Written Answers of 3 November 1992

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Jackson
  Thirty-four, including 13 at the Civil Service college.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The number of civil servants in the Lord Chancellor's Department whose work is related wholly or mainly to the European Community is one.

  Immigration Appeal Tribunal
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many adjudicators have been appointed to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal in the last 10 years; and how many are(a) women and (b) from the ethnic minorities.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The ethnic origin of the judiciary and of applicants for judicial posts was not recorded prior to the autumn of 1991 and the formal records in respect of ethnic origin are, therefore, incomplete.

  Of the three full-time members of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal, one is a member of the ethnic minorities; she is a woman, Of the 33 part-time members, six are known to be members of the ethnic minorities and 12 are women.

  Of the 17 full-time immigration adjudicators, two are known to be from the ethnic minorities; none are women. Of the 81 part-time immigration adjudicators, four are known to be from the ethnic minorities and 18 are women.

  I will write to the hon. Member about the numbers in fact appointed in the last 10 years.

  Magistrates, Leicestershire
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many magistrates are currently appointed to the(a) Leicester City Bench and (b) Leicestershire County Bench; in each case, how many are (i) women and (ii) from the ethnic minorities; and what is the stated political affiliation in numbers.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The number of magistrates currently assigned to the Leicester City Bench is 277, of the 104
  total 127 are females and 27 are from the ethnic minorities. The most recent information available shows the political balance to be Conservative 134, Labour 43, Liberal Democrat 30, Green party 2 and Independent/not known 68.

  The number of magistrates currently assigned to the Leicestershire County Bench is 189. Of the total 79 are females and five are from the ethnic minorities. The most recent information available shows the political balance to be Conservative 105, Labour 39, Liberal Democrat 35, Independent/not known 10.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

  Directory Inquiries
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he will make a statement on the reasons for the decision to switch to Mercury Communications for telephone directory inquiries initiated from the House and its out-buildings; when this decision was taken; and by whom the decision was made.

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  In May 1992 the House of Commons Commission agreed to the upgrading of the Palace of Westminster message taking and inquiry bureau and the installation of new, up-to-date software on the telephone exchange. This work was completed in April 1992.

  More recently, least-cost routing software has been installed and a number of outgoing Mercury lines have been connected to the exchange. This means that all telephone calls are now automatically switched to the cheapest route by way of either the Government trunk network, British Telecom or Mercury Communications, or by a combination of these agencies' routes. This cost-effective routing system applies to all types of outgoing calls including those to the respective directory inquiry services.

  The estimated savings in a full financial year from these measures are likely to exceed 20 per cent. of the 1990–91 telephone call expenditure.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

  Members' Handbook
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, representing the House of Commons Commission, what steps are being taken(a) to keep the Members' handbook up to date and (b) to revise it to improve its readability.

  Mr. Beith
  The loose-leaf make-up of the Members' handbook allows for the issue of replacement pages whenever necessary. In normal circumstances, amendments will be circulated periodically, but special arrangements will be made for changes of importance. A detailed examination of the handbook will take place each summer recess, beginning in 1993, when its format and style will be considered.

DEFENCE

  Fact-finding Visits
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the fact-finding visits made in the last 12 months by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit."

  Mr. Aitken
  This is a matter delegated to my Department's executive agencies under their framework documents. I have therefore asked each chief executive to reply direct to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Dr. P. J. Mason to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  I am responding on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Met Office (who is on business abroad) to your question, "to ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit.

  The Answer is:

  The Chief Executive of the Met Office has made over 50 visits since his appointment in January 1992. These include the following:

  The World Meteorological Organisation (Geneva) Various National Met Services (China, France, Norway …)

  The European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting

  Conference of Directors of Western European National Met Services

  Natural Environment Research Council

  National Radiological Protection Board (Didcot)

  Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory

  Mullard Space Laboratory

  British Aerospace (Bristol)

  National Physical Laboratory

  Robert Hooke Institute (Oxford)

  The Naval Hydrographer

  Royal Air Force Cranwell

  Royal Air Force Headquarters Strike Command

  Various Met Office Weather Centres

  Institute of Professional Managers and Specialists

  It is not practicable to list the findings resulting from each individual visit but the aim has been for the Chief Executive to familiarise himself with the work of other related centres and to foster activities of mutual benefit.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  In today's (2 November 1992) written answer the Minister of State for Defence Procurement informed you that, as Chief Executive of the Defence Research Agency, I would be replying directly to your question concerning fact-finding visits made by Agency Chief Executives.

  My colleague Roger Warren wrote to you in July describing my fact finding visits to that date. Since then I have continued to visit on a regular basis the DRA's widely scattered sites in order to meet my staff and to discuss business issues with the relevant managers. I have also continued to be involved in finding out how my major customers in the Ministry of Defence and other Government Departments view the performance of the DRA; establishing a beneficial relationship with customers and collaborators in industry; and discussing mutual problems and concerns with other Agency Chief Executives.

  I have, as you know, visited the US and France within the last twelve months to explain the role of the DRA and my vision for its future.

  As Dr. Warren said in his letter it would not be practicable and would involve a disproportionate amount of effort to list individual findings from each visit; moreover many of the visits covered matters which are confidential to senior management or arc commercially sensitive.
  106
  I hope that you find this helpful.

  Letter from Lt. Col. G. H. Wilson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  I refer to your parliamentary question, received by me at 1224 hours on Thursday 29th October, which asked the Secretary of State for Defence to list the fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit.

  The Duke of York's Royal Military School was established as an Executive Agency of the MOD on 1st April 1992. The current headmaster and chief executive is Lt. Col. G. H. Wilson who is now in the seventh week of his first term. Records indicate that his predecessor, as a chief executive from 1st April 1992, made 2 visits which could be described as fact finding. One was a "Next Steps" Agency Conference on 19 May in the Westminster Conference Centre and the second was to the Equal Opportunities Commission in Manchester on 8th June 1992.

  The current headmaster and chief executive has made one trip to the Equal Opportunities Commission, in connection with the change of the school's intake policy to include girls from September 1994. The visit has enabled the current headmaster to frame a Transitional Exemption Order from the Sex Discrimination Act and to understand better the requirements of that Act. This will improve the school's plans for co-education.

  It is necessary for a headmaster to attend a selection of conferences, meetings and INSET provided by LEAs or professional bodies in order to remain fully conversant with educational developments. These are not included in this return nor are the necessary liaison visits to other schools.

  Letter from Julian Hankinson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 October 1992:

  I have been asked to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question. As an Executive Agency, Queen Victoria School is an MOD boarding school for Scottish Servicemen's Sons, and no fact finding visits have been carried out by the Headmaster/Chief Executive since the School became an Agency on 1 April 1992.

  The Headmaster/Chief Executive has attended In-Service educational Conferences etc provided by national and local educational agencies.

  I trust this answer supplies the information you require. Any further information can be supplied if you wish it.

  Letter from Rear Admiral J. A. L. Myres, to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 October 1992:

  You recently asked the Secretary of State for Defence to list the fact finding visits made in the last twelve months by the Chief Executive of each Executive Agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit. The Minister has asked me, as Chief Executive, to reply in respect of the Hydrographic Office Defence Support Agency.

  In June of this year I visited the Maritime Hydrographic Directorate of Romania, at the invitation of the Romanian Government. I have just returned from a visit to the Department of Navigation and Oceanography of the Russian Federation, returning a visit made to the United Kingdom by the Russian Hydrographer in October 1991. Both of my visits to the national hydrographic authorities of former Eastern bloc countries have resulted in the release of hydrographic information which was previously unobtainable and which will assist in the safety of international shipping.

  As Chief Executive of the Hydrographic Office I represent the United Kingdom in a number of international fora. In May of this year I attended the most important of these, the XIVth International Hydrographic Conference in Monaco. This provided the opportunity to keep in touch with developments throughout the international hydrographic community and ensure that UK remains at the forefront of this activity, which is central to safety of life and property at sea.

  I hope this information is helpful.
  107
  Letter from I. S. Mitchelson, chief executive of Service Children's Schools (North-West Europe) to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence in which you asked him to list the fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by the Chief Executive of each Executive Agency for which he is responsible and what were the findings resulting from each visit.

  You do not define exactly what you mean by a fact finding visit but for the purpose of this reply I am assuming that you are seeking information about visits outside the normal run of duties for the purpose of obtaining background information which might inform in a general way the Chief Executive's running of an Agency. I also assume you would wish to exclude normal consultative machinery which feeds to the Chief Executive information regarding the circumstances in which an agency is working or the way in which its services appear to be being received.

  Within this definition of a fact finding visit there have been no occasions in the last 12 months when I have undertaken such visits.

  If you require further information or feel I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.

  Letter from Air Vice-Marshal D. R. French to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  Maintenance Group Defence Support Agency— Fact Finding Visits of the Chief Executive

  Date

  Visit

  Findings

  6 November 1991

  Robinson College, Cambridge University, Energy Management Seminar

  1, 2

  26 November 1991

  RAF Chilmark

  2

  28 November 1991

  RAF Lindholme, 840 Signals Unit, Tornado Radar Repair Squadron (RAF Scampton)

  2

  9 December 1991

  Chief of Air Staffs Conference of Station Commanders, RAF Bracknell

  4

  17 December 1991

  Heads of Engineering Authority Meeting, Ministry of Defence

  4

  16 January 1992

  NEC Birmingham, Aerotech 92 Exhibition

  4

  24 January 1992

  St. Athan Visit with Secretary of State for Defence

  4

  5 February 1992

  Defence Support Agency Meeting, Feltham

  4

  20–21 February 1992

  Agency Chief Executives Meeting, Harrogate

  4

  10 March 1992

  Meeting with Air Member for Supply and Organisation/BAe

  4

  12–13 March 1992

  Siemens Nixdorf Visit, Hanover

  4

  19 March 1992

  RAF Stanbridge, Logistic Establishment

  4

  23 March 1992

  RAF Carlisle Visit

  1, 2

  24 March 1992

  Meeting with Chief of Logistic Support (Royal Air Force)

  4

  25 March 1992

  RAF Swanton Morley

  2

  26 March 1992

  RAF Oakhanger

  1, 2

  9 April 1992

  RAF Abingdon

  3

  29 April 1992

  RAF St. Athan (including OMB Visit)

  1, 2, 4

  108
  In response to the Parliamentary Question 7237F-E42 seeking a list of the fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by the Chief Executive, please accept our response at Annex A.

  Annex A

  Maintenance Group DSA Chief Executive's fact finding visits during the last 12 months

  1. The Chief Executive of the Maintenance Group DSA, is also the Air Officer Commanding Maintenance Units within RAF Support Command. Thus the Chief Executive has military responsibilities additional to those as an agency executive.

  2. The "findings code" against each visit is:

  a. Code 1.. That Maintenance Group DSA Key Management Targets are being met.

  b. Code 2. That targets specified in the Maintenance Group Management Plan are being met.

  c. Code 3. Annual Formal Inspection ensuring that the operational standard of the RAF Stations concerned are being maintained.

  d. Code 4.Visits associated with the development of the Maintenance Group DSA's capabilities, structures and relationships with the MOD, or other agencies, including the Group's customers. The findings provide a means of improving the Group's development and service given to the customer.

  e. Code 5. Visits concerning the Ministerial Market Testing Initiative—the findings being advice and policy direction.

  f. Code 6. Information to enhance the communication engineering and signals operations capabilities of the Maintenance Group.

  109

  Date

  Visit

  Findings

  7 May 1992

  RAF Chilmark

  3

  8 May 1992

  Fairey Hydraulics Open Day

  4

  12 May 1992

  RAF Swanton Morley

  3

  14 May 1992

  RAF Stafford

  3

  21 May 1992

  RAF Oakhanger

  3

  26 May 1992

  RAF Digby

  3

  28 May 1992

  RAF Sealand

  3

  29 May 1992

  Meeting with Controller of Aircraft and Deputy Controller of Aircraft

  4

  3 June 1992

  Customer Advisory Committee Meeting, Ministry of Defence

  4

  16 June 1992

  Meeting with Air Member for Supply and Organisation, Ministry of Defence

  5

  19–26 June 1992

  United States Air Force Communications Visit

  6

  14 July 1992

  RAF North Luffenham

  3

  20 July 1992

  Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment, RAF Henlow

  1, 2, 4

  6 August 1992

  RAF Brampton (AO Maint. Host), Defence Support Agency Chief Executives Conference

  4

  10 September 1992

  RAF Carlisle

  3

  17 September 1992

  RAF Quedgeley

  3

  18 September 1992

  Meeting with Chief of Logistic Support

  5

  23 September 1992

  Meeting with Air Member for Supply and Organisation and Chief of Logistic Support

  4

  24 September 1992

  Royal Air Force Signals Engineering Establishment, RAF Henlow

  3

  25 September 1992

  Electronic Warfare Avionics Division

  3

  14 October 1992

  Chief of Air Staff's Conference of Station Commanders, RAF Bracknell

  4

  15 October 1992

  Chief of Logistic Support Quality Meeting, Ministry of Defence

  4

  22 October 1992

  RAF Radio Introduction Unit

  2

  Letter from M. J. Dymond to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 November 1992:

  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence to list the fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by the Chief Executives of MOD executive agencies. As Chief Executive of the Defence Accounts Agency I have made frequent visits to all parts of my organisation for management purposes.

  Letter from Dr. Graham Pearson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State to ask if he would list for the last twelve months, the fact finding visits the Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment has made, what his findings were from each visit, has been passed to me for reply.

  2. Please refer to my previous letter of 10 July in which I said:

  "As you know, the role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out research to ensure that the UK Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them so that they can maintain their operational effectiveness. In the course
  110
  of any year, I make many visits on which I invariably obtain a better insight into some facet or another related to our mission.

  It would be impracticable and would involve a disproportionate amount of effort to list all my fact finding visits. As the precise effectiveness of our protective measures is classified information, many if not all of my memoranda and reports following visits I have made are classified or bear a confidentiality marking.

  However, if there is a particular aspect on which you would like additional information, please feel free to write directly to me and I will do my best to provide the information that you seek."

  Letter from Major General R. Wood, Director General of Military Survey to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  In reply to your Parliamentary Question number 7237F, which I received today, I have made no visits during the last twelve months which were aimed specifically at fact-finding.

  Letter from Captain D. E. Symonds to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:
  111
  In response to your Parliamentary question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning fact finding visits made by the Chief Executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible, the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation has been a Defence Support Agency since 1 April 1992 and during that time the Chief Executive has not made any fact finding visits.

  Letter from Paul Altobell, chief executive of the Defence Analytical Services Agency, to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 October 1992:

  Minister of State (DP) suggested that I write to you about my fact finding visits made in the past twelve months.

  I have in fact made no fact finding visits of any substance outside MoD or Government Statistical areas. On the other hand I have had many meetings with my main customers in the Department and with the Central Statistical Office.

  The main findings of these meetings were that structural and strategic changes were needed in my organisation to meet the needs of customers. These changes are now in the process of being implemented.

  Letter from Dr. D. Leadbetter to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:

  The Defence Operational Analysis Centre was formed as a Defence Support Agency on 1st July 1992 remains in the line management chain within the Ministry of Defence and is, therefore not an executive agency. A majority of the agency's customers are within the Department; so it is able to use the full facilities of the Department to gather data, information and assumptions essential to the efficient and effective conduct of its studies. These collaborative investigations with colleagues in the Department, United Kingdom industry and defence partners have been particularly important in this short period of agency status in contributing to studies currently considering United Kingdom force structure options and the use of simulators for Service training and military exercises.

  Letter from Brigadier M. A. Browne to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:

  Further to your question, raised in the House on 26 October, to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by Chief Executives of Defence Agencies and the findings resulting from each visit, I have been asked to respond as Chief Executive of the Defence Postal and Courier Services—Defence Support Agency.

  This DSA was formed on 1 July 1992 and during these initial few months while plans have been laid for such visits in my capacity as Chief Executive I have been unable to fit them into my programme.

  I am sure that you will appreciate that time has been of a premium during this 3 month period when my organisation has undergone such a fundamental change.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which defence standards require the use of ozone-destroying substances; what steps have been taken to reduce and eliminate the specification of ozone-destroying substances from the defence standards; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) in which defence-related fire fighting applications the use of halons is considered essential by his Department; what proportion of his Department's total stock of halons these uses represent; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member.

  Defence White Papers
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the date on which the defence White Paper was published in each year since 1962.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  Since 1962, the "Statement on the Defence Estimates" has been published on the following dates:

  20 February 19621

  20 February 19631

  13 February 19641

  23 February 1965

  22 February 1966

  16 February 1967

  22 February 1968

  20 February 1969

  19 February 1970

  17 February 1971

  16 February 1972

  21 February 1973

  19 March 1975

  17 March 1976

  28 February 1977

  20 February 1978

  22 February 1979

  2 April 1980

  15 April 1981

  22 June 1982

  6 July 1983

  14 May 1984

  1 May 1985

  12 May 1986

  6 May 1987

  17 May 1988

  2 May 1989

  2 April 1990

  9 July 1991

  7 July 1992

  No "Statement on the Defence Estimates" was published in 1974.

  1 Entitled "Statement on Defence".

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Aitken
  There are no civil servants in my Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Nuclear Material
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will now make it his policy to publish the official report of the types of nuclear material imported from the USA under the 1959 amendment to the 1958 Anglo-American co-operation agreement on atomic energy matters.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  No.

  Nuclear Warheads
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department had with the United States Department of Energy prior to the release of AEC document LXXXI-596, concerning United States knowledge of United Kingdom nuclear warhead development up to 1958.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Ministry of Defence was made fully aware of plans to declassify this document prior to its release.

ENVIRONMENT

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, for the last 12 months, the titles of papers published by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Howard
  The papers published by my executive agencies are the responsibility of their chief executives. I have asked Mr. Roger Courtney to arrange for a reply to be given for the Building Research Establishment; Professor David Rhind for the Ordnance Survey; Mr. Stephen Crow for the Planning Inspectorate; Mr. Marcus Buck for the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre; and Mr. Roger Powell for the Buying Agency.

  Letter from Roger Courtney to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to respond to your question on papers that I have published within the last twelve months.

  I have presented two papers at conferences in the past twelve months:

  "Technical Information to the Construction Industry: The Oxygen of Research' (International Building Information Congress, Stuttgart, October 1991)

  'Buildings and the Environment' (Keynote Address: CIB 92 World Building Congress, May 1992) which have yet to appear in print.

  During the course of a year, BRE staff publish many papers in scientific, technical and professional journals and the Establishment produces many publications crystallising the results of its work in advice to industry. These are listed in the enclosed copy of the BRE Annual Review.

  Letter from David Rhind to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 27 October 1992:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about papers published by Chief Executives.

  Since taking up the Chief Executive post at Ordnance Survey in January this year I have published the following papers:

  The information infrastructure of Geographical Information Systems. Proceedings 5th International Symposium on Spatial Data Handling, 1–19, International Geographical Union.

  Geographical Information Systems and topographic mapping. Proceedings First Australian Conference on Mapping and Charting, Australian Institute of Cartographers.

  Ordnance Survey and the historical record of the British Landscape. Paper given to the 'Future History of our Landscape' meeting in the Royal Society, October 16th 1992.

  Reinventing the map. Geographical Magazine, November 1992, pp 30–32.

  Geographical data as a commodity. GIS Europe, Vol. 1, No. 8, October 1992, pp 24–26.

  I shall be pleased to provide further details if required.

  Letter from Stephen Crow to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 29 October 1992:

  In reply to your Parliamentary Questions, I am asked on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment to list both the titles of papers published by the Planning Inspectorate since it became an agency and the fact finding visits made by myself in the last 12 months; and to indicate the findings resulting from those visits. The Planning Inspectorate became an Executive Agency only on 1 April this year, and so a full 12 months have not yet elapsed.

  The only Inspectorate paper published since 1 April is entitled "Good Practice at Planning Inquiries". It was
  114
  published on 7 September 1992 as an Annex to Department of the Environment Circular 24/92 (Welsh Office Circular 447/92).

  Since April I have made one fact finding visit, to Edinburgh and nearby, where I was shown some interesting examples of urban regeneration, and where I was able to discuss, with my opposite numbers in Scotland and Ireland, matters of mutual concern. The visit and meeting resulted in useful comparison of professional and managerial practice.

  Letter from Marcus Buck to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 27 October 1992:

  I am responding to your question regarding the titles of papers published by Agency Chief Executives in the Department of the Environment.

  During the last twelve months The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre has published two documents—its updated Framework Document in January and the Annual Report 1991–2 in June.

  If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

  Letter from Roger H. Powell to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:

  I have been asked to reply direct to your parliamentary question regarding papers published by myself since taking office.

  The only published document to date has been TBA's Annual Report for 1991.

  Coal
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the Government's policy on the appropriate level of national coal stocks; and if he will now review the procedure for planning applications for opencast mines.

  Mr. Baldry
  The review announced on 21 October by my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will look at the level of coal stocks, both at the pithead and the power stations and whether plans to run them down are sensibly phased.

  With regard to the procedure for planning application for opencast mines, I announced on 15 July that the guidelines contained in MPG3 will be revised. My Department expects to bring forward a draft for public consultation next year following the review of the Government's energy policy.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the Government's policy on the relief of hardship for business ratepayers;

  (2) what is the Government's policy regarding the current operation of section 49 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1988; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  Section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 gives local authorities discretion to grant hardship relief of up to 100 per cent., where it is reasonable for them to do so having regard to the interests of their community charge payers. Where they grant such relief, 75 per cent. of the cost is met by the non-domestic rates pool and only 25 per cent. locally. Alternatively, under regulations, authorities may enter into an agreement with a ratepayer to defer liability and take an interest in his property to secure payment, or they can spread a ratepayer's annual liability over 12 instalments instead of 10. These are decisions which are best made locally. We have drawn authorities' attention to the existence of their section 49 powers and issued advice on their use.

  Rented Housing
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many new homes were built for rent in(a) 1979 and (b)

  Mr. Baldry
  The Department does not collect information about houses built to rent. However most housebuilding by housing associations, local authorities, new towns and Government Departments will be for rent. Figures for housebuilding completions by these bodies are published in the annual and quarterly publication "Housing and Construction Statistics". Figures for England in 1979 appear in table 6.1(a) of the 1979–1989 annual edition. Latest figures for 1989 appear in table 6.1(a) of the 1981–1991 edition. A copy of both publications is in the Library.

  Home Insulation Scheme
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what the budget for the home insulation scheme was in(a) 1979 and (b)

  Mr. Baldry
  Total expenditure by local authorities in England on the home insulation scheme, as reported to the Department, for the years 1979 and 1989 is shown in table 7.7 of the publication "Housing and Construction Statistics 1979–1989". A copy of this publication is in the Library.

  Uniform Business Rate
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to exclude charities and voluntary organisations from the uniform business rate.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No. The needs of charities have long been recognised in reliefs from taxes. In England and Wales they enjoy 80 per cent. mandatory rate relief on all property occupied for charitable purposes. It can be topped up to 100 per cent. at charging authorities' discretion. Non-profit-making bodies in England and Wales are eligible for relief of up to 100 per cent. at charging authorities' discretion. The discretion permits authorities to reflect the benefit derived by charge payers who bear part of the cost of the relief.

  Public Sector Tenants
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to establish a mobility discount scheme to enable public and social housing tenants to change to other forms of tenure.

  Mr. Baldry
  Section 129 of the Housing Act 1988 empowers local authorities to give grants to their tenants to help them obtain other accommodation by buying or leasing a home or by extending an existing property. Housing associations that are registered with the Housing Corporation may give similar grants to their tenants under the corporation's tenants incentive scheme.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Howard
  I will write to the hon. Member, as the information requested will take a little time to assemble.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) for each of the 31 coal mines listed for closure, what are the sums he has set aside to increase grant aid to each of the local authorities affected by the resulting loss of rates revenue;

  (2) if he will publish a table to show for the 10 coal pits listed for immediate closure and the 21 pits to be closed in the longer term the sums paid by each pit in rates in each of the last two years, and the current year, indicating the councils to which the rates were paid in each case.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information on the rates paid by each of the pits in question is not held centrally.

  Any change to a local authority's rate income during the course of a financial year will not affect the amount of its revenue support grant. Authorities are able to avoid the cash flow consequences of any significant unplanned loss by recalculating their contributions to the national non-domestic rates pool.

  Tenants Charter
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to monitor the progress of the tenants charter.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The tenants charter set out the individual legal rights of secure tenants. The council tenants charter, published earlier this year, is a framework for action by tenants and landlords and gives more information about the standards council tenants can expect. Local authorities are required to send annual reports about their housing management performance to their tenants. My Department receives a copy of each authority's report.

  Constituency Boundaries
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all the reports published by the Local Government Boundary Commission regarding the boundaries of the Epping Forest parliamentary constituency, including the dates of publication of first and further draft proposals, the date by which comments were to be received and the date of publication of final reports; and if he will send a copy of each report to the hon. Member for Doncaster.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Local Government Boundary Commission deals with local authority boundaries, not parliamentary boundaries. But the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for England takes account of county and London borough boundaries.

  Reports of the Local Government Boundary Commission relating to county and London borough boundaries affecting Epping Forest are listed in the table. I have sent copies of the reports to the hon. Member.
  117

  Table showing local government boundary commission reports affecting Epping Forest

  Name of report

  Date of draft proposals

  Closing date for comments

  Date of further proposals

  Closing date for comments

  Date of final report

  Essex/Hertfordshire

  15 April 1988 & 13 November 1989

  Not known

  None

  —

  15 February 1991

  Redbridge/Epping Forest

  31 May 1989

  26 July 1989

  14 December 1990

  15 February 1991

  12 May 1992

  Waltham Forest/ Epping Forest

  19 September 1988

  14 November 1988

  None

  —

  28 February 1992

  Timber Imports
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will restrict imports of illegally harvested timber; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for St. Helen's, North (Mr. Evans) on 20 May, Official Report, column 157.

EDUCATION

  Teachers Pensions Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list(a) by grade the number employed, (b) the staffing costs for the year 1991–92 and (c) the estimate for 1992–93, for the Teachers Pensions Agency.

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for staff numbers and costs has been delegated to the Teachers Pensions Agency under its chief executive Mrs. Denyse Metcalfe. I have asked her to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Denyse Metcalfe to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 November 1992:

  The Secretary of State for Education has asked me to supply a detailed answer to the recent question you tabled about the staffing levels and costs of the Teachers' Pensions Agency.

  The Agency was not established until 1 April 1992. The estimate of numbers to be employed during the year 1992–93 is as follows:

  Grade

  Estimated numbers (full-time equivalent)

  Grade 5

  1.0

  Grade 7

  4·0

  SEO

  4·7

  HEO

  19·0

  EO

  43·4

  AO

  142·6

  AA

  71·9

  SGB1

  2·0

  SGB2

  17·0

  Personal Secretary

  1·0

  306·6

  The estimated staffing cost for 1992–93 is £3·725 million.

  I have copied this reply to Mr. Forth.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.
  118
  Mr. Forman
  Eight.

  Exhibition, Upper Waiting Hall
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if his Department has considered an application for an exhibition relating to the London Institute to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall.

  Mr. Forman
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Services Committee, arrangements have been made with the authorities of the House for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 23 November until Friday 27 November 1992.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the cost of the publicity brochures on grant-maintained status that have been sent to all chairs of school government management committees.

  Mr. Forth
  Publicity brochures on GM status have not been sent to all chairmen of school government management committees. My right hon. Friend recently wrote to the headteacher and chairman of governors of all maintained schools about GM status in the light of responses to the White Paper, "Choice and Diversity: a new framework for schools". That letter invited them to request an information pack if they so wished.

  Schools (Complaints)
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent reports and representations he has received on the effectiveness of the parents charter in helping parents who want to complain about their child's school; and what plans he has for a simple and accessible complaints system for schools.

  Mr. Forth
  Parents' complaints about schools are best dealt with locally as far as possible, and many schools and local education authorities provide advice to parents on complaints procedures.

  The Government are committed to safeguarding and keeping under review parents' channels of complaint and rights to redress if they are dissatisfied. The Department is currently giving detailed consideration to the report of the National Consumer Council "When things go wrong at school", which we welcome as a contribution to that process of review.

  School Meals
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will reintroduce nutritional standards for school meals.

  Mr. Forth
  It is for those who provide school meals to determine the nutritional balance of the meals on offer.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the estates in Wales which have been granted relief from inheritance tax on condition that public access is allowed to the land in question in each year from 1984 to the present time.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The heritage advisory agencies, including the Countryside Council for Wales, can supply information about public access to heritage land including conditionally exempt land. To protect taxpayers' confidentiality, the conditionally exempt land cannot be distinguished.

  Electricity Privatisation
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost to public funds of electricity privatisation.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy on 31 January 1992, at column 723, and by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Scotland on 31 January 1992, at column 722. The costs for the privatisation of the Northern Ireland electricity industry will be announced in due course.

  Brookvale Trading Estate
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement setting out the reasons why the Inland Revenue valuation office in Birmingham has refused the claim for alteration to the rating list by businesses at the Brookvale trading estate in respect of the effect of overdue work on a motorway repair contract.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The claim for alteration to the rating list by businesses at the Brookvale trading estate is still under consideration.

  The valuation officer, Birmingham has explained to the ratepayers that he is prepared to discuss the position with them and he is currently carrying out further investigations before doing so.

  Mortgage Tax Relief
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to study the German system of mortgage tax relief for first-time buyers of homes as an alternative to mortgage interest relief at source.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Government have received a number of suggestions recently involving increased mortgage interest relief for first-time buyers, all of which are considered carefully.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to grant mortgage holders the right to capitalise mortgage interest relief at source tax benefit as a means of reducing mortgage debts.

  Mr. Dorrell
  We have no plans to do so.

  Maxwell Pension Trust
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether companies' contributions to the Maxwell Pension Trust are treated by the Inland Revenue as tax allowable.
  120
  Mr. Dorrell
  The general rule when calculating the trading profits of a company is that a deduction is allowed for expenses incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. Whether a company's contributions to the Maxwell Pension Trust satisfy this test will depend on the particular facts of each case.

  Friendly Societies
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what progress has been made in setting up the Friendly Societies Commission under the Friendly Societies Act 1992.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Treasury has appointed five commissioners, one full time and four part time, to the Friendly Societies Commission, one more than the minimum required by the Friendly Societies Act 1992. The new commission was formally constituted on 1 October 1992.

  Royal Family
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to extend taxation of income to members of the royal family who are currently excluded.

  Mr. Lamont
  I have no plans to do so.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the change in the yield of corporation tax as a result of the reduction in interest rates from 15 per cent. to 10 per cent.; and what further increase would result from a reduction in interest rates to 6 per cent.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The yield of corporation tax depends on all forms of company income and on reliefs and allowances, each of which may be affected directly or indirectly by interest rates and by a range of other factors. I regret therefore that it is not possible to answer the question put by the hon. Member.

  Customs and Excise (Transfer)
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his most up-to-date assessment of local job opportunities which will arise when the Customs and Excise department moves from London to Liverpool.

  Sir John Cope
  The new Customs and Excise office at Queen's dock will have room for 1,800 staff. Of these some 300 posts have already been relocated to Liverpool from the south-east. Some 800 further posts will be relocated from Southend to Liverpool from August 1993 to January 1995. The other 700 posts represent existing posts in Liverpool and extra posts created by the migration of work from other parts of the country. Some of these posts will be filled by Customs and Excise staff transferring to Liverpool and others by staff currently employed elsewhere within the Liverpool area.

  It is therefore not possible at this stage to give precise figures.

  Self-regulatory Organisations
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had on the effectiveness of the self-regulatory organisations set up under the Financial Services Act 1986.

  Mr. Dorrell
  On 9 July this year, following publication of both the summary of conclusions and findings of the Investment Management Regulatory Organisation's review of its regulation of Maxwell companies and the Securities and Investments Board's own assessment, the Chancellor of the Exchequer asked Andrew Large, the SIB's new chairman, to conduct his own review of how the SIB carries out its regulatory responsibilities.

  The detailed terms of reference for the review are:
  To review how SIB carries out its regulatory responsibilities under the Financial Services Act, with particular reference to the way it exercises oversight of the recognised bodies for which it is responsible, to ensure that they meet their obligations on a continuing basis.
  The review will take full account of SIB's assessment of its own monitoring of IMRO in the Maxwell affair, and any consequent action taken by SIB and IMRO to improve their performance, as well as the general need to strengthen the implementation in practice of regulatory standards.

  The review is concentrating on identifying action that might be taken by the SIB and the bodies recognised under the Financial Services Act to improve regulatory performance, including deterring and detecting fraud.

  The chairman of the SIB has formed a small team, independent of the SIB, to conduct the review. The review team will be consulting widely. The chairman will submit his report to the Chancellor by the end of March 1993.

  After consideration of the chairman's report, the Chancellor will report to the House.

  Windsor Great Park
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations the Crown Estate undertook before felling began last week of the 17th century avenue of trees in Windsor great park.

  Mr. Lamont
  I understand that the Crown Estate Commissioners decided earlier in the year, after consultations with English Nature, to proceed with the clear-felling and removal of the avenue of mainly old and decaying lime trees bordering Queen Anne's Ride and their replacement by 1,000 oak saplings over the next four years. Work on the south end of the avenue has started and it will be replanted during the winter months. The commissioners and English Nature are fully aware of the importance of the great park as a habitat for many rare and endangered species of beetles and fungi, mainly associated with old oak trees. Only a few oak trees will be felled in the restoration of the avenue and more that 6,000 old oak trees will remain in the park as a home for invertebrates. Agreement was therefore reached to proceed with the restoration of Queen Anne's Ride as an historic and visually valuable landscape feature for the benefit of future generations to come.

  Business Expansion Scheme Lettings
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give figures for the void rate in business expansion scheme lettings(a) as a figure and (b) as a percentage of all business expansion scheme lettings for each year since 1989.
  122
  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]I regret that this information is not available.

  Sub-contractors (Payments)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the exceptions allowed in his policy of insisting on prompt payment to sub-contractors by main contractors employed by Government Departments.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 30 October 1992]There are to be no exceptions. If the hon. Member wishes to raise a particular case, I hope that he will contact me.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of sub-contractors are covered by his new condition of prompt payment of debts owed to them by contractors engaged on government contracts.

  Mr. Portillo
  [holding answer 30 October 1992]: This condition is to apply to all sub-contractors.

  Wages
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many minutes it took an average wage earner to earn the price of 20 cigarettes(a) 10 and (b) 20 years ago; and how many it takes today.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The lengths of time necessary to work to pay for a selection of goods and services are published annually in "Social Trends". Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.

  European Central Bank
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to propose amendments to articles 38.1 and 38.2, of the Maastricht treaty protocol on the statute of the European system of central banks and of the European central bank, to give parliaments access to information held in the ECB.

  Sir John Cope
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: My right hon. Friend has no plans to propose such amendments.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans Her Majesty's Government have to propose an amendment to the Maastricht treaty protocol on the statute of the European system of central banks and of the European central bank, chapter III, article 7, on the independence of the ECB, to ensure member state parliamentary oversight of the ECB decision-making bodies.

  Sir John Cope
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: My right hon. Friend has no plans to propose such an amendment.

  Fuels
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the trade balance with the other members of the EC in fuels for Britain in(a) 1985 and (b)

  Mr. Dorrell
  The trade surplus with the EEC in fuels was £9·2 billion in 1985 and £3·2 billion in 1990.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Probation and Bail Hostels
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sites have been identified for new probation and bail hostels; and if he will list the probation committee area in which these sites fall.

  Mr. Jack
  The following six probation areas have selected their sites and now have planning permission and Home Office approval for the establishment of new bail or probation and bail hostels:

  Area

  Type

  Cheshire

  Bail

  Humberside

  Bail

  Inner London1

  Bail

  Merseyside

  Bail

  Surrey

  Probation/Bail

  West Yorkshire

  (1) Probation/Bail

  (2) Bail

  1Hostel being developed by voluntary managing committee.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional probation and bail hostel places are planned for each of the next three years.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The approved hostel expansion programme which began in 1988–89 has delivered an additional 805 places in bail and probation/bail hostels. The 1992 Home Office annual report indicated that resources would be provided for an additional 400 places by 1995. However, the precise time scale on which these places will become available will depend on the ability of individual probation areas to complete their plans for hostel construction or redevelopment and management.

  Probation Staff
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional probation staff his Department intends to recruit for each of the next three financial years.

  Mr. Jack
  The plans set out in the 1992 Home Office annual report provide for increases in probation staff as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1992–93

  560

  1993–94

  398

  1994–95

  376

  The 1993 report will set out updated plans for the period to 1995–96.

  Dangerous Dogs
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of recorded attacks, per month and by region, by(a) dangerous dogs as defined by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and (b) all dogs since the implementation of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
  124
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The information requested is not available.

  Murderers
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals convicted for murder and sentenced to life imprisonment have been released and thereafter convicted for a further murder since 1965.

  Mr. Jack
  During the period 1965 to 1991, five persons in England and Wales were convicted of murder and received a life sentence, were released on life licence and were then convicted of a second murder. In addition, one person was convicted of murder in England and Wales, released, and was then convicted of a second murder in Scotland.

  Police Forces Inquiry
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the report of the committee of inquiry into the conditions of service in the police forces of the United Kingdom; and if it is his intention to publish the document.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and learned Friend has asked the inquiry to report to him by the end of May 1993. He expects the report to be published.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give his reasons for the decision not to appoint to the committee of inquiry into the conditions of service of the police forces of the United Kingdom a suitably qualified person with experience and knowledge of Scottish police forces.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and learned Friend has considered it important for the inquiry to be conducted by a fully independent team with appropriate expertise in a number of disciplines. The inquiry is, however, working very closely with the police service.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the cost incurred so far by the committee of inquiry into the conditions of service in the police forces of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The estimated cost of the inquiry for the financial year 1992–93 is £720,000. For the financial year 1993–94 the estimated cost is £300,000.

  Crown Immunity
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what proposals he has to remove the Crown immunity to prosecution in the national health service with respect to fire legislation;

  (2) what policy considerations underlie the continuation of Crown immunity for the national health service with respect to fire legislation.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  National Health Service premises are already subject to the provisions of the Fire Precautions Act 1971. The Crown immunity which they formerly enjoyed was removed on 1 April 1991 by section 60 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990.

  Leave to Remain Status
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what equivalent categories exist in each of the EC countries to the exceptional leave to remain status in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Exceptional leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom outside the immigration rules is granted where there is no provision within the immigration rules to grant an application but in all the circumstances it would not be reasonable to refuse it. In the case of applicants for asylum, most EC states have provision for the granting of B status of "de facto" refugee status to applicants who do not fall within the terms of the United Nations refugees convention but have other humanitarian reasons to be allowed to remain.

  Immigration
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) during the year 1991, or the most recent period for which statistics are available, how many visa and entry clearance applications from persons who wanted to follow a course of study of not more than six months' duration were refused; how many of them appealed against the decision of the entry clearance officer, and in how many of these appeals were the refusal decision upheld;

  (2) during the year 1991, or the most recent period for which statistics are available, how many visa and entry clearance applications were refused from people who sought to enter as a visitor; how many of them appealed against that decision of the entry clearance officer, and in how many of these appeals were the refusal decision upheld;

  (3) how many applications for entry clearance for visits and short term, less than six months, stay as students were entertained during each year since 1989; how many in each category were (a) granted and (b) refused; how many of the refusals were appealed against; and how many of such appeals were (a) unsuccessful, (b) successful, (c) withdrawn or abandoned or (d) settled.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Separate information about entry clearance applications and decisions and about appeals from visitors and students is not available. The available information on total non-settlement entry clearance applications made at all posts overseas is given in the table. Non-settlement entry clearance applications are mainly in respect of visitors. Information on appeals against a refusal of entry clearance for temporary purposes is published in table 37 of "Control of Immigration: Statistics—United Kingdom, 1991", Cm 2063. Information for 1990 is in table 37 of Cm 1571 and for 1989 in table 6 of Cm 1124. A copy of these publications is in the Library.

  Applications made at all posts overseas for non-settlement entry clearance to the United Kingdom 1989–91

  Number of applicants

  Newly received

  Granted (Total)

  Refused initially

  1989

  865,986

  775,246

  45,062

  1990

  962,617

  874,330

  68,212

  1991

  915,614

  778,845

  77,376

  126
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is currently undertaken by his Department to offer legal advice and representation from a choice of providers to individuals pursuing immigration and nationality inquiries; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that such services are fully accessible and are sufficient to meet both the current and projected demand.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Home Office funds the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service and the Refugee Legal Centre to provide free legal advice and assistance for people with rights of appeal under immigration legislation and for asylum claimants. The Government are at present considering recommendations about the future provision of legal services for asylum seekers made in a report published on 21 October by an independent planning group chaired by Ms. Usha Prashar. We shall announce our conclusions as soon as possible.

  As I said on 8 July in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Sir J. Wheeler), at columns 202–3, Mr. Humfrey Malins has been invited to lead a planning group outside the Government to draw up proposals for an organisation to take over UKIAS's general immigration work. This group would welcome views from any interested individual or organisation and hopes to publish its report by the end of the year. Green form legal aid continues to be available in immigration and asylum cases.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to ensure that the immigration and nationality department makes a public commitment to provide a non-discriminatory service, supported by measures to monitor and eradicate discriminatory practice.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The immigration and nationality department is fully committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and published a formal policy statement on race relations in 1988. This is displayed prominently in all public areas at the headquarters building in Croydon as well as at ports around the country. The immigration rules state specifically that staff should carry out their work without regard to race or colour.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the publicity material produced by the immigration and nationality department for actual and prospective applicants; and in which languages such publicity material is available.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The material includes the following. Some of the items are published in Farsi, Bengali, Hindi, Arabic, Gujarati, Turkish, Chinese, Punjabi and Urdu and these arrangements are kept under review.

  Form number

  Publicity material

  RON 2 9 (AP)

  Information about Au Pairs.

  RON 2 (FP)

  Contacting the Immigration and Nationality Department.

  RON 2 (S)

  Information for overseas students.

  RON 2 (V)

  Information for visitors from overseas.

  RON 52 (S)

  Application to stay in the United Kingdom as a student.

  RON 56

  Notice to students about part-time and holiday work.

  RON 71

  Information about the Public Enquiry Office.

  No form No.

  Abolition of re-entry visas.

  IS 115

  Notice to passengers subject to control under the Immigration Act 1971.

  127

  Form number

  Publicity material

  BN 1

  Main publicity leaflet explaining the effect of the 1981 Act, concentrates on British citizenship.

  BN 2

  General leaflet on British Overseas citizenship.

  BN 3

  General leaflet on British subjects.

  BN 4

  Leaflet on transmission of British citizenship by descent. Also explains registration provisions for children of British citizens. Called "Children born abroad".

  BN 5

  Leaflet explaining the stateless provisions.

  BN 6

  Leaflet on transmission of British citizenship by parents who are in Crown Service, designated service or in service under a European Community institution.

  BN 7

  Leaflet explaining the naturalisation provisions in section 6.

  BN 8

  Leaflet explaining the registration provisions in section 7.

  BN 9

  Leaflet explaining fully position of children born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983.

  BN 10

  Poster for registry offices in the United Kingdom explaining the position of children born in the United Kingdom on or after 1 January 1983.

  BN 11

  Leaflet explaining the registration of minors as British citizens. This leaflet does not explain the provisions for the registration of children of British citizens. BN 11 and BN 4 may if necessary accompany each other.

  BN 12

  Leaflet explaining the registration provisions of section 4.

  BN 11

  Leaflet explaining the British Nationality (Falkland Islands) Act 1983.

  BN 15

  Leaflet explaining how British nationals can obtain a passport in the United Kingdom.

  BN 16

  Leaflet containing details of sources of duplicate birth, marriage and death certificates.

  BN 17

  Leaflet explaining current waiting times for determination of applications.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to ensure that the immigration and nationality department publishes standards for service delivery to include arrangements for regular monitoring, the review of service provision and maximum time scales for dealing with applications.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Service standards for the immigration and nationality department are being developed and published, for example in the IND annual report and the immigration service (ports) operating plan 1992–93.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he last reviewed the instructions to immigration officers.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  These instructions are kept continuously under review and amended from time to time.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place a copy of the instructions to immigration officers in the Library.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  No. It is not the usual practice to publish such internal instructions.

  Asylum and Immigration Appeals Bill
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to offer the assistance of his Department to brief the hon. Members appointed to the Committee on the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Bill; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Officials always seek to respond positively to requests for factual information from right hon. and hon. Members. My right hon. and learned Friend and I will look carefully at any specific requests for briefing for Standing Committee members.

  Animals (Scientific Procedures)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to extend the code of practice for the housing and care of animals used in scientific procedures to breeding and supplying establishments.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms. Walley) on 29 October 1992, at column 764.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make it his policy to undertake a review into the necessity of primate use in research and testing.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Animal Procedures Committee, which has a statutory responsibility under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to advise the Home Secretary on animal procedures matters, is currently undertaking a review of primate use. We look forward to receiving the advice of the committee in due course.

  Asylum
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish the full terms and form of the entry clearance which can be issued abroad to those seeking entry clearance for the purpose of making an asylum application;

  (2) if he will list the proposals brought forward since 1979 to make it easier for asylum seekers to gain pre-entry clearance;

  (3) in what circumstances it is possible for a person to claim asylum in the United Kingdom having admitted to an entry clearance officer that this was the intention;

  (4) if it is his practice for an individual who has been granted entry clearance abroad for asylum purposes to apply for asylum at the port of entry into the United Kingdom or at the port abroad;

  (5) if he will bring forward proposals to make it easier for asylum seekers to gain pre-entry clearance in their home countries.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The obligations of the 1951 United Nations convention on the status of refugees are not at large but apply only when a refugee is in the territory of a state party to the convention. Nevertheless, the Government are prepared to grant entry clearance abroad to a person who wishes to travel to the United Kingdom in order to make an application for asylum, if he
  129
  meets the definition of a refugee under the terms of article 1A of the 1951 convention and has close ties with the United Kingdom such as to make it the most appropriate country of refuge for him. Entry clearance would normally be granted in the form of a visit visa or its equivalent. The person would be free to apply for asylum at the port on arrival in the United Kingdom or direct to the Home Office after arrival. Close dependants of people recognised as refugees in the United Kingdom may apply for entry clearance in their country of origin to join the sponsor on the basis of family reunion. On arrival they may apply to be recognised as refugees. I have no plans to change these arrangements.

  EC Interior and Justice Meetings
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the interior and justice meetings for the purposes of intergovernmental co-operation within the European Community which have taken place since 9 April, giving the date and nature of the meeting in each case.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Interior and Justice Ministers have met on two occasions since 9 April 1992. A meeting of Trevi Immigration Ministers was held on 11 and 12 June 1992, and an extraordinary meeting was held on 18 September on the subject of organised crime.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list, for the last 12 months, the titles of papers published by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible;

  (2) if he will list the fact-finding visits made in the last 12 months by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit;

  (3) if he will list by grade the numbers of staff and their cost for 1991–92 and the estimated figures for 1992–93 for each executive agency for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the agencies concerned: the Forensic Science Service, the United Kingdom Passport Agency and the Fire Service College. I have asked the chief executive of each of these agencies to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mr. B. L. Fuller to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:

  FACT FINDING VISITS AND PUBLICATIONS

  The Secretary of State has asked the individual Chief Executives of the Executive Agencies within the Home Department to write directly to you in answer to your two Parliamentary Questions about fact finding visits which we have made and the papers we have published during the last 12 months. I am replying as the Chief Executive of the Fire Service College which became an Executive Agency and Trading Fund on 1 April 1992.

  Although the College's principal customer is and always will be the United Kingdom Fire Service, one of our other business objectives is to expand the training we provide to industry, commerce and overseas fire brigades. In that connection I have made fact finding visits during the last 12 months to the United States and the Netherlands, and the Deputy Commandant of the College has made similar visits to several countries in Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Africa. Their purpose was to promote the College and assess the opportunities for new business.
  130
  The visits raised the College's profile in the countries concerned and confirmed that in many instances they have a significant need for fire related training which we could meet. The College's Marketing Department is following up the enormous interest the visits have generated in an attempt to win training contracts. These efforts have already met with considerable success.

  I have not formally published any papers within this period. However, I did give a paper at the "Industrial Fire World Exposition" in Texas in April this year which was subsequently reported widely in the United States.

  I hope this is helpful.

  As decided by the Administration Committee of the House of Commons, Chief Executive replies to written Parliamentary Questions will be published in the Official Report. I will also place a copy of this letter in the Library of the House.

  Letter from Dr. Janet Thompson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 2 November 1992:

  You recently tabled three Parliamentary Questions seeking information about agencies. As you know, the arrangement now is that the Chief Executive of an Executive Agency, with the agreement of the Minister, replies to Members of Parliament on operational matters. I am therefore replying on behalf of the Forensic Science Service (FSS).

  The FSS gained Agency Status on 1 April 1991 and at the same time a system of direct charging was introduced. Since then I have made several visits to outside organisations to bring their experience to bear here. During the past twelve months I have spent 2 days with executives at Hoskins Group PLC in order to gain a wider understanding of organisation development and customer relations. I have also visited Forensic laboratories in the Netherlands as well as United Kingdom laboratories to contribute to an exchange of information on forensic matters.

  Your second Question concerns papers published by Chief Executives. The FSS Central Research and Support Establishment based at the Aldermaston laboratory circulates its research papers to a limited number of law enforcement agencies worldwide but these are not generally available and could not be described as published in the wider sense. Individuals are on occasion permitted to publish their research papers in the scientific press under their own names. The FSS is very shortly to publish its first annual report since becoming an agency. A copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Your third Question asked about the number of staff in the FSS by grade, and their cost, in 1991–92, and an estimate for 1992–93. The information is enclosed in tabular form. The figures for staff show the average staff in post over each year.

  Forensic Science Service Staff costs by grade 1991–92

  Grade

  Average staff in post

  Salary and ERNIC

  Superannuation

  Total cost

  3

  0·50

  32,764

  5,013

  37,777

  4

  0·50

  26,154

  4,002

  30,166

  5

  4·50

  198,010

  30,448

  229,458

  6

  5·50

  201,695

  30,859

  232,554

  7

  68·13

  2,074,837

  317,465

  2,392,402

  SSO

  130·63

  3,080,975

  472,919

  3,563,895

  HSO

  130·00

  2,501,102

  382,889

  2,883,771

  SO

  107·63

  1,604,119

  250,884

  1,855,002

  ASO

  52·38

  580,094

  80,727

  670,821

  SEO

  0·25

  5,981

  935

  6,916

  HEO

  0·75

  12,642

  1,977

  14,819

  EO

  8·13

  105,338

  16,475

  121,812

  AO

  13·13

  144,822

  22,650

  167,473

  AA

  13·50

  181,178

  28,338

  209,515

  SPS

  0·75

  12,012

  1,879

  13,881

  PS

  12·00

  156,965

  24,549

  181,514

  TYP

  17·25

  209,327

  32,739

  242,066

  SGB2

  20·50

  172,027

  26,905

  198,932

  SGB1

  1·75

  17,968

  2,810

  20,778

  PTO

  4·25

  61,560

  9,628

  71,188

  Total

  598·00

  11,390,669

  1,753,870

  13,144,539

  131

  Forensic Science Service Staff costs by grade: 1992–93

  Grade

  Average staff in post

  Salary and ERNIC

  Superannuation

  Total costs

  3

  1·00

  67,625

  8,216

  75,841

  5

  5·00

  227,123

  27,595

  254,718

  6

  5·00

  190,961

  23,202

  214,163

  7

  64·25

  2,054,776

  249,655

  2,304,431

  SSO

  125·50

  3,234,274

  392,964

  3,527,238

  HSO

  143·88

  2,737,941

  992,660

  3,070,801

  SO

  110·13

  1,715,343

  268,230

  1,983,623

  ASO

  45·50

  535,810

  83,801

  619,810

  SEO

  1·00

  25,120

  3,929

  29,049

  HEO

  1·25

  22,124

  3,460

  25,584

  EO

  10·50

  142,934

  22,355

  165,289

  AO

  18·88

  160,752

  25,142

  185,894

  AA

  19·75

  192,676

  30,135

  222,811

  SPS

  1·00

  16,817

  2,680

  19,447

  PS

  16·75

  214,253

  33,609

  247,762

  TYP

  17·60

  222,979

  34,874

  257,853

  SGB2

  19·63

  232,933

  36,431

  269,384

  SGB1

  1·00

  12,088

  1,891

  13,978

  TG1

  2·50

  136,122

  21,289

  157,411

  PTO

  4·50

  68,442

  10,704

  79,146

  Total

  607

  12,211,092

  1,612,722

  18,828,813

  Letters from Mr. J. E. Hayzeldean to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 October 1992:

  FACT FINDING VISITS

  The Home Secretary has asked me to write to you in response to your Parliamentary Question about fact-finding visits by me in my capacity as chief executive of the United Kingdom Passport Agency.

  In the last 12 months, I have visited all the regional Passport Offices in Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Newport and Peterborough. In addition I have visited other towns and cities in the UK to meet suppliers and other organisations with which the Passport Agency has dealings. The findings from these visits have been fed into the Passport Agency's corporate and business plans.

  PUBLICATIONS

  The Home Secretary has asked me to write to you in response to your Parliamentary Question about publications by the UK Passport Agency in the last 12 months. Apart from the normal passport application forms and guidance notes, we have published the following:

  Corporate plan 1992–95

  Business plan 1992–93

  Summary of targets and plans

  Publicity leaflet (Beat the Rush).

  We hope shortly to be publishing our Annual Report and Accounts for 1991–92.

  Letter from J. Hayzeldean to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 November 1992:

  Staff Costs
  The Home Secretary has asked me to write to you in response to your Parliamentary Question about staff costs in the United Kingdom Passport Agency. I have set out below, as requested, our staff numbers by grade, their cost for 1991–92 and the comparable estimated figures for 1992–93. For 1991–92, the table shows average staff numbers in permanent posts. For 1992–93, the table shows the current complement of permanent posts.

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Grade 5

  1·0

  1·0

  Grade 6

  3·0

  3·0

  Grade 7

  10·0

  10·0

  Senior Executive Officer

  13·0

  15·0

  Higher Executive Officer

  45·0

  47·0

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Executive Officer

  158·0

  156·0

  Administrative Officer

  641·0

  631·0

  Administrative Assistant

  272·5

  337·0

  Personal Secretary

  4·0

  4·0

  Typing Manager

  2·0

  2·0

  Typist

  21·0

  22·0

  Telex Operator

  2·0

  0·0

  Support Grade Band I

  18·0

  19·0

  Support Grade Band II

  59·0

  68·0

  Support Manager III

  1·0

  1·0

  Total

  1,250·5

  1,316·0

  The costs of employing these staff in 1991–92 amounted to £13,853,000 (salaries plus employers national insurance contributions). The costs of employing seasonal staff and overtime working amounted to a further £2,256,000.
  The costs of employing staff in 1992–93 is expected to amount to £15,450,000 (salaries and ERNIC). The costs of employing seasonal staff and overtime working in 1992–93 is expected to amount to a further £3,087,000.

PRIME MINISTER

  Sir Peter Kemp
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 23 October,Official Report, columns 389, what redundancy payments were paid to Sir Peter Kemp following his early retirement.

  The Prime Minister
  None. As I said in my earlier answers on 23 October, at columns 388–89, Sir Peter received immediate payments of pension and lump sum due on retirement, six months salary in lieu of notice and a compensation payment.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 23 October,Official Report, columns 388–89, if he will make a statement on the time and resources given to exploring opportunities of re-employment and retraining for Sir Peter Kemp.

  The Prime Minister
  I am satisfied that all practicable alternative posts for Sir Peter Kemp were considered before he was asked to take early retirement from the civil service.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 23 October,Official Report, column 388, which posts of permanent secretary have been filled by promotion or transfer since the beginning of 1992; and if he will give the dates in each case.

  The Prime Minister
  Since January 1992 the following permanent secretary appointments have been made on promotion or transfer:

  Name

  Department

  Date

  G. A. Hart

  Health

  2 February

  Sir C. W. France

  Defence

  28 February

  W. P. McLennan

  Central Statistical Office

  2 March

  G. H. Phillips

  National Heritage

  21 April

  Mrs. B. J. L. Mills QC

  Crown Prosecution Service

  21 April

  R. T. J. Wilson

  Environment

  3 June

  R. C. Mottram

  Public Service and Science

  17 August

  G. A. Hosker

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  19 October

  Libya
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will set out the current position in respect to United Nations sanctions against Libya.

  The Prime Minister
  The United Nations Security Council reviewed the sanctions against Libya on 12 August and agreed that there was no justification for lifting them. Sanctions will be lifted only when Libya has complied with UN Security Council resolutions 731 and 748.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Prime Minister what is the number of civil servants in his office whose main task is work related or mainly to the European Community.

  The Prime Minister
  None of my staff's time is wholly related to work on the European Community, but a number spend significant amounts of time on work related to the European Community.

  Windsor Great Park
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if the Crown Estate will make it its policy to halt the continued felling of the 17th century tree avenue in Windsor great park.

  The Prime Minister
  The Crown Estate Commissioners consulted English Nature before taking the decision to clear fell, remove and replant Queen Anne's Ride in Windsor great park with 1,000 oak saplings.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if Her Majesty's Government will bring forward legislation to amend the Crown Estate Act 1961 so as to vest responsibility for Windsor great park with the Department of the Environment.

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Forestry
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with co-ordination of Government policy on forestry and deforestation; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I am satisfied that the arrangements for the co-ordination of Government policy on forestry and deforestation are working well.

  In addition to the normal day-to-day contacts between Departments, an interdepartmental steering group for forestry was set up in 1990. This keeps under review the development and implementation of forestry and related environmental policies in Great Britain to ensure that they remain complementary.

  The interdepartmental working group on forestry issues relating to the UN Conference on Environment and Development which was established in the run-up to the Rio summit is being continued. This will ensure that our post-Rio policies relating to forests, including deforestation, are effectively integrated.

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister what communications have been received from the Danish authorities in the last week regarding the Maastricht treaty.

  The Prime Minister
  The Danish proposals on the Maastricht treaty were approved by the Folketing market committee on 30 October and were transmitted to me, as President of the European Council, later that day. A copy of the proposals is available in the Library.

  Castle Vale Housing Action Trust
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will hold a meeting with Mrs. Carole Rafferty, Mr. Kim Rose and Mr. Sydney Gettings of the Castle Vale community action team, Birmingham, concerning the proposed Castle Vale housing action trust.

  The Prime Minister
  My hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Planning met tenants from the Castle Vale estate earlier this year to discuss the proposal for a housing action trust. He expects to do so again when the assessment of feasibility work on the proposal is complete.

  Colombian Coal
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister what policy the Government have adopted towards the complaint made by British Coal to the European Commission, on the basis of the Commission's anti-dumping rules, about the importation of Colombian coal into the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Prime Minister what action he has taken to expedite an investigation by the European Commission into complaints by British Coal that supplies of Colombian coal to the United Kingdom constitute dumping; when inquiries into the complaint were undertaken; when the inquiry into the complaint will be complete and made public; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: British Coal's anti-dumping complaint to the European Commission against imports of coal from Colombia, the United States and China is a matter for the Commission to consider. The Government look to the Commission to take seriously its responsibilities in this area and therefore to consider British Coal's complaint carefully. I understand that the Commission has not yet taken a decision on whether to open an investigation.

  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the Prime Minister what undertakings have been given to the Colombian Government by the British Government on British Coal's anti-dumping petition currently before the European Commission.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 30 October 1992]: None.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Prime Minister on what dates he had meetings with representatives of the Government of Colombia at which the sale and supply of Colombian coal to the United Kingdom was discussed; and if he will make a statement.
  135
  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: I have nothing further to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Clackmannan (Mr. O'Neill) earlier today.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if he discussed the importation of Colombian coal during his last visit to that country.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: I have nothing further to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Clackmannan (Mr. O'Neill) earlier today.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he had in June with the President of Colombia, Cesar Gaviria, on the market for Colombian coal in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: I have nothing further to add to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Clackmannan (Mr. O'Neill) earlier today.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Explosives
  Mr. LIew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidelines his Department has issued to the Health and Safety Executive on its issuing of import licences for explosives.

  Mr. Needham
  Under the Explosives Act 1875 and related legislation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is responsible for issuing import licences for explosives. My Department has no locus in the matter and has issued no guidance to the HSE.

  Nuclear Energy
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what were the main proposals put forward by Her Majesty's permanent representative to the International

  EC Trade in rough diamonds1 in 1991

  Value in millions £s

  as percentage of UK figure:

  Imports

  Exports

  Imports

  Exports

  United Kingdom

  397·62

  4·04

  —

  —

  France

  1·32

  0·56

  -99·67

  -86·15

  Belgium/Luxembourg

  526·16

  1·38

  32·33

  -65·76

  Netherlands

  0·14

  0·07

  -99·97

  -98·25

  Federal Republic of Germany

  0·00

  0·02

  -100·00

  -99·60

  Italy

  0·04

  0·11

  -99·99

  -97·29

  Ireland

  0·07

  0·00

  -99·98

  -100·00

  Denmark

  0·07

  0·01

  -99·98

  -99·79

  Greece

  0·00

  0·00

  -100·00

  -100·00

  Portugal

  0·12

  0·00

  -99·97

  -100·00

  Spain

  0·01

  0·00

  -100·00

  -100·00

  1 UK tariff code 71021000: ie Diamonds rough, unsorted.

  Source: EUROSTAT.
  136
  Atomic Energy Agency at the agency's 1992 annual general conference; and if he will make a statement on decisions taken at the conference that will affect the United Kingdom nuclear industry and Her Majesty's Government's present nuclear policy.

  Mr. Eggar
  As leader of the United Kingdom delegation, I called for action to improve safety in eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. On behalf of the European Community and its member states, I also called for further measures to strengthen nuclear safeguards, and congratulated the IAEA on the important contribution it has made to international efforts to uncover and render harmless Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. I have placed a copy of my speech in the Library of the House of Commons.

  ECGD
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list, for the last 12 months, the titles of papers published by the Export Credits Guarantee Department.

  Mr. Needham
  During the last 12 months, ECGD has presented its trading accounts for 1990–91 to Parliament. In addition, ECGD has also submitted various explanatory memoranda to Parliament concerning international developments in relation to the OECD consensus on export credits and EC issues. These documents have been placed in the Library.

  Rough Diamond Trade
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current published rough diamond trade worth in the United Kingdom; what were the comparative figures for other European Community countries; and if he will show these figures as a plus or minus percentage to the United Kingdom figure.

  Mr. Needham
  The information is in the table:

  Tropical Timber
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy during the United Kingdom's presidency of the EC to encourage a Community-wide moratorium on the import of raw logs from the Sarawak region of Malaysia.
  137
  Mr. Needham
  No. Import restrictions would rob forests of their value and serve only to speed up the rate of deforestation to free land for alternative uses. Our efforts are best directed at persuading all tropical timber-producing countries to manage their forests on a sustainable basis. The Government of Malaysia have re-affirmed their commitment to the International Tropical Timber Organisation to reduce significantly the amount of timber extracted from Sarawak and to work towards the objective of exporting timber only from sustainably managed forests by the year 2000.

  United Kingdom imports—£ million

  From

  Textiles SITC division 65

  Clothing SITC division 84

  Other manufactured goods

  Manufactured goods sections 5–8

  United States of America

  1987

  131·6

  22·0

  7,654·1

  7,807·7

  1988

  162·0

  30·6

  9,096·5

  9,289·1

  1989

  189·7

  38·7

  11,633·0

  11,861·4

  1990

  193·1

  58·8

  12,392·9

  12,644·8

  1991

  203·2

  65·0

  11,709·6

  11,977·8

  China

  1987

  60·7

  42·1

  167·5

  270·3

  1988

  55·4

  49·0

  202·0

  306·4

  1989

  57·9

  51·7

  275·7

  385·3

  1990

  60·1

  64·5

  360·-7

  485·3

  1991

  72·6

  106·5

  445·6

  624·7

  Hong Kong

  1987

  76·2

  556·8

  869·6

  1,502·6

  1988

  70·0

  656·3

  1,023·2

  1,749·5

  1989

  63·0

  709·3

  1,212·5

  1,984·8

  1990

  57·4

  693·3

  1,181·2

  1,931·9

  1991

  50·4

  785·5

  1,271·5

  2,107·4

  Taiwan

  1987

  29·2

  81·3

  878·2

  988·7

  1988

  29·0

  81·4

  1,022·6

  1,133·0

  1989

  36·2

  90·5

  1,206·8

  1,333·5

  1990

  40·4

  70·4

  1,081·9

  1,192·7

  1991

  36·0

  93·3

  1,120·5

  1,249·8

  Source: Business Monitor MA20, Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Stevenson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will give the production levels of(a) Trentham colliery complex and (b) the seven pits in the Selby area, for the last full year.

  Mr. Eggar
  This is an operational matter for British Coal.

  Refrigerators
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many domestic fridges were imported from Germany, in each year since 1988; and what was their total value in each of these years.

  Mr. Needham
  The information is given in the table:

  UK Imports of Domestic Refrigerators from Germany, 1988–911

  '000 units

  Value in (£ million)

  1988

  102

  13·6

  1989

  137

  14·6

  1990

  124

  18·2

  1991

  111

  17·1

  1 Includes one-door refrigerators and 2-door fridge freezers. Germany includes the former DDR.

  Source: Association of Manufactures of Domestic Electrical Appliances (AMDEA)

  Import Statistics
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will give details of the total United Kingdom imports by value of all manufactured goods from(a) the United States of America, (b) China, (c) Hong Kong and (d) Taiwan for each of the last five years, split between textiles, clothing and other.

  Mr. Needham
  The figures requested are as follows:

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many British made domestic fridges were exported in each year since 1988; and how many fridges currently sold in the United Kingdom are imported from other countries.

  Mr. Needham
  The country of manufacture of refrigerators exported from, or sold in, the United Kingdom is not collected. Import and export information is given in the table:

  United Kingdom Trade in Domestic Refrigerators1, 1988–1991 ('000 units)

  Exports

  Imports

  1988

  115

  916

  1989

  113

  910

  1990

  150

  847

  1991

  147

  736

  1 Includes one-door refrigerators and two-door fridge-freezers.

  Source: Association of manufacturers of Domestic Electrical Appliances (AMDEA).

  Textiles
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received about extension of the European Community discipline on state subsidies to synthetic fibre production; and if he will make a statement.
  139
  Mr. Needham
  United Kingdom industry has told me that it hopes to see the synthetic fibres discipline renewed and strengthened. My Department has told the Commission—which has sole responsibility for decisions in this area—that the British Government strongly support this objective.

  Animal Testing (Cosmetics)
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will support proposals being put forward to the Council of Ministers to end the use of animals for the testing of cosmetics products and ingredients.

  Mr. Leigh
  The Government's policy in the negotiations on the proposed sixth Council amendment to the cosmetics directive is to keep animal testing to a minimum consistent with human safety. We will continue to press for reduction in animal testing and we hope that during our presidency member states will agree to the phasing out of testing on animals as soon as they can be replaced with suitably validated alternatives.

  Auditing Practices Board
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish details of the oral and written comments made by his representative on the Auditing Practices Board in relation to the going concern exposure draft.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My Department's representative on the Auditing Practices Board participates in its debates, but no verbatim record is kept and as a non-voting member he does not take a position when the board reaches its decisions. I have placed in the Library a copy of my Department's response to the board's exposure draft on going concern.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what priorities he has suggested to the Auditing Practices Board.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has not suggested priorities to the Auditing Practices Board, but in October last year my Department's representative responded to a general invitation to board members to identify topics for early attention. Those suggested on behalf of the Department included illegal acts, going concern, the role and function of the audit, the auditing of computer-based systems, the relationship between international and United Kingdom auditing standards and guidance, and a programme for revising the existing, body of guidance, including the conversion of guidelines to standards.

  Company Accounts
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many company accounts he has referred to the financial reporting review panel.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  Three.

  Small Firm Bankruptcies
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the President of the Board of 'Trade when he next plans to meet the Federation of Small Businesses to discuss the number of small firm bankruptcies in 1991; and what are the numbers involved.
  140
  Mr. Leigh
  I have no plans to meet the Federation of Small Businesses. Baroness Denton, in her capacity as Minister for Small Firms, has frequent meetings with the federation and all the major small firms organisations to discuss a range of issues.

  There were 47,467 insolvencies in England and Wales in 1991.

  Post Office
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the external advisers on the future of Post Office services; and what is the estimated expenditure on the provision of such advice in the current year.

  Mr. Leigh
  Kleinwort Benson and KPMG Peat Marwick have been appointed to advise the Government on the Post Office review. Price Waterhouse has been appointed to advise the Government on the method and timing of the sale of Parcelforce. A total of £500,000 has so far been allocated to this work from within class IV vote 2, subhead A4 (other services) of Supply Estimates 1992–93.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place in the Library the Kleinwort Benson report on the future of postal services.

  Mr. Leigh
  Any reports produced by the Government's advisers on the Post Office are internal Government documents. I do not intend, therefore, to place such documents in the Library.

  Bank of Credit and Commerce International
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many times his officials have met the liquidators of BCCI, with the dates and the purposes of the meetings.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My officials met one or more of the joint liquidators of BCCI on 26 March, 19 May, and 23 July 1992. On each occasion the holding of a meeting of creditors, pursuant to section 141 of the Insolvency Act 1986, was discussed. At the 23 July meeting the exercise by the joint liquidators of their powers under schedule 4, part I and II of the Insolvency Act was also discussed.

  Atomic Energy Authority
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what financial target and capital expenditure limit has been set for the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority for 1992–93.

  Mr. Eggar
  The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's financial target for 1992–93 has been set as an 11 per cent. return on net assets on a current cost basis —before long-term interest payable and extraordinary items—subject to the outcome of a revaluation of the AEA's assets. I have also approved the AEA's capital expenditure programme for the year at £27·3 million.

  Serbia and Montenegro
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will set out the level of trade, both exports and imports, with Serbia and Montenegro for each month in the current year by each main category of commodities.
  141
  Sir John Cope
  I have been asked to reply. Trade with Serbia and Montenegro has been identified separately from that with the other former Yugoslav republics since 1 July 1992.

  The figures for the subsequent months are recorded as follows:

  Imports £

  Exports £

  July

  215,783

  Nil

  August

  206,938

  33,477

  September

  Nil

  45,379

  A further breakdown by commodity cannot be published at this time as this would identify individual consignments. Both imports and exports for Serbia and Montenegro require licences and the goods permitted to be exported are strictly for medical purposes, foodstuffs and humanitarian aid.

  GATT
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what reports have been received by the Industry Council of the European Community from its Commission concerning its negotiating activities as representing the Community in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade; what consultations the Commission has had with the Council on these matters; and what was the last date when it provided the Commission with a negotiating mandate.

  Finished manufactures: terms of trade1

  Finished manufactures

  Semi-finished manufactures

  Manufacturing output

  Import volume

  Export volume

  Import volume

  Export volume

  1985 = 100

  annual change percent

  1985 = 100

  annual change percent

  1985 = 100

  annual change percent

  1985 = 100

  annual change percent

  1985 = 100

  annual change percent

  1985 = 100

  annual change percent

  1970

  84

  2—

  22·2

  2—

  61·8

  2—

  47·0

  2—

  61·9

  2—

  100·0

  0·3

  1971

  86

  2

  25·6

  15·3

  68·0

  10·0

  47·8

  1·7

  65·0

  5·0

  99·0

  -1·0

  1972

  87

  1

  31·8

  24·2

  67·2

  -1·2

  53·6

  12·1

  67·4

  3·7

  101·1

  2·1

  1973

  81

  -7

  40·2

  26·4

  74·7

  11·2

  61·4

  14·6

  78·0

  15·7

  110·5

  9·3

  1974

  81

  —

  41·4

  3·0

  79·5

  6·4

  67·3

  9·6

  81·3

  4·2

  109·2

  -1·2

  1975

  84

  4

  40·8

  1·4

  83·7

  5·3

  59·5

  -11·6

  69·9

  -14·0

  101·6

  -7·0

  1976

  82

  -2

  44·0

  7·8

  87·2

  4·2

  65·3

  9·7

  81·2

  16·2

  103·5

  1·9

  1977

  86

  5

  49·9

  13·4

  92·5

  6·1

  68·8

  5·4

  89·0

  9·6

  105·6

  2·0

  1978

  89

  3

  56·0

  12·2

  90·4

  -2·3

  76·2

  10·8

  90·8

  2·0

  106·0

  0·4

  1979

  94

  6

  64·8

  15·7

  87·3

  -3·4

  84·1

  10·4

  94·0

  3·5

  105·9

  -0·1

  1980

  100

  6

  65·0

  0·3

  89·4

  2·4

  82·1

  -2·4

  92·8

  -1·3

  96·7

  -8·7

  1981

  101

  1

  67·0

  3·1

  85·8

  -4·0

  74·8

  -8·9

  84·5

  -8·9

  90·9

  -6·0

  1982

  101

  —

  74·8

  11·6

  87·2

  1·6

  79·5

  6·3

  86·4

  2·2

  91·1

  0·2

  1983

  100

  -1

  84·9

  13·5

  83·5

  -4·2

  89·9

  13·1

  91·4

  5·8

  93·8

  3·0

  1984

  99

  -1

  94·5

  11·3

  92·5

  10·8

  96·8

  7·7

  97·4

  6·6

  97·4

  3·8

  1985

  100

  1

  100·0

  5·8

  100·0

  8·1

  100·0

  3·3

  100·0

  2·7

  100·0

  2·7

  1986

  100

  —

  105·9

  5·9

  102·1

  2·1

  108·3

  8·3

  106·0

  6·0

  101·3

  1·3

  1987

  100

  —

  117·8

  11·2

  111·6

  9·3

  117·4

  8·4

  113·3

  6·9

  106·6

  5·2

  1988

  105

  5

  142·2

  20·7

  119·6

  7·2

  131·9

  12·4

  119·8

  5·7

  114·0

  6·9

  1989

  104

  -1

  158·7

  11·6

  135·8

  13·5

  137·7

  4·4

  123·2

  2·8

  118·9

  4·3

  1990

  104

  —

  158·0

  -0·4

  147·4

  8·5

  141·7

  2·9

  130·7

  6·1

  118·4

  -0·4

  1991

  102

  -2

  147·7

  -6·5

  150·4

  2·0

  141·9

  0·1

  135·2

  3·4

  112·2

  -5·2

  1 Terms of trade is the export unit value index as a percentage of the import value index.

  2 Not available.

  142
  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: The Foreign Affairs Council is the forum in which Community Trade Ministers discuss external trade issues. The Commission reports regularly to the Council on progress in the GATT negotiations, and last did so on 6 October. The most recent guidance given to the Commission was at the European Council in Birmingham on 16 October, on which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister reported to the House on 20 October, Official Report, column 319.

  Manufacturing Trade
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what effect the increase since the second half of 1973 in the terms of trade for finished manufactures and in the relative unit value of exports of finished manufactures has had on the volume of imports and exports and on manufacturing output; and if he will publish a table showing for finished manufactures for each year since 1970 the percentage increase/reduction in the terms of trade and in relative export unit values together with(a) the increase in the volume of imports and exports of both finished and semi-finished manufactures and (b) the increase in manufacturing output.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: The Department does not produce estimates of the effects of terms of trade and relative export unit values on trade flows and output.

  The information requested for relative export unit values is not available. The other statistical information requested is given in the table.

  Car Prices
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the percentage reduction in the value of sterling against the deutschmark since July; and what effect that has had on the retail price of cars imported from Germany.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 30 October 1992]The percentage reduction since July was 14·3 per cent. as at 23 October 1992.

  The reduction in value of sterling has exerted pressure on German manufacturers to increase the prices of cars they export to the United Kingdom in order to retain profit margins. The wide variety of other factors which affect pricing policies of car manufacturers and the current reduced demand in the United Kingdom car market have made them reluctant to do so. Much will depend on the value that sterling settles at after the current upheavals in the currency markets have passed.

  Exports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate of the percentage manufactured-import content of United Kingdom exports of manufactures in standard industrial trade classification 7–8 in 1991 and of the increase since(a) 1970 and (b) 1979; and if he will publish a table showing for each year since 1970 and the current year to date the percentage increase in United Kingdom output of such manufactures together with the increase in the volume of output, imports and exports of (i) intermediate goods and (ii) semi-manufactures.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 30 October 1992]: The latest available analysis of the import content of manufactures is for 1985. Estimates of the destination of imports were published for 1985 by the Central Statistical Office in "Input-Output Tables for the UK, 1985" (table 6). Estimates were similarly published for some earlier years, including 1970 and 1979. These published data could be used to produce estimates of the import content of exports in SITC 7–8 for the earlier years, but only at disproportionate cost.

  Output information is not available for finished manufactures, semi-manufactures or intermediate goods. These categories of goods are defined only in the trade classification. Volume indices for imports and exports of these categories are regularly published in tables B8 and C9 of the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics", which is available in the Library of the House.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are currently receiving invalidity benefit in each standard planning region in Northern Ireland; and what is the expected expenditure in 1992–93 in each such region.

  Mr. Hanley
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Alec Wylie. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  144
  Letter from A. Wylie to Mr. Donald Dewar, dated 2 November 1992:

  Your recent Parliamentary Question asking for the numbers of people currently receiving Invalidity Benefit in each standard planning region in Northern Ireland and the expected expenditure in 1992–93 in each such region has been passed to me for reply as I am responsible for the Northern Ireland Social Security Agency.

  The information is not available in the form you requested because Northern Ireland is regarded as one region for Invalidity Benefit purposes. However, you may be interested to know that at September 1992 there were 60,048 people in Northern Ireland receiving Invalidity Benefit and that the total expenditure on this benefit for 1992/93 is estimated at £238·4m.

  I hope this information is helpful.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce regional UV-B monitoring systems; what initiatives he has taken to encourage Northern Irish industry to switch to non-ozone-depleting substances; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The National Radiological Protection Board has been measuring levels of UV radiation at three sites in Great Britain since 1988. There are no plans for separate monitoring in Northern Ireland.

  The phase-out of man-made chloroflurocarbons under the Montreal protocol will require industry to switch to non-ozone-depleting substances. Northern Ireland industries which require more information may contact the industrial research technology unit's freephone environmental inquiry point, and their attention has already been drawn to this facility.

  Racial Discrimination
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he intends that persons who are the offspring, or other more distant descendants, of persons of different races shall be covered by legislation against racial discrimination.

  Mr. Hanley
  In March 1992 the then Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, my right hon. Friend the Member for the City of London and Westminster, South (Mr. Brooke), agreed in principle to the publication of a consultative document which would examine the scope for legislation on racial discrimination and consider what additional action ought to be taken by the Government to promote equity of treatment for ethnic groups. Consideration of the content of possible legislation will be informed by the outcome of the consultative process.

  River Bush
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table to show the salmon redd count in the River Bush and its tributaries for each of the last five years; what is his assessment as to the number of redds needed to maintain the present five-year average number of salmon and grilse entering the system; and what is his assessment as to the number of such fish the system could support and the number of redds necessary to attain that number.

  Mr. Hanley
  The information on salmon redd counts in the River Bush and its tributaries is published in the
  145
  annual reports of the Fisheries Conservancy Board for 1989, 1990, and 1991, copies of which are available in the Library.

  The work on assessing the number of salmon redds required to maintain and support the system is still ongoing and the information requested is not available.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the total number of(a) salmon and (b) grilse taken by anglers in the River Bush in each of the past 10 years or as much of such information as is available to him.

  Four-week period ending

  30 September

  28 October

  25 November

  Number

  per cent.

  Number

  per cent.

  Number

  per cent.

  1986

  73

  2·1

  1,302

  38·1

  166

  4·8

  1987

  628

  21·4

  225

  7·6

  83

  2·8

  1988

  556

  15·4

  278

  7·7

  55

  1·5

  1989

  251

  21·7

  206

  17·8

  25

  2·2

  1990

  205

  10·3

  105

  5·3

  46

  2·3

  1991

  119

  3·8

  1,072

  34·5

  134

  4·3

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what costs have been incurred by the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland in each of the past five years and the current year in operating the River Bush angling fishery; what has been the total income from angling in those years; and where a detailed analysis of the costs and income is published by his Office.

  Mr. Hanley
  Operational costs for the angling aspects of the Department's activities at the River Bush are not recorded separately.

  Such information on angling income as is available relates only to the special angling stretches and is published in the annual reports on the sea and inland fisheries of Northern Ireland for 1987–91, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table to show how many angling permits were issued for each stretch of the River Bush in the(a) 1989, (b) 1990, (c) 1991 and (d) 1992 angling seasons up to 30 September, what sums were

  Number of Salmon and Grilse caught by month in each stretch of the River Bush between 1989 and 1992

  Year

  Stretch

  March

  April

  May

  June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  Total

  1989

  New

  3

  8

  1

  2

  2

  8

  5

  —

  25

  Town

  4

  8

  2

  3

  2

  21

  17

  —

  57

  Leap

  0

  1

  1

  3

  9

  40

  51

  —

  105

  Total

  7

  12

  4

  8

  14

  69

  73

  —

  187

  1990

  New

  0

  0

  3

  6

  21

  2

  3

  —

  35

  Town

  3

  2

  3

  21

  47

  26

  12

  —

  114

  Leap

  0

  3

  1

  42

  55

  22

  27

  —

  150

  Total

  3

  5

  7

  69

  123

  50

  42

  —

  299

  1991

  New

  1

  0

  0

  26

  45

  5

  20

  —

  97

  Town

  0

  2

  1

  44

  23

  1

  42

  —

  113

  Leap

  0

  1

  0

  28

  62

  18

  64

  —

  173

  Total

  1

  3

  1

  98

  130

  24

  126

  —

  383

  1992

  New

  0

  1

  5

  17

  49

  8

  4

  4

  88

  146
  Mr. Hanley
  The available information is published in the annual reports of the Fisheries Conservancy Board for the years 1988–91 inclusive, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what evidence he has that(a) increasing numbers and (b) an increasing percentage of salmon and grilse enter the River Bush in each of (i) September, (ii) October and (iii) November; and if he will publish the figures.

  Mr. Hanley
  The late runs of salmon and grilse into the River Bush over the past six years was as follows:

  received for those permits each month; and how many salmon, grilse and sea trout were caught in each stretch in each month and in total, or as much of such information as is available to him at present.

  Mr. Hanley
  The number of angling permits sold for each stretch of the River Bush between 1989 and 1992 and the annual income received was as follows:

  To 30 September

  Stretch

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  New

  413

  192

  146

  221

  Town1

  457

  358

  273·5

  306·5

  Leap1

  511

  658

  548

  590·5

  Walk Mill

  —

  —

  —

  61

  Total

  1,381

  1,208

  967·5

  1,179

  Income (£)

  17,079

  17,193

  16,332

  21,729

  1 Half-day tickets are available on these stretches.

  Information on the number of salmon, grilse and sea trout caught is as follows:
  147

  Year

  Stretch

  March

  April

  May

  June

  July

  August

  September

  October

  Total

  Town

  9

  10

  6

  6

  20

  14

  21

  14

  100

  Leap

  0

  5

  6

  1

  72

  24

  20

  16

  144

  Walk Mill

  0

  0

  0

  0

  2

  3

  6

  1

  12

  Total

  9

  16

  17

  24

  143

  49

  51

  35

  344

  Reported Sea Trout catches

  Year

  Number

  1989

  0

  1990

  0

  1991

  l

  1992

  2

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table to show the number of(a) salmon and (b) grilse entering the River

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  January

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  February

  3

  0

  0

  0

  3

  3

  March

  11

  14

  10

  2

  8

  17

  April

  41

  14

  5

  17

  21

  46

  May

  29

  8

  19

  17

  20

  49

  June

  242

  68

  32

  378

  300

  39

  July

  1,098

  1,339

  122

  670

  1,056

  915

  August

  549

  1,116

  458

  536

  336

  689

  September

  628

  645

  258

  207

  119

  542

  October

  227

  278

  218

  111

  1,106

  —

  November

  82

  55

  13

  40

  106

  —

  December

  31

  56

  23

  10

  28

  —

  TOTAL

  2,941

  3,593

  1,158

  1,988

  3,103

  (2,301)

  Separate figures are not available for salmon and grilse.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table to show how many angling permits were issued for each stretch of the River Bush in the period 1 to 20 October, inclusive, during the current year: what sums were received for these permits; and how many salmon and grilse were caught in each stretch in that period, or as much as such information as is presently available to him.

  Mr. Hanley
  The information requested is as follows:

  Stretch

  Number of tickets1

  Income £

  Catch2

  New

  17·0

  502·00

  4

  Town3

  20·5

  811·95

  14

  Leap3

  81·0

  1,857·95

  16

  Walk Mill

  13·0

  99·55

  1

  Total

  131·5

  3,271·45

  35

  1 River Bush game fishery daily tickets.

  2 Total number of salmon and grilse.

  3 Half-day tickets are available on these stretches.

  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a table to show his estimate of the number of salmon smolts descending the River Bush in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

  Mr. Hanley
  Estimates of the number of wild Atlantic salmon smolts descending the River Bush in the years 1987–91 are as follows:
  148
  Bush in each month of each of the past five years and the current year, indicating how many fish in each month were (i) one sea winter fish, (ii) two sea winter fish and (iii) three sea winter fish; and what correlation there was between each sea winter class, their weight and how many were classed as spring, summer, autumn and winter running fish.

  Mr. Hanley
  The number of salmon and grilse entering the River Bush system in each month for the years 1987 to 1991 was as follows:

  Year

  Smolts

  1987

  22,156

  1988

  22,994

  1989

  17,812

  1990

  17,354

  1991

  18,471

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Mates
  Fifty-nine.

  Health and Social Services Trusts
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the particular circumstances in Northern Ireland which underlie the Government's decision to sponsor trust status for social service units in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Hanley
  The health and personal social services in Northern Ireland have an integrated management structure which has been delivering high-quality services for many years. The Government's proposals for reform, set out in the White Paper "Working for Patients", extend to Northern Ireland and the benefits inherent in those reforms should be applied with equal advantage to the people of Northern Ireland.
  149
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the applications received for health and social services trust status in Northern Ireland to date, indicating those that have been successful, those that are pending, those that have been withdrawn, and those postponed or unsuccessful and indicating the likely timetable for introduction.

  Mr. Hanley
  In the first round in Northern Ireland, one application for HSS trust status was received from the Royal group of hospitals. It was established as an HSS trust from 1 April 1992 and will come into operation on 1 April 1993.

  Applications for trust status in the second round have been received from the following units:

  Belfast city hospital

  Craigavon area hospitals group

  Mater Infirmorum hospital

  Ulster, North Down and Ards hospital unit

  Green Park unit of management

  Eastern ambulance service

  North Down and Ards community unit

  North and West Belfast community unit

  South and East Belfast community unit

  Down and Lisburn unit of management

  A decision on the applications which have been successful in the second round, and the date on which they will come into operation will be made shortly.

  To date, no unit has withdrawn its application.

  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to encourage more HSS units in Northern Ireland to apply for trust status.

  Mr. Hanley
  My noble Friend will announce the launch of the third round of trusts shortly. The chief executive will then write to all directly managed units inviting expressions of interest in the third round of HSS trusts. It will be a matter for those units to decide for themselves whether to make an application for trust status.

  Neil Latimer
  Mr. Hunter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he proposes to take in the light of the further statment made by witness A in the case of Neil Latimer.

  Mr. Mates
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State received yesterday an affidavit giving an account of a conversation with witness A, in which she is reported to have made a number of comments about Mr. Latimer's case. My right hon. and learned Friend is considering it.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Fraud
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will state for his Department's benefit fraud programme for the year 1991–92(a) the number of staff years used, (b) the running costs, (c) the additional benefit recovered and (d) the unit cost ratio of cost to benefit.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The investigation of benefit fraud is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefit's Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
  150
  Letter from M. Bichard to Mr. Andrew Smith, dated 2 November 1992:

  As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the investigation of social security fraud.

  You asked how many staff years had been used in the benefit fraud programme during 1991–92; the running costs; the additional benefit recovered and the unit cost ratio of cost to benefit.

  Figures are not available to show the number of staff years used. However in 1991–92 2,873 staff were employed to detect and prosecute fraud at a cost of £62·5 million.

  In 1991–92 the estimated savings that accrued from the investigation of fraud totalled £427 million. This is represented by a unit cost ratio of cost to benefit of 1:6·6.

  I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy of this reply will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many asylum seekers have been(a) charged and (b) convicted of offences relating to defrauding his Department in each year since 1962.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Prosecution statistics do not indicate the origin or status of individuals. The information requested is, therefore, not available.

  Correspondence
  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidelines are issued to his Department for the processing of correspondence from hon. Members; and what is the average delay between receipt of correspondence from, and the date of response to, an hon. Member.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Guidance to the Department, including its agencies, makes it clear that Ministers and chief executives aim to reply to letters from hon. Members within an average of four weeks of receipt. So far, in 1992–93 average response time for both Ministers and chief executives has been 21 working days.

  Training Courses
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security under what circumstances and for how long a trainee who is receiving income support, who is participating in a local authority or voluntary sector training course supported by the European social fund, may temporarily leave the United Kingdom as part of a transnational visit to another EC country as part of his or her training course without affecting his or her entitlement to income support; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Burt
  Unemployed trainees who undertake non-governmental training courses funded by the European social fund must continue to satisfy the normal conditions of entitlement for benefits for unemployment, including income support. Consequently, they must be available for, and actively seeking, work.

  Income support recipients who are required to be available for work are not entitled to income support for the duration of an absence from the United Kingdom.

  Consultants
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all of the reports his Department has commissioned from external consultants in each of the last three years; for each of the last three years, how many reports from external consultants to his Department led to further consultancy work being commissioned, stating for each of these who were the original and subsequent consultants and briefly describing the subject matter of the consultancy work; and if he will make a statement.
  152
  Miss Widdecombe
  Details of all the external management consultancy projects commissioned by the Department of Social Security in the financial years 1989–90, 1990–91 and 1991–92 have been placed in the Library.

  Information concerning the commissioning of further work as a result of an external consultancy project is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to ensure that housing benefit is available to all persons who cannot afford to pay rent.

  Mr. Burt
  Housing benefit is available, on an income-related basis, to anyone who has a commercial liability to pay rent for his or her home.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will seek to introduce a new housing benefit system to include households paying mortgages.

  Mr. Burt
  We have no such plans.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what dates in west Lancashire the cold weather payments system was triggered during the winter of 1991–92; and how many households received payments on each occasion.

  Mr. Scott
  Such information as is available is in the Library.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to provide assistance to households in need through cold weather credits prior to the onset of winter.

  Mr. Scott
  No. Income support rates provide for normal day-to-day living expenses, including heating costs throughout the year. Cold weather payments already provide extra assistance to the most vulnerable income support recipients during periods of exceptionally cold weather.

  Trainees
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security where a local authority or voluntary sector training provider who is running a training course supported by the European social fund wishes to reimburse the expenses of his or her trainees who are in receipt of income support(a) what is the maximum value of a daily luncheon voucher that can be paid to the trainee without affecting his or her entitlement to income support and (b) under what circumstances a trainee who has to pay his or her daily travelling expenses to and from his or her place of training in cash can have them reimbursed without affecting his or her entitlement to income support; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Burt
  In calculating entitlement to income support, the value of any regular payment in kind is ignored. As long as a daily luncheon voucher is not redeemable for cash, there is no limit to the value of such vouchers which can be given without affecting entitlement to income support.

  Any contractual payment to reimburse the fares of a person undertaking training on a course supported by the European social fund will be taken fully into account in calculating entitlement to income support. However, any non-contractual, voluntary payment intended and used for fares will be fully disregarded.

  Benefit Statistics
  Mr. Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the total number, and the proportion of(a) single pensioners, (b) pensioner couples and (c) all pensioners who receive (i) income support, (ii) housing benefit, (iii) community charge benefit or (iv) one or more of income support, community charge benefit or housing benefit.

  Mr. Burt
  The available information is given in the tables:

  Number in receipt of IS (000's)

  Percentage of population over 60.

  (i) Income support

  Single people 60 or over

  1,362

  11·72

  Couples (at least one aged 60 or over)

  213

  See Note 3

  All cases

  1,575

  See Note 3

  (ii) Housing benefit

  Single people 60 or over

  1,517

  13·06

  Couples (at least one aged 60 or over)

  493

  See Note 3

  All cases

  2,011

  See Note 3

  (iii) Community charge benefit

  Single people 60 or over

  2,296

  19·75

  Couples (at least one aged 60 or over)

  983

  See Note 3

  All cases

  3,278

  See Note 3

  (iv) Combined IS/HB/CCB (In receipt of one or more benefit)

  Single people 60 or over

  2,800

  24·09

  Couples (at least one aged 60 or over)

  1,069

  See Note 3

  All cases

  3,869

  See Note 3

  Notes:

  1. Source Income Support Annual Statistical Inquiry May 1991. Housing Benefit and Community Charge Benefit Management Information System, May 1991. Office of Population Censuses and Surveys 1990.

  2. All figures rounded to the nearest thousand.

  3. Population figures are not available for the number of couples, one or both of which are aged 60 or over.

  4. Population figures relate to 1990 (latest available information).

  5. There is considerable overlap within the benefits. Most recipients of IS also receive CCB. Some recipients of IS also receive HB.

  Welfare Benefits
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to end the Government's statutory duty to maintain the value of welfare benefits in line with the cost of living; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The plans for the uprating of benefits will be announced to the House in due course.

  Unemployment Benefit
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the number of(a) claims and (b) successful claims for unemployment benefit made by those paying the special class II national insurance contribution rate for share fishermen in the most convenient available years before and after the introduction of the weekly earnings rule.

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Jack Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further changes are being considered in the level of unemployment benefits.
  155
  Mr. Burt
  The level of unemployment benefit, with other benefits, is kept under review. We shall be making a statement to the House in due course on the uprating of social security benefits.

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people are currently receiving invalidity benefit in each standard planning region of England and in Scotland and Wales; and what is in the expected expenditure for 1992–93 in each such region.

  Mr. Scott
  Information is not available in the form requested. Available information about the numbers of recipients of invalidity benefit, by standard region, is in the table1. Planned expenditure on invalidity benefit for 1992–93 is £5,6952.

  Regions

  Numbers

  Scotland

  181,400

  Wales

  146,600

  England

  Northern

  126,300

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  124,500

  East Midlands

  74,200

  East Anglia

  28,800

  South East

  219,200

  South Western

  71,900

  West Midlands

  105,900

  North Western

  219,800

  Overseas

  7,400

  Total

  1,306,000

  Notes:

  1 Information from a 1 per cent. sample of claimants as at 30 March 1991.

  2 The Government's Expenditure Plans 1992–93 to 1994–95.

SCOTLAND

  National Testing
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to implement national testing in schools in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  We consulted widely in May on new proposals for national testing in Scottish schools. Responses have been carefully considered, and the Scottish Office Education Department is today sending to education authorities in Scotland a circular, which sets out how we now intend to proceed.

  Testing is a key part of the five to 14 curriculum and assessment development programme for schools in Scotland. In future, national tests are to be given when the class teacher judges that a pupil is ready to move from one stage of the five to 14 curriculum in English and Mathematics to the next—up to five times for each pupil in the nine years of schooling between the ages of five and 14. Pupils will be able to take the tests informally, in small groups; their individual results will be known only to their class teacher and parents. A summary showing how many pupils had been tested, and at which levels, will be included as appropriate in the head teacher's report on attainment to the school board, where this can be achieved without
  156
  breaching the confidentiality of individual results. The primary assesssment unit of the Scottish Examination Board will sample each year, for moderation purposes, a number of completed but unidentified test papers. There will be no collation or publication of test results by the Scottish Office Education Department or the primary assessment unit.

  We are asking education authorities to introduce the new arrangements for testing in primary schools from January 1993 but have accepted in the light of concerns expressed on behalf of secondary schools, which have not hitherto been involved in testing, that testing should be introduced in SI and S2 a year later, that is, in January 1994.

  Regulations currently require pupils in primary 4 and primary 7 to be tested. We would like the new testing arrangements to proceed by agreement. To that end, we are asking authorities to confirm by 15 December that they will implement and monitor the new arrangements, in line with the circular, as a prelude to the withdrawal of regulations.

  Copies of the circular have been placed in the library of the House.

  Development Grants
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what government assistance was provided to Gripparod plc or its predecessors, in respect of the Carpet Systems factory in Glengarnock; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  Carpet Systems Ltd. of Glengarnock, Ayrshire, received assistance in 1986 and 1988 under the now terminated regional development grants scheme.

  The conditions attaching to these grants were met. No assistance has been provided to any successor company.

  Borders Regional Council
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will approve as a matter of urgency the Borders regional council structure plan, submitted in February, and enable Borders regional council to approve and implement its local plans.

  Mr. Lang
  The Borders regional council structure plan is currently under consideration and I expect to be able to make known my initial views on it shortly. Allowing for the completion of the statutory procedures, it is unlikely that the final approval stage will be reached before mid-1993. At that stage, it will be for the regional council to ensure that its local plans reflect the policies contained in the approved structure plan before submitting them to me, prior to local adoption.

  Euthanasia
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made on the implications for voluntary euthanasia in Scotland of the case of Dr. Cox; and what plans there are for legislative guidelines concerning voluntary euthanasia in Scotland.

  Mr. Lang
  The Government have no plans to amend the law of Scotland in the light of the case of Dr. Cox. It is a criminal offence to kill another, whether or not that person has consented to the action taken.

  Montrose Community Hospital
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what is the completion date for the new Montrose community hospital;

  (2) how much expenditure has been committed by Tayside health board to the purchase of the Old Bond at Marine avenue;

  (3) what budget has been allocated by Tayside health board to the construction of the new Montrose community hospital; and what sums have been legally committed.

  Mr. Stewart
  Tayside health board has no firm timetable for the development of a replacement community hospital in Montrose. In 1989, when suitable land became available for the site of a new hospital, the board was allocated £170,000 for its acquisition. Further allocations of capital by the Scottish Office are dependent on the board submitting detailed proposals for the development of the new hospital.

  Renewable Energy
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what planning guidance he has issued to local authorities regarding renewable energy developments, including windmills; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  No such guidance on this has yet been issued but a draft national planning policy guideline (NPPG) on renewable energy and a planning advice note (PAN) on windpower developments are currently being prepared. These will be issued for consultation to all interested bodies before final guidance is published next year.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Lang
  At present, around 98 Scottish Office civil servants are engaged on work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list, for the last 12 months, the titles of papers published by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible.

  Mr. Lang
  I have passed the hon. Member's question to the chief executives of each of the agencies for which I have responsibility and asked them to reply to him directly.

  Letter from J. W. Barron to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 26 October 1992:

  PUBLICATION OF PAPERS

  The Secretary of State for Scotland has passed to me for my interests your question regarding publication of papers by this Agency.

  We have published no papers in the last twelve months within the strict meaning of your question. We have, of course, published our Annual Report for 1991–92 and copies are already available to the Library.

  Letter from M. J. Richardson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 23 October 1992:
  158
  I refer to your Question to the Secretary of State for Scotland asking if he will list for the last 12 months, the titles of papers published by the Chief Executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible.

  In the Director's absence on leave I list below the papers published by Dr. R. K. M. Hay in the last 12 months.

  Hay, R. K. M. and Kemp, D. R. (1992). The prediction of leaf canopy expansion in the leek from a simple model dependent on primordial development. (Ann. appl. Biol., 120, 537–545).

  Hay, R. K. M. and Offer, N. W. (in press). Helianthus tuberosus as an Alternative Forage Crop for Cool Maritime Regions: A Preliminary Study of the Yield and Nutritional Quality of Shoot Tissues from Perennial Stands. (J. Sci. Food Agric).

  If you require any further information, Dr. Hay will return from leave on Wednesday 28 October.

  Letter from G. Munro to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 October 1992:

  The Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question which asked if he would list the titles of papers published by Historic Scotland during the last 12 months.

  In that period the agency published its Annual Report and Accounts of 1991–92, and its Corporate Plan for the period 1992–95. Copies are available in the House of Commons Library.

  In addition, Historic Scotland published the following papers and reports related to its activities:

  (i) "Maintaining Scotland's Archaeological Heritage"

  (ii) "Forestry and Archaeology in Scotland"

  (iii) "Historic Scotland Education Packs"

  (iv) The quarterly magazine "Welcome"

  (v) Five volumes of reports relating to research into stonecleaning in Scotland, and the proceedings of a related international conference held in Edinburgh.

  A wide range of other leaflets, guidebooks, etc. were also produced and distributed as part of our objectives, and open access was made available to the lists of historic buildings, the schedule of monuments, and the reference information maintained by the Scottish Conservation Bureau.

  Letter from A. Macleod to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 27 October 1992:

  PUBLICATION OF PAPERS

  The Secretary of State for Scotland has passed to me your question regarding publication of papers by this Agency.

  The only document which the Agency has published in the last 12 months has been its Annual Report for 1991–92. Copies of this are available in the Library.

  Fact-finding Visits
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the fact-finding visits made in the past 12 months by the chief executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit.

  Mr. Lang
  I have asked each of the chief executives of the agencies for which I am responsible to reply the hon. Member directly.

  Letter from M. J. Richardson to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 26 October 1992:

  I refer to your Question to the Secretary of State for Scotland asking if he will list the fact finding visits made in the last 12 months by the Chief Executive of each executive agency for which he is responsible; and what were the findings resulting from each visit.

  In the absence of the Chief Executive of SASA only a provisional answer can be provided. I am not aware of any specific fact finding visits undertaken by Dr. Hay in the last 12 months. Any visits made to other Institutes or Agencies have been in connection with his normal duties as Director of SASA.
  159
  If you require any further information, Dr. Hay will return from leave on Wednesday 28 October.

  Letter from J. W. Barron to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 26 October 1992:

  FACT FINDING VISITS

  The Secretary of State for Scotland has passed to me for my interests your question regarding fact finding visits by me during the last twelve months.

  While I have paid a number of courtesy calls on professional bodies in Scotland and on others, including the Land Registry in Dublin, I do not think these fall within the catgegory of fact finding visits.

  Letter from Mr. A. Macleod to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 27 October 1992:

  FACT FINDING VISITS

  The Secretary of State for Scotland has passed to me your question regarding fact finding visits during the last twelve months.

  I have not over this period undertaken any fact finding visits outside the Agency. 1 have of course in performing my duties as Chief Executive undertaken regular visits to SFPA ships and offices at fishing ports in Scotland to meet staff and to keep myself informed about the quality of fisheries enforcement and developments within the fishing industry. I do not believe these fall into the category of fact finding visits.

  Letter from G. Munro to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 30 October 1992:

  The Secretary of State for Scotland has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question which asked if he would list the 'fact finding' visits that I have made in the last 12 months, and my findings.

  I have made a number of visits in the last 12 months to monuments, archaeological sites, and historic buildings in Scotland as part of my responsibilities as Director and Chief Executive of Historic Scotland. These have included visits with the Historic Buildings Council and the Ancient Monuments Board, statutory bodies which advise the Secretary of State on matters affecting the built heritage. Information obtained during these visits has been used to further the work of the agency and to establish improved working relationships with others involved in the care and protection of the built heritage in Scotland.

  Sheriffs
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the rate of remuneration of temporary sheriffs.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The rate of remuneration is at present under review. The current rate, where applicable, is £230 per day.

  Travellers
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each district the number of sites available for travelling people and the pitches on each such site.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The travelling people's sites run by local authorities in Scotland are listed in the table. In addition, it is estimated that around 190 pitches are available privately.

  Water
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response his Department has made to the May 1992 report by County NatWest on privatisation of water services in Scotland; if he will list the dates of all meetings 160
  between representatives of his Department and representatives of County NatWest within the last six months, stating for each what subject was discussed and at what level his Department was represented; if he will list the dates of all meetings between representatives of his Department and representatives of County NatWest planned to take place within the next six months, stating for each what subject will be discussed and at what level his Department will be represented; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: A meeting was held between a representative of County NatWest, at his request, and senior officials of the Scottish Office on 3 June this year to discuss matters arising out of the report in question. No other response was made to the report and no further meetings are planned at present.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the dates of all meetings between representatives of his Department and representatives of(a) the Office of Water Services, (b) the National Risers Authority, (c) the drinking water inspectorate, (d) the Water Services Association and (e) the Water Companies Association within the past six months and planned for the next six months, stating for each what subject was discussed and at what level his Department was represented; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 29 October 1992]: There have been no departmental meetings with representatives of the Office of Water Services, the Water Services Association or the Water Companies Association within the past six months nor are there any meetings planned at present with these organisations. Meetings with officials from the National Rivers Authority take place frequently in the course of normal business and will continue to do so. It is not practicable to list dates and locations of all such contacts.

  On 18 May 1992 senior officials from the Scottish Office met representatives of the drinking water inspectorate to discuss matters within the inspectorate's competence. No further meetings are planned at present.

TRANSPORT

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Norris
  Due to the diverse nature of their work it is difficult to give a precise figure. I estimate that the main task of about 100 civil servants in my Department is work wholly or mainly related to the European Community.

  Coastguard Service
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many sorties were undertaken by Her Majesty's coastguard aircraft stationed at Lee-on-the-Solent in 1991; and how many lives were saved.

  Mr. Norris
  The coastguard S61N search-and-rescue helicopter currently based at Lee-on-Solent undertook 188 sorties and rescued 106 people during 1991.

  Second Severn Crossing
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contracts in the construction or supply of the second Servern crossing are held by foreign companies; what countries are represented; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The letting of contracts relating to the second Severn crossing is entirely a matter for the concessionaire for the project, Severn River Crossing plc, and its contractor for the design and construction of the new bridge, the John Laing-GTM Entrepose Joint Venture. However, I understand from the latter company that the majority of contracts let to date have been awarded to British companies, and that over 90 per cent. of the construction materials to be used in the bridge is expected to come from the United Kingdom.

  Freight
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will instigate a full investigation into ways of shifting freight away from the roads and on to ships.

  Mr. Norris
  Following a seminar last year, and subsequent discussions with interested organisations, the Department is sponsoring two studies in this area. The first is a general overview designed to identify where potential for a road to water shift of freight traffic might exist and what measures might help to encourage such a shift. The second is looking specifically at the scope for using the planning system to encourage use of water, as an alternative to road, where this is economically and geographically viable. We expect to have reports from both studies early in the new year.

  Scheme

  Estimated works cost 1£ million

  Next key stage

  Forecast year

  A21 schemes—From North to South

  Tonbridge Bypass—Pembury Bypass

  13·6

  Public Inquiry

  1993

  Kipping's Cross—Lamberhurst

  9·3

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  Lamberhurst Bypass

  5·4

  Public Inquiry starts

  51992

  Lamberhurst—Flimwell

  7·4

  Public Consultation

  1993

  Hurst Green Bypass

  7·0

  Public Consultation

  1993

  Silver Hill Improvements

  17·0

  Preferred Route Announcement following further consultation

  1993

  Folkestone-Honiton Trunk Road Schemes—From East to West

  A259 Dymchurch—M20 Junction 11

  9·0

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A259 St. Mary's Bay and Dymchurch Bypass

  10·7

  Draft Order Publication

  1992

  A259 New Romney Bypass

  4·0

  Draft Order Publication

  1992

  A259 Brookland Diversion

  1·0

  Decision following Public Inquiry

  1993

  A259 Walland Marsh Improvement

  4·0

  Preferred Route Announcement

  1992

  A259 Rye Bypass

  3 41·9

  Draft Order Publication

  6—

  A259 Winchester Bypass

  318·0

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A259 Guestling Thorn and Icklesham Bypass

  213·3

  Public Consultation

  1993

  A259 Hastings Eastern Bypass

  8·3

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A259 Bexhill and Hastings Western Bypass

  29·7

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A259 Pevensey—Bexhill Improvement

  4·5

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A27 Polegate Bypass

  13·1

  Decision following Public Inquiry

  1993

  A27 Lewes—Polegate

  25·1

  Preferred Route Announcement

  1993

  A27 Brighton and Hove Bypass Contract 4: Kingston—Hangleton

  2 27·7

  Construction completion

  1995

  A27 Worthing—Lancing Improvement

  33·0

  Draft Order Publication

  1992

  A27 Patching Junction Improvement

  6·7

  Decision following Public Inquiry

  1992

  A27 Crossbush Bypass

  23·9

  Construction completion

  1993

  A27 Arundel Bypass

  15·7

  Preferred Route Announcement following further consultation

  1992

  A27 Westhampnett Bypass

  210·1

  Construction completion

  1993

  M27 Widening between Junctions 4 and 12

  4133·0

  Award of Stage 1 Design Commission

  1993

  162

  School Buses
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to conclude his consultations regarding(a) the compulsory provision of seat belts for school buses and coaches and (b) a reduction from three to two children allowed to travel on a double seat; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: We are continuing to press the European Commission to amend the directives on seat belt and anchorages to allow us to require belts on all seats in minibuses and coaches, irrespective of their use.

  There are no plans at present to reduce from three to two the number of children under 14 allowed to travel on a double seat.

  Road Improvements
  Sir Keith Speed
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the proposed starting dates and estimated costs for road improvements to(a) the A21 trunk road and (b) the Folkestone to Honiton trunk road.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: There are currently six schemes in the national programme for improving the A21 trunk road, and 31 schemes for improving the Folkestone to Honiton trunk road. Starting dates for each scheme will depend on the progress that can be made with the design, statutory and other procedures and the availability of funds.

  The table shows our current forecast year for the next key stage in each scheme and its estimated cost.

  In addition, there are a number of smaller-scale works in the regional programme, mostly aimed at improving safety and traffic flow.
  163

  Scheme

  Estimated works cost 1£ million

  Next key stage

  Forecast year

  A31 M27—Ringwood Improvement

  41·0

  Public Consultation

  1993

  A31 Ringwood—Ashley Heath Improvement

  2·5

  Public Consultation

  1993

  A31 Ashley Heath Grade-separated Junction

  3·0

  Making of Orders

  1993

  A31 Lion Gate—Roundhouse Improvements

  1·8

  Public Consultation

  1993

  A31 Stag Gate Improvement

  2·5

  Public Consultation

  1993

  A31 Winterbourne Zelston Improvement

  2·1

  Public Consultation

  1993–94

  A31 Sturt Lane to Red Post Improvement

  1·5

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A35 Tolpuddle to Puddletown Bypass

  12·3

  Decision following Public Inquiry

  1993

  A35 Stinsford to Cuckoo Lane Improvement

  2·5

  Draft Order Publication

  1993

  A35 Winterbourne Abbas Bypass

  4·6

  Public Consultation

  1994

  A35 Chidecock to Morecombelake Bypass

  7·3

  Draft Order Publication

  1992

  1 November 1987 prices, except where otherwise indicated.

  2 Current prices.

  3 1991 prices.

  41990 prices.

  5 1 December 1992.

  6 Not yet programmed.

  M1
  Mr. Fry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the situation on the M1 motorway on the night of 6 to 7 August, and the closure of the northbound lanes, junctions 16 and 18; and what advance publicity was given of this closure.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 2 November 1992] : On the night of 6 to 7 August, traffic using the northbound carriageway of the M1 motorway was reduced to a single lane from 21.30 hours to allow surfacing works to he carried out. Those works, exacerbated by a number of vehicle breakdowns, led to a build-up of traffic after midnight. Once the extent of the problem was recognised, works were halted for the night at 01.30 hours and the road was fully open to traffic by 02·30 hours.

  The contract works were well publicised before they began at the end of June; radio announcements and press releases were issued warning of possible delays. Throughout the works, the Department's press office kept in touch with the media.

  Motor Cycles (Safety)
  Sir Keith Speed
  To ask the Secretary of state for Transport (1) if he will publish figures showing how much the Transport research laboratory is budgeting to spend for 1992–93 and the next two years on research into secondary safety systems for motor-cycle riders; and if he will list the topics of research that are currently under way at the Transport Research Laboratory in respect of secondary vehicle safety systems for motor-cycle riders;

  (2) if he will publish figures showing his Department's budget for 1992–93 and each of the next two years on the vehicle safety research programme and the components of that programme covering accident investigations and surveys, primary safety vehicle construction standards, motor-cycle safety and injury reduction to vehicle occupants and pedestrians.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The Department's planned expenditure on road safety and environmental research, as reported in the Department of Transport 1992 report, incorporates expenditure on secondary safety systems for motor-cycle riders, as below:
  164

  Year

  £ million

  1992–93

  1·2

  1993–94

  1·2

  1994–95

  1·0

  Current topics being researched by the Transport Research Laboratory are improved helmet design standards; leg protection specifications; air bag restraint systems; and mathematical modelling of motor-cycling impacts.

  These figures can be placed in the context of an overall vehicle safety research programme, as follows.

  1992–93 £ million

  1993–94 £ million

  1994–95 £ million

  Accident investigations and surveys

  0·8

  1·1

  0·7

  Primary safety vehicle construction standards

  1·0

  0·9

  1·3

  Motorcycle safety

  1·4

  1·2

  1·0

  Injury reduction to vehicle occupants and pedestrians

  2·5

  2·4

  2·8

  Total vehicle safety research

  5·7

  5·6

  5·8

  In both the tables, the figures for 1993–94 and 1994–95 include the estimated costs of new research proposals.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Key
  The Department of National Heritage has no civil servants whose main task is work wholly related to the European Community. However, five members of staff are occupied on work which is related mainly to the EC. A significant number of other staff are routinely concerned with EC matters in the context of their normal day-to-day work.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Newton
  One.

  Appointments
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will list all the names of public appointments that he has made, giving the period for which the appointment was made, relevant qualifications of the appointees and what remuneration each currently receives.

  Mr. Newton
  In my capacity as Lord President, I have appointed Mrs. M. Corsar and Mr. J. Miller to the convocation of Heriot-Watt university; Mr. A Bernstein to the court of the Victoria university of Manchester; Dr. R. Brinley Jones, Mr. J. E. Hugh Rees, and Mr. T. C. Wignall to the court of the university college of Swansea; and Lord Prys Davies to the court of the university of Wales. The provisions under which these appointments have been made do not require the nominees to have particular qualifications. In all cases, the appointments have been made for three years ending in 1995. None of the appointments attracts any remuneration.

  1991/92 TEC Expenditure £ million

  TEC

  Gwent

  Mid Glam

  North East Wales

  North West Wales

  Powys

  South Glam

  West Wales

  Youth Training

  8·310

  10·154

  5·526

  6·493

  1·778

  4·400

  12·082

  Compacts

  0·000

  0·100

  0·097

  0·000

  0·000

  0·085

  0·093

  EBP

  0·037

  0·038

  0·026

  0·011

  0·022

  0·002

  0·028

  TPS

  0·000

  0·010

  0·000

  0·000

  0·000

  0·000

  0·002

  WRFE

  1·149

  1·146

  0·599

  0·929

  0·290

  0·787

  1·935

  Employment Training

  4·399

  4·680

  2·520

  2·565

  0·837

  3·274

  8·239

  HTNT

  0·321

  0·122

  0·042

  0·000

  0·000

  0·224

  0·178

  Employment Action

  0·119

  0·245

  0·006

  0·042

  0·003

  0·048

  0·152

  Business Start-Up

  0·910

  1·053

  0·726

  1·196

  0·436

  0·784

  2·154

  BES

  0·582

  0·551

  0·614

  0·397

  0·192

  0·477

  1·441

  LIF

  0·468

  0·715

  0·380

  0·279

  0·363

  0·447

  1·021

  National Development

  0·000

  0·033

  0·000

  0·118

  0·068

  0·165

  0·287

  Management Fee

  1·095

  1·192

  0·827

  0·853

  0·364

  0·978

  1·683

  Total

  17·390

  20·039

  11·363

  12·883

  4·353

  11·671

  29·295

  Explanatory notes

  Youth Training includes Training Credits.

  Employment Training and Employment Action exclude Allowances.

  Business Start-Up was formerly known as the Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

  Abbreviations used:—

  EBP—Education Business Partnerships

  TPS—Teacher Placement Scheme

  WRFE—Work Related Further Education

  HTNT—Higher Technology National Training

  BES—Business Enterprise Scheme

  LIF—Local Initiative Fund

  1992/93 TEC Budgets

  £ million

  TEC

  Gwent

  Mid Glam

  North East Wales

  North West Wales

  Powys

  South Glam

  West Wales

  Youth Training

  7·924

  9·764

  5·115

  6·077

  1·785

  4·786

  11·257

  Compacts

  0·000

  0·000

  0·070

  0·050

  0·000

  0·085

  0·085

  EBP

  0·025

  0·025

  0·025

  0·025

  0·025

  0·025

  0·050

WALES

  Schools (Vandalism)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision is made within the local management of schools system for the cost of repair of damage by vandalism; whether these costs are included within the total budget set for each school or in addition; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Local education authorities may include as part of their local management of schools budget formula a "location factor" which can reflect the incidence of vandalism in particular schools. It is also open to them to draw on their contingency reserves for major costs which a school could not reasonably be expected to meet.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish the budget agreed with each TEC in Wales for 1992–93, broken down into the five major expenditure blocks; if he will give comparable information for each TEC for 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information requested is shown in the tables. The breakdown is in terms of programmes rather than funding blocks since the former are now the basis for agreeing TEC budgets. The figures for 1991–92 relate to actual expenditure.
  167

  TEC

  Gwent

  Mid Glam

  North East Wales

  North West Wales

  Powys

  South Glam

  West Wales

  TPS

  0·022

  0·029

  0·015

  0·018

  0·012

  0·020

  0·036

  WRFE

  1·049

  1·028

  0·555

  0·867

  0·279

  0·747

  1·871

  Careers Partnerships

  0·040

  0·000

  0·080

  0·000

  0·040

  0·035

  0·000

  Careers Libraries

  0·043

  0·050

  0·039

  0·047

  0·024

  0·045

  0·710

  Employment Training

  4·227

  4·767

  2·081

  2·857

  0·885

  3·426

  6·661

  HTNT

  0·341

  0·000

  0·068

  0·065

  0·000

  0·229

  0·000

  Employment Action

  0·899

  1·336

  0·325

  0·786

  0·163

  0·776

  1·029

  Business Start-Up

  0·709

  0·806

  0·429

  0·765

  0·221

  0·401

  1·783

  BES

  0·694

  0·724

  0·894

  0·692

  0·289

  0·797

  1·387

  LIF

  0·356

  0·250

  0·342

  0·257

  0·141

  0·297

  0·601

  National Development

  0·930

  0·100

  0·000

  0·457

  0·055

  0·067

  0·153

  Research and Evaluation

  0·007

  0·029

  0·000

  0·000

  0·000

  0·005

  0·005

  Management Fee

  1·480

  1·653

  1·111

  1·200

  0·496

  1·325

  2·283

  Total

  18·746

  20·561

  11·149

  14·163

  4·415

  13·066

  27·911

  Explanatory notes

  Youth Training includes Training Credits.

  Employment Training and Employment Action exclude Allowances.

  Business Start-Up was formerly known as the Enterprise Allowance Scheme.

  Abbreviations used:—

  EBP—Education Business Partnerships

  TPS—Teacher Placement Scheme

  WRFE—Work Related Further Education

  HTNT—Higher Technology National Training

  BES—Business Enterprise Scheme

  LIF—Local Initiative Fund

  Environmental Monitoring
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to introduce regional UV-B monitoring systems; what initiatives he has taken to encourage Welsh industry to switch to non-ozone-depleting substances; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Plans are under way to extend the monitoring network set up by the National Radiological Protection Board in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of the terrestrial solar UV levels over the United Kingdom.

  The Welsh Office has a continuing programme encouraging businesses to adopt best environmental practice. This includes information on the main alternative technologies available to reduce industry's dependence on ozone-depleting substances. We have also recently established a new network of environmental managers in Wales which aims, inter alia, to raise awareness among business of the importance of phasing out these substances.

  Disabled Children
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many disabled children are currently integrated into mainstream schools in each local education authority in Wales; and how many are granted specialist equipment within each authority.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Information on the provision of specialist equipment for disabled pupils in maintained primary and secondary schools is not collected centrally.

  The number of disabled children, in maintained primary and secondary schools, for whom the local education authority was maintaining a statement of special needs in January, 1991, is given as follows:
  168

  Number

  Clwyd

  1,123

  Dyfed

  562

  Gwent

  1,459

  Gwynedd

  514

  Mid Glamorgan

  2,421

  Powys

  170

  South Glamorgan

  715

  West Glamorgan

  1,894

  Wales

  8,858

  Note: Figures include children in both mainstream classes and special classes/units in maintained primary and secondary schools. Figures for Dyfed, Mid Glamorgan and Powys include a small number of pupils who are receiving education outside of their own authorities.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to prohibit the disposal of toxic ash from waste incineration on landfill sites in Wales.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  It is the responsibility of the appropriate waste disposal authority to ensure through appropriate conditions in a waste disposal licence issued under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 that deposits of this kind do not cause water pollution or danger to public health.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what action his Department is taking to reduce the level of voids in stock managed by Welsh housing associations;

  (2) what action his Department is taking to reduce the level of voids in housing stock managed by Welsh local authorities.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The action which the Department expects both of housing associations and local authorities
  169
  is featured in the published "Agenda for Action on Housing for Wales". The relevant target is that void rates should be below 2 per cent.: the current average for local authorities and housing associations combined is 1·2 per cent. Progress is subject to examination in the context of annual review and monitoring meetings.

  Consultants
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list all of the reports his Department has commissioned from external consultants in each of the past three years; for each of the past three years, how many reports from external consultants to his Department led to further consultancy work being commissioned, stating for each of these who were the original and subsequent consultants and briefly describing the subject matter of the consultancy work; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to advertise the posts of chairman or chairwoman of future national health service trusts.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Present practice is that appointments such as these are not normally advertised.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many respondents were(a) in favour of and (b) against the establishment of the three national health service trusts proposed in Gwent.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information is as follows:

  In support

  Opposed

  Undeclared

  South Gwent Acute Unit

  3

  17

  8

  Gwent Community and Mental Health Unit

  5

  12

  8

  Powys, Gwent and South Glamorgan Ambulance Services

  1

  22

  11

  The views expressed were taken into account alongside other assessments of the applications and their individual merits.

  Transport Grant, Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to announce transport supplementary grant allocations to Clwyd county council; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  An announcement on transport grant support in 1993–94 will be made following the 1992 public expenditure survey.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make available to hon. Members on the day of issue press releases issued by his Department.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Yes, whenever practicable.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. David Hunt
  There are currently 49 staff in my Department employed wholly or mainly on work related to the European Community. In addition, European Community matters form part of the duties of a wide range of other officials.

  Development Board for Rural Wales
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To as the Secretary of State for Wales on what date he announced the re-appointment of Mr. Glyn Davies as chairman of the Development Board for Rural Wales.

  Mr. David Hunt
  On 10 March 1992.

  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date he was informed that the Comptroller and Auditor General had qualified the accounts of the Development Board for Rural Wales.

  Mr. David Hunt
  On 12 December, although my Department became aware that the Comptroller and Auditor General was considering qualifying the board's 1991 accounts on 21 August 1991.

  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the National Audit Office report on the retirement settlement to the former chief executive of the Development Board for Rural Wales was available to his Department.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department was sent a copy of the final National Audit Office report in a letter dated 12 December 1991. Although it was first notified of the proposed contents of the National Audit Office report in correspondence dated 1 October 1991.

  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what account he took of the fact that the Public Accounts Committee report was pending on the qualified accounts of the Development Board for Rural Wales when he re-appointed for three years the chairman of the Development Board for Rural Wales.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I announced the re-appointment of Mr. Glyn Davies as chairman of the Development Board for Rural Wales for a further term of three years on 10 March 1992, after taking full account of proceedings in the Public Accounts Committee hearing on 15 January 1992. His previous term of appointment was due to end on 31 March 1992, and the Public Accounts Committee report on the qualified accounts of the Development Board for Rural Wales was not published until 24 September 1992. I also took account of the excellent performance of the Development Board for Rural Wales during Mr. Glyn Davies' chairmanship, examples of which are to be found in Cm 1516.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Nuclear Suppliers Group
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries are currently members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group; what
  171
  consideration has been given to expanding its membership; and what consideration has been given to establishing a secretariat for the group.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The following countries are currently members of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG):

  Australia

  Austria

  Belgium

  Bulgaria

  Canada

  Czech and Slovak Republic

  Denmark

  Finland

  France

  Germany

  Greece

  Hungary

  Ireland

  Italy

  Japan

  Luxembourg

  Netherlands

  Norway

  Poland

  Portugal

  Romania

  Russian Federation

  Spain

  Sweden

  Switzerland

  United Kingdom

  United States of America

  At its plenary meeting in Warsaw in March this year, the NSG agreed to set up a working group on institutional questions whose terms of reference included a review of the criteria for membership of the NSG. The findings of the working group are likely to be discussed at the next NSG plenary next March. There are no plans at present to establish a secretariat.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of Stale for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the involvement of the United Kingdom in the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Kingdom plays an active part in the workings of the Nuclear Suppliers Groups (NSG). Representatives from the United Kingdom attended the last plenary meeting in Warsaw in March and sit on all NSG working groups.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Nuclear Suppliers Group working party studying the control of nuclear dual-use items has completed its work; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Surrey, East (Mr. Ainsworth) on 15 July 1992 at column 735.

  Zangger Committee
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is(a) the current annual expenditure of the Zangger committee and (b) the number of staff in its secretariat.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Zangger committee is an informal body. It has no contributory budget and member states finance their own involvement.
  172
  A member of staff of the United Kingdom mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna acts as secretary to the committee, which meets twice a year, in additional to his other duties.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries are currently members of the Zangger committee; and what consideration has been given to expanding the membership.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The following countries are currently members of the Zangger committee:

  Australia

  Austria

  Belgium

  Bulgaria

  Canada

  Czech and Slovak Republic

  Denmark

  Finland

  France

  Germany

  Greece

  Hungary

  Ireland

  Italy

  Japan

  Luxembourg

  Netherlands

  Norway

  Poland

  Portugal

  Romania

  Russian Federation

  Spain

  Sweden

  Switzerland

  United Kingdom

  United States of America

  The question of which, if any, additional countries should be invited to become members is kept constantly under review.

  Bulgaria, France, Portugal and Spain became members at the last meeting of the committee in Vienna on 22 October.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of the current policies of confidentiality relating to the work of the Zangger committee and the Nuclear Suppliers Group; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In view of the substance of the work of the Zangger committee and the Nuclear Suppliers Group, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is satisfied that it is appropriate that they should discuss matters confidentially. The product of the two groups' work—notably, the lists of items which trigger safeguards—is, of course, made public.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration has been given to merging the Zangger committee and the Nuclear Suppliers Group; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  There are at present no plans to merge the Zangger committee and the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will give details of his proposals to harmonise and improve export controls through the Zangger committee; and if he will make a statement.
  173
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Zangger committee is not an export control body as such. It is an informal international forum for interpreting supplier commitments under article III(2) of the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. The United Kingdom will continue to play an active role in its discussions.

  Japan
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent communications his Department has had with his counterparts in Japan relating to the non-proliferation treaty and the International Atomic Energy Agency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have discussed a wide range of issues with Japanese counterparts in recent meetings. As far as nuclear non-proliferation is concerned, recent contacts have concentrated on formal preparations for the 1995 NPT extension conference. We are also regularly in touch with the Japanese on non-proliferation issues within the auspices of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and the Zangger committee.

  Total

  Southern Cyprus

  Northern Cyprus

  £

  £

  Per cent.

  £

  Per cent.

  Interchange of people

  1,065,207

  623,472

  59

  436,735

  41

  Libraries, books and information

  389,071

  298,471

  77

  90,600

  23

  English language and literature

  135,412

  54,744

  40

  80,668

  60

  Specialist work in science and education

  284,032

  278,352

  98

  5,680

  2

  Arts

  76,250

  73,950

  97

  2,300

  3

  Total

  1,949,972

  1,333,989

  68

  615,983

  32

  The figures supplied in response to the hon. Member's question on 19 October were based on local programme costs.

  International Science and Technology Centre
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to bring to the attention of British commercial organisations the establishment of the international science and technology centre in Russia.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The international science and technology centre is intended to channel the skills and talents of the former weapons scientists in Russia and Ukraine towards suitable civil projects. Her Majesty's Government will seek to bring projects proposed for funding by the centre to the attention of the United Kingdom companies.

  Non-governmental Organisations
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to hold the next routine meeting with non-governmental organisations on arms control, non-proliferation and security matters; and what actions Her Majesty's Government have taken arising from proposals or questions raised at the most recent NGO meeting on security topics.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates(a) he received and (b) he replied to a letter from the constituents of the hon. Member for Gower residing in Norton Mumbles, Swansea, regarding events in Bosnia and Croatia.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We received a letter dated 2 October from Mr. Blank of 4 Castle road, Norton Mumbles, Swansea on 14 October. A reply was sent to Mr. Blank on 22 October.

  British Council (Cyprus)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what was the expenditure by the British Council for Cyprus for(a) interchange of people, (b) libraries, books and information, (c) English language and literature, (d) specialist work in science and education and (e)the arts, during 1991–92; and how much under each heading is identified with (i) Greek Southern Cyprus and (ii) Turkish Northern Cyprus.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Total expenditure in Cyprus in 1991–92—including local and headquarters overheads—was £1,949,972, divided as in the table:

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has no immediate plans to meet non-governmental organisations on arms control, non-proliferation and security matters.

  Officials met representatives of the British Atlantic Committee and Peace Through NATO on 22 October for discussion on these issues. The views and questions raised during the meeting have been noted.

  Nuclear Materials (Theft)
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he records on incidents overseas of(a) the theft of nuclear materials and (b) the attempted sale of stolen nuclear materials; if he will list recent such incidents; what is his assessment of the risks that these activities present; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We keep records of all incidents which come to our attention involving theft or illegal sales of nuclear materials overseas. The three most recent incidents which have been brought to our attention are as follows: the seizure of a small quantity of low-enriched uranium by the Italian authorities in August; two cases in Germany last month in one of which the authorities seized 4·8 pounds of low-enriched uranium and in the other a small quantity of caesium and strontium. All such incidents so far have involved materials of negligible proliferation concern. But we are not complacent. Clearly
  175
  the theft or sale of weapons grade material would represent a severe proliferation danger. We are currently following up reports in a Sunday newspaper of a possible attempted illegal sale of plutonium in Bulgaria.

  Petitions
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what petitions have been received by the United Kingdom in its role a president of the European Council; and what responses have been made by the presidency on behalf of the European Communities.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  We are aware of no formal petitions addressed direct to the United Kingdom as President of the Council of Ministers, although we receive a large number of informal questions and requests as presidency. We have received from the European Parliament one petition addressed to it by the National and Local Government Officers Association on the United Kingdom Local Government and Housing Act; and have taken note.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish for the last year the average time his Department takes to reply to letters from right hon. and hon. Members.

  Mr. Goodlad
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster gave the hon. Member for Cambridgeshire, South-East (Mr. Paice) on 3 July 1992 at column 771.

  The FCO has a target response time of 10 working days for all ministerial correspondence with right hon. and hon. Members. A longer response time may be necessary if there is a heavy volume of correspondence on issues of wide parliamentary and public concern.

  Figures for 1992 will appear in the FCO's next annual report, early in 1993. These will show the number of letters received in the course of the year, the number of replies despatched within the target time and the percentage of the total this represents.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Garel-Jones
  There are approximately 170 officers in my Department, including the aid wing, engaged wholly in EC work. There are no central statistics on the numbers of FCO and DS staff working mainly or partly on EC matters.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average time it takes an adjudicator to make known his findings to an appellant since the appellant made an appeal against a refusal to permit entry clearance from Pakistan to the United Kingdom for a visit.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  All posts overseas, including those in Pakistan, are under instruction to dispatch explanatory 176
  appeal statements within one month of the receipt of an appeal against the refusal of a visit visa. Processing of appeal papers thereafter is a matter for the Lord Chancellor's Department. It advises that the average time between receipt by the appellate authorities of the notice of appeal and explanatory statement and the adjudicator's findings being made known to the appellant is eight months.

  Russia
  Mr. Sims
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response Her Majesty's Government have made to the note from the Russian authorities proposing an end to restrictions on British citizens in Russia.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The British embassy in Moscow replied formally to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 30 October acknowledging the Russian proposal. Our travel notification requirements were originally imposed on Soviet officials in the United Kingdom in response to a corresponding requirement imposed by the authorities of the USSR. In accordance with our policy that this retaliatory measure would be lifted once the Russian measures were abolished, we have ended with effect from 30 October our requirement for resident Russian officials, journalists and business men to give notice of journeys over 25 miles from central London.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  Angola
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent election in Angola.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We support the conclusion of the United Nations Special Representatives in Angola that the legislative and presidential elections held there on 29 and 30 September were free and fair. Together with other members of the international community we condemn the recent violence in Angola and we urge UNITA to accept the result of the election and to proceed to the second round of presidential elections rendered necessary by the inconclusive result of the first round.

  South Africa
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will now join the Commonwealth Committee of Foreign Ministers in South Africa; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  At present, we have no plans to join the Commonwealth Committee of Foreign Ministers in South Africa.

  Consultants
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all of the reports the Overseas Development Administration has commissioned from external consultants in each of the past three years; for each of the past three years, how many reports from external consultants to his Department led to further consultancy work being commissioned,
  177
  stating for each of these who were the original and subsequent consultants and briefly describing the subject matter of the consultancy work; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Detailed in the table are those reports commissioned from external consultants by the Overseas Development Administration in connection with its core administrative responsibilities, for each of the past three years. It does not include details of consultants employed under the overseas aid programme. Consultancies are awarded, after competition, to the consultant considered best able to provide value for money in terms of quality of work and price. None of the reports listed led directly to the commissioning of further consultancy work.

  Year

  Report commissioned

  Consultant

  1990

  Review of personnel management

  A. Fowler

  1991

  Review of Aid Management Overseas in Africa

  Sir Terence Streeton

  1991

  Review of Aid Management Overseas in South East Asia

  A. Sutherland

  1991

  Level of Procurement Business

  R. Walsgrove

  1992

  Review of Africa Division

  R. Walsgrove

  1992

  Market Testing and contracting out

  Coopers & Lybrand

  Urban Settlement
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is currently being undertaken by the Overseas Development Administration to assist developing countries to adopt planning zoning policies to prevent prime agricultural land from being used for urban settlement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Assistance is provided in a number of ways to help achieve good urban planning practice. Eighteen overseas planners received training in 1991–92. We are providing physical planners in Lesotho, the Caribbean and St. Helena. We also contribute to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) urban management programme and the United Nations Commission on Human Settlements. The ODA executive agency, the Natural Resources Institute, has established an urban unit which is developing the institute's capacity to respond to issues arising from urban encroachment into the natural and agricultural environment.

  Disasters
  Mr. Bowis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 16 July,Official Report, column 968, if he will give a breakdown of the £600,000 and £250,000 expenditure on disaster preparedness projects.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The breakdown of the £600,000 expenditure in financial year 1991–92 and the £250,000 commitment in financial year 1992–93 on disaster preparedness projects are provided in the tables:178

  Table 1

  Expenditure, by project, on disaster preparedness in financial year 1991–92

  Project

  Expenditure £

  Field testing of "Permatents"

  32,120

  Development of guidelines for building improvement programmes in disaster prone areas

  73,304

  Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) disaster preparedness project

  139,372

  Training of senior Egyptian officials in the development of disaster preparedness

  11,204

  UNDP/UNDRO disaster management training programme

  250,000

  United Kingdom science, technology and engineering committee-fellowship of engineering

  44,050

  Research on Lake Nyos, Cameroon

  3,897

  Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Cholera Pandemic training

  17,490

  Funding of 2 Kashmir students training in earthquake preparedness

  1,925

  Support for UNDRO South Pacific programme office

  28,571

  Total expenditure

  601,933

  Table 2

  Commitment, by project, on disaster preparedness in financial year 1992–1993 (as at 16 July 1992)

  Project

  Commitment £

  Cranfield Disaster Preparedness Centre:

  Funding of pilot study for logistics training and management

  28,396

  Cambridge Architectural Research Ltd and the Disaster Management Centre of Oxford

  88,075

  Study into oil pollution preparedness in the Caribbean Dependant Territories

  31,381

  Research on Lake Nyos, Cameroon

  804

  Funding of Vietnamese Scholar at Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, Bangkok

  3,000

  Study into Taal Volcano, Phillipines

  4,000

  DHA-UNDRO needs assessment consultancy into fire hazards in the Katmandu Valley

  5,882

  ICSU/WHO International Symposium on Tropical Cyclone Disasters, Beijing

  5,730

  Regional Disaster Preparedness-ITDG, Peru

  50,000

  Field testing of "Permatents"

  19,200

  Cranfield Disaster Preparedness Centre consultancy to NIRD India

  6,600

  Funding for Anguillan and Lesothoan participants at Cranfield Disaster Preparedness Course

  13,500

  Total Commitment

  256,568

  Environmental Impact Assessments
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will bring the Overseas Development Administration's environmental impact assessment procedures in line with those used by the Commonwealth Development Corporation.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  All projects under consideration for ODA funding are subjected to assessment for environmental impact, guided by ODA's detailed and comprehensive manual of environmental appraisal. The Commonwealth Development Corporation is currently reviewing its own guidelines on environmental policies and procedures. The
  179
  ODA will ensure through discussion with the CDC that its revised guidelines are consistent with ODA policies and procedures in this area.

  World Bank Projects
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to publish his voting position on World bank projects; and what proposals he has to improve the openness of the World bank procedure.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The proceedings of the World bank board's consideration of projects are confidential so as not to inhibit full and frank discussion. Within this constraint, we consider the procedures of the World bank are as open as can reasonably be expected.

  Sardar Sarovar Dam
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the World bank proposals for funding for the Sardar Sarovar Dam in India.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The World Bank approved loans amounting to $450 million in 1985 as part of a $3 billion project in the Narmada valley in India. In June this year, the report of an independent review committee established by the bank was published. The design and implementation of the project, including the resettlement and rehabilitation, environmental and other aspects were criticised. On 23 October, the bank's board of directors agreed on balance that the best course of action was to continue with bank support for the project on the basis of an action programme with detailed targets, which has been agreed with the Indian authorities.

  A further review will be carried out in April 1993 which will reconsider whether disbursements against the bank's loan can continue. The board welcomed the commitments made by the new Government in India and their considerable efforts to address the problems identified; but we made it clear that disbursements must be suspended in six months' time if real progress on resettlement and rehabilitation and environmental issues have not been made by that time.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when the environmental policies and procedures of the Commonwealth Development Corporation will next be reviewed;

  (2) if non-governmental organisations will be involved in the next review of the environmental policies and procedures of the Commonwealth Development Corporation;

  (3) what process of review will be employed in considering the adequacy of the environmental policies and procedures employed by the Commonwealth Development Corporation.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The Commonwealth Development Corporation's guidelines on its environmental policies and procedures are currently under review. CDC is willing to hold further meetings with environmental NGOs that have expressed a wish to discuss the corporation's investments overseas.
  180
  ODA will ensure through discussion with CDC that its revised guidelines are consistent with ODA policies and procedures in this area.

HEALTH

  Occupational Therapists
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated percentage difference between the number of occupational therapists available and the number required to meet the demands of care in the community.

  Mr. Yeo
  It is acknowledged that the national demand for occupational therapists for all purposes exceeds supply. However, this is being addressed in a number of ways.

  The number of occupational therapists employed in the national health service in England has increased considerably from 3,183 in 1982 to 5,609 in 1991—an increase of 76 per cent. This is planned to increase further to around 7,000 by 1995. The number employed by local authorities in England has also grown substantially from 697 in 1982 to 1,717 in 1991—an increase of 146 per cent.

  There has also been a decline in vacancy rates in the national health service and local authorities. It is anticipated that this decline will continue so that by 1995 the supply and demand for occupational therapists should be approximately in balance.

  School Medical Inspections
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pupils were checked in routine school medical inspections in each year since 1988–89.

  Mr. Yeo
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Dewsbury Health Authority
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the expected relationship between the proposed health authority for west Yorkshire and the existing Dewsbury health authority.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The Yorkshire regional health authority is currently considering responses to its consultation document to establish a new health authority for west Yorkshire. This would cover the area of the existing Calderdale, Dewsbury and Huddersfield health authorities, which would be abolished if the proposed new authority were approved. If the regional health authority decides to recommend its proposals to Ministers, we will need to be satisfied that the proposals will secure the best possible health care for the people of Calderdale, Dewsbury and Huddersfield.

  Epilepsy
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if training in the management of epilepsy is included in social work training at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

  Mrs. Yeo
  In order to qualify for the diploma in social work, students are required to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of health and disability issues. There is no specific requirement that they be trained in the
  181
  management of epilepsy. The Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work has further work in hand to identify the knowledge and skills required of social workers at post-qualifying level.

  NHS Closures
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list each NHS establishment closed in each year since 1974, with the number of beds involved, and the site value on disposal.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally.

  Dr. Helen Zeitlin
  Mr. Fry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she has yet reached a decision on the appeal made by Dr. Helen Zeitlin under paragraph 190 of the terms and conditions of service of hospital medical and dental staff (England and Wales) against her dismissal on the grounds of redundancy by West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  The parties to the appeal have today been informed of my decision to uphold the appeal and accept the recommendation of the professional committee constituted under the paragraph 190 procedures that Dr. Zeitlin's appointment should continue.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the number of civil servants in her Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Sackville
  Thirty-three.

  NHS Premises (Fire Precautions)
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ring-fence the funds required to bring national health service premises up to the legal minimum under proposals for fire legislation.

  Mr. Sackville
  No. Management of national health service premises is devolved to health authorities and trusts. It is for individual authorities and trusts, in the light of their local circumstances, to make the best use of all the resources at their disposal to provide health care services which are cost effective and meet relevant safety requirements.

  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the total cost of bringing all national health service premises up to the legal minimum required with respect to fire legislation in the absence of Crown immunity from prosecution.

  Mr. Sackville
  No specific estimate has been made of the cost of bringing national health service premises up to legal minimum standards. The removal of Crown immunity has not changed the standards of fire safety which health authorities and trusts must observe. They are required to agree with local fire authority a programme for any necessary improvements.
  182

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle) on 18 May,Official Report, column 63, if she will itemise the cost of establishing national health service trusts.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 26 October 1992 at columns 477–80.

  In the first three waves of NHS trusts, a sum of £12,000 per trust was paid to regions to help meet statutory consultation costs. On establishment, £15,000 in the first wave and £25,000 in the second, per trust, was allocated to regions towards conveyancing costs. In addition, £190,000 in the first wave and £226,000 in the second was approved for each trust as a non-recurring revenue addition paid to help cover expenditure incurred during their shadow running period—the period immediately prior to their operational date when they have no access to money of their own. This covers shadow board costs, legal expenses connected with the transfer of assets, employment of staff and other miscellaneous expenses. A similar sum will be allocated for the third wave.

  Totals of £230,000, £279,000 and £164,000 in the first three waves respectively supported training and development costs for units applying for trust status.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of preparing national health service trust applications in(a) the northern region and (b) each district in the north.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Ms. Primarolo) on 30 October 1992 at column 940.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of employing management consultants and private agencies to assist in the preparation of national health service trust applications(a) in the northern region and (b) in each district in the north.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not held centrally.

  Sexual Offenders (Rehabilitation)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements for access to information and expertise her Department has with the Gracewell clinic for rehabilitating sexual offenders; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Yeo
  We are aware of the work undertaken by the Gracewell clinic; Government officials have visited the organisation.

  Patients Charter
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she intends to make the charter standards under the patients charter applicable to fund-holding practices; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The standards in the patients charter which are appropriate to GP fund holders already apply and this has been made clear in guidance.

  Child Abuse
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the reply to the hon. Member for Nottingham, North of 9 March 1989,Official Report, column 607, how many times the interdepartmental working group on child sexual abuse has met since 9 March 1989; and what has been discussed.

  Mr. Yeo
  Since March 1989 the interdepartmental group (IDG) on child abuse has met 15 times and made good progress in addressing a wide range of cross-sector policy issues. The IDG has recently issued a strategic statement on working with offenders, setting out strategic and service objectives for social services departments, health services, and Home Office probation and prison services. A copy of the statement is in the Library.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimates he has of the percentage of children who are sexually abused.

  Mr. Yeo
  Information is not available centrally in the form requested. The information collected centrally relates to the numbers of children who are on the child protection registers. These list all children in the local authority's area who are the subject of an inter-agency protection plan because of the risk of abuse. Child protection registers are therefore not a record of all cases of child abuse. The latest information available relates to the year ending 31 March 1991 and is in the published feedback "Children and Young Persons on Child Protection Registers England 1991". Copies are available in the Library.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress has been made on child sexual abuse since the statement by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 15 May 1989,Official Report, columns 145–48; if she will provide a table of recent, current and proposed research funded by each Government Department relevant to child sexual abuse in each of the years since 1979, listing (a) projects under consideration, with earmarked funding, (b) projects in progress, (c) projects completed, (d) broad themes indentified for research and the actual and projected cost in each case; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) if she will make a statement on the progress which has been made on each of the projects of research on child abuse listed in her predecessor's answer of 27 January 1989, Official Report, column 798;

  (3) what investigations her Department is (a) funding and (b) co-operating on in respect of (i) the sexual abuse of children and (ii) the ritual abuse of children;

  (4) if she will update her answer of 27 January 1989, Official Report, columns 795–98, showing the total amount spent by her Department on research into the sexual abuse of children in each of the years since 1979, listing the name of each project, its cost and completion date.

  Mr. Yeo
  Information is not available centrally in the precise form requested. The "Strategic Statement on Working with Abusers", produced by the inter-departmental group on child abuse, a Department of Health paper "Expenditure on Child Care Research Financial Year 1990/91" and a departmental report on "Progress on the 1992 Child Care Research Strategy", contain information on these matters. Copies of these documents are available in the Library.
  184
  In addition, the Department is funding a research project into cases of organised abuse where there are alleged ritualistic elements. The project is being carried out in collaboration with an Economic and Science Research Council-funded project by researchers from Manchester university.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will establish a regional centre for the research and treatment of sexual offenders and their child victims.

  Mr. Yeo
  I have no plans to do so. It is a matter for the local statutory and voluntary organisations concerned to assess the need and provision for such a regional centre.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what contact her Department has with Governments in the United States of America, Australia and the EC regarding their experience in the creation and running of national institutes for research into child sexual abuse.

  Mr. Yeo
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the then Minister for Health on 14 June 1990 at column 272.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the amount of money being spent by Government Departments on research into the sexual abuse of children(a) at May 1989 and (b) currently; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Yeo
  The following amounts were allocated by Government Departments for research into child sexual abuse.

  1989–90 £

  1992–93 £

  Department of Health

  92,000

  493,000

  Home Office

  72,000

  54,000

  Social Work Services Group (Scottish Office)

  17,000

  112,000

  Total

  181,000

  659,000

  In addition the Department of Health funds a number of projects covering both sexual and physical abuse of children.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities her Department offers to local government to spread the best practice in suspected cases of sexual abuse of children.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Department routinely issues guidance to local authorities and is due to host a continuation of the series of annual national conferences for chairmen of area protection committees, the proceedings of which will be disseminated. In addition, several projects in the Department's central training initiative are concerned with child sexual abuse and as part of the training support programme (child care) a special development group has produced guidelines for local authority training officers to assist them with planning their staff training in his area. The Department's social services inspectorate also produces reports which highlight good practice.

  A new edition of "Working Together" was issued to coincided with the implementation of the Children Act 1989 and reflected the changes introduced by the Act and the greater emphasis on parental participation.
  185
  A centrally funded training initiative was launched in 1986, £689,000 will be given for a range of training projects in 1991–93.

  A training support programme (Child Care and Children Act) was started in 1989–90 to enhance the quality of social services provided for children and their families by increasing and improving training provision for staff who work in this field.

  Guidelines for SSD trainers and managers on child sexual abuse were issued in conjuction with "Working Together". The guidelines provide local authority trainers and managers with overall principles and a framework within which child sexual abuse training should be organised.

  A centrally funded treatment initiative began in 1990–91; £400,000 will be given for a range of projects in 1992–93.

  West Midlands Regional Health Authority
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions she has had with Sir Roy Griffiths on the subject of the National Audit Office report HC 197-IX; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) pursuant to her answer of 22 October, Official Report, column 369, to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett), what will be the form of Sir Roy Griffiths' investigations into West Midlands regional health authority; and if she will make his findings public;

  (3) what discussions she has had on the future of the chair and other senior offices of West Midlands regional health authority with Sir Roy Griffiths.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 22 October 1992 at column 369. Sir Roy Griffiths has been asked to work with West Midlands regional health authority in looking at its management systems in order to allow the authority to discharge its role more effectively in the future. The emphasis of this work is on the procedures adopted by the authority which gave rise to the problems identified by the National Audit Office rather than a specific examination of the competence of individuals. Sir Roy will be keeping the Department in touch with progress and there are no plans for a formal report to be published at the conclusion of his work.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what will be the effect of West Midlands regional health authority's moratorium on capital spending on the time scale for(a) completion of the "Building a Healthy Birmingham" plan generally (b) the rebuilding of the Birmingham women's hospital, (c) the rebuilding of the Birmingham children's hospital and (d) the rebuilding of the elderly service block at Selly Oak hospital.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  A temporary moratorium on capital spending has been imposed by West Midlands regional health authority to enable them to take stock of their capital programme. I understand the region will be discussing the position at the regional health authority meeting on 19 November.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what investigations she has made into the collapse of QA Business Services, the former management services division of West Midlands regional health authority;
  186
  (2) what investigations she has made into the Healthtrac supplies system in West Midlands regional health authority; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Both Healthtrac and QA Business Services are currently the subject of a review by the Audit Commission. We shall consider the conclusions most carefully as soon as they are available.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with Sir James Ackers or other representatives of West Midlands regional health authority on the subject of National Audit Office report HC 197-IX; and what were the results of these discussions.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Discussions about the National Audit report are continuing between the Department and the West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to intervene in the proposed closure of Birmingham's royal orthopaedic and accident hospitals, or the transfer of services from the general hospital, following the publication of National Audit Office report HC 197-IX.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  None. Responsibility for the public consultation on the proposed closures of the royal orthopaedic and accident hospitals and transfer of services to the general hospital rests with South Birmingham district health authority. They are due to discuss the proposal at their district health authority meeting on 4 November when I would hope that general agreement can be reached.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions took place at her meeting with Sir James Ackers of 28 October on his future as chair of West Midlands regional health authority; and what other matters were discussed.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health did not meet Sir James Ackers on 28 October.

  Dentists
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has on the number of dentists in the Birmingham family health services authority withdrawing national health service treatment from their existing patients; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  One dentist out of a total of 355 in the Birmingham family health services authority area has notified his decision to discontinue national health service treatment for 26 adult patients. No dentist has de-registered child patients.

  Anybody who needs help in obtaining NHS dental treatment should contact his or her local family health services authority for advice.

  Nurses Pay Review Body
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the future status of the nurses pay review body and the role it will have in the current year's pay round negotiations.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 29 October 1992 at column 846.

  Yugoslav Children
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children have been admitted into the United Kingdom in the current year, as refugees from the former Yugoslavia; what additional resources the Government have made available to local authorities and voluntary organisations to help with the cost of caring for those children; and whether she will make a statement.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Home Office is responsible for policy and information on asylum issues. Detailed information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. However, I understand that between 2 August and 31 October 1992 a total of 901 dependants—mainly children—arrived in the United Kingdom as dependants accompanying asylum applicants from the former Yugoslavia and have been temporarily admitted. No additional resources have been made available by the Government to local authorities or voluntary organisations.

  South Birmingham Health Authority
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what disciplinary action has been taken against managers in South Birmingham health authority in respect of the deficit facing that authority; and what were the results.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Disciplinary action is a matter for the South Birmingham district and West Midlands regional health authority.

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how widely the KPMG Peat Marwick report into South Birmingham health authority has been circulated; and if she will place a copy in the Library.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The KPMG Peat Marwick report has been formally circulated to the national health service

  Full-time employees on adult rates of pay whose pay was unaffected by absence for the survey pay period: number (thousands) and percentage earning less than £4·65

  April 1992

  Males

  Females

  All

  Region

  Nos 000' s

  Per cent.

  Nos 000's

  Per cent.

  Nos 000's

  Per cent.

  South East

  360

  11

  390

  20

  740

  14

  East Anglia

  80

  20

  70

  39

  150

  27

  South West

  150

  20

  150

  36

  300

  26

  East Midlands

  150

  21

  160

  43

  310

  28

  West Midlands

  180

  19

  210

  42

  380

  27

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  180

  21

  180

  42

  360

  28

  North West

  200

  19

  220

  36

  420

  25

  North

  90

  19

  110

  42

  210

  26

  Wales

  100

  22

  100

  40

  190

  28

  Scotland

  180

  20

  210

  39

  380

  27

  Note: The numbers have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand and so the figures for all employees may differ slightly from the sums of those for males and females.

  Source: New Earnings Survey 1992, Employment Department.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if she will publish tables showing the proportions of manual, non-manual and all full-time employees earning less than(a) £147·85 per week, (b) £197·30 per week and (c) £207·13 per week excluding overtime payments for (i) men, (ii) women and (iii)) both sexes by standard economic region, for Great Britain as a whole and for Northern Ireland;

  (2) if she will publish tables showing the proportion of full-time employees earning less than (a) £120·12,
  188
  management executive, to directors of West Midlands regional health authority and the directors of South Birmingham health authority. Its circulation is a matter for the regional health authority.

EMPLOYMENT

  Homeworkers
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimates she has of the numbers of homeworkers in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  It is estimated that some 667,000 people work at home in the United Kingdom as their main job, including those who are self-employed.

  Earnings
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in the north are earning half or less than half of male average earnings.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Around 90,000 men, including those working part time.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information she has for the currrent year on the number and proportion of(a) male, (b) female and (c) all full-time adult employees in each standard region who earn less than two thirds of median male earnings.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Two thirds of median gross hourly earnings for full-time male adult employees was £4·65 in April 1992. The estimated numbers and proportions of employees earning less than this amount are given in the table.

  (b) £147·85, (c) ·197·30 and (d) £207·13 excluding overtime payments for (i) Great Britain as a whole, (ii) each county in England, (iii) each county in Wales, (iv) each London borough and Greater London as a whole and (v) each regional authority and borough in Scotland.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Due to the considerable amount of information requested, I will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is her estimate of the number and
  189
  proportion of (a) male, (b) female and (c) all full-time adult employees who earn less than 68 per cent. of average earnings in each standard region.

  Full time Employees on adult rates of pay whose pay was unaffected by absence for the survey pay period: number (thousands) and percentage earning less than £5·10

  April 1992

  Males

  Females

  All

  Region

  Nos. 000' s

  Per cent.

  Nos. 000' s

  Per cent.

  Nos. 000 's

  Per cent.

  South East

  520

  16

  530

  27

  1,040

  20

  East Anglia

  110

  29

  90

  50

  200

  36

  South West

  210

  28

  190

  46

  400

  35

  East Midlands

  210

  29

  200

  52

  410

  37

  West Midlands

  250

  27

  260

  53

  510

  36

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  250

  29

  220

  51

  470

  37

  North West

  280

  26

  280

  46

  560

  33

  North

  130

  26

  140

  52

  270

  35

  Wales

  130

  30

  120

  49

  250

  37

  Scotland

  250

  28

  260

  49

  500

  36

  Note: The numbers have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand and so the figures for all employees may differ slightly from the sums of those for males and females.

  Source: New Earnings Survey 1992, Employment Department.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest unemployment figures at the latest possible date; and if she will make a statement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The figure is 2,843,300; this is some 280,700 less than at its peak in July 1986.

  Mr. Mathew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what change there has been in male unemployment in Cornwall over the past 12 months.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  On the unadjusted basis, the number of male unemployed claimants in the county of Cornwall increased by 2,897 between September 1991 and September 1992.

  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make a statement about the current levels of unemployment in London.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In September 1992 the seasonally adjusted figure for people unemployed and claiming benefit in Greater London was 444,600.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in Yorkshire and Humberside are registered unemployed; and what percentage this is of the local work force.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  In September 1992, seasonally adjusted claimant unemployment in Yorkshire and Humberside was 240,100 or 10·1 per cent., of the work force.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action is being taken at a European Community level under the British presidency to help combat unemployment.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My right hon. Friends are fighting to complete the single market and secure a conclusion of the general agreement on tariffs and trade
  190
  Mr. McLoughlin
  In April 1992, 68 per cent. of average gross hourly earnings for all full-time adult employees was £5·10. The estimated numbers and proportions of employees earning less than this amount are given in the table.

  round which is vital for jobs in Europe. We will also continue to oppose job destroying measures like the working time directive.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make a statement on the levels of unemployment within Wakefield metropolitan district.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  In September 1992, claimant unemployment on the unadjusted basis in Wakefield local authority district stood at 14,639.

  Youth Training
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of those leaving youth training in the latest convenient period have found full-time employment within six months.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Forty-five per cent. of young people leaving youth training in 1991 in Great Britain were in full-time employment six months later. A further 20 per cent. were in part-time work or further education or training.

  Qualifications
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures she is taking to produce a better qualified work force.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Erith and Crayford (Mr. Evennett) earlier today.

  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what progress she can report towards a national system of vocational qualifications.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The National Council for Vocational Qualifications (NCVQ) is undertaking the lead role in the reform of the vocational qualifications system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Scottish Vocational Education Council (SCOTVEC) is undertaking parallel work in Scotland.
  191
  NCVQ and SCOTVEC are on target to have accredited by the end of 1992 national vocational qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish vocational qualifications (SVQs) covering 80 per cent. of the employed population at levels 1 to 4 of the national framework. These cover all the most economically significant occupations.

  SVQs are based on the same standards of competence as NVQs and both sets of qualifications are therefore fully compatible. For the first time we will have a genuinely United Kingdom-wide system of vocational qualifications.

  Coal Mining Communities
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the latest steps she has taken to ensure continuing employment for mineworkers and school leavers in mining areas; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  A substantial package of employment and training measures to assist areas affected by colliery closures is set out in my right hon. Friend's letter of 19 October to the Chairman of the Employment Select Committee, a copy of which has been placed in the Library.

  TEC Budgets

  1991–92

  £ million

  Block 1

  1 Block 2

  Block 3

  Block 4

  Block 5

  Essex

  15·00

  6·20

  3·30

  1·90

  2·10

  Hampshire

  20·30

  5·60

  2·70

  1·80

  1·60

  Heart of England

  5·90

  1·70

  1·20

  0·80

  0·90

  Hertfordshire

  10·70

  3·10

  2·40

  1·70

  1·30

  Isle of Wight

  2·00

  0·70

  0·50

  0·60

  0·50

  Kent

  19·00

  6·00

  3·20

  1·60

  1·80

  Milton Keynes/North Buckinghamshire

  3·90

  1·20

  0·80

  0·60

  0·60

  Surrey

  6·40

  2·80

  1·80

  1·30

  1·00

  Sussex

  13·50

  5·00

  2·70

  1·30

  1·70

  Thames Valley Enterprise

  11·30

  2·60

  1·90

  2·00

  1·80

  South East Total

  108·00

  34·90

  20·50

  13·60

  13·30

  AZTEC

  4·50

  3·30

  1·60

  0·70

  1·00

  CENTEC

  3·90

  3·80

  2·70

  1·10

  1·20

  CILNTEC

  3·60

  2·60

  1·50

  0·80

  0·60

  LETEC

  12·60

  10·10

  2·70

  1·30

  2·00

  North London

  3·30

  3·90

  1·70

  0·80

  0·70

  North West London2

  3·30

  1·70

  0·90

  0·30

  0·60

  SOLOTEC

  9·90

  4·30

  1·80

  1·40

  1·50

  South Thames

  7·00

  8·60

  3·10

  1·60

  1·80

  West London

  4·50

  2·30

  1·30

  0·90

  0·80

  LONDON TOTAL

  51·60

  40·60

  17·30

  8·90

  10·20

  Avon

  15·00

  6·20

  4·00

  1·30

  2·10

  Devon/Cornwall

  29·60

  11·00

  6·10

  2·60

  3·20

  Dorset

  8·10

  3·00

  2·00

  1·00

  1·10

  Gloucestershire

  7·40

  2·10

  1·60

  0·70

  1·00

  Somerset

  7·30

  2·00

  1·50

  0·70

  1·00

  Wiltshire

  7·40

  1·70

  1·60

  0·70

  0·90

  SOUTH WEST TOTAL

  74·80

  26·00

  16·80

  7·00

  9·30

  Birmingham

  21·40

  17·30

  4·10

  1·60

  2·30

  Central England

  5·80

  2·30

  1·40

  0·60

  0·80

  Coventry/Warwickshire

  14·80

  5·40

  2·60

  1·80

  1·60

  Dudley

  6·00

  3·10

  0·90

  0·50

  0·70

  HAWTEC

  5·60

  2·10

  1·20

  0·70

  0·70

  Sandwell

  5·90

  3·20

  1·00

  0·50

  0·80

  Shropshire

  7·60

  3·00

  1·50

  0·50

  0·80

  Staffordshire

  21·50

  6·40

  2·90

  1·40

  1·80

  Walsall

  5·20

  3·40

  0·90

  0·40

  0·70

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make a statement on the funding of training and enterprise councils in 1992–93.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Training and enterprise councils have a key role in working with other bodies towards achieving the Government's strategic priorities for training, enterprise and vocational education. We have made £2·2 billion available for TEC delivered programmes.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will publish the budget agreed with each training and enterprise council in England for 1992–93, broken down into the five major expenditure blocks; if she will give comparable information for each TEC for 1991–92; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The information is not available in the precise form requested as expenditure blocks are no longer the basis for agreeing TEC budgets. Information about TEC programme budgets is available and details are shown on the tables. The £2·1 billion planned expenditure for programmes operated by TECs/LECs for 1992–93, is over £100 million more than was spent last year.
  193

  Block 1

  1Block 2

  Block 3

  Block 4

  Block 5

  Wolverhampton

  5·80

  3·40

  1·00

  0·60

  0·70

  WEST MIDLANDS TOTAL

  99·60

  49·60

  17·50

  8·60

  10·90

  Bedfordshire

  7·60

  2·40

  1·20

  0·70

  0·70

  CAMBSTEC

  3·90

  0·70

  0·80

  0·60

  0·60

  North Derbyshire2

  6·80

  2·20

  1·10

  0·40

  0·70

  South Derbyshire

  10·50

  4·10

  1·80

  0·50

  0·90

  Leicestershire

  14·90

  5·20

  2·70

  1·30

  1·30

  Lincolnshire

  11·90

  3·80

  1·60

  0·90

  1·00

  Norfolk/Waveney

  14·40

  5·00

  2·20

  1·10

  1·20

  Northamptonshire

  7·00

  2·90

  1·40

  0·60

  0·90

  Greater Nottinghamshire

  12·00

  5·10

  2·00

  0·90

  0·90

  North Nottinghamshire

  9·60

  5·10

  1·30

  0·70

  0·80

  Greater Peterborough

  5·20

  1·60

  0·60

  0·30

  0·70

  Suffolk

  9·70

  2·10

  1·30

  0·70

  0·90

  EAST MIDLANDS TOTAL

  113·50

  40·20

  18·00

  8·70

  10·60

  Barnsley/Doncaster

  15·20

  8·30

  1·80

  0·60

  1·40

  Bradford and District

  11·00

  4·90

  1·70

  0·40

  1·20

  Calderdale/Kirklees

  11·20

  5·90

  2·10

  1·00

  1·20

  Humberside

  20·20

  11·40

  3·20

  0·80

  2·00

  Leeds2

  11·70

  6·30

  2·20

  0·80

  1·50

  North Yorkshire

  9·70

  3·60

  2·10

  0·90

  1·10

  Rotherham3

  6·70

  3·60

  1·00

  0·40

  0·80

  Sheffield2

  14·10

  7·20

  2·20

  0·70

  1·50

  Wakefield

  6·50

  3·60

  1·10

  0·40

  1·00

  YORKSHIRE AND HUMBERSIDE TOTAL

  106·30

  54·80

  17·40

  6·00

  11·70

  Bolton/Bury

  7·70

  2·70

  1·40

  0·90

  0·80

  Manchester

  19·30

  10·80

  4·50

  1·80

  2·70

  METROTEC

  5·90

  3·90

  1·00

  0·70

  0·50

  Oldham2

  5·30

  1·60

  0·80

  0·90

  0·50

  Rochdale

  3·40

  2·80

  0·70

  0·40

  0·50

  South and East Cheshire

  6·10

  2·00

  1·30

  1·20

  0·50

  Stockport2

  5·60

  1·70

  1·40

  0·60

  0·60

  NORTH WEST (GM) TOTAL

  53·30

  25·50

  11·10

  6·50

  6·10

  CEWTEC

  11·00

  7·10

  2·40

  0·60

  1·20

  Cumbria

  11·10

  3·70

  1·60

  1·10

  1·10

  ELTEC

  10·40

  3·70

  1·80

  1·20

  0·90

  LAWTEC

  14·50

  6·90

  2·80

  1·10

  1·50

  Merseyside

  20·80

  12·80

  3·60

  0·90

  2·00

  NORMID

  7·40

  2·20

  1·02

  0·50

  0·70

  QUALITEC

  5·70

  2·30

  0·60

  0·40

  0·60

  NORTH WEST (W) TOTAL

  80·90

  38·70

  13·82

  5·80

  8·00

  Durham

  16·80

  11·00

  2·70

  1·80

  2·40

  Northumberland

  7·80

  3·60

  1·60

  1·00

  1·30

  Teeside

  17·80

  11·40

  2·50

  1·00

  2·80

  Tyneside

  22·90

  13·60

  3·50

  2·80

  3·00

  Wearside

  10·40

  7·10

  1·40

  0·90

  1·60

  NORTHERN TOTAL

  75·70

  46·70

  11·70

  7·50

  11·10

  1 Excluding allowances.

  2 Seven TECs do not currently deliver Employment Action. The Department manages the delivery of EA in these areas.

  3 Rotherham TEC did not plan any EA 1991–92.

  TEC Budgets 1992–93

  (£ million)

  YT and credits

  WRFE

  Compacts

  EBPs

  TPS

  Careers partners

  Careers libraries

  Employ training ex. allows

  HTNT

  Employ action ex. allows

  Business enterprise support

  L1F

  National devel project

  Research

  Youth devel project

  TEC MGMT fee

  Essex

  16·02

  2·87

  0·00

  0·03

  0·07

  0·03

  0·12

  7·79

  0·25

  2·03

  2·69

  0·98

  0·06

  0·00

  0·01

  2·54

  Hampshire

  17·54

  3·49

  0·04

  0·03

  0·07

  0·03

  0·17

  5·37

  0·34

  0·93

  3·12

  0·88

  0·05

  0·00

  0·00

  2·07

  Heart of England

  5·70

  0·88

  0·04

  0·03

  0·03

  0·03

  0·07

  1·74

  0·05

  0·36

  1·20

  0·61

  0·12

  0·00

  0·00

  1·32

  Hertfordshire

  13·19

  1·87

  0·00

  0·03

  0·05

  0·00

  0·13

  3·06

  0·40

  0·56

  3·00

  0·35

  0·38

  0·00

  0·00

  1·79

  Isle of Wight

  1·86

  0·30

  0·00

  0·03

  0·01

  0·00

  0·02

  0·55

  0·00

  0·26

  0·49

  0·06

  0·06

  0·00

  0·02

  0·60

  Kent

  1·80

  2·84

  0·00

  0·03

  0·07

  0·02

  0·18

  5·27

  0·55

  1·90

  2·75

  1·27

  018

  0·00

  0·02

  2·5

  Milton Keynes/North Bucks

  3·99

  0·39

  0·00

  0·03

  0·01

  0·00

  0·02

  1·23

  0·00

  0·35

  0·76

  0·35

  0·06

  0·00

  0·00

  0·85

  Surrey

  4·40

  1·84

  0·00

  0·03

  0·05

  0·03

  0·12

  1·50

  0·53

  0·3

  1·85

  0·78

  0·92

  0·00

  0·00

  1·45

  Sussex

  11·26

  2·26

  0·02

  0·06

  0·06

  0·04

  0·21

  5·05

  0·26

  0·96

  3·98

  0·93

  ·001

  0·00

  0·00

  2·06

  Thames Valley Enterprise

  9·23

  2·70

  0·03

  0·05

  0·06

  0·00

  0·13

  2·09

  0·30

  0·89

  2·40

  0·90

  0·15

  0·00

  0·00

  2·28

  194 195

  YT and credits

  WRFE

  Compacts

  EBPs

  TPS

  Careers partners

  Careers libraries

  Employ training ex. allows

  HTNT

  Employ action ex. allows

  Business enterprise support

  LIF

  National devel project

  Research

  Youth devel project

  TEC MGMT fee

  SOUTH EAST TOTAL

  84·99

  19·44

  0·13

  0·35

  0·48

  0·18

  117

  33·65

  2·68

  8·57

  22·24

  7·11

  1·99

  0·00

  0·05

  17·01

  AZTEC

  3·62

  1·36

  0·10

  0·02

  0·02

  0·00

  0·07

  1·65

  0·85

  0·87

  1·46

  0·34

  0·19

  0·00

  0·00

  1·18

  CENTEC

  6·54

  1·35

  0·10

  0·02

  0·03

  0·04

  0·07

  6·59

  0·39

  1·44

  4·18

  0·70

  0·03

  0·00

  0·00

  2·76

  C1LNTEC

  7·25

  1·37

  0·20

  0·01

  0·01

  0·04

  0·04

  5·93

  0·16

  1·33

  2·82

  1·11

  0·19

  0·00

  0·00

  2·16

  LETEC

  12·54

  3·07

  0·15

  0·05

  0·05

  0·08

  0·12

  9·80

  0·52

  2·70

  2·75

  0·71

  0·01

  0·00

  0·00

  3·24

  North London

  4·14

  1·89

  0·10

  0·03

  0·03

  0·00

  0·08

  4·99

  0·86

  1·35

  2·56

  0·58

  0·32

  0·01

  0·00

  1·98

  North West London1

  2·46

  1·66

  0·06

  0·01

  0·02

  0·00

  0·04

  2·83

  0·00

  0·00

  1·34

  0·28

  0·01

  0·03

  0·00

  1·29

  SOLOTEC

  9·09

  1·84

  0·02

  0·03

  0·03

  0·00

  0·10

  3·30

  0·10

  0·82

  1·98

  0·58

  0·26

  0·00

  0·00

  1·97

  South Thames

  9·15

  2·82

  0·20

  0·03

  0·04

  0·04

  0·10

  9·13

  1·14

  2·63

  3·36

  1·17

  0·37

  0·00

  0·00

  2·74

  West London1

  6·56

  2·17

  0·00

  0·08

  0·03

  0·04

  0·08

  2·52

  0·86

  0·00

  1·92

  0·85

  0·18

  0·10

  0·00

  1·88

  London Total

  61·35

  17·53

  0·93

  0·28

  0·26

  0·24

  0·70

  46·74

  4·88

  11·14

  22·37

  6·32

  1·56

  0·14

  0·00

  19·20

  Avon

  11·81

  1·65

  0·10

  0·03

  0·04

  0·04

  0·11

  6·12

  0·63

  1·25

  3·60

  0·70

  0·27

  0·00

  0·00

  2·49

  Devon/Cornwall

  26·31

  3·40

  0·10

  0·05

  0·06

  0·04

  0·18

  9·00

  0·17

  2·07

  5·44

  1·62

  0·17

  0·00

  0·00

  3·86

  Dorset

  7·30

  1·19

  0·02

  0·02

  0·03

  0·04

  0·08

  2·33

  0·58

  0·67

  2·10

  0·49

  0·30

  0·00

  0·00

  1·38

  Gloucestershire

  6·58

  1·00

  0·03

  0·02

  0·03

  0·01

  0·07

  2·00

  0·10

  0·44

  1·80

  0·39

  0·24

  0·00

  0·00

  1·21

  Somerset

  6·39

  1·19

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·05

  2·10

  0·21

  0·50

  1·80

  0·20

  0·07

  0·00

  0·00

  1·18

  Wiltshire

  6·76

  1·29

  0·00

  0·02

  0·03

  0·02

  0·07

  2·13

  0·12

  0·43

  1·90

  0·45

  0·23

  0·00

  0·00

  1·21

  South West total

  65·15

  9·72

  0·25

  0·16

  0·21

  0·17

  0·56

  23·68

  1·81

  5·36

  16·64

  3·85

  1·28

  0·00

  0·00

  11·33

  Birmingham

  20·64

  2·38

  0·10

  0·02

  0·05

  0·04

  0·12

  15·61

  0·87

  2·12

  3·91

  0·59

  0·48

  0·00

  0·04

  2·80

  Central England

  5·11

  0·95

  0·05

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·05

  1·82

  0·07

  0·89

  1·36

  0·29

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  0·06

  Coventry/Warwickshire

  11·86

  1·76

  0·10

  0·04

  0·04

  0·04

  0·11

  4·95

  0·36

  1·10

  2·65

  0·33

  0·15

  0·01

  0·00

  1·88

  Dudley

  5·20

  0·76

  0·10

  0·02

  0·01

  0·04

  0·04

  2·51

  0·12

  0·48

  0·97

  0·26

  0·17

  0·00

  0·03

  1·01

  HAWTEC

  5·47

  0·80

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·07

  1·84

  0·08

  0·49

  1·53

  0·34

  0·15

  0·00

  0·00

  0·98

  Sandwell

  5·46

  0·64

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·00

  0·04

  2·63

  0·10

  0·60

  1·01

  0·30

  0·08

  0·01

  0·00

  1·08

  Shropshire

  7·66

  0·86

  0·10

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·08

  2·41

  0·08

  0·46

  1·43

  0·28

  0·11

  0·00

  0·00

  1·15

  Staffordshire

  20·57

  2·02

  0·00

  0·02

  0·05

  0·03

  0·14

  5·38

  0·38

  0·95

  3·17

  0·62

  0·06

  0·00

  0·00

  2·21

  Walsall

  4·32

  0·52

  0·10

  0·02

  0·01

  0·00

  0·03

  2·31

  0·00

  0·50

  0·87

  0·26

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  0·94

  Wolverhampton

  5·24

  0·61

  0·10

  0·02

  0·02

  3·00

  0·03

  2·50

  0·26

  0·60

  1·00

  0·49

  0·16

  0·00

  0·00

  1·09

  West Midlands Total

  91·53

  11·30

  0·65

  0·22

  0·26

  0·21

  0·71

  41·96

  2·32

  8·19

  17·90

  3·76

  1·47

  0·02

  0·07

  14·20

  Bedfordshire

  5·30

  1·10

  0·00

  0·03

  0·03

  0·03

  0·08

  1·51

  0·66

  0·56

  1·11

  0·36

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  0·95

  CAMBSTEC

  2·64

  0·63

  0·03

  0·02

  0·02

  0·00

  0·06

  0·64

  0·05

  0·33

  0·88

  0·23

  0·03

  0·00

  0·03

  0·78

  North Derbyshire1

  5·09

  0·71

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·05

  2·21

  0·09

  0·00

  1·11

  0·26

  0·06

  0·00

  0·00

  0·92

  South Derbyshire

  8·63

  1·16

  0·10

  0·02

  0·03

  0·02

  0·08

  3·89

  0·14

  0·57

  1·75

  0·58

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  1·25

  Leicestershire

  13·34

  1·57

  0·10

  0·03

  0·04

  0·03

  0·14

  4·02

  0·38

  0·73

  2·90

  0·79

  0·32

  0·00

  0·00

  1·82

  Lincolnshire

  10·19

  1·22

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·03

  0·08

  3·71

  0·15

  1·41

  1·95

  0·28

  0·10

  0·00

  0·04

  1·50

  Norfolk/Waveney

  10·73

  1·65

  0·00

  0·03

  0·04

  0·03

  0·11

  4·82

  0·00

  0·75

  2·16

  0·64

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  1·61

  Northamptonshire

  6·75

  1·17

  0·00

  0·03

  0·03

  0·00

  0·10

  1·69

  0·09

  0·54

  1·60

  0·53

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  1·23

  Greater Nottinghamshire

  9·66

  1·40

  0·02

  0·02

  0·03

  0·04

  0·89

  4·11

  0·32

  0·92

  1·80

  0·34

  0·03

  0·00

  0·00

  1·38

  North Nottinghamshire

  7·37

  0·76

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·04

  0·07

  5·39

  0·00

  0·45

  1·46

  0·32

  0·11

  0·00

  0·00

  1·11

  Greater Peterborough

  4·50

  0·68

  0·05

  0·01

  0·01

  0·00

  0·04

  1·77

  0·00

  0·45

  0·60

  0·27

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  0·92

  Suffolk

  9·53

  0·75

  0·05

  0·03

  0·03

  0·03

  0·08

  1·66

  0·00

  0·45

  1·36

  0·37

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  1·20

  East Midlands Total

  93·73

  12·82

  0·35

  0·28

  0·32

  0·27

  1·78

  35·42

  1·88

  7·16

  18·68

  4·97

  0·76

  0·00

  0·07

  14·67

  Barnsley/Doncaster

  12·90

  0·90

  0·20

  0·03

  0·03

  0·04

  0·10

  5·50

  0·70

  0·90

  1·50

  0·50

  0·08

  0·00

  0·00

  1·70

  Bradford and District

  10·60

  0·80

  0·10

  0·02

  0·03

  0·00

  0·10

  4·20

  0·10

  0·70

  1·80

  0·50

  0·30

  0·00

  0·00

  1·50

  Calderdale/Kirklees

  9·70

  1·30

  0·10

  0·03

  0·03

  0·03

  0·10

  S·00

  0·20

  0·80

  2·00

  0·40

  0·20

  0·00

  0·00

  1·50

  Humberside

  17·90

  1·60

  0·10

  0·02

  0·05

  0·00

  0·10

  8·50

  1·00

  1·40

  3·20

  1·00

  0·20

  0·00

  0·00

  2·70

  Leeds1

  8·80

  1·30

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·00

  0·10

  5·20

  0·70

  0·00

  2·30

  0·70

  0·20

  0·00

  0·00

  2·00

  North Yorkshire

  8·00

  1·50

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·10

  3·20

  0·10

  0·30

  2·20

  0·60

  0·10

  0·00

  0·00

  1·40

  Rotherham

  5·60

  0·50

  0·10

  0·02

  0·02

  0·00

  0·10

  2·70

  0·40

  0·40

  1·10

  0·40

  0·10

  0·00

  0·00

  1·10

  Sheffield1

  9·50

  1·40

  0·10

  0·02

  0·03

  0·03

  0·10

  6·20

  0·80

  0·00

  2·20

  0·70

  0·20

  0·00

  0·00

  2·10

  Wakefield

  5·30

  0·60

  0·00

  0·02

  0·02

  0·00

  0·10

  3·00

  0·20

  0·50

  1·20

  0·20

  0·10

  0·00

  0·00

  1·30

  Yorkshire and Humberside Total

  88·30

  9·90

  0·70

  0·20

  0·25

  0·12

  0·90

  43·50

  4·20

  5·00

  17·50

  5·00

  1·48

  0·00

  0·00

  15·30

  Bolton/Bury

  6·88

  1·03

  0·10

  0·02

  0·02

  0·03

  0·05

  2·12

  0·21

  0·71

  1·53

  0·27

  0·45

  0·00

  0·00

  0·97

  Manchester

  16·41

  2·59

  0·20

  0·04

  0·06

  0·05

  0·13

  8·71

  0·85

  1·68

  4·32

  0·45

  0·34

  0·00

  0·00

  3·50

  METROTEC

  5·31

  0·73

  0·10

  0·01

  0·02

  0·03

  0·03

  2·18

  0·20

  0·43

  1·15

  0·25

  0·01

  0·00

  0·00

  0·84

  Oldham

  4·83

  0·41

  0·10

  0·01

  0·01

  0·03

  0·02

  1·54

  0·07

  0·29

  0·78

  0·27

  0·06

  0·00

  0·00

  0·76

  Rochdale

  3·77

  0·53

  0·10

  0·01

  0·01

  0·03

  0·02

  2·13

  0·00

  0·45

  0·74

  0·27

  0·06

  0·00

  0·00

  0·74

  South and East Cheshire

  6·48

  0·68

  0·02

  0·01

  0·01

  0·02

  0·03

  1·92

  0·06

  0·70

  1·36

  0·27

  0·45

  0·01

  0·00

  0·81

  Stockport

  4·73

  0·67

  0·02

  0·01

  0·02

  0·04

  0·04

  1·59

  0·13

  0·23

  1·52

  0·34

  0·17

  0·00

  0·00

  0·96

  North West (GM) Total

  48·41

  6·63

  0·64

  0·12

  0·15

  0·21

  0·33

  20·20

  1·52

  4·49

  11·40

  2·12

  1·54

  0·01

  0·00

  8·59

  CEWTEC

  9·46

  0·99

  0·10

  0·02

  0·03

  0·00

  0·06

  4·98

  0·40

  0·52

  2·40

  0·27

  0·08

  0·00

  0·00

  1·65

  Cumbria

  9·65

  0·77

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·03

  0·07

  2·39

  0·30

  0·66

  1·60

  0·30

  0·41

  0·00

  0·00

  1·44

  ELTEC

  9·31

  1·61

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·07

  3·45

  0·00

  0·46

  1·89

  0·30

  0·33

  0·02

  0·00

  1·28

  LAWTEC

  12·79

  2·39

  0·10

  0·03

  0·04

  0·02

  0·10

  4·89

  1·26

  1·19

  2·76

  0·44

  0·26

  0·03

  0·00

  2·05

  Merseyside

  22·75

  2·21

  0·30

  0·04

  0·05

  0·00

  0·00

  13·19

  0·51

  3·03

  4·30

  0·41

  0·50

  0·00

  0·00

  3·60

  NORMID

  7·17

  0·96

  0·10

  0·02

  0·02

  0·02

  0·05

  2·71

  0·00

  0·34

  1·45

  0·27

  0·19

  0·00

  0·00

  1·27

  QUALITEC

  5·07

  0·42

  0·10

  0·01

  0·01

  0·03

  0·02

  1·95

  0·06

  0·41

  0·62

  0·27

  0·08

  0·00

  0·00

  0·78

  North West (W) Total

  76·20

  9·35

  0·74

  0·16

  0·19

  0·12

  0·48

  33·56

  2·53

  6·61

  15·02

  2·26

  1·85

  0·05

  0·00

  12·07

  Durham

  12·99

  1·05

  0·05

  0·02

  0·03

  0·03

  0·09

  8·45

  0·36

  0·49

  2·48

  1·33

  0·12

  0·00

  0·06

  2·54

  Northumberland

  7·75

  0·41

  0·00

  0·01

  0·01

  0·02

  0·05

  2·89

  0·00

  0·68

  1·30

  0·35

  0·46

  0·00

  0·00

  1·35

  Teeside

  15·66

  1·02

  0·10

  0·02

  0·03

  0·00

  0·09

  9·18

  0·33

  1·29

  2·38

  0·44

  0·00

  0·00

  0·00

  2·83

  Tyneside

  17·04

  1·48

  0·40

  0·04

  0·05

  0·06

  0·11

  10·71

  0·79

  1·64

  3·49

  1·00

  0·43

  0·00

  0·13

  3·08

  Wearside

  7·35

  0·73

  0·10

  0·01

  0·01

  0·01

  0·05

  5·17

  0·65

  0·82

  1·29

  0·52

  0·18

  0·00

  0·00

  1·58

  Northern Total

  60·79

  4·69

  0·65

  0·10

  0·13

  0·12

  0·39

  36·40

  2·13

  4·92

  10·94

  3·64

  1·30

  0·00

  0·19

  11·38

  1 5 TECs do not currently deliver Employment Action. The Department manages the delivery of Employment Action in these areas.

  196

  Manufacturing Employment
  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures she intends to introduce in order to arrest the decline in manufacturing jobs in the north-west region.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Employment Service and training and enterprise councils deliver a wide range of employment, enterprise and training programmes to help unemployed people find the best and quickest route back to employment, whether in the manufacturing or other sectors.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Boyes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will give the latest available figure for(a) registered jobs vacancies and (b)unemployment in the Houghton and Washington constituency; and if she will make a statement.

  People in employment by sex, ethnic origin and occupation group, Spring 1992

  Per cent.

  Region of residence

  All1 origins

  White

  Ethnic minority groups

  Sex Occupation group (SOC)

  All

  Black

  Indian

  Pakistani/ Bangladeshi

  Mixed/ other origins

  GREAT BRITAIN

  Male

  All persons (thousands = 100 per cent.)2

  13,890

  13,274

  606

  143

  229

  101

  133

  1. Managers and administrators

  19

  19

  20

  9

  25

  22

  31

  2. Professional occupations

  11

  11

  14

  10

  17

  3—

  18

  3. Associate professional and technical occupations

  8

  8

  8

  9

  7

  3—

  9

  4. Clerical and secretarial occupations

  7

  7

  8

  10

  9

  3—

  3—

  5. Craft and related occupations

  23

  23

  14

  19

  15

  12

  9

  6. Personal and protective service occupations

  6

  6

  8

  9

  3—

  12

  13

  7. Sales occupations

  5

  5

  7

  3—

  7

  3—

  9

  8. Plant and machine operatives

  14

  14

  15

  18

  13

  25

  3—

  9. Other occupations

  8

  8

  7

  10

  5

  3—

  3—

  Female

  All persons (thousands = 100 per cent.)2

  11,174

  10,701

  465

  155

  178

  30

  101

  1. Managers and administrators

  11

  11

  10

  7

  12

  3—

  11

  2. Professional occupations

  9

  9

  7

  3—

  9

  3—

  3—

  3. Associate professional and technical occupations

  10

  10

  13

  18

  6

  3—

  17

  4. Clerical and secretarial occupations

  27

  27

  23

  23

  25

  3—

  21

  5. Craft and related occupations

  3

  3

  6

  3—

  10

  3—

  3—

  6. Personal and protective service occupations

  14

  14

  14

  22

  5

  3—

  19

  7, Sales occupations

  12

  12

  11

  3—

  13

  3—

  12

  8. Plant and machine operatives

  4

  4

  8

  3—

  13

  3—

  3—

  9. Other occupations

  10

  10

  9

  15

  6

  3—

  3—

  WEST MIDLANDS

  Male

  All persons (thousands = 100 per cent.)2

  1,306

  1,231

  75

  18

  34

  17

  3—

  1. Managers and administrators

  17

  16

  21

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2. Professional occupations

  10

  10

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3. Associate professional and technical occupations

  6

  6

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  4. Clerical and secretarial occupations

  6

  6

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  5. Craft and related occupations

  25

  26

  22

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  6. Personal and protective service occupations

  5

  5

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  7. Sales occupations

  6

  6

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  8. Plant and machine operatives

  18

  18

  21

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  9. Other occupations

  7

  7

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Female

  All persons (thousands = 100 per cent.)2

  1,006

  951

  55

  17

  27

  3—

  3—

  1. Managers and administrators

  10

  10

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2. Professional occupations

  8

  8

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3. Associate professional and technical occupations

  8

  8

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  4. Clerical and secretarial occupations

  25

  25

  20

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  5. Craft and related occupations

  5

  4

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  6. Personal and protective service occupations

  15

  15

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  7. Sales occupations

  11

  11

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  198
  Mr. McLoughlin
  In September 1992 there were 166 unfilled vacancies registered in jobcentres serving the Houghton and Washington parliamentary constituency. The number of unemployed claimants in the constituency, on the unadjusted basis, was 5,226.

  Jobcentre vacancies represent only a minor proportion of the number available in the economy.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will publish a table showing the proportions of(a) men and (b) women, broken down by ethnic origin and employment by occupational group—standard occupational classification—for (i) Great Britain and (ii) the west midlands region in 1992.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Information from the labour force survey is given in the table:
  199

  Region of residence

  All1 origins

  White

  Ethnic minority groups

  Sex Occupation group (SOC)

  All

  Black

  Indian

  Pakistani/ Bangladeshi

  Mixed/ other origins

  8. Plant and machine operatives

  7

  6

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  9. Other occupations

  12

  12

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1 Includes those who did not state their ethnic origin.

  2 Includes those who did not state their occupation, but percentages are based on totals which exclude this group.

  3 Less than 10,000 in cell: estimate not shown.

  Mr. Galbrith
  To ask the Secretary of state for Employment what is her estimate of the number of male and female part-time workers in Great Britain in april.

  Mr. Mc Loughlin
  Estimates of part-time workers are derived from quarterlt employment surveys. These are carried out in March, June, September and December of each year, so April figures are not available. Latest figures are as follows:

  Part-time work force in employment in Great Britain Seasonally adjusted

  Thousand

  Male

  Female

  March 1992

  1,541

  5,145

  June 1992

  1,573

  5,121

  People in employment by sex, ethnic origin with industry group Spring 1992

  Per cent.

  Region of residence

  All origins1

  White

  Ethnic minority groups

  Sex Industry group (SIC 1980)

  All

  Black

  Indian

  Pakistani/ Bangladeshi

  Mixed/ other origins

  GREAT BRITAIN

  Males

  All persons (thousands = 100 per cent.)2

  13,890

  13,274

  606

  143

  229

  101

  133

  0. Agriculture, forestry, fishing

  3

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1. Energy and water supply

  3

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2. Minerals, ores, metals, chemicals

  4

  4

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3. Metal goods, engineering, vehicles

  14

  14

  11

  14

  13

  3—

  3—

  4. Other manufacturing industries

  9

  9

  10

  7

  13

  16

  3—

  5. Construction

  11

  11

  4

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  6. Distribution, hotels and catering, repairs

  17

  17

  30

  17

  31

  41

  34

  7. Transport and communication

  9

  9

  12

  16

  10

  13

  8

  8. Banking, finance, business services, leasing

  11

  11

  9

  10

  8

  3—

  12

  9. Other services4

  19

  19

  20

  26

  17

  12

  25

  Female

  All persons (thousands = 100 per cent.)2

  11,174

  10,701

  465

  155

  178

  30

  101

  0. Agriculture, forestry, fishing

  1

  1

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1. Energy and water supply

  1

  1

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2. Minerals, ores, metals, chemicals

  2

  2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3. Metal goods, engineering, vehicles

  5

  5

  5

  3—

  8

  3—

  3—

  4. Other manufacturing industries

  7

  7

  9

  3—

  16

  3—

  3—

  5. Construction

  2

  2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  6. Distribution, hotels and catering, repairs

  24

  24

  27

  16

  31

  35

  33

  7. Transport and communication

  3

  3

  5

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  8. Banking, finance, business services, leasing

  12

  12

  9

  9

  9

  3—

  3—

  9. Other services4

  43

  43

  43

  58

  30

  35

  44

  WEST MIDLANDS

  Male

  All persons (thousands= 100 per cent.)2

  1,306

  1,231

  75

  18

  34

  17

  3—

  0. Agriculture, forestry, fishing

  3

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1. Energy and water supply

  3

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2. Minerals, ores, metals, chemicals

  5

  5

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3. Metal goods, engineering, vehicles

  23

  23

  25

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  4. Other manufacturing industries

  9

  9

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  5. Construction

  10

  11

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  6. Distribution, hotels and catering, repairs

  18

  17

  28

  3—

  36

  3—

  3—

  7. Transport and communication

  7

  7

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  8. Banking, finance, business services, leasing

  7

  8

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  9. Other services4

  14

  15

  13

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  200
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will publish a table showing proportions of(a) men and (b) women, broken down byethnic origin and employment by industry grou—standard industrial classification—for (i) Great Britain and (ii) west midlands region in1992.

  mr. Mc Loughlin
  Information from the labour force survey is given in the table
  201

  Region of residence

  All1 origins

  White

  Ethnic minority groups

  Sex Occupation group (SOC)

  All

  Black

  Indian

  Pakistani/ Bangladeshi

  Mixed/ other origins

  Female

  All persons (thousands= 100 per cent.)2

  1,006

  951

  55

  17

  27

  3—

  3—

  0. Agriculture, forestry, fishing

  1

  1

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  1. Energy and water supply

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  2. Minerals, ores, metals, chemicals

  3

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3. Metal goods, engineering, vehicles

  7

  7

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  4. Other manufacturing industries

  8

  7

  19

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  5. Construction

  2

  2

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  6. Distribution, hotels and catering, repairs

  24

  25

  23

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  7. Transport and communication

  3

  3

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  8. Banking, finance, business services, leasing

  9

  9

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  3—

  9. Other services4

  41

  42

  36

  66

  3—

  3—

  3—

  Source: LFS estimates.

  1 Includes those who did not state their ethnic origin.

  2 Includes those who did not state their occupation, but percentages are based on totals which exclude this group.

  3 Less than 10,000 in cell: estimate not shown.

  4 Comprises all other public services excluding sanitary, research and development, recreational and domestic services.

  Wages Councils
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many workers in the northern region are currently covered by wages councils orders.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  It is estimated that some 140,000 workers, aged 21 or over, are covered by the wages councils in the wages inspectorate's northern division.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list the number of employees covered by each wages council, indicating the proportion of women in each case.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The estimated number of workers covered by each wages council in March 1992 is detailed in the table. Approximately two thirds of all wages council workers are women, but I regret that there are no estimates of the number of women covered by individual councils.

  Estimated number of workers covered by wages councils: March 1992

  Wages council

  Workers

  Aerated Waters

  4,400

  Boot and Shoe Repairing

  5,000

  Button Manufacturing

  1,000

  Clothing Manufacturing

  118,500

  Coffin Furniture and Cerement Making

  200

  Cotton Waste Reclamation

  300

  Fur

  800

  Flax and Hemp

  400

  General Waste Materials Reclamation

  13,000

  Hairdressing Undertaking

  69,000

  Hat, Cap and Millinery

  4,500

  Lace Finishing

  900

  Laundry

  24,500

  Licensed Non-Residential Establishment

  538,000

  Licensed Residential Establishment and Licensed Restaurant

  417,000

  Linen and Cotton Handkerchief and Household Goods and Linen Piece Goods

  2,800

  Made-up Textiles

  3,500

  Ostrich and Fancy Feather and Artificial Flower

  500

  Perambulator and Invalid Carriage

  2,000

  Retail Bespoke Tailoring

  4,000

  Retail Food and Allied Trades

  490,000

  Retail Trades (Non-Food)

  736,000

  Rope Twine and Net

  2,200

  Sack and Bag

  1,000

  Toy Manufacturing

  11,500

  202

  Wages council

  Workers

  Unlicensed Place of Refreshment

  110,000

  Total

  2,561,000

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the ratio of wages inspectors to wages council establishments and employees covered by wages councils respectively in 1979 and each succeeding year.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The information requested is in the table:

  Year

  Ratio of wages inspectors to estimated number of wages council establishments

  Ratio of wages inspectors to estimated number of employees covered by wages councils

  1979

  1:2,471

  1:17,618

  1980

  1:2,530

  1:17,959

  1981

  1:3,399

  1:23,791

  1982

  1:3,373

  1:23,576

  1983

  1:3,330

  1:23,576

  1984

  1:3,272

  1:23,781

  1985

  1:3,136

  1:22,790

  1986

  1:3,241

  1:23,576

  1987

  1:5,195

  1:33,868

  1988

  1:5,418

  1:35,320

  1989

  1:5,746

  1:37,460

  1990

  1:5,988

  1:37,460

  1991

  1:6,125

  1:38,037

  19921

  1:6,356

  1:40,651

  1 1992 Average number of Wages Inspectors to 30 September 1992.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the present establishment of wages inspectors.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: The present complement of wages inspectors is 71 posts.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of employees covered by wages councils are estimated by her Department as being paid(a) less than the wages council pay rate, (b) at the wages council pay rate and (c) more than the wages council pay rate.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: Estimates, based on an analysis of employers' wage

  203
  records checked by the wages inspectorate, show that only 3 per cent. to 4 per cent. of workers are underpaid. Of the remainder, about one third are paid on, or only just above, the council minimum rate, with two thirds paid significantly above the minimum.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many wages inspectors are at present in post.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 2 November 1992]: There are 55 wages inspectors in post.

  Mineworkers
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will make a statement on the work of the Health and Safety Executive in relation to mineworkers.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I have been asked to reply.

  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 30 October at columns 936–37.Health authorities are responsible for monitoring and assessing the health needs of the populations they serve, and responding to special needs as they arise.

  Disabled People (Grants)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much is currently allocated by her Department to publicise grants established to assist trainees and employees with disabilities; and if she will list the publicity material produced by her Department relating to such grants during 1991 and, to date, in 1992.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  It is not possible to provide the information on expenditure in the form requested.

  The Department provides a variety of grants, free loans and similar financial assistance which were established to assist trainees and employees generally, including any with disabilities. Expenditure on publicising that financial help cannot be broken down to identify an element relating to people with disabilities.

  In addition, there is a range of material which publicises financial assistance aimed specifically at people with disabilities but also publicises other schemes and services. The element relating to grants or other financial assistance cannot be identified separately.

  Information on the resources devoted by training and enterprise councils to publicising grants or similar financial assistance for which they are responsible is not collected centrally.

  The following publicity material relates to grants, free loans and similar financial assistance established to assist only people with disabilities (including employees) and was all available (in this or a slightly different form) in 1991 and, to date, in 1992:

  —Travel of work grants leaflet (PWD1)

  —Personal reader service leaflet (PWD2)

  —Special aids to employment (PWD3)

  —Adaptations to premises and equipment leaflet (PWD4)

  —Working at home with technology (PWD6)

  —Job introduction scheme leaflet (EPWD7)

  —Personal reader service leaflet (EPWD8)

  —Special aids to employment (EPWD9)

  —Adaptations to premises and equipment leaflet (EPWD10)

  —Working at home with technology (EPWD13)

  204

  —Sheltered placement scheme leaflet (SPSL 1)

  —Sheltered placement scheme leaflet (SPSL2)

  There is a wide range of other publicity material which mentions financial assistance that can assist trainees and employees with disabilities, including:

  —Just the job booklet (EMPL45)

  —Job hunting for people with disabilities handbook (PWD16) and tape version

  —Employing people with disabilities sources of help leaflet (PEL2)

  —Employing people with disabilities, multiple sclerosis leaflet (EPWD17)

  —Employing people with disabilities, mental illness leaflet (EPWD18)

  —Employing people with disabilities, mental handicap leaflet (EPWD19)

  —Employing people with disabilities, deaf and hearing impaired leaflet (EPWD20)

  —Employing people with disabilities, epilepsy leaflet (EPWD21)

  —Employing pepole with disabilities, blind and visually impaired leaflet (EPWD22)

  —Employing people with disabilities, haemophilia leaflet (EPWD25)

  —Disabled persons register leaflet (PWD5)

  —Sheltered placement scheme video

  Career Development Scheme
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment for each region, and for Great Britain as a whole, how many applications for loans under the career development scheme have been made in 1992 and how many have been rejected; how many women have been awarded loans; how many employment training participants have been awarded loans; what have been the successful course completion rates in each region; how much has been awarded in total for each region and how much has been recovered; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Information by region on the number of loans approved under the career development loan scheme, numbers of applications rejected, number of loans approved for women, the value of loans approved and the successful course completion rate are shown in the tables. The information given is for the period October 1991 to the end of September 1992.

  Details of the number of ET participants and of the amount of money repaid are not available.

  Further information on career development loans can be found in the 1991–92 annual report. This will be published in mid-November and a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Region

  Number of loans approved

  Rejected applications

  Number of loans for women

  South East

  2,028

  713

  669

  London

  2,068

  1,081

  757

  East Anglia

  383

  164

  122

  South West

  1,066

  247

  346

  West Midlands

  580

  216

  196

  East Midlands

  553

  182

  132

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  710

  507

  234

  North West

  645

  504

  201

  Northern

  450

  140

  124

  Wales

  341

  126

  129

  Scotland

  940

  290

  258

  Great Britain

  9,764

  4,170

  3,168

  205

  Region

  Value of loans (£)

  Course completion rate Per cent.

  South East

  5,705,941

  81

  London

  6,097,653

  85

  East Anglia

  903,894

  77

  South West

  2,611,040

  84

  West Midlands

  1,498,780

  72

  East Midlands

  1,341,318

  75

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,799,379

  78

  North West

  1,698,611

  73

  Northern

  1,106,255

  70

  Wales

  1,001,640

  78

  Scotland

  2,277,714

  77

  Great Britain

  26,042,225

  79

  Training
  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the latest information she has on the percentage of men and women in each occupational group for(a) youth training and (b) employment training; what is the comparable information for one year previously; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) for each region and for Great Britain as a whole, how many and what proportion of all employment training participants were within (a) the guarantee group and (b) the aim group for each year since 1989, and for 1992–93; and if she will make a statement;

  (3) if she will list the qualifications that were achieved by participants for each six-month period of employment training since September 1990.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  As the information is contained in a considerable number of tables, I will write to the hon. Member.

  Ms. Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what arrangements have been made to ensure that unemployed claimants who join a place on employment training do not lose payments and coverage from conditions in mortgage protection insurance policies which require them to obtain regular confirmation from the Employment Service that they are available for and actively seeking work; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mr. Fogden to Ms. Clare Short, dated 3 November 1992:

  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to write to you direct to respond to your Parliamentary Question about what arrangements have been made to ensure that unemployed claimants who join a place on Employment Training (ET) do not lose payments and coverage from conditions in mortgage protection insurance policies which require them to obtain regular confirmation from the Employment Service that they are available for and actively seeking work. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.

  It is our policy to provide factual information to insurance companies, or other organisations, providing the request is accompanied by the consent of the client concerned. After recent meetings between my people and representatives from
  206
  the Association of British Insurers, a standardised insurance form has been designed which will be used in all my offices to ensure that information about clients is supplied swiftly and accurately. This should help insurance companies to reach quick and appropriate decisions on what payments may be due under the terms of the client's policy. The information that we supply to the insurance companies includes the dates that a client has been "signing on" as unemployed, the benefits in payment, whether the client is in part-time employment and whether the claim is suspended or disallowed for any reason, such as a doubt that a client is available for or actively seeking work.

  It may be helpful if I explain the ET payment system. Participation on the programme is voluntary and the general principle governing the entitlement to training allowance is that every trainee should be £10 per week better off than they would be if they remained (or became) unemployed. Training allowance is therefore paid at a level equal to their previous benefit rate but with the addition of a £10 training premium. People on ET cannot simply continue to receive the benefits that they were getting before, for example, unemployment benefit, because by joining ET they cease to satisfy the eligibility conditions for those benefits.

  Whether payments under insurance policies can be made to people who are participating in Employment Training is a matter for the insurance companies, depending on the detailed terms of the policy taken out by the client. In general these require people to be unemployed, available for and actively seeking work in order for payments to be made.

  If however, payments under insurance policies cannot be made, clients may, if they have not already done so, wish to seek help with housing costs through Income Support (IS).

  I hope this is helpful.

  As decided by the Administration Committee of the House of Commons, Chief Executive replies to written Parliamentary Questions will now be published in the Official Report. I will place a copy of this letter in the Library of the House.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list by grade and number employed the staffing costs for the year 1991–92 and the estimate for 1992–93 for the Employment Service.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from M. Fogden to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 3 November 1992:

  As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to write to you direct to respond to your Parliamentary Question asking for a list by grade and number employed, the staffing costs for the year 1991/92 and the estimate for 1992–93 for the Employment Service. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as the Chief Executive of the Agency.

  The number of staff employed by the Employment Service has increased steadily over the last eighteen months. Whilst the overall staff usage is monitored monthly average figures by grade are not produced. A detailed count of staff is carried out annually on 1 April and I am enclosing two sets of tables showing the Employment Service staff in post by grade at the 1 April 1991 and the 1 April 1992.

  During the 1991–92 financial year the Employment Service spent just over £525 million on salaries. The salary allocation for 1992/93 is £624 million.

  As decided by the Administrative Committee of the House of Commons, Chief Executive replies to written Parliamentary Questions will now be published in the Official Report. I will also place a copy of this letter in the Library of the House.
  207

  Employment Service—Staff in post: 1 April 1991

  A. Permanents

  National ES Total

  Employment service staff in post at 1 April 1991

  Full-time actual staff numbers

  Part-time actual staff numbers

  Total posts (NB2p/t = 1f/t)

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  Admin

  1 Grade 3

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  2 Grade 4

  5·0

  —

  5·0

  —

  —

  —

  5·0

  —

  5·0

  3 Grade 5

  15·0

  2·0

  17·0

  —

  —

  —

  15·0

  2·0

  17·0

  4 Grade 6

  17·0

  8·0

  25·0

  —

  —

  —

  17·0

  8·0

  25·0

  5 Grade 7

  143 ·0

  27·0

  170·0

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  143·5

  27·5

  171·0

  6 SEO

  297·0

  86·0

  383·0

  3·0

  10·0

  13·0

  298·5

  91·0

  389·5

  7 HEO

  1,285·0

  867·0

  2,152·0

  7·0

  68·0

  75·0

  1,288·5

  901·0

  2,189·5

  8 HEO(D)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  9 Admin trainee (HEO)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  10 EO

  3,649·0

  6,284·0

  9,933·0

  34·0

  1,231·0

  1,265·0

  3,666·0

  6,899·0

  10,565·5

  11 MT

  5·0

  13·0

  18·0

  —

  —

  —

  5·0

  13·0

  18·0

  12 AO

  4,439·0

  12,271·0

  16,710·0

  88·0

  3,621·0

  3,709·0

  4,483·0

  14,081·5

  18,564·5

  13 AA

  363·0

  989·0

  1,352·0

  9·0

  238·0

  247·0

  367·5

  1,108·0

  1,475·5

  14 Senior personal secretary

  —

  6·0

  6·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6·0

  6·0

  15 Personal secretary

  1·0

  40·0

  41·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  1·0

  40·5

  41·5

  16 Chief typing manager

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  17 Typing manager

  —

  7·0

  7·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  7·5

  7·5

  18 Typist

  2·0

  189·0

  191·0

  2·0

  85·0

  87·0

  3·0

  231·5

  234·5

  19 Trainee typist

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  1·5

  1·5

  20 Reprographics officer

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  21 Total of lines 1–2·0

  10,225·0

  20,791·0

  31,016·0

  144·0

  5,257·0

  5,401·0

  10,297·0

  23,419·5

  33,216·5

  Non-admin

  22 Senior messenger

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  23 Messenger

  63·0

  3·0

  66·0

  2·0

  1·0

  3·0

  64·0

  3·5

  67·5

  24 Security officer IV

  5·0

  —

  5·0

  —

  —

  —

  5·0

  —

  5·0

  25 Security officer V

  23·0

  —

  23·0

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  24·0

  —

  24·0

  26 Telephone operator

  19·0

  61·0

  80·0

  —

  15·0

  15·0

  19·0

  68·5

  87·5

  27 Cleaner

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  3·0

  124·0

  127·0

  1·5

  64·0

  65·5

  28 Driver

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  29 Total of lines 22–28

  114·0

  66·0

  180·0

  7·0

  140·0

  147·0

  117·5

  136·0

  253·5

  30 Graphics Officer

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  31 Graphic Technical Grade

  2·0

  3·0

  5·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  3·0

  5·0

  32 Senior Instructional Officer

  29·0

  —

  29·0

  —

  —

  —

  29·0

  —

  29·0

  33 Higher Instructional Officer

  55·0

  1·0

  56·0

  —

  —

  —

  55·0

  1·0

  56·0

  34 Instructional Officer 1

  195·0

  15·0

  210·0

  —

  —

  —

  195·0

  15·0

  210·0

  35 Senior Industrial Officer

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  36 Senior Economic Assistant

  3·0

  —

  3·0

  —

  —

  —

  3·0

  —

  3·0

  37 Economic Assistant

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  38 Senior Information Officer

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  39 Information Officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40 Accountant (GD7)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  41 Accountant (SEO)

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  42 Accountant (HEO)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  43 Accountant (EO)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  44 Auditor (SEO)

  7·0

  1·0

  8·0

  —

  —

  —

  7·0

  1·0

  8·0

  45 Auditor (HEO)

  20·0

  10·0

  30·0

  —

  —

  —

  20·0

  10·0

  30·0

  46 Senior Assistant Statistician

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  47 Assistant Statistician

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  48 Senior Research Officer

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  1·0

  3·0

  4·0

  49 Research Officer

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  —

  4·5

  4·5

  50 Doctor

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  51 Senior Psychologist

  14·0

  8·0

  22·0

  —

  —

  —

  14·0

  8·0

  22·0

  52 Higher Psychologist

  12·0

  15·0

  27·0

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  12·5

  15·5

  28·0

  53 Psychologist

  3·0

  11·0

  14·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  3·0

  11·5

  14·5

  54 Physiotherapist 1

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  2·5

  2·5

  55 Physiotherapist 2

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  56 Chief Nursing Consultant

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  57 Nursing Consultant

  2·0

  2·0

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  4·0

  58 Senior Social Worker

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  59 Higher Social Worker

  4·0

  3·0

  7·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  3·0

  7·0

  60 Social Worker

  10·0

  10·0

  20·0

  —

  —

  —

  10·0

  10·0

  20·0

  61 Hostel Manager

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  62 Hostel steward

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  63 Hostel Orderly

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  ·5

  2·5

  64 Senior Prof & Tech Officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  65 Higher Prof & Tech Officer

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  66 Senior Training Advisor

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  67 Welfare and Rec Officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  68 Senior Storekeeper

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  208 209

  Employment service staff in post at 1 April 1991

  Full-time actual staff numbers

  Part-time actual staff numbers

  Total posts (NB2p/t = 1f/t)

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  69 Storekeeper

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  70 Timekeeper

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1-·0

  —

  1·0

  71 Assistant Librarian

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  72 Support Manager GD3

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  73 Others (Supp GD1)

  1·0

  7·0

  8·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  1·0

  7·5

  8·5

  74 Others (Supp GD2)

  10·0

  5·0

  15·0

  —

  —

  —

  10·0

  5·0

  15·0

  75 Total of lines 30–74

  396·0

  103·0

  499·0

  1·0

  10·0

  11·0

  396·5

  108·0

  504·5

  Industrial

  76 Labourer

  21·0

  —

  21·0

  —

  —

  —

  21·0

  —

  21·0

  77 Handyman

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  79 Total of lines 75–78

  22·0

  —

  22·0

  —

  —

  —

  22·0

  —

  22·0

  80 Total Permanents (lines 21+29 + 75 + 79)

  10,757·0

  20,960·0

  31,717·0

  152·0

  5,407·0

  5,559·0

  10,833·0

  23,663·5

  34,496·5

  B. Casuals

  81 AO

  426·0

  779·0

  1,205·0

  9·0

  84·0

  93·0

  430·5

  821·0

  1,251·5

  82 AA

  370·0

  888·0

  1,258·0

  6·0

  62·0

  68·0

  373·0

  919·0

  1,292·0

  83 Typist

  1·0

  31·0

  32·0

  —

  10·0

  10·0

  1·0

  36·0

  37·0

  84 Telephone Operator

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  85 Security Officer

  3·0

  —

  3·0

  —

  —

  —

  3·0

  —

  3·0

  86 Messenger

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  1·5

  —

  1·5

  87 Driver

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  88 Cleaner

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  —

  1·5

  1·5

  89 Instructional Officer

  4·0

  2·0

  6·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  2·0

  6·0

  90 Higher Psychologist

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  91 Psychologist

  6·0

  17·0

  23·0

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  6·5

  18·0

  24·5

  92 Social Worker

  —

  4·0

  4·0

  —

  5·0

  5·0

  —

  6·5

  6·5

  93 Hostel Orderly

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  94 Labourer

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  95 Handyman

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  96 Other (Supp GD 1)

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  97 Other (Supp GD 2)

  15·0

  3·0

  18·0

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  15·0

  4·0

  19·0

  98 Total Casual lines 81–97

  830·0

  1,730·0

  2,560·0

  17·0

  168·0

  185·0

  838·5

  1,814·0

  2,652·5

  99 Grand Total (lines 80 + 98)

  11,587·0

  22,690·0

  34·277·0

  169·0

  5,575·0

  5,744·0

  11,671·5

  25,477·5

  37,149·0

  Employment Service—Staff in post: 1 April 1992

  A. Permanents

  National Total

  Full-time actual staff numbers

  Part-time actual staff numbers

  Total posts (NB 2p/t = 1f/t)

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  Admin

  1 Grade 3

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  2 Grade 4

  6·0

  —

  6·0

  —

  —

  —

  6·0

  —

  6·0

  3 Grade 5

  13·0

  2·0

  15·0

  —

  —

  —

  13·0

  2·0

  15·0

  4 Grade 6

  21·0

  7·0

  28·0

  —

  —

  —

  21·0

  7·0

  28·0

  5 Grade 7

  136·0

  29·0

  165·0

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  136·5

  30·0

  166·5

  6 SEO

  308·0

  107·0

  415·0

  3·0

  8·0

  11·0

  309·5

  111·0

  420·5

  7 HEO

  1,223·0

  826·0

  2,049·0

  7·0

  70·0

  77·0

  1,226·5

  861·0

  2,087·5

  8 HEO(D)

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  9 Admin trainee (HEO)

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  10 EO

  4,145·0

  7,333·0

  11,478·0

  55·0

  1,637·0

  1,692·0

  4,172·5

  8,151·5

  12,324·0

  11 MT

  3·0

  19·0

  22·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  3·0

  19·5

  22·5

  12 AO

  6,502·0

  16,249·0

  22,751·0

  77·0

  3,891·0

  3,968·0

  6,540·5

  18,194·5

  24,735·0

  13 AA

  565·0

  1,614·0

  2,179·0

  12·0

  232·0

  244·0

  571·0

  1,730·0

  2,301·0

  14 Senior Personal Secretary

  —

  7·0

  7·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7·0

  7·0

  15 Personal Secretary

  —

  42·0

  42·0

  —

  4·0

  4·0

  —

  44·0

  44·0

  16 Chief Typing Manager

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  17 Typing Manager

  —

  8·0

  8·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  8·5

  8·5

  18 Typist

  1·0

  129·0

  130·0

  —

  87·0

  87·0

  1·0

  172·5

  173·5

  19 Trainee Typist

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  20 Reprographics Officer

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  21 Total of lines 1–20

  12,926·0

  26,378·0

  39,304·0

  155·0

  5,933·0

  6,088·0

  13,003·5

  29,344·5

  42,348·0

  Non-Admin

  22 Senior Messenger

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  23 Messenger

  61·0

  5·0

  66·0

  3·0

  7·0

  10·0

  62·5

  8·5

  71·0

  24 Security Officer IV

  10·0

  5·0

  15·0

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  10·0

  6·0

  16·0

  25 Security Officer V

  16·0

  —

  16·0

  —

  —

  —

  16·0

  —

  16·0

  210 211

  Full-time actual staff numbers

  Part-lime actual staff numbers

  Total posts (NB 2p/t = 1f/t)

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  26 Telephone Operator

  9·0

  45·0

  54·0

  1·0

  19·0

  20·0

  9·5

  54·5

  64·0

  27 Cleaner

  —

  9·0

  9·0

  3·0

  114·0

  117·0

  1·5

  66·0

  67·5

  28 Driver

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  29 Total of lines 22–28

  102·0

  64·0

  166·0

  7·0

  142·0

  149·0

  105·5

  135·0

  240·5

  30 Graphics officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  31 Graphic technical grade

  4·0

  3·0

  7·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  3·0

  7·0

  32 Senior instructional officer

  14·0

  1·0

  15·0

  —

  —

  —

  14·0

  1·0

  15·0

  33 Higher instructional officer

  49·0

  1·0

  50·0

  —

  —

  —

  49·0

  1·0

  50·0

  34 Instructional officer 1

  155·0

  15·0

  170·0

  —

  —

  —

  155·0

  15·0

  170·0

  35 Senior industrial officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  36 Senior Economic Assistant

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  37 Economic assistant

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  38 Senior information officer

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  39 Information officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  40 Accountant (GD7)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  41 Accountant (SEO)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  42 Accountant (HEO)

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  43 Accountant (EO)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  44 Auditor (SEO)

  6·0

  1·0

  7·0

  —

  —

  —

  6·0

  1·0

  7·0

  45 Auditor (HEO)

  12·0

  8·0

  20·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  12·0

  8·5

  20·5

  46 Senior assistant statistician

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  47 Assistant statistician

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  48 Senior Research Officer

  —

  4·0

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  4·0

  —

  6·0

  6·0

  49 Research officer

  —

  3·0

  3·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  3·5

  3·5

  50 Doctor

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  51 Senior psychologist

  13·0

  11·0

  24·0

  —

  —

  —

  13·0

  11·0

  24·0

  52 Higher psychologist

  8·0

  12·0

  20·0

  5·0

  2·0

  7·0

  10·5

  13·0

  23·5

  53 Psychologist

  2·0

  10·0

  12·0

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  2·0

  11·0

  13·0

  54 Phsyiotherapist 1

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  1·0

  2·5

  3·5

  55 Phsyiotherapist 2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  56 Chief nursing consultant

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  57 Nursing consultant

  2·0

  2·0

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  2·0

  4·0

  58 Senior social worker

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  59 Higher social worker

  3·0

  2·0

  5·0

  —

  —

  —

  3·0

  2·0

  5·0

  60 Social worker

  11·0

  7·0

  18·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  11·0

  7·5

  18·5

  61 Hostel manager

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  62 Hostel steward

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  63 Hostel orderly

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  64 Senior Prof & Tech officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  65 Higher Prof & Tech officer

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  66 Senior training advisor

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  67 Welfare and Rec officer

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  68 Senior storekeeper

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  69 Storekeeper

  5·0

  —

  5·0

  —

  —

  —

  5·0

  —

  5·0

  70 Timekeeper

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  71 Assistant Librarian

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  72 Support Manager GD3

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  73 Others (Supp GD1)

  1·0

  9·0

  10·0

  —

  5·0

  5·0

  1·0

  11·5

  12·5

  74 Others (Supp GD2)

  32·0

  6·0

  38·0

  —

  4·0

  4·0

  32·0

  8·0

  40·0

  75 Total of lines 30–74

  336·0

  102·0

  438·0

  5·0

  21·0

  26·0

  338·5

  112·5

  451·0

  Industrial

  76 Labourer

  12·0

  —

  12·0

  —

  —

  —

  12·0

  —

  12·0

  77 Handyman

  7·0

  —

  7·0

  —

  —

  —

  7·0

  —

  7·0

  78

  79 Total of lines 75–78

  19·0

  —

  19·0

  —

  —

  —

  19·0

  —

  19·0

  80 Total Permanents (lines 21+29 + 75 + 79)

  13,383·0

  26,544·0

  39,927·0

  167 ·0

  6,096·0

  6,263 ·0

  13,466·5

  29,592·0

  43,058·5

  B. Casuals

  81 EO

  10·0

  12·0

  22·0

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  10·5

  12·5

  23·0

  82 AO

  765·0

  1,291 ·0

  2,056·0

  7·0

  75·0

  82·0

  768·5

  1,328·5

  2,097·0

  83 AA

  377·0

  1,143·0

  1,520·0

  8·0

  75·0

  83·0

  381·0

  1,180·5

  1,561·5

  84 Typist

  1·0

  11·0

  12·0

  —

  5·0

  5·0

  1·0

  13·5

  14·5

  85 Telephone Operator

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  86 Security Officer

  5·0

  1·0

  6·0

  —

  —

  —

  5·0

  1·0

  6·0

  87 Messenger

  3·0

  1·0

  4·0

  2·0

  —

  2·0

  4·0

  1·0

  5·0

  88 Driver

  89 Cleaner

  —

  —

  —

  —

  10·0

  10·0

  —

  5·0

  5·0

  90 Instructional Officer

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  2·0

  3·0

  91 Higher Psychologist

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  1·5

  1·5

  92 Psychologist

  1·0

  11·0

  12·0

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  1·0

  11·5

  12·5

  93 Social Worker

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  —

  ·5

  ·5

  212 213

  Full-time actual staff numbers

  Part-time actual staff numbers

  Total posts (NB 2p/t = 1f/t)

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  M

  W

  Total

  94 Hostel Orderly

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  1·0

  2·0

  95 Labourer

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  —

  —

  —

  4·0

  —

  4·0

  96 Handyman

  97 Other (Supp GD 1)

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  —

  —

  —

  1·0

  —

  1·0

  98 Other (Supp GD 2)

  17·0

  2·0

  19·0

  —

  —

  —

  17·0

  2·0

  19·0

  99 Total Casual lines 80–98

  1,186·0

  2,477·0

  3,663·0

  18·0

  169·0

  187·0

  1,195·0

  2,561·5

  3,756·5

  100 Grand Total (lines 80+99)

  14,569·0

  29,021·0

  43,590·0

  185·0

  6,265·0

  6,450·0

  14,661·5

  32,153·5

  46,815·0

  Coal Industry
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed in the coal industry(a)in 1987 and (b)at the latest available date.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  There were 62,000 employees in employment in coal extraction and solid fuels in Great Britain in August 1992, the latest date for which information is available. This compares with 142,000 people in August 1987.

  Unemployed Graduates
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is her estimate of the number of graduates in(a)engineering and (b)the social sciences who are currently unemployed.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Occupational Disease
  Ms. Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will give the figures for deaths in the United Kingdom from occupational disease and the numbers of doctors employed in the employment medical advisory service for each year since 1980.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The available figures for deaths due to asbestosis, mesothelioma and other industrial diseases, and for doctors in the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) employment medical advisory service, are given in the table:

  Deaths from occupational diseases, and doctors employed in HSE's employment medical advisory service in Great Britain

  Year

  Asbestosis

  Mesothelioma

  Other diseases

  Doctors

  1980

  102

  458

  697

  71·5

  1981

  137

  472

  633

  75·0

  1982

  128

  504

  624

  64·0

  1983

  121

  573

  655

  65·0

  1984

  129

  624

  531

  62·5

  1985

  140

  615

  587

  62·0

  1986

  166

  702

  524

  60·0

  1987

  144

  808

  484

  55·5

  1988

  152

  862

  —

  46·5

  1989

  157

  900

  —

  45·0

  1990

  163

  882

  —

  46·0

  1991

  —

  —

  —

  47·0

  1992

  —

  —

  —

  52·0

  Note: as at 1 April.

  For asbestosis and mesothelioma, the numbers are of
  214
  death certificates mentioning these conditions. An estimated 100 mesotheliomas annually are not asbestos related. For other diseases, the numbers are for awards of death benefit under the industrial injuries scheme up to the discontinuation of this benefit in April 1988. These figures exclude asbestos-related lung cancers, which are estimated to be about twice as numerous as mesotheliomas.

  Health and Safety Conference
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how her Department will be represented at the health and safety enforcement in Europe conference to be held at the Queen Elizabeth II centre between 9 and 11 November.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The conference is being organised jointly by the Health and Safety Executive and the Institution of Environmental Health Officers; it is a presidency special event which is aimed at those concerned with the enforcement of health and safety legislation in member states of the European Community. I will be giving the keynote speech at the conference. A number of Health and Safety Executive officials will be speaking.

  Redundancies
  Dr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of redundancies in the south-west in the last quarter for which figures are available.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Data on redundancies are obtained from the labour force survey, the confirmed redundancy series having been discontinued. Estimates from the spring 1992 labour force survey show that, in the three months prior to the survey, 25,000 people were made redundant in the south-west.

  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the total number of redundancies in Greater London in the last quarter for which figures are available.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Data on redundancies are obtained from the labour force survey, the confirmed redundancy series having been discontinued. Estimates from the spring 1992 labour force survey show that, in the three months prior to the survey, 37,000 people were made redundant in Greater London.

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the number of civil servants in her Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.
  215
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of civil servants in the Employment Department whose main task is work wholly or mainly related to the European Community is 158, including clerical and secretarial staff. Of these, 62 staff are concerned with applications for grants from the European social fund. Of course the total number of staff who spend a proportion of their time on European Community business is much larger.

  Pharmaceutical Industry
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people were employed in the pharmaceutical industry in each standard region in(a)1979 and (b)currently.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The earliest and most recent consistent estimates of employees in employment in the pharmaceutical industry, by standard region, are from the 1981 and 1989 censuses of employment. Data can be obtained from the NOMIS database in the Library.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  European Community
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the number of civil servants in his Department whose main task is work related wholly or mainly to the European Community.

  Mr. Curry
  Records are not kept to distinguish between staff in my Department who are engaged wholly or mainly on European Community related work and those who are not, and therefore it is not possible to provide an accurate breakdown of numbers. However, estimates given previously and still holding good are that between one quarter and one third of the Department's staff, including common services and support staff, are engaged directly or indirectly on work arising from EC membership. On 1 October 1992 this was between 2,550 and 3,400 people.

  In addition the 1,066 staff of the Intervention Board executive agency are wholly engaged on EC-related work.

  Organic Agriculture
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his intentions with respect to implementing his commitment to seek agreement in the Agriculture Council to provide financial encouragement for organic agriculture.

  Mr. Gummer
  The agri-environment regulation agreed in July provides a framework within which financial aid to encourage organic farming could be provided. Proposals for such a scheme would need to be considered in the context of our agri-environment measures to be presented to the Commission.

  Agri-environment
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new schemes he intends to implement in order to maximise the benefits to the United Kingdom environment and agriculture under the agri-environment regulation.
  216
  Mr. Gummer
  This will have to be considered in the context of the agri-environment measures to be presented to the Commission. We have until July 1993 to present these and will consult widely before taking final decisions.

  Mink
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current number of representations he has received opposing the abolition of the Mink Keeping Order.

  Mr. Soames
  Of the responses received in direct response to the consultation exercise inviting views on the future arrangements for the secure keeping of mink, 21 organisations supported the option of renewing the order instead of letting it lapse. Support for renewal has also been received from two hon. Members.

  Famine Relief
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the charging basis for the use of EC food surpluses for famine relief purposes.

  Mr. Curry
  Community food aid for famine relief purposes is normally supplied free of charge. Member states are reimbursed the full value from the Community budget.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what effect the use of EC food surpluses for famine relief purposes has on the accounting cost of the common agricultural policy.

  Mr. Curry
  Normally, none, because the cost reflecting world market prices is charged to the Community food aid budget, with the difference between the world prices and the EC price—the EC support cost—being charged as CAP expenditure. Exceptionally, however, the full cost of some emergency food aid measures to eastern European countries has been charged to the CAP budget. The 1992 budget contains provisions for 385 mecu—£279 million —for such exceptional measures.

  Trade Deficits
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what is the projected trade deficit for flowers and ornamental plants in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (2) what is the projected trade deficit for sheep and goats in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (3) what is the projected trade deficit for rye and maslin in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (4) what is the projected trade deficit for barley in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;
  217
  (5) what is the projected trade deficit for sugarbeet in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (6) what is the projected trade deficit for cattle including calves in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (7) what is the projected trade deficit for milk in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (8) what is the projected trade deficit for wool in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (9) what is the projected trade deficit for pulses in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (10) what is the projected trade deficit for wheat and spelt in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, respectively shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (11) what is the projected trade deficit for fresh vegetables in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (12) what is the projected trade deficit for seeds in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (13) what is the projected trade deficit for poultry in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (14) what is the projected trade deficit for nursery plants in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  Balance of overseas trade (£ millions)

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992 (to August)

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  Cattle (including calves)

  -25·6

  1·4

  -65·9

  0·8

  -25·2

  0·1

  -35·6

  -1·0

  -3·4

  -0·7

  11·3

  -0·4

  Sheep and goats

  9·2

  -0·8

  20·7

  -0·5

  23·2

  -0·1

  21·3

  0·1

  33·7

  0·0

  23·3

  0·0

  Pigs

  3·4

  1·1

  4·2

  1·8

  9·6

  2·2

  12·3

  3·5

  20·8

  3·5

  20·8

  1·7

  Poultry

  5·2

  6·5

  7·4

  6·3

  8·7

  8·8

  11·6

  8·9

  15·9

  10·3

  11·1

  7·8

  Equines

  56·0

  33·1

  4·7

  -13·3

  -28·6

  -20·5

  -53·3

  -2·7

  -1·7

  3·6

  -13·0

  6·7

  Milk

  -11·9

  2·4

  -9·4

  4·2

  9·6

  3·7

  13·8

  6·1

  33·2

  5·6

  9·3

  1·7

  Eggs

  7·2

  1·3

  7·0

  2·0

  3·2

  1·9

  -19·8

  2·0

  -3·1

  3·2

  1·5

  1·9

  Wheat, spelt and meslin

  11·0

  77·6

  -41·0

  -17·0

  76·2

  125·7

  149·8

  183·0

  304·0

  28·4

  143·7

  58·5

  Barley

  91·0

  84·4

  48·1

  97·6

  13·8

  197·5

  71·6

  78·8

  130·5

  34·7

  67·6

  34·7

  Rye

  -2·8

  -0·1

  -3·5

  0·0

  -1·9

  0·0

  -1·6

  -0·1

  -1·4

  0·0

  -1·3

  0·0

  Oats

  0·2

  0·0

  -0·7

  -0·1

  0·6

  0·2

  -0·5

  -0·1

  1·2

  0·0

  4·3

  -0·1

  Fresh vegetables (excluding potatoes, pulses, hops and sugar beet)

  -369·8

  -112·1

  -379·4

  -129·0

  -416·4

  -123·2

  -456·6

  -152·9

  -470·5

  -157·3

  -365·2

  -66·7

  Potatoes

  -36·9

  -12·6

  -21·2

  -20·2

  -30·6

  -16·8

  -24·1

  -26·8

  -17·0

  -20·9

  13·5

  -32·1

  218
  (15) what is the projected trade deficit for oats and summer cereal mixture in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (16) what is the projected trade deficit for oil seeds and oleaginous fruit except olives in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (17) what is the projected trade deficit for potatoes in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (18) what is the projected trade deficit for fresh fruit in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (19) what is the projected trade deficit for equines in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (20) what is the projected trade deficit for pigs in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (21) what is the projected trade deficit for eggs in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit;

  (22) what is the projected trade deficit for hops in the year 1992–93; and what it was for each of the years from 1987–88 to 1991–92, shown for EC countries and non-EC countries and displayed as a percentage of the total food deficit.

  Mr. Curry
  The table shows figures for the United Kingdom trade balance for the commodity groups requested. However, there is no official information available on trade in "summer cereal mixture" and maslin is only recorded with wheat in the overseas trade statistics. The figures are on a calendar year basis, the form in which they are most readily available. Figures are also given for trade in "Food, Feed and Drink", the Ministry's standard aggregate, but comparisons with this aggregate in percentage terms would not be meaningful. There is no readily available aggregate dealing only with food items.
  219

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992 (to August)

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  EC

  Non-EC

  Pulses (dried)

  79·7

  -78·2

  23·9

  50·5

  73·6

  -71·2

  26·9

  -61·3

  30·8

  43·1

  11·7

  -24·7

  Hops

  -1·9

  -1·7

  -1·6

  -1·5

  1·5

  -1·7

  4·5

  -1·5

  -1·1

  -1·8

  1·1

  -0·5

  Sugar beet

  0·0

  0·0

  0·1

  0·0

  -0·1

  0·0

  -0·1

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  0·0

  Fresh fruit (excluding nuts)

  -453·1

  -460·3

  -447·6

  -494·6

  -553·4

  -482·6

  -578·4

  -587·3

  -575·0

  -606·5

  -388·5

  -488·4

  Oil seeds

  -53·7

  -115·1

  -56·0

  -129·8

  -58·8

  -143·3

  -31·6

  -174·2

  -37·2

  -134·3

  -59·7

  -82·1

  Wool

  12·1

  -173·8

  6·2

  -118·1

  17·8

  -104·6

  29·5

  -71·8

  17·8

  -38·0

  17·8

  -43·9

  Seeds

  -27·7

  -6·3

  -22·3

  -6·3

  -22·7

  -8·2

  -21·9

  -7·4

  -22·8

  -8·7

  -13·7

  -6·1

  Flowers and ornamental plants

  -101·4

  -27·8

  -119·4

  -31·6

  -147·7

  -35·5

  -157·5

  -39·4

  -154·0

  -47·2

  -97·6

  -34·0

  Nursery plants

  -78·5

  -4·5

  -86·4

  -4·6

  -92·1

  -4·7

  -103·6

  -4·5

  -104·4

  -4·2

  -67·0

  -1·7

  Food, feed and drink

  -3,395·7

  -1.714·0

  -3.866·5

  -1,826·4

  -4,109·2

  -1,424·6

  -4,394·2

  -1,552·1

  -3,725·5

  -1,709·4

  -2,700·3

  -1,302·3

  Ostriches
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidelines he has issued to local authorities on dealing with planning applications and welfare issues of commercial ostrich farms; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  The Government have issued planning guidance to local authorities on the agricultural implications of planning applications and development plans, but this does not include specific guidance on ostrich farming.

  The welfare of farmed animals is the responsibility of the state veterinary service which is monitoring ostrich farms. Local authorities have been asked to inform the SVS of any applications for licences to keep ostriches under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 as amended so that their welfare can be monitored.

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many abattoirs are currently operational in(a)the United Kingdom, (b)England, (c)Wales, (d)Humberside and (e)south Humberside; and how many in each section currently meet latest EC hygiene regulations.
  220
  Mr. Soames
  At present all abattoirs in Great Britain operate under licences granted by local authorities. Records are not routinely maintained centrally on the operational status of individual abattoirs, other than those which are approved for intra-Community trade. However, annual statistics derived from state veterinary service visits indicate the following approximate figures for the areas in question:

  (a)United Kingdom—686 abattoirs of which 98 are EC export approved.

  (b)England—554 abattoirs of which 54 are EC export approved.

  (e) Wales—52 abattoirs of which 4 are EC export approved.

  (d)Humberside—13 abattoirs of which 1 is EC export approved.

  (e) South Humberside—1 abattoir which is EC export approved.

  With effect from 1 January 1993 Agriculture Departments will be responsible for licensing all abattoirs. Staff of the state veterinary service are in the process of visiting all abattoirs wishing to continue trading after this date in order to assess their compliance with the Fresh Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) Regulations 1992, which implement the single market hygiene requirements.

  AID TO FORMER SOVIET UNION MONITORING
  AID TO FORMER SOVIET UNION MONITORING
  NATURAL GAS PIPELINES IN RUSSIA: FINANCING
  NATURAL GAS PIPELINES IN RUSSIA: FINANCING
  PLUTONIUM: TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
  PLUTONIUM: TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
  RAF HELICOPTER RESCUE FORCE, SCOTLAND
  RAF HELICOPTER RESCUE FORCE, SCOTLAND
  CAR THEFT PREVENTION: ADVISORY COMMITTEE
  CAR THEFT PREVENTION: ADVISORY COMMITTEE