Written Answers of 29 June 1992

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  International Agreements
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list all the bilateral and multilateral agreements directly or indirectly negotiated by his Department or a body acting on behalf of his Department with(a) Switzerland and (b) Liechtenstein.

  The Attorney-General
  No bilateral or multilateral agreements with either Switzerland or Liechtenstein have been negotiated directly or indirectly by departments for which I have responsibility.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  International Agreements
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all the bilateral and multilateral agreements directly or indirectly negotiated by his Department or a body acting on behalf of his Department with(a) Switzerland and (b) Liechtenstein.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  A complete list of all bilateral and multilateral agreements between the United Kingdom and Switzerland or Liechtenstein could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Wheel Clamping
  Sir Gerard Vaughan
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ask the Law Commission to review the law on wheel clamping of vehicles on private land.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor has no plans at present to ask the Law Commission to review the law relating to wheel-clamping activities. The recent ruling of the High Court of Justiciary in Scotland will, however, be examined carefully by the Government with a view to ascertaining its possible relevance to the position in England and Wales.

  Child Abduction
  Mr. Diner
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps he is planning to take to tighten up procedures whereby a single parent is able to take a child out of the country without the express consent of the other parent.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The removal of a child will in most cases constitute an offence under the existing law. The Government have no current proposals for changes in the law in this field, but are willing to consider any suggestions that are made. In addition, the operation of the Children 366
  Act 1989 is being monitored so that any changes which might be of assistance may be identified in the light of experience.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Sittings of the House
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Lord President of the Council when he expects to reply to the report of the Select Committee on Sittings of the House.

  Mr. Newton
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Bolsover (Mr. Skinner).

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will set up a Select Committee on Lockerbie.

  Mr. Newton
  No. Lockerbie matters are regularly raised in the House and I see no need for such a Committee.

  Top Salaries Review Body
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Lord President of the Council when he will lay the Top Salaries Review Body's report into Members' allowances before the House; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin).

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Lord President of the Council who has been appointed as a consultant to his office for market testing.

  Mr. Newton
  There are no activities carried out in the Privy Council Office of a suitable nature, or of sufficient scale, for market testing.

ENVIRONMENT

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to carry out new consultations with a view to revising the guidelines on compensation payments to owners of sites of special scientific interest.

  Mr. Maclean
  Yes.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account he has taken of the size of awards to landowners made in respect of sites of special scientific interest in the past when planning the total of future public spending on nature conservation.

  Mr. Maclean
  Public expenditure plans for conservation are informed by the figures provided by English Nature in its corporate plan which takes account of the likely costs of payments to owners of SSSIs under management agreements.

  Landowners (Payments)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of the forecasts made by his consultants, Laurence Gould Associates, of the level of payments to landowners under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

  Mr. Maclean
  We will take account of the Laurence Gould report, together with advice from English Nature, on the actual level of payments made to landowners in the forthcoming review of the financial guideline.

  Air Quality
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to extend and improve the effectiveness of the monitoring of air quality in urban areas.

  Mr. Maclean
  Plans to expand the geographical coverage of the Department's urban air quality monitoring and the range of pollutants measures were announced in the White Paper "This Common Inheritance". The first phase of the expansion was implemented in January. Five new sites are now in operation: London Bloomsbury, Newcastle centre, Belfast centre, Birmingham centre, and Cardiff. Sites are to follow in Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds and Liverpool.

  Each of these sites monitors SO2, CO, NO, NO2, ozone and PM10 on a continuous basis. Air quality bulletins drawing on the results are now available on Ceefax page 196 and on a free telephone call line 0900 556677.

  Urban Development Corporations
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a table indicating for each urban development corporation(a) how much land each UDC has acquired in total, (b) how much land each UDC currently retains, (c) how much money each UDC has spent in land transactions, and (d) how much money each UDC has received from land transactions.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: This information is shown in the table.

  LAND TRANSACTIONS

  The table shows, at column;

  (a) how much land each UDC has acquired in total;

  (b) how much land each UDC currently retains;

  (c) how much money each UDC has spent in land transactions; and

  (d) how much money each UDC has received from land transactions.

  UDC

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  (d)

  hectares

  hectares

  £ million

  £ million

  Black Country

  399.000

  349.000

  68.000

  3.700

  Bristol

  16.190

  16.190

  24.371

  nil

  Central Manchester

  5.115

  5.115

  12.278

  nil

  Leeds

  41.210

  37.160

  17.525

  1.762

  London Docklands

  870.000

  594.000

  161.000

  302.000

  Merseyside

  382.000

  333.000

  29.000

  11.200

  Sheffield

  170.000

  73.000

  222.700

  30.370

  Teesside

  417.730

  367.860

  428.465

  46.129

  Trafford Park

  167.090

  145.790

  41.619

  9.258

  Tyne and Wear

  330.000

  280.270

  42.359

  5.814

  Notes:

  1All figures are up to the period ending 31 March 1992.

  2Including estimate of land vested but still subject to negotiation.

  3A further £7.395 million is due under firm building agreements.

  4These figures include expenditure on buildings.

  North Warwickshire Borough Council
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the provisional cap on spending on North Warwickshire borough council takes into account all the individual circumstances of the council, including its RECHAR funding potential.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: North Warwickshire borough council is not one of the authorities which have been designated for capping by my right hon. and learned Friend.

  Local Government (London)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what review the Local Government Commission will be conducting of the pattern of local government in London; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 12 May, Official Report, column 59. We intend to ask the commission to look at cases for change to local government boundaries in London when it has completed its programme of structural reviews in the shire counties.

  Local Government Officers
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the number of local government officers who have been(a) disciplined and (b) dismissed for political activities in contravention of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: This information is not collected by my Department.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring is undertaken by his Department in respect of the political activities of local government officers in contravention of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: My Department does not monitor the relevant provisions of this Act.

  City Challenge
  Ms. Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about progress on Southwark council's bids under the city challenge scheme; and how many other councils have submitted applications.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: Fifty-four local authorities, including the London borough of Southwark, have submitted bids in the current round of city challenge. All the bids have been assessed against the aims and criteria set out in the published bidding guidance. Ministers from the Department of the Environment have considered the bids and reports of the regional presentations to officials and have met each bidding authority. The successful authorities will be announced by the end of July 1992.

  Empty Property
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what income was derived from rates on empty properties in the most recent period of 12 months;
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  (2) if he has any plans to introduce regulations to prevent property owners vandalising their own empty properties to avoid the payment of rates;

  (3) what proposals he has to reduce the rate liability on empty buildings; and if he will make a statement;

  (4) what information he has on the extent of building vandalisation in the City of London to avoid payment of rates.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: We have no plans to change the law governing the rating of empty property. Empty property benefits from local services and it is right that it should contribute to the costs incurred by local authorities. Property, whether occupied or not, is rateable if it is capable of beneficial occupation. If owners judge it commercially advantageous to render property unusable, that is a matter for them.

  We are aware that five unoccupied properties in the City of London have been made unusable by their owners in order to avoid rates liability. We estimate the loss of rate yield at about £3 million. This has to be set against an estimated total rate income in England from empty property in 1992–93 of some £600 million.

  We are already providing £1.25 billion of help to businesses over the next three years under the Non-Domestic Rating Act 1992.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Disabled People
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what measures and aid his Department will make available to enable disabled people to take part in sporting activities.

  Mr. Key
  In 1991–92, nearly £1 million was spent by the Sports Council on promoting sport for people with disabilities. The council is also working closely with the disability sports organisations and the governing bodies of sport on the implementation of the recommendations of the ministerial review report on sport for people with disabilities, "Building on Ability". I shall be attending the paralympics in Spain in September.

  Channel 5
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make it his policy to ensure that the headquarters and the base of operations of Channel 5 is located some distance from London.

  Mr. Key
  No. The location of Channel 5's headquarters and base of operations will be a matter for the licensee to decide.

  London Zoo
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what representations he has received from(a) the public and (b) the Zoological Society in respect of the recent announcement of the likely closure of London zoo;

  (2) if he will provide such assistance, advice and resources to the Zoological Society as are required to safeguard the future of animals in the event of London zoo being closed.
  370
  Mr. Key
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: My right hon. and learned Friend and I have discussed with the Zoological Society of London the consequences of the society's decision to close London zoo. We have made it clear that no more taxpayers' money can be given to the zoo, but that we stand by the offer made last year to relieve the society of some of its obligations as lessees.

  The Department has received several letters from members of the public.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Botswana
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the level of Her Majesty's Government's bilateral aid to Botswana.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Gross British bilateral aid, including Commonwealth Development Corporation investments, to Botswana was provisionally estimated to be £12.18 million in 1991.

  Brazil
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement concerning the progress of Overseas Development Administration projects to protect the health of the Yanomami tribe.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  In 1990 we provided through Oxfam a grant of £90,000 to the Campaign for the Creation of a Yanomami Park, a Brazilian non-governmental organisation, to fund the provision of equipment, salaries, communication and travel costs for a health care project in the Demini area of what is now Yanomami national park. The agreed activities have been successfully completed.

  We have this year agreed a second grant through Oxfam, of £175,000, for a new phase of the project which will, among other things, help to support a team of medical staff in the reserve and establish a second health post in addition to that presently operating at Demini.

  We have also indicated to the Brazilian authorities our willingness to consider support for government work to provide health services to the Yanomami.

  Third World Debt
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will outline the Government's latest plans to assist in the reduction of third world debt for 1992–93.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Agreement to begin implementing the Prime Minister's Trinidad terms initiative to relieve the burden of official debt on the poorest countries was achieved in December. Seven countries have already benefited and we expect many more to do so over coming months. As these new agreements take effect, we can expect a significant reduction in repayments due to government creditors. None the less, the Government continue to press for even greater relief for the poorest, most indebted countries carrying out economic reform.

  The Government have strongly supported and provided their share of resources needed to implement a 1989 agreement, known as the Brady plan, to help deal with the problem of commercial debt. Deals involving the

  371
  effective cancellation of substantial portions of bank debts have been agreed, or are being negotiated, with most of the largest debtors. Most recently, Argentina agreed a deal which will involve an effective reduction of its $25 billion long-term debt to banks by around a third. Brazil is currently negotiating a similar deal with its commercial creditors.

  Know-how Funds
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress of the know-how fund for central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union; and if he will give details on the specific projects so far approved this year for each eligible country.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The know-how fund for central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union is going extremely well. Some £82 million has now been spent or committed to well over 400 projects. Other western Governments are using our know-how fund as a model for their own.

  A list of the activities approved since the beginning of 1992 under the know-how fund has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Natural Resources Institute
  Mr. Willetts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will state the performance targets for the Overseas Development Administration's natural resources institute in 1992–93.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  NRI's performance targets for 1992–93 are to break even on full economic costs; to achieve an efficiency gain of at least 1.5 per cent.; and to continue to expand the share of work undertaken for non-ODA clients.

  Indian Ocean (Fishing Rights)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the actual and potential fishing rights surrounding(a) Diego Garcia and (b) other British Indian ocean territories.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 24 June 1992]: On 1 October 1991 Her Majesty's Government declared a 200-mile fisheries conservation and management zone around the British Indian ocean territory. We aim to play a full part in the sensible management and conservation of fishing stocks in that area.

  Russia
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase medical, financial and technological aid to Russia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: Bilateral technical assistance to the former Soviet Union, including Russia, is provided through a know-how fund totalling £50 million. A further major contribution is made through our 18 per cent. share of the 450 mecu annual European Commission technical assistance programme, and we have also given £1 million to projects under the auspices of the European bank for reconstruction and development.
  372
  In addition, in February of this year we provided £2 million worth of emergency medical assistance to the republics of the former Soviet Union, including major donations of drugs and equipment to the Russian cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ekaterinburg, Tyumen and Novokuznetsk.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  In line with the proposals in the "Competing for Quality" White Paper, Ernst and Young was employed to assist in the preparation of my Department's market-testing programme.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Civil Service
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants there are in the Northern Ireland Office; and how many are based in(a) London and (b) Northern Ireland, indicating in each case the number that are members of the Northern Ireland civil service.

  Mr. Mates
  As at 1 May 1992 there were 1,535 staff in the Northern Ireland Office. The breakdown between the home civil service and the Northern Ireland civil service and the two locations is as follows:

  Civil Service

  Home

  Northern Ireland

  London

  102

  3

  Northern Ireland

  103

  1,327

  205

  1,330

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Mates
  Michael Willacy Associates.

  Training and Employment Agency
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what targets have been set for the Training and Employment Agency for Northern Ireland for the period 1992 to 1995.

  Mr. Atkins
  The following are the targets which have been set for the Training and Employment Agency for the period 1992–95:

  1. To increase the number of companies developing their management and work force skills from 125 at April 1992 to 225 by March 1993 and to 500 by March 1995.

  To increase by 10 per cent per year the proportion of potential entrants into employment with high levels of attainment as measured by qualification.

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  3. In 1992–93 to place 30,000 people into jobs and 15,500 people into training and other agency schemes.

  4. To provide every inward-investment company referred to the agency by the Industrial Development Board with relevant information, advice and customised training.

  5. To maintain customer satisfaction levels and where possible increase them.

  6. To reduce administration costs by at least 2 per cent. yearly.

  7. To establish by March 1993 an initial baseline of unit costs for agency programmes on a full economic cost basis.

  8. To meet for the agency the national Investors in People standard by 31 March 1994.

EDUCATION

  Postgraduate Courses
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list those local education authorities which provide discretionary awards to cover(a) one-year postgraduate law courses and (b) two-year postgraduate courses for non-law graduates; if he will list the average award made by those local education authorities in terms of maintenance grants and tuition fees; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forman
  These data are not collected centrally.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools, and of what type, had(a) voted for and (b) voted against applying for grant-maintained status in the period (i) 1988 to 9 April 1992 and (ii) since 9 April; and how many schools of each type have notified his Department of their intention to ballot on grant-maintained status.

  Mr. Patten
  The information requested by the hon. Member follows:

  Ballots on grant-maintained status

  (a) in favour

  (b) against

  (i) 1988–9 April 1992

  Primary Schools

  90

  27

  of which

  County

  63

  21

  Voluntary Aided

  13

  1

  Voluntary Controlled

  14

  5

  Special Agreement

  0

  0

  Secondary Schools

  262

  81

  of which

  County

  205

  69

  Voluntary Aided

  29

  8

  Voluntary Controlled

  26

  3

  Special Agreement

  2

  1

  Total

  352

  108

  (ii) 9 April 1992–29 June 1992

  Primary Schools

  6

  3

  of which

  County

  6

  2

  Voluntary Aided

  0

  0

  Voluntary Controlled

  0

  1

  Special Agreement

  0

  0

  Secondary Schools of

  18

  2

  which

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  (a) in favour

  (b) against

  County

  14

  2

  Voluntary Aided

  1

  0

  Voluntary Controlled

  3

  0

  Special Agreement

  0

  0

  Total

  24

  5

  Schools with ballots pending

  Primary Schools of

  8

  —

  of which

  County

  6

  —

  Voluntary aided

  2

  —

  Voluntary Controlled

  0

  —

  Special Agreement

  0

  —

  Secondary Schools

  48

  —

  of which

  County

  34

  —

  Voluntary Aided

  10

  —

  Voluntary Controlled

  2

  —

  Special Agreement

  2

  —

  Total

  56

  —

  Fitzherbert School, Brighton
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to dispose of the site of the former Fitzherbert school, Brighton; what is the current valuation of the site; what is the total expenditure by his Department on the site to date; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Patten
  The CTC trust has been actively marketing the site of the former Fitzherbert school in Brighton, and is engaged in current negotiations to sell it. The total costs of maintaining the site to the end of May 1992 are £183,000. In view of the current negotiations, it would not be appropriate to give a detailed valuation of the site.

  Training Grants
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what plans he has to cease funding of the GEST—grants for education support and training—and LEATGS—local education authority training grants scheme—programmes from April 1993;

  (2) when he intends to consult the local authority associations, as required under section 3(5) of the Grants and Awards Act 1984, on changes to the GEST and LEATGS programmes.

  Mr. Forth
  We have no plans to cease funding the programme of grants for education support and training, which includes education support grants and LEA training grants. My right hon. Friend will be writing shortly to the local authority associations with his proposals for the 1993–94 GEST programme.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Forth
  KPMG Management Consulting Ltd. was appointed in March 1992 to advise on the scope for market testing within the Department.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what further measures he is taking to help parents who are in dispute with authorities over their child's special educational needs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  The Government have decided to establish a new independent special educational needs tribunal as part of their package of legislative reforms on SEN announced by my noble Friend the Minister of State in another place on 11 June. The tribunal would replace the jurisdiction of both the Secretary of State and appeals committees to hear appeals under the Education Act 1981. The tribunal will give parents quicker redress, a more open and independent hearing, and a simplified structure in line with the parents charter.

  New School Buildings
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the average cost of providing a school place at primary, secondary and comprehensive schools when new buildings are constructed.

  Mr. Forth
  The information requested is not immediately available. I shall write to my hon. Friend when it is.

PRIME MINISTER

  Disabled People
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the occasions in the last Session of Parliament on which Ministers have stated the Government's policy on whether a legislative approach is the right way to deal with discrimination against people with disabilities; which Minister has the principal responsibility in this matter; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government's view was stated principally on 31 January during Second Reading of the Civil Rights (Disabled Persons) Bill by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Social Security and Disabled People at column 1251.

  Security Services
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the monitoring of hon. Members by the security services.

  The Prime Minister
  The policy remains as stated in 1966 by the then Prime Minister, the Lord Wilson of Rievaulx, and as applied by successive Governments since. In answers to questions on 17 November 1966, Lord Wilson said that he had given instructions that there was to be no tapping of the telephones of Members of Parliament, that remained the policy of the Government and that, if there was a development which required a change in the general policy, he would, at such moment as seemed compatible with the security of the country, on his own initiative make a statement in the House about it. The Government regard this undertaking as still applying to both postal and telephone interception.

  Earth Summit
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister what attempts will be made by Her Majesty's Government to encourage sufficient states to sign the Rio treaties on climate change and biodiversity respectively to permit the consequent entering into force of the treaties.

  The Prime Minister
  By the end of the Earth summit, 153 states and the EC had signed the conventions on climate change and biodiversity. For the conventions to enter into force. 50 states, in the case of climate change, and 30 states, in the case of biodiversity, must ratify them.

  I have written to the leaders of all EC and Group of Seven countries about the need to maintain the momentum generated by the summit and I have proposed that they draw up a plan of action to include the prompt implementation of both conventions.

  War Crimes
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Prime Minister whether, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) of 13 May,Official Report, column 106, concerning documents relating to the wartime Nazi occupation of the Channel Islands, he has completed his inquiries; and whether he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The current review of the documents to which the hon. and learned Member refers is proceeding. Considerable work is involved. I will write to him as soon as inquiries have been completed.

  China
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the proposed human rights fact-finding visit to the People's Republic of China.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 13 March 1992 at column 687. We are in contact with Sir Geoffrey Howe and the Chinese authorities over detailed arrangements, including timing, composition and itinerary.

  Youth Training
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the extent to which the difficulties experienced by young people in obtaining suitable training, to which he referred in his letter of 4 June to the general secretary of the TUC, have now been removed, and of the adequacy of the measures taken to prevent hardship to young people experiencing such difficulties now or in the future.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: The Government are using the contractual relationship with training and enterprise councils to ensure that the difficulties experienced by a minority of young people are addressed urgently. Every TEC is contractually obliged to meet the forecast covered by the Government's youth training guarantee. The Government are committed to seeing that the guarantee is met.

  The severe hardship provision of income support provides a safety net of benefit for those young people seeking work or a YT place who are at risk of hardship.
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  The Government continue to monitor the position closely and seek to improve and streamline the administration of benefit wherever possible.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Self-regulatory Organisations
  Mr. French
  'To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what representations he has received concerning a reduction in the number of self-regulatory organisations;

  (2) whether he has considered the Clucas report on financial services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  Matters relating to the recognition of self-regulating organisations under the Financial Services Act 1986 are primarily for the Securities and Investments Board.

  Financial Services
  Mr. French
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what appraisal he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a single regulatory body to oversee financial services;

  (2) what appraisal he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of a single regulatory body to oversee wholesale investment markets.

  Mr. Nelson
  Responsibility for the regulation of financial services passed to me on 7 June 1992. No changes are planned as a result of the transfer, but I shall, of course, keep the effectiveness of the regulatory system under review.

  Carbon Tax
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which revenue collection body in the United Kingdom would be responsible for collecting a carbon tax; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir John Cope
  On the basis of the proposals put forward by the European Commission and described in explanatory memorandum 8918/91 dated 4 December 1991, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise would be responsible for collecting the revenues associated with a carbon tax in the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effect on the price of a litre of petrol of the proposed carbon tax, introduced at $3 a barrel of oil, rising to $10 a barrel.

  Sir John Cope
  A carbon/energy tax of $3 per barrel of oil would add around 1p to the price of a litre of petrol. A tax of $10 per barrel would add around 3.5p per litre. The actual impact of the tax on the retail price of petrol would depend on many factors, including the price of oil, which may be influenced by a carbon tax.

  Inflation
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the reasons underlying his statement of 11 June,Official Report, column 432, that 2 per cent. inflation was probably the equivalent of price stability.
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  Mr. Nelson
  I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's statements in the minutes of evidence taken before the Treasury and Civil Service Committee's inquiry into economic and monetary union. A limited degree of recorded inflation is compatible with the concept of price stability, reflecting a number of problems in measuring inflation, including those associated with new products and quality changes.

  Retrospectivity
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what changes have been made to Government policy in relation to retrospective tax legislation since 6 June 1991.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Government policy in relation to retrospective tax legislation has not changed since 6 June 1991.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what policy governs the Government's decision as to the timing of their retrospective measures.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Government propose tax legislation that has retrospective effect only after very careful consideration of all the circumstances. Any such proposal is then announced at the earliest suitable opportunity.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the protection in the Government policy in relation to retrospective tax legislation extends equally to taxpayers who have not themselves brought proceedings but(a) have entered into agreement with the Inland Revenue that the outcome of other proceedings of a private law nature shall be taken as determinative of their own dispute or (b) have formally endorsed other proceedings of a public law nature which as a matter of the law are taken as determinative of their own dispute, whether or not the Inland Revenue agrees;

  (2) if it is his policy that taxpayers in dispute with the Inland Revenue should obtain immunity from retrospective legislation as from some particular point in legal proceedings; and if he will specify from which point in legal proceedings such immunity should take effect.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Where, following a successful challenge in the courts, retrospective legislation is introduced to restore the previous understanding of the law, it has long been the Government's policy that the successful litigant should not be deprived of the benefit of the court judgment in his favour. Where other taxpayers have agreed with the Revenue that an action will be regarded as a test case and that they will also benefit from any decision against the Revenue, it is the Government's policy that those taxpayers should also not be affected by any retrospective amendment to the law.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Government policy in relation to retrospective tax legislation prevents the Government from introducing new measures for a retrospective change in the law in its own favour.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Where it is discovered that the tax law does not have the effect that the Government and taxpayers generally thought it had, there are circumstances in which it is right to introduce legislation to restore the position retrospectively to what it was thought to be. This is done
  379
  only in exceptional circumstances and where the Government consider such action is necessary to protect the interests of the general body of taxpayers.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Government policy in relation to retrospective tax legislation applies to(a) public law proceedings, (b) private law proceedings, (c) appeals against assessment and (d) restitution claims.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The application of the Government's policy will depend on the precise circumstances of any particular proceedings.

  Mortgage Interest Tax Relief
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has had since 1989 about the non-availability of mortgage interest tax relief for persons who are not in the mortgage interest relief at source scheme and whose income has fallen below the tax threshold; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Treasury Ministers have received a few such representations.

  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of home buyers benefiting from the mortgage interest tax relief facility open to lenders to operate separate loan accounts for qualifying and non-qualifying parts of their loans; what is his estimate of the number of lenders operating such a facility; and what plans he has to encourage publicity for such arrangements.

  Mr. Dorrell
  These arrangements are for borrowers and lenders to agree between themselves. We have no estimates either of the number of lenders offering the facility or the number of borrowers taking advantage of it. Inland Revenue guidance notes to lenders in the MIRAS scheme remind them that they can operate separate loan accounts if they wish. In July, the Inland Revenue intends to publish a revised version of its leaflet aimed at borrowers, and this will refer to these arrangements.

  Relocation Expenses
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assistance with housing costs is given to civil servants who are posted from one part of the United Kingdom to another.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Civil servants in mobile grades who are compulsorily transferred from one location to another and who, as a result, have to move house, are given a range of financial assistance with the costs of that move. This assistance includes help with legal and estate agents fees, removal costs and the interest cost of bridging loans, and also an advance of salary for the purchase of a home. Where staff are moving to an area where housing costs are higher they may also receive help with some of the additional mortgage costs. Staff may also receive help with temporary accommodation and paid leave to search for a home and supervise the removal. In addition, Departments have discretion to offer staff the services of a relocation company.

  Rent-a-room Scheme
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the number of rooms which will be brought into letting in consequence of the rent-a-room scheme, the average rents for such lettings, and the cost in revenue forgone as a result of the proposed exemption from income tax of the £3,250 received for such lettings(a) in 1992–93 and (b) in a full financial year; and if he will estimate the regional breakdown of such lettings.

  Mr. Dorrell
  We hope that many people will be encouraged to let rooms by the rent-a-room scheme. But it is not possible to make estimates of the actual number of new lettings which will be generated by the scheme. It follows that there is no information about the average rents of likely new lettings, nor their regional breakdown.

  Taxation
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will introduce legislation to require Inland Revenue not to tax bar staff on the value of employer-provided taxis home from work.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I have no plans to do so. It is a general principle of the United Kingdom tax system that the cost of travel between home and work is a personal expense for which there is no tax relief. Where an employer meets such costs they are generally taxable. It would be inappropriate to single out bar staff for special treatment.

  Tax Changes
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update, to take account of the 1992 Budget, the information on tax changes contained in his answer to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher), on 3 March,Official Report, columns 123–24.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: Latest estimates of the annual change in income tax liability resulting from the changes in tax rates, allowances and thresholds announced in the 1992 Budget are in the table. The 1978–79 income tax regime has been indexed to 1992–93 levels by reference to the statutory formula, and allowing for independent taxation.

  For the purposes of these calculations the indexed regime of 1978–79 is applied directly to the income base of 1992–93. In practice, retention of the regime indexed as appropriate, for the intervening years would have led to changes in the income base.

  Average reduction in income tax per individual1 in 1992–93 compared with the 1978–79 indexed regime

  Range of individuals income in 1992–93

  Number of individuals 1992–931

  Total reduction

  Average reduction

  £

  Million

  £ million

  £ per annum

  Under 5,000

  3.1

  500

  150

  5,000 to 10,000

  7.9

  3,200

  400

  10,000 to 15,000

  6.2

  4,500

  730

  15,000 to 20,000

  4.1

  4,300

  1,060

  20,000 to 30,000

  3.2

  5,000

  1,590

  30,000 to 50,000

  1.2

  3,600

  2,960

  50,000 to 80,000

  0.35

  3,100

  9,200

  Over 80,000

  0.15

  7,200

  46,000

  TOTAL

  26.2

  31,400

  1,200

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  1 Individuals liable to income tax under the 1978–79 indexed regime.

  Landowners (Tax Exemption)
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 June,Official Report, column 2, what was the cost to the Exchequer of the exemption from inheritance tax and capital transfer tax given to six landowners in Cumbria who agreed to maintain and preserve their property and provide reasonable public access to it for each year since the exemptions were granted.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: Estimates of the cost of conditionally exempting land and buildings were given for the whole United Kingdom in my reply to the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith) on 2 June at column 399. These figures represented a broad judgment of the likely overall cost of the exemption and were subject to a large margin of error.

  Where exemption is given, it is not necessary to establish the value of individual properties, and so it is not possible to give equivalent estimates for the cost of exempting the small number of properties involved in Cumbria.

  In addition, the normal rules of confidentiality would prevent the disclosure of annual estimates for Cumbria, since these would enable the tax position of particular taxpayers to be identified.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

  Child Care
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what is his latest information on demand for nursery provision in the House.

  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what progress has been made towards the establishment of a day nursery in the Palace of Westminster.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what proposals there are for the introduction of crèche facilities for the use of the families of hon. Members and staff in the House.

  Ms. Armstrong
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what representations he has received regarding the setting up of a crèche in the Palace of Westminster.

  Mr. Beith
  In its report of last Session, "New Parliamentary Building (Phase 2) The Sketch Plan"—HC 269—I—the Accommodation and Works Committee foresaw no accommodation suitable for a child care facility becoming available in the phase 2 building and concluded:"any crèche … would have to be located elsewhere in the parliamentary estate".

  It was anticipated that other space, in some cases more appropriately located, could be found without undue delay in other buildings; and the Committee called upon
  382
  its successor to take up the issue as a high priority. In accordance with a request from the Commission, it is expected that the Accommodation and Works Committee will continue to seek to identify an appropriate location for such a facility.

  Accommodation apart, responsibility for the provision of any child care facility falls to the Establishment Officers' Committee of the Board of Management and to the Administration Committee. Those two committees, the former acting on behalf of the Departments of the House and the latter on behalf of Members and their staff, continue to monitor developments in child care provision. They are advised by the Establishment Office, which keeps in touch with developments taking place in Whitehall, Westminster and elsewhere. A number of possible options in relation to the provision of child care facilities in the Westminster area have recently been proposed and are being investigated.

  Once the feasibility of providing such a service is known and its size, nature and location identified, a survey of potential demand will be conducted.

  Stationery
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, pursuant to his answer of 20 May,Official Report, column 144, if he has any proposals to establish a shop within the main building of the Palace of Westminster to sell stationery.

  Mr. Beith
  I am unable to add significantly to my earlier reply to which the hon. Member referred in his question. Until the phase 2 building is completed, accommodation within the main building will continue to be under great pressure and any proposal for new facilities would need to be carefully examined by the relevant Committee.

  Visitors' Facilities
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what representations he has received about facilities for visitors to the Palace of Westminster; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Beith
  No such representations have been received this Parliament, but I am aware of the representations made by the hon. Member and others in the previous Parliament. If he has any specific concern, he should in the first instant raise it with the Serjeant at Arms or the Director of Catering Services, or with the Chairman of the appropriate domestic Committee.

  Paper Recycling
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, how much paper he estimates is used in the Palace of Westminster each year; and what arrangements are made for its recycling.

  Mr. Beith
  It is not possible to make any sensible estimate of the amount of paper used in the Palace of Westminster each year. I understand that non-confidential waste paper is collected by a contractor for recycling.

  Offices
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, how many right hon. and hon. Members now have single offices in(a) the Palace and (b) other office buildings.

  Mr. Beith
  There are 238 Members with single rooms in the Palace and 171 Members with single rooms in the outbuildings.

  Phase 2
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, what is the current situation in respect of the phase 2 development.

  Mr. Beith
  Progress is being made on the design of the building and negotiations are continuing on the issues raised by the Accommodation and Works Committee in its two reports. There is close contact with London Underground and the Department of Transport on the situation concerning the Jubilee line extension. The Accommodation and Works Committee is expected to give priority to the consideration of developments concerning phase 2 as soon as it meets.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Porton Down
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what species of laboratory animals are being used for the toxicity of organophosphates at the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down; and how many have been used in this research since 1989;

  (2) if he will list the types of nerve gases being tested on animals at the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down; and what other research projects linked to nerve gases involving animals are also being conducted at this establishment;

  (3) how many non-human primates were used in nerve gas experiments at the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down, (a) for the testing of antidotes and (b) for other purposes, in each year since 1987.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and learned Friend is responsible for the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, under which the use of living animals in research may be authorised. It is not the practice to give details of research at individual establishments which we receive in the course of discharging that responsibility.

  Security Services
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to ensure that the security services become subject to Parliament's scrutiny; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to a question from the hon. Member for Newport, West (Mr. Flynn) on 13 May 1992, at column 103.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Department does not at present employ any consultants for market testing.

  Proxy Votes
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to monitor the exercising of proxy votes by the proprietors, management and staff of residential care or nursing homes on behalf of residents of such homes.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  No one may vote as proxy at the same parliamentary election in any constituency, or at the same local government election in any electoral area, on behalf of more than two people to whom he or she is not closely related. Electoral registration officers will grant applications to vote by proxy only if they are satisfied that they meet the requirements set out in the Representation of the People Act 1985; and, where practicable, they must notify the elector that the application has been granted. The electoral registration officer is empowered to make inquiries at such times as he thinks fit to see whether there has been a material change in the circumstances of an elector who votes by proxy. Absent voting arrangements will be considered as part of our post-election review of electoral law.

  Parole
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will abolish the restricted policy on parole which applies to those sentenced to more than five years for an offence involving violence, sex, arson or drugs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have recently completed a review of the operation of the restricted policy which applies to those sentenced to more than five years for an offence involving violence, sex, arson or drugs. This policy has the general effect of restricting parole eligibility to a few months at the end of sentence and was waived only in exceptional circumstances. The impending abolition of the policy was announced in the White Paper "Crime Justice and Protecting the Public", published in February 1990, which set out proposals for a wide change to new parole procedures in all cases to make sure that the length of sentence served would be more closely related to the length of sentence imposed by the court. I have decided that the restricted policy should now end for all prisoners. The Parole Board will, of course, continue to review each case carefully to ensure that full and proper account is taken of the need to protect the public in all its discussions.

  Squatting
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will set out the decisions he has taken following the expiry of the consultation period for his departmental paper on squatting; and if he will give the dates when these decisions were taken;

  (2) what progress is being made on his consultations on squatting; and whether he still proposes that squatting shall become a criminal offence.
  385
  Mr. Jack
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Greenwich (Mr. Raynsford) on 17 June, at column 522.

  Operation Container
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have earned more than(a) £1,000, (b) £2,000 and (c) £5,000 in overtime carrying out duties for Operation Container.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Voting
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of proxy vote applications registered in each constituency at the time of(a) the 1987 general election and (b) the 1992 general election.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Derbyshire, North-East (Mr. Barnes) on 12 May, at column 61.

TRANSPORT

  Rail Services, Humberside
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about rail services to Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

  Mr. Freeman
  I have already received a delegation of hon. Members; the House debated this matter on 17 June; and I shall be meeting the hon. Member shortly. I have also received four letters from members of the public.

  Car Ownership
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the projected increase in car ownership in Greater London over the next five years.

  Mr. Norris
  Car ownership in London is forecast to increase by between 10 and 14 per cent. from 1991 to 1996.

  Rail Privatisation
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish his White Paper on railway privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  I hope to publish the White Paper on railway privatisation before the House rises for the summer recess.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will include protection for British Rail pensions and British Rail pensioner's concessionary travel entitlements in his proposals for rail privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport gave an assurance during the Second Reading debate on the British Coal and British Rail (Transfer Proposals) Bill on 18 May,Official Report,
  386
  column 23, that the pension entitlements of existing contributors and past employees of the rail industry will be properly safeguarded on the privatisation of British Rail.

  I gave a similar assurance in respect of pensioners' concessionary travel entitlements during the Committee stage of that Bill on 16 June.

  Light Rapid Transit Schemes
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what budget provision exists for light rapid transit schemes in 1992–93; and what is planned for 1993–94.

  Mr. Freeman
  There is no budget provision specifically reserved for light rail schemes. However, in 1992–93 we are providing resources of at least £50 million for such schemes. We plan to provide at least £53 million in 1993–94.

  Road and Rail Infrastructure
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an official visit to east London and Essex to study the current state of road and rail infrastructure.

  Mr. Norris
  I have no immediate plans to do so. I am, however, well aware of the situation concerning the improving state of road and rail infrastructure in east London and Essex. We are pressing ahead with investment in the area. The Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford has relieved congestion on the M25 and we opened the new east London traffic control system last February. The modernisation of the Central line is now under way and work has started on resignalling of the Great Eastern line out of Liverpool Street station.

  Network SouthEast
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next plans to meet the chairman of the British Rail board to discuss Network South East; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. Friend and I meet the chairman of British Rail regularly to discuss current issues on Network SouthEast and on the railways as a whole.

  Carlisle Bypass
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the construction of the Carlisle bypass will start.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The proposals for the Carlisle southern bypass scheme are expected to be ready for a public consultation in spring 1993. It is too early to say when construction will start.

  Bypasses
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many bypasses have been planned and built by this Department in the last five years; and how many more are in the final stages of planning.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Between 1987–88 and 1991–92 the Department completed the construction of 69 bypasses on
  387
  national roads in England. At present, there are a further 28 bypasses under construction and 148 in preparation, of which 34 have passed the public inquiry stage.

  Disabled People (Transport)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about transport for the disabled and his published guide "Door to Door"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  We are in touch with a wide range of disability organisations, local authorities, transport operators and vehicle manufacturers on all matters relating to transport and disability. We work particularly closely with the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee which was set up under the Transport Act 1985 to offer advice to the Secretary of State in this area.

  The Department's disability unit has recently published its annual report which sets out our current initiatives in this area. I have sent copies to all Members of the House and I will ensure that further copies are placed in the Library.

  "Door to Door", a guide to transport for people with disabilities, produced by my Department, is now in its third edition and a new fourth edition will be published later this summer. The publication offers advice on all aspects of personal mobility, public transport and specialist services for people with disabilities and provides useful contacts for further advice.

  As soon as the new edition is published, I will ensure that copies are placed in the Library.

  Roads (Environmental Protection)
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to ensure that the natural environment is protected when new roads are built and existing roads improved.

  Mr. MacGregor
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham (Mr. Atkinson).

  Traffic, London
  Mr. Keith Hill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are his Department's current estimates of the percentage growth of traffic on London's roads by the year 2025.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department does not forecast traffic growth in London as a whole over this length of time. Specific forecasts are made for individual trunk road schemes. These are generally lower than the national road traffic forecasts, which cover the whole of Great Britain.

  Village Speed Limits
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent representations he has received about his proposals to reduce the speed of vehicles in villages.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  A working group drawn from the County Surveyors Society, the Department of Transport, the Scottish Office and the Welsh Office has been considering a range of measures to constrain vehicle speeds through villages. A number of schemes to be 388
  introduced on main roads through villages will be monitored over the coming months to assess their effectiveness in keeping speeds down, and improving safety and the quality of life in rural communities.

  Earlier this month the working group published an interim report which has been circulated to county surveyors and others. The response so far has confirmed that there is widespread support for the steps being taken to tackle this problem.

  A1
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received concerning the upgrading of the A1 north of Newcastle.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Since taking up office following the general election we have received a small number of representations about upgrading the A1 north of Newcastle.

  Blackened Windows
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about vehicles with blackened windows which prevent identification of the occupants; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  None. A legal requirement governing the level of light transmission for motor vehicle glass is specified in the Road Vehicle (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. For vehicles first used from 1 June 1978 this is at least 70 per cent. transmittance with 75 per cent. transmittance for windscreens of vehicles first used from 1 April 1985. These limits effectively preclude the use of blackened glass.

  Mersey Tunnels
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his policy towards the Mersey tunnels' tolls.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  We believe it is reasonable that tolls at estuarial crossings should where possible cover the costs and debts of those crossings. The application of that principle to the Mersey tunnels must take account of the relevant legislation, which gives the Merseyside passenger transport authority responsibility for the financial management of the tunnels and, hence, for proposing the level of tolls.

  Buses
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about quality of service objectives for London Transport's bus services.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend has today written to the chairman of London Transport, setting new quality of service objectives for LT's bus services, including tendered routes, to be attained by the end of March 1994, with interim targets for March 1993. LT has made excellent progress in improving its bus service for passengers since the objectives were last set, in 1989. The new targets will build on this achievement and keep up momentum to improve performance still further in anticipation of deregulation.

  The new targets are as follows, with current targets also given for comparison.
  389

  Per cent.

  Target

  1992–93

  1993–94

  (Present)

  Percentage of scheduled mileage operated (excluding miles lost through traffic congestion)

  >98.5

  >98.5

  (98)

  On high frequency route

  Excess waiting time—difference between scheduled waiting time and actual waiting time

  <1.75 mins

  <1.6 mins

  (New target)

  On low frequency routes

  Percentage of buses arriving on time—not more than 2 mins early or 5 mins late

  >67.0

  >68.0

  (65)

  On low frequency routes

  Percentage of buses arriving more than 2 mins early

  <5.5

  <4.5

  (6)

  Internal and external cleanliness of vehicles, quality of passenger information and condition of bus stops

  LT to draw up customer satisfaction surveys to assess performance in these areas

  LT telephone enquiry service

  Percentage of calls to be answered within 30 secs

  >76.0

  >78.0

  (75)

  Percentage of calls to receive engaged tone

  <10.0

  <10.0

  (10)

  Dr. Liam Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what support his Department has given for the greater use of buses in urban areas.

  Mr. Freeman
  We strongly support measures to enable buses to provide a better service and are funding a £10 million programme of demonstration projects over this year and next.

  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the average speed of buses in London; and what steps are being taken to accord more priority to buses in London.

  Mr. Norris
  Bus speeds in London vary considerably by route and time of day. An analysis of scheduled journey times for selected routes indicates that, on a week day, average speeds range between 6 and 13 miles mph. The schedules allow time for passengers to board and alight.

  London Transport's bus priority steering group was set up in October 1990 to encourage all London boroughs to put forward positive proposals to help buses in traffic-congested areas. A number of promising schemes are now coming forward.

  As part of a Government initiative to promote bus priority, announced in December 1991, schemes in Camden, Ealing, Haringey, Newham and Tower Hamlets have, in total, been allocated £700,000 in supplementary credit approvals—SCA. A bid for SCA to assist in implementing a comprehensive bus priority proposal in six boroughs in the south and west of London is currently being considered.

  In December 1991, the Government also issued local transport note 1/91, "Keeping Buses Moving", which contains comprehensive advice to encourage local authorities to introduce more bus priority measures.

  M4
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects work to begin on the widening of the M4.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Widening of the short length of M4 between junctions 4b—M25—and 5—A4—is planned to start early in 1993. Investigations into the need for and feasibility of widening other lengths are at too early a stage to forecast start of works dates.

  A570
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the contract for resurfacing the A570 from the M58 to Southport was approved; what target dates were set for commencing and completing the work; whether any financial penalty will be imposed if targets are not met; and when he now expects work to be completed.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Maintenance of this stretch of the A570 involves a series of contracts. Two minor ones were carried out in 1991 and completed on time.

  Of the two carried out so far in 1992, one in Ormskirk started on 30 March and finished on 14 June, some five weeks later than we planned when letting the contract. The other, between Ormskirk and the M58 started on 24 February and should finish in the next few days, some seven weeks later than we planned.

  Because of uncertain ground conditions we could not be sure in advance how much work the contractors would need to carry out. It was not therefore appropriate to use our lane rental arrangements which include a predetermined financial penalty for each day's late completion. However, the contracts provide for payments under the standard liquidated damage clause.

  Further A570 resurfacing works are planned later this summer, in Ormskirk and south of the town.

  A565
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will hold discussions with the metropolitan borough of Sefton and Lancashire county council regarding the possible A565 Water Lane bypass.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Our north-west network management division will gladly hold discussions if the councils want them.

  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he anticipates reaching a decision on the detrunking of the A565 Water Lane.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  We will publish the required statutory proposals if Sefton borough council and Lancashire county council agree that the A565 should be detrunked.

  Transpennine Links
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the study of transpennine links between the north-east and north-west has been completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike) on 9 June at column 114. I have nothing to add at present.

  River Thames
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on the level of passenger traffic on the Thames in London; and what steps he is taking to increase the use of the Thames for passenger transport.

  Mr. Norris
  From the information available to my Department, current usage of the riverbus service amounted to 400,000 passenger trips in 1991. In 1990—the latest year for which figures are available—the estimated total of passenger trips on Thames pleasure boat services was 2.5 million, with a further 2 million using the Woolwich ferry.

  I am keen to encourage greater use of the River Thames for freight as well as passengers. My officials will continue their discussions with river users and their representatives to explore the potential for development.

  European Aviation
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that the European aviation market is fully liberalised, and that any agreement does not allow individual member states to prevent airlines from setting market fares.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend attended the EC Transport Council in Luxembourg on 22 June, at which an historic agreement on aviation liberalisation was concluded. This was the culmination of a 10-year process, in which the Government have been in the lead throughout.

  We welcome the agreement, which will lead to a liberal aviation market from the beginning of next year, sweeping away traditional restrictions on market entry and setting fares, and encouraging true competition. This will enable Community air carriers to mount services and set fares according to their own commercial judgment, stimulating improved services and lower fares. There are tightly drawn safeguards to protect the consumer from excessively high and other anti-competitive fares.

  The agreement is good news for the consumer and for competitive airlines.

  London Taxis
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the progress of the working party on taxis in London; and when he expects the working party to report its recommendations.

  Mr. Norris
  The working party on the safety of users of taxis and minicabs in London has now reported to me. I am studying the report with interest and will arrange its publication shortly.

  Crewe-Holyhead Rail Link
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to secure European finance for the upgrading of the Crewe to Holyhead rail link.

  Mr. Freeman
  It would be for British Rail, in conjunction with local authorities as appropriate, to apply for European funding of any upgrading of the Crewe to Holyhead line. British Rail is currently upgrading the line to allow 90 mph running. It is financing this itself. It has no plans at present for any further upgrading of the line.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Norris
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on Monday 2 March 1992 to the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Dr. Howells), on 2 March 1992, at columns 63–64.

  Motorway Construction
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the public consultation process prior to the construction of new motorways.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The procedures have been developed under successive Governments over the last 20 years. They give the public the opportunity to comment on the options in the early stages of preparation.

  Investment Appraisal
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to reach firm conclusions on the report of the role of investment appraisal in road and rail transport; and if he is satisfied that each mode of transport is given comparable assessment within that report.

  Mr. Freeman
  This paper described the technical procedures, and their background, at present used or required by the Department of Transport in appraising proposed investments in road and rail transport. The paper attracted helpful comments from many sources. I am quite satisfied with the present rules for providing grants to public transport. However, I also accept that there may be scope for the wider use of full cost-benefit analysis in the appraisal of public transport infrastructure investments. The Department is therefore now developing further guidance on the use of cost-benefit analysis for the appraisal of, in particular, urban public transport infrastructure.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the agreed completion date of the train sets able to run through-train services via the channel tunnel when investment in them was approved; and what is the current expected completion date.

  Mr. Freeman
  British Rail announced in December 1989 that it, in conjunction with the French and Belgian
  393
  railways, had placed the order for intercapital train sets to run between London and Paris and Brussels from June 1993. The railways now expect services to build up during the first half of 1994. When the railways announced the order of the north of London train sets in November 1991, they stated that these train sets, which will be built as a follow-on order from the intercapitals, were expected to come into service in 1995. This date has not changed.

  BR Locomotives
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the level of investment in new locomotives he has authorised for British Rail.

  Mr. Freeman
  The level and timing of British Rail's investment in new locomotives are determined by operational requirements and available resources. New locomotives are not always required to replace those withdrawn: the regional railways sector has replaced virtually all its loco-hauled services with the faster and more efficient class 158 diesel multiple units.

  Locomotive builds authorised and yet to be fully completed are 34 high-speed train sets and 37 class 92 locomotives for channel tunnel services; and 100 class 60 locomotives for domestic freight services, at a total cost of over £700 million at current prices.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are registered disabled people.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department of Transport and its agencies had one member of staff registered as disabled in grades 1 to 7 at June 1992, representing 0.1 per cent. of these grades.

  Overall, 201 of the Department's staff, representing 1.3 per cent. of the total, are registered disabled.

  Humber Bridge
  Mr. Cran
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will outline the nature and duration of the Government grant which is being paid to halt the growth in the Humber bridge debt.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind), the then Secretary of State for Transport, gave on 6 February on transport cash and running cost limits. A grant of £7.6 million, under the authority of the Appropriation Act, was paid for the financial year 1991–92 to avoid the capitalisation of unpaid interest payments. The amount of grant for 1992–93 will be determined having regard to the outcome of the board's financial position in the year: provision has been made in the estimates for £43.5 million. Grant will need to be paid until Government legislation is in place.

  USA-UK Air Agreement
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in reviewing the United States of America-United Kingdom bilateral air 394
  agreement; whether he will consider negotiating future agreements with the United States of America on a European basis; and what steps he is taking to ensure that more transatlantic services are made available from airports other than Heathrow and Gatwick.

  Mr. Norris
  Discussions with the US Government are continuing about the possibilities for the liberalisation of transatlantic air services. Our aim is to remove obstacles to fair competition between airlines, and to remove unnecessary regulation.

  There may ultimately be a role for the European Community in aviation negotiations with third countries. Once the single market in aviation is established and we get used to operating in and from it, a clearer need for collective negotiations may develop. It will be important not to prejudice the present tried and tested bilateral relationships by attempting to negotiate prematurely at Community level.

  Making more transatlantic services available to airports other than Heathrow and Gatwick is something we have in mind as we pursue our negotiations with the Americans. The last round of discussions covered the possibilities for opening up additional opportunities for both sides, including new routes, without going into the detail of specific services.

  Air Navigation Order 1989
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) on how many occasions, in the last year for which figures are available, action was taken to prosecute airlines for contravention of article 88 of the Air Navigation Order 1989;

  (2) what means he uses to enforce regulations designated by article 88 of the Air Navigation Order 1989, in respect of foreign-registered airlines;

  (3) what sanctions are available against airlines which persistently fail to meet requirements laid down by article 88 of the Air Navigation Order 1989.

  Mr. Norris
  Article 67 of the order enables the Secretary of State to revoke, suspend or vary any permit issued under article 88. Article 99 provides that any contravention of the order may be treated as a prosecutable offence. Where there is prime faciae evidence of a breach of article 88, the Secretary of State will investigate, normally with the help of the Civil Aviation Authority. If he is then satisfied that a breach has occurred, he may have recourse to the penalties provided under articles 67 and 99 of the Air Navigation Order. No central records of prosecutions under article 88 are maintained, though it is rare for reported breaches to require prosecution action. It is more usual for action to take the form of a written warning for first offenders, or, in the case of more persistent offenders or where a more serious breach has occurred, a suspension, revocation or variation of the article 88 permit.

WALES

  Employment Statistics
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has of the number of jobs created in mid-Glamorgan between 1984 and 1989; how many mining jobs were lost in the period 1984–89; and how many of the jobs created between 1984 and 1989 were full-time.
  395
  Mr. David Hunt
  While comprehensive information on total jobs created or lost is not available, it is estimated that the number of employees employed in mid-Glamorgan rose by 13,300 between September 1984 and September 1989; full-time employees accounted for 3,000 of this increase. During the same period, the number of employees employed in deep and opencast coal mining is estimated to have fallen by 10,000.
  (Source: Censuses of Employment)
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many jobs there were in mid-Glamorgan in(a) 1978 and (b)

  Mr. David Hunt
  It is estimated that there were 186,000 and 165,000 employees in employment in mid-Glamorgan in 1978 and 1989 respectively.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the job estimate for mid-Glamorgan during the 1990s in the mid-Glamorgan county council economic report.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I am aware that a report on mid-Glamorgan has been produced for the consideration of the county council. My Department has obtained a copy and is studying it.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate his Department has made of the number of jobs required for mid-Glamorgan during the 1990s to reduce unemployment to 1990 levels.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department has made no such estimate.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has received representations from Cymdeithas Cynghorau Cemaes concerning the reorganisation of local government in Wales; and when he intends to respond to such representations.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Yes, I have received representations from Cymdeithas Cynghorau Cemaes. I am considering all such representations and will announce my conclusions in a White Paper later this year.

  Gross Domestic Product
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what his estimate is of the gross domestic product of(a) mid-Glamorgan, (b) south Glamorgan, (c) Wales and (d) the United Kingdom in 1979 and the latest available date.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Estimates of the gross domestic product at current prices are given in the table:

  £ million

  1979

  1989

  11990

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,217

  2,920

  n/a

  South Glamorgan

  1,183

  3,247

  n/a

  Wales

  7,073

  18,443

  20,053

  United Kingdom2

  166,189

  430,290

  470,820

  Source: Central Statistical Office

  1Provisional

  2Excluding the continental shelf and statistical discrepancy

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many and what percentage of officers in grades, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are women.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The details, based on staff in post figures at 31 March 1992, are given in the table:

  Grade

  Women

  Per Cent.

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  3

  1

  9

  4

  1

  17

  5

  10

  15

  6

  15

  17

  7

  35

  20

  Departmental total

  1,235

  49

  Notes:

  1. Includes equivalent professional grades.

  2. Includes agency and industrial staff. Part-time staff count as one unit.

  Businesses
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many businesses there are in mid-Glamorgan; what percentage of these businesses are(a) retailing, (b) construction and (c) catering businesses; and what are the equivalent percentages for the United Kingdom.

  Mr. David Hunt
  According to the stock of businesses registered for VAT there were 10,500 businesses in Mid Glamorgan at the end of 1990. The table shows the percentages in each of the requested sub-categories:

  Percentage of total businesses

  Sub category

  Mid Glamorgan

  United Kingdom

  Retailing

  22

  15

  Construction

  19

  16

  Catering

  13

  8

  Source: Employment Department.

  County Council elections
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his best estimate of the likely total cost of the county council elections which are due to take place in 1993.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have made no such estimate. In the financial year 1989–90, the last year in which county council elections took place, counties recorded current expenditure of £1 million on council elections.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to make a statement concerning the financial regime for Welsh local authorities for the year 1993–94.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the replies that I gave on 22 May to the hon. Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards) at column 277 and to the hon. Gentleman himself on 4 June at 611.

  Syringes
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received arid what studies he has undertaken concerning the problem of injuries sustained to individuals by discarded syringes; and if he will take steps to ensure that such equipment is disposed of responsibly.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I am not aware of any recent representations about injuries caused by discarded syringes, nor have I undertaken any study. Disposal of needles and syringes used in medical, dental and veterinary establishments in the responsibility of those individual establishments. In relation to needles and syringes used by individuals in the community, such as diabetics, advice on safe disposal has been issued to health and local authorities.

  Drug misusing injectors taking part in needle-exchange schemes are given special containers and are encouraged to return used equipment to reception points. They and other drug users are given advice on how to dispose of used needles safely.

  Water Disconnections
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the chairman of Welsh Water concerning the cutting off of domestic water supplies; and when he next proposes to meet him.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I regularly discuss issues of mutual interest with the chairman of Welsh Water plc.

  Economic Planning Council
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to make a statement concerning his plans to set up an economic planning council for Wales.

  Mr. David Hunt
  A consultation paper seeking views on how the council would operate will be issued in the near future.

  Inmos
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list the dates of all contacts and meetings he has initiated with DG XIII and DG XVI to discuss the future of Inmos Newport;

  (2) what proposals he has received from the European Commission to relocate Inmos Newport to another site in Wales.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given today by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

  Travellers' Sites
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will meet Queensferry community council to discuss the location of transit sites for travellers.

  Mr. David Hunt
  No. The location of sites is primarily a matter for Clwyd county council in consultation with the district council.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion) on 3 March 1992, at column 133.

  Farmers (Incentive Payments)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish figures showing the increase in the level of incentive payments granted to farmers in Wales since 1976 in real terms.

  Mr. David Hunt
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: Complete information on the level of assistance granted to farmers in Wales is not available, because figures for some elements of support, notably intervention expenditure and variable premium payments, are not separately available for Wales. Based on identifiable expenditure on farming in Wales the figures, in real terms, are given in the table:

  Total identifiable payments (in real terms £ million 1976)

  £ million

  1976

  20

  1977

  19

  1978

  20

  1979

  22

  1980

  23

  1981

  30

  1982

  31

  1983

  40

  1984

  34

  1985

  36

  1986

  27

  1987

  29

  1988

  28

  1989

  29

  1990

  33

  1991

  41

  Ministerial Titles
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) for what reason the ministerial title of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State is being changed to Parliamentary Secretary; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what assessment he has made of the impact on departmental efficiency of one of his departmental Ministers carrying a different title of Parliamentary Secretary for internal correspondence, while continuing to be Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for dealings with the public.

  Mr. David Hunt
  How, for clarity and euphony, Ministers wish to be referred to within Departments is a matter for them. Efficiency will at worst be unaffected and may be marginally improved.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the cost of the change of title of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to Parliamentary Secretary.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The cost of promulgating the decision was around £2.28.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  State Veterinary Service
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many State Veterinary Service staff there were in each year since 1985 in the categories(a) qualified veterinarians, (b) technical and scientific, (c) administrative and (d) others.

  Qualified veterinarians

  Technical/scientific

  Admin staff

  Others

  As at 1 January 1985

  1—

  1—

  1—

  1—

  As at 1 January 1986

  415

  353

  —

  50.0

  As at 1 January 1987

  350

  339

  —

  51.5

  As at 1 January 1988

  374.5

  337

  —

  46.5

  As at 1 January 1989

  376.5

  331

  —

  41.5

  As at 1 January 1990

  393.5

  373.5

  10.5

  43.5

  As at 1 January 1991

  408

  392.5

  14.5

  48.5

  As at 1 January 1992

  414.5

  383.5

  14.5

  48.5

  1 Figures not readily available.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the total number of confirmed cases of BSE in each county or region in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1992 to the latest available date.

  Mr. Gummer
  The number of cases confirmed for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from 3 January 1992 to 19 June 1992 is as follows:

  County-region

  Confirmed cases

  England:

  Avon

  291

  Bedfordshire

  39

  Berkshire

  79

  Buckinghamshire

  130

  Cambridgeshire

  49

  Cheshire

  646

  Cleveland

  19

  Cornwall

  1,212

  Cumbria

  537

  Derbyshire

  432

  Devon

  1,604

  Dorset

  1,067

  Durham

  68

  Essex

  69

  Gloucestershire

  274

  Hampshire

  326

  Hereford and Worcester

  259

  Hertfordshire

  37

  Humberside

  63

  Isle of Wight

  70

  Kent

  205

  Lancashire

  553

  Leicestershire

  293

  Lincolnshire

  93

  London

  13

  Manchester

  18

  Merseyside

  20

  Norfolk

  407

  Northamptonshire

  133

  Northumberland

  107

  Nottinghamshire

  87

  Oxfordshire

  255

  Salop

  405

  Somerset

  1,381

  Staffordshire

  700

  Suffolk

  172

  Surrey

  133

  Sussex East

  196

  400
  Mr. Soames
  Since 1985 the structure of the State Veterinary Service has changed several times. For example, the Central Veterinary Laboratory, which formed part of the State Veterinary Service, attained agency status in April 1990. In order to allow direct comparisons, the figures provided relate to veterinary, technical and scientific staff in headquarters, the field and investigation services only. The CVL figures are not incorporated in this return.

  County-region

  Confirmed cases

  Sussex West

  331

  Tyne and Wear

  5

  Warwickshire

  148

  West Midlands

  11

  Wiltshire

  718

  Yorkshire North

  668

  Yorkshire South

  47

  Yorkshire West

  93

  Wales:

  Clwyd

  262

  Dyfed

  908

  Glamorgan Mid

  18

  Glamorgan South

  54

  Glamorgan West

  12

  Gwent

  109

  Gwynedd

  61

  Powys

  209

  Scotland:

  Borders

  44

  Central

  12

  Dumfries

  229

  Fife

  29

  Grampian

  102

  Highland

  23

  Lothian

  22

  Orkney

  7

  Shetland

  2

  Strathclyde

  167

  Tayside

  38

  Western Isles

  0

  Northern Ireland:

  Antrim

  43

  Armagh

  5

  Down

  17

  Fermanagh

  7

  Londonderry

  17

  Tyrone

  21

  Fishing Industry
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about objective 6 of the EC regional aid programme; and how it will be able to help communities such as Lowestoft affected by a future decline in fishing.
  401
  Mr. Curry
  The EC Commission has not yet produced its detailed proposals for objective 6 or elaborated on how it will propose to define fisheries-dependent areas in that context.

  Fur Factory Farms
  Ms. Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will prohibit the keeping of mink and fox in fur factory farms on expiry of the Mink Keeping Order 1987.

  Mr. Soames
  Agriculture departments issue licences under the Mink (Keeping) Order 1987 to establishments keeping mink under secure conditions, as set out in the Mink (Keeping) Regulations 1975, as amended. The purpose of the order is to prevent the escape of mink into the wild, where they would be destructive pests, and not to regulate fur-farming practices. No similar order exists to place security requirements on the keeping of foxes. The Mink (Keeping) Order expires on 31 December 1992 and a consultation exercise will take place this summer to seek the views of interested organisations on future arrangements for the secure keeping of mink and any possible extension of the controls to other species.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Curry
  The merchant bankers Leopold Joseph and Sons Ltd. were employed to assist in the preparation of proposals for the expansion of areas to be market tested, following publication of the White Paper "Competing for Quality". The resulting programme is still under consideration.

  Animal Exports
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) lambs, (b) sheep, (c) pigs, (d) calves, (e) bulls over six months, (f) heifers over six months and (g) cull cows were exported live from the United Kingdom for (i) fattening and (ii) immediate slaughter in each year since 1985.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 24 June at column 240.

  Bananas
  Sir Anthony Durant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he can report on discussions with the EC on the creation of a banana quota for the Leeward Islands.

  Mr. Curry
  The European Commission has recently published a working paper which looks at ways of arranging the post-1992 European banana market. This paper leaves many questions unanswered and member states will be examining the possible implications of the Commission's approach in detail.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Glass (Safety)
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many accidents were caused by furniture constructed in whole or part from glass as listed in the home accident surveillance system for(a) 1981, (b) 1983, (c) 1985, (d) 1987 and (e)

  Mr. Leigh
  The Department's home accident surveilance scheme records the following accidents involving furniture with glass in its construction. The data do not, in all cases, identify whether glass, or some other component of the furniture, caused the accident.

  Number

  1981

  263

  1983

  277

  1985

  309

  1987

  286

  1989

  333

  Note: Figures are not available for England and Wales only.

  Ozone-destroying Chemicals
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will undertake to prevent an increase in United Kingdom production or release to the atmosphere of hydrochlorofluorocarbons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  The Government have already agreed that the EC should press for controls on production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons. It is envisaged that the matter will also be discussed when the Montreal protocol is reviewed in November 1992. We will be seeking to obtain agreement to limit production to the minimum necessary to meet demand for hydrochlorofluorocarbons in uses where ozone-benign alternatives are not available.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the approximate total production of hydrochlorofluorocarbons in the United Kingdom for each year from 1986 to date; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  Information for 1986 to 1991 is not available. Statistics of United Kingdom production have since been supplied to the Commission of the European Communities in accordance with the terms of EC regulation 594/91, but the information is commercially sensitive and not available for publication.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the latest available yearly export figures for HCFC22; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  The information is not available.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the companies with which he has had discussions in relation to ozone depletion or ozone-depleting substances; what advice his Department gives to industry on the environmental impact of hydrochlorofluorocarbons; if he will list planned future meetings with user industries; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  Officials of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of the Environment hold
  403
  regular meetings with producers and users of ozone-depleting substances, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons, to exchange information on future requirements, timetables for phasing out production and the availability and take-up of alternatives. My noble colleague Baroness Denton of Wakefield will also be discussing these matters with a producer of ozone-depletiong substances in July.

  The Department advises industry that hydrochlorofluorocarbons still have potential to deplete the ozone layer and should therefore be used only in applications where completely ozone-benign alternatives are not available and should be recycled wherever possible.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will give the most recent figures for the amount of(a) methyl chloroform, (b) chlorofluorocarbons and (c) hydrochlorofluorocarbons used in each of the following sectors (i) refrigeration and air conditioning, (ii) solvents, (iii) foams and (iv) medical aerosols; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will list by sector and application the essential uses of ozone-destroying chemicals identified by his Department; if he will estimate the tonnage per year that is required by each sector; if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  Information on current usage of ozone-depleting substances is not available in the form requested and the applications for which the use of these substances will remain essential in the longer term have yet to be identified.

  However, my Department has commissioned Touche Ross to carry out a study into the current and future pattern of use of ozone-depleting substances in solvent cleaning and the Department of the Environment has commissioned a similar study in relation to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. The studies will examine current usage, the extent to which replacement has already taken place and how the pattern of use will change by the end of the century, paying special attention to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. They will identify areas where currently no suitable alternative is available and how much of the probable continuing demand can be met through recycling. The studies will pay particular attention to the period up the end of 1995 as the United Kingdom and its Community partners have agreed to press for all signatories to the Montreal protocol to phase out ozone-depleting substances by then, subject to exemptions for essential uses.

  The consultants have been asked to report their findings by the end of September and both reports will be published in due course. The report on an earlier similar study covering halon uses has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the quantity of chlorofluorocarbons exported from the United Kingdom in 1990 and 1991.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: I confirm the answer that I gave on 11 March 1992 that the information is not published for reasons of commercial confidentiality.

  Prompt Payment
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to publish a survey of the prompt payment record of Government Departments for small businesses; and if he will make a statement.
  404
  Mr. Leigh
  Surveys of the payment performance of Government Departments to suppliers of goods and services have been undertaken during the last financial year. Officials are finalising the details of the survey results and I expect to publish them in the very near future.

  Pyramid Selling
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will initiate a review of the operation of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to consider whether(a) legal recognition may be given to operators of ethical multi-level marketing businesses and (b) these businesses should be labelled as something other than a pyramid selling scheme.

  Mr. Leigh
  As regards the first half of the hon. Gentleman's question, multi-level marketing schemes which meet the requirements of the pyramid selling regulations may already operate legally, and I see no need for any further provision for legal recognition. As regards the second half, the Fair Trading Act does not label schemes: it outlaws certain practices by promoters and participants of pyramid selling and similar trading schemes, and provides for regulations for others.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are women.

  Mr. Eggar
  The figures for the Department, including its executive agencies and the former Department of Energy, as at 22 June 1992 are:

  Grade level

  Number of women

  Percentage of staff

  Grade 1

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  6

  10.2

  Grade 4

  2

  14.3

  Grade 5

  38

  13.5

  Grade 6

  24

  10.5

  Grade 7

  169

  12.9

  All staff

  5,808

  43.9

  Overhead Electric Cables
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the Government's current policy on the safety of overhead electric cables.

  Mr. Eggar
  The policy is to ensure the continuing protection of the public from dangers arising from the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. This includes overhead lines.

  To achieve this, regulations made under the Electricity Act 1989 require the works of electricity suppliers to be used, constructed, installed and protected to prevent danger so far as is reasonably practicable. My Department's engineering inspectorate ensures compliance by carrying out regular safety audits and investigations, and examining the event reports submitted by the companies under the regulations.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are registered disabled people.

  Mr. Eggar
  The figures for the Department, including its executive agencies and the former Department of Energy, as at 25 June 1992 are:

  Grade levels

  Number of registered disabled staff

  Percentage of staff

  Grades 1–4

  0

  0

  Grades 5–7

  4

  0.2

  All staff

  135

  1.0

  Nuclear Power
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with Nuclear Electric concerning(a) the 1994 review date set for decisions on further investment in nuclear power, (b) the criteria to be used and (c) proposals for a 2,600 MW station at Sizewell.

  Mr. Eggar
  I meet the chairman of Nuclear Electric regularly to discuss a range of issues.

  The then Secretary of State for Energy made clear to the House on 9 November 1989, Official Report, column 1176, that the Government would review the future prospects for nuclear power in 1994. That remains the Government's policy. No capital expenditure approval will be given to Nuclear Electric plc in respect of any new stations beyond Sizewell B pending the outcome of the review. The review will take account of all relevant factors.

  Self-catering Accommodation (Fire Safety)
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to issue(a) the consultative paper and (b) the draft amendment regulations concerning furnishings and fire safety in respect of self-catering accommodation under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: My Department plans to publish, in mid-July, draft amendment regulations and associated consultation documents relating to the fire safety of furnishings in respect of self-catering accommodation under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

  Water Guns
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he intends to strengthen the law to control the sale of high-pressure water guns as toys.

  Mr. Leigh
  [holding answer 25 June 1992]: The Consumer Protection Act 1987 provides the necessary powers to remove from the market any consumer product which is considered unsafe.

  Action Teams
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many action teams his Department has established in Great Britain since 1987; what were their budgets in 1991–92; and what are their proposed budgets for 1992–93;
  406
  (2) what was the budget for his Department's action team in Barrow-in-Furness in 1991–92; and what is the proposed budget for the year 1992–93.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  [holding answer 19 June 1992]: This Department has established one action team since 1987—the Cumbria action team, set up in 1991.

  There is no budget as such. The schemes which the action team targets are national or regional in nature and are not costed on geographical basis. The action team is an inter-departmental body, led by DTI. The running costs of the action team fall to the cross-participating departments. The DTI element of running costs for the Cubria based operation—which cover both the Barrow and Cockermouth offices—is estimated at some £65,000 in the current financial year compared to £56,000 for the nine months in which the team was operation in 1991–92.

  The Department has also provided support for other initiatives set up by local communities to deal with major closures or redundancies.

  Assisted Areas
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) pursuant to his answer of 22 June,Official Report, columns 61–62, what assessment he has made of whether the coverage of the assisted areas is likely to decrease, following the current review;

  (2) what role the European Commission will have in determining the precise extent of the new assisted areas map or the split between development areas and intermediate areas.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  Under the state aids provisions of the treaty of Rome the Government will have to clear any new map of the assisted areas, including the designation of development and intermediate areas, with the European Commission.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 22 June,Official Report, columns 61–62, if he will indicate what views the European Commission have expressed about the current and future extent of the assisted areas map.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The current assisted areas map was cleared by the European Commission in 1984 under the state aid provisions of the treaty of Rome. No proposals on the future shape of the map have yet been put to the Commission.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  EC Presidency
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contact he has with local authorities, community groups and other organisations in each standard planning region of the United Kingdom prior to the drawing up of the calendar of special events being held in the United Kingdom as part of the programme of the United Kingdom presidency of the EC.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Officials at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had regular contact with the Local Government International Bureau which drew attention to the forthcoming presidency and the special events in its
  407
  newsletter. This was followed by further contacts with a range of local authorities and community groups to take forward ideas for individual special events.

  Mr. Leighton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of producing the pamphlet "The UK Presidency of the European Community".

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  A total of 75,000 copies of the presidency programme booklet are being produced at a total cost of £38,444.60.

  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about how the United Kingdom venues for the calendar of special events being held as part of the United Kingdom's EC presidency were chosen.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The choice of Edinburgh for the European Council was made by the Prime Minister. The venues for other ministerial meetings were chosen by the Departments concerned. Most of the special events are being organised by non-governmental groups and will take place in various parts of the United Kingdom, including Durham, Bolton, Belfast, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are women.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The figures at 1 April 1992 for the diplomatic and aid wings of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are as follows:

  Grade1

  Number of women in grade

  Women as percentage of total in grade

  1

  0.0

  0.0

  2

  1.0

  3.5

  3

  4.0

  3.2

  4

  0.0

  0.0

  5

  16.0

  4.6

  6

  13.0

  14.4

  7

  298.5

  13.5

  Overall, 2,941 officers, representing 37.1 per cent. of the Department's staff, are women.

  1 Includes home civil service grades and the diplomatic service equivalents.

  2Part-time staff are counted as half.

  Channel Islands (War Crimes)
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many files relating to war crimes in the Channel islands during world war two are retained in his Department and withheld from the Public Record Office.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  No records relating to war crimes in the Channel islands during world war two are retained in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  Vietnamese Migrants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the number of Vietnamese migrants forcibly repatriated to Vietnam who have subsequently returned to Hong Kong.
  408
  Mr. Goodlad
  None of the 161 Vietnamese migrants returned to Vietnam under the orderly repatriation programme has returned to Hong Kong.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what improvements are planned in the conditions under which Vietnamese migrants are held in Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Facilities in the camps are kept under constant review and repair or improvement works are carried out where necessary. The Vietnamese migrant population is steadily decreasing and it will soon be possible to close some of the temporary camps altogether.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guarantees he has received from the Government of Vietnam that migrants forcibly repatriated from Hong Kong will not suffer punitive and discriminatory action; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  In the statement of understanding signed by the British, Hong Kong and Vietnamese Governments on 29 October 1991, the Vietnamese undertook that no Vietnamese migrant returning from Hong Kong would be persecuted and that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees would have access to them for monitoring purposes. They have reaffirmed this undertaking on several occasions.

  More than 20,000 migrants have now returned from the region to Vietnam. There has not been a single substantiated case of persecution.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what screening procedures are applied before any Vietnamese migrants are forcibly repatriated from Hong Kong camps; and what legal advice is made available to them.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Vietnamese asylum-seekers arriving in Hong Kong are interviewed by immigration officers using the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' guidelines for the determination of refugee status. Those who are found not to be refugees may appeal to the refugee status review board. Legal consultants operating under the auspices of UNHCR are on hand to assist applicants.

  The screening procedure is supervised by the high commissioner's staff who have unrestricted access to asylum-seekers at each stage.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees about the number of lawyers employed in the Hong Kong camps in which Vietnamese migrants are housed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The number of lawyers employed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is a matter for her decision, but such questions are regularly discussed by participants at meetings about the comprehensive plan of action for Indo-Chinese asylum seekers.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human
  409
  Rights about the resources she has available to monitor the experience of Vietnamese migrants repatriated to Vietnam from Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Returning migrants are monitored by the staff of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city, who undertake frequent visits to returnees' home villages. We regularly review the position with them.

  Monitoring visits are also carried out by the staff of the British embassy in Hanoi and by various nongovernmental organisations.

  Vietnam (Sanctions)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of the United States of America about lifting economic sanctions against Vietnam and paying agreed war reparations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We regularly discuss these issues bilaterally and in the relevant international bodies.

  Government Communication Headquarters
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now make it his policy to answer questions on the number of staff employed at the Government communications headquarters at Cheltenham in departments that do not deal directly with matters of national security.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In his statement to the House of Commons on 6 May at columns 64–65, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made it clear that the Government would maintain their policy of not commenting on operational information relating to security and intelligence. The information requested by the hon. Member would fall into that category.

  Disabled Employees
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and what percentage of officers in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively and overall in his Department are registered disabled people.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The Foreign and Commonwealth Office employs no registered disabled staff in grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 7. One officer at grade 5 is registered disabled—0.3 per cent. of the grade. A total of 0.4 per cent. of the work force of the diplomatic wing and 1.94 per cent. of the work force of the Overseas Development Administration are registered disabled people.

  Brazil
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Government of Brazil about the preservation of tribal reserves of the Guapore valley and the extraction of mahogany from within them.

  Mr. Garel-Jones:
  None.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy with regard to, and extent of, the commissioning of research projects in universities and polytechnics by Government communications headquarters.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  [pursuant to his reply, 23 June 1992, c. 108.]: GCHQ, in common with other Government Departments and private industry, commissions research from universities or polytechnics when they are able to offer a particular area of expertise. Research is confined to unclassified subjects and the results may he published by the university or polytechnic if it wishes for the benefit of the academic community as a whole. Over the last four years seven research contracts totalling £506,953 have been placed by GCHQ with four institutions.

  President Mary Robinson
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to have an invitation issued to President Mary Robinson of Ireland to make an official visit to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Hurd
  There are no plans at present for an official visit.

  China (Political Prisoners)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received about the removal of Chinese political prisoners to Hong Kong for use in organ transplant operations.

  Mr. Goodlad
  No Chinese prisoners, political or otherwise, have been sent to Hong Kong. No representations have been received.

  Peru
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Peruvian authorities concerning human rights in Peru; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  We take every appropriate opportunity, both bilaterally and with our European partners, to emphasise to the Peruvian authorities their obligation to respect and protect human rights. When President Fujimori called on my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister earlier this year, he was left in no doubt about the strength of feeling in this country. Most recently on 17 June our embassy in Lima reminded the Peruvian Foreign Ministry of the importance we attach to this matter.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Goodlad
  No consultants are presently working on market testing in my Department, although, as I told the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. McAllion) on
  411
  16 June, Official Report, column 491, Coopers and Lybrand Deloitte carried out separate studies on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Overseas Development Administration earlier this year in line with the commitments given in the White Paper "Competing for Quality"

DEFENCE

  Chemical and Biological Weapons
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British equipment related to chemical and biological warfare has been tested at any military establishment in Australia and New Zealand since 1962; and what was the nature of this work.

  Mr. Aitken
  As explained in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces on 21 May 1992,Official Report, column 254, the United Kingdom armed forces chemical and biological equipment is wholly for defence.

  Environmental testing of prototypes of the S10 respirator was carried out in Austalia in the 1980s.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what research his Department's scientists have conducted into the incapacitating agent BZ; and what is the evaluation of BZ as a weapon of war.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  BZ has been identified as a possible incapacitating agent which might be used against United Kingdom armed forces. The chemical and biological defence establishment has carried out studies of anticholinergic compoounds including BZ which confirmed the effectiveness of medical counter-measures against their effects.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Public Record Office the documents relating to the Cabinet Defence Committee in July 1956 to abandon unilaterally all offensive chemical and biological weapons; and for what reason these papers have not yet been placed in the Public Record Office.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The documents in question continue to be properly withheld under the established criteria of the Public Records Acts.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the research establishments conducting human or animal research on nerve gases in Britain.

  Mr. Aitken
  The only research establishment for which my department is responsible conducting research on nerve gases involving animal or human studies is the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down. All research is conducted for defence purposes with the aim of developing effective protective measures for the armed forces against the use of chemical and biological warfare by an aggressor.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many experiments with physostigmine on human volunteers have been carried out at the chemical and biological defence establishment, Porton Down in each year since 1987.
  412
  Mr. Aitken
  This is a matter for the chemical and biological defence establishment (CBDE) under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive of CBDE to write to the hon. Member.

  International Agreements
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all the bilateral and multilateral agreements directly or indirectly negotiated by his Department or a body acting on behalf of his Department with(a) Switzerland and (b) Liechtenstein.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My Department has the following memoranda of understanding with Switzerland:

  Security of classified non-atomic defence matters

  Exchange of quality assurance services

  Firings of the Swiss Rapier weapon system at the Royal Artillery range, Hebrides.

  There are no formal arrangements or agreements with Liechtenstein.

  For details of international treaties with these two countries, I refer my hon. Friend to the answers that he received from my right hon. and hon. Friends the Ministers of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on 24 and 25 June, Official Report, columns 208–211 and 269 respectively.

  Pensions
  Mr. Colin Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many retired officers of the armed services over the age of 55 years are currently in receipt of pensions for each of the ranks of captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, brigadier and major general who retired in the year 1 January 1977 to 31 December 1977.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The number of retired Army officers over the age of 55 years, currently in receipt of pension, who retired in the year 1 January 1977 to 31 December 1977 is as follows:

  Rank

  Number of officers

  Major general

  11

  Brigadier

  29

  Colonel

  55

  Lieutenant colonel

  155

  Major

  355

  Captain

  117

  Detention Centres
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the military detention centres in England.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  They are:

  Royal Naval detention quarters—Portsmouth

  Military corrective training centre—Colchester

  Regional services detention room—RAF Innsworth

  Regional services detention room—RAF Wyton

  Public Information
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now release the files relating to the Shingle street incident in 1940 into the public domain.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I am not aware of any closed Ministry of Defence records which identify any such incident.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to reduce the impact of low-flying military aircraft on livestock and poultry; what consultation he has had with farming organisations and other interested bodies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My Department's policy is to spread low flying as widely as possible throughout the country so as to minimise disturbance. A number of consultations have taken place with farming organisations about low flying.

  Phased Array Radar
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the test phase of the Fylingdales phased array radar is due to be completed; when the PAR is due to become fully operational; and what role it will play in the nation's defence.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The phased array radar at RAF Fylingdales will reach initial operational capability on 1 July this year and will be fully operational on 1 October. The role of the station will continue to be that of a ballistic missile early warning system.

  Fuel Jettisoning
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cases of Phantom jets jettisoning more than 1,000 litres of fuel while airborne have been reported in each year since 1980.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The number of reported incidents of RAF Phantom jets jettisoning fuel while airborne is as follows:

  Number

  1980

  12

  1981

  30

  1982

  46

  1983

  52

  1984

  35

  1985

  14

  1986

  5

  1987

  16

  1988

  22

  1989

  15

  1990

  11

  1991

  4

  No records are kept of the amount of fuel jettisoned.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what guidance is given to Royal Air Force and. Royal Navy pilots about jettisoning large quantities of fuel while airborne over(a) the sea, (b) rural areas and (c) built-up areas.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It is normal practice for aircrew to jettison fuel only if, in an emergency, it is essential to reduce the aircraft weight before landing and the option of remaining airborne in order to burn fuel is not possible.

  In the United Kingdom, RAF and RN pilots are directed that, where possible, fuel is not to be jettisoned at a height lower than 1,500 ft. The aircraft must also be under air traffic control and, where possible, over the sea. Otherwise a sparsely populated area should be chosen.
  414
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the environmental consequences of aviation fuel being jettisoned by airborne military aircraft.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  RN and RAF pilots are instructed to jettison fuel under carefully controlled conditions which ensure that the great majority of fuel evaporates before it reaches the ground. There is, therefore, minimal environmental impact at ground or sea level.

  The evaporated fuel is widely dispersed. Most of it is biodegradable and that which remains has no known effects on the atmosphere. There are no products in military aviation jet fuel known to cause greenhouse effects, damage to the ozone layer or air pollution in the lower atmosphere.

  Extremely Low Frequency Communications
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many installations for extremely low frequency communications are in operational use in the United Kingdom; whether they are effective; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None.

  Nuclear Missiles
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how targets for nuclear missiles are determined; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to discuss our nuclear targeting plans.

  Trident
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make it his policy to provide information on the proportion of Trident nuclear warheads to be constructed in the United States of America.

  Mr. Aitken
  All Trident warheads will be constructed in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the number of successful tests of the Trident missiles and the total number of tests conducted.

  Mr. Aitken
  The United States Navy has to date conducted a total of 35 test firings of the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, of which 30 were successful—one partially—one was destroyed in error by the test range authorities, and four were unsuccessful. All test flights since December 1989 have been successful, and have validated fully the reliability of the Trident II system.

  Nuclear Tests
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how records were compiled for persons serving in the British nuclear tests, who were not issued with film badges, and what the present day monitoring procedures are.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Records of test participants were complied by the National Radiological Protection Board
  415
  from personnel records, Atomic Weapons Research Establishment reports, planning documents, Her Majesty's ships' ledgers, RAF operations record books and the "blue books". As the United Kingdom no longer conducts atmospheric nuclear weapons testing, no present day monitoring procedures for this situation exist. Otherwise, monitoring procedures implement MOD policy which is to justify all exposures, comply with MOD and statutory limits and to keep all exposures as low as reasonably practicable.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what records he has of contamination levels in copra, drinking water and sea water, recorded during British nuclear testing in the south Atlantic during the 1950s and 1960s; if he will make them available to the NRPB—National Radiological Protection Board—study; and if he will place the information in the Library.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Ministry of Defence records show no significant radioactive material from the tests in the south Pacific ocean was detected in drinking water, copra or sea water in any of the samples collected from areas that were occupied by participants. The monitoring records from Christmas Island are currently being compiled into a report for the National Radiological Protection Board study, and this report will be placed in the Library of the House when it is ready.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British nuclear test participants have died as a result of multiple myeloma and non-lymphatic leukaemia.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Mortality figures for multiple myeloma and non-lymphatic leukaemia among test participants will be provided in the National Radiological Protection Board report, which will be published, subject to peer review, later this year.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the purpose of the "blue book" at the time information was, initially, collated for entry; and if he has made this information available to the NRPB study.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The "blue books" are a compilation of information by the Atomic Weapons Research Establishment whose purpose was to provide timely advice to test participants on their radiation exposure, if any, from the tests. The "blue books" have been made available to the National Radiological Protection Board.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has about the exclusion zone declared between 1 March and 1 August 1957 and the action that was taken to safeguard personnel within that zone; and if he has made this information available to the NRPB study.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The purpose of the exclusion zone was to prevent aircraft and ships from straying into a possible danger area. Personnel within the zone were at a safe distance from the detonations. The original archive documents relating to the exclusion zone can be made available for the National Radiological Protection Board's inspection should it so wish.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many deaths per million have occurred 416
  annually, since 1962, resulting from multiple myeloma and non-lymphatic leukaemia in (a) the population of the United Kingdom and (b) British nuclear test participants.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on differences between British and American nuclear test programmes in connection with safety procedures and protective measures; and if he has made this information available to the NRPB study.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The United States nuclear weapon test programme was wholly different from that of the United Kingdom. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on United States safety procedures and protective measures which are entirely a matter for the United States.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has concerning persons who were provided with protective clothing at the time of the Grapple Y test who were further away from the test site than other, unprotected, test participants; and if he has made this information available to the NRPB study.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  All participants in the Grapple Y test were issued, where necessary, with suitable protective clothing to protect against the heat generated by the detonation.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tests are being undertaken to identify levels of Americium contamination in British nuclear test participants and to establish whether this differs from the control group of non-nuclear test veterans.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  None.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will compensate Mr. Andrew Dickson for exposure to radiation during nuclear tests in the Pacific.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  There is no evidence that Mr. Dickson was exposed to radiation whilst serving on Christmas Island. Compensation would be considered if a participant in the United Kingdom test programme could show—even on the balance of probabilities—that participation had caused any subsequent illness.

  Support Services
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will quantify the savings in co-locating the support management groups and logistic support services; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The recurring savings which would accrue from the collaboration of all the support management group and logistic support services are estimated to be in the order of £6 million per annum.

  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide details of the valuations placed on buildings which would be available for disposal under option II of his consultation document "The Wyton Option".

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No. Provision of the valuations would disclose information which is commercially sensitive.
  417
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the costs for new buildings necessitated by the proposed move of the support management group to RAF Wyton; and what are the costs of refurbishing existing buildings for the same purpose at RAF Wyton.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  This information is commercial in confidence.

  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the numbers of posts for RAF service men and civilian employees provided for in his proposal to co-locate the support management group and the associated units of logistic support services.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The number of service and civilian posts proposed at RAF Wyton is estimated to be about 3,000.

  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost in redundancy payments arising from his review of the support management groups and logistic support services and reduction in staff levels.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  It is not possible to be precise about anticipated redundancy costs at this stage. The same basis for assessing potential redundancy costs was, however, used for every option which involved non-mobile staff. Every effort will be made to minimise redundancy.

  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make available a copy of the RAF's relocation implementation working group study report.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No. This is an internal document which contains information confidential to management. Summary details of the report have, however, been made public in a consultative document.

  Ministry Police
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Ministry of Defence police officers are based in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  For security reasons, it is not our practice to disclose such details.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Mr. Aitken
  Mr. Christopher Littmoden, finance director of Marks and Spencer, has been appointed as a part-time adviser on the Department's market-testing programme.

  Nuclear Contamination, Australia
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current position regarding discussions between the Governments of the United Kingdom and Australia 418
  regarding the clean-up of nuclear contamination on the Maralinga lands in South Australia and compensation to the Aboriginal people affected; and when he expects to announce Her Majesty's Government's intentions.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Australian Government have asked that the United Kingdom make a contribution towards the cost of further rehabilitation of the former nuclear weapon test sites at Maralinga and Emu Field in South Australia, and meet the cost of providing compensation for the local Aboriginal population. Our view is that the agreement reached in 1968 with the then Australian Government releases the United Kingdom from any further responsibility for rehabilitation of these sites and that the question of compensation for the Aboriginal population is not one for Her Majesty's Government. Nevertheless, we are carefully studying the Australian request, which raises a number of complex legal and technical issues, and hope to give a considered response soon.

EMPLOYMENT

  Training
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if she will list for each training and enterprise council the budget made available from her Department for 1991–92 and 1992–93(a) at current prices and (b) at 1992–93 prices, indicating in both cases the percentage difference;

  (2) if she will list for each training and enterprise council the budget made available from her Department for the provision of youth training places for 1991–92 and 1992–93 (a) at current prices and (b) at 1992–93 prices, indicating in both cases the percentage difference;

  (3) if she will list for each training and enterprise council the budget made available from her Department for the provision of employment training places for 1991–92 and 1992–93 (a) at current prices and (b) at 1992–93 prices, indicating in both cases the percentage difference;

  (4) if she will list for each training and enterprise council the number of training weeks contracted for under employment training (a) in 1991–92, (b) in 1992–93 and (c) the percentage difference;

  (5) if she will list for each training and enterprise council the number of training weeks contracted for under youth training (a) in 1991–92, (b) in 1992–93 and (c) the percentage difference.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The information requested for 1991–92 is given in the following tables for England only. Information relating to Wales and Scotland is a matter for the respective Secretaries of State to answer. I am not at present in a position to give the coresponding information for 1992–93.
  419

  TEC budget allocations 1991–92 and at 1992–93 prices

  London

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  AZTEC

  Current

  10.7

  2.4

  3.4

  3.6

  6.4

  1992–93 prices

  11.2

  2.5

  3.6

  —

  —

  CENTEC (16 September 1991)

  Current

  12.0

  3.2

  3.2

  6.4

  7.9

  1992–93 prices

  12.5

  3.3

  3.3

  —

  —

  CILNTEC (14 October 1991)

  Current

  8.1

  2.2

  3.1

  4.6

  6.4

  1992–93 prices

  8.5

  2.3

  3.2

  —

  —

  LETEC

  Current

  27.6

  9.0

  10.5

  17.4

  27.0

  1992–93 prices

  28.8

  9.4

  11.0

  —

  —

  North London (16 September 1991)

  Current

  9.7

  3.2

  2.4

  6.1

  5.7

  1992–93 prices

  10.1

  3.3

  2.5

  —

  —

  North West London (16 September 1991)

  Current

  5.6

  1.8

  1.5

  3.3

  3.3

  1992–93 prices

  5.9

  1.9

  1.6

  —

  —

  SOLOTEC

  Current

  18.6

  3.8

  4.7

  6.7

  12.6

  1992–93 prices

  19.4

  4.0

  4.9

  —

  —

  South Thames (27 May 1991)

  Current

  20.5

  7.0

  5.3

  12.9

  10.1

  1992–93 prices

  21.4

  7.3

  5.5

  —

  —

  West London (16 September 1991)

  Current

  8.9

  2.0

  3.4

  3.3

  8.0

  1992–93 prices

  9.3

  2.1

  3.6

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  2. Where TECs became operational after 1 April 1991, the dates are shown in brackets.

  TEC budget allocations 1991–92 and at 1992–93 prices

  South East

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Essex

  Current

  29.2

  5.8

  12.3

  9.1

  22.8

  1992–93 prices

  31.0

  6.1

  12.9

  —

  —

  Hampshire

  Current

  32.0

  5.0

  16.8

  9.4

  36.5

  1992–93 prices

  33.4

  5.2

  17.6

  —

  —

  Heart of England

  Current

  10.7

  1.6

  4.9

  2.6

  9.2

  1992–93 prices

  11.2

  1.7

  5.1

  —

  —

  Hertfordshire

  Current

  19.5

  2.8

  5.4

  5.2

  9.9

  1992–93 prices

  20.4

  2.9

  5.6

  —

  —

  Isle of Wight

  Current

  4.1

  0.6

  1.6

  1.0

  3.6

  1992–93 prices

  4.3

  0.6

  1.7

  —

  —

  Kent

  Current

  32.2

  5.5

  14.3

  8.9

  28.7

  1992–93 prices

  33.6

  5.7

  14.9

  —

  —

  Milton Keynes and North Buckinghamshire

  Current

  6.5

  1.2

  3.5

  1.9

  5.8

  1992–93

  6.8

  1.3

  3.7

  —

  —

  Surrey

  Current

  14.1

  1.8

  4.5

  3.2

  11.7

  1992–93 prices

  14.7

  1.9

  4.7

  —

  —

  Sussex

  Current

  26.0

  4.5

  11.2

  8.3

  23.1

  1992–93

  27.2

  4.7

  11.7

  —

  —

  Thames Valley Enterprise

  Current

  24.9

  2.4

  13.6

  4.1

  30.4

  1992–93 prices

  26.0

  2.5

  14.2

  —

  —

  Note:

  The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.
  420 421

  TEC budget allocations 1991–92 and at 1992–93 prices

  South West

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Avon

  Current

  29.3

  6.0

  13.0

  11.4

  27.5

  1992–93 prices

  30.6

  6.3

  13.6

  —

  —

  Devon and Cornwall

  Current

  52.5

  10.5

  22.1

  19.9

  27.5

  1992–93 prices

  52.9

  11.0

  23.1

  —

  —

  Dorset

  Current

  15.5

  2.5

  7.1

  4.0

  14.7

  1992–93 prices

  16.2

  2.6

  7.4

  —

  —

  Gloucester

  Current

  13.0

  1.9

  6.4

  3.5

  13.4

  192–93 prices

  13.6

  2.0

  6.7

  —

  —

  Somerset

  Current

  13.3

  1.7

  6.4

  3.1

  13.8

  1992–93 prices

  13.9

  1.8

  6.7

  —

  —

  Wiltshire

  Current

  12.8

  1.7

  6.3

  3.0

  13.6

  1992–93 prices

  13.4

  1.8

  6.6

  —

  —

  Note:

  The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  West Midlands

  £million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Birmingham

  Current

  46.5

  16.6

  15.1

  22.9

  25.9

  1992–93 prices

  48.6

  17.3

  15.8

  —

  —

  Central England

  Current

  11.0

  2.2

  4.8

  5.1

  10.0

  1992–93 prices

  11.5

  2.3

  5.0

  —

  —

  Coventry

  Current

  25.8

  4.9

  12.9

  9.7

  24.7

  1992–93 prices

  27.0

  5.1

  13.5

  —

  —

  Dudley

  Current

  11.2

  2.9

  5.1

  5.7

  11.2

  1992–93 prices

  11.7

  3.0

  5.3

  —

  —

  Hereford and Worcester

  Current

  10.1

  2.0

  4.7

  3.7

  9.9

  1992–93 prices

  10.6

  2.1

  4.9

  —

  —

  Sandwell

  Current

  11.4

  2.8

  5.2

  5.7

  10.3

  1992–93 prices

  11.9

  2.9

  5.4

  —

  —

  Shropshire

  Current

  13.5

  2.9

  6.6

  5.8

  14.4

  1992–93 prices

  14.1

  3.0

  6.9

  —

  —

  Staffordshire

  Current

  34.6

  6.0

  19.6

  11.6

  39.9

  1992–93 prices

  36.2

  6.3

  20.5

  —

  —

  Walsall

  Current

  10.5

  3.2

  4.5

  6.0

  8.2

  1992–93 prices

  11.0

  3.3

  4.7

  —

  —

  Wolverhampton

  Current

  11.6

  3.1

  5.0

  6.5

  10.9

  1992–93 prices

  12.1

  3.2

  5.2

  —

  —

  Note:

  1. The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  Midlands and Eastern

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Leicester

  Current

  26.3

  4.7

  14.2

  7.3

  30.9

  1992–93 prices

  27.5

  4.9

  14.8

  —

  —

  Northamptonshire

  Current

  12.9

  2.5

  6.2

  3.8

  13.1

  1992–93 prices

  13.5

  2.6

  6.5

  —

  —

  422 423

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Lincolnshire

  Current

  18.8

  3.7

  11.1

  6.0

  21.4

  1992–93 prices

  19.6

  3.9

  11.6

  —

  —

  Greater Nottingham

  Current

  21.4

  4.7

  11.2

  8.4

  22.3

  1992–93 prices

  22.4

  4.9

  1.7

  —

  —

  North Nottingham

  Current

  17.0

  5.0

  8.2

  5.0

  15.6

  1992–93 prices

  17.8

  5.2

  8.6

  —

  —

  South Derbyshire

  Current

  17.6

  4.1

  9.2

  6.4

  18.2

  1992–93 prices

  18.4

  4.3

  9.6

  —

  —

  North Derbyshire

  Current

  11.5

  2.2

  6.2

  4.3

  12.6

  1992–93 prices

  12.0

  2.3

  6.5

  —

  —

  Norfolk and Waveney

  Current

  22.9

  4.7

  12.4

  8.7

  24.2

  1992–93 prices

  23.9

  4.9

  13.0

  —

  —

  Suffolk

  Current

  14.2

  1.8

  4.5

  3.2

  8.6

  1992–93 prices

  14.8

  1.9

  4.7

  —

  —

  Bedfordshire

  Current

  12.1

  1.7

  7.0

  2.7

  14.3

  1992–93 prices

  12.6

  1.8

  7.3

  —

  —

  Greater Peterborough

  Current

  8.2

  1.6

  4.3

  3.0

  10.3

  1992–93 prices

  8.6

  1.7

  4.5

  —

  —

  CAMBSTEC

  Current

  6.4

  0.7

  3.2

  1.2

  7.1

  1992–93 prices

  6.7

  0.7

  3.3

  —

  —

  Note: 1. The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Leeds

  Current

  22.5

  5.5

  10.6

  12.1

  17.5

  1992–93 prices

  23.5

  5.7

  11.1

  —

  —

  North Yorkshire

  Current

  17.0

  3.5

  5.1

  7.1

  13.8

  1992–93 prices

  17.8

  3.7

  5.3

  —

  —

  Bradford

  Current

  18.7

  4.7

  6.9

  8.4

  10.9

  1992–93 prices

  19.5

  4.9

  7.2

  —

  —

  Calderdale/Kirklees

  Current

  20.6

  5.5

  9.8

  9.3

  18.0

  1992–93 prices

  21.5

  5.7

  10.2

  —

  —

  Wakefield

  Current

  12.2

  3.2

  6.0

  5.6

  9.6

  1992–93 prices

  12.7

  3.3

  6.3

  —

  —

  Barnsley and Doncaster

  Current

  25.7

  7.5

  14.1

  13.0

  23.8

  1992–93 prices

  26.9

  7.8

  14.7

  —

  —

  Sheffield

  Current

  24.2

  6.8

  12.6

  11.4

  18.2

  1992–93 prices

  25.3

  7.1

  13.2

  —

  —

  Rotherham

  Current

  12.1

  3.3

  6.0

  5.8

  9.9

  1992–93 prices

  12.6

  3.4

  6.3

  —

  —

  Humberside

  Current

  37.5

  10.6

  18.5

  18.3

  37.0

  1992–93 prices

  39.2

  11.1

  19.3

  —

  —

  Note: The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  North west

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Bolton and Bury

  Current

  12.9

  2.5

  6.6

  4.3

  13.6

  1992–93 prices

  13.5

  2.6

  6.9

  —

  —

  424 425

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  CEWTEC

  Current

  21.0

  7.4

  10.4

  13.7

  18.5

  1992–93 prices

  21.9

  7.7

  10.9

  —

  —

  Cumbria

  Current

  17.3

  3.4

  10.3

  6.8

  21.8

  1992–93 prices

  18.1

  3.6

  10.8

  —

  —

  ELTEC

  Current

  17.3

  3.5

  8.6

  6.4

  17.6

  1992–93 prices

  18.1

  3.7

  9.0

  —

  —

  LAWTEC

  Current

  26.3

  6.1

  12.9

  10.8

  26.4

  1992–93 prices

  27.5

  6.4

  13.5

  —

  —

  Manchester

  Current

  38.5

  9.9

  16.9

  15.9

  35.6

  1992–93 prices

  40.2

  10.3

  17.7

  —

  —

  METROTEC

  Current

  10.5

  2.4

  5.1

  4.3

  10.1

  1992–93 prices

  11.0

  2.5

  5.3

  —

  —

  Oldham

  Current

  8.6

  1.6

  4.7

  2.9

  9.8

  1992–93 prices

  9.0

  1.7

  4.9

  —

  —

  QUALITEC

  Current

  9.3

  2.3

  5.5

  3.9

  9.8

  1992–93 prices

  9.7

  2.4

  5.7

  —

  —

  Rochdale

  Current

  6.5

  2.1

  2.9

  4.1

  6.1

  1992–93 prices

  6.8

  2.2

  3.0

  —

  —

  South and East Cheshire

  Current

  10.9

  1.8

  4.2

  2.5

  7.5

  1992–93 prices

  11.4

  1.9

  4.4

  —

  —

  Stockport and High Peak

  Current

  9.7

  1.7

  4.9

  3.1

  10.3

  1992–93 prices

  10.1

  1.8

  5.1

  —

  —

  Merseyside (24 June 1991)

  Current

  41.6

  12.6

  20.8

  22.9

  36.5

  1992–93 prices

  43.5

  13.2

  21.7

  —

  —

  NORMID (24 June 1991)

  Current

  11.9

  2.3

  7.1

  4.2

  13.6

  1992–93 prices

  12.4

  2.4

  7.4

  —

  —

  Notes:

  1. The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  2. Where TECs become operational after 1 April 1991, the dates are shown in brackets.

  Northern

  £ million budgets

  Training weeks × 10,000

  TEC

  Total

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Employment training

  Youth training

  Teeside

  Current

  34.6

  11.8

  14.8

  18.3

  16.8

  1992–93 prices

  36.2

  12.3

  15.5

  —

  —

  Tyneside

  Current

  45.9

  13.5

  20.1

  21.0

  25.9

  1992–93 prices

  48.0

  14.1

  21.0

  —

  —

  Wearside

  Current

  21.5

  6.6

  9.4

  10.8

  35.8

  1992–93 prices

  22.5

  6.9

  9.8

  —

  —

  County Durham

  Current

  34.4

  10.6

  15.7

  17.5

  29.4

  1992–93 prices

  35.9

  11.1

  16.4

  —

  —

  Northumberland

  Current

  15.6

  3.5

  5.1

  5.6

  8.2

  1992–93 prices

  16.3

  3.7

  5.3

  —

  —

  Note:

  The percentage difference between current and 1992–93 prices is 4.5 per cent.

  Ankylosing Spondylitis
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what study her Department has done into the effects of ankylosing spondylitis on the body of sufferers to both work and availability for work as far as unemployment benefits are concerned; and if he will make a statement.
  426
  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Department has not carried out a study into the effects of ankylosing spondylitis or any other specific illness.

  The Employment Service can offer specialist advice to any unemployed person with a disability or long-term health problem who needs guidance in obtaining work. In providing advice, the Employment Service's general

  427
  approach is to treat each person as an individual and not to be unnecessarily restrictive. We believe that people with disabilities should be considered fit for work across the full range of occupations unless there are very clear reasons otherwise. If the needs of the individual make it necessary, the ES can provide practical help and has access to other specialists who can assist with particular problems which might arise from specific disabilities.

  Physical or mental disability may force some unemployed people to impose restrictions on the work they can accept. If these restrictions are reasonable in the circumstances, and provided the person is available to do some work on each day that benefit is paid, the rules state that benefit is allowed.

  New Jobs
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimates her Department makes of the numbers of people in work in Suffolk and Norfolk in jobs which had not been created 10 years ago; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  No records are kept of jobs created; only estimates of the net changes in the numbers of employees in employment are made. The earliest and most recent figures for employees in employment by county are from the censuses of employment for September 1981 and September 1989. Between the two census dates the numbers of employees increased by 41,400 in Suffolk and by 30,500 in Norfolk.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if she will indicate for each training and enterprise council—TEC—area the number of people unemployed in(a) April 1991 and (b) April 1992, indicating the percentage difference;

  (2) if she will indicate for each TEC area the number of people classified as long-term unemployed in April 1991 and April 1992 (a) as a total and (b) as a percentage of the total number unemployed, indicating the percentage difference in both cases;

  (3) if she will indicate for each TEC area the number of young people unemployed in April 1991 and April 1992 (a) as a total and (b) as a percentage of the total number unemployed, indicating the percentage difference in both cases.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested can be obtained from the NOMIS database in the Library.

  Careers Service
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans she has to change the legal basis of the careers service.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Legislation to open up a range of options for management of careers services is to be included in the Employment Bill announced in the Queen's Speech on 6 May 1992. The legislation will implement changes proposed in chapter 7 of volume 1 of the Government's White Paper "Education and Training for the 21st Century", Cm 1536, published in May 1991.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment who has been appointed as a consultant to her Department for market testing.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Department has not appointed any one individual or company as a consultant for market testing. However, several companies have provided consultancy advice on market testing. They are Coopers and Lybrand Deloitte, Ernst and Young, KPMG, Symmonds and PA Consultants.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Sproat
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) pursuant to his answer of 17 June.Official Report, column 591, about hearing appeals on disability living allowances, what is the maximum time he regards as acceptable to hear an appeal;

  (2) how many people have been waiting to have their appeals on disability living allowance heard for (a) less than one month, (b) between one and three months, (c) between three and six months and (d) over six months.

  Mr. Scott
  Clearance times for appeals is a matter for the chief executive of the Benefits Agency, under its framework document, and the president of the Independent Tribunal Service.

  Provisional target clearance times set by the Benefits Agency allow for 80 per cent. of appeals against a disability living allowance to be cleared within 30 working days, and 95 per cent. within 45 working days. This time relates to the preparation of the appeal and its submission to the Independent Tribunal Service. Information about clerance times within the Independent Tribunal Service may be obtained from the office of the president, His Honour Judge Holden.

  No appeals against disability living allowance decisions have been received by the Independent Tribunal Service.

  Pension Law
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he is now in a position to announce the members of the Pension Law Review Committee.

  Mr. Lilley
  On 8 June,Official Report, columns, 19–21, I announced the establishment of a committee to review the framework of law and regulation within which occupational pension schemes operate, which is to be chaired by Professor Roy Goode QC.

  I am very pleased that the individuals listed have agreed to serve as members of the Pension Law Review Committee. Between them they possess an enormous range and depth of knowledge about occupational pensions and the wider social and economic context, and each of them will help to ensure that the committee's final report is complete and authoritative.

  The members are:

  Tony Atkinson—Professor of Economics, London School of Economics

  David Berridge—Chief Executive, Scottish Equitable Life Assurance

  Harvie Brown—Actuary and Principal, William M. Mercer Fraser Ltd.

  429

  Bryan Hines—formerly General Manager, Insurance and Investments, ICI plc

  Stewart James—Partner, Rowe and Maw

  Terence Libby—Chairman and Chief Executive, Morrisflex Ltd.

  Alastair Ross-Goobey—Chief Investment Strategist, James Capel

  Patricia Triggs—Partner, KPMG Peat Marwick McLintock Sue Ward—Freelance journalist and researcher on pensions issues.

  I understand from Professor Goode that the committee will invite evidence to be submitted on the basis of a consultation paper which it will produce as soon as possible. I will ask Professor Goode to ensure that the availability of the consultation paper is made widely known when it is published.

  Mortgage Protection Insurance
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether the proceeds of mortgage protection insurance are counted as general income, or as a specific offset to any entitlement for mortgage interest support in the calculation of income support; and what are the relevant regulations or orders or guidance to adjudication officers.

  Mr. Burt
  Income from a mortgage protection insurance policy intended and used to meet payments on a loan that is eligible for help from income support is counted as general income, but the following amounts are ignored:

  the amount of the capital repayments, or the endowment premiums on an endowment mortgage;

  the amount of interest not being met in income support because of the 50 per cent. restriction during the first 16 weeks of the claim;

  the amount of the premiums due on the policy.

  The relevant regulation is paragraph 29 of schedule 9 to the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987—SI 1987–1967. Guidance on this for adjudication officers is at paragraphs 29663–29666 of the Adjudication Officers' Guide. The Benefits Agency issued additional guidance on the assessment of cases involving mortgage protection policies in a bulletin to all income support staff on 9 June 1992.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide for each metropolitan, borough and district council in England and Wales, for each year from 1987–88(a) the number of tenancies held by each local authority, (b) the numbers of housing benefit claimants, split into rent rebate and rent allowance categories and the total amount paid under each heading,(c) the percentage rise in expenditure by each local authority's total housing benefit over the year before,(d) the numbers and amounts of housing benefit backdated payments and the amount as a percentage of each authority's housing benefit expenditure, (e) the numbers, amounts and percentage relative to total housing benefit expenditure of discretionary payments and (f) a breakdown of the categories of housing benefit overpayments, with the numbers and amounts and as a percentage of housing benefit expenditure.

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average time for processing claims for disability living allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of disability living 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.

  Ankylosing Spondylitis
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what study his Department has done into the effects of ankylosing spondylitis on the body with a view to amending its importance in considering social security benefits; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  No such study has been carried out by the Department. In general, social security benefits for disabled people are awarded on the basis of the level and effects of illness or disability, rather than on the basis of the medical condition.

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans the Government have to make invalidity benefit wholly or partially subject to a means test or to replace any part of it with means-tested provision in the foreseeable future.

  Mr. Scott
  We have no such plans.

  Maxwell Pension Funds
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to the answer of 23 June,Official Report, column 140, if he will publish the information he has available on the number of people, other than those in the Maxwell pension schemes, whose pensions are threatened because of these schemes not being able to meet the pension payments and future commitments.

  Miss Widdecombe
  I refer the hon. Member to my answers to him on 12 June at column 315 and on 23 June at column 140. I have nothing further to add to the previous answers.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security who has been appointed as a consultant to his Department for market testing.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Price Waterhouse was contracted by this Department to advise on potential areas for market testing. No further market-testing consultancy appointments have been made.

  Social Fund
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those local offices whose allocation of social fund moneys has now been reduced following the discovery of a computer error; and if he will detail the amount of the reduction for each office.
  431
  Mr. Scott
  The information requested is in the table. The table also shows the level of extra allocation districts were allowed to retain over and above allocations due to them under the national formula in order to minimise any disruption that might otherwise have occurred.

  District

  Reduction

  Retained

  £

  £

  Bankside

  51,860

  27,287

  Bradford (Grants)

  84,083

  38,028

  City East

  44,564

  24,855

  Euston (Grants)

  47,358

  25,786

  Euston

  26,629

  18,876

  Liverpool, North (Grants)

  46,247

  25,416

  Liverpool, North

  54,440

  28,147

  Liverpool, South (Grants)

  77,811

  35,937

  Newham (Grants)

  23,303

  17,768

  Newham

  36,946

  22,315

  Lothian, West

  75,659

  35,220

  Neasdon (Grants)

  95,735

  41,912

  Neasdon

  118,178

  49,393

  Oldham (Grants)

  7,145

  12,382

  Staffordshire, North (Grants)

  40,735

  23,578

  Swansea (Grants)

  10,945

  13,648

  Worcestershire, North

  69,712

  33,237

  Amounts refer to the loans budget unless otherwise indicated.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he will introduce further regulations to amend the law concerning occupational and personal pension schemes.

  Mr. Lilley
  I have today laid before Parliament regulations which make a number of amendments in the field of occupational and personal pension schemes.

  The regulations tighten existing regulations relating to the disclosure of information by trustees and administrators of occupational and personal pension schemes. The new regulations lay down time limits within which information must be disclosed to members, prospective members, beneficiaries and trade unions. They require schemes to disclose additional information following the introduction of provisions to the Social Security Act 1990, in particular, schemes must disclose:

  the functions and address of the Pensions Ombudsman; the role and address of the Occupational Pensions Advisory Service Ltd.;

  whether an independent trustee has been appointed by an insolvency practitioner in relation to the sponsoring employer, who he is, and, if not, why not;

  whether the scheme has registered with the registrar of occupational and personal pension schemes;

  whether trustees have access to guidance published by the Occupational Pensions Board on "Pension Trust Principles".

  The regulations make a number of technical amendments to definitions in the Disclosure of Information Regulations and to the form of the actuary's statement.

  The regulations also extend the circumstances in which small amounts of pension may be commuted to a lump sum and make a number of technical amendments to the Preservation Regulations, the Levy Regulations and the Register of Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes Regulations.

  The amendments in relation to commutation and to the Levy and Register Regulations will come into force on 20 July 1992; the remainder of the regulations will come into effect on 28 September 1992.
  432
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to respond to the report of the Social Security Select Committee on the operation of pension funds.

  Mr. Lilley
  The Government's response to the Select Committee's report is published today. We have accepted the main recommendation of the Committee:"the Government should establish an inquiry operating within a strict timetable to collect evidence from the public on what the detailed structure of a new Pensions Act should be".

  As I announced to the House on 8 June, I have set up a committee to examine the administration and regulation of pension schemes under the chairmanship of Professor Goode of Oxford university. Most of the Select Committee's recommendations fall within the terms of reference of the Goode committee. The Government's response to the Select Committee therefore deals specifically with those areas not covered by the review.

  Social Fund
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many applications for discretionary social fund awards were refused on the grounds that the applicant had insufficient funds to repay the loan; and if he will provide a breakdown by(a) region and (b) local DSS office.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 17 June 1992]: The most recent available figures, based on information for April 1992 from Benefits Agency districts, is in the table.

  Number of refusals classified as inability to repay

  District name

  Number

  Bankside

  47

  Barking and Havering

  15

  Barnet

  16

  Barnsley DMU

  16

  Bedfordshire

  13

  Berkshire

  20

  Birmingham Chamberlain

  29

  Birmingham Heartlands

  23

  Birmingham North West

  31

  Birmingham South East

  7

  Birmingham South West

  32

  Blackburn and Accrington

  34

  Blackpool

  13

  Bolton

  14

  Bradford

  60

  Bristol Severnside

  32

  Brunel

  23

  Buckinghamshire

  21

  Burnley/Pendle/Rossendale

  3

  Cambridgeshire

  30

  Canterbury and Thanet

  9

  Central Derbyshire

  19

  Central Staffordshire

  11

  Channel

  4

  Cheshire North West and Central

  13

  Cheshire East

  8

  Chesterfield and Worksop

  11

  City East

  12

  Clyde Coast and Cowal

  20

  Clyde Valley

  46

  Coatbridge

  88

  Cornwall

  78

  Coventry

  28

  Cumbria North

  16

  Cynon Merthyr Rhymney Valley

  19

  Derbyshire South

  13

  Devonia

  9

  Doncaster DMU

  12

  Dorset

  28

  Durham North

  13

  433

  District name

  Number

  Durham South

  46

  Ealing

  21

  East Lowlands

  22

  East Nottinghamshire

  14

  East Sussex

  8

  Essex South East

  25

  Essex South West

  21

  Euston

  25

  Fife

  32

  Forth Valley

  22

  Fulham

  32

  Glamorgan South

  18

  Glasgow South West

  102

  Glasgow Anniesland

  35

  Glasgow City

  16

  Glasgow East

  116

  Glasgow Laurieston

  78

  Gloucester

  18

  Grampian and Shetland

  14

  Gwent North and Brecon

  15

  Gwyneddigion

  5

  Hackney and Islington

  33

  Halifax

  25

  Hampshire North

  23

  Harrow and Hillingdon

  12

  Hereford and Worcester

  26

  Highlands and Islands

  13

  Hounslow and Kingston

  6

  Hull

  34

  Irvine

  15

  Kent North

  12

  Kirklees MDU

  15

  Knowsley

  21

  Lancaster

  9

  Lea Roding

  10

  Leaside

  27

  Leeds North

  22

  Leeds South

  19

  Leicestershire North

  19

  Lewisham and Brixton

  65

  Lincolnshire

  2

  Liverpool Central

  17

  Liverpool North

  32

  Liverpool South

  19

  Lomond and Argyll

  17

  London Central

  3

  Lothian Central

  33

  Lothian West

  36

  Manchester Central

  25

  Manchester North

  12

  Mid Wales and Maelor

  31

  Neasden

  30

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  25

  Newham

  27

  North and East Hertfordshire

  12

  North Essex

  14

  North Staffordshire

  25

  North Tyneside

  20

  North Wales Coast

  8

  North Yorkshire

  18

  Northamptonshire

  9

  Northumberland

  7

  Norwich

  25

  Nottinghamshire North

  3

  Nottinghamshire West

  12

  Ogwr Afan Nedd

  9

  Oldham

  14

  Oxfordshire

  19

  Preston

  19

  Renfrew

  28

  Rother and Dearne

  14

  South East Hampshire and Isle of Wight

  17

  Salford

  13

  Sandwell

  12

  Sefton

  23

  Sheffield East

  11

  Sheffield West

  62

  Shropshire

  16

  434

  District name

  Number

  Solent and Forest

  19

  Somerset

  8

  South Cheshire

  27

  South Devon

  46

  South Downs

  27

  South Gwent and Islwyn

  10

  South Humberside

  12

  South Leicestershire

  27

  South Manchester

  29

  South West Lancs

  15

  South West Scotland

  41

  South West Thames

  24

  Springburn

  67

  Stockport

  21

  Suffolk

  22

  Surrey Downs

  16

  Surrey North

  16

  Swansea

  25

  Taff Rhondda

  4

  Tameside

  12

  Tayside

  28

  Tees North

  38

  Tees South

  24

  Thameside

  13

  Tyneside

  19

  Wakefield

  20

  Wales West

  2

  Walsall

  6

  Warwickshire

  19

  Wearside

  31

  West Herts

  11

  West Kent

  2

  West Lincolnshire

  21

  West Pennine

  15

  West Sussex

  8

  Wigan and Leigh

  5

  Wiltshire

  12

  Wirral

  42

  Wolverhampton

  21

  Worcestershire North

  22

  Yorkshire East

  14

HEALTH

  Market Testing
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all those functions and areas in her Department and associated agencies that have been identified for market testing in the wake of the White Paper "Competing for Quality".

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department has already embarked on market-testing exercises for office services in its new buildings at Quarry house, Leeds and 80 London road, London and will be extending testing programme for this year to include a number of other areas of the Department's work.

  Health Statistics
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her estimate of the percentage of the population who are(a) HIV positive (b) suffering from heart disease and (c) suffering from drug abuse related illnesses; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  It is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the percentage of the population infected with HIV as only those who perceive themselves to be at risk will seek a test. Up to March 1992 there had been 15,424 reports of people infected with HIV in England and Wales
  435
  to the Public Health Laboratory Service's communicable disease surveillance centre. Anonymised HIV studies began in 1990 to obtain more accurate information about the prevalence of HIV.

  Due to their nature, it is not possible to give reliable estimates of the incidence of coronary heart disease and drug abuse related illness within the population.

  Dentistry
  Ms. Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many orthodontic practitioners there are in the Wirral; what was the volume of treatments they have given in each of the last five years; and how many of such orthodontic treatments cost over £200, expressed both numerically and as a percentage of the whole.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  There are four orthodontic practitioners on the Wirral family health services authority's dental list. More detailed information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total cost of establishing a salaried dental practice within the framework of a family health services association; and what are its cost components.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The main elements involved in employing a salaried dentist are the salaries of the dentist and the auxiliary dental staff and the cost of the premises. The salary scales for a salaried dentist and dental auxiliaries range from £18,755 to £27,305 and from £6,118 to £18,039 respectively. The cost of premises varies from area to area.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were treated by salaried dentists in the last convenient yearly period in each of the regional health authorities in England and Wales; and what percentage of the total number of patients treated this represents in each region.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Information collected about the number of patients treated is not distinguished by region. For the financial year 1991–92 there were 16,029 courses of treatment undertaken by salaried dentists in England and Wales. This represents 0.06 per cent. of the total.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many salaried dentists have been appointed during the last three-year period.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  In the three-year period to April 1992, 47 salaried dentists were appointed by family health services authorities.

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many salaried dentists currently operate within the national health service; and what is their distribution on a family health services association basis.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Information available at the end of April 1992 is shown in the table:

  Family health services authority

  Number of dentists

  Derbyshire

  1

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  3

  Essex

  2

  436

  Family health services authority

  Number of dentists

  City and East London

  6

  Kent

  1

  Greenwich and Bexley

  7

  Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham

  29

  West Sussex

  1

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  1

  Cornwall and Isles of Stilly

  1

  Sandwell

  1

  Liverpool

  2

  Total

  55

  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what machinery is in place to monitor the cost-effectiveness and productivity of salaried dentists currently practising within the NHS.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This is the managerial responsibility of each family health services authority employing a salaried dentist.

  Hydatid Disease
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the figures for the incidence of hydatid disease for each area health authority in England and Wales, for the most recent three years that they are available; and what steps she is taking to eradicate this disease.

  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will make additional Government funds available for an education programme in order to alert the public to the dangers of hydatidosis;

  (2) how many people have been infected with hydatidosis in each of the past nine years;

  (3) what advice she gives to the public regarding the dangers, particularly to children, of contact with dogs fed on uncooked meat and offal.

  Mr. Sackville
  Interim results from a Public Health Laboratory survey of the disease show the following estimated numbers of cases known to have originated in England and Wales, by year of diagnosis:

  Numbers

  1984

  13

  1985

  26

  1986

  11

  1987

  8

  1988

  7

  1989

  6

  1990

  1

  Year not known

  2

  Thirty-nine of these cases were resident in Wales at time of diagnosis and 30 in England. The place of residence of the remaining five is unknown.

  The apparent decline in incidence is welcome. When the full results of the PH LS are available, consideration will be given to whether any specific action is called for, such as a public education programme.

  Pacemakers (Removal)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the cost to relatives in each district health authority and NHS trust in England of removing a pacemaker from a deceased patient;
  437
  (2) if she will consider whether the surgical procedure of removing a pacemaker from a cadaver could be carried out by undertakers.

  Mr. Sackville
  Guidance on the removal of pacemakers from deceased persons is in health notice (83)6, a copy of which is in the Library; this makes it clear that funeral undertakers may carry out the removal and that the cost in all cases should be met by the national health service.

  Grading Appeal Panels
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the expected overall cost of payments for fees and expenses to management side members who sit on nurses', midwives' and health visitors' national grading appeal panels.

  Mr. Sackville
  The overall cost of payments is not known at this stage, as there is no way of anticipating how many appeals will be lodged at national level. The decision to refer appeals to national level rests with the staff side organisations and trade unions.

  Osteopathy
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will meet with the principal of the British School of Osteopathy to discuss the school's future.

  Mr. Sackville
  We have no plans to do so.

  Asthma
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures her Department holds for the incidence of asthma in each of the last 10 years among(a) the whole population and (b) under 16-year-olds; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not held centrally.

  Abortions
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total number of abortions under the Abortion Act 1967 performed in England and Wales in 1991; what information is available about the number of such abortions at 25 weeks and over; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The total was 179,522 compared with 186,912 in 1990, an overall decrease of 4 per cent.

  A total of 60 abortions were notified in England and Wales in 1991 at 25 weeks or more, of which eight were in the first quarter before the law on abortion changed on 1 April 1991. A more detailed analysis of these is as follows:

  Number of weeks gestation

  Number of abortions

  25

  18

  26

  17

  27

  9

  28

  6

  29

  5

  30

  2

  31

  1

  33

  1

  36

  1

  438
  Since 1 April 1991, for all terminations performed after the pregnancy had exceeded 24 weeks, the operating surgeon has been required to provide a full statement of the medical condition of the pregnant woman-foetus.

  Of the 52 abortions performed at over 24 weeks between 1 April and 31 December 1991, one was under ground A—that the continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the pregnant woman greater than if the pregnancy were terminated—and the remaining 51 were under ground E—that there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped.

  Of the ground E cases, 43 per cent. were central nervous system abnormalities, 22 per cent. were genetic abnormalities, 17 per cent. were multiple system abnormalities, 11 per cent. were renal abnormalities and 7 per cent. were cardiac abnormalities. Examinations of the notification forms in respect of these ground E cases confirms that severe abnormalities had been diagnosed as present in all the foetuses.

  It is our intention to publish similar information about post-24-week abortions on a routine basis in the annual Office of Population Censuses and Surveys publication "Abortion Statistics". It will not, for reasons of confidentiality, be possible to give more detailed information.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she has taken in the case referred to her by the hon. Member for Congleton in her letter of 22 June about midwives seeking to exercise their conscientious objection to participation in abortion; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The letter referred to was received on 23 June. It is being considered and a reply will be sent as soon as possible.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to prevent hospital managers taking disciplinary action against nursing and midwifery personnel who seek to exercise a conscientious objection to being involved in preparing women for abortion; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  We have no reason to believe the current arrangements for conscientious objections are not in general working well. The Department has received very few letters on this subject. With goodwill and sensitive management it should be possible to overcome any difficulties for people with genuine conscientious objection to abortion without recourse to administrative action or further legislation.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she will now make it her policy to consult with interested parties with a view to reviewing the conscience clause of the Abortion Act 1967.

  Mr. Sackville
  We have no plans to do so.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given by her Department about the right of general practitioners conscientiously to object to making arrangements for abortions when they do not believe it is in the best interests of their patients; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  A doctor should always act in the best interests of his/her patients. Section 4 of the Abortion Act
  439
  1967 sets out the position which applies to GPs who have a conscientious objection to participation in treatment authorised under that Act.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given by her Department about the right of general practitioners under the terms of the Abortion Act 1967 conscientiously to object to(a) prescribing the morning after pill and (b) fitting intra-uterine contraceptive devices on the basis that they may function as abortifacients; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  There is no obligation on GPs to provide contraceptive services if they do not wish to do so.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance is given by her Department about the right of(a) midwives and nurses and (b) laboratory and other technicians under the terms of the Abortion Act 1967 conscientiously to object (i) to the taking of blood specimens and (ii) the processing of test results, respectively, which will lead to mothers being offered abortions if they are carrying babies with a minor handicap; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  Before decisions can be taken about any treatment or care, the full diagnostic process needs to be completed. In the case of pregnancy, if a serious problem is diagnosed, there will be a number of options to be considered. They may or may not include abortion. It must be in the best interests of all concerned that any decisions are made in the light of the fullest possible range of information. The expectation must therefore be that professional staff with the relevant experience will be involved in the diagnostic tests, to which an individual patient has consented, irrespective of the outcome.

  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total number of abortions performed in the Stockport health authority under the Abortion Act 1967 since its implementation; and how many and what percentage of these abortions were performed in emergency to save the life of the mother.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 15 June 19921: The number of abortions carried out in Stockport district health authority (DHA) is not released for reasons of confidentiality. However, 7,182 abortions have been performed, under the Abortion Act 1967, on residents of Stockport DHA during the period 1 January 1983 to 30 September 1991. The period in question refers to the first complete year for which data were collected for the Stockport DHA since its constitution on I April 1982, and to the latest date for which figures are available. None of these abortions was performed in an emergency "to save the life of the pregnant woman" (ground 5).

  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many abortions have been carried out under the Abortion Act 1967, since its coming into force, in the South West Thames region and the Wandsworth district, respectively; and how many and what percentage of these were carried out in an emergency to save the life of the mother.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 17 June 1992]: A total of 209,785 abortions have been performed, under the Abortion Act 1967, in the South West Thames regional
  440
  health authority (RHA) for the period 1 January 1975 to 30 September 1991. The period in question refers to the first complete year for which data were collected for the South West Thames RHA since its constitution on 1 April 1974, and to the latest date for which figures are available. Of these, three (0 per cent.) were performed in an emergency "to save the life of the pregnant woman" (ground 5).

  The number of abortions carried out in Wandsworth district health authority (DHA) is not released for reasons of confidentiality. However, 13,199 abortions have been performed, under the Abortion Act 1967, on residents of Wandsworth DHA during the period 1 January 1983 to 30 September 1991. The period in question refers to the first complete year for which data were collected for the Wandsworth DHA since its constitution on 1 April 1982, and to the latest date for which figures are available. None of these abortions was performed in an emergency "to save the life of the pregnant woman" (ground 5).

  Mr. Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total number of abortions performed in each district health authority in Birmingham under the Abortion Act 1967 since its implementation; and how many and what percentage of these abortions were performed in emergency to save the life of the mother.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 18 June 1992]: The number of abortions carried out in each of the Birmingham district health authorities (DHAs) is not released for reasons of confidentiality. However, the numbers of abortions which have been performed, under the Abortion Act 1967, on residents of the Birmingham DHAs during the period 1 January 1983 to 30 September 1991 are listed in the table. The period in question refers to the first complete year for which data were collected for the Birmingham DHAs since the constitution on 1 April 1982, and to the latest date for which figures are available.
  (1) Total number of abortions; (2) number and percentage of abortions performed in an emergency "to save the life of the pregnant woman" (ground 5), 1 January 1983 to 30 September 1991. Central, North. South, East and West Birmingham DHAs of residence.

  Birmingham DHAs of residence

  Total

  Ground 5

  Ground 5 as a percentage of the total

  Central1

  6,153

  1

  0

  North

  5,226

  0

  0

  South1

  7,225

  1

  0

  East

  6,415

  0

  0

  West

  9,467

  0

  0

  1 As Central and South Birmingham DHAs were merged in 1991, the numbers of abortions for these two authorities in 1991 are not included in the above table. In the newly formed DHA for the period 1 January to 30 September 1991 there was a total of 1,406 abortions, none of which was performed under ground 5.

  Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health ( 1) when her Department's survey into Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease will be published; and if this will be publicly available;

  (2) how many cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a) deaths and (b) patients were reported in the last year for which figures are available;
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  (3) how many persons have died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in the Yorkshire and Humberside area in the last two years for which records are available.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Torridge and West Devon (Miss Nicholson) on 23 June at columns 155–56. The report from Dr. Will contains the relevant information requested on incidence in the Yorkshire and Humberside area.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how the information booklet, dealing with the cause and effects of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, has been distributed;

  (2) how many booklets have been produced to inform relatives of patients suffering from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease about the cause and nature of the condition.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information booklet "Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease—A Guide" produced by the national Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance unit, based in Edinburgh, which is funded by the Department of Health and the Scottish Office Home and Health Department is distributed on a case-by-case basis to sufferers, their families, friends and carers. It has also been supplied to individuals who have written to the unit for more information.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what processes are available to identify Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in living individuals.

  Mr. Sackville
  Diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in living individuals is by expert clinical assessment. There are no satisfactory tests that identify the disease conclusively, although electro-encephelographic testing can assist diagnosis. Histopathological testing of brain tissue can be used, very rarely, to confirm the diagnosis where there is a major doubt over the diagnosis.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has available to identify the cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

  Mr. Sackville
  The cause of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) has not yet been identified. The agent of the disease appears to be small, atypical—compared to conventional microbes—and transmissible. There also seems to be a genetic influence on the development of the disease. The precise nature of the interaction between the host and the agent remains unclear, but there is considerable research under way both in the United Kingdom and abroad to elucidate the factors producing the disease.

  Most cases are sporadic and the factors which cause illness in these cases are not fully understood. However, in a few cases certain routes of transmission have been identified involving the use of human dura, corneal grafts or human growth hormone, and the exposure of the contaminated instruments during neurosurgical procedures. The Department has taken action to ensure that any potentially infected human tissue is no longer used in medical treatment.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what action she will take to ensure that families with relatives suffering from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are provided with advice on the cause and effects of the disease;
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  (2) what action has been taken to create a supportive agency in order to help patients' relatives where Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is suspected to be the cause of illness.

  Mr. Sackville
  Clinicians are responsible for providing information to patients under their care and to their families. In addition, when the national Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance unit in Edinburgh is notified, the patient and family are visited and information is provided about the disease. The unit also provides advice on the cause and effect of the disease to family members, friends and carers at other times, and is available to provide more information on Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease to other people who have individual concerns.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when procedures in neuro-surgery operations were altered in order to take precautions against contamination from agents causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

  Mr. Sackville
  Advice was first issued by the Advisory Group on the Management of Patients with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease to NHS hospitals in 1981. The guidance recommended that special precautions, including disposal of instruments, should be taken in surgical procedures involving the brain, spinal cord or eye. This advice remains current.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what information she has available to identify the number of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients in(a) national health service hospitals, (b) private hospitals, (c) private nursing homes and (d) family homes;

  (2) what provision is available within the national health service in order to treat Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease patients who suffer from the disease over a period of years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The national health service submits diagnostic information which would provide a broad estimate of the number of cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) which had been treated annually as in-patients in NHS hospitals. Information is not held centrally about the number of CJD patients in NHS hospitals, private hospitals, private nursing homes and family homes. Depending on their medical condition and personal circumstances, individual patients may be looked after in more than one location during the course of their illness.

  Such patients have access to the full range of diagnostic and care facilities provided by the NHS.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many persons have contracted Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease who have not been treated with human growth hormone or involved in any neuro-surgical operations.

  Mr. Sackville
  It is not possible to determine causal or contributory factors in the majority of the 456 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) identified since 1970. Of these, four are known to have had previous neurosurgery, which would not appear to be related to the development of their CJD, and a further 10 definite and one suspected case are known where transmission has occurred from other treatment.

  Population Statistics
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for each travel-to-work area and for each district the estimated population as a percentage of the enumerated population according to the 1981 census.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Registrar-General does not make annual population estimates for travel-to-work areas. A comparison between the resident population enumerated in the 1981 census and the mid-year population estimates for 1981 for each local authority district is available in the Library. The population estimates include an allowance for under-enumeration. They also include students at their term-time address and armed forces where they were stationed, rather than where they were living on census day.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the travel-to-work areas and districts in rank order according to the 1991 census population as a percentage of the 1981 census population.

  Mr. Sackville
  Census figures from the 1991 census are not yet available for the resident populations of all local authority districts, nor have travel-to-work areas based on the 1991 census yet been calculated. The 1991 census preliminary report for England and Wales, a copy of which is in the Library, contains provisional figures for the population present on census day in 1981 and 1991 in each local authority district. Table 5 of the report ranks counties in order of percentage change.

  Human Growth Hormone
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if persons who have received human growth hormone treatment are excluded from organ donor programmes.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department has advised clinicians, when considering organ transplantation, to check whether or not the donor had been treated with human growth hormone at any time prior to May 1985 when that treatment was withdrawn.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to prevent recipients of human growth hormone treatments becoming blood donors.

  Mr. Sackville
  Recipients of pituitary derived human growth hormone are included in a list of specific groups who must not give blood. This list is shown to all potential blood donors. Furthermore, when human growth hormone recipients are counselled as part of the national counselling programme now under way they are advised not to give blood.

  Spongiform Encephalopathies
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when she received a copy of the World Health Organisation report dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals; and what response she has given;

  (2) if she will make a statement on the reasons for restricting the distribution of the World Health Organisation consultation paper dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals; and if she will now publish it:
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  (3) if she will list those who have received a copy of the World Health Organisation consultation paper dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals;

  (4) if she will place in the Library a copy of the World Health Organisation consultation paper dealing with spongiform encephalopathies in humans and animals.

  Mr. Sackville
  I understand the report was first issued by the World Health Organisation in November 1991 on a limited basis to member Governments. However, a memorandum based on the report has not been published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organisation, volume 70, No. 2 at pages 183–90, and copies have been placed in the Library. We have also asked the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee to consider the report and advise on its implications.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies have been undertaken into the link between respiratory problems in individuals and the proximity of opencast mining sites; and if she will establish such an inquiry.

  Mr. Sackville
  A detailed examination of evidence relating to the possible effects of opencast mining upon the health of local residents was undertaken in 1988 and 1989 in connection with an application to establish a mine in south Wales. It concluded that there was insufficient evidence of harm arising from opencast mining operations to justify the refusal of the application. The findings were accepted by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and further investigation was not considered necessary.

  Juvenile Smoking
  Mr. Eastham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if, as part of her departmental campaign to discourage juvenile smoking, she will consider the curtailment of tobacco advertising in amusement arcades where children participate in video games simulating motor racing.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The voluntary agreement between the Government and the tobacco industry on tobacco advertising and promotion does not allow advertisements which appeal to children more than to adults. If the hon. Member has examples of tobacco advertisements which he considers breach this agreement, he should bring them to the attention of the Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship.

  Medical Training
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which of the EC directives governing the system of specialist medical training have not been implemented in the United Kingdom over the last 15 years; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Directives 75/362/EEC and 75/363/ EEC were implemented into United Kingdom law by the Medical Qualifications (EEC Recognition) Order 1977. However, doubt has been cast on whether the present United Kingdom system relating to specialist training fully reflects these directives. The Chief Medical Officer is holding a series of meetings with the medical profession to address these issues.
  445
  Directives 89/594/EEC and 90/658/EEC, which made minor amendments to 75/362/EEC, have not been implemented. Steps are being taken to introduce them into United Kingdom law.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to hold in public the discussions between her Department, the medical royal colleges, the General Medical Council and the British Medical Association concerning the sytem of specialist medical training in the United Kingdom; and if she will make it her policy to ensure that a wide-ranging debate, including patients' representatives, will be held on the proposals that emerge.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  No. Discussions will continue to be held in private. However, consultation will take place on any proposals that emerge.

  NHS Superannuation Scheme
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the framework document of the "next steps" agency for the national health service superannuation scheme will be published for England and Wales.

  Mr. Sackville
  In a reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North (Mr. Elletson) on 14 May at column 167, I announced the Department of Health's NHS superannuation branch which administers the scheme for England and Wales, is to be launched as a "next steps"446
  agency in the second half of 1992. The framework document under which the agency will operate will be published before the launch date.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Terry Davis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who has been appointed as a consultant to her Department for market testing.

  Mr. Sackville
  In line with the proposals in the "Competing for Quality" White Paper, KPMG Management Consulting assisted the Department in identifying activities that might be suitable for market testing. Symonds Facilities Management plc was appointed to advise on a market-testing strategy for office services for the Department's new buildings at Quarry house, Leeds, and 80 London road, London.

  Company Information
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent it is her Department's practice to treat as confidential information on companies and company directors conducting work approved by her Department which is available from information supplied to Companies House and accessible to the general public.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 26 June 1992]: Any information supplied to Companies House which is known to be accessible to the general public, and can be directly obtained, would not be treated as confidential.

  WESTMINSTER FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRACY
  WESTMINSTER FOUNDATION FOR DEMOCRACY
  EAST TIMOR: EC POLICY
  EAST TIMOR: EC POLICY
  EAST TIMOR MASSACRE: AID TO INDONESIA
  EAST TIMOR MASSACRE: AID TO INDONESIA
  NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE: PERFORMANCE TARGETS
  NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE: PERFORMANCE TARGETS
  KNOW HOW FUND
  KNOW HOW FUND
  US CONGRESSMEN'S LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
  US CONGRESSMEN'S LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
  PAROLE PROCEDURES: ENDING OF RESTRICTED POLICY
  PAROLE PROCEDURES: ENDING OF RESTRICTED POLICY
  PAROLE PROCEDURE CHANGES: EXISTING PRISONERS
  PAROLE PROCEDURE CHANGES: EXISTING PRISONERS
  PAROLE PROCEDURE CHANGES: PRISONERS LIABLE TO REMOVAL FROM UK
  PAROLE PROCEDURE CHANGES: PRISONERS LIABLE TO REMOVAL FROM UK
  ASYLUM-SEEKERS
  ASYLUM-SEEKERS
  FRANKLAND PRISON: SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATION
  FRANKLAND PRISON: SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATION
  NORTHERN IRELAND: NEW CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION
  NORTHERN IRELAND: NEW CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION
  OFFICIAL REPORT: COVER PRICE
  OFFICIAL REPORT: COVER PRICE
  MENTAL ILLNESS: GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY BODIES
  MENTAL ILLNESS: GRANTS TO VOLUNTARY BODIES