the year as the need arises and are not covered by the annual capital allocations system.

  Bids for capital grant from grant-maintained schools are looked at on their individual merits in direct competition with those received from the other grant-maintained schools. Priority in making allocations is given to work required on urgent health and safety grounds.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Forman
  Since 1 November 1991, the Department has agreed to make a contribution from the research budget towards the family expenditure survey 1992–93.

  Nursery Education, Hampshire
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will give the relevant indicators and factors relating to nursery education giving rise to the relevant standard spending assessment for Hampshire for 1992–93; and how much Hampshire county council has budgeted for that purpose.

  Mr. Forth
  The under-five education element of Hampshire's standard spending assessment for 1992–93 is £24.83 million. The indicators used in calculating this element are resident population aged 0–4, an additional educational needs factor and a factor for additional employment costs made on a regional basis. For Hampshire the values of these indicators are 103,485, 0·40505 and 1·05248 respectively.

  It is for Hampshire county council to determine its spending priorities between and within services, including the level of its provision for nursery education.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Forman
  The expenditure figures for press and publicity by this Department for the financial years 1984–85 to 1992–93 are given in the table. Figures for 1979–80 to 1983–84 are not available on a comparable basis. The Department does not incur expenditure on public relations.

  Year

  £000

  1984–85

  788·8

  1985–86

  1,026·3

  1986–87

  1,937·8

  1987–88

  2,313·6

  1988–89

  2,336·2

  1989–90

  2,596·0

  1990–91

  2,106·5

  1991–92

  5,822·8

  11992–93

  2,950·1

  1 Estimated.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Forman
  The information requested is as follows:

  £ thousands

  1984–85

  140

  1985–86

  18

  1986–87

  23

  1987–88

  255

  1988–89

  165

  1989–90

  377

  1990–91

  366

  1991–92

  146O

  1992–93

  1353

  1 Estimated.

  2 Includes budgets for sport and science which transfer to other departments in 1992–93 financial year.

  Note: Information for earlier years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—A Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Forman
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by Her Majesty's Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of the prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results, that Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Forman
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. This Department's normal payment terms, unless others are stipulated contractually, are 30 days following receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment. The Department's contracts now contain a clause requiring suppliers to pay their sub-contractors promptly.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Forman
  The expenditure figures for advertising and other promotional materials by this Department for the financial years 1979–80 to 1991–92 are given in the table. The 1992–93 estimated budget is £4 million. Final decisions on media in the current financial year have not been taken.

  Year

  TV £'000

  Radio £'000

  Newspapers £'000

  Other £'000

  1979–80

  —

  —

  91·6

  12·2

  1980–81

  —

  —

  8·9

  58·3

  1981–82

  —

  —

  86·9

  49·9

  1982–83

  —

  —

  6·0

  33·7

  1983–84

  —

  —

  9·6

  74·9

  1984–85

  —

  —

  18·5

  150·6

  1985–86

  —

  —

  14·8

  184·1

  1986–87

  —

  —

  532·0

  533·0

  1987–88

  —

  —

  280·0

  1,459·0

  1988–89

  —

  40·0

  475·0

  1,156·0

  1989–90

  —

  11·8

  238·0

  1,150·0

  1990–91

  1,100·0

  97·0

  1,407·0

  1,916·0

  1991–92

  800·0

  —

  2,237·9

  5,842·7

  Asthma
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what advice is given to schools concerning children who suffer from asthma in regard to the levels of pollution surrounding schools.

  Mr. Forth
  Medical paediatric advice is available to schools and to LEAs from the district health authority's community child health service. Individual children with asthma may be seen with their parents when advice may be given to the child and family, the teacher and the school with regard to the management in a particular case.

  The child's general medical practitioner who has responsibility for his or her medical care, or the hospital paediatrician in more severe cases, may also give advice not only to the child and family but to the teacher and school.

  The level of pollution in a particular area is a local matter and therefore the responsibility of the local director of public health and environmental health officer of the local authority. Those officers are available to offer or provide advice to the LEA or to individual schools through and with the community child health service.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what are the current indications of the number of schools facing shortages of funds due to the funding for teachers' salaries being calculated on an average rather than actual basis.

  Mr. Forth
  I have seen no evidence to suggest that many schools are facing shortage of funds as a result of the relative costs of their teachers. Local management of
  447
  schools—LMS—means that schools that attract and retain pupils receive more money, and gives governing bodies the power to decide how best to spend that money for the benefit of pupils—including how many and which teachers to employ.

  Student Loans and Awards
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects to lay before the House revised mandatory awards regulations and student loans regulations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forman
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has laid the Education (Mandatory Awards) Regulations 1992 before Parliament today. Together with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, he has also laid before Parliament the Education (Student Loans) Regulations 1992.

  The mandatory awards regulations come into force on 1 September and the loans regulations on 1 August.

  The awards regulations apply to students living in England and Wales. They incorporate the unchanged main rates of grant, uprated supplementary allowances and revised contribution scales. These were announced by my predecessor on 9 March at columns 385–87. They also incorporate some minor changes in terms and conditions.

  The loans regulations, which apply to students in Great Britain, provide for the new, higher rates of loan. They also include the 1992–93 income threshold governing the deferment of repayments. Borrowers who satisfy the Student Loans Company that their gross monthly income is £1,130 a month or less, equivalent to £13,560 a year, will be entitled to defer repayments for a year at a time.

  Technology
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to review the content of national curriculum technology; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John Patten
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have agreed, in the light of the advice that I have received from the National Curriculum Council, that there is a case for a detailed review of the statutory order for technology in the national curriculum. The principal objectives of such a review will be to specify more clearly the skills and knowledge which pupils should acquire at each stage so that progression can be secured, to enhance the practical element, and to improve the manageability of the curriculum in the classroom. We are therefore asking Her Majesty's inspectors of schools to undertake an urgent review of the relevant statements of attainment and programmes of study, to allow Her Majesty's chief inspectors of schools for England and for Wales, when appointed, to report to us jointly in the autumn.

  I am determined to increase teachers' expectations of childrens' abilities. This is vital for children and for their eventual employers. The more that children are encouraged to achieve the better their employment prospects.

  The terms of reference of the review will be as follows:

  1. To review the programmes of study for attainment targets 1–4 of the Education (National Curriculum) (Attainment Targets and Programmes of Study in
  448
  Technology) Order 1990 so as to clarify what should be taught and in particular to ensure that the technical skills, knowledge and understanding of all pupils at all stages are developed through work with and in relation to construction materials and related components and systems.

  2. To revise the existing statements of attainment and related non-statutory examples to facilitate the assessment of the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired by pupils and of the quality of their work and what they produce, and in particular to

  —identify and specify the skills and knowledge which pupils should acquire at each of the key stages, and indicate where appropriate how these could be developed through a range of technological activities;

  —identify and specify the range, depth and level of teaching and learning appropriate to the skills and knowledge at each key stage, so that progression is secured;

  —in the light of the above, to propose the apportionment of an appropriate range of materials and contexts across and within the four key stages; giving particular attention to reducing the complexity and amount of work required in each key stage, and to improving the manageability of the curriculum and assessment, particularly at the primary level;

  —clarify how and when the skills, knowledge and understanding developed through other Curriculum Orders should be made use of in Technology (eg mathematics, science and art).

  3. To design a framework for short courses at key stage 4, which maintains the basic conceptual approach of the Order, but offers within it a range of choices able to meet the needs of pupils of different interests and abilities and flexible enough to permit extension into or combination with other—particularly vocationally-oriented—areas of work or study.

  On completion of the review my right hon. Friend and I will prepare our proposals for a new statutory order governing national curriculum technology, which will be subject to the full statutory process of consultation provided for in the Education Reform Act 1988. We would expect it to be possible for a revised order to be implemented in the schools in August 1994 for key stages 1, 2 and 3 (pupils up to 14) and in August 1995 for key stage 4 (14–16 year olds). In the meantime, the existing curriculum order will continue in force for key stages 1–3 and will be implemented as planned for key stage 4 in the autumn of 1993.

  The School Examinations and Assessment Council will accordingly be publishing shortly its criteria for GCSE and equivalent examination syllabuses, which will apply to courses beginning in the autumn term 1993 and 1994. These are based upon the existing order but have been designed to take account of the objectives of the review I have announced today.

  I am placing in the Library of the House the advice I have received from the National Curriculum Council and my reply.

  Higher Education Funding Council
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he will announce the membership of the Higher Education Funding Council for England; and what initial guidance he intends to give to the council.

  Mr. Patten
  I have announced today that the membership of the Higher Education Funding Council for England will be as follows:

  Sir Ron Dearing (Chairman)

  Chairman, Universities Funding Council/Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council

  Professor Colin Campell

  Vice-Chancellor, University of Nottingham

  449
  Professor Graeme Davies (Chief Executive)

  Chief Executive, Universities Funding Council/ Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council

  Professor Brian K. Follett

  Professor of Zoology, University of Bristol and Biological Secretary, The Royal Society

  Mr. Robert Gunn

  Chairman-designate of the Further Education Funding Council for England

  Professor Kay-Tee Khaw

  Professor of Clinical Gerontology, University of Cambridge

  Sir Idris Pearce

  Chairman of Higher Education Funding Council for Wales

  Sir Robert Scholey

  Chairman, British Steel

  Professor Jack Shaw

  Deputy Governor, Bank of Scotland and Chairman—designate of Scottish Higher Education Funding Council

  Miss Janet Trotter

  Director, Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education

  Professor David J. Watson

  Director, Brighton Polytechnic

  Sir David Phillips

  Chairman, Advisory Board for the Research Councils

  Dr. Rab Telfer

  Executive Chairman, BSI Standards

  Secretary of State's representative

  Mr. J. M. M. Vereker

  Deputy Secretary, Department for Education

  Alternate: Mr. C. A. Clark

  I have today sent a letter of guidance to the chairman of the council, and am placing a copy in the Library.

HEALTH

  NHS Spending
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) in each of the past five years, how much of the total spend on hospital and community health services has gone on(a) services to patients and (b) paying pensions and other payments to people no longer working for the national health service;

  (2) in each of the past five years, how many people who no longer work for the national health service have been in receipt of payments from funds allocated to the provision of hospital and community health services.

  Mr. Sackville
  Retirement pensions are funded by contributory self-financing schemes which fall outside the hospital and community health services budget. The information requested on other payments to former NHS employees is not collected centrally.

  NHS Security
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further steps she is taking to reduce the cost of crime on national health service budgets.
  450
  Mr. Sackville
  Security arrangements at health service premises, are the responsibility of local managers.

  The National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts has recently published (with financial assistance from the Department) the new edition of the "NHS Security Manual". The Department has provided copies for general managers and commended it to them as an excellent source of advice. A copy is also available in the Library.

  Earlier this year the Department commissioned a study by management consultants of security issues at an NHS hospital. The report of the study is expected within the next few weeks.

  Rural Access
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to improve access to health services in rural areas.

  Mr. Sackville
  It is the responsibility of each district health authority and family health services authority to meet the health needs of its resident population. If the hon. Member has a particular problem in mind, perhaps he will write to me.

  Low Income Scheme
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to publish the results of his Department's review of the health benefits low income scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Soon.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps she is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within her Department; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  At January 1992—the latest figures available—1·9 per cent. of the total workforce was registered disabled. In addition, a number of staff have a disability but are not registered. The Department is an equal opportunity employer and observes the code of practice for the employment of people with a disability issued by the Cabinet Office. At present the majority of recruitment is being undertaken by the NHS management executive which is to relocate from London to Leeds, where the new building has been designed specifically to allow easy access for people with disabilities. A recently published brochure outlining job opportunities within the management executive encourages applications from people with disabilities. In addition all job advertisements carry the recognised disability symbol which signifies that applications are welcomed from people with a disability who are suitably qualified.

  Dental Services Payments
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the report of the discussion groups on the level of general dental services payments.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  No. The purpose of this report was to assist the joint inquiry of the health departments and the General Dental Services Committee in examining the reasons for the level of payments to dentists in 1991–92.

  Low Income Scheme
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will amend the national health service low income scheme to provide that if a claim is made within three months of a charge being incurred for the cost of spectacles, a refund will be paid, on the same terms as for prescription charges, dental charges and eye tests; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  From 1 June 1992 the time limit for claiming a refund under the NHS low income scheme was extended to three months in respect of charges for prescriptions, dental treatment, wigs and fabric supports, spectacles prescribed by the hospital eye service, and fares to hospital for NHS treatment. The arrangements for other optical refunds are being considered as part of the review of administration of the NHS low income scheme.

  Disability
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received in the past 12 months about the implementation of the remaining sections of the Disabled Persons (Representation, Consultation and Services) Act 1986; what plans she has to implement these sections; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Yeo
  We have received 73 letters concerning our decision not to implement sections 1, 2 and 3 of the Disabled Persons Act, seven of which also referred to section 7. The Act was also the subject of five parliamentary questions during this period.

  The requirements of these sections are now, to a very large extent, reflected in our new and wide-ranging reforms of community care. The need to implement these sections of the Disabled Persons Act will be reviewed in the light of several years' experience of the community care arrangements.

  Women's Health, Liverpool
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps her Department is taking in Liverpool to improve women's health care, particularly in relation to the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer; and what steps she is taking to ensure that the new Liverpool women's hospital will have adequate access via public transport.

  Mr. Sackville
  The provision of health services in Liverpool is the responsibility of Liverpool health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. M. F. Emberton, the authority chairman, for details.

  Cystic Fibrosis
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to exempt cystic fibrosis sufferers from prescription charges.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  There are no plans to extend the range of conditions which currently attract free prescriptions on medical grounds. Extensive exemption and charge remission arrangements, coupled with the prescription prepayment certificate scheme, protect those who might otherwise have difficulty in paying prescription charges.
  452
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities are currently charging cystic fibrosis sufferers for nebulisers; and what is her Department's policy on making vital medical equipment available to the chronically ill.

  Mr. Sackville
  Health authorites cannot make charges for nebulisers, or other items of medical equipment supplied as part of NHS treatment, unless there is specific statutory provision for charges to be made.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cystic fibrosis sufferers there are in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) each family health services authority area and (c) each district health authority area.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated annual cost of prescriptions is(a) to each cystic fibrosis sufferer and (b) to all cystic fibrosis sufferers across the United Kingdom.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available.

  Surgeons (HIV Infection)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration she has given to the guidelines concerning HIV infection following the infection of a surgeon at the Liverpool royal teaching hospital; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The United Kingdom health departments issued occupational guidance for health care workers in 1988. Revised guidelines "AIDS-HIV Infected Health Care Workers" containing recommendations of the Expert Advisory Group on AIDS were issued in December 1991. A copy is available in the Library. An advisory panel, chaired by Dame Mary Donaldson has been set up to provide advice in individual cases.

  The guidance states that health care workers who know or suspect that they have been exposed to HIV infection must seek occupational advice and an HIV test if appropriate, and that those with HIV infection should not perform invasive surgical procedures.

  The guidance also states that in certain circumstances health authorities and NHS trusts may consider it appropriate to notify patients who have undergone invasive procedures by a health care worker subsequently found to be infected with HIV.

  In the recent case in Liverpool, the guidelines were followed. The surgeon concerned ceased work when HIV infection was suspected, and the health authority and hospital considered it appropriate to contact patients to offer reassurance, and HIV antibody tests if required. The guidelines are kept under review to reflect developing knowledge of HIV infection.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 20 May,Official Report, columns 172–73, why copies of the consultation document on the application by Greenwich health services for trust status were not available to members of the Greenwich community health council at its meeting on the evening of 14 May.
  453
  Dr. Mawhinney
  In April Greenwich community health council was consulted by the regional health authority about arrangements for the public consultation exercises. Had it indicated that it required copies of the application for its meeting on 14 May, these would have been made available.

  Hospital Information Systems
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the list and costs involved in providing the various hospital information systems.

  Mr. Sackville
  Hospital information systems are intended to support the operational needs of the units and local managers are responsible for deciding which systems to implement. Information about the cost of the various hospital information systems is not held centrally.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners in the area covered by the Redbridge and Waltham Forest family health services authority have become fundholders.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I am informed by the chairman of the North East Thames regional health authority that there is one GP fundholder and one GP in the preparatory year for fundholding in the area covered by the Redbridge and Waltham Forest family health services authority.

  Mentally Disordered Offenders
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the joint Department of Health and Home Office review of services for mentally disordered offenders.

  Mr. Yeo
  The review continues to make good progress and is on schedule to complete its work in July.

  In his reply on 13 November 1991 at columns 583–84 to my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, South East (Mr. Paice), the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, announced that we were publishing four initial reports for consultation. We have received some 200 responses. They have overwhelmingly supported the direction of development proposed in the reports. They also contained many detailed comments, for which we are most grateful.

  We are today publishing for consultation five further reports submitted by the steering committee chaired by Dr. John Reed. Copies are available in the Library. These cover finance, staffing and training, research, academic development and services for mentally disordered offenders with special needs. The reports are being issued, as before, to a wide range of interested bodies inviting their comments.

  Further work in the review is being directed particularly to issues of race and culture, the needs of learning disabled and homeless people, and the role of, and support for, families. These will be reflected in the steering committee's final report.

  The Government will be considering the recommendations arising from this review as a whole in the light of the final report and the responses to consultation on the present and earlier proposals. We have already announced
  454
  increased capital funding for medium secure psychiatric provision of £18 million in the current year, against £3 million in 1991–92.

  My right hon. and learned and hon. Friends and I remain committed to close co-operation between our Departments in this field. We are again most grateful to Dr. Reed and his colleagues for the work they have done.

  Census Data
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to ensure that the release of detailed data for the 1991 census occurs as speedily as possible.

  Mr. Sackville
  In my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for the Isle of Wight (Mr. Field) on 8 May at col 9, I stated that release of the first computer-processed census results was under way, in the form of publication of the first county monitor. County monitors contain summary statistics for all local authority districts on all the census topics which were fully processed and will be published county by county, as the data processing is completed.

  In a reply to the then Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Brandon-Bravo) on 5 March at columns 272–73, my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State described a major problem which had arisen in processing the answers to the question on the 1991 census form on the term-time address of students. He explained that this had caused some delay to the publication of census results, and gave an outline provisional timetable for publication of the first tranche of results.

  Every effort is being made to publish all county monitors by the end of September 1992, and to produce and publish the rest of the first tranche of census outputs to the timetable given in issue 19 of the "Census Newsletter", a copy of which is available in the Library. Further details of the census output timetable will be published in future editions of the "Census Newsletter" as soon as they are sufficiently firm.

  Priority is being given to providing those census figures, including statistics required for re-basing the Registrar General's annual mid-year estimates, needed for use in the calculations of 1993–94 resource allocations to local and health authorities.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what policy guidelines are currently in place within her Department and the purchasing organisations for which she has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Sackville
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payments is stipulated in our standard terms and conditions which form part of all our contracts or purchase orders. These state that unless otherwise agreed in writing by the purchaser, the supplier shall render a separate invoice in respect of each consignment delivered under the order. Payment shall be due 30 days after receipt of the goods or the correct invoice therefore, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their subcontractors, all new

  455
  Government contracts contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its subcontractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment shall be to pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what distribution has taken place within her Department and the purchasing organisations for which she has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Sackville
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exists and are enhanced by the Department's own internal purchasing and supply manual.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms' issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Earth Summit
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contribution her Department has made to Her Majesty's Government's proposals to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Brazil in June.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department has contributed to aspects of the conference which have implications for

  Parliamentary electors registered in each constituency in Greater London, 1983–1987

  Note: BC= borough constituency

  Parliamentary constituency

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Barking

  BC

  52,888

  52,686

  52,414

  52,317

  52,137

  Battersea

  BC

  66,518

  66,802

  67,172

  67,064

  67,462

  Beckenham

  BC

  59,384

  59,910

  60,075

  60,736

  60,718

  Bethnal Green and Stepney

  BC

  55,649

  54,721

  54,520

  54,982

  55,984

  Bexleyheath

  BC

  60,039

  60,319

  60,303

  60,053

  60,206

  Bow and Poplar

  BC

  58,209

  57,534

  57,515

  58,219

  59,503

  Brent East

  BC

  61,987

  61,917

  61,505

  61,396

  61,378

  Brent North

  BC

  63,377

  63,642

  63,691

  62,905

  63,652

  Brent South

  BC

  63,468

  63,352

  62,714

  63,020

  63,229

  Brentford and Isleworth

  BC

  69,824

  68,855

  68,185

  70,496

  72,371

  Carshalton and Wallington

  BC

  69,542

  69,746

  69,798

  69,973

  69,906

  Chelsea

  BC

  54,080

  52,496

  52,127

  49,080

  49,745

  Chingford

  BC

  56,903

  57,125

  57,260

  57,430

  57,417

  Chipping Barnet

  BC

  59,071

  59,220

  59,693

  60,377

  61,419

  Chislehurst

  BC

  55,261

  55,479

  55,679

  55,976

  56,142

  City of London and Westminster South, The

  BC

  68,007

  65,921

  64,233

  61,747

  57,619

  Croydon Central

  BC

  57,138

  57,368

  57,029

  57,120

  55,962

  Croydon North East

  BC

  63,433

  63,762

  63,726

  64,386

  63,627

  Croydon North West

  BC

  58,807

  58,674

  58,395

  58,946

  57,807

  Croydon South

  BC

  65,279

  65,777

  66,150

  66,440

  65,754

  Dagenham

  BC

  63,715

  63,396

  63,086

  62,910

  62,349

  Dulwich

  BC

  57,070

  57,041

  56,612

  56,618

  56,764

  Ealing, Acton

  BC

  62,639

  63,173

  64,179

  66,072

  67,615

  456
  health, in particular, the environmentally sound management of toxic chemicals was selected by the preparatory committee as one of the areas for which programmes of action should be agreed.

  In December last year the Chief Medical Officer chaired a meeting of experts from over 70 countries to discuss proposals for an intergovernmental mechanism for chemical risk assessment and management. A report has been put forward for consideration by the conference.

  Revenue Allocations
  Ms. Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are her proposals for monitoring the formula adjustments for revenue allocations to district health authorities made by regional health authorities in order to ensure consistency and stability in financial support.

  Mr. Sackville
  The NHS management executive is in regular contact with each of the regional health authorities (RHAs) about their formulae for making revenue allocations to district health authorities. The aim is to provide RHAs with advice and assistance in the development of their formulae and to ensure that the formulae meet common technical standards set out in FDL(91)102, issued in August 1991, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  London Constituencies
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the total number of electors registered in each parliamentary constituency in Greater London(a) on the current electoral register and (b) on the registers in force for each of the years from 1978–79 to 1991–92.

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of electors on registers between 1983 and 1992 are shown in the tables. There was a general reorganisation of parliamentary constituencies in 1983, and comparable figures for earlier years are not readily available.
  457

  Parliamentary constituency

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  Ealing North

  BC

  69,303

  69,456

  70,570

  71,736

  72,321

  Ealing, Southall

  BC

  72,252

  72,107

  73,535

  74,937

  75,660

  Edmonton

  BC

  65,558

  65,832

  66,198

  66,451

  66,719

  Eltham

  BC

  55,817

  55,633

  55,035

  54,702

  54,702

  Enfield North

  BC

  68,829

  69,173

  69,280

  69,653

  70,190

  Enfield, Southgate

  BC

  66,174

  66,643

  66,893

  67,062

  67,257

  Erith and Crayford

  BC

  56,837

  57,790

  58,648

  59,452

  60,015

  Feltham and Heston

  BC

  79,385

  78,450

  77,217

  80,108

  81,999

  Finchley

  BC

  56,176

  56,085

  56,292

  57.118

  58,143

  Fulham

  BC

  52,224

  51.529

  51,265

  52,786

  54,843

  Greenwich

  BC

  52,091

  51,554

  51,493

  51,246

  51,289

  Hackney North and Stoke Newington

  BC

  67,039

  68,220

  67,310

  65,807

  67,023

  Hackney South and Shoreditch

  BC

  71,649

  73,041

  71,950

  70,226

  71,167

  Hammersmith

  BC

  46,507

  47.250

  46,739

  48,264

  48,621

  Hampstead and Highgate

  BC

  66,981

  66,484

  64,151

  62,779

  63,592

  Harrow East

  BC

  80,837

  81,453

  82,131

  81,863

  81,842

  Harrow West

  BC

  74,017

  74,172

  74,310

  74,585

  74,771

  Hayes and Harlington

  BC

  58,309

  58,481

  58,462

  58,612

  58,931

  Hendon North

  BC

  55,173

  54,542

  54,466

  54,714

  55,534

  Hendon South

  BC

  54,403

  53,913

  53,804

  53,937

  54,959

  Holborn and St. Pancras

  BC

  71,964

  70,735

  69,285

  69.777

  70,901

  Hornchurch

  BC

  62,559

  62,730

  62,781

  62,935

  63,129

  Hornsey and Wood Green

  BC

  74,459

  75,170

  79,322

  81,443

  81,122

  Ilford North

  BC

  60,802

  60.856

  60,569

  60,824

  60,970

  Ilford South

  BC

  58,725

  58,675

  58,645

  58,956

  59,057

  Islington North

  BC

  60,379

  60,999

  60,058

  60,175

  59,241

  Islington South and Finsbury

  BC

  60,120

  59,268

  59,947

  59,269

  58,255

  Kensington

  BC

  50,123

  48,882

  49,135

  47,974

  48,456

  Kingston upon Thames

  BC

  57,460

  57,632

  55,930

  55,615

  55,411

  Lewisham Deptford

  BC

  59,150

  58,672

  57,809

  57,998

  58,656

  Lewisham East

  BC

  61,800

  61,387

  60,887

  60,625

  60,150

  Lewisham West

  BC

  63,663

  63,447

  62,736

  63,370

  63,473

  Leyton

  BC

  58,376

  58.168

  58,031

  58.163

  58,263

  Mitcham and Mordcn

  BC

  64,255

  63,775

  63,090

  63,585

  63,696

  Newham North East

  BC

  63,118

  62,840

  62,152

  61.861

  61,366

  Newham North West

  BC

  50,295

  49,670

  48,771

  49,180

  48,029

  Newham South

  BC

  50,862

  50,528

  51,323

  51,138

  50,711

  Norwood

  BC

  56,038

  54,334

  54,229

  56,423

  56,876

  Old Bexley and Sideup

  BC

  50,942

  51.011

  50,995

  51.073

  51,433

  Orpington

  BC

  59,588

  60,042

  60,274

  60,422

  60,373

  Peckham

  BC

  59,621

  59,915

  59,929

  59,623

  59,636

  Putney

  BC

  64,455

  64,089

  64,196

  63,761

  63,586

  Ravensbourne

  BC

  59,611

  60.127

  59,854

  59,941

  60,060

  Richmond and Barnes

  BC

  56,394

  57,135

  56,159

  56.157

  55,196

  Romford

  BC

  56,412

  56,556

  56,393

  56,221

  56,351

  Ruislip-Northwood

  BC

  57,027

  57.466

  56,951

  56,632

  56,957

  Southwark and Bermondsey

  BC

  56,235

  56,427

  55,226

  55.278

  55,786

  Streatham

  BC

  60,397

  59.286

  57,947

  60,036

  60,799

  Surbiton

  BC

  47,425

  47,682

  46,384

  46.443

  45,842

  Sutton and Cheam

  BC

  63,834

  64,138

  64,202

  64,289

  64,459

  Tooting

  BC

  68,732

  69,272

  69,519

  69,156

  68,670

  Tottenham

  BC

  68,601

  69,144

  74,744

  76,272

  76,713

  Twickenham

  BC

  64,833

  65,309

  64,919

  65,552

  65,281

  Upminster

  BC

  67,392

  67.530

  67,516

  67,787

  67,446

  Uxbridge

  BC

  62,360

  63.272

  63.055

  63.876

  63,856

  Vauxhall

  BC

  65,252

  64,237

  63,474

  65.478

  66,789

  Walthamstow

  BC

  48,842

  48.871

  48,972

  49,037

  49,222

  Wanstead and Woodford

  BC

  58,284

  58,347

  58,393

  58.432

  58,374

  Westminster North

  BC

  69,281

  69,970

  67,594

  65,506

  59,538

  Wimbledon

  BC

  64,772

  64,397

  63,827

  63.626

  63,880

  Woolwich

  BC

  56,961

  57.138

  57,801

  58,512

  58,666

  Total

  5,143,248

  5,139,853

  5,128,834

  5,146.722

  5,155,019

  Source: Population Estimates Unit, OPCS.

  The figures in this table arc those supplied by Electoral Registration Officers at the times when the registers come in to use each year.
  458 459

  Parliamentary electors registered in each constituency in Greater London, 1988–1992

  Note: BC = borough constituency

  Parliamentary constituency

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Barking

  BC

  51,885

  51,501

  51,503

  51,147

  50,998

  Battersea

  BC

  67,198

  66,508

  66,383

  67,187

  68,617

  Beckenham

  BC

  60,558

  60,336

  60,261

  59,764

  60,009

  Bethnal Green and Stepney

  BC

  55,326

  55,859

  54,895

  52,475

  56,165

  Bexleyheath

  BC

  60,105

  59,390

  58,966

  58,424

  58,421

  Bow and Poplar

  BC

  58,346

  57,884

  57,655

  53,493

  57,018

  Brent East

  BC

  59,821

  58,764

  58,693

  57,010

  53,610

  Brent North

  BC

  63,465

  62,424

  61,664

  60,672

  59,296

  Brent South

  BC

  61,787

  60,757

  60,463

  58,220

  56,317

  Brentford and Isleworth

  BC

  71,982

  70,547

  72,713

  72,532

  71,619

  Carshalton and Wallington

  BC

  67,224

  65,529

  65,736

  65,150

  65,857

  Chelsea

  BC

  46,763

  44,381

  45,618

  42,651

  42,549

  Chingford

  BC

  57,093

  56,219

  56,181

  56,393

  55,981

  Chipping Barnet

  BC

  60,880

  59,543

  58,269

  57,986

  57,721

  Chislehurst

  BC

  56,033

  55,609

  55,139

  54,675

  54.323

  City of London and Westminster South, The

  BC

  55,407

  55,454

  53,347

  54,823

  54,667

  Croydon Central

  BC

  55,506

  55,284

  53,792

  54,612

  56,292

  Croydon North East

  BC

  62,844

  63,547

  61,849

  62,911

  64,888

  Croydon North West

  BC

  56,825

  56,703

  54,015

  55,129

  57,691

  Croydon South

  BC

  65,491

  65,287

  63,963

  64,125

  65,539

  Dagenham

  BC

  61,689

  61,104

  61,110

  60,642

  60,254

  Dulwich

  BC

  56,354

  55,086

  54,849

  56,719

  55,420

  Ealing, Acton

  BC

  65,367

  64,236

  64,375

  58,926

  59,152

  Ealing North

  BC

  71,123

  70,012

  70,142

  64,685

  64,212

  Ealing, Southall

  BC

  74,304

  72,565

  72,698

  66,678

  66,371

  Edmonton

  BC

  65,593

  65,856

  65,490

  63,918

  63,535

  Eltham

  BC

  54,167

  53,542

  53,176

  53,136

  52,633

  Enfield North

  BC

  69,861

  69,754

  69,414

  68,617

  68,030

  Enfield, Southgate

  BC

  66,533

  66,436

  66,093

  65,183

  64,882

  Erith and Crayford

  BC

  60,367

  60,340

  60,642

  59,974

  59,936

  Feltham and Heston

  BC

  81,808

  80,714

  82,955

  83,169

  82,085

  Finchley

  BC

  58,667

  55,957

  53,779

  53,566

  53,322

  Fulham

  BC

  53,963

  52,107

  51,976

  52,419

  52,960

  Greenwich

  BC

  50,319

  49,007

  48,638

  49,110

  48,225

  Hackney North and Stoke Newington

  BC

  66,831

  67,475

  67,257

  64,975

  54,980

  Hackney South and Shoreditch

  BC

  71,003

  70,573

  70,229

  67,630

  58,225

  Hammersmith

  BC

  47,888

  47,198

  46,957

  47,022

  47,468

  Hampstead and Highgate

  BC

  62,578

  61,118

  60,057

  58,624

  58,436

  Harrow East

  BC

  81,280

  77,538

  76,918

  76,258

  75,435

  Harrow West

  BC

  74,175

  71,902

  71,582

  70,811

  70,340

  Hayes and Harlington

  BC

  58,855

  58,683

  58,853

  58,579

  54,979

  Hendon North

  BC

  55,068

  54,059

  52,220

  52,027

  52,066

  Hendon South

  BC

  53,966

  52,242

  49,128

  49,240

  48,816

  Holborn and St. Pancras

  BC

  70,154

  68,937

  67,034

  65,082

  64,721

  Hornchurch

  BC

  62,772

  62,228

  62,045

  61,509

  61,284

  Hornsey and Wood Green

  BC

  79,819

  78,030

  76,449

  74,341

  73,922

  Ilford North

  BC

  62,097

  61,303

  60,377

  60,067

  59,261

  Ilford South

  BC

  60,054

  59,139

  57,068

  57,005

  56,376

  Islington North

  BC

  57,005

  55,550

  55,206

  55,672

  56,589

  Islington South and Finsbury

  BC

  55,817

  55,309

  54,961

  55,130

  55,849

  Kensington

  BC

  45,998

  44,393

  45,482

  43,131

  42,327

  Kingston upon Thames

  BC

  54,054

  53,048

  51,648

  51,126

  51,559

  Lewisham, Deptford

  BC

  58,474

  57,818

  57,113

  56,780

  57,266

  Lewisham East

  BC

  59,889

  59,088

  58,655

  57,979

  57,959

  Lewisham West

  BC

  63,203

  62,242

  61,415

  60,434

  59,598

  Leyton

  BC

  57,751

  56,954

  57,682

  58,327

  57,755

  Mitcham and Morden

  BC

  63,197

  64,236

  64,772

  61,600

  64,392

  Newham North East

  BC

  61,315

  60,183

  59,453

  59,282

  60,057

  Newham North West

  BC

  47,814

  47,591

  46,786

  46,473

  46,855

  Newham South

  BC

  51,614

  52,000

  51,712

  51,007

  51,508

  Norwood

  BC

  56,528

  55,955

  55,123

  52,166

  52,730

  Old Bexley and Sidcup

  BC

  51,036

  50,507

  50,101

  49,934

  50,064

  Orpington

  BC

  59,958

  59,342

  58,825

  58,214

  58,090

  Peckham

  BC

  59,510

  59,430

  59,498

  61,288

  58,534

  460 461

  Parliamentary constituency

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Putney

  BC

  62,999

  62,017

  61,761

  61,883

  62,405

  Ravensbourne

  BC

  59,466

  58,758

  58,278

  57,992

  57,992

  Richmond and Barnes

  BC

  53,563

  51,746

  52,034

  52,080

  53,592

  Romford

  BC

  56,003

  55,537

  54,938

  54,654

  54,712

  Ruislip-Northwood

  BC

  56,661

  56,479

  56,070

  56,193

  54,654

  Southwark and Bermondsey

  BC

  56,024

  56,949

  57,858

  60,182

  60,511

  Streatham

  BC

  59,676

  58,969

  58,421

  55,844

  57,045

  Surbiton

  BC

  45,320

  44,344

  43,607

  42,561

  42,845

  Sutton and Cheam

  BC

  61,963

  60,631

  61,058

  61,017

  61,529

  Tooting

  BC

  67,635

  66,777

  66,599

  67,221

  68,766

  Tottenham

  BC

  76,092

  75,530

  73,196

  70,236

  68,769

  Twickenham

  BC

  64,571

  62,618

  63,551

  62,881

  63,702

  Upminster

  BC

  66,905

  66,066

  65,583

  64,990

  64,927

  Uxbridge

  BC

  64,122

  64,309

  64,721

  64,698

  62,306

  Vauxhall

  BC

  65,809

  65,060

  63,920

  61,739

  62,664

  Walthamstow

  BC

  49,072

  48,744

  49,319

  49,836

  49,603

  Wanstead and Woodford

  BC

  59,045

  58,521

  56,932

  57,131

  56,454

  Westminster North

  BC

  57,665

  55,414

  54,516

  57,742

  59,064

  Wimbledon

  BC

  62,912

  63,726

  62,745

  60,633

  62,520

  Woolwich

  BC

  58,269

  57,322

  57,214

  57,158

  56,534

  Total

  5,098,129

  5,031,830

  4,993,369

  4,934,505

  4,916,630

  Source: Population Estimates Unit, OPCS.

  The figures in this table are those supplied by Electoral Registration Officers at the times when the registers come in to use each year.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the estimated adult population in each parliamentary constituency in Greater London for each year since 1979.

  Estimated resident population of borough aged 18 and over(thousands)

  Area

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  Greater London

  5,236·9

  5,240·4

  5,242·6

  5,228·1

  5,235·3

  5,248·3

  City of London

  5·1

  5·0

  4·8

  4·8

  4·9

  4·8

  Barking and Dagenham

  114·6

  115·0

  115·1

  115·3

  114·7

  114·5

  Barnet

  226·4

  226·6

  228·1

  228·3

  228·5

  231·7

  Bexley

  160·3

  161·7

  162·8

  164·3

  165·6

  167·0

  Brent

  1920

  191·9

  193·3

  194·0

  194·9

  196·0

  Bromley

  225·5

  227·1

  228·5

  229·5

  232·6

  233·2

  Camden

  153·2

  149·9

  148·6

  146·5

  146·2

  146·7

  Croydon

  240·9

  241·1

  242·1

  243·2

  243·0

  242·8

  Ealing

  216·7

  214·4

  215·1

  215·4

  217·4

  221·8

  Enfield

  196·9

  198·1

  199·1

  200·4

  201·8

  202·9

  Greenwich

  158·8

  160·7

  161·0

  162·0

  162·4

  163·0

  Hackney

  136·8

  137·2

  137·6

  136·6

  139·1

  140·3

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  125·1

  123·3

  122·4

  121·2

  121·9

  122·0

  Haringey

  163·7

  163· I

  159·2

  157·7

  158·3

  154·8

  Harrow

  150·4

  151·3

  151·5

  151·9

  153·1

  155·3

  Havering

  180·1

  181·4

  181·5

  183·0

  183·3

  184·1

  Hillingdon

  173·6

  175·1

  177·1

  177·5

  179·3

  178·5

  Hounslow

  152·5

  154·4

  155·3

  156·1

  153·4

  151·2

  Islington

  128·8

  130·1

  130·6

  128·7

  128·8

  130·8

  Kensington and Chelsea

  120·1

  119·4

  117·7

  115·3

  113·2

  114·0

  Kingston upon Thames

  105·5

  105·3

  104·7

  104·7

  105·1

  105·9

  Lambeth

  197·0

  195·2

  195·3

  191·9

  190·0

  189·9

  Lewisham

  179·3

  180·3

  181·1

  179·4

  178·5

  179·3

  Merton

  129·8

  129·8

  130·8

  130·0

  128·9

  128·1

  Newham

  160·3

  159·0

  156·8

  157·0

  156·4

  155·8

  Redbridge

  176·5

  177·0

  176·8

  176·2

  176·2

  176·4

  Richmond upon Thames

  129·4

  128·4

  128·7

  128·0

  128·8

  128·9

  Southwark

  166·9

  167·9

  168·4

  165·9

  167·1

  167·3

  Sutton

  129·6

  130·5

  130·8

  131·4

  131·6

  132·0

  Tower Hamlets

  109·3

  109·4

  110·2

  109·5

  108·8

  109·0

  Waltham Forest

  164·4

  164·7

  164·4

  163·1

  162·8

  163·4

  Wandsworth

  205·9

  205·6

  204·3

  202·0

  202·3

  203·1

  City of Westminster

  161·7

  160·5

  159·1

  157·5

  156·2

  153·5

  462
  Mr. Sackville
  Population estimates are available for London boroughs but not for parliamentary constituencies. Mid-year estimates of persons aged 18 and over in each borough between 1979 and 1990 are shown in the table.
  463

  Notes:

  1 All figures are rounded to thousands.

  2 Totals may not agree due to rounding.

  3 Source: Population Estimates Unit, OPCS; Crown copyright.

  Estimated resident population of London Boroughs aged 18 and over

  Thousands

  Area

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  Greater London

  5,262·6

  5,267·6

  5,264·8

  5,233·4

  5,246·4

  5,268·3

  City of London

  4·4

  4·2

  4·0

  3·7

  3·6

  3·3

  Barking and Dagenham

  114·1

  113·8

  113·7

  113·4

  113·2

  113·2

  Barnet

  234·0

  236·3

  236·9

  233·1

  240·1

  239·7

  Bexley

  168·1

  170·0

  170·9

  171·2

  171·2

  171·5

  Brent

  196·0

  196·5

  197·2

  197·5

  195·5

  196·1

  Bromley

  233·8

  233·8

  235·4

  235·7

  236·9

  237·6

  Camden

  148·1

  149·5

  149·9

  147·2

  147·1

  147·9

  Croydon

  243·9

  244·7

  245·3

  244·2

  244·8

  246·5

  Ealing

  225·2

  227·9

  229·3

  230·0

  227·4

  227·2

  Enfield

  204·7

  205·4

  202·6

  202·2

  203·4

  205·2

  Greenwich

  163·5

  164·8

  164·0

  162·4

  161·7

  163·5

  Hackney

  140·1

  139·7

  139·8

  140·8

  142·9

  142·6

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  121·9

  121·2

  121·2

  119·6

  118·2

  118·5

  Haringey

  152·6

  151·5

  149·5

  148·2

  146·1

  147·9

  Harrow

  155·7

  155·9

  154·4

  151·9

  149·2

  147·9

  Havering

  184·3

  184·8

  185·1

  184·1

  182·2

  182·0

  Hillingdon

  179·1

  179·0

  178·7

  179·3

  181·9

  182·1

  Hounslow

  149·2

  148·4

  147·7

  145·0

  149·0

  150·0

  Islington

  132·7

  132·3

  132·6

  132·7

  132·6

  135·6

  Kensington and Chelsea

  114·7

  113·7

  109·5

  102·7

  105·7

  105·0

  Kingston upon Thames

  106·0

  106·1

  105·0

  107·0

  108·3

  110·5

  Lambeth

  189·5

  190·5

  189·0

  185·9

  184·4

  179·0

  Lewisham

  179·7

  179·3

  178·9

  176·5

  174·4

  173·4

  Merton

  128·7

  128·9

  128·2

  128·1

  128·0

  128·5

  Newham

  155·3

  152·4

  153·1

  153·1

  152·9

  153·6

  Redbridge

  178·0

  178·3

  180·3

  180·9

  182·3

  184·3

  Richmond upon Thames

  129·8

  130·3

  131·3

  129·4

  131·5

  134·1

  Southwark

  167·5

  167·3

  167·5

  167·2

  168·9

  172·7

  Sutton

  132·5

  132·1

  132·2

  131·9

  132·6

  131·9

  Tower Hamlets

  110·6

  114·7

  119·3

  121·3

  122·6

  124·6

  Waltham Forest

  165·0

  165·0

  164·5

  163·7

  162·7

  164·0

  Wandsworth

  204·2

  203·1

  204·5

  204·2

  203·9

  203·8

  City of Westminster

  150·0

  146·2

  143·2

  139·4

  141·2

  144·7

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to thousands

  2. Totals may not agree due to rounding

  3. Source: Population Estimates Unit, OPCS: Crown copyright

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give separate figures for the spending by her Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is her latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information for the years 1979–80 to 1987–88 is not available in the form requested.

  The Department's budget for communications and publicity includes provision for nurse recruitment, blood donor recruitment and drug misuse campaigns.

  Expenditure is as follows:

  £million

  1988–89

  Television

  1·662

  Radio

  0·205

  Newspaper

  1·196

  Other Material

  7·736

  1989–90

  Television

  3·549

  Radio

  0·127

  Newspaper

  2·739

  464

  million

  Other Material

  10·828

  1990–91

  Television

  1·900

  Radio

  0·005

  Newspaper

  2·258

  Other Material

  16·845

  1991–92

  Television

  4·489

  Radio

  0·015

  Newspaper

  3·104

  Other Material

  16·863

  The budget for communications and publicity for 1992–93 is £26·2 million.

  South Manchester Hospitals
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information her Department has on plans or proposals for reorganising south Manchester's hospitals; what is the earliest date on which she expects any reorganisation could proceed; and if she will make a statement.
  465
  Mr. Sackville
  Responsibility for planning hospital services in South Manchester is a matter for the North Western regional health authority and South Manchester health authority.

  It is the long term objective of South Manchester health authority to concentrate acute hospital services in South Manchester on a single site. This proposal is subject to detailed consultation and to consideration by the regional health authority.

  Interim proposals to transfer maternity services from Withington hospital to Wythenshaw hospital are presently the subject of further discussions between North Western regional health authority and South Manchester health authority.

  Asthma
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of children under five years, five to 10 years, and 10 years plus are asthma sufferers by health district for Greater London according to the latest available statistics; and what is the number for each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Birth Statistics
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children were born in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years; and how many and what percentage of those children were born to parents who were married at the time of their birth.

  Mr. Sackville
  The numbers of live births in the United Kingdom in 1987 to 1991 were as follows:

  Total births

  Births within marriage

  Percentage of births within marriage

  1987

  775,617

  598,085

  77·1

  1988

  787,556

  589,516

  74·9

  1989

  777,276

  570,586

  73·4

  1990

  798,612

  575,768

  72·1

  11991

  792,506

  556,393

  70·2

  1 Provisional. Source (OPCS).

  Cot Deaths
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list by socio-economic class the number of deaths in England and Wales registered as(a) cot death and (b) sudden infant death syndrome in 1990.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 20 May 1992]: The information requested is given in the table.

  Numbers of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths and of Cot death.s by father's social class, England, Wales and Elsewhere1, 1990.

  Father's social class

  1990 Number of SIDS

  1990 Number of Cot Deaths

  I

  48

  51

  II

  159

  172

  IIIN

  65

  68

  IIIM

  349

  377

  IV

  177

  196

  V

  140

  153

  Other

  96

  102

  466

  Father's social class

  1990 Number of SIDS

  1990 Number of Cot Deaths

  Not stated

  121

  125

  Total

  1,155

  1,244

  1 These data may include some cases of children normally resident overseas.

  Home Care Workers
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she has issued any advice to local authorities regarding the grading of female home care workers following the recent ruling of the industrial tribunal in East Sussex.

  Mr. Yeo
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: No. The grading of staff is a matter for local authorities to determine in their capacity as employers.

  Dentists
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if she will make a statement on the remuneration of NHS dentists.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  [pursuant to the reply 12 May 1992 col. 85]: At a meeting today with representatives of the General Dental Services Committee (GDSC) I put forward fair and reasonable proposals on dentists' remuneration.

  For the present year 1992–93 the intention of the Doctors and Dentists Remuneration Review Body (DDRB) was that, on average, a dentist's net earnings should be £35,815. This represented an 8·5 per cent. increase in dentists' net remuneration. The Government accepted this recommendation for a greater increase than was awarded to either doctors or nurses.

  The evidence suggests that, if left unchanged, the July 1991 fee scale would provide in 1992–93 very substantially more than the DDRB recommended.

  Calculations presented to the GDSC today show that, to bring the increase in dentists' income back to the level recommended by the DDRB, a fee reduction of about 23 per cent. would be needed now. The longer action is delayed, the more this figure rises.

  I have weighed all the available evidence carefully. This includes the views put to me by dentists and their representatives, the results of the joint inquiry which the Health Departments and the GDSC began in February, and the emerging data on payments in the last financial quarter of 1991–92 to dentists.

  Even allowing for some significant margin for error the evidence suggests that actual income will be much higher than intended income unless action is taken now.

  I therefore propose a 7 per cent. lowering of the fee scale with effect from 8 July.

  I also propose to reduce to £200 the ceiling at which courses of treatment require prior approval from the Dental Practice Board. It is reasonable in the present circumstances for dentists to have to seek prior approval from the Dental Practice Board of their plans for more expensive treatments. This will apply to some 3 per cent. of courses of treatment carried out.

  These proposals represent the best way forward for patients, for dentists and taxpayers. They underline our full commitment to the NHS dental service. The chief executive of the NHS is writing to all regional general

  467
  managers and family health services authority managers today to stress to them the need to maintain the availability of NHS general dental services, if necessary, by employing salaried dentists.

  For the future, the Government remain committed to a fundamental review of dental remuneration. I look to that review to develop a system which more effectively and fairly remunerates all dentists for the important work they do.

  Smoking
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 12 May,Official Report, column 84, (1) when she expects to have information or indications on the proportions of smokers in the United Kingdom and in each other European Community country later then the 1989 figures in the British Medical Journal;

  (2) what information she receives from the European Commission on the trends in smoking in each or any parts of the European Community.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [pursuant to his reply 21 May 1992 col. 228]: the figure given for smoking prevalance in the United Kingdom for 1990 should have been 30 per cent. rather than 39 per cent.

EMPLOYMENT

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total sum paid out in fees by her Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is her estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Expenditure on management consultancy in the Employment Department group in each year from 1984–85 to 1990–91 was as follows:

  £ thousands

  1984–85

  365

  1985–86

  365

  1986–87

  1,032

  1987–88

  653

  1988–89

  998

  1989–90

  1,482

  1990–91

  1,782

  1991–92

  15,344

  1 Estimated outturn.

  The information for 1992–93 will be reported to Parliament in the usual way. Information for 1979–80 to 1983–84 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many persons are registered as available for work in the SW9 postal code area of London; and how many are currently registered as unemployed.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  In April 1992, on the unadjusted basis, the number of claimants unemployed in the SW9 postal code area was 1,027.

  This monthly unemployment count relates to claimants of benefits at unemployment benefit offices on the day of
  468
  the count. Claimants include those people who claim unemployment benefit, income support or national insurance credits and who state that they are available for, and actively seeking, work.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list the public opinion surveys carried out by her Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Department's various research branches do not commission public opinion surveys as such. However, they do carry out research projects on a variety of employment-related issues which involve surveys of individuals. The following list shows those research studies, commissioned or partly funded by the Employment Department group (ED, Employment Service, Health and Safety Executive and the Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service), which have involved surveys of individuals commissioned since 1 November 1991.

  Barriers to Returning to Work

  NUBS 2 Client Survey

  Restart Courses Follow Up Survey

  New Clients Follow-up Survey

  North West Off Flows Study

  Evaluation of Job Interview Guarantee Scheme

  Ethnic Origin Equal Opportunities Survey

  Attitudes Towards Part-Time and Flexible Working Hours

  British Household Panel Study

  Investors in People

  Second Chance

  Disability Symbol and Disability Advertising

  Employers Attitudes to Jobcentres and the Employment of People with Disabilities

  Jobclub Monitor

  Just the Job Booklet Research

  Insight Readership Survey

  Youth Training
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people aged 16 and 17 years have applied for youth training; and how many have not been given a youth training place at once in each training and enterprise council area.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what income a 16 or 17-year-old receives on youth training, in any week, waiting for a youth training place; how many people aged 16 or 17 years waiting for a youth training place have been receiving income or income support; and how soon after applying for youth training a 16 or 17-year-old can receive income while waiting for a place to become available.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The following arrangements apply:

  (i) A young person on youth training (YT) in employed status will receive a wage at a level agreed with the employer.

  (ii) A non-employed trainee must receive at least £29.50 per week if under 17 years old and £35 per week if 17 or over.

  (iii) A young person waiting for YT may either have a place booked and be waiting to take it up, or may be seeking the offer of a place. In either case that young person, if under 18 years of age, may be eligible for a YT bridging allowance of £15 per week from the

  469
  Employment Service for up to eight weeks in any 12 month period or, if they run the risk of severe hardship, they may be eligible to receive income support through the severe hardship provision.

  (iv) Even if they are not eligible for any of the payments in (iii) above, young people waiting for YT may still receive income from a variety of sources. The number of young people waiting for YT who have an income of their own cannot therefore be estimated accurately.

  (v) Young people eligible for bridging allowance (except for some special groups) cannot start receiving bridging allowance until they have left a previous job or YT place, made an application, and waited for their first girocheque payment.

  (vi) Young persons can secure income support (including severe hardship payments) as soon as they satisfy the eligibility criteria. They may be able to secure assistance through a crisis loan until regular payments commence.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of the total work force in her Department are registered as disabled; what steps she is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within her Department; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A total of 3·2 per cent. at June 1991, the latest date for which figures are available. The Department also employs many other people with disabilities who have chosen not to register. It has also implemented the code of practice on the employment of people with disabilities in the civil service.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will give separate figures for the spending by her Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is her latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Expenditure on advertising and promotional material by the Department of Employment from 1979–80 to 1985–86 was as follows:

  £

  1979–80

  70,000

  1980–81

  320,000

  1981–82

  400,000

  1982–83

  360,000

  1983–84

  500,000

  1984–85

  320,000

  1985–86

  1,220,000

  Figures for television, radio and newspaper advertising and other promotional material are not available separately. The figures for 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92 are as follows:

  Year

  Television

  Press/Radio

  Other promotional

  £ million

  £million

  £ million

  1986–87

  9·3

  3·0

  4·1

  1987–88

  3·3

  0·8

  2·8

  1988–89

  2·1

  2·3

  1·3

  1989–90

  0·9

  0·9

  1·2

  1990–91

  N/A

  0·5

  2·1

  1991–92

  8·5

  4·1

  5·7

  470
  The figures from 1979–80 to 1990–91 refer only to Department of Employment expenditure. They do not cover expenditure by the former Training Agency, Training Commission and Manpower Services Commission. Figures for these were provided to the hon. Member in a written reply on 5 November 1991 at col. 68–70. From 1991–92, expenditure by the former agency has been handled centrally within the Department's overall advertising and publicity budget.

  The Department's overall advertising and publicity budget for 1992–93 is £8·35 million. Detailed decisions on expenditure by media category have not yet been taken.

  High Peak TEC
  Ms. Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of young people offered training places by High Peak training and enterprise council within the last two years(a) finished their training and (b) found full-time jobs.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The information required is not available in the form requested. Stockport and High Peak TEC became operational on 20 August 1990 previously the area came partly under Manchester East area office and Derbyshire area office. The latest information is for leavers from the youth training programme in the Stockport and High Peak TEC area during the period August 1990 to July 1991.

  Thirty four per cent. of all leavers completed their training and 52 per cent. of all leavers went into full-time work.

  Horizon Programme
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list all the United Kingdom participants in the European Community Horizon programme and the nature of each project; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A total of 37 projects have been formally approved under the Horizon programme in Great Britain. Information relating to these projects has been extracted from individual applications and is given in the following table. This was correct at 22 May 1992.

  A further 45 projects have been given approval in principle. These will receive formal approval once outstanding queries on financial and transnational aspects are resolved.

  Brothers of Charity Lancashire
  To implement new techniques that identify economic sectors that are apt for vocational training and employment for people with a mental handicap.

  Bilston Community College
  To provide training and support to a group of Special Needs Trainers from Greece who wish to develop training provision in Greece.

  Lancashire County Council
  To develop a model programme of training for the physically disabled to enter the tourism industry.

  Lancashire County Council
  To develop model programmes of training and supported employment for those with physical and mental disabilities which will promote their inclusion into society.

  Brothers of Charity
  To provide training for open employment in horticulture/agriculture business for people with a mental handicap.
  471
  University of Nottingham
  To establish a model for the computer mediated training of disabled people in Information Technology skills for employment in business and commerce.

  Manchester Council for Voluntary Services
  To support the creation of small business (Social Firms) providing an integrated work setting for people with mental distress.

  Essex CDA
  To facilitate the progression from sheltered workshop to open employment for long term unemployed mentally disabled people aged 25 and over.

  Richmond Fellowship London
  To offer an employment service to people with long term mental health problems and locate and develop appropriate training and employment opportunities.

  Department of Adult Continuing Education University College Swansea
  To enable physically handicapped people to gain the necessary qualifications and skills to work in open employment. These skills are primarily in Information Technology.

  Kent Social Services
  To enable people with severe learning and/or physical disabilities to gain access to the world of work by providing opportunities for vocational training, work experience, voluntary work and paid employment in ordinary workplaces.

  Wheels For Change Clwyd
  The creation of employment and training opportunities for people who have multiple disabilities in the context of open integrated employment in two existing bicycle co-operatives.

  Scottish Interactive Technology Centre Midlothian
  To develop a multi-media based (interactive video) training package to enable deaf people to acquire skills using computers, word processing, spreadsheet and databases.

  WMCE Ltd. Berkshire
  To develop a training programme targeted at very long term unemployed persons with no relevant or obsolete skills.

  Centre flit- Deaf Studies University al. Bristol
  The provision of modularised training programmes for sign language interpreters within a university framework.

  Bradford and Ilkley Community College
  To develop models for training for disabled people; including those whose hearing is impaired; that will help them obtain employment in community education settings, including distance learning via satellite broadcasting and computer aided learning.

  Hertfordshire College of Art and Design
  To devise training modules in specialised techniques using the arts within rehabilitation and training settings, particularly related to the transfer from institutional and community care.

  The Cellar Project West Yorkshire
  A programme to give unemployed people disabled by long term psychiatric illness but capable of open employment the necessary vocational and social skills and work experience to make the transition from sheltered to open employment.

  Newcastle Upon Tyne City Council
  To develop a flexible learning programme for people with learning difficulties to equip them with a range of skills suited to their individual capabilities.

  Park Lane College West Yorkshire
  To provide vocational training leading to recognised qualifications and/or stable employment for long term unemployed people with both physical and sensory disabilities.

  Brothers of Charity Lancashire
  To identify economic sectors apt for vocational training and employment for people with mental handicap. Employment placement and supported employment to lead to open employment for some individuals.

  Edinburgh University Settlement
  To set up specialist training courses in Adult Basic
  472
  Education and Art Therapy and make the transition from sheltered environments to mainstream education, training for vocational qualifications and open employment.

  Swansea College
  To develop a course for mentally handicapped people which will enable them to find suitable employment within the local tourist industry.

  Hammersmith & Fulham Association for Mental Health (MIND)
  To enable people who have experienced unemployment and who have a history of disabling mental health difficulties (psychiatric service users) to acquire and use practical work skills which will allow them to work flexibly as general handypersons.

  Nriteal Mari Tyne & Wear
  To increase the skill levels of house-bound disabled people in modern technologies and offer NVQ's in order for them to compete effectively in the labour market.

  Social Firms Initiative Berkshire
  To demonstrate that people with mental health problems can function efficiently and on a commercial basis when they are supported within the context of a Social Firm.

  Subs Trust Avon
  To assist people who have experienced mental illness or emotional distress to make the best use of their work skills and abilities and secure employment with on-going support.

  London Borough of Waltham Forest
  To integrate people with learning difficulties into open employment and demonstrate their potential if they are given the necessary support.

  Outset West Midlands
  To deliver a training programme which facilities social and labour market integration for people with a mental illness who are returning to care in the community.

  National Society for Epilepsy Buckinghamshire
  To provide young people with epilepsy with a specialised training service geared to their specific needs and problems, and thereby enhance their chances of securing employment.

  Epilepsy Association of Scotland
  To improve the knowledge and skills of training personnel involved in the training of people with severe epilepsy to enable them to facilitate the transition of young people with epilepsy from the training situation to open employment.

  Westminster Association for Mental Health
  To develop a programme of training and supervised work experience in computing and information technology leading to a recognised vocational qualification and employment opportunities for long term unemployed people aged 25+ with disabilities resulting from mental illness.

  Scottish Association for Mental Health
  To provide improved access to the open labour market for people disabled by mental illness by developing small and medium sized enterprises and co-operatives and by making other business opportunities available to them.

  Work-start Scotland
  Implementing new approaches to social and economic integration of long term unemployed people, and increase their job entry rate by increasing the quality of training.

  Migrants Resource Centre London
  To prepare migrants and refugees through training and vocational guidance to enter into mainstream employment.

  LAWTEC Lancashire
  To identify homeless people through a network of agencies and assess their needs, skills and aptitudes, and to arrange accommodation linked to appropriate training, employment and/or further education with ongoing counselling.

  Bristol One-Parent Project
  To upgrade and develop the qualifications of lone

  473
  parents by setting up pre-training courses in a supportive network, and assist re-entry into open employment by offering educational and career guidance, developing an information bank on childcare facilities and counselling and financial advice.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is her estimate of receipts in the United Kingdom during the current year from the Horizon programme; what proportion this represents of total European Community expenditure on the programme; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Horizon programme in Great Britain has received an allocation of 14·9 mecu£10·38 million—for the calendar years 1991–93. This represents 10·8 per cent. of the 162 mecu allocated to member states to date under Horizon by the European Commission.

  Success rates for Employment Training and Youth Training leavers from East London Areas covered are London East TEC and residual TEED area office from April 1991 to July 1991 and East London area office from April 1990 to March 1991

  Completed training per cent.

  Completers into work per cent.

  All leavers into work per cent.

  Completers into work as proportion of all leavers per cent.

  Employment Training

  April 1990 to March 1991

  48

  20

  18

  10

  April 1991 to July 1991

  54

  12

  13

  5

  Youth Training

  April 1990 to March 1991

  27

  66

  44

  20

  April 1991 to July 1991

  28

  n/a

  39

  22

  Notes: n/a= numbers too small to give accurate proportions.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list the size of the budget, and the number of training places funded in 1991–92 and projected for 1992–93 for each training and enterprise council.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that my predecessor gave to the then hon. Member for Langbaurgh on 3 February 1992 at columns 32–33.

  The budget allocations for training and enterprise councils (TECs) for 1992–93 are still subject to negotiation in some of the Department's training, enterprise and education directorate regions and therefore not yet available. Information regarding the number of training places funded is not available as TECs have contracted with local training providers on a training week basis.

  England and Wales

  Name

  Training and Enterprise Council Location

  Nomix-Chipman Ltd.

  Avon

  Brindon Ropes Ltd.

  Barnsley/Doncaster

  Frizzell Financial Services Ltd.

  Dorset

  Unilever Research Colworth Laboratory

  Bedfordshire

  IDV UK Ltd.

  Essex

  Woods of Colchester Ltd.

  Essex

  Monsanto plc, Newport

  Gwent

  Tulsa Holdings

  Gwent

  Alternative Travel Group

  Heart of England

  Sheerness Steel Company plc

  Kent

  Elida Gibbs Ltd.

  Leeds

  Yorkshire Bank plc

  Leeds

  Pirelli Cables Ltd., Aberdare

  Mid Glamorgan

  Training
  Mr. Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will state, on the same basis as "Training Statistics 1991" HMSO publication S410.4,(a) the total expenditure on training, (b) Government expenditure on training and (c) employers' expenditure on training, for each year since 1979.

  Mr. McLouglin
  Comparable figures for years other than 1986–87, as published in "Training Statistics 1991", are not available.

  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many of those completing employment training and youth training schemes in Walthamstow in 1990 and 1991 went on to full-time employment; and what proportion of the trainees on the schemes this represented.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Walthamstow is now covered by London East TEC which became operational on 1 April 1991, previously Walthamstow was covered by East London area office. Information is available only for the larger areas as shown in the following table.

  Information regarding the number of training weeks contracted is commercial in confidence and a matter for the TEC to answer.

  "Investor in People" Scheme
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list by name and location the organisations which(a) have been awarded the "Investor in People" recognition and (b) are in the process of working towards the standard required for the award.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The latest available information on organisations in Great Britain which have been publicly recognised as "Investors in People" is as follows:
  475

  Name

  Training and Enterprise Council Location

  Qualtech Services Ltd.

  Mid Glamorgan

  Hoseasons Holidays Ltd.

  Norfolk and Waveney

  Willmott Dixon Eastern Ltd.

  Norfolk and Waveney

  Lonrho Textiles Ltd.

  Northumberland

  Searle Pharmaceuticals

  Norhumberland

  Prospect Foods Ltd.

  North Yorkshire

  Perrys of Rotherham

  Rotherham

  Venture Pressings Ltd.

  Shropshire

  Appor Ltd.

  Southern Derbyshire

  Steetley Brick and Concrete (Central Region)

  Staffordshire

  A Plus Group Ltd.

  Thames Valley Enterprise

  Komatsu UK Ltd.

  Tyneside

  Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd.

  Wearside

  Edward Howell Galvanisers Ltd.

  Wolverhampton

  Slade Packaging Ltd.

  Norfold and Waveney

  Tack Training International

  Central London

  Birds Eye Walls (Humberside)

  Humberside

  Headlines

  Merseyside

  TRW REPA Ltd.

  County Durham

  Birds Eye Walls (Gloucester)

  Gloucestershire

  Prudence Gowns

  Devon and Cornwall

  Plymouth Garden Centre

  Devon and Cornwall

  Vander Ltd.

  Devon and Cornwall

  South West Galvanisers Ltd.

  Devon and Cornwall

  Allied Group Ltd.

  Teesside

  Lucas Aerospace (Actuation Division)

  Wolverhampton

  Birds Eye Walls (Anglia)

  Norfolk and Waveney

  Bishop Fleming

  Devon and Cornwall

  Claro Precision Engineering Ltd.

  North Yorkshire

  V. G. Elemental Ltd.

  South and East Cheshire

  Davy McKee (Poole) Ltd.

  Dorset

  TRW United-Carr Ltd.

  Thames Valley Enterprise

  Bendix Safety Restraint Division Ltd.

  Cumbria

  The Belmont Group

  Metrotec (Wigan)

  Fastech Testing Ltd.

  Metrotec (Wigan)

  Scotland

  Name

  Local Enterprise Company Location

  Amerada Hess Ltd. (Aberdeen Operations Division)

  Grampian Enterprise

  The Royal Bank of Scotland (Branch Banking Division)

  Lothian and Edinburgh

  Information about the names and locations of organisations which are in the process of working towards the standard required for recognition is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The latest available numerical information from the training and enterprise councils in England and Wales and local enterprise companies in Scotland is that at 31 March 1992, 1,010 organisations were formally committed to work towards recognition.

  Employment Prospects (Isle of Wight)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will consider the Isle of Wight for a pilot study into employment prospects for women, in the light of the increase revealed in the 1991 census returns.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  There are no plans for a special study covering the Isle of Wight. The increases between 1981 and 1991 in the percentages of women on the Isle of Wight working as full-time employees, part-time employees and as self-employed, and the small decline in the percentage who are unemployed, show that, as in the United Kingdom as a whole, employment opportunities for women have increased.

  City Working Hours
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether firms in the City of London, such as stockbrokers and merchant bankers, whose staff work more than a 48-hour basic week would need to seek derogation under the terms of the draft directive on working hours as it currently stands.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In its current form the draft directive on working time would apply to all employees except for those in transport and sea fishing. Derogations would be permitted in certain circumstances, including cases where the duration of working time can be determined by the employees themselves, such as managing executives or other people with autonomous decision taking powers. These maybe of relevance to the financial services sector. Notwithstanding possible derogations, the Government see no justification for general and compulsory limits on the working week and are continuing, through constructive discussions with our Community partners, to seek to protect employers and employees in the United Kingdom against arbitrary and unnecessary restrictions.

  Age Discrimination
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment whether she will introduce legislation to ban discrimination against employees on grounds of age or the setting of arbitrary age limits.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  No. We do not believe that legislation is the way to tackle this issue.

  Older Workers
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when she expects to complete the setting up of the special advisory group on older workers; what are its terms of reference; and when it will start and complete its work.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  We have received an encouraging number of expressions of interest about the advisory group on older workers, and will soon be in a position to issue invitations for membership. The group will assist in encouraging, identifying and disseminating good employer practice with regard to older workers. It will start work later this year, and progress will be reviewed after three years.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefits (Late Payment)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to publish the rules governing the schemes for compensating individuals for late payment of benefits.

  Mr. Burt
  The arrangements for making special payments to compensate individuals for late payment of benefit are made in accordance with the general principles concerning ex-gratia payments in "Government Accounting", The Treasury's published guide to accounting and financial procedures in Government. Each case is decided within these general principles, taking into account the particular facts and circumstances, which vary widely from case to case.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many individuals received compensation payments; and how much was paid, for each benefit in each year since the scheme for compensating individuals for late payment began.

  Mr. Burt
  Payments made to customers to compensate them for late payment of benefit in individual cases are as follows:

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  1984–85

  Maternity allowance

  1

  9

  National insurance contributions (refund/waiver)

  5

  552

  Retirement pension2

  45

  9,474

  Widow's benefits

  11

  11,062

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  37

  6,046

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  5

  999

  Disablement benefit/constant attendance allowance

  1

  78

  478

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  Unemployment benefit

  25

  1,350

  Industrial death benefit

  1

  23

  Severe hardship allowance

  3

  1,130

  Mobility allowance

  1

  90

  NCIP

  2

  316

  War pensions

  34

  59,869

  Supplementary benefits

  3—

  3—

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £.

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  3 Figures unavailable.

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  1985–86

  Retirement pension2

  359

  264,150

  Widow's benefits

  16

  9,863

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  31

  12,535

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  6

  1,016

  Disablement benefit/constant attendance allowance

  4

  4,684

  Industrial death benefit

  1

  22

  Child special allowance

  1

  163

  Severe hardship allowance

  1

  154

  Unemployment benefit

  13

  562

  War pensions

  60

  89,940

  Supplementary benefits

  48

  1,938

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £.

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  1986–87

  Maternity allowance

  3

  59

  National insurance contributions (waiver/refund)

  3

  104

  Retirement pension2

  460

  403,037

  Widow's benefits

  20

  20,517

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  87

  28,850

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  10

  4,661

  Mobility allowance

  2

  959

  Severe disablement allowance/NCIP

  2

  1,100

  Disablement benefit/constant attendance allowance

  5

  2,089

  Guardian's allowance

  1

  48

  War pensions

  59

  64,100

  Industrial death benefit

  2

  149

  Supplementary benefits

  3—

  3—

  Child benefit/one parent benefit/Family income supplement

  3—

  3—

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  3 Figures unavailable.

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  1987–88

  Maternity allowance

  1

  20

  National insurance contributions (waiver/refund)

  9

  2,985

  Retirement pension2

  469

  473,941

  Widow's benefits

  23

  39,006

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  66

  23,220

  479

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  7

  2,184

  Mobility allowance

  41

  32,232

  Disablement benefit/constant attendance allowance

  15

  5,149

  Unemployment benefit

  1

  118

  War pensions

  20

  56,411

  Severe disablement allowance/NCIP

  3

  1,331

  Supplementary benefit

  254

  51,237

  Child benefit/one parent benefit/Family credit

  2

  317

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £.

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  1988–89

  Maternity allowance

  2

  99

  National insurance contributions (waiver/refund)

  2

  534

  Retirement pension2

  167

  127,997

  Widow's benefits

  16

  8,476

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  67

  18,932

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  10

  3,502

  Mobility allowance

  7

  6,203

  Severe disablement allowance/NCIP

  7

  3,016

  Disablement benefit/constant attendance allowance

  10

  8,285

  Guardians allowance

  37

  495

  Income support

  204

  47,610

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £.

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  Benefit

  Number of individual payment.

  Total amount paid1 £

  1989–90

  Maternity allowance

  1

  34

  National insurance contributions (waiver refund)

  9

  987

  Retirement pension2

  127

  50,750

  Widow's benefits

  9

  28,115

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  86

  44,048

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  6

  6,983

  Mobility allowance

  7

  4,454

  Severe disablement allowance/NCIP

  4

  2,631

  Income support

  153

  32,458

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £.

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  1990–91

  Maternity allowance

  8

  789

  National insurance contributions (waiver/refund)

  10

  931

  Retirement pension2

  103

  76,271

  Widow's benefits

  11

  9,875

  Invalidity/sickness benefit

  39

  15,686

  Attendance allowance/invalid care allowance

  6

  3,417

  480

  Benefit

  Number of individual payments

  Total amount paid1 £

  Mobility allowance

  2

  3,481

  Severe disablement allowance/NCIP

  2

  750

  Income support

  122

  199,657

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest £.

  2 Includes Christmas bonus.

  1991–92

  Figures are not yet available.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assumptions he made about (i) the case load take-up rate and (ii) the expenditure take-up rate of family credit when calculating the extra cost of £49 million of the change in qualifying hours threshold for income support/family credit.

  Mr. Burt
  No explicit assumption on take-up rates were required, or employed, in calculating the cost of the hours rule change.

  The effects of changes in entitlement are calculated by adjusting modelled entitlement to reflect the ratio of receipt to modelled entitlement under existing policies. This allows for a number of factors that affect policy cost estimates, including incomplete take-up of benefit. These calculations are then further adjusted by adding estimates of behavioural changes likely to be induced by the policy change.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of people in Greater London entitled to claim family credit actually receive the benefit.

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested is not available. Estimates of the total number of families eligible for family credit can be obtained only for Great Britain as a whole, and only retrospectively, from Family Expenditure Survey data.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many weeks elapsed between application and receipt of family credit for(a) employed people and (b) self-employed people in each of the years for which family credit has been available; and what is the current figure;

  (2) if he will list the total number of appeals lodged by (a) employed and (b) self-employed people against decisions not to grant family credit to applicants in each year since its inception; and if he will show the number of successful appeals in each year.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of family credit is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a table showing the gross and net social fund budget in each year since 1988–89 in(a) cash terms and (b) real terms in 1992–93 prices, broken down into (i) budgeting loans, (ii) crisis loans and (iii) community care grants.
  481
  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is in the table. Gross expenditure has risen in real terms since 1988–89. Direct comparisons between net expenditure in 1988–89

  Social fund expenditure since 1988–89

  £ million

  1988–89 Outturn

  1989–90 Outturn

  1990–91 Outturn

  1991–92 Provisional Outturn

  Crisis loans (gross)

  17

  22

  28

  37

  Budgeting loans (gross)

  108

  119

  128

  160

  Crisis loans (net)

  9

  8

  9

  11

  Budgeting loans (net)

  68

  25

  22

  38

  Community care grants

  41

  60

  67

  79

  Regulated payments (gross)

  35

  39

  58

  62

  Regulated payments (net)

  34

  38

  57

  61

  Total gross expenditure

  201

  240

  281

  338

  Total gross expenditure 1992–93 prices1

  259

  290

  313

  353

  1 Real terms figures have been calculated using the current GDP deflator and may alter.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is in the table.

  Survey and Purpose

  Pilot work far the local customer survey
  To test the new questionnaires for the local customer survey 1992. This is a survey of the views of benefit offices' customers about the services provided. Conducted in February 1992.

  Disability benefits campaign evaluation
  Two waves of campaign evaluation conducted in January and April 1992.

  Child Support Agency
  Target market study among the Asian sector of the population. Currently being conducted.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Functions commonly associated with public relations are carried out by information officers as part of their duties in the Department's information division.

  For information for 1979–80 to 1989–90, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 22 May 1991 at col. 535.

  Estimated total expenditure in 1991–92 is as follows:
  Publicity, which includes television advertising and leaflets: £11·407 million.
  Staff and running costs: total expenditure figures are not yet available.

  1992–93 budgets for the headquarters information division and the Benefits Agency information service branch in the Department of Social Security are as follows:

  DSS HQ £ million

  BA £ million

  Publicity

  10·088

  8·261

  Staff running costs

  ·813

  1·25

  ·345

  482
  and subsequent years would ignore the additional expenditure made possible by the recycling of money received from loan repayments.

  Social Security Offices
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the number and organisation of social security offices.

  Mr. Burt
  The number and organisation of social security offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

  Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Department does not keep separate records of expenditure on management consultancy. Taking consultancy as a whole, the figures are in the table.

  £ million

  1983–84

  3·624

  1984–85

  7·726

  1985–86

  13·647

  1986–87

  17·220

  1987–88

  27·564

  1988–89

  47·730

  1989–90

  40·907

  1990–91

  78·094

  1991–92

  76·987

  1992–93

  167·047

  1 Estimated.

  Notes:

  1. By far the majority of expenditure relates to information technology consultancy services in respect of the operational strategy.

  2. The figures prior to 1989–90 relate to the combined Department of Health and Social Security.

  3. Information prior to 1983–84 is not available.

  Disabled employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of the total work force in his Department are registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.
  483
  Mr. Burt
  As at 1 June 1991, 1·87 per cent. of the staff employed by the Department of Social Security, including its agencies, were registered as disabled. This figure excludes staff with disabilities who choose not to register and more than 50 registered disabled people employed under the sheltered placement scheme. The Department, including its agencies, is committed to implementing the civil service code of practice on the employment of people with disabilities and increasing the number of employees with disabilities.

  Income support
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many recipients of income support aged between 18 to 24 years are living away from home and are entitled to the personal allowance for(a) persons aged 18 to 24 years, and (b) persons aged 25 years and over;

  (2) what would be the cost of raising the income support personal allowance for persons aged 18 to 24 years who are living away from home to the level of the personal allowance for persons aged 25 and over;

  (3) how many recipients of income support aged 18 to 24 years are entitled to the personal allowance rate which is generally appropriate to persons aged 25 years and over.

  Mr. Burt
  The latest available figures show that in May 1990 there were 218,000 single people aged 18 to 24 receiving income support at the rate appropriate to those aged 25 or over. This information is derived from the Income Support Annual Statistical Enquiry, May 1990, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  There is no comparable statistic on the number of 18 to 24-year-old income support claimants who might he "living away from home", which has no standard definition. However, modelling based on data from the 1987–88–89 Family Expenditure Survey offers an estimate that in 1992–93 there are (a) 180,000 receiving the 18 to 24 personal allowance, and (b) 220,000 receiving the personal allowance for those aged 25 or over. This assumes that "living away from home" means people classified by the Family Expenditure Survey as the head of the household, plus all those living in the household of a person who is a non-relative.

  From this an estimated total cost of raising the income support rate for those aged 18 to 24 who are living away from home to the same level as those aged 25 or over is around £110 million in a full year, including housing benefit and community charge benefit.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received regarding difficulties experienced by claimants for disability living allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  We have received some correspondence about the length and complexity of the claim pack and about the length of time taken to process claims. Some teething problems are not unexpected with such a major change to the administration of disability benefits arid we are closely monitoring the operation of the new system. Nevertheless, the introduction of the new claims process for disability living allowance has been widely welcomed by both disabled people and their organisations as better meeting the needs of disabled people and putting greater reliance on what they have to say about their disability.
  484
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the trend in the speed of service at the attendance allowance unit since the introduction of disability living allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of attendance allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

  Hardship Payments
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidelines exist for deciding entitlement to severe hardship payments for 16 and 17-year-olds; and if he will publish those guidelines.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of social security benefits is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

  Sickness and Invalidity Benefits
  Sir John Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applicants for(a) sickness benefit and (b) invalidity benefit were refused in each of the years 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92, by reason of insufficient national insurance contributions; and how many of these refusals related to a period of study which was not credited with national insurance contributions under regulations 7 and 8 of the Social Security (Credits) Regulations.

  Mr. Scott
  Information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is as follows:

  Invalidity benefit cannot be paid unless the contribution conditions for sickness benefit have been satisfied or deemed to have been satisfied, and there has been 28 weeks of incapacity for work.

  In 1989–90, the latest year for which information is available, 253,4001 claims2 to sickness benefit were unsuccessful because the national insurance contribution conditions were not satisfied. It is not known how many of these refusals might have involved claimants who had not received credits for a period of study.

  Notes.

  1. Information from a 1 per cent. sample of claimants.

  2. A 'claim' means a claim submitted at the beginning of a spell of incapacity for work. If a person has several separate spells of incapacity for work during the year, each spell is counted as a claim.

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average clearance times for reviews of attendance allowance(a) for requests made in March 1991, (b) for requests made in November 1991 and (c) for requests made in March 1992;

  (2) what is the average length of time taken for attendance allowance initial claims to be processed by the attendance allowance unit at Norcross (a) for claims made in January 1991, (b) for claims made in November 1991, (c) for claims made in February 1992 and (d) for claims made in April 1992.
  485
  Mr. Scott
  I understand from Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency that the information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

  Injury and Occupational Disease (Compensation)
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the regulations so that claimants for compensation through injury or occupational disease do not have to pay back state benefits after their claim has been settled when the level of compensation is over £2,500.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The principle that accident victims should not be compensated twice has been a feature of the social security scheme since 1948. The compensation recovery scheme has merely replaced the old and inconsistent arrangements, by which negligent employers and other compensators gained at the expense of the taxpayer. The scheme is working well and there are no plans for major change.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Government Departments, including their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. The timing of payment should normally be stipulated in Government contracts. Where there is no contractual provision or other understanding, Departments should pay within 30 days of receipt of goods/services or the presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment, whichever is the later.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their subcontractors all Government contracts are to contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its sub-contractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the sub-contractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Married couple with two children aged 7 and 11

  Rent: £26·03

  Community Charge: £9·40

  Gross earnings

  Take home Pay

  Family credit

  Child benefit

  Rent rebate

  Community charge benefit

  Total net income

  Net income after rent and community charge

  Earnings £100–110

  100·00

  94·64

  49·02

  17·45

  0·51

  1·63

  163·25

  127·82

  101·00

  95·35

  48·52

  17·45

  0·00

  1·60

  162·92

  127·49

  102·00

  96·06

  48·03

  17·45

  0·00

  1·57

  163·11

  127·68

  103·00

  96·77

  47·53

  17·45

  0·00

  1·53

  163·28

  127·85

  104·00

  97·48

  47·03

  17·45

  0·00

  1·50

  163·46

  128·03

  105·00

  98·14

  46·53

  17·45

  0·00

  1·47

  163·64

  128·21

  106·00

  98·90

  46·04

  17·45

  0·00

  1·44

  163·83

  128·40

  107·00

  99·61

  45·54

  17·45

  0·00

  1·41

  164·01

  128·58

  108·00

  100·32

  45·04

  17·45

  0·00

  1·38

  164·19

  128·76

  109·00

  101·03

  44·55

  17·45

  0·00

  1·34

  164·37

  128·94

  110·00

  101·74

  44·05

  17·45

  0·00

  1·31

  164·55

  129·12

  486
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Miss Widdecombe
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by HM Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of the prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Spending Power
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average increase in net weekly spending power of a man with two children of seven and 11 years and a non-working wife for each extra pound he earns if he increases his pay from(a) £100 to £110, (b) £110 to £120, (c) £120 to £130, (d) £130 to £140 and (e) £140 to £150 assuming he pays average rent and community charge.

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested is in the tables. The assumptions used are those in the published tax benefit model tables, a copy of which is available in the Library. Each family is assumed to pay the estimated 1991–92 average local authority rent of £26·03. Community charge is included at an illustrative level of £4·70 per week.

  It should be noted that the results in the tables cannot reflect, except by chance, the actual circumstances of particular people and cannot claim to be representative of the population at large. The tables use illustrative rents and do not, therefore, reflect the full range of housing costs which people may face.
  487

  Gross earnings

  Take home Pay

  Family credit

  Child benefit

  Rent rebate

  Community charge benefit

  Total net income

  Net income after rent and community charge

  Earnings £111–120

  111·00

  102·45

  43·55

  17·45

  0·00

  1·28

  164·73

  129·30

  112·00

  103·16

  43·06

  17·45

  0·00

  1·25

  164·92

  129·49

  113·00

  103·87

  42·56

  17·45

  0·00

  1·21

  165·09

  129·66

  114·00

  104·58

  42·06

  17·45

  0·00

  1·18

  165·27

  129·84

  115·00

  105·29

  41·56

  17·45

  0·00

  1·15

  165·45

  130·02

  116·00

  106·00

  41·07

  17·45

  0·00

  1·12

  165·64

  130·21

  117·00

  106·71

  40·57

  17·45

  0·00

  1·09

  165·82

  130·39

  118·00

  107·42

  40·07

  17·45

  0·00

  1·06

  166·00

  130·57

  119·00

  108·13

  39·58

  17·45

  0·00

  1·02

  166·18

  130·75

  120·00

  108·84

  39·08

  17·45

  0·00

  0·99

  166·36

  130·93

  Earnings £121–130

  121·00

  109·55

  38·58

  17·45

  0·00

  0·96

  166·54

  131·11

  122·00

  110·26

  38·09

  17·45

  0·00

  0·93

  166·73

  131·30

  123·00

  110·97

  37·59

  17·45

  0·00

  0·90

  166·91

  131·48

  124·00

  111·68

  37·09

  17·45

  0·00

  0·86

  167·08

  131·65

  125·00

  112·39

  36·59

  17·45

  0·00

  0·83

  167·26

  131·83

  126·00

  113·10

  36·10

  17·45

  0·00

  0·80

  167·45

  132·02

  127·00

  113·81

  35·60

  17·45

  0·00

  0·77

  167·63

  132·20

  128·00

  114·52

  35·10

  17·45

  0·00

  0·74

  167·81

  132·38

  129·00

  115·23

  34·61

  17·45

  0·00

  0·70

  167·99

  132·56

  130·00

  115·94

  34·11

  17·45

  0·00

  0·67

  168·17

  132·74

  Earnings £131–140

  131·00

  116·65

  33·61

  17·45

  0·00

  0·64

  168·35

  132·92

  132·00

  117·36

  33·12

  17·45

  0·00

  0·61

  168·54

  133·11

  133·00

  118·07

  32·62

  17·45

  0·00

  0·58

  168·72

  133·29

  134·00

  118·78

  32·12

  17·45

  0·00

  0·54

  168·89

  133·46

  135·00

  119·49

  31·62

  17·45

  0·00

  0·51

  169·07

  133·64

  136·00

  120·20

  31·13

  17·45

  0·00

  0·48

  169·26

  133·83

  137·00

  120·91

  30·63

  17·45

  0·00

  0·45

  169·44

  134·01

  138·00

  121·61

  30·14

  1745

  0·00

  0·42

  169·62

  134·19

  139·00

  122·27

  29·68

  17·45

  0·00

  0·39

  169·79

  134·36

  140·00

  122·93

  29·22

  17·45

  0·00

  0·36

  169·96

  134·53

  Earnings £141–150

  141·00

  123·59

  28·75

  17·45

  0·00

  0·33

  170·12

  134·69

  142·00

  124·25

  28·29

  17·45

  0·00

  0·30

  170·29

  134·86

  143·00

  124·91

  27·83

  17·45

  000

  0·27

  170·46

  135·03

  144·00

  125·57

  27·37

  17·45

  0·00

  0·24

  170·63

  135·20

  145·00

  126·23

  26·91

  17·45

  0·00

  0·21

  170·80

  135·37

  146·00

  126·89

  26·44

  17 45

  0·00

  0·18

  170·96

  135·53

  147·00

  127·55

  25·98

  17·45

  0·00

  0·15

  171·13

  135·70

  148·00

  128·21

  25·52

  17·45

  0·00

  0·12

  171 30

  135·87

  149·00

  128·87

  25·06

  17·45

  0 00

  0·09

  171·47

  136·04

  150·00

  129 53

  24·60

  17·45

  0·00

  0·06

  171·64

  136·21

  Disabled People
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the future of the European Community Helios programme for people with disabilities.

  Mr. Scott
  The Council of Ministers is currently considering the European Commission's proposals for the Helios II programme and the European Parliament's opinion is awaited. The Government supported all aspects of the Helios I programme from 1988 to 1991 and is expecting to receive shortly the final report of an independent evaluation carried out by a team of researchers from Southampton university.

  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will list all the United Kingdom participants in the European Community TIDE programme and the nature of each project; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what is his estimate of receipts in the United Kingdom during the current year from the TIDE
  488
  programme; what proportion this represents of total European Community expenditure on the programme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  TIDE (technology initiative for disabled and elderly people) is a research and development pilot action managed by the Commission of European Communities. The Commission has published synopses of the pilot action projects listing all the participants a copy of which will be placed in the Library. The funding allocated to each project has not been disclosed by the Commission.

  Local Offices
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many staff, full-time equivalent, were employed in each of the three local offices in the Newham district benefits agency for each quarter in 1991 in(a) income support, (b) contributions, (c) direct payments, (d) social fund, (e) fraud, (f) child support and (g) total; and what is the current position for the latest date for which he has figures.
  489
  Mr. Burt
  The staffing of Benefits Agency offices is a matter for Mr Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available and copies will be placed in the Library and the Public Information Office.

  Maintenance Payments
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take action to prevent official pressure being put on women to name fathers for maintenance purposes.

  Mr. Burt
  There is currently no requirement for a mother to name the father of her child when claiming social security benefits, though more than three-quarters of never-married mothers do so voluntarily. From April 1993, when the Child Support Agency is established, there will be a legal requirement for parents in receipt of prescribed benefits to co-operate in obtaining maintenance for their children. Taxpayers, many of whom have families of their own, should not have to shoulder the responsibility of providing for children where the natural parents are able to do so. However, the matter will be dealt with sympathetically by trained officers and the requirement will be waived where there are reasonable grounds for believing that compliance would risk causing harm to undue distress to the mother or any child living with her.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Burt
  For information from 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1990–91, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 12 November 1991 at col.478.

  For 1991–92 the information is as follows:

  Department of Social Security and its agencies (other than Benefits Agency)

  £ millions

  Expenditure in 1991–92

  for television advertising was

  4·396

  for radio advertising was

  0·626

  for newspaper advertising was

  0·772

  for other information material was

  4·552

  Provision for the 1992⤓93 Social Security budget is £13·68 million. Decisions on media have not been made.

  The Benefits Agency

  For expenditure for 1991–92

  for television, radio and press advertising was NIL;

  for other materials (leaflets, posters, etc) was £6·55 million. Provision for the 1992–93 Benefits Agency budget is £8·261 million.

  Claimant Eligibility
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 22 May,Official Report, columns 288⤓89, for which benefits his Department has an estimate of the numbers eligible to claim it.
  490
  Mr. Burt
  The latest available information is contained in the estimates of take-up of income-related benefits for 1987; these relate to housing benefit, family income supplement and supplementary benefit, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are members of ethnic minorities.

  Mr. Burt
  [holding answer 12 Mar 1992]: The Department, including its executive agencies, asks staff to complete questionnaires on their ethnic origin on a voluntary basis. As at 15 April 1992 3,237 of the 64,564 staff who responded to the questionnaire were from ethnic minorities. The breakdown of respondents, for the Department as a whole, and by grades 1⤓7 is in the table.

  Grade1

  Number of respondents from an ethnic minority

  Percentage of respondents

  1

  0

  0

  2

  0

  0

  3

  1

  9

  4

  0

  0

  5

  3

  3.4

  6

  18

  10

  7

  7

  1.5

  Others

  3,208

  5

  Total for Department

  3,237

  5

  1 Includes professional equivalents. Pensions

  Pensions
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total difference (in current prices) between (a) the cumulative cost of the single pension paid to an individual since April 1979 to date, and (b) the cumulative cost of the single pension paid had the link between the rise in earnings and the rise in the pension been sustained: and what are the comparable figures for the married couples pensions.

  Miss Widdecombe
  [pursuant to her reply, 18 May 1992, columns 22–28]: The following information was incorrect:
  "The cumulative difference in cost had pensions been uprated by the higher of earnings or prices from April 1980 to date would be £7,690 million."

  The corrected version is:
  "The cumulative difference in cost had pensions been uprated by the higher of earnings or prices from April 1980 to date would be £43,136 million."

  In the original reply the cost for one year (1992–93) was given instead of the cumulative cost as requested.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Departmental Pay Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many full-time and part-time employees in his Department earn less than £3·40 an hour.

  Mr. Eggar
  At 30 April 1992 there were 794 full-time and 33 part-time employees in the Department of Trade and Industry earning less than £3·40 an hour.

  British Coal
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list measures for job retraining programmes and other assistance his Department is planning for mineworkers who will be made redundant following privatisation of British Coal.

  Mr. Eggar
  A range of programmes and measures is already available to assist people and communities affected by redundancies in the coal industry. The Government will continue to support and encourage initiatives which bring real benefits to coal-mining areas. Specifically, the Government have clearly stated their commitment to increasing the support for the job creation, resettlement and retraining activities of British Coal Enterprise. The European Community RECHAR initiative, which is aimed at providing the economic regeneration of coal-mining areas, will also bring benefits of at least £124 million to such areas.

  Bank Fees (Report)
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he received the copy of the report by Rochester Research which has been sent to him concerning the levels of fees to small businesses charged by Lloyds and Midland banks; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  I have not received a copy of this report.

  Bank Mergers
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answers of 15 May 1992 to the hon. Members for Sheffield, Central (Mr. Caborn) and for Stockton, South (Mr. Devlin),Official Report, column 232, when he expects to receive advice from the Director General of Fair Trading on the possible offer from Lloyds bank for Midland bank.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The Director General of Fair Trading submitted his advice on the proposed acquisition by Lloyds Bank plc of Midland Bank plc to the President of the Board of Trade on 20 May. The President announced his decision to refer the proposed acquisition to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, in accordance with the director general's advice, on 22 May.

  Footwear (Chinese Imports)
  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will take action to restrict imports of footwear from China into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Needham
  My Department is currently considering a proposal from the European Commission to introduce a Community wide quantitative restriction for the rest of this year on imports of certain types of footwear from China. Such a measure, if agreed, would replace the differing national quotas which most member states—including the UK— presently apply to direct imports from there.

  Consultants Fees
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.
  492
  Mr. Eggar
  Information on the fees paid to management consultants before 1984–85 was not kept in a form in which it could be separately identifiable. The information for subsequent years is as follows, although it has not always been possible to disaggregate expenditure on management consultancy from other forms of consultancy such as in information technology. The figures do not include fees paid by DTI agencies operating on a net running costs regime or as trading funds. The apparent reduction between 1986–87 and 1991–92 is a result of the shift of expenditure towards programme-related consultancies for which separate records are not kept. The figure for 1992–93, which takes into account the merger with the old Department of Energy, represents the allocation to management consultancy as a result of the Department's annual activity and resource management review.

  £000s

  1984–85

  6,104

  1985–86

  6,417

  1986–87

  4,650

  1987–88

  3,050

  1988–89

  2,516

  1989–90

  3,168

  1990–91

  2,771

  1991–92

  1,884

  1992–93

  2,504

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total sum paid out in fees by the Department of Energy to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92.

  Mr. Eggar
  The information requested for the years up to 1980–81 is no longer available and for 1981–82 to 1983–84 is available only at disproportionate cost. Expenditure by the Department of Energy on management consultancies for 1984–85 onwards is as follows:

  Financial year

  Expenditure

  1984–85

  53,328

  1985–86

  31,209

  1986–87

  30,101

  1987–88

  35,451

  1988–89

  27,496

  1989–90

  6,317

  1990–91

  14,683

  1991–92

  43,481

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93;

  (2) if he will give the total expenditure by Department of Energy on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92.

  Mr. Eggar
  Expenditure by the two Departments on press and public relations in 1991–92 was as follows:

  Department of Trade and Industry, £2,719.000.

  Department of Energy, £705,000.

  DTI expenditure in 1992–93, covering trade, industry and energy issues, is expected to be of the order of £3,160,000. The figures include regional press officer and other support services.
  493
  For the equivalent expenditure in earlier years I refer the hon. Member to previous answers:
  Department of Trade and Industry
  Official Report 13 March 1990, column 172; 30 April 1991, column 127; and 5 November 1991, column 62.
  Department of Energy
  Official Report 30 April 1991, column 107.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by the Department of Energy between 1 November 1991 and its abolition.

  Mr. Eggar
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Department of Trade and Industry has not carried out any public opinion surveys in this period.

  Weights and Measures
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of(a) public houses and (b) garages were inspected by weights and measures inspectors by local authority areas in 1981, 1988, 1990 and 1991.

  Mr. Leigh
  Although the President receives annual reports from each local weights and measures authority, these reports do not contain specific information relating to public houses and garages.

  Coal Privatisation
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to provide, under the coal industry privatisation, for the continuation of supply of free or subsidised fuel to miners and miners' widows and dependants on the same terms as at present; and what consideration has been given to paying compensation in its place, either(a) as a lump sum or (b) as periodical payments.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Government will ensure that existing concessionary fuel entitlements from British Coal will be safeguarded following privatisation of British Coal.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if former miners and miners' widows and dependants will be given written and full details of the impact of privatisation on their pension arrangements and their fuel allowance before any shares are sold.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the Member for St. Helens, North (Mr. Evans) on 20 May,Official Report, column 156.

  No decisions have been taken on the form or timing of privatisation.

  Fraud (Tax Havens)
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to prevent frauds, criminal activities and other losses being perpetrated in the United Kingdom by trusts, companies and individuals controlled from Liechtenstein and other tax havens.
  494
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My Department is firmly committed to measures to prevent fraudulent activities. My Department works closely with regulatory authorities in the United Kingdom and overseas to protect investors against fraudulent activity by companies and individuals. I welcome the growing number of countries which, like the United Kingdom, now have powers to carry out investigations for foreign authorities.

  Maxwell Companies
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the minutes of the relevant meetings and other relevant correspondence of those persons in his Department who were involved in the granting of licences or approvals to deal in securities to any companies associated with the late Mr. Maxwell.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  No.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will list in respect of(a) Maxwell and East European Partners plc, formerly Bishopsgate International Investment Management plc, (b) Bishopsgate Investment Management Ltd. and (c) any other company associated with the late Mr. Maxwell to which his Department granted licences or approvals to deal in securities, the names of each director and any notified prospective director of each company at the date of the application, the date of approval, and the date the company ceased to hold the licence or approval;

  (2) if he will list in respect of (a) Maxwell and East European Partners plc, formerly Bishopsgate International Investment Management plc, (b) Bishopsgate Investment Management Ltd. and (c) any other company associated with the late Mr. Maxwell to which his Department granted licences or approvals to deal in securities, (i) details of any securities trading which any of the companies notified the Department it has carried out prior to approval; and (ii) the date on which each company applied for, was granted and ceased to hold such licences or approvals.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The Department granted a licence under the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act 1958 to London and Bishopsgate International Investment Management plc, LBI. LBI applied for a licence on 28 February 1988. A licence was granted on 25 April 1988. It came into effect on 26 April 1988 and lapsed on 29 April 1988 when the relevant parts of the Financial Services Act came into force. The directors were notified as Mr Andrew Smith, Mr Kevin Maxwell and Mr Larry Trachtenberg.

  LBI did not notify the Department of any securities trading carried out before the licence was granted.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment of the previous references to Mr Maxwell in reports by inspectors acting on behalf of his Department was made when his Department granted licences to deal in securities to(a) Maxwell and East European Partners plc, (b) Bishopsgate Investment Management Ltd. and (c) any other company associated with the late Mr Maxwell which was authorised to deal in securities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The Department carried out the usual checks in connection with the application for a
  495
  licence from London & Bishopsgate International Management plc. Mr. Robert Maxwell was not a director of LBI when the licence was granted.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list in respect of (a) Maxwell and East European Partners, formerly Bishopsgate International Investment Management plc, (b) Bishopsgate Investment Management Ltd. and (c) any other company associated with the late Mr. Maxwell to which his Department granted licences or approvals to deal in securities the names of the shareholders and notified prospective shareholders at the date of the application, the date of approval and the date the company ceased to hold the licence for approval.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  Applications for licences under the Prevention of Fraud (Investments) Act 1958 did not require the disclosure of the names of shareholders.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will initiate an enquiry into the extent of losses to the United Kingdom economy and private individuals over the last 20 years as a result of frauds and other criminal or loss inducing activities perpetrated by trusts, companies or individuals controlled from Liechtenstein or other tax havens.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  No.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library copies of the files regarding the application, authorisation and approval of (a) Maxwell and East European Partners (b) Bishopsgate Investment Management Ltd. and (c) any other company associated with the late Mr. Maxwell which obtained licences or approvals to deal in securities from his Department.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  No.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of the total work force in his Department is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  A total of 1·1 per cent. of the Department's workforce is registered as disabled. The Department also employs a number of people who are known to be disabled but have chosen not to register.

  The Department fully accepts the responsibilities laid down by the civil service code of practice on the employment of disabled people and has taken steps to try to increase the number of disabled recruits.

  Plutonium (Transport)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received raising concerns over the emergency plans existing for the transport of plutonium from Sellafield to Japan via the Panama canal and Pacific ocean.

  Mr. Eggar
  I know of no proposals for such a transport operation.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication, "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers."

  Mr. Leigh
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. Guidelines on purchasing by Government Departments already exist and are distributed by HM Treasury.

  The Department of Employment has been undertaking a survey of the prompt payment record of Government Departments during the financial year 1991–92 and the results of this exercise will be published in the near future by the Department of Trade and Industry, which now has responsibility for small firms issues, including late payment. After studying these results the Department will consider what further measures, if any, may be necessary to encourage prompt payment by the public sector.

  Electricity
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what study his Department has made into the impact on electricity users of changes to voltage and systems to bring the United Kingdom into line with the German system; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Government are aware of a proposal by CENELEC, the European Standards Committee for electricity, to move to a standardised nominal voltage of 230 volts throughout the European Community and EFTA countries. The Government will be consulting the electricity industry, equipment manufacturers and consumer organisations about the implications of the proposal.

  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received following the public inquiry into Kelt UK Ltd's plans for a gas-fired electricity generating station at West Knapton, north Yorkshire; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  I have received three such representations.

  International Atomic Energy Agency
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial contribution Her Majesty's Government makes towards the operation of the International Atomic Energy Agency; and what plans his Department has to increase that contribution.

  Mr. Eggar
  The United Kingdom's contribution to the International Atomic Energy Agency for 1992 is £6·5 million. The contribution for 1993 will depend on the decision to be taken this year by the agency's board of governors as well as by any revision of the United Nations scale for assessing contributions.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give separate figures for the spending by the Department of Energy on(a) television advertising, (b)

  497
  radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92;

  (2) if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on (a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Eggar
  Expenditure by the two Departments in 1991–92 was as follows (£000):

  Department Department of Trade and Industry1

  Department of Energy

  Television advertising

  2

  Nil

  Radio advertising

  4

  Nil

  Newspaper advertising

  345

  615

  Other promotional material

  23,502

  31,079

  1 Central publicity budget.

  2 Publications, audio-visual materials and posters.

  3 Publications only.

  For the equivalent expenditure in earlier years I refer the hon. Member to previous answers:
  Department of Trade and Industry
  Official Report 5 November 1991, columns 63–64;
  29 April 1991, column 56; and 13 March 1990; column 173
  Department of Energy
  Official Report 5 November 1991, column 67; and 25 April 1991, column 500.

  Media allocations for 1992–93 will be made according to need during the year.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is the target of Her Majesty's Government for the proportion of energy generated from renewable sources of energy in(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Scotland by (i) the year 2000 and (ii) 2010;

  (2) what steps his Department is taking to achieve the European Community recommendation that each member state generates 5 to 6 per cent. of its energy from renewable sources of energy by the year 2000.

  Mr. Eggar
  Targets for the exploitation of renewable energy are under consideration as part of the review of the Government's renewable energy programme, which will be reported in due course.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will set a target for electricity from renewable sources at 10 per cent. of total supply by the year 2000.

  Mr. Eggar
  Targets for the exploitation of renewable energy are under consideration as part of the review of the Government's renewable energy programme, which will be reported in due course.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he received a copy of the Energy Committee's Fourth Report, Session 1991–92, on "Renewable Energy Technologies and Prospects"; and what response he plans to make.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Energy Select Committee's fourth report was received shortly after publication and the response is currently under consideration.

  Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the firms or individuals invited to tender for each of the consultant appointments given in his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 231–32; and which ones submitted tenders.

  Mr. Eggar
  Several organisations were invited to tender and a number submitted tenders. Those organisations submitting tenders did so in confidence.

  Red Mercury Compounds
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he has taken(a) within the United Kingdom and (b) in concert with his European Community counterparts to block the trade in red mercury compounds used in the manufacture of nuclear warheads.

  Mr. Needham
  I am advised that the substance known as red mercury has long been incorrectly associated with capabilities in nuclear weapons development. Mercury oxide and mercury sulphide, whether or not in the form which gives them their red colour, are not subject to export control from the UK.

  Regional Assistance
  Mr. Barry field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those inhabited offshore islands within the United Kingdom taxation regime that do not have assisted area status.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  There are a number of inhabited offshore islands that are subject to the United Kingdom tax regime but which do not have assisted area status, including the Isle of Wight in England and the Orkney and Shetland islands, Islay, Jura, Colonsay and Mull in Scotland.

  Photocopying Costs
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce regulations to control the amounts loaned by finance and leasing companies in respect of photocopying machines used in cost per copy photocopy agreements.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  No. I welcome the recent initiatives by the Finance and Leasing Association and the Director General of Fair Trading in this area. Leasing documentation should be clear and specific, enabling prospective lesses to decide whether a cost per copy facility is more appropriate.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will investigate the profits made from cost per copy photocopying agreements by Anglio Leasing, its subsidiary RML leasing, and Palace Leasing.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  I have no powers to make such an investigation.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will ask the Director General of Fair Trading to extend his recent inquiry into malpractice in the photocopying industry to cover business practices of leasing companies.
  499
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The Director General of Fair Trading has a general statutory duty to make himself aware of activities which may adversely affect the interests of consumers in the United Kingdom. If the hon. Member has evidence of such activities it should be brought to the attention of the director general so that he may consider what action, if any, may be appropriate under the legislation for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will estimate the value to leasing companies of cost per copy photocopying agreements.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  No. Such agreements are likely to vary too widely in their size and terms for such an estimate to be feasible.

  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will cancel all present and planned building of nuclear power stations, close down existing Magnox reactors and phase out advance gas-cooled reactors.

  Mr. Eggar
  No. The Government will undertake a full-scale review of the future prospects for nuclear power in the UK in 1994. Until then, the UK's existing stations will be operated to the highest standards of safety and as efficiently as possible. Nuclear Electric plc will complete the construction of Sizewell B.

  Government Subsidies
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the annual Government subsidies to the British nuclear and coal industries for each year since 1982; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The amount of financial support given to the coal industry by Government since 1982–83 is as follows—outturn prices:

  £ million

  1982–83

  521

  1983–84

  1,146

  1984–85

  2,414

  1985–86

  563

  1986–87

  882

  1987–88

  677

  1988–89

  297

  1989–90

  7,243

  1990–91

  141

  1991–92

  448

  No Government subsidies have been paid to Nuclear Electric plc or BNFL. Both these companies are recipients of the fossil fuel levy paid by electricity suppliers. The Government have, however, been the customer for research and development and other programmes undertaken by the Atomic Energy Authority and have funded those programmes and the consequences of those programmes.

  Ministerial responsibility for Scottish Nuclear Limited rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

  Registrar of Companies
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had and what representations he has received concerning the actions of 500
  the registrar of Companies house in terminating his consultation arrangements with the Companies House Users Group; and if he will make a statement on the future quality of public access to commercial data statutorily provided to and via Companies house.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To the best of my knowledge the President has had no consultations and received no representations about Companies House User Group. As an executive agency, the day-to-day management of Companies House is the responsibility of the chief executive and any arrangements made with users are a matter for him. He has been asked to write to the hon. Member. As to the future quality of public access to commercial data the chief executive has recently introduced a total quality programme with the aim of achieving a higher standard of quality in all aspects of its work.

  Mersey Barrage
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about funding arrangements for tidal energy schemes and their implications for the construction of a barrage on the River Mersey.

  Mr. Eggar
  Since 1979–80 the Government have spent £10·5 million on work on tidal power. The objective of the Government's programme on tidal power is to reduce the technical, economic, regional and environmental uncertainties associated with tidal barrages through a number of site and generic studies.

  The Government have already contributed £2·5 million towards feasibility studies completed at a cost of £5 million on the River Mersey tidal barrage project. The Government are funding a further £1·n of the £1·n cost of the current stage of studies. A decision on any further work on the Mersey barrage will be considered when this current phase of work is completed later this year.

  Lloyd's of London
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider holding an official public inquiry into the operation of Lloyd's of London.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  Sir David Walker is currently conducting an investigation into allegations of malpractice, including insider trading, at Lloyd's. Sir Jeremy Morse chairs a working group studying governance of the market. There are independent loss reviews inquiring in to the circumstances of losses of the worst affected syndicates. Any further inquiry would not help the work now in progress.

  Monopoly References
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to review the power of the Director General of Fair Trading to make a monopoly reference to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission without his approval.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  There are no plans for such a review. When the Director General of Fair Trading makes a monopoly reference the Secretary of State may, within 14 days of publication of the reference, direct the MMC not to proceed with the reference. To date this power of veto has never been exercised.

  General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the GATT talks to reopen.

  Mr. Needham
  Talks are continuing on the outstanding issues between the participants in the Uruguay round of GATT negotiations. These include both formal GATT meetings and informal contacts between the parties. Vice-President Andriessen, the Commissioner who leads for the European Community in the talks, had discussions in Washington last week with the United States Secretary of State James Baker. These made useful progress and will, we hope, contribute to bringing the Uruguay round to an early successful conclusion.

  Registrar of Companies
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those trading organisations that do not have to file reports and accounts with the Registrar of Companies.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The Companies Acts require that all limited companies, whether trading or not, deliver accounts to the registrar. However, an unlimited company is not subject to this requirement unless it is a subsidiary, or parent of a limited company, or carries on business as the promoter of a trading stamps scheme. These provisions do not apply to other trading organisations.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with the Registrar of Companies House concerning the present strategic review of Companies House; and if he will place a copy of such review, when completed, in the Library.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The strategic review of Companies House executive agency was initiated with the approval of my predecessor. It is anticipated that the review will be completed in early 1993 and I shall be consulting with the chief executive of Companies House during this period. The strategic plan which will emerge from the review will be submitted to me for approval when completed and I shall consider at the time whether the plan should be placed in the Library.

  Nuclear Reprocessing
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy to halt nuclear reprocessing at Sellafield and Dounreay and cancel THORP at Sellafield.

  Mr. Eggar
  No.

  RECHAR
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he intends to take to reimburse qualifying local authorities for expenditure incurred during the last financial year on the assumption of receiving RECHAR moneys.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: In accordance with article 15(2) of Council regulation (EEC) No. 4253/88, expenditure may be considered eligible for structural funds assistance under the United Kingdom's RECHAR programmes if incurred after the date on which
  502
  the programme applications reached the European Commission—26 July 1990. Priorities for the allocation of RECHAR grant money will be considered by the programme monitoring committees.

  Personal Protective Equipment
  Mr. Hawksley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when will the personal protective equipment directive be enacted; how long the transitional period will be; and what products will be covered.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The draft regulations to transpose the requirements of the personal protective equipment directive into national law will be issued for public consultation soon with a view to their enactment shortly thereafter. The directive contains details of the transitional arrangements but the European Commission is considering possible changes. Until precise details are known, the regulations are being drafted to reflect the current situation under article 5.3 of the directive. The directive contains guidance on the products covered.

  Industrial Gloves
  Mr. Hawksley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended that under the personal protective equipment directive industrial gloves can be sold during the transitional period without being tested against the national standard.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The European Commission is considering a possible extension to the transition period as currently provided under article 5.3 of the personal protective equipment directive, 89/686/EEC. Until the precise details of any amendment are known, the arrangements during the transition period remain as set out in that directive.

  Energy Technology Support Unit
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the future of the energy technology support unit.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: The ETSU is a unit within the UK Atomic Energy Authority which provides management and other services to a number of my Department's energy R and D programmes, including that on renewable energy.

  My Department is considering a recommendation in a recent Energy Select Committee report on renewable energy that an analysis be undertaken of the costs and benefits of separating ETSU from the UKAEA in order to demonstrate its impartiality. The Government will be giving their response to the Committee recommendation in due course.

  Electricity Savings
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has any plans to meet the director of OFFER to discuss initiatives to promote electricity savings.

  Mr. Maclean
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to my hon. Friend the Member for Fulham (Mr. Carrington) on 13 May, Official Report column 136.

SCOTLAND

  Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money was granted to farmers in Scotland through the farm and conservation grant scheme—heather and woodland regeneration section—in 1990–91.

  Mr. Lang
  £15,973 was paid for heather and woodland generation in Scotland in 1990–91.

  Farm Diversification
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money was granted to farmers in Scotland in 1990–91 through the farm diversification scheme; and if he will give a breakdown of this expenditure between the various activities eligible for grants.

  Mr. Lang
  £114,055 was paid in grants under the farm diversification grant scheme in Scotland in 1990–91. A breakdown of these figures by the various eligible enterprises is as follows.

  Enterprise type

  Grant paid £

  Tourist accommodation

  60,775

  Horse enterprises

  22,732

  Food processing

  21,123

  Catering

  2,300

  Farm shop

  2,250

  Non-food agricultural produce

  1,225

  Feasibility and marketing

  3,650

  114,055

  Social Workers, Ayr
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will investigate the implications of the Ayr sheriff court finding which concluded that social workers distorted facts in a children in care situation with respect to one family; and if he will make a statement on the wider implications of the finding of Ayr sheriff court for children in other families with whom Ayr social workers have been dealing.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  I understand that a complaint has been made to the procurator fiscal about the actions of social workers involved in a case concerning children in Ayrshire. This complaint is under investigation and it would not be proper for me to comment on it or any implications arising from it.

  Fluoride
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made in artificially increasing the fluoride content of the water supply in Scotland during the most recent 12-month period for which information is available.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: Guidance on the implementation of schemes to fluoridate public water supplies was issued to health boards and water authorities in Scotland in June 1991. This included advice that the Scottish Office is prepared to consider assistance of up to 60 per cent of the capital costs of schemes.
  504
  No schemes have yet been introduced in Scotland, but consideration is being given to the matter by health boards in many areas, in conjunction with water authorities to which decisions in relation to fluoridation ultimately fall.

  Whisky
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the total number of people directly employed in the Scotch whisky industry in each of the regional authorities of Scotland.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  [holding answer 21 May 1992]: Employment figures are available only for plants manufacturing Scotch whisky as their principal product and employing 11 or more employees in 1990, the latest year for which figures are available.

  Manufacturing employment in the whisky industry in 1990 by regional authority (rounded to the nearest 100)

  Region

  Number of employees

  Borders

  0

  Central

  300

  Dumfries and Galloway

  0

  Fife

  1,100

  Grampian

  1,100

  Highland

  400

  Lothian

  1,600

  Strathclyde

  5,200

  Tayside

  600

  Islands

  100

  Scotland

  10,500

  Source: The Scottish Office Industry Department Scottish Register of Employment.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the current breakdown of employment activity in the Scotch whisky industry by(a) maltings, (b) distilleries, (c) maturation warehouses, (d) blending and bottling plants, (e) distribution warehouses, (f) byproducts, (g) offices, (h) visitor centres and (i) others; and what was the comparable situation in 1982.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  [holding answer 21 May 1992]: This information is unavailable at the level of disaggregation requested. Employment figures are available only for plants manufacturing Scotch whisky as their principal product. Some or all of the activities given in the question may be included in employment for individual plants.

  The table shows manufacturing employment in whisky and other related industries in Scotland in plants employing 11 or more employees in 1982 and 1990, the latest year for which figures are available.

  Manufacturing employment in whisky and other related industries

  Scotland

  1982

  18,000

  1990

  10,500

  Source: The Scottish Office Industry Department Scottish Register of Employment.

  European Drugs Monitoring Squad
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria is to be used by the Scottish Office in recruiting staff to serve on the European drugs monitoring squad; how many staff he expects to be recruited to serve in Scotland; and what central resourcing will be made available.
  505
  Mr. Allan Stewart
  [holding answer 21 May 1992]: Detailed negotiations about the establishment of a European drug monitoring centre are still under way and the final text of the required regulation has yet to be agreed with our Community partners. Once the modalities and structure for the centre have been agreed we will be addressing the issues of resourcing and staffing.

  Drug addicts notified to the Home office during 1991 by type of drug' to which addiction was reported and Health Board2

  Scotland

  Type of drug

  Number of persons

  Health Board of notifier

  Heroin

  Methadone

  Dipipanone

  Cocaine

  Morphine

  Pethidine

  Dextromoramide

  Opium

  All addicts

  Scotland

  752

  714

  96

  27

  99

  9

  32

  1

  1,480

  Argyll and Clyde

  46

  7

  8

  1

  1

  —

  4

  —

  55

  Ayrshire and Arran

  24

  8

  2

  2

  4

  1

  1

  —

  30

  Borders

  2

  3

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  15

  26

  5

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  35

  Fife

  41

  6

  2

  1

  2

  —

  1

  —

  48

  Forth Valley

  112

  84

  11

  3

  4

  1

  2

  —

  191

  Grampian

  85

  86

  30

  6

  45

  1

  6

  —

  170

  Greater Glasgow

  306

  31

  15

  4

  31

  1

  9

  —

  352

  Highland

  3

  2

  2

  —

  —

  3

  2

  —

  8

  Lanarkshire

  39

  7

  2

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  46

  Lothian

  55

  292

  11

  7

  8

  1

  4

  1

  353

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  24

  162

  8

  2

  2

  1

  1

  —

  187

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 As an addict can be reported as addicted to more than one notifiable drug the figures for individual drugs cannot be added together to produce totals.

  2 Where an addict was notified more than once in 1991, this refers to the health board of the doctor who made the first notification.

  EC Cohesion Fund
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what measures his Department is taking to publicise the funds available for environmental. projects and transport infrastructure through the EC cohesion fund; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what mechanisms are being put in place to allow regions in Scotland to take advantage of the funds that will be made available through the EC cohesion fund; what representations he has received so far on the subject of the cohesion fund; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  [holding answer 22 May 1992]: No assistance will be available to Scotland through the cohesion fund which was agreed in principle at the European Council at Maastricht. Under the protocol on economic and social cohesion, the fund will assist EC member states whose per capita GNP is less than 90 per cent. of the Community average—Portugal, Spain, Greece and the Republic of Ireland—provided they meet certain macro-economic policy conditions. No measures have therefore been taken to publicise the cohesion fund in Scotland and no representations on this matter have been received.

TRANSPORT

  Birmingham Relief Road
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the 1988 inquiry report on the proposal for a Birmingham northern relief road.

  Drug Addicts
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the latest total number of registered drug addicts for each type of drug in each region in Scotland.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  [holding answer 21 May 1992]: Information on addicts notified to the Home Office from Scotland is collected on a health board rather than regional basis. The total number of addicts notified to the Home Office by health board and by type of drug in 1991 is shown in the table.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No. The draft orders which were the subject of the inquiry have been withdrawn.

  Railways
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list his safety and regulatory powers under railways legislation.

  Mr. Roger Freeman
  The responsibility for running a safe and efficient railway is placed by statute on British Rail. The Secretary of State has safety powers under the Regulation of Railways Act 1871, the Railway Employment (Prevention of Accidents) Act 1900, the Road and Rail Traffic Act 1933 and level crossing enactments. The powers relate to the approval and inspection of new works, the making of safety rules, and to the investigation of accidents. More detailed information is contained in appendix 11 of the 1990 annual report on the safety record of railways, copies of which are in the Library. Some of these powers are amended by the Transport and Works Act 1992.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the service provided by British Rail on the Fenchurch Street, Tilbury, Southend line meets the specified quality targets set by his predecessor in December 1989.

  Mr. Roger Freeman
  Between January and April of this year, the London, Tilbury and Southend line achieved, on average, the target set in 1989 for peak punctuality. This is most encouraging and reflects the efforts of British Rail staff on the line. Reliability remains a problems and was
  507
  below target over the same period. BR has told me that the current £50 million resignalling programme is the key to improving reliability.

  Parking Spaces (Disabled People)
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he will introduce legislation to enable an automatic fine to be imposed on motorists illegally occupying designated parking spaces for the disabled.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  It is already an offence for an able-bodied person to use a parking place reserved for an orange badge holder on the public highway or in a local authority off-street car park which has been designated by an order made under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The offence carries a maximum penalty of £400.

  My Department has no jurisdiction over spaces in private car parks reserved for disabled people. It is for individual operators of these car parks to take whatever steps they consider necessary to see that these spaces are not misused.

  Sea Freight
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the value of sea freight between United Kingdom ports in each year from 1983 to dace; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  Data on the value of sea freight between United Kingdom ports are not available.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Norris
  The total expenditure on the Department's press and public relations office since 1984–85 is as follows:

  Year

  £

  1984–85

  339,426

  1985–86

  354,393

  1986–87

  363,446

  1987–88

  389,473

  1988–89

  437,950

  1989–90

  451,214

  1990–91

  517,905

  1991–92

  587,665

  11992–93

  614,109

  1 Budget.

  These figures cover the overall costs of running the press office, calculated using the ready reckoner for staff-related costs.

  Before 1984–85 the information division was a common service of the Departments of Transport and the Environment and the Property Services Agency.

  London Taxis (Seat Belts)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when London taxis first had fixing points for rear seat belts; and what estimate he has of the number of London taxis with fixing points but without rear seat belts.
  508
  Mr. Norris
  From 1 April 1982 new London taxis were required to be fitted with anchorages for rear seat belts. All cabs manufactured since 1 April 1987 must be fitted with seat belts for forward-facing passengers.

  Cabs licensed to carry four persons must be fitted with two inertia reel type seat belts and an additional lap type seat belt must be fitted to cabs licensed to carry five persons. Cabs manufactured prior to 1 April 1987 may be fitted with approved type seat belts, but they are not compulsory. Where there is provision for a wheelchair passenger, an approved type seat belt must be fitted.

  There is not available data on the number of London taxis with fixing points but without rear seat belts. However I understand that at present 8,250 London taxis are fitted with seat belts.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consult on requiring the fitting of rear belts to London taxis with fixing points; if he will estimate the time and cost of fitting rear belts to a London taxi with fixing points; and what tests are made of the safety standards of such rear belts in respect of the ease with which they can be drawn out.

  Mr. Norris
  I have no plans to require the fitting of rear seat belts to London taxis built between 1 April 1982 and 1 April 1987 which have fixing points. As for private cars, fitting rear seat belts to these vehicles is voluntary.

  The cost, inclusive of VAT, of fitting rear seat belts to those taxis with fixing points is estimated as of the order of £130 asssuming approximately one hour's labour.

  Seat belts are tested during the vehicle's annual inspection at the Public Carriage Office. Among the things checked are the security of fixture, condition, ability to extend and return and the locking mechanism. The examiners in addition check to ensure that the belts are not hidden behind the seats. The PCO also carries out spot checks at taxi ranks and so on. "Unfit" notices are issued if the belts are defective.

  Land Compensation
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers he has to offer ex-gratia payments for cases where the provisions of the Land Compensation Act 1973 cannot be waived.

  Mr. Norris
  The Secretary of State is not empowered to make payments under the Land Compensation Act 1973 other than in accordance with the provisions of that Act.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what powers he has to vary the amount of compensation to be paid in cases where his Department admits to a careless error.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend is only permitted to make payments as prescribed in the statute, or on an ex-gratia basis in order to relieve hardship caused by official failure or unreasonable delay.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to amend the Land Compensation Act 1973.

  Mr. Norris
  I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, who has responsibility for this matter, has no plans to amend the land Compensation Act 1973.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of the total work force in his Department is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The percentage of Department of Transport staff registered as disabled at 1 June 1991 was 1.3 per cent.—185. The Department is aware of a further 188 staff who have indicated that they have disabilities but who have not registered. The Department aims to provide access to a full range of recruitment and career opportunities for all people with disabilities. The Department also follows the civil service code of practice on the employment of people with disabilities by, for example, supplying appropriate aids and equipment for staff with disabilities.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what distribution has taken place within this Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication,"Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers."

  Mr. Norris
  The publication has been distributed to all managers within the Department of Transport carrying responsibility for the authorisation of payments to suppliers.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department's policy, in line with the principles of the citizens charter, is to pay all invoices within the contracted period, unless delay is unavoidable because of a dispute or for some other legitimate reason. Where there are no specified terms the policy is to pay invoices within 30 days.

  Learner Drivers
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward proposals to make it compulsory for all learner drivers to drive with qualified and registered instructors at all times; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No. Freedom to practice under the supervision of a friend or relative who is an experienced qualified driver widens the opportunity for learners to gain experience. Recent research indicates that learner drivers who supplement professional instruction in this way are better prepared for their driving test.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average waiting time for driving tests in(a) Paisley, (b) Scotland and (c) the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The average waiting time for driving tests at Paisley is six weeks, in Scotland five weeks,510
  and in Great Britain five weeks. Driving tests in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that the high speed rail link from Ashford to central London will terminate at Stratford, east London, and will follow closely the route devised by Ove Arup; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government's preference remains that the rail link should approach London from the east, via Stratford, and terminate at King's Cross. The route is currently being refined on the basis of the broad corridor published last October.

  Rail System, Wales
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to support investment for the improvement of existing freight railway lines in Wales so as to enable them to carry passenger traffic; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  This is a matter for BR and the local authorities concerned.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of investment by British Rail in rolling stock for the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth railway line.

  Mr. Freeman
  I understand most services on this line are operated by British Rail's flagship diesel unit, the class 158. The remaining services are also operated by modern diesel units—class 150/156s.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement concerning the relative fuel efficiency of rail and road transport and the effect of increased use of rail travel on the natural environment of rural Wales.

  Mr. Freeman
  A comparison of CO2 emissions per kilometre is a useful indication of the relative fuel efficiency of various modes of transport. We have estimated that a typical regional railway service produces 80 to 85 per cent of the CO2 emissions of an average car per 100 person kilometres travelled. This figure reflects the very low levels of off-peak demand on some rural services which involve relatively long journeys. British Rail's regional railways business is currently undergoing a replacement of rolling stock which, when complete, should lead to a halving in fuel consumption. There is also substantial scope for increased fuel efficiency in road vehicles. The effect of increased rail travel on the natural environment of Wales would depend on the amount of traffic diverted from road and the extent to which new rail services and infrastructure were required.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.
  511
  Mr. Norris
  The spending by my Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising, and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year is as follows:

  £'000

  Television

  Radio

  Newspaper

  Other

  1979–80

  4,141

  62

  105

  1,532

  1980–81

  3,502

  336

  129

  1,737

  1981–82

  3,615

  6

  410

  1,457

  1982–83

  2,319

  98

  816

  1,415

  1983–84

  4,655

  22

  334

  1,488

  1984–85

  1,723

  207

  476

  2,873

  1985–86

  70

  858

  834

  4,026

  1986–87

  72

  520

  738

  4,489

  1987–88

  2,310

  50

  140

  3,010

  1988–89

  1,867

  110

  365

  3,367

  1989–90

  1,930

  233

  982

  3,289

  1990–91

  3,122

  145

  833

  3,962

  1991–92

  3,870

  176

  883

  4,593

  Detailed decisions have not yet been taken on expenditure by media for 1992–93, but the overall figure is expected to be approximately £10 million.

  Yugoslavia
  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement regarding the possible suspension of air and road links to Yugoslavia.

  Mr. Norris
  The United Nations Security Council resolution adopted last weekend prohibits any flights of any aircraft coming from or destined for Yugoslavia. It does not extend to road links with Yugoslavia. But there is a total prohibition on the export of all goods to Yugoslavia, except, under certain conditions, food and medical products, and the import of all goods originating from there.

  Mr. Bellingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice his Department is offering to tour operators and scheduled operators who may be affected by any restricted access to Yugoslav airspace; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The United Nations Security Council resolution prohibits landing and take-off at Yugoslav airports. The resolution does not specifically deal with overflying Yugoslavia, but we are considering the implications of the resolution for overflying and the payment by carriers of overflying charges. At the moment our advice is that United Kingdom air lines should avoid overflying Croatia and Bosnia and airspace within 30 nautical miles of the Croatian border with Yugoslavia.

  Light Dues
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list those EC member states collecting light dues after 1992;

  (2) if he will publish his proposals for ending light dues after 1992.

  Mr. Norris
  Within the EC I understand that only the United Kingdom, Ireland and Greece have systems of light dues; but that Denmark charges its own flag vessels for the use of its Decca radionavigation system. I am unaware of any changes in the position after 1992, and my right hon. Friend has no proposals to end light dues in this country.
  512
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total contribution by the Exchequer to light dues charged by the Republic of Ireland in the last financial year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Norris
  None.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish his conclusions on light dues, following his consultations with the British Ports Federation.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend is considering the proposals made by the British Ports Federation for extending light dues to pleasure craft, together with the responses to the widespread consultation which was undertaken about them.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 228, at what stage an assessment of changes in levels of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides and low level ozone will be undertaken.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  If a route is selected for this proposed scheme for further development, an assessment of air pollution will be undertaken during the detailed design stage before publication of the environmental statement.

  Cycling
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been done by his Department or commissioned by him to assess the significance of cycling from the perspectives of(a) environmental protection, (b) health and (c) energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The cycling research projects undertaken by or on behalf of the Department in recent years have primarily been concerned with establishing means of improving traffic conditions for cyclists, particularly their safety. The three perspectives specified have not so far formed the subject of specific research projects.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those posts in his Department which have a specific remit to promote cycling(a) nationally and (b) at regional level; and how many of them are currently filled.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The Department aims to improve conditions for cycling, with emphasis given to making it safer. We do not have any posts with a specific remit to promote cycling, but a substantial number of staff at HQ, in regional offices and at the Transport Research Laboratory undertake cycling work of various kinds.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those areas where regional offices have advised on specific inclusion of safe cycle routes and of those list those which have received funding from his Department; and what percentage these schemes are of the overall spending.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  This information is not held centrally, and could be collected only at disproportionate cost.
  513
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secetary of State for Transport what response he has made to the representations of the Cyclists Touring Club.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The Department has regular contacts with the Cyclists' Touring Club at official level. I would be pleased to agree to a request to meet CTC representatives soon.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce targets to raise the level of cycle use within all local authority areas.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No. Levels of demand for cycling, the need for facilities, and the resources, vary considerably across the country. Decisions on appropriate levels of provision for an area should be agreed by the relevant local authorities.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the number of traffic surveys carried out or funded by his Department over each of the last five years and say how many of those recorded cycling.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  This information is not available centrally, and could be collected only at disproportionate cost.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account has been taken of cycling in his Department's contribution to the United Nations Earth summit in Brazil.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The Government recognise that cycling is an efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport. Agenda 21, an action plan to guide the world community towards sustainable development, which will be launched at the conference, recommends that all countries should encourage non-motorised modes of transport by providing safe cycleways and footpaths in urban and suburban centres as appropriate. The Government support this recommendation.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of journeys in the United Kingdom are currently made by bicycle; and if he has comparable figures for the percentage of bicycle journeys in other European countries.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The 1985–86 national travel survey indicates that 2.3 per cent. of all journeys of I mile or more are made by cycle. We have no comparable data for other European countries.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what talks he has had with British Rail to require guarantees about reasonable cycle access to rolling stock;

  (2) if he will require all new orders for rolling stock to be built to a specification to incorporate cycle accommodation.

  Mr. Freeman
  The design of rolling stock is a matter for British Rail. BR's policy regarding cycles is to seek to accommodate them whenever possible. However, particularly at peak times on the busier routes, they must balance the interests of cyclists and those of other passengers.

  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what activity his Department is planning as its participation in national bike week.
  514
  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I understand there is no particular national focus, or major launch for national bike week which is taking place between 20 and 28 June. The emphasis this year has been placed on local fun rides, races, educational events and demonstrations. There are a number of charity bike rides planned. These include the annual London to Brighton ride on 21 June, which regularly includes riders from the Department of Transport.

  Rail Incident, Brierfield
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ask the railway inspectorate to investigate the safety implications of the incident on Monday 18 May in Brierfield in the Pendle constituency involving damage to a train by a coping stone.

  Mr. Freeman
  This incident arose as a result of vandalism which the British Transport police are investigating. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate is aware of the action taken by the British Rail's civil engineer following the incident and is satisfied that there is no further risk to either the public or to railway staff.

  Emergency Services
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the subsidy paid to British Telecom for emergency frequency watch keeping for the last five years.

  Mr. Norris
  British Telecom is contracted to provide a distress watch service for the Department of Transport on 500 Khz and 2182 Khz using BT's network of coast radio stations. The annual cost to the Department for the distress watch service over the past five years has been as follows:

  Year

  Cost £000

  1987–88

  1,210

  1988–89

  842

  1989–90

  916

  1990–91

  1,395

  1991–92

  1,237

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the craft, type and purposes of vessels operated by Her Majesty's coastguard.

  Mr. Norris
  Her Majesty's coastguard operates a fleet of 31 general purpose boats consisting of 20 5·4 m Rider semi-rigid inflatable boats, three 5·1 m Carson semi-rigid inflatable boats, three 4·6 m inflatable boats, three 4·0 m Sea Rider semi-rigid inflatable boats, one 6·0 m Sea Rider semi-rigid inflatable boat, and one 6·0 m Cabin rigid-hulled boat.

  Her Majesty's coastguard recently redefined its boat policy to identify two primary functions for coastguard boats—(i) incident prevention by active patrolling in areas considered to be of high risk potential, or areas where land-based patrolling is limited in scope or impossible, for example, river estuaries, and (ii) to transport men and equipment to incidents, for example, on offshore islands.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to invite competition for the emergency listening contract.
  515
  Mr. Norris
  Only BT has the necessary network of coast radio stations and the equipment to operate such a service. Discussions are presently under way with BT to review the cost of the service and the scope for savings.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many coastguard stations are listening on 2182 kHz.

  Mr. Norris
  Since 2182 Khz is covered by BT under the distress watch arrangements, there is no obligation for any coastguard station to maintain a continuous listening watch on this frequency, although all coastguard rescue centres have the capability to do so if required. All coastguard rescue centres maintain a continuous listening watch on channel 16, which is the international VHF/FM distress and safety frequency.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will outline his plans for modernising the Decca master and slave chain stations;

  (2) if he has any plans to extend Loran C to the whole of the United Kingdom waters.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend's predecessor announced his proposals for the future of radionavigation in United Kingdom waters last summer—Official Report, 21 June 1991, column 336. That announcement reflects the current position in that there is no proposal to establish a Loran C transmitter in the United Kingdom. Since then the general lighthouse authorities have entered into a contract with Racal Decca Marine Navigation Limited for the modernisation and continued operation of the existing United Kingdom Decca chains. I understand that a number of countries may still establish a more limited Loran C system which would give coverage in United Kingdom waters without a United Kingdom transmitter. Developments in this field will be monitored to ensure that the best interests of those who use and pay for marine radionavigation systems are served.

  Weather Information
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made with the French authorities on the propagation of Weather Fox information in English.

  Mr. Norris
  This is a matter for the Meteorological Office agency. I am asking the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.

  Cars, Central London
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the daily car movements in and out of central London by months for 1991 and the corresponding figure for each year since 1980.

  Mr. Norris
  The available information is given in the table. Counts are made every two years: monthly data are not collected, 1991 figures are not yet available.

  Daily car flows in and out of central London

  Thousands

  Number

  1981

  1,078

  1983

  1,071

  1985

  1,105

  516

  Number

  1987

  1,086

  1989

  1,160

  Shipping Register
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the main requirements of his inspectors for flagging in, broken down into numbers per year by vessel type.

  Mr. Norris
  Surveyors from the Department examine all aspects of safety and marine pollution of any ship which intends to flag on to the United Kingdom register.

  The major items inspected include lifesaving appliances, fire appliances, navigation equipment, radio equipment, crew accommodation, stability characteristics, marine pollution control and monitoring equipment and manning levels.

  The table shows the number of vessels flagged in for the years 1987–88 to 1991–92. All the foregoing items would be inspected on all these ships.

  Ships flagging in numbers per year by vessel type

  Year

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  Passenger1

  —

  —

  —

  3

  3

  Tanker

  10

  3

  6

  4

  2

  Cargo ship1

  10

  10

  10

  12

  4

  Dry bulk carrier

  —

  1

  6

  5

  4

  Others

  13

  14

  25

  15

  11

  1 Including roll-on/roll-off.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the average cost of a vessel flagging into the United Kingdom register for each of the last five years expressed as(a) per vessel and (b) per tonne.

  Mr. Norris
  The only costs available to the Department are those charged directly to the owners for the attendance of the surveyors. The average costs for these surveyors for the last five years are as follows.

  Year

  Average cost per vessel £

  Cost gross registered ton £

  1987–88

  3,409

  0·49

  1988–89

  2,754

  1·16

  1989–90

  2·386

  0·65

  1990–91

  4,297

  1·45

  1991–92

  4,619

  1·50

  M1-M62 Link
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 229, if he will identify those properties, within the Wakefield constituency, which could be demolished as a result of the construction of an M1-M62 motorway link along both proposed routes.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I will write to the hon. Member with details of the preliminary information we have on possible property demolition.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) public rights of way and (b) bridle ways will be affected by the proposed M1-M62 (i) yellow route and (ii) purple route.
  517
  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Based on a preliminary survey of rights of way, it has so far been identified that the yellow option would be crossed by two bridleways and 20 footpaths, and the purple route option by three bridleways and 24 footpaths.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 228, at what stage assessments will be undertaken to determine the extent and implications of farm severance in the development of proposals for an M1-M62 motorway link.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  If a route is selected for this proposed scheme for further development, an assessment of farm severance would be undertaken during the detailed design stage before the order for publication.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has available about areas of archaeological importance which may be affected by the proposed M1-M62 link road.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Information has been supplied by the West Yorkshire archaeology service from its records. I will write to the hon. Member with details.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, column 229, what evaluation has been undertaken into the role of rail, when considering alternatives to the M1-M62 road link; how the balance between forms of transport is to be achieved; what action his Department takes to ensure these aims; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No direct evaluation has been undertaken into the role of rail with regard to the M1-M62 scheme, but the scheme would cater for traffic with a wider variety of origins and destinations than could be realistically served by rail. We do not believe that it is our role to tell people where and how they should travel. However, we are supporting a high level of investment in rail as well as roads so that each form of transport can play its part in meeting the needs of travellers. We have also been working with the bus industry and the local authority associations on ways to encourage greater use of buses. And we offer freight facilities grants to encourage the transfer of freight from road to rail or water in appropriate cases.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport using current figures, what would be the assessed(a) annual and (b) 10-yearly maintenance cost for the purple and yellow routes for the M1-M62 link road.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Based on standard unit rates at current prices, the assessed annual maintenance costs of the yellow and purple routes are £160,000 and £190,000 respectively. The 10-year maintenance costs are assessed at £2·59 million and £3·02 million respectively.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessments have been made of vehicular volume on a daily basis along the proposed(a) purple and (b) yellow routes for the M1-M62 link road.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The average traffic flows forecast for the turn of the century on the purple route option are 518
  between 43,000 and 76,000 and on the yellow route option between 50,000 and 77,000 vehicles per day, the lower figure in each case being at the eastern end of the scheme and the higher figure being at the western end.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May,Official Report, columns 228–29, if he will identify the areas of woodland directly affected by the M1-M62 link road proposals and produce details of woodland of ecological interest which could be adversely affected.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I have already written to the hon. Member with a list of sites of ecological interest, which included woodlands. All known woodland areas directly affected by the route options is included in the environmental assessment framework. I will send the hon. Member a copy.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May 1992, columns 228–29, if he will outline the evidence underlying his conclusion that viable alternatives are not available to the proposed M1-M62 motorway link.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Most traffic goes by road and will continue to do so and the large majority of passenger journeys are by car. Other forms of transport have an important role to play, but cannot offer the same flexibility. This conclusion is reinforced by a recent study of traffic across the Pennines in the M62 corridor which shows that around half the trips between some city centres are by rail, but only 7 per cent. of total trips.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what extent of hedgerow destruction is envisaged in the construction of the M1-M62 link road.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No assessment of the effect on hedgerows has been made. Detailed design of any option would include substantial landscaping and planting proposals.

  Bridges
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will meet the chairman of British Rail to discuss the steps that are being taken by British Rail to ensure that bridges across the permanent way are maintained in good order.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Secretary of State meets the chairman of British Rail regularly to discuss various matters, including safety and safety related issues. British Rail's policy is to maintain bridges across the permanent way in good order.

  Rail Services, Liverpool
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with British Rail about the reliability of late night inter-city trains between London and Liverpool, and with the operators of Merseyrail about the reliability of local services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  I am not aware of any major problems with the reliability of late night InterCity services between London and Liverpool.
  519
  Merseyrail services are sponsored by Merseyside PTE. They set quality of service targets for local services. It would be for the PTE to take up any question of the reliability of these services with British Rail.

  Red Routes
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what evaluation has been done on the effects of the A1 to City red route; and if he will make a statement as to its traffic, environmental and social effect.

  Mr. Norris
  The hon. Member was sent a copy of the latest evaluation of the 8-mile red route pilot scheme in March. The effects are encouragingly beneficial. The main facts are:casualties down significantly more in 1991 than on the rest of London's roads;
  620 new free short term parking spaces introduced and no permitted parking places removed;
  bus lanes almost doubled;
  17 new or improved pedestrian crossing points and four new cycle crossings in progress;
  bus and general traffic journey times and reliability substantially improved;
  1,700 more people a week using the No. 43 bus service which goes along much of the route;
  traffic being attracted off less suitable adjacent roads;
  no evidence to suggest that red route measures have contributed of themselves to reduced shopping activity.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many miles of red route are planned for London: and on what date he expects to bring forward proposals.

  Mr. Norris
  I am considering the response received to the consultation document on the proposed red route network and expect to make an announcement shortly. Until that time I cannot say what the mileage of the network will be.

  Passenger Boat Regulations Committee
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the composition and objectives of the passenger boat regulations committee.

  Mr. Norris
  A proposed steering committee for small passenger boats will include three marine directorate district chief surveyors and representatives of the small passenger boat operators' associations. The committee will discuss the effect of future safety legislation on the United Kingdom small passenger boat industry, the problems of implementing current legislation, and general safety matters relating to the small passenger boat industry.

  Ports and Airports
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the United Kingdom airports in public and municipal ownership.

  Mr. Norris
  As at 12 November 1991, the list of active airfields available to civil aircraft, in public and municipal ownership in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, was as follows:

  Civil aviation authority owned and operated

  Benbecula

  Stornoway

  Inverness (Dalcross)

  Sumburgh

  520

  Islay (Port Ellen)

  Tiree

  Kirkwall

  Wick

  Northern Ireland office owned

  Belfast (Aldergrove)—operated by Northern Ireland Airports Ltd

  Municipally owned and operated

  Birmingham

  Lerwick (Tingwall)

  Blackpool

  Londonderry (Eglinton)

  Bournemouth (Hurn)

  Luton

  Bristol (Lulsgate)

  Manchester (Ringway)

  Cardiff-Wales

  Newcastle

  Carlisle

  North Ronaldsay

  Coventry

  Norwich

  Dornoch

  Oban (North Connel)

  Dundee (Riverside)

  Papa Westray

  East Midlands

  Plockton

  Eday

  St. Marys (Isles of Scilly)

  Exeter

  Sanday

  Glenforsa (Mull)

  Shoreham

  Gloucestershire

  Southend

  Haverfordwest

  Southport (Birkdale Sands)

  Hoy

  Stronsay

  Humberside

  Swansea

  Ipswich

  Teesside

  Isle of Skye

  Westray

  Leed Bradford

  Municipally owned and privately operated

  Biggin Hill

  Plymouth (Roborough)

  Doncaster

  Rochester

  Flotta

  Scatsta

  Lands End (St. Just)

  Unst

  Nottingham (Tollerton)

  Wycombe Air Park (Booker)

  Ministry of Defence airfields available to civil aircraft

  Abingdon

  Lossiemouth

  Benson

  Lyneham

  Binbrook

  Machrihanish

  Brize Norton

  Manston/Kent

  Chalgrove (privately operated

  Middle Wallop

  Chivenor

  Mona

  Church Fenton

  Newton

  Coltishall

  Northolt

  Cosford

  Odiham

  Cranwell

  St. Athan

  Culdrose

  St. Mawgan/Newquay

  Dishforth

  Shawbury

  Elvington

  Swanton Morley

  Farnborough

  Topcliffe

  Finningley

  Valley

  Halton

  Waddington

  Kemble

  Wattisham

  Leeming

  Wittering

  Lee-on-Solent

  Woodvale

  Leuchars

  Yeovilton

  Linton-on-Ouse

  Airfields in other public ownership and operation

  Alderney—operated by States of Guernsey

  Cumbernauld—owned and operated by Cumbernauld Development Corporation

  Dounreay—owned and operated by UK Atomic Energy Authority

  Duxford—administered by the Imperial War Museum and Cambridgeshire County Council

  Fair Isle—owned and operated by the National Trust for Scotland

  Fife (Glenrothes)—owned and operated by Glenrothes Development Corporation

  Guernsey—owned and operated by States of Guernsey

  Isle of Barra—owned by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and operated by Loganair Ltd.

  Isle of Man (Ronaldsway)—owned and operated by Isle of Man Government

  Jersey—owned and operated by States of Jersey

  North Weald—owned by Epping Forest District Council and jointly operated with Aces High Flying Museum (North Weald) Ltd.

  521

  Whalsay—operated by Whalsay Development Committee

  Wroughton—operated by the National Museum of Science and Industry

  Source: DTp.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the United Kingdom ports in public, municipal and trust port ownership.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department has no complete lists. Most ports are of only local significance. In the public sector, there are approximately 75 local authority ports, not including some 200 "marine works" which come within the responsibilities of the Scottish Office. The most important of those are Portsmouth, Sunderland, Workington, Ramsgate, Colchester and the oil ports of Sullom Voe and Flotta. There are no other major publicly owned ports. There are about 100 trust ports in Great Britain, of which the most important are Aberdeen, Blyth, Cromarty Firth, Dover, Dundee, Great Yarmouth, Harwich Haven, Ipswich, Lerwick, London, Milford Haven, Montrose, Peterhead, Poole, Shoreham and Tyne. In Northern Ireland the principal trust ports are Belfast, Londonderry, and Warrenpoint.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will calculate the estimated asset value of each airport and sea port in public, municipal or trust port ownership.

  Mr. Norris
  This information is not available to the Department.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to make annual reports and accounts of trust ports publicly available.

  Mr. Norris
  We have no plans for this at present.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those trust ports that make their annual accounts available to the general public through their local offices.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department has no information about this.

  Public Transport Investment
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will increase investment in public transport.

  Mr. Freeman
  BR invested just over £1 billion in 1991–92, the highest figure in real terms for 30 years. In 1992–93 BR is expected to invest a similar amount. London Transport invested around £600 million in 1991–92 and is currently expected to invest over £1 billion in 1992–93, three times greater in real terms than the level of investment five years ago. Bus and light rail investment outside London is primarily the responsibility of the private sector and of local authorities.

  Rail System (Vandalism)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will initiate a joint campaign with British Rail to draw to the attention of school children the possible consequences to British Rail staff and passengers of vandalism to trains and track.
  522
  Mr. Freeman
  British Rail and the Government attach top priority to railway safety. BR's project manager for anti-trespass and vandalism liaises with British Transport police to co-ordinate the efforts of dedicated teams engaged on school visits. Supporting publicity material includes videos and the "Roald Dahl Guide to Rail Safety". More than 4 million copies of this booklet have been sent to schools by BR. The message that children should never play near trains, stations or tracks is strongly endorsed by the Department's "Safety on the Move" campaign.

  Fuel Efficiency
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will bring forward proposals to set a mandatory fuel efficiency standard for vehicles.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  No. The United Kingdom is already working with other member states of the European Community with a view to agreeing EC limits on emissions of carbon dioxide from motor vehicles. Bearing in mind the close correlation between CO2 and fuel consumption, the Government do not consider separate measures to be necessary to deal with fuel efficiency.

  Japanese Knotweed
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that sufficient investment is made into British Rail to eradicate the overgrowth of Japanese knotweed along railway embankments.

  Mr. Freeman
  The management of railway embankments is an operational matter for British Rail. Any programme for eradicating Japanese knotweed would form part of its normal maintenance works, which is funded from revenue income.

  VHF Radio
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he is making on direct calling for VHF radios.

  Mr. Norris
  At present it is not considered that the addition of VHF direct calling would be worthwhile.

  Trinity House
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to review progress by Trinity House on automation.

  Mr. Norris
  Progress on the automation of lighthouses is reviewed annually with Trinity House as part of the yearly review of budgets.

  Passenger Vessels (Safety)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his policy on the International Maritime Organisation recommendations on passenger vessel stability for through-deck vessels.

  Mr. Norris
  The United Kingdom expressed dissatisfaction with the recent IMO standards adopted for existing ro-ro passenger ship residual stability and entered a
  523
  reservation. We are now pursuing the adoption of higher standards over a reasonable time scale within the European Community.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 15 May 1992,Official Report, column 229, if he will identify areas of land known to be contaminated.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  So far three areas of contaminated land have been identified. These are a tip and old sewage works at Bradley and the Spen Valley refuse tip at Ravensthorpe. A detailed survey covering this aspect would form part of any further design work.

  Rail Services (Punctuality)
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what form of statistics he holds on the punctuality of British Rail passenger services; what criteria are used when they are compiled; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  The British Rail passengers charter, which was published in March, committed British Rail to keeping passengers informed of how it performs compared with targets agreed annually with the Government. The charter document, which is widely available, sets out the criteria used to measure British Rail's performance in several areas, including punctuality.

  On 11 May, British Rail published the first of its "TrackRecord" reports on reliability and punctuality for each of the 44 passenger route groups its operates. These reports which will be updated every four weeks, can be seen at British Rail stations throughout Britain.

  Bus Deregulation, London
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to deregulate buses in London; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The Government remain firmly committed to the deregulation of the London bus market. We believe that deregulation has been a significant success in the rest of the country, producing a 19 per cent. increase in route miles and a one third reduction in operating costs. We want to see these benefits extended to bus users in London, too. We remain convinced that Londoners will benefit from having the key decisions on bus services taken by operators, who are close to the local market and whose survival depends on meeting their customers' needs. We shall be introducing the necessary legislation as soon as possible.

  Non-ferrous Waste
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he will take to improve safety standards relating to the transport of non-ferrous waste; and if he will take action to ensure the availability of guideline precautions for handling such waste materials while in transit.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  "Non-ferrous" materials are not a discrete category of waste and there are no special provisions governing their transport. There are however safety regulations for the transport of dangerous goods,524
  including new regulations which have just come into force; regulations for the transport of radio-active materials; and regulations requiring the proper securing of loads on vehicles, which will be reinforced by measures coming into force later this year. We have no present proposals to expand these provisions further.

  These regulations are distinct from the registration of carriers provisions introduced under the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act 1989, for which my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is responsible. Controlled waste may only be transported by a carrier registered with a waste regulation authority, unless specifically exempted by regulations. The duty of care provisions under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 make it an offence to give waste to a carrier who is not registered or exempt.

  London Underground
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the quality of service objectives for London Underground.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote to the chairman of London Transport on 27 May setting new quality of service objectives. The text of the letter was as follows.

  Text of letter from John MacGregor, Secretary of State for Transport, to Wilfrid Newton, Chairman on London Transport, setting new quality of service objectives.
  "Cecil Parkinson wrote to you in December 1989 setting quality of service objectives for both London Underground Limited (LUL) and London Transport's bus services covering the period up until 31 March 1992. This letter sets new objectives for London Underground which will run until 31 March 1994. I will be writing to you shortly with new objectives for LT bus services.
  "There have been important developments for the Underground since 1989. In June 1991 the Monopolies and Mergers Commission (MMC) published their report on LUL. They concluded that more investment was needed in the existing network to bring it up to an acceptably modern standard. In recognition of this, last year's public expenditure rsettlement provided record levels of grant to London Transport, which will allow record levels of investment by LUL. By 1993/94, London Underground will be investing over £700 million per annum in its core business, the level which, in evidence to the MMC, LUL said was necessary to make real progress towards providing an acceptably modern metro.
  "A number of important initiatives currently being progressed within LUL should help to ensure that these public resources are used to best effect. In November 1991 London Underground published their Company Plan, an extensive agenda of improvements to the safety, quality and efficiency of passenger services. I welcome this initiative, and will continue to support London Underground through the various stages of its implementation. I also look forward to the publication of LUL's Customer Charter which will set out the Underground's plans to increase its accountability to its customers, and make commitments to continuing improvements to services.
  "The objectives which I am setting you today are intended to build on the twin thrusts of better customer awareness and higher quality services. I am setting LUL twelve new objectives, some covering aspects of your services which we have not formally monitored before. There are specific targets in each objective to be achieved by 31 March 1993 and 31 March 1994. I am setting you revised objectives for improvement in service volume and regularity, lift and escalator reliability and the availability of ticket purchasing facilities. I am also looking to you to build on the successes of recent years and achieve a further reduction in the levels of violent crime on the Underground. I am for the first time setting you an objective covering station closures, a major

  525
  source of inconvenience to passengers. And, as recommended by the MMC and in line with the Government's Citizen's Charter initiative, I am setting you five targets for improving levels of customer satisfaction—with the cleanliness of your stations and trains, the quality of the information with which you provide your customers, and the helpfulness and availability of your staff. The detailed objectives are set out in the Annex to this letter.
  "I believe that these objectives will provide the right challenge for London Underground in its continuing efforts to deliver the high standard of service which today's, and tomorrow's Underground customers expect and deserve. I will be monitoring performance against them regularly, and will be asking you to consider how you can best publish your results, so that passengers can see for themselves what progress is being made."

  The text of the new objectives is as follows:

  Customer Satisfaction Measures1
  LUL will improve the quality of passenger information on trains to achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 78 per cent. by 1 April 1993 and 83 per cent. by 1 April 1994. Information on stations will achieve a customer satisfaction rating of 76 per cent. by the same date in 1993 and 81 per cent. by the same date in 1994. The average levels of performance in 1991–92 were 71 per cent. and 68 per cent. respectively. Seventy six per cent. of customers will rate train cleanliness as acceptable or better in 1993 and 81 per cent. in 1994. Eighty five per cent. of customers will rate the cleanliness of stations as acceptable or better in 1993 and 87 per cent. in 1994. These targets compare with average performance levels of 68 per cent. and 82 per cent. respectively in 1991–92.
  Staff helpfulness and availability will improve so that 83 per cent. of customers consider it acceptable or better in 1993 and 86 per cent. in 1994. Average performance in 1991–92 was 78 per cent.
  1 The measure used is the percentage of customers rating performance as "acceptable" or better, using data collected during LUL's monthly customer research surveys.

  Trains in service in each peak
  LUL will improve the percentage of scheduled trains running in the morning and evening peaks from 96·4 per cent. in 1991–92 to 97·5 per cent. by 1 April 1993 and 97·8 per cent. by 1 April 1994.

  Train service intervals
  LUL will achieve 91 per cent. of planned intervals between trains on frequent services by 31 March 1993. This is a new measure on which little data on current performance currently exists, it is therefore to be reviewed for 1993–94.

  Escalator service in each peak
  Throughout each peak hour period, for both the morning and the evening peaks, LUL will achieve 87 per cent. escalator availability by I April 1993 and 88 per cent. by the same date in 1994. This compares with a current performance in the peaks of 86 per cent.

  Lifts in service in each peak
  Throughout each peak hour period, both morning and evening, LUL will achieve 85 per cent. availability of lifts by 1 April 1993 and 88 per cent. by the same date in 1994. This compares with a current performance of 85 per cent.

  Station closures
  In each four week period, the number of station closures of twenty minuters or longer, and which are due to staff absence or equipment failure, will be reduced to fewer than 50 by 1 April 1993 and fewer than 30 by the same date in 1994. This compares with a current average of 100 closures per four week period.

  Ticket purchasing facilities
  In 1992–93, LUL will maintain the percentage of stations across the network offering at least one form of ticket issuing facility at 99·9 per cent. Before 31 March 1993, a revised target will be set including the condition that change should be available.
  526
  Violent crime
  The number of violent crimes committed against Underground customers will reduce further in 1992–93.

DEFENCE

  Cambodia
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what support British forces and military and civilian experts are giving to the United Nations peace-keeping operations in Cambodia.

  Mr. Rifkind
  As part of the United Nations Transition Authority in Cambodia, the United Kingdom is providing 38 military observers, 13 mine clearance training experts, including the overall command of the UNTAC mine clearance training unit, and up to seventy naval personnel.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the involvement of service personnel in the Lockerbie clean-up.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Although the tragedy happened almost three and a half years ago the excellent work done by the services under such distressing and demanding conditions has not been forgotten. In all, more than 8,000 man-days were contributed by the services during the 27 days of the operation, with a peak of more than 700 on the day after the crash, on 22 December 1988. The majority of effort was directed towards the search for bodies and wreckage.

  Classified Documents
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on documents relating to wartime matters of his Department that remain classified.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Department's policy is to release records after 30 years whenever possible, but a small proportion are withheld for varying periods on grounds such as national security or personal sensitivity.

  Merchant Ships
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the defence requirements in respect of British merchant ships.

  Mr. Aitken
  The defence need for merchant shipping is kept under regular review as part of normal planning.

  RAF Fylingdales
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will arrange to visit RAF Fylingdales; and if he will make a statement on the timetable to make the new station operational.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My right hon. and learned Friend currently has no plans to visit RAF Fylingdales. I can confirm that the modernisation programme is on schedule.

  Rail Freight
  Mr. Grocott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to encourage the use of rail for freight by Ministry of Defence depots.
  527
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My Department uses the most convenient and cost effective methods to transport freight and has no plans to favour the use of rail over any other method of transport.

  Bullying and Racial Harassment
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce bullying and racial harassment in the armed forces.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The services take a very serious view of bullying and racial harassment. It has been made clear throughout the services that bullying, racial harassment or other ill-treatment will not be tolerated. A range of measures to combat bullying has been introduced, including the banning of initiation ceremonies.

  Kurdish People
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what United Kingdom defence forces are available in Turkey for use in the protection of the Kurds.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The United Kingdom contribution to the coalition deterrent force in south-east Turkey comprises eight Jaguar reconnaissance/ground attack and two tanker aircraft plus ground support. In addition, the United Kingdom has a representative on the Coalition Military Co-ordination Committee.

  Commonwealth of Independent States
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he w ill indicate the range of contact between his officials and military representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The MOD is steadily increasing its contacts including: meetings between United Kingdom and Russian nuclear experts and officials; co-operation programmes agreed under the auspicies of the North Atlantic Co-operation Council; and the recent seminar on democratic management of defence, held at the Royal United Services Institute in London on 18 and 19 May.

  Surface Vessels
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will next be placing orders with United Kingdom shipyards for the construction of surface vessels; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  We plan further orders of type 23 frigates, single role minehunters, amphibious ships and support ships, but no decisions have been taken on their size and timing.

  Dartmoor National Park
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the reasons of confidentiality which prevent him from disclosing the amount paid by his Department to the Duchy of Cornwall for the use of moorland and farming land on the Dartmoor national park for live firing.
  528
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Our normal practice is not to disclose the amount payable for individual contracts between the Department and third parties on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

  C130 Transport Aircraft
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his NATO counterparts about the replacement of the C130 transport aircraft.

  Mr. Aitken
  Whilst my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State has discussed with NATO partners the wider matter of strategic mobility, the specific issue of replacing C130 transport aircraft has not been raised.

  Trident
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the Trident programme.

  Mr. Aitken
  The Trident programme is on time and within budget and continues to make satisfactory progress towards its in-service date of the mid-1990s.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the PSA on the progress of the Trident construction project at the Clyde submarine base.

  Mr. Aitken
  Ministers maintain a close oversight over all aspects of the Trident programme, including construction at the Clyde submarine base, on which we are regularly briefed by MOD's project managers, PSA projects. I am having further correspondence and discussions with the PSA about matters raised by the hon. Member for Dumbarton in the House on 21 May,Official Report, column 471.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's assessment of future global deployments of anti-ballistic missile systems; and what are the implications for the level at which Trident is deployed.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Currently, only Russia possesses operational anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs). The United States has outlined its proposals for ABM defences which will be discussed with NATO allies. Other countries have expressed an interest in gaining an anti-tactical ballistic missile (ATBM) capability against sub-strategic ballistic missiles. Trident will deploy the minimum number of warheads necessary to provide effective deterrence.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (I) what studies his Department has undertaken to examine whether Trident could perform a sub-strategic nuclear role;

  (2) if Trident will be capable of performing a sub-strategic nuclear role.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have nothing to add to the answer given to the hon. and learned Member for Fife, North-East (Mr. Campbell) on 20 May,Official Report, column 187.

  Housing
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve housing opportunities for ex-service personnel and their families.
  529
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King) announced on 24 February 1992 a package of improvements on housing opportunities for armed forces personnel leaving the services. My Department is also taking steps, in the short-term, to provide assistance to those being made redundant, or who are not being re-engaged and who find themselves in housing difficulty.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many unoccupied Ministry of Defence units of accommodation there are in the city of Plymouth.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  As at 31 March 1992, the latest date for which figures are available, 467 of the 2,858 service married quarters in the Plymouth area were vacant. Of these, 82 were undergoing modernisation, 61 were allocated to incoming service families and eight were in the process of being sold on the open market. There are plans for 170 dwellings to be sold to a housing association and a further 40 married quarters form part of the Ministry of Defence contribution to the Plymouth urban development corporation package. In addition, seven of the 12 civilian properties in the Plymouth area were vacant.

  Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if it is his intention to continue the armed forces parliamentary scheme in the current Parliament.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Yes.

  HMS Swiftsure
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether HMS Swiftsure is to receive a second refit.

  Mr. Aitken
  No. Swiftsure is not required to sustain our plan for a long-term force level of around 12 nuclear-powered submarines, and she was consequently paid off in April this year.

  Redevelopments
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence by how much the estimated final costs of recent redevelopments at(a) Ballykelly Shackleton barracks, (b) Plymouth Citadel and (c) Hollywood have risen from original estimates; and why.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Nuclear Weapon Transporters
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in providing armoured nuclear weapon transporters and containers to Russia: at what cost; under what vote and subhead the expenditure falls; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bradford, South (Mr. Cryer) on 9 March 1992.

  Specifications for the vehicles and containers have been discussed with Russian officials, and proposals for procurement are being prepared. It is our intention to deliver the equipment at the earliest possible date.

  Northern Ireland
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the deployment of additional infantry battalions to Northern Ireland in January and February 1992 has had on his previous estimate of the extent to which the minimum emergency tour length target interval of 24 months will be met in 1993–94; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The additional infantry battalions were deployed for only nine weeks and seven weeks respectively. Such short-term deployments are not included in the calculation of emergency tour plot intervals and do not affect the previous estimate for 1993–94.

  Trafalgar Submarines
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress in defining the characteristics of followon Trafalgar class submarines.

  Mr. Aitken
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Barrow and Furness (Mr. Hutton) on 22 May. The design studies into a batch 2 Trafalgar class submarine are progressing satisfactorily and we expect to begin consideration of the results early next year.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 May,Official Report, column 258, for how many batch 2 Trafalgar class hunter killer submarines he intends to invite tenders for design and construction; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  No decision has yet been made regarding the number of batch 2 Trafalgar class submarines required.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 May,Official Report, column 258, whether he intends to restrict tenders for the design and construction of batch 2 Trafalgar submarines to VSEL; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  We procure defence equipment through competition wherever practicable. In this case we would expect to invite tenders from any company willing and able to compete for the prime contractorship of the design and construction stage.

  Submarine Training
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many submarine service trainees are currently awaiting part III training berths in submarines; how many have been waiting for over six months; and what steps he proposes to take to reduce the backlog.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Of the 359 ratings currently undergoing part III training, 100 are currently awaiting billets at sea; 12 have been waiting for a sea billet for more than six months. Measures that have been taken to improve this situation are:

  (a) Additional time within the submarine programme has been allocated to part III training;

  (b) Part III training is now also carried out in submarines in harbour;

  (c) Part III training is now co-ordinated centrally and is given a higher priority in all submarines' programmes.

  Bloodhound Missiles
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress on the replacement of Bloodhound missiles.

  Mr. Aitken
  Consideration is being given to procurement of future medium surface-to-air missile system although this will not be a direct replacement for Bloodhound.

  Iserlohn Military Hospital
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent since 1986–87 to date on the extension and improvements to British military hospital Iserlohn; what was the original estimated cost in real terms; when the hospital will be closed; and what steps he is taking to recover the value of the improvements made.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The expenditure to date on the major works services at BMH Iserlohn is £45·935 million against an original estimate of £34·635 million. On current plans the unit will cease functioning as a hospital on 31 March 1994 and the buildings will be handed over to the German authorities in November 1994.

  Discussions are taking place with the German authorities concerning the future use of the property. The outcome of these discussions will decide whether there is a basis for a claim.

  Press and Public Relations
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the total expenditure by his Department on press and public relations in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and if he will give an estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Aitken
  The earliest year for which figures are available is 1982–83. Figures for the period 1982–83 to 1991–92 are as follows:

  £million

  1982–83

  5·1

  1983–84

  6·3

  1984–85

  6·8

  1985–86

  6·7

  1986–87

  7·3

  1987–88

  7·0

  1988–89

  7·1

  1989–90

  8·0

  1990–91

  8·4

  1991–92

  9·1

  The estimated expenditure figure for 1992–93 is £9·5 million. The figures provided include staff costs and expenditure on films, exhibitions, publications and equipment.

  Management Consultants
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total sum paid out in fees by his Department to management consultants in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Aitken
  Fees paid to management consultants engaged centrally by the Ministry of Defence for the years 1984–85 to 1991–92 are as follows:
  532

  Financial year

  £ million

  1984–85

  0·604

  1985–86

  1·787

  1986–87

  6·203

  1987–88

  5·140

  1988–89

  3·109

  1989–90

  5·292

  1990–91

  3·935

  1991–92

  5·700

  Figures for earlier years cannot be produced without disproportionate cost and effort.

  Under the Department's devolved management strategy, expenditure on management consultancy is now the responsibility of individual management areas. Plans are therefore not held centrally for 1992–93, but provisional forecasts indicate expenditure of about £6·8 million.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the public opinion surveys carried out by his Department since 1 November 1991.

  Mr. Aitken
  The opinion poll surveys conducted by, for, or on behalf of the Ministry of Defence since 1 November 1991 are as follows:

  Service and subject

  MOD—National Employers Liaison Committee Research Monitor

  Navy—Exhibition Response Research

  Army—Advertising Evaluation and Development

  Black Strategy Development

  Signal New Recruits

  Creative Development

  MORI Finalists Survey

  Officers Strategic Research

  The purpose of these surveys was to monitor the effectiveness of advertising and attitudes towards careers in the armed forces.

  Dunera
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has any plans to publish the documents relating to the voyage of the Dunera.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We have found no extant Ministry of Defence records relating to the voyage of the Dunera. The courts martial records of the British service men who were charged with offences against the passengers of that vessel were destroyed some years ago as they did not meet the criteria for permanent preservation. The Home Office has a small number of records concerning the Dunera. All are open to public examination, in class HO 215, at the Public Records Office. They include file No. 215/1, containing the Dunera passenger lists, which until very recently was closed.

  Radiation Exposure
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a breakdown for(a) Rosyth dockyard, (b) Devonport dockyard, (c) Coulport RNAD, (d) HMS Defiance and (e) Clyde submarine base of individual radiation dose exposures for workers in the bands (i) 0 to 10, (ii) 10 to 15, (iii) 15 to 20, (iv) 20 to 30, (v) 30 to 40 and (vi) greater than 40 mSv for the years 1991 and 1992.
  533
  Mr. Aitken
  Information on radiation doses in 1992 is not yet available. The tables provide information on doses for 1991 at the locations specified. It is possible to split the band 0–15 mSv only for those workers covered by the assessments of approved dosemeters issued by the Defence Radiological Protection Service (DRPS). At Rosyth and Devonport dockyards many personnel are protected by separate local dosimetry arrangements.

  Table A—Annual individual radiation dose equivalents for all personnel at Rosyth dockyard—1991

  Figures

  0–15 mSv

  1,182

  15–20 mSv

  0

  20–30 mSv

  0

  30–40 mSv

  0

  More than 40 mSv

  0

  Of the 1,182 workers who received doses of 0–15 mSv, 430 can be identified as being in the band 0–10 mSv and 22 in the band 10–15 mSv.

  Table B—Annual individual radiation dose equivalents for all personnel at Devonport dockyard—1991

  Figures

  0–15 mSv

  1,340

  15–20 mSv

  0

  20–30 mSv

  0

  30–40 mSv

  0

  More than 40 mSv

  0

  Of the 1,340 workers who received doses of 0–15 mSv, 655 can be identified as being in the band 0–10 mSv.

  Table C—Annual individual radiation dose equivalents for all personnel at RNAD Coulport—1991

  Figures

  0–10 mSv

  236

  10–15 mSv

  0

  15–20 mSv

  0

  20–30 mSv

  0

  30–40 mSv

  0

  More than 40 mSv

  0

  Table D—Annual individual radiation dose equivalents for all personnel at HMS Defiance—1991

  Figures

  0–10 mSv

  296

  10–15 mSv

  0

  15–20 mSv

  0

  20–30 mSv

  0

  30–40 mSv

  0

  More than 40 mSv

  0

  Table E—Annual individual radiation dose equivalents for all personnel at Clyde Submarine Base—1991

  Figures

  0–10 mSv

  299

  10–16 mSv

  26

  15–20 mSv

  3

  20–30 mSv

  1

  30–40 mSv

  0

  More than 40 mSv

  0

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a breakdown for(a) Aldermaston AWE, (b) Burghfield AWE and (c) Cardiff AWE of individual radiation dose exposures for workers in the bands (i) 0 to 10, (ii) 10 to 15, (iii) 15 to 20, (iv) 20 to 30, (v) 30 to 40 and (vi) greater than 40 mSv for the years 1990, 1991 and 1992.
  534
  Mr. Aitken
  The individual annual radiation dose data for AWE Aldermaston (A), Burghfield (B) and Cardiff (C) for the years 1990 and 1991 are as follows:

  Numbers of workers in dose bands

  AWE (A)

  (B)

  (C)

  1990

  0–10 mSv

  3,388

  182

  136

  10–15 mSv

  4

  0

  0

  15–20 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  20–30 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  30–40 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  Over 40 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  1991

  0–10 mSv

  3,383

  203

  155

  10–15 mSv

  4

  0

  0

  15–20 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  20–30 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  30–40 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  Over 40 mSv

  0

  0

  0

  Annual dose data for the year 1992 are not yet available.

  RNAD Trecwn
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what part his Department is playing in the study into the feasibility of establishing a munitions decommissioning centre at RNAD Trecwn.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My Department is investigating the possibility of alternative Ministry of Defence and other Government Department uses for the RNAD Trecwn site but our requirement for munitions disposal is small and would be best met by a storage site for which there is a continuing additional need. I am not aware of the existence of a feasibility study.

  Nuclear Test Veterans
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects the current study by the National Radiological Protection Board in relation to veterans of British nuclear tests to be completed; if he intends to publish this; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Sunderland, North (Mr. Etherington) on 22 May 1992, column 290.

  IFF Technology
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the Warrior vehicles hit by friendly fire from two American A-10 jets were fitted with IFF—identification friend-or-foe technology; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No. During the Gulf conflict, a secure and effective electronic identification system did not exist. The board of inquiry into this tragic incident recommended that a study be initiated to identify a suitable air recognition system for future use. In pursuit of that recommendation, the Defence Research Agency is undertaking a research programme aimed at assessing short-term solutions as well as options for the longer term.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for updating and improving current IFF—identification friend-or-foe technology.
  535
  Mr. Aitken
  The Government remain concerned about the inadequacies of existing IFF systems. We are currently engaged, in co-operation with France and Germany, in a programme of studies into the required characteristics of a next generation IFF system for aircraft. Close consultation is being maintained with Italy and with the United States Government, who have been reviewing their own future requirements following the cancellation of its IFF Mk XV programme in 1991. Firm decisions on the way ahead are not expected before 1993.

  Separately, the Government are carrying out studies into possible methods of improving the identification of ground forces (battlefield IFF).

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for defence what percentage of the total work force in his Department is registered as disabled; what steps he is taking to encourage the employment of disabled people within his Department; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  There are currently 1,164 registered disabled people employed in the MOD. This represents 0·9 per cent. of the total workforce. In addition, there are a number of staff with disabilities who have chosen not to register formally as disabled. The MOD takes very seriously its responsibilities as an equal opportunities employer, and has compiled a programme of action for people with disabilities, which is to be launched shortly.

  RAF Brawdy
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give a breakdown of the £2 million saving per year he estimates will be made to the defence budget when flying training ends at RAF Brawdy.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is continuing to look for alternative uses for RAF Brawdy within his Department when flying training ends there.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Investigations have so far revealed no alternative defence uses for RAF Brawdy.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what grade of official has represented his Department at meetings of the task force on the effects of the closures of RAF Brawdy and RNAD Trecwn;

  (2) what is the grade of the civil servant representing the MOD on the Secretary of State for Wales's Task Force for Pembrokeshire set up in connection with the ending of flight training at RAF Brawdy.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  MOD representation has been at grade 7 (principal) level, with the exception of one meeting at which, because of other commitments, representation was by an executive officer.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will review the position on the consumption of alcohol on royal naval nuclear submarines.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No.
  536
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the current ports allocated to Z-berths for nuclear submarines; and if he has any plans to alter the list in the future.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Within the United Kingdom there are Z-berths, including buoys and anchorages, at the following locations:Barrow-in-Furness, Barry, Broadford Bay, Brodick Bay, Campbeltown, Cardiff, Coulport, Dales Voe, Dalgety Bay, Devonport and Plymouth Sound, Faslane, the Firth of Forth, Glen Malian, Holy Loch, Lamlash Bay, Lerwick, Liverpool, Loch Ewe, Loch Fyne, Loch Goil, Loch na Beiste, Loch Striven, Loch Torridon, Portland, Portree, Portsmouth, Raasay, Rosyth, Rothesay, Southampton, Spithead, Thurso Bay and Torbay.

  In addition, we have decided to establish a Z-berth at Swansea. The operational requirements for Z-berths are under continuous review but there are no current plans to alter this list.

  Defence Review
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implementation of the defence review.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We have been restructuring our forces to ensure that, though smaller, they will be more flexible, more mobile and better-equipped than ever before. We will continue to keep the House fully informed of progress in implementing plans for Britain's defence for the 1990s.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the amount of chemical weaponry held by former Soviet Union countries; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The former Soviet chemical warfare stockpile, which the Russian authorities say is now held entirely within their territory, is the largest and most sophisticated in the world. We estimate that the stockpile is greater than the 50,000 tonnes of agent that the Soviet authorities claimed it to be. The chemical weapons convention in Geneva continues to make progress towards a global ban on these weapons.

  Debt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what policy guidelines are currently in place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility in respect of the prompt payment of commercial debt, particularly as it relates to small business suppliers.

  Mr. Aitken
  Government Departments, and their executive agencies, are required to pay their bills promptly. In such matters the MOD does not differentiate between large, medium or small business suppliers and normally expects to pay its bills within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice as required by the contract.

  To help encourage prompt payment of bills by Government contractors to their subcontractors all my Department's contracts will contain a clause requiring the supplier or contractor to pay its subcontractors promptly. In the absence of normal practice to the contrary for that

  537
  type of contract or other special circumstances, the commitment should be to pay the subcontractor within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice or similar demand for payment as defined by the contract.

  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what distribution has taken place within his Department and the purchasing organisations for which he has responsibility of the Department of Employment's publication "Making the Cash Flow—a Guide to the Payment of Commercial Debt for Buyers and Small Business Suppliers".

  Mr. Aitken
  "Making the Cash Flow" was prepared as guidance for the private sector and there was therefore no formal distribution to other Government Departments. However, in the light of my hon. Friend's question, I will make sure that the appropriate senior officials in my Department receive a copy. I can assure my hon. Friend that my Department has a good record on the prompt payment of its due bills to all contractors, including small businesses.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many nuclear free-fall bombs have been withdrawn from service to date;

  (2) how many nuclear free-fall bombs are currently deployed by the Royal Air Force.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to specify publicly the size of our nuclear weapon holdings. The hon. Member will recall however that my right hon. Friend the Member for Bridgwater (Mr. King) announced on 14 October 1991,Official Report, column 58, that we should be making a substantial reduction in the numbers of our WE177 bombs in coming years. The process of withdrawing WE177 weapons from service in accordance with that announcement is under way.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how long the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent will be maintained by a combined force of Trident and Polaris submarines.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Trident will enter service progressively from the mid-1990s. It is not our practice to disclose details of operational deployments and decommissioning programmes.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans his Department has to alter the level of warhead deployment for the United Kingdom's minimum strategic nuclear deterrent before the end of the century;

  (2) if the criteria determining the level at which the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent is deployed will be different for Trident compared with Polaris.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It will remain the Government's policy to deploy the minimum number of warheads necessary to ensure credible and effective deterrence.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what are the implications for the continued 538
  credibility of the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent of the deployment of existing anti-ballistic missile systems around the world;

  (2) what is his Department's assessment of the security implications for the United Kingdom's strategic nuclear deterrent of the acquisition by Russia of anti-ballistic missile technology and know-how from other states.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  We remain satisfied with the continuing credibility and effectiveness of our strategic nuclear deterrent. The possibility of future developments in anti-ballistic missile defence, however, confirms that wisdom of replacing Polaris with Trident.

  RAF Training
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons have been killed during RAF training over rural mid-Wales each year since 1983; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Aircraft type

  Number of fatalities

  Location

  June 1987

  Jaguar

  1

  Near Builth Wells, Powys

  August 1987

  Phantom

  2

  8 nm south of Aberystwyth

  June 1989

  Hawk/Hawk Mid-Air

  1

  Near Aberystwyth

  August 1991

  Jaguar/Civilian Cessna

  21

  Carno, Powys

  1 Including civilian pilot of Cessna.

  The RAF attaches the highest priority to flight safety in all its training activities.

  Biological Weapons
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's assessment of the number of countries currently involved in the development of biological weapons.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It is assessed that about ten countries possess or seek to acquire a biological warfare capability. It is difficult to gauge exactly the number of countries that are involved because biological weapons can be developed and produced at civilian facilities.

  Advertising
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give separate figures for the spending by his Department on(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) other promotional material in 1979–80 and in each following year up to and including 1991–92; and what is his latest estimate for 1992–93.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The information requested, in respect of centrally controlled expenditure, is as follows:
  539

  (a) Television advertising

  (b) Radio advertising

  (c) Newspaper advertising

  (d) Other promotional material

  Total

  1979–80

  2·28

  0·04

  5·75

  0·14

  8·21

  1980–81

  0·54

  0·17

  6·10

  0·85

  7·66

  1981–82

  0·01

  0·04

  4·20

  1·04

  5·29

  1982–83

  0·01

  0·07

  3·90

  1·03

  5·01

  1983–84

  Nil

  0·07

  5·30

  1·90

  7·27

  1984–85

  0·49

  0·02

  6·86

  1·50

  8·87

  1985–86

  1·82

  0·02

  6·82

  1·03

  9·69

  1986–87

  0·73

  0·22

  8·07

  1·17

  10·19

  1987–88

  0·55

  0·03

  7·68

  2·52

  10·78

  1988–89

  2·86

  0·18

  9·56

  4·44

  17·04

  1989–90

  4·18

  0·26

  13·36

  6·21

  24·01

  1990–91

  2·88

  0·22

  9·21

  8·62

  20·93

  1991–92

  3·28

  0·26

  7·93

  7·37

  18·84

  1992–93

  2·15

  0·01

  7·20

  1·88

  11·24

  Note: All figures are expressed in £ million.

  Nuclear Testing
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will support a comprehensive test ban treaty to end underground nuclear testing.

  Mr. Aitken
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 12 May 1992 at col. 90.

  Newtown Firing Range
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to upgrade the Newtown firing range to electronic target range standards.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None.

  Channel Islands
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the defence installation facilities paid for by the Channel Islands states Governments as their contribution to the cost of their defence by the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Iraq
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any request for the use of British forces for mine clearance in liberated areas of Iraq has been made.
  540
  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  There have been no requests from the Iraqi authorities for the assistance of British forces in clearing mines inside Iraq.

  NATO Rapid Reaction Corps
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to seek alternative Army training grounds in eastern Europe for military manouevres for the NATO rapid reaction corps under British command.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  There are currently no plans for either ARRC units or British Forces to use training areas in eastern Europe.

  HMS Turbulent
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) when the report into the fire on-board HMS Turbulent on 30 April is complete, if he will make that report available to the public;

  (2) when he expects the investigation into the fire on board HMS Turbulent on 30 April to be completed.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The report on the causes of the fire on-board HMS Turbulent has been completed. It is not our practice to release internal reports of this nature but I can confirm that the fire was due to a material defect in a switchboard which has now been rectified.

  APPEALS TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS
  APPEALS TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS
  PRISONERS HELD TWO AND THREE TO A CELL
  PRISONERS HELD TWO AND THREE TO A CELL
  PRISONERS: SUICIDES
  PRISONERS: SUICIDES
  JUVENILES IN CUSTODY
  JUVENILES IN CUSTODY
  JUVENILE OFFENDERS: CAUTIONS
  JUVENILE OFFENDERS: CAUTIONS
  PRISONERS: RELIGIOUS REGISTRATION
  PRISONERS: RELIGIOUS REGISTRATION
  PRISONS: CLEANING OF CHAPELS
  PRISONS: CLEANING OF CHAPELS
  IMMIGRANTS: FAMILIES SEEKING REUNION
  IMMIGRANTS: FAMILIES SEEKING REUNION
  STATE PENSION: DEFECTIVE CONTRIBUTION RECORDS
  STATE PENSION: DEFECTIVE CONTRIBUTION RECORDS
  INCOME SUPPORT FOR 18–24 YEAR-OLDS
  INCOME SUPPORT FOR 18–24 YEAR-OLDS
  DRIVING STANDARDS: IMPROVEMENT
  DRIVING STANDARDS: IMPROVEMENT
  "HIGHWAY CODE"; REVISION
  "HIGHWAY CODE"; REVISION
  TECs: GROUP OF TEN REPORT
  TECs: GROUP OF TEN REPORT