Written Answers of 19 November 1992

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those agencies in his Department which are being considered for privatisation or contractorisation.

  Mr. Mates
  I refer the hon. Member to a reply given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, South-East (Mr. Paice) by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary State, Office of Public Service and Science on 17 November,Official Report, column 104.

  Announcements about privatisation or contractorisation of Northern Ireland agencies will normally be made as each agency's periodic review of its framework document is completed.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set up an inquiry into assistance by RUC officers to the South African agents, du Randt and Flores.

  Mr. Mates
  No, because I am advised that there is no substance to the allegations.

  Private Detectives
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what use his Department has made of private detectives in each of the last five years; at what cost; and if he will list the firms involved.

  Mr. Mates
  Private detectives have been used as follows:

  Date

  Cost

  Purpose

  1987–88

  £126·05

  Service of Enforcement Notices under the Planning (NI) Order 1972.

  1988–89

  Nil

  —

  1989–90

  £553·25

  To investigate the circumstances of persons claiming compensation against the Department of the Environment as a result of alleged personal injuries.

  1990–91

  £3,090·31

  1991–92

  £2,644·78

  The firms used have not been named in order to protect their identity.

  Government Loans Fund
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the outstanding amounts from the Government Loans Fund for each of the Northern Ireland district councils and other Northern Ireland public bodies.
  294
  Mr. Mates
  The Government Loans Fund was abolished by articles 7 to 15 of the Financial Provisions (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 and its functions were transferred to the Consolidated Fund for Northern Ireland. The amounts owed to the Consolidated Fund in respect of government loans by each of the district councils and other public bodies is set out in the table.

  £

  Antrim Borough Council

  3,179,498

  Ards Borough Council

  3,208,270

  Armagh District Council

  3,053,863

  Ballymena Borough Council

  845,118

  Ballymoney Borough Council

  1,674,124

  Banbridge District Council

  2,817,219

  Belfast City Council

  13,156,729

  Carrickfergus Borough Council

  32,369

  Castlereagh Borough Council

  7,474,718

  Coleraine Borough Council

  3,438,279

  Cookstown District Council

  302,725

  Craigavon Borough Council

  1,429,832

  Derry City Council

  7,973,570

  Down District Council

  5,090,230

  Dungannon District Council

  1,275,374

  Fermanagh District Council

  806,733

  Larne Borough Council

  2,019,767

  Limavady District Council

  1,495,537

  Lisburn Borough Council

  1,858,928

  Magherafelt District Council

  1,053,612

  Moyle District Council

  1,765,237

  Newry and Mourne District Council

  10,166,233

  Newtownabbey Borough Council

  8,087,643

  North Down Borough Council

  10,387,713

  Omagh District Council

  4,501,915

  Strabane District Council

  3,563,347

  Northern Ireland Housing Executive

  1,534,125,582

  Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

  76,761

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  British Subjects
  Mr. Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what compensation is available to British subjects deprived of their livelihood and detained without charge or trial in a foreign country.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  British nationals in these circumstances should seek compensation through the courts of the country concerned.

  Saudi Arabia
  Mr. Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further steps he intends to take to secure the release of Mr. Allan Nicklin from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Her Majesty's ambassador in Riyadh is urging the Saudi Arabian authorities to speed up the process of Mr. Nicklin's departure from Saudi Arabia. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pressed the case with the Saudi Arabian ambassador in London on 17 November 1992.

  Iranian Arms Procurement
  Mr. George Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the resumption of activities in connection with Iranian arms procurement at 4 Victoria street; and what action he intends to take.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have not given approval for the Iranian military procurement offices to be reopened in Britain by the Iranian Government. Any evidence of wrongdoing would be urgently investigated and, if appropriate, would be a matter for the courts.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received from the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the United Nations-sponsored Cyprus peace talks; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The set of ideas produced by the United Nations Secretary-General, and endorsed by the Security Council as the basis for a settlement, was worked through in full in direct talks from 28 October to 11 November. There are significant areas of common ground. Important differences remain, with some Turkish Cypriot positions incompatible with the ideas. We welcome the agreement to resume talks in early March and will continue to play a full part in encouraging progress.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to meet President Vassiliou of Cyprus to discuss the British Government's response to the collapse of United Nations-sponsored Cyprus peace talks in New York; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has no current plans to meet President Vassiliou, but we remain in regular contact with him and all parties to the dispute. The Cyprus talks, chaired by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, have not collapsed: the parties have agreed to resume the talks in March next year.

  Pet Animals
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom ratification and implementation of the Council of Europe convention on pet animals.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I have been asked to reply.

  While existing domestic legislation already fulfils some of the requirements of the Convention, some legislative changes would be required before the United Kingdom could be a party to it. We are currently considering the changes which would be required.

DEFENCE

  Submarine Reactor Cores
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number and location of used nuclear submarine reactor cores held by his Department.
  296
  Mr. Aitken
  Currently some 37 nuclear submarine used reactor cores are stored at BNFL Sellafield. In addition, one nuclear submarine used reactor core is held at each of the following locations: Rosyth royal dockyard, Devonport royal dockyard, and the naval reactor test establishment Dounreay.

  A91 Project Definition Study
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer by the Minister of State for Defence Procurement of 6 November,Official Report, column 530, when the A91 project definition study was commissioned; who is carrying out the study; and what is the cost of the study.

  Mr. Aitken
  The contract for the A91 project definition study was awarded to NNC Ltd. on 24 August 1992. The costs associated with this contract are commercially confidential.

  Heavy Duty Vehicles
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many truck cargo heavy duty vehicles have now been delivered to his Department.

  Mr. Aitken
  Eight.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the volumes of(a) low-level waste, (b) intermediate-level waste and (c) high-level waste stored at (i) AWE Aldermaston, (ii) AWE Burghfield and (iii) AWE Cardiff for each year since 1979.

  Mr. Aitken
  The amounts stored for each year are set out in the table:

  Volumes of low and intermediate-level waste stored at A WE sites

  Volumes are in cubic metres

  Year

  AWE Aldermaston LLW

  ILW

  AWE Burghfield LLW

  AWE Cardiff LLW

  1979

  580

  870

  7

  160

  1980

  720

  370

  5

  80

  1981

  780

  340

  8

  70

  1982

  1,060

  860

  2

  90

  1983

  1,140

  520

  6

  220

  1984

  1,160

  800

  3

  140

  1985

  1,200

  950

  3

  60

  1986

  1,670

  1,140

  3

  210

  1987

  1,340

  1,380

  0·3

  170

  1988

  2,630

  1,570

  0·7

  20

  1989

  2,100

  1,780

  0·7

  20

  1990

  1,680

  1,940

  1

  10

  1991

  1,800

  2,100

  1

  20

  1992

  2,210

  2,200

  1

  50

  Notes:

  1. The apparent change in AWE(A) LLW holdings between 1987 and 1988 is mainly due to revised volume accounting arrangements. Measurement by gross volume of ISO containers was introduced at this time.

  2. Figures stated are holdings in December for each of the years quoted, actual material held fluctuates during the course of the year.

  3. ILW has been accumulating each year since 1983, following suspension of sea dumping.

  4. Figures for AWE(A) and AWE(C) are rounded to the nearest 10m3.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the plutonium processing laboratories in A90 are expected to be declared operational.

  Mr. Aitken
  The plutonium processing facilities in A90 are scheduled to become operational in time to meet the needs of the Trident programme.

  Ancillary Services
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to transfer ancillary services that do not have an offensive or defensive function to the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  The Ministry of Defence, in common with other Government Departments, is testing the quality and value for money of its own in-house services by exposing them to competition from the private sector. We plan, over the next four years, to expose to competition activities that currently cost us £1·2 billion a year. Where the private sector can offer better quality and value for money, the work will be transferred.

  Iraq
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date it was first brought to his attention that Matrix Churchill goods were being used for military purposes in Iraq.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I first became aware in September this year that Matrix Churchill goods might have been used for military purposes in Iraq.

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those agencies in his Department which are being considered for privatisation or contractorisation.

  Mr. Aitken
  All my Department's agencies are periodically reviewed as set out in the procedure described by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science on 17 November,Official Report, column 104.

  Army Pay and Personnel Unit
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian and military personnel are at present employed in the Army pay and personnel unit.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  A total of 389 military and 1,770 civilian personnel are at present employed in the Army's pay and personnel process.

  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are his plans for the relocation and the future size and composition of the Army pay and personnel unit; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  A study examining the most efficient and cost-effective organisation for the Army's personnel function, and recommending a site for the organisation, has just been completed. I hope to be able to announce our proposals and commence consultation with the trade unions and other interested parties shortly.

  Armaments
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the transportation of armaments by rail in Scotland.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  In Scotland, as in any part of the United Kingdom, the Department uses the most convenient and cost-effective methods of transporting armaments. Providing these criteria can be met, movement by rail is, however, the preferred method. All the necessary safety precautions are taken and the relevant safety regulations strictly adhered to, whatever the method of transport.

  "Options for Change"
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what review is being undertaken of the objectives contained within "Options for Change" in the light of the deployment in Bosnia and the possibility of further deployment of British troops.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The Government's plans for force restructuring were developed in the recognition that instabilities and risks to our security would continue to exist in Europe and elsewhere. Nothing in recent events, including the commitment of troops to Bosnia, has invalidated those plans.

  Portland Naval Base
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 October,Official Report, column 802, whether he has sought the views of other NATO countries concerning the closure of the Portland naval base; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  The naval authorities of nations that regularly undertake operational sea training—OST —at Portland have been advised of its proposed transfer to Devonport and have indicated that this would not be a factor in deciding whether they wished to continue participating in OST. We expect to provide the same standard of service to these foreign navies at Devonport.

  House Purchase Scheme
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the new house purchase savings scheme for service personnel.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I am pleased to announce arrangements for the introduction of the service home savings scheme have been completed. It will come into operation on 1 December 1992. The scheme is open to service personnel who have served for three years and who do not already own a home. If they save regularly for at least five years, with monthly contributions from £50 to £200, then when they buy a home, my Department will give them £1 for every £3 they have saved, including interest earned on their savings.

  Four financial institutions have been selected to operate the scheme, and will offer competitive rates on the savings deposited with them. They are:

  Bank of Scotland

  Gartmore Money Management

  Norwich and Peterborough Building Society

  Skipton Building Society

  299
  I am placing in the Library of the House copies of the explanatory brochure on the scheme which is being sent to all service personnel.

  The introduction of this new scheme represents a significant step forward in improving the opportunities for service personnel to become home owners.

  Hydrographic Office
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the performance of the Hydrographic Office in its second year of operation as a defence support agency.

  Mr. Archie Hamilton
  I have today placed in the Library a copy of the Hydrographic Office defence support agency's annual report and accounts for the year 1991–92.

  As the chief executive, Rear Admiral Myres, notes in his foreword, the performance targets set for 1991–92 were not insignificant, and the annual report shows that the Hydrographic Office has met or exceeded all its targets. This has been achieved in a difficult year for the Ministry as a whole, faced with the continuing need to secure economies in defence spending and the chief executive and his staff are to be congratulated.

TRANSPORT

  Overloaded Coaches
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many coaches have been found to be seriously overloaded after arrival at Channel ports from mainland Europe during the last year in which statistics are available.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  Coach traffic from mainland Europe is not specifically targeted for weighing at ports of entry. But of the 506 coaches weighed by the Vehicle Inspectorate at the Department's weighbridge site on the A2 near Dover during the year ending 31 October 1992, the vast majority will have entered the United Kingdom from mainland Europe. Eighty-three coaches—some 16 per cent. of those weighed—were found to be seriously overloaded and were immediately prohibited from continuing their journeys.

  Rail Privatisation
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will ensure that a unified network of rail services is maintained for passengers and freight after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government proposals are set out in "New Opportunities for the Railways", Cm 2012. Railtrack will provide and control the track network. Train services will be provided by private sector operators, including franchisees meeting standards set by a new franchising authority.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to regulate rail fare rises and keep them within inflation after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  Where franchised rail services enjoy significant market power, fares will be controlled through the franchise contracts. In addition, the regulator will be 300
  able to control fares on non-franchised services to protect abuse of monopoly power. Detailed arrangements will be decided later, taking account of the circumstances of individual services: the first franchises will not be let until 1994.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that tickets for rail services will continue to be acceptable across the network after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  We have given a clear commitment to preserve through-ticketing. It will be for operators to negotiate acceptance of each other's tickets, to the extent that the regulator does not decide to impose such a requirement.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will preserve railcards, travelcards, and discount and concessionary fares in his plans for the railway network after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  The offer of discounted ticketing arrangements will be a matter for the operator's judgment, as it is now for BR. In a competitive environment there will be every incentive for operators to seek to attract custom and maximise revenue by such measures. The regulator will have powers to intervene if necessary to ensure that benefits to passengers are maintained.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to ensure rail services with through and connecting trains after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  We expect the involvement of the private sector to ensure a better response to passenger demand for connecting and through services. Railtrack, as the track authority, will be responsible for the overall planning and operation of the timetable, in close consultation with operators and with oversight by the regulator.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will ensure continued comprehensive timetable and passenger information for the entire railway network after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  It will be in the commercial interests of operators to publicise their services and produce timetable information for passengers. If there is any doubt about the extent to which adequate information will be available, the rail regulator will have powers to impose appropriate requirements.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will maintain customer involvement in changes and improvements to rail services after privatisation.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government are well aware of the benefits of the current arrangements and are clear that effective consumer representation needs to be maintained. I have discussed our privatisation proposals with the Central Transport Consultative Committee on a number of occasions and have taken note of its initial views. We intend to publish a document on consumer representation by the end of the year.

  Rail Access
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how he will make it his policy to increase access to stations, in the national railway network, for elderly and disabled persons.
  301
  Mr. Freeman
  The day-to-day operation of the railways, including the provision of all facilities at stations, is currently the responsibility of British Rail. BR has a policy commitment to improve access and facilities for people with mobility problems wherever possible. All major stations have a range of appropriate facilities; BR also issues design guidance on making stations accessible and run extensive disability awareness training programmes for their staff. In addition, it has a special adviser on disability who chairs an advisory group which looks at all proposals for station developments.

  Rail Services (Rural Areas)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to preserve and enhance rail services to rural areas.

  Mr. Freeman
  British Rail is under an obligation to provide services which are comparable generally with those provided in 1988. There is no reason why privatisation of the railways should result in service reductions or closures. Subsidy is not dependent on public ownership of the railways and we have made it clear that we intend to provide subsidy where it is required to maintain socially necessary services.

  A24
  Mr. Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of converting the A24 to dual carriageway from the Worthing border to the Offington roundabout.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  The A24 is the responsibility of West Sussex county council. The Department is not aware of any plans to widen the section between Findon and Offington corner. However, as part of its work in relation to the A27 Worthing-Lancing improvement, the Department has estimated that the cost of dualling this section of the A24 would be between £7·5 million, and £12·3 million, depending on the standard adopted. These costs are at fourth-quarter 1990 prices.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he intends to take to ensure that any market testing by his Department measures like with like and that there is a level playing field for such exercises.

  Mr. Norris
  The White Paper "Competing for Quality", Cm 1730, introduced the concept of the in-house bid to market-testing. The Department is conducting extensive consultations to establish a sound framework within which market-testing exercises will be carried out. It is also ensuring that the experiences of other Departments inform the deliberations. Central Departments are also advising on common issues. Evaluation of bids when received will be carried out with the assistance of the Department's accountancy adviser. Attention to comparing like with like and ensuring a level playing field are central to the Department's procedures.

  Merchant Seamen
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if, during the United Kingdom European presidency, he will seek changes in EC regulations to ensure that most 302
  United Kingdom and European merchant seamen serving on vessels under flags of convenience will not be discriminated against with regard to social security and health arrangements.

  Mr. Norris
  Current EC regulations cover only those seamen serving on vessels operating under a flag of a member state. However, all British seamen working overseas outside the Community are entitled to make voluntary national insurance contributions, thereby preserving their rights to some benefits.

  Networker Trains
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received about the quality of service of the new Networker trains currently being tested on the North Kent suburban lines.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. Friend has not received any representations about the quality of service of the new Networker trains which started coming into service at the beginning of October. The new trains are currently running during the off-peak period in addition to the timetabled trains to see how they perform in passenger service. Once the trains have completed, these trials they will be phased into peak services, probably from the end of November. All off-peak services should be operated by Networkers by May 1993 and the complete replacement of the trains should be complete by the end of 1995–96.

  Petroleum
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the transport of petroleum by rail in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. Friend has received a letter from the hon. Member, and will respond shortly.

  West Highland Railway Line
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions his Department has had with British Rail regarding proposals to end the carriage of petroleum supplies on the West Highland line; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  None. This is a commercial matter for British Rail.

  Strasbourg Air Services
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what effect the single market will have on the ability of British airlines to provide services to and from Strasbourg; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  Existing Community rules allow British airlines to operate services to Strasbourg. These rules, however, contain limitations on the capacity which carriers are entitled to provide, and regulate the fares which can be charged. On 1 January 1993, the Community's single market in air transport takes effect. Capacity limitations will then be removed; and free pricing will be introduced, subject to safeguards against excessively high or predatory fares. The decision to operate services on particular routes remains a matter for the commercial judgment of the airlines.

  Roads (Investment)
  Ms. Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what rate of return on investment is achieved on(a) local safety schemes and (b) motorway widening schemes.

  Mr. Kenneth Carlisle
  [holding answer 13 November 1992]: Returns provided by local authorities indicate that the sums earmarked for local safety schemes in the transport supplementary grant settlement for 1991–92 produced an average first year rate of return of 76 per cent., and over the first three years an average rate of return of 213 per cent.

  Motorway widening schemes are appraised using the COBA and QUADRO computer programs. For those programmed motorway widening schemes that have reached the stage of having a validated cost-benefit assessment based on current traffic forecasts, the average ratio between the discounted benefits and the discounted costs is 3: 1.

ENVIRONMENT

  Council House Sales
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the receipts of local councils from council house sales they have been allowed to spend.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Local authorities have been allowed to spend 25 per cent. of their receipts from council house sales and 50 per cent. of most other receipts. Under regulations which came into force on 13 November 1992, local authorities may spend in full the capital receipts obtained between that date and 31 December 1993 from nearly all sales of council houses and other assets.

  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will allow local authorities to spend more of their council house receipts.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 12 November 1992]: Under regulations which came into force on 13 November 1992, local authorities may spend in full the capital receipts obtained between that date and 31 December 1993 from nearly all sales of council houses and other assets.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what contributions were made by(a) his Department and (b) consultants to his Department, to the international radioactive waste management advisory committee of the International Atomic Energy Agency special meeting held in Vienna in October.

  Mr. Maclean
  The second meeting of the international radioactive waste management advisory committee sub-group on principles and criteria for radioactive waste disposal, which met in Vienna from 27 to 29 October 1992, was attended by an inspector from Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution who participated fully in the discussions which took place.

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those agencies in his Department which are being considered for privatisation or contractorisation.
  304
  Mr. Howard
  None of the agencies for which I am responsible is currently a candidate for privatisation or contractorisation. These are, however, issues that are considered as part of each agency's three-year review; where appropriate, an announcement would be made.

  Competitive Tendering
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what proposals he has to amend the Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) Regulations 1989, S.I., 1989, No. 1588;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to apply regulation 6 of the Local Government (Direct Labour Organisations) (Competition) Regulations 1989, S.I., 1989 No. 1588, on compulsory competitive tendering, to all works of maintenance irrespective of their value.

  Mr. Redwood
  All construction and maintenance work, other than a limited range of highways work, carried out by local authorities on their own account, is subject to the competitive tendering provisions of the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980 and the regulations made thereunder. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport has consulted on proposals to subject the full range of highways work to these provisions, and the responses are being considered. We have no plans to amend the regulations in respect of the limited competition-free allowances provided for work carried out by authorities for other public bodies.

  Private Detectives
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what use his Department has made of private detectives in each of the last five years; at what cost; and if he will list the firms involved.

  Mr. Howard
  None.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions since 1979 his Department has engaged private detective agencies to investigate the activities of British citizens; and if he will list the date and purpose of each investigation.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 18 November 1992]: None.

  Water
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to bring forward proposals for statutory annual reports and audits on water resources management in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Maclean
  No. The present arrangements are adequate. They require the National Rivers Authority, among other things, to prepare annual reports on its activities, including its duty to conserve, and secure the proper use of, water resources; and to publish information from which assessments can be made of the actual and prospective demand for water and of actual and prospective water resources.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to require all planning applications affecting sites of special scientific interest to receive direct ministerial approval.

  Mr. Maclean
  No. Department of the Environment circular 1/92 states that the Secretary of State will normally call in planning applications which are likely to affect SSSIs of international importance and of recognised national importance. Guidance to local authorities and others on how the conservation of our natural heritage is to be reflected in land use planning and development control is set out in circular 27/87. The guidance will be updated in a planning policy guidance note, which will be published shortly.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake further investigation on the type and nature of contamination on all sites which are included on his departmental register of contaminated land.

  Mr. Maclean
  My Department does not keep such a register. We are considering the responses to our proposals for the compilation by local authorities of registers of land which may be contaminated. Authorities have a duty to investigate possible contamination where they consider that this may constitute a nuisance, and to ensure that action is taken where necessary.

  Methyl Bromide
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been undertaken into atmospheric effects of methyl bromide.

  Mr. Maclean
  The best current understanding of the effects of methyl bromide was recently summarised and assessed by the methyl bromide science panel at the request of the United Nations Environment Programme.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account has been taken of the employment effect of pit closures in calculating standard spending assessments.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Proposals for 1993–94 standard spending assessments will be announced shortly as part of the provisional revenue support grant settlement.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to the answer of 12 November,Official Report, column 974, concerning Lord Walker, if he will give details as to the terms, including salary, on which Lord Walker has been appointed chairman-designate of the urban regeneration agency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: Lord Walker will be chairman of the urban regeneration agency when it is established. His current role as chairman-designate does not constitute a formal appointment. He will receive no remuneration as chairman-designate or as chairman.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the expenditure levels for reclamation projects in opencast mining sites for each year since 1980; and what projection for such costs are available for the next(a) 10 years and (b) 50 years.

  Mr. Baldry
  This information is not held centrally.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment has been made of increased costs to local authorities resulting from increased unemployment levels, when calculating standard spending assessments.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Proposals for standard spending assessments for 1993–94 will be announced shortly as part of the provisional revenue support grant settlement.

  Portland Naval Base
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional funding will be made available to(a) Dorset county council and (b) Weymouth borough council as a result of the closure of Portland naval base; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to provide additional funding on this account through the revenue support grant settlement for 1993–94.

  Pollution Control
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will determine the appeals by National Power and PowerGen under section 22(5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for parts of their applications for integrated pollution control authorisation to be excluded from the public register on grounds of commercial confidentiality.

  Mr. Howard
  I have today dismissed the appeal by PowerGen which related to forecast schedules of emission for 1991. In view of what I conclude to be the significance of the information to the process of application and authorisation and the consequent importance of its being available to the public, and my conclusions on the likelihood and extent of prejudice, I consider that the inclusion of the information in the register would not have been prejudicial to an unreasonable degree to the commercial interests of the appellant.

  I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales have today jointly determined to allow National Power's appeal, which relates to different information. We are satisfied that the information is not directly relevant to determination of the applications for authorisation themselves or to any of the conditions that are likely to be imposed in the authorisations and is not necessary to enable the public to comment effectively on the applications. The information was provided in excess of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution's normal requirements and is not of the type intended by the legislation to be made available to the public. In view of the lack of relevance for the purposes of integrated pollution control, we consider that any prejudice to the company's commercial interests would be unreasonable in the circumstances.
  307
  The appeals were the first of their kind under the new system and raised complex issues which required full and careful consideration. Forecast schedules of emission have been supplied by PowerGen for 1992 and are the subject of a separate appeal. Similar information in respect of 1993 will be required to be supplied to HMIP shortly by both PowerGen and National Power. It is to be hoped that any further issue of confidentiality will be resolved as soon as possible, and that determination of all the companies' applications for authorisation will then proceed without undue delay.

  Orimulsion
  Mr. Oakes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many applications he has received for authorisation to burn orimulsion; for what amounts in tonnes; and at which power stations.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 10 November 1992]: Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has received four applications to burn orimulsion.

  The applicants state that the amounts of orimulsion which each station can burn at maximum load will be as follows:
  Padiham Power Station, Lancashire (National Power) approximately 43 tonnes per hour; Pembroke Power Station, Dyfed (National Power) approximately 700 tonnes per hour; Ince "B" Power Station, Cheshire (PowerGen) approximately 165 tonnes per hour and Richborough Power Station, Kent (PowerGen) approximately 126 tonnes per hour.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with local authorities about the report by the Institute of Local Government on the effects on costs and services of local government in the metropolitan areas of England following the abolition of the metropolitan county councils.

  Mr. Squire
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: My right hon. and learned Friend has had no such discussions.

  Housing, Pendle
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will give the number of households on the waiting list of Pendle borough council for each year since 1982;

  (2) what percentage of (a) the local authority, (b) housing associations, (c) the private sector and (d) the total housing stock in Pendle was assessed as requiring major expenditure to bring it up to standard, in each year since 1982.

  Mr. Baldry
  Local authorities report in their annual housing investment programme—HIP—returns the number of dwellings in their own stock that are unfit, not unfit but in need of renovation, and those designated under the housing defects legislation and not yet reinstated, along with estimates of those owned by housing associations and in the private sector.

  Since 1986, local authorities also report the number of households on their council housing waiting lists.

  The information reported by Pendle is as follows:
  308

  Percentage of housing stock requiring capital expenditure

  LA12

  HA

  Private3

  Total123

  Number of households on waiting list

  1982

  26

  0

  40

  37

  n/a

  1983

  24

  0

  38

  35

  n/a

  1984

  23

  0

  37

  34

  n/a

  1985

  34

  11

  37

  37

  n/a

  1986

  39

  14

  37

  39

  1,206

  1987

  36

  14

  45

  44

  1,708

  1988

  34

  5

  53

  50

  1,481

  1989

  20

  20

  53

  48

  1,598

  1990

  22

  9

  48

  44

  1,507

  1991

  78

  8

  51

  54

  2,597

  1992

  86

  9

  55

  58

  2,901

  1 Pendle BC has provided amended local authority and total figures for 1991 since the HIP1 returns were finalised.

  2 The information collected for local authority dwellings that were not unfit but in need of renovation in 1991 and 1992 relates to all dwellings requiring capital expenditure whereas, prior to 1991, a lower limit of £3,000 was imposed.

  3 The information collected for private sector dwellings that were not unfit but in need of renovation in 1991 and 1992 relates only to dwellings whose owners were likely to be eligible for discretionary renovation grants.

  4 In 1990 Pendle borough council relaxed the conditions of entry to its waiting list for council housing.

  Lleyn Peninsula
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will commission an independent assessment of the possible environmental damage from exploration for fossil fuels off the Lleyn peninsula.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 16 November 1992]: I have been asked to reply.

  I am responding to this question in view of my ministerial responsibilities for oil and gas exploration licensing. It is the responsibility of the company holding the petroleum production licence to commission an environmental impact assessment if asked to do so in the special conditions attached to the licence. Hamilton Oil Company was awarded the two blocks north-west of the Lleyn peninsula in the 12th round of offshore oil and gas licensing. It will be required to produce such an assessment before development takes place on these blocks. The assessment will be copied to statutory bodies, such as the Joint Nature Conservancy Committee, water authorities and mineral planning authorities, which will advise if the planned development is likely to have an adverse effect on the environment.

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidelines have been issued to local authorities concerning the treatment of attendance allowance income in respect of means-tested support services.

  Mr. Yeo
  I have been asked to reply.

  We are in the process of issuing guidance to local authorities on the new charging rules from next April for people in residential accommodation under local authority arrangements. The guidance explains that local authorities should disregard attendance allowances and the care component of disability living allowance where it is paid to temporary residents.
  309
  We will be issuing guidance later about the treatment of attendance allowance and the care component of disability living allowance in charging for domiciliary and day care services.

  Personal Social Services
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the capital allocations for personal social services issued to each local authority in England for each year since 1981–82 and the annual capital guidelines for personal social services for the same years, at current and constant prices.

  Capital Allocations for Personal Social Services issued to Local Authorities from 1987–88 to 1992–93

  £ (000s)

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  21990–91

  21991–92

  21992–93

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current and Constant prices1

  Camden

  593

  819

  996

  1,284

  1,215

  1,469

  1,726

  1,930

  1,208

  1,260

  1,497

  Greenwich

  616

  851

  308

  397

  194

  235

  591

  661

  512

  533

  632

  Hackney

  432

  597

  566

  729

  643

  777

  698

  780

  893

  931

  885

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,113

  1,538

  557

  718

  671

  811

  1,271

  1,421

  1,072

  1,118

  1,014

  Islington

  381

  527

  1,357

  1,749

  678

  820

  1,275

  1,426

  426

  444

  1,004

  Kensington and Chelsea

  155

  214

  297

  383

  149

  180

  927

  1,036

  1,414

  1,474

  895

  Lambeth

  390

  539

  677

  872

  339

  410

  912

  1,020

  1,073

  1,119

  1,174

  Lewisham

  238

  329

  1,022

  1,317

  511

  618

  467

  522

  632

  658

  782

  South wark

  372

  514

  208

  268

  196

  237

  961

  1,075

  1,337

  1,394

  918

  Tower Hamlets

  163

  225

  140

  180

  131

  158

  1,413

  1,580

  1,226

  1,278

  1,391

  Wandsworth

  381

  527

  1,278

  1,647

  639

  773

  414

  463

  566

  590

  744

  Westminster

  171

  236

  201

  259

  176

  213

  286

  320

  506

  528

  575

  City of London

  0

  0

  5

  6

  5

  6

  23

  26

  9

  9

  10

  Inner London

  5,005

  6,917

  7,612

  9,810

  5,545

  6,704

  10,965

  12,260

  10,873

  11,336

  11,520

  Barking and Dagenham

  115

  159

  145

  187

  134

  162

  242

  271

  343

  357

  367

  Barnet

  767

  1,060

  675

  870

  338

  409

  705

  788

  693

  722

  930

  Bexley

  183

  253

  208

  268

  195

  236

  352

  394

  538

  561

  647

  Brent

  353

  488

  241

  311

  224

  271

  405

  453

  820

  854

  726

  Bromley

  340

  470

  289

  372

  272

  329

  771

  862

  610

  636

  846

  Croydon

  274

  379

  302

  389

  318

  384

  498

  557

  699

  729

  886

  Ealing

  557

  770

  278

  358

  259

  313

  468

  523

  630

  657

  1,160

  Enfield

  278

  384

  827

  1,066

  1,026

  1,241

  504

  564

  576

  600

  781

  Haringey

  404

  558

  202

  260

  175

  212

  307

  343

  422

  440

  1,048

  Harrow

  633

  875

  752

  969

  585

  707

  320

  358

  459

  479

  582

  Havering

  184

  254

  766

  987

  383

  463

  375

  419

  467

  487

  626

  Hillingdon

  581

  803

  886

  1,142

  443

  536

  709

  793

  590

  615

  747

  Hounslow

  444

  614

  222

  286

  225

  272

  314

  351

  440

  459

  646

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  111

  153

  132

  170

  172

  208

  225

  252

  279

  291

  444

  Merton

  167

  231

  384

  495

  401

  485

  270

  302

  401

  418

  517

  Newham

  339

  468

  304

  392

  186

  225

  330

  369

  503

  524

  592

  Redbridge

  378

  522

  236

  304

  209

  253

  373

  417

  532

  555

  731

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  177

  245

  259

  334

  149

  180

  269

  301

  418

  436

  538

  Sutton

  247

  341

  197

  254

  559

  676

  277

  310

  411

  428

  525

  Waltham Forest

  345

  477

  636

  820

  471

  569

  757

  846

  874

  911

  882

  Outer London

  6,877

  9,504

  7,940

  10,233

  6,722

  8,128

  8,471

  9,471

  10,704

  11,159

  14,220

  All London

  11,882

  16,420

  15,551

  20,042

  12,267

  14,832

  19,436

  21,731

  21,578

  22,495

  25,740

  Avon

  748

  1,034

  976

  1,258

  1,043

  1,261

  1,559

  1,743

  1,993

  2,078

  2,368

  Bedfordshire

  1,199

  1,657

  765

  986

  838

  1,013

  825

  922

  1,039

  1,083

  1,339

  Berkshire

  821

  1,135

  1,119

  1,442

  1,164

  1,407

  1,587

  1,774

  1,468

  1,530

  1,846

  Buckinghamshire

  613

  847

  866

  1,116

  550

  665

  961

  1,074

  1,557

  1,623

  1,755

  Cambridgeshire

  901

  1,245

  692

  892

  691

  835

  1,000

  1,118

  1,364

  1,422

  1,905

  Cheshire

  3,851

  5,322

  3,530

  4,549

  3,058

  3,697

  1,950

  2,180

  1,969

  2,053

  2,259

  Cleveland

  477

  659

  687

  885

  481

  582

  841

  940

  1,448

  1,510

  1,631

  Cornwall

  392

  542

  434

  559

  723

  874

  1,093

  1,222

  1,004

  1,047

  1,208

  Cumbria

  457

  632

  466

  601

  440

  532

  783

  875

  1,043

  1,087

  1,127

  Derbyshire

  880

  1,216

  1,326

  1,709

  1,360

  1,644

  2,036

  2,276

  1,932

  2,014

  2,222

  Devonshire

  1,040

  1,437

  1,231

  1,586

  1,078

  1,303

  1,751

  1,958

  2,581

  2,690

  2,713

  Dorsetshire

  1,237

  1,709

  1,367

  1,762

  880

  1,064

  1,192

  1,333

  1,385

  1,444

  1,605

  Durham

  538

  743

  572

  737

  602

  728

  927

  1,036

  1,262

  1,315

  1,451

  310
  Mr. Yeo
  [holding answer 10 November 1992]: I have been asked to reply.

  Table 1 gives details of personal social services capital allocations by local authority from 1987–88, at current and constant prices. From 1990–91 the allocations include supplementary credit approvals and the secure accommodation for children grant, where applicable. Prior to 1990–91, supplementary credit approvals were not available. Information about capital allocations from 1981–82 to 1986–87 and about allocations for secure accommodation for children prior to 1990–91 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Table 2 gives details of annual capital guideline allocations, from their introduction in 1990–91, at current and constant prices.
  311

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  21990–91

  21991–92

  21992–93

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current and Constant prices1

  East Sussex

  1,451

  2,005

  807

  1,040

  809

  978

  1,665

  1,862

  1,821

  1,898

  2,133

  Essex

  1,254

  1,733

  3,466

  4,467

  3,615

  4,371

  4,434

  4,958

  3,239

  3,377

  3,994

  Gloucestershire

  399

  551

  490

  631

  469

  567

  915

  1,023

  1,073

  1,118

  1,347

  Hampshire

  1,343

  1,856

  1,543

  1,989

  1,576

  1,906

  2,729

  3,051

  3,290

  3,429

  3,925

  Hereford and Worcester

  583

  806

  1,170

  1,508

  898

  1,086

  1,063

  1,189

  1,349

  1,406

  1,632

  Hertfordshire

  842

  1,164

  929

  1,197

  1,000

  1,209

  1,514

  1,693

  1,968

  2,052

  2,432

  Humberside

  994

  1,374

  1,095

  1,411

  754

  912

  2,167

  2,423

  2,090

  2,178

  2,615

  Isle of Wight

  378

  522

  911

  1,174

  559

  676

  725

  811

  574

  599

  517

  Kent

  1,252

  1,730

  1,427

  1,839

  1,366

  1,652

  2,353

  2,631

  3,287

  3,426

  4,043

  Lancashire

  1,946

  2,689

  1,774

  2,286

  1,502

  1,816

  2,258

  2,525

  3,057

  3,186

  3,521

  Leicestershire

  794

  1,097

  1,295

  1,669

  1,587

  1,919

  1,859

  2,079

  1,975

  2,058

  2,365

  Lincolnshire

  434

  600

  538

  693

  523

  632

  913

  1,021

  1,186

  1,236

  1,359

  Norfolk

  755

  1,043

  712

  918

  696

  842

  1,179

  1,318

  1,565

  1,632

  2,004

  Northamptonshire

  620

  857

  772

  995

  751

  908

  888

  993

  1,298

  1,353

  1,589

  Northumberland

  289

  399

  288

  371

  272

  329

  477

  533

  677

  706

  782

  North Yorkshire

  555

  767

  673

  867

  647

  782

  1,124

  1,257

  1,592

  1,659

  1,776

  Nottinghamshire

  979

  1,353

  1,013

  1,306

  943

  1,140

  1,602

  1,791

  2,090

  2,178

  2,415

  Oxfordshire

  612

  846

  545

  702

  523

  632

  893

  998

  1,500

  1,564

  1,825

  Shropshire

  1,371

  1,895

  1,089

  1,403

  1,319

  1,595

  1,185

  1,325

  1,021

  1,065

  1,202

  Somerset

  350

  484

  432

  557

  419

  507

  727

  813

  941

  981

  1,142

  Staffordshire

  994

  1,374

  1,382

  1,781

  1,886

  2,280

  2,212

  2,473

  2,360

  2,460

  2,438

  Suffolk

  734

  1,014

  614

  791

  577

  698

  1,049

  1,173

  1,572

  1,639

  1,909

  Surrey

  1,108

  1,531

  972

  1,253

  921

  1,114

  1,561

  1,745

  2,094

  2,183

  2,494

  Warwickshire

  460

  636

  452

  583

  471

  569

  754

  843

  1,111

  1,158

  1,446

  West Sussex

  1,149

  1,588

  876

  1,129

  928

  1,122

  1,251

  1,399

  1,473

  1,536

  1,835

  Wiltshire

  485

  670

  836

  1,077

  603

  729

  863

  965

  1,431

  1,491

  1,635

  Isles of Scilly

  5

  7

  3

  4

  1

  1

  19

  21

  4

  4

  5

  Shire Counties

  35,290

  48,769

  40,130

  51,718

  38,523

  46,578

  54,881

  61,361

  65,679

  68,470

  77,803

  Bolton

  204

  282

  246

  317

  231

  279

  413

  462

  774

  807

  949

  Bury

  153

  211

  164

  211

  152

  184

  282

  315

  397

  414

  493

  Manchester

  751

  1,038

  428

  552

  396

  479

  695

  777

  951

  991

  1,320

  Oldham

  247

  341

  207

  267

  252

  305

  527

  589

  724

  755

  608

  Rochdale

  174

  240

  256

  330

  222

  268

  360

  403

  511

  533

  631

  Salford

  342

  473

  451

  581

  273

  330

  377

  422

  538

  561

  636

  Stockport

  257

  355

  368

  474

  260

  314

  459

  513

  583

  608

  767

  Tameside

  202

  279

  205

  264

  190

  230

  345

  386

  577

  601

  847

  Trafford

  184

  254

  207

  267

  192

  232

  346

  387

  488

  509

  595

  Wigan

  235

  325

  287

  370

  268

  324

  480

  537

  785

  818

  796

  Knowsley

  188

  260

  173

  223

  160

  193

  261

  292

  371

  387

  547

  Liverpool

  447

  618

  469

  604

  423

  511

  736

  823

  1,076

  1,122

  1,250

  St. Helens

  888

  1,227

  444

  572

  222

  268

  299

  334

  420

  438

  517

  Sefton

  395

  546

  360

  464

  271

  328

  475

  531

  725

  756

  716

  Wirral

  356

  492

  681

  878

  927

  1,121

  529

  591

  944

  984

  1,157

  Barnsley

  280

  387

  455

  586

  397

  480

  822

  919

  555

  578

  611

  Doncaster

  275

  380

  274

  353

  367

  444

  454

  508

  1,046

  1,090

  1,000

  Rotherham

  214

  296

  608

  784

  718

  868

  407

  455

  677

  706

  873

  Sheffield

  568

  785

  613

  790

  485

  586

  900

  1,006

  1,145

  1,193

  1,447

  Gateshead

  193

  267

  274

  353

  391

  473

  330

  369

  652

  679

  843

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  231

  319

  384

  495

  319

  386

  448

  501

  724

  755

  819

  North Tyneside

  176

  243

  186

  240

  170

  206

  313

  350

  389

  406

  539

  South Tyneside

  223

  308

  153

  197

  788

  953

  1,467

  1,640

  1,176

  1,226

  731

  Sunderland

  546

  755

  290

  374

  405

  490

  546

  610

  769

  802

  812

  Birmingham

  1,037

  1,433

  1,357

  1,749

  1,734

  2,097

  2,968

  3,318

  2,585

  2,695

  2,921

  Coventry

  649

  897

  1,060

  1,366

  962

  1,163

  678

  758

  1,066

  1,111

  1,184

  Dudley

  321

  444

  285

  367

  849

  1,027

  1,338

  1,496

  978

  1,020

  796

  Sandwell

  275

  380

  332

  428

  390

  472

  467

  522

  1,058

  1,103

  931

  Solihull

  161

  222

  188

  242

  179

  216

  324

  362

  750

  782

  810

  Walsall

  1,008

  1,393

  953

  1,228

  965

  1,167

  783

  875

  520

  542

  842

  Wolverhampton

  254

  351

  557

  718

  521

  630

  798

  892

  536

  559

  798

  Bradford

  488

  674

  432

  557

  407

  492

  713

  797

  1,244

  1,297

  1,194

  Calderdale

  1X9

  261

  183

  236

  172

  208

  316

  353

  463

  483

  552

  Kirklees

  321

  444

  355

  458

  333

  403

  584

  653

  808

  843

  978

  Leeds

  1,128

  1,559

  842

  1,085

  1,248

  1,509

  1,107

  1,238

  1,793

  1,869

  2,366

  Wakefield

  268

  370

  292

  376

  273

  330

  487

  545

  751

  783

  903

  Metropolitan Boroughs

  13,828

  19,110

  15,019

  19,356

  16,510

  19,962

  22,835

  25,531

  29,546

  30,801

  33,776

  All England

  61,000

  84,299

  70,700

  91,116

  67,300

  81,372

  97,152

  108,624

  116,804

  121,768

  137,319

  1 at 1992–93 prices.

  2 Includes supplementary credit approval and secure accommodation for children grant allocations where appropriate.

  312 313

  Table 2 Personal Social Services Annual Capital Guidelines allocated to Local Authorities from 1990–91 to 1992–93

  £000s

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current and constant prices1

  Camden

  1,048

  1,172

  734

  765

  514

  Greenwich

  561

  627

  425

  443

  529

  Hackney

  430

  481

  376

  392

  462

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  246

  275

  303

  315

  373

  Islington

  248

  277

  340

  355

  428

  Kensington and Chelsea

  903

  1,010

  632

  659

  442

  Lambeth

  350

  391

  476

  497

  571

  Lewisham

  336

  376

  457

  476

  560

  Southwark

  318

  356

  441

  459

  555

  Tower Hamlets

  487

  545

  541

  355

  403

  Wandsworth

  381

  426

  521

  543

  641

  Westminster

  259

  290

  361

  377

  457

  City of London

  7

  8

  9

  9

  10

  Inner London

  5,575

  6,233

  5,415

  5,645

  5,945

  Barking and Dagenham

  217

  243

  298

  310

  367

  Barnet

  669

  748

  626

  652

  769

  Bexley

  322

  360

  441

  460

  544

  Brent

  372

  416

  505

  526

  623

  Bromley

  735

  822

  610

  636

  753

  Croydon

  461

  515

  632

  659

  783

  Ealing

  432

  483

  586

  610

  720

  Enfield

  471

  527

  531

  553

  658

  Haringey

  279

  312

  377

  393

  470

  Harrow

  291

  325

  392

  409

  479

  Havering

  344

  385

  467

  487

  574

  Hillingdon

  678

  758

  473

  493

  584

  Hounslow

  286

  320

  390

  406

  483

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  201

  225

  279

  291

  351

  Merton

  244

  273

  335

  349

  414

  Newham

  295

  330

  403

  421

  499

  Redbridge

  342

  382

  472

  492

  588

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  243

  272

  339

  354

  426

  Sutton

  250

  280

  344

  359

  422

  Waltham Forest

  727

  813

  509

  531

  529

  OUTER LONDON

  7,859

  8,787

  9,010

  9,393

  11,035

  ALL LONDON

  13,434

  15,020

  14,425

  15,038

  16,980

  Avon

  1,477

  1,651

  1,933

  2,015

  2,233

  Bedfordshire

  773

  864

  1,039

  1,083

  1,236

  Berkshire

  1,520

  1,699

  1,468

  1,530

  1,743

  Buckinghamshire

  902

  1,009

  1,240

  1,293

  1,482

  Cambridgeshire

  939

  1,050

  1,297

  1,352

  1,552

  Cheshire

  1,868

  2,089

  1,902

  1,983

  2,149

  Cleveland

  787

  880

  1,082

  1,128

  1,215

  Cornwall

  1,046

  1,170

  949

  990

  1,105

  Cumbria

  734

  821

  998

  1,040

  1,127

  Derbyshire

  1,956

  2,187

  1,866

  1,945

  2,129

  Devonshire

  1,665

  1,862

  2,134

  2,225

  2,466

  Dorsetshire

  1,131

  1,265

  1,385

  1,444

  1,605

  Durham

  870

  973

  1,195

  1,246

  1,348

  East Sussex

  1,600

  1,789

  1,516

  1,580

  1,780

  Essex

  4,312

  4,821

  3,077

  3,208

  3,641

  Gloucestershire

  863

  965

  1,073

  1,118

  1,244

  Hampshire

  2,606

  2,914

  3,092

  3,224

  3,640

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,001

  1,119

  1,349

  1,406

  1,529

  Hertfordshire

  1,430

  1,599

  1,968

  2,052

  2,329

  Humberside

  1,387

  1,551

  1,711

  1,784

  1,942

  Isle of Wight

  701

  784

  491

  512

  344

  Kent

  2,232

  2,496

  3,071

  3,202

  3,616

  Lancashire

  2,146

  2,399

  2,802

  2,921

  3,168

  Leicestershire

  1,782

  1,992

  1,772

  1,847

  2,027

  Lincolnshire

  857

  958

  1,186

  1,236

  1,359

  Norfolk

  1,112

  1,243

  1,535

  1,600

  1,820

  Northamptonshire

  833

  931

  1,141

  1,190

  1,306

  Northumberland

  441

  493

  611

  636

  689

  North Yorkshire

  1,059

  1,184

  1,472

  1,534

  1,673

  Nottinghamshire

  1,516

  1,695

  2,030

  2,116

  2,312

  Oxfordshire

  837

  936

  1,148

  1,197

  1,369

  Shropshire

  1,142

  1,277

  804

  839

  915

  314 315

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current prices

  Constant prices1

  Current and constant prices1

  Somerset

  680

  760

  941

  981

  1,096

  Staffordshire

  2,125

  2,376

  2,060

  2,147

  2,335

  Suffolk

  989

  1,106

  1,290

  1,345

  1,531

  Surrey

  1,476

  1,650

  2,027

  2,113

  2,391

  Warwickshire

  705

  788

  966

  1,007

  1093

  West Sussex

  1,187

  1,327

  1,473

  1,536

  1,732

  Wiltshire

  809

  905

  1,114

  1,161

  1,295

  Isles of Scilly

  3

  3

  4

  4

  5

  Shire Counties

  51,496

  57,577

  60,212

  62,771

  69,569

  Bolton

  380

  425

  524

  547

  596

  Bury

  255

  285

  352

  367

  400

  Manchester

  649

  726

  884

  922

  1,002

  Oldham

  497

  556

  437

  456

  495

  Rochdale

  331

  370

  408

  425

  462

  Salford

  346

  387

  473

  493

  533

  Stockport

  424

  474

  583

  608

  656

  Tameside

  315

  352

  436

  454

  494

  Trafford

  316

  353

  433

  452

  488

  Wigan

  443

  495

  612

  638

  693

  Knowsley

  235

  263

  305

  318

  344

  Liverpool

  688

  769

  935

  975

  1,047

  St. Helens

  271

  303

  375

  391

  424

  Sefton

  439

  491

  607

  633

  684

  Wirral

  491

  549

  677

  706

  762

  Barnsley

  792

  886

  555

  578

  501

  Doncaster

  419

  468

  579

  604

  657

  Rotherham

  374

  418

  500

  522

  568

  Sheffield

  848

  948

  1,078

  1,123

  1,216

  Gateshead

  301

  337

  415

  432

  464

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  413

  462

  563

  587

  632

  North Tyneside

  284

  318

  389

  406

  436

  South Tyneside

  1,441

  1,611

  1,009

  1,051

  706

  Sunderland

  510

  570

  582

  607

  654

  Birmingham

  1,434

  1,603

  1,965

  2,048

  2,221

  Coventry

  642

  718

  603

  628

  681

  Dudley

  1,302

  1,456

  911

  950

  693

  Sandwell

  431

  482

  591

  616

  668

  Solihull

  295

  330

  405

  422

  457

  Walsall

  750

  839

  520

  542

  589

  Wolverhampton

  766

  856

  536

  559

  563

  Bradford

  665

  744

  919

  958

  1,041

  Calderdale

  287

  321

  396

  413

  449

  Kirklees

  543

  607

  747

  779

  845

  Leeds

  1,042

  1,165

  1,434

  1,495

  1,622

  Wakefield

  450

  503

  624

  651

  710

  Metropolitan boroughs

  20,070

  22,440

  23,364

  24,357

  25,452

  All England

  85,000

  95,037

  98,000

  102,165

  112,000

  1 At 1992–93 prices.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will update his answer of 17 June,Official Report, columns 552–53, on the executive agencies that have been established to date, the number of staff at the time of establishment and the number of staff currently employed in each case, in full-time equivalents.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The current list of established agencies including organisations that are operating on next steps lines, comparing the number of staff employed at the time of launch with latest staffing figures, is as follows:316

  Agency

  Staff at launch

  Current staff1

  Accounts Services Agency

  90

  90

  ADAS Agency

  2,000

  2,000

  Building Research Establishment

  680

  710

  Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments)

  220

  230

  Central Office of Information2

  740

  640

  Central Science Laboratory

  370

  370

  Central Statistical Office

  1,090

  1,160

  Central Veterinary Laboratory

  620

  600

  Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment3

  580

  610

  Civil Service College

  200

  230

  Companies House2

  1,100

  1,090

  Compensation Agency4

  150

  150

  Defence Analytical Services Agency3

  140

  130

  Defence Operational Analysis Centre3

  170

  170

  Defence Postal and Courier Services3

  490

  490

  Defence Research Agency

  12,000

  11,250

  Directorate General of Defence Accounts3

  2,180

  2,060

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

  5,400

  4,570

  317

  Agency

  Staff at launch

  Current staff1

  Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency4

  260

  260

  Driving Standards Agency

  2,000

  1,980

  Duke of York's Royal Military School

  100

  100

  DVOIT

  515

  515

  Employment Service

  33,800

  46,000

  Fire Service College2

  270

  270

  Forensic Science Service

  600

  600

  Historic Royal Palaces

  350

  340

  Historic Scotland

  610

  630

  HMSO2

  3,250

  3,220

  Hydrographic Office3

  890

  830

  Insolvency Service

  1,400

  1,550

  Intervention Board

  1,000

  970

  Laboratory of the Government Chemist

  300

  330

  Land Registry

  10,800

  9,560

  Medicines Control Agency

  310

  300

  Meteorological Office

  2,450

  2,500

  Military Survey3

  1,265

  1,180

  National Engineering Laboratory

  430

  380

  National Physical Laboratory

  830

  810

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory

  40

  50

  Natural Resources Institute

  460

  460

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation3

  1,630

  1,610

  NHS Estates

  120

  130

  NHS Pensions

  630

  630

  Occupational Health Service

  100

  125

  Ordnance Survey

  2,550

  2,340

  Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland4

  210

  210

  Patent Office2

  1,150

  1,035

  Planning Inspectorate

  605

  605

  Public Record Office

  430

  430

  Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre

  50

  60

  Queen Victoria School

  65

  70

  Radiocommunications Agency

  520

  520

  RAF Maintenance3

  13,800

  12,900

  Rate Collection Aency4

  270

  280

  Recruitment and Assessment Services

  280

  230

  Registers of Scotland

  1,000

  1,340

  Royal Mint2

  970

  1,010

  Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

  140

  140

  Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency

  250

  210

  Service Children's Schools (NW Europe)36

  1,000

  1,050

  Social Security Agency4

  5,500

  5,100

  Social Security Benefits Agency

  65,600

  62,760

  Social Security Contributions Agency

  7,200

  8,310

  Social Security IT Services Agency

  3,600

  4,070

  Social Security Resettlement Agency

  600

  460

  Teachers' Pension Agency

  290

  290

  The Buying Agency2

  110

  80

  Training and Employment Agency4

  1,700

  1,670

  Transport Research Laboratory

  630

  630

  UK Passport Agency

  1,270

  1,270

  Valuation Office

  5,250

  5,120

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  70

  70

  Vehicle Inspectorate2

  1,600

  1,820

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  70

  80

  Warren Spring Laboratory

  290

  300

  Wilton Park Conference Centre

  30

  30

  76 Agencies

  Executive Units

  HM Customs and Excise5

  26,900

  26,400

  Inland Revenue

  63,780

  63,780

  1 April 1992 figures for civil servants and armed forces personnel. Casuals are excluded. Part-time staff are counted as half units.

  2 Trading fund.

  3 Defence Support Agency.

  4 Northern Ireland Civil Service.

  5 Departments operating fully on next steps lines. Staffing figures for Inland Revenue exclude the Valuation Office which is a free-standing agency.

  6 Launch figure excludes 1,360 locally engaged staff. Current figure excludes 1,285 locally engaged staff.

  318
  7 Launch figure includes 8,430 armed forces personal in Ministry of Defence agencies, current figure includes7,730 armed forces personal in Ministry of Defence agencies.

  Medical Research
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much Government aid has been given since 1979 for research into(a) the causes and (b) potential cures of (i) cancer and (ii) AIDS.

  Mr. Robert Jackson
  [holding answer 18 November 1992]: The main Government agency for the funding of medical research is the Medical Research Council. Between 1979–80 and 1991–92, MRC total expenditure on research specifically related to cancer was £142 million. The MRC also supports research which is more general in its application but is also likely to be relevant to cancer; it estimates that it spent £73 million on such research in 1991–92. Information is not collected centrally on other Government-funded expenditure on cancer research undertaken by university departments and medical schools, health departments or health authorities.

  Information on Government support for AIDS research has been collected since 1986–87. Over the period 1986–87 to 1992–93 an estimated £105 million has been devoted by Government to AIDS research. This figure excludes expenditure by university departments and medical schools on research funded by the Government through the Universities Funding Council.

  It is not possible separately to identify research expenditure on the causes and cures of cancer or AIDS.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Concessionary Television Licences
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will arrange for concessionary television licences to be available to households consisting of registered blind adults; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  A television licence is not required where broadcast television signals are received in sound only through a specially adapted monitor such as that supplied by the Royal National Institute for the Blind. A reduction of £1–25 on the cost of a television licence was instituted in 1971 when radio licences were abolished and is available to all registered blind people not resident in a public or charitable institution or in a school.

WALES

  Pembrokeshire Hospital Trust
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the Pembrokeshire hospital trust business plan which has been submitted to his Department.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The Pembrokeshire NHS trust has submitted a draft business plan which is subject to further discussion. The NHS trust will be required to make a summary of the plan widely available in due course.

  Waiting Time Initiative
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish for each health authority in Wales, for each of the last three years and for the current financial

  Waiting times initiative: Funding and Schemes 1989–90–1992–93

  District

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Allocation £

  Schemes

  Allocation £

  Schemes

  Clwyd

  34,000

  Purchase additional hip replacement operations.

  40,000

  ENT: additional in-patient operations to reduce waiting list.

  East Dyfed

  11,800

  Dermatology: additional out-patient sessions at West Wales General Hospital.

  102,000

  Dermatology: additional out-patient, in-patient, and day cases to eliminate out-patient wait over three months.

  Gwent

  222,000

  Trauma and orthopaedics: additional in-patient and out-patient.

  249,000

  Trauma and orthopaedics: additional in-patients and new out-patients.

  Gwynedd

  36,679

  (i) Gynaecology: additional in-patient treatments.

  57,460

  Additional in-patients in ENT and gynaecology.

  (ii) Oral surgery: additional out-patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd and in-patients at Llandudno General.

  Mid Glamorgan

  298,126

  (i) ENT: additional in-patient, out-patient and day case activity in Ogwr, Rhondda and Taff Ely.

  216,000

  (i) ENT: additional in-patient, out-patient and day case activity district wide.

  (ii) Dermatology: additional out-patients in Ogwr.

  (ii) Dermatology: additional out-patients to reduce list over three months for first out-patient appointment.

  (iii) Orthopaedics: additional out-patients in Ogwr and Taff Ely.

  Pembrokeshire

  130,000

  Purchase of additional hip replacement operations from the private sector.

  110,000

  (i) General surgery: additional in-patients district wide.

  (ii) Trauma and orthopaedics: additional hip and knee operations.

  (iii) District-wide waiting list validation exercise.

  Powys

  20,000

  Additional in-patient cataract operations,

  8,500

  General surgery: additional in-patients at Bronglais General Hospital.

  South Glamorgan

  254,313

  Trauma and orthopaedics: additional in-patient and out-patient activity district wide.

  117,855

  Trauma and orthopaedics: additional in-patient treatments district wide.

  West Glamorgan

  102,479

  (i) Trauma and orthopaedics: additional out-patients at North Unit.

  105,000

  Trauma and orthopaedics: additional out-patients, in-patients and day cases district wide.

  (ii) Dermatology: additional out-patients at North and East Units.

  (iii) Minor operations: additional in-patients at East Unit.

  District

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Allocation £

  Schemes

  1 2Allocation £

  Schemes

  Clwyd

  75,000

  (i) Additional in-patient urology operations at Ysbyty Maelor.

  103,500 (36,800)

  (ii) Additional orthopaedic operations at Glan Clwyd.

  East Dyfed

  48,000

  (i) Equipment to permit an additional day case cataract operation session per week.

  84,000 (5,900)

  (ii) Additional urology/ lithotripsy operations.

  Gwent

  60,000

  (i) Additional day cases in general surgery, gynaecology and orthopaedics at Nevill Hall.

  132,000 (16,800)

  (ii) Additional out-patient sessions in orthopaedics/physiotherapy at Royal Gwent.

  320
  year, the allocation his Department has made under the waiting time initiative, giving details of the schemes for which the money has been specified.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information is as follows:
  321

  District

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Allocation £

  Schemes

  1 2 Allocation £

  Schemes

  Gwynedd

  36,000

  ENT: Additional in-patients at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

  85,000

  Mid Glamorgan

  170,000

  (i) ENT: Additional in-patient treatments at Prince Charles and East Glamorgan Hospitals.

  170,500 (17,200)

  (ii) Two additional out-patient clincs in Merthyr/Cynon Valley Unit.

  (iii) Dermatology: additional out-patients district wide.

  Pembrokeshire

  —

  No allocation made.

  35,500

  Powys

  18,000

  District wide additional out-patient sessions in ENT, general surgery, ophthalmology and orthopaedics.

  38,500 (2,100)

  South Glamorgan

  215,000

  (i) Day surgery equipment at UHW.

  123,000 (4,200)

  (ii) Surgical: lasers for UHW.

  West Glamorgan

  256,000

  (i) Orthopaedics: additional out-patients at Neath General Hospital.

  108,000 (17,000)

  (ii) Urology: additional day case treatments at Morriston.

  (iii) Ophthalmology: equipment to facilitate extra ophthalmologist at Singleton Hospital.

  (iv) Orthopaedics: additional in-patients, out-patients and day cases at Morriston Hospital.

  1 Figures in brackets are allocations to family health service authorities, on behalf of GP fund holders. 1992–93 is the first year that initiative funds have been allocated to both DHAs and GP fund holders.

  2 In 1992–93 allocations were not made to specific projects but were used to support DHA and GP fund-holder initiatives aimed at meeting the patients charter waiting times guarantees.

  HCFC22
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what quantity of HCFC22 is purchased by his Department per annum.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not available.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many catastrophic leaks of ozone-depleting substances have occurred within his Department's buildings in the past five years.

  Mr. David Hunt
  None.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much funding has been allocated or spent to deal specifically with measures to reduce his Department's consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Funds are not specifically earmarked by my Department for this purpose. Measures to reduce consumption of these substances are taken as part of our general procurement arrangements and the costs involved are not separately identifiable.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the quantity of ozone-depleting substances recycled within his Department and returned to the manufacturer.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not available.
  322
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidance has been sought and received on alternatives or substitutes to the ozone-destroying chemicals in use by his Department.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department receives guidance on an ongoing basis from the Department of the Environment.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many chlorofluorocarbon domestic fridges are contained within his Department's buildings.

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

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proportion of his Department's consumption of ozone-depleting substances becomes controlled waste in terms of section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990;

  (2) what action has been taken to ensure that ozone-destroying substances consumed by his Department are identified as controlled wastes when they are no longer in use;

  (3) what measures have been taken to ensure that ozone-destroying substances in use by his Department identified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 do not reach the atmosphere.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department works within the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to ensure all its "controlled waste" is properly and legally dealt with. However, information is not collected centrally about the disposal of "controlled waste".
  323
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what targets have been set for the recycling of ozone-depleting chemicals within his Department's buildings.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department's policy is to ensure that wherever practicable these substances are recovered for recycling.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many refrigeration and air conditioning systems in his Department are equipped with automatic leak detection systems.

  Mr. David Hunt
  None. However, all systems are subject to a stringent maintenance regime intended readily to detect any abnormalities.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many chlorofluorocarbon and hydrochlorofluorocarbon installations are contained within his Department's buildings.

  Mr. David Hunt
  These installations are present in six properties occupied by my Department.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales by what date his Department's use of ozone-depleting chemicals will conform to EC regulations on limits on these chemicals.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) on 22 June 1992, at column 69.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which current uses of ozone-depleting chemicals by his Department are considered essential.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department has not identified any direct uses of these chemicals which it considers essential.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give an undertaking to purchase only ozone-friendly fridges that do not contain chlorofluorocarbons or hydrochlorofluorocarbons for his Department.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Yes. I can give an undertaking that my Department will purchase only ozone-friendly fridges, provided that they are available and offer good value for money.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the latest available figures are for his Department's total purchase of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrocholorofluorocarbons.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not available.

  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide details from the maintenance and servicing record of the quantity and type of ozone-destroying chemicals used annually in his Department's refrigeration and air conditioning equipment for servicing and in leakages; and what proportion is removed for recycling.

  Mr. David Hunt
  This information is not available.

  Halon Fire Extinguishers
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many portable halon fire extinguishers are contained within his Department's buildings; and what measures are being taken to ensure their recycling and replacement.
  324
  Mr. David Hunt
  My Department has 57 halon fire extinguishers remaining in buildings it occupies. These are all due to be replaced in this financial year with the appropriate ozone-friendly alternatives. They will be removed and disposed of safely under controlled conditions with their contents being recycled in accordance with the relevant British standard.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which local authorities in Wales have granted applications for relief under section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In the period from 1 April 1990 to 31 March 1992 Llanelli borough council, Newport borough council, Cardiff city council and Lliw Valley borough council granted applications for relief under section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988.

  Farm and Countryside Grant Scheme
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 2 November,Official Report, column 9, (1) what was the total financial sum of the disallowed claims under the farm and countryside grant scheme for each of the years (a) 1989, (b) 1990, (c) 1991 and (d) 1992 to 30 September;

  (2) what was the total financial sum of the disallowed claims for sheep annual premium for each of the years (a) 1989, (b) 1990, (c) 1991 and (d) 1992 to 30 October.

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

  Private Detectives
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what use his Department has made of private detectives in each of the last five years; at what cost; and if he will list the firms involved.

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

  Tir Cymen
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to extend the Tir Cymen scheme to the whole of Wales.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Tir Cymen is the countryside stewardship scheme in Wales. It has been introduced for a period of five years as an experimental project in three areas because it is the first environmental incentive scheme for all farmed landscapes and habitats in a large area and it is essential to evaluate the administrative, financial and monitoring systems adopted. The extension of the scheme will depend on the outcome of that evaluation and the resources then available.

  Household Waste
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the local authorities in Wales that plan to(a) fulfil and (b) exceed Government targets for local authority recycling of 25 per cent. of all household waste by the year 2000.
  325
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information is as follows:

  1987—None.

  1988–1 buzzard.

  1989–4 buzzards, 6 red kites.

  1990–2 buzzards.

  1991–2 buzzards, 1 red kite, 1 peregrine falcon.

  1992—To date 1 buzzard and 3 red kites.

  Departmental Printing
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the value of his Department's total annual expenditure on printing for each of the past 10 financial years; what tendering procedure has been followed; and if it has been changed since 1982–83.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Annual expenditure on printing costs for the past five financial years is as follows:

  Year

  £(000's)

  1987–88

  378

  1988–89

  458

  1989–90

  560

  1990–91

  543

  1991–92

  489

  326
  Figures for earlier years are not available.

  Prior to September 1991 the majority of the Department's printing requirements were met under standing arrangements with HMSO. Purchasing since that date has been conducted entirely on the basis of competitive tendering for individual tasks.

  Public Expenditure
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the population-based formula for public expenditure for Wales, referred to in his press notice of 12 November, as it applied for(a) 1992–93 and (b) 1993–94.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The population-based formula for public expenditure which applied until 1992–93 provided adjustments in the Welsh block provision equal to 5–88 per cent. of the survey changes agreed for comparable programmes in England. For 1993–94 the formula has been updated to 6·02 per cent. to take account of the latest estimated population relativity between the two countries.

PRIME MINISTER

  Kashmir
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will seek to place the issue of Kashmir on the agenda of the next Commonwealth conference to take place during 1993 in Cyprus; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government believe the Kashmir dispute can be resolved only by peaceful agreement between India and Pakistan. We have offered to help to achieve a lasting settlement, if both sides wish us to do so.

  Engagements
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 19 November.

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 19 November.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 19 November.

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

  Iraq
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Prime Minister when he became aware that Bank of Credit and Commerce International accounts were being used to facilitate arms trading with Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: I have no such knowledge.

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Expenditure
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his autumn statement of 12 November, what are the percentage figures for expenditure under the population-related formula on Wales and Northern Ireland comparable to the 10·66 per cent. specified for Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Portillo
  The comparable figure for Wales, reflecting the population figures in the 1991 census, is 6·02 per cent. For Northern Ireland it is 2·87 per cent.

  Iraq
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the reasons for the dropping by Customs and Excise of their prosecution at Dover magistrates court in July against Contractors 600 for illegal exportation to Iraq of lathes supplied by the Colchester Lathe Company; what payments of fines were made by the company; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir John Cope
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: The proceedings referred to were in respect of the export of
  328
  castings without the requisite licence. The alleged offence was under section 68(1) of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 which does not allege fraudulent intent.

  Proceedings in this case were stayed following an agreement by the commissioners in the exercise of their authority under section 152 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 to compound proceedings on payment of £75,000.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Magistrates Courts
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the extent of the change of the number of criminal cases listed for magistrates courts in England and Wales during the current year.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This information is not available. I understand that "Home Office Criminal Statistics" for 1991, the latest year available, are expected to be published within the next few months.

  Lord Justice Scott
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those cases, or other tribunals, over which Lord Justice Scott is currently presiding or participating; and what cases are currently listed in which he is due to preside or participate.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Lord Justice Scott was sitting as a member of a three-judge Court of Appeal, hearing appeals in the ordinary course of the court's business which might concern a wide variety of subject matters. He is now devoting all of his time to the inquiry.

  It is impossible to give any firm indication of the cases listed before the court of which he would have been a member, since cases are only provisionally listed until the availability of judges is known. It is often necessary to make changes at short notice to such lists.

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those agencies in the Lord Chancellor's Department which are being considered for privatisation or contractorisation.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 17 November,Official Report, column 104, by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Services and Science to my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridgeshire, South-East (Mr. Paice) who asked what plans my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster had to review the status of agencies set up as part of the Government's next steps programme; and whether a statement would be made. The procedures outlined in that answer will apply to the Public Record Office and the Land Registry, the agencies for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible. An announcement about the future status of each agency will be made at the appropriate time.

  Trial Delays
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average length of time between committal and trial at Crown courts(a) for each of the last five years and (b) for the latest date available.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The table shows the average waiting time between committal to the Crown court for trial and start of hearing for each year since 1987.

  Committals for Trial—Waiting Times England and Wales

  1987 —

  12·3 weeks

  1988 —

  12·2 weeks

  1989 —

  12·4 weeks

  1990 —

  12·1 weeks

  1991 —

  12·6 weeks

  1992 (January to September) — 13·6 weeks

  Legal Aid
  Dr. Berry
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proposals he has to alter the categories of representation on immigration matters available under the legal aid green form scheme.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the sum total of money recovered in each year since 1987, by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor by way of costs recovered either by award or by agreement between parties(a) in total, (b) for matrimonial legal aid and (c) for personal injuries.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The net sum of costs recovered by way of award or agreement between the parties by the Legal Aid Board in matrimonial cases and in total was as follows:

  Year

  Matrimonial

  Civil Non-matrimonial

  Total

  £

  £

  £

  1987–88

  3,567

  41,473

  46,473

  1988–89

  3,670

  51,867

  57,294

  1989–90

  3,995

  63,916

  69,220

  1990–91

  3,615

  73,188

  78,216

  1991–92

  3,751

  91,916

  97,170

  Information on the amount of costs recovered by the Legal Aid Board in respect of personal injury cases is not available separately, but is included in the figures for non-matrimonial cases.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been paid by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor to accountants in each year since 1987(a) in total and (b) in respect of matrimonial legal aid.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board does not specifically maintain statistics on the amounts it pays in respect of accountants' fees. It does, however, publish the amount paid on disbursements, of which accountants' fees are an element, in its annual reports. In each year between 1987–88 and 1991–92, the following amounts were paid by the Legal Aid Board in respect of disbursements, in total and in matrimonial cases:330

  £000s

  Year

  Total Disbursements

  Matrimonial Disbursements

  1987–88

  33,478

  8,653

  1988–89

  39,971

  10,657

  1989–90

  49,791

  11,224

  1990–91

  61,774

  13,239

  1991–92

  84,788

  15,897

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many legal aid certificates were issued which were valid up to and including trial in each year since 1987.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The number of criminal legal aid orders granted, which cover all necessary proceedings including trial, in each year between 1987 and 1991 was as follows:

  Number

  1987

  612,008

  1988

  621,151

  1989

  642,652

  1990

  657,665

  1991

  661,215

  The number of civil legal aid certificates issued during the same period was as follows:

  Number

  1987

  233,497

  1988

  225,996

  1989

  259,157

  1990

  297,555

  1991

  337,301

  It is not possible to distinguish between civil legal aid certificates which cover the whole of the proceedings and those which cover only part of the case.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the sum of money recovered in each year since 1987 by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor by way of contributions towards legal aid by the assisted persons(a) in total, (b)for matrimonial aid and (c) for personal injuries.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The net sum of contributions towards legal aid by assisted persons collected by the ledal Aid Board in matrimonial cases and in total was as follows:

  £ thousands

  Matrimonial

  Civil non-matrimonial

  Total

  1987–88

  5,818

  5,344

  15,381

  1988–89

  6,284

  5,690

  16,608

  1989–90

  6,852

  6,417

  18,779

  1990–91

  6,889

  6,824

  20,073

  1991–92

  7,116

  7,039

  19,656

  Information on the amount of contributions retained by the legal Aid Board in respect of personal injury cases is not available separately but is included in the figures for non-matrimonial cases.
  331
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department (1) how much money has been paid out in total by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor in each year since 1987, in respect of experts' fees.

  (2) how much money has been paid out by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor in each year since 1987 in respect of experts' fees in personal injuries cases where the plaintiff was legally aided.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board does not maintain information specifically on the amounts it pays in respect of experts' fees. It does, however, publish the amounts paid on disbursements, of which experts' fees and court fees form a substantial element, in its annual reports. The information provided by the board in its annual reports is broken down into matrimonial, non-matrimonial and criminal magistrates cases only. The amount paid out in respect of personal injury cases is not shown separately but is included in the figures for non-matrimonial cases. The table sets out the amounts paid in disbursements by the board during the past five years.

  Financial year

  Matrimonial (approx.) (£)

  Non-matrimonial (approx.) (£)

  Criminal magistrates' (£)

  1987–88

  10,734,559

  18,114,601

  4,628,434

  1988–89

  12,733,551

  21,933,247

  5,304,540

  1989–90

  14,737,109

  28,846,229

  6,207,426

  1990–91

  18,371,514

  36,351,321

  7,050,742

  1991–92

  23,975,952

  52,028,421

  8,783,886

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many legal aid certificates were issued in each year since 1987 which were(a) limited in the scope of the work that might be undertaken or (b) limited by reference to a particular stage in the proceedings before trial.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board does not keep statistics on the number of civil legal aid certificates issued with limitations. The total number of certificates issued in each year between 1987–88 and 1991–92 was as follows:

  In year

  Certificates

  1987–88

  233,497

  1988–89

  225,996

  1989–90

  259,157

  1990–91

  297,555

  1991–92

  337,301

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total cost to the legal aid fund of the cases involving(a) the Birmingham Six, (b) the Guildford Four. (c) the Maguire family, (d) Judith Ward, (e) Guinness and (f) Barlow Clowes (i) up to and including the trial stage and (ii) up to and including the appeal stage, including references by the Home Secretary to the Court of Appeal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is not possible to give the total cost to the Legal Aid Fund in respect of each of those cases. In some instances information is no longer 332
  available, and in others claims have yet to be finally determined. The position in respect of each case is as follows:

  (a) information on the costs of the original trial and 1976 appeal of the Birmingham Six is no longer available. The cost of the 1987 appeal was £752,461. The cost of the Home Secretary's referral to the Court of Appeal in 1991 has yet to be finally determined;

  (b) information on the costs of the original trial and subsequent appeal of the Guildford Four is no longer available. The cost of the Home Secretary's referral to the Court of Appeal was £426,494;

  (c) the cost of the Home Secretary's referral of the Maguire family case to the Court of Appeal was £284,814. No other information is available;

  (d) the cost of the original trial of Judith Ward was £29,582. The cost of the Home Secretary's referral to the Court of Appeal has yet to be determined;

  (e) to date around £1·3 million has been paid out of the Legal Aid Fund and central fund to the defence in the Guinness trials. Not all the expected claims have yet been received and the final amount is yet to be determined;

  (f) the final costs to the Legal Aid Fund for the Barlow Clowes case have yet to be determined.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was spent by the Legal Aid Board in each year since 1987 on(a) matrimonial legal aid and (b) personal injury cases.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Net expenditure on legal aid by the Legal Aid Board in respect of matrimonial cases between 1987–88 and 1991–92 was as follows:

  Matrimonial

  £000 's

  1987–88

  53,631

  1988–89

  68,398

  1989–90

  71,223

  1990–91

  85,855

  1991–92

  115,806

  Information on the amount spent on personal injury cases is not readily available, although such expenditure forms part of non-matrimonial legal aid for which expenditure during the same period was as follows:

  Non-Matrimonial

  £000's

  1987–88

  43,998

  1988–89

  54,429

  1989–90

  76,500

  1990–91

  102,801

  1991–92

  160,925

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what direction he has made to the Legal Aid Board to enter into contractual arrangements with Mrs. Bruce and similar persons to provide specialist welfare advice to solicitors following the comments of the House of Lords in the case of Regina v. Legal Aid Board ex parte Bruce.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None. Solicitors with knowledge of the benefits system may provide advice through the green form scheme. The Legal Aid Board has recently published its proposals on the provision of franchises and is considering how these would apply to advice agencies.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the sum of money
  333
  recovered in each year since 1987, by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor by way of the statutory charge (a) in total, (b) for matrimonial legal aid and (c) for personal injuries.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The amounts retained by the Legal Aid Board by way of the statutory charge in each year between 1987–88 and 1991–92 was as follows:

  £ thousands

  Matrimonial

  Civil non-matrimonial

  Total

  1987–88

  19,309

  3,752

  23,061

  1988–89

  26,359

  4,760

  31,120

  1989–90

  24,231

  5,316

  29,547

  1990–91

  24,708

  5,963

  30,671

  1991–92

  27,929

  6,817

  34,746

  Information on the sums recovered by the Legal Aid Board in respect of personal injury cases is not available separately, but the amounts are included in the figures for non-matrimonial cases.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much money has been paid out by the Legal Aid Board and its predecessor in each year since 1987 to experts employed by the defence in criminal cases.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board does not maintain information specifically on the amounts it pays in respect of experts' fees for criminal proceedings in the magistrates courts. It does, however, publish the amount paid on disbursements, of which experts' fees and court fees form a substantial element, in its annual report. In each year between 1987–88 and 1991–92, the following amounts were paid by the Legal Aid Board in respect of disbursements in criminal—magistrates courts—proceedings.

  Disbursements

  In year

  (£000)

  1987–88

  4,628

  1988–89

  5,305

  1989–90

  6,207

  1990–91

  7,051

  1991–92

  8,784

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what are the most recent annual figures available for the cost of legal aid cases for care proceedings in respect of children.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The most recent figures available cover the period October 1991 to September 1992, being the first full year of operation of the Act. The Legal Aid Board estimates that the amount paid out during this time was £6·7 million.

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what reports have been received from Professors Paterson and Sherr on legal aid franchising; and when they will be published.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board has received one research report on franchising from Professors Paterson and Sherr and expects that it will be published in the early part of 1993.

  Care Proceedings
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has for legislation to require courts to order the unsuccessful party in care proceedings in respect of children to pay the costs of the proceedings.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None.

  Mr. Abid Ali
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the appellate authority received an explanatory statement from an entry clearance officer at the post in Islamabad in the case of Mr. Abid Ali —Ref: GV 100/16103/TAH—who first applied to join his fiancée in the United Kingdom on 25 March 1986; when his appeal hearing is to be listed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The independent appellate authority received an explanatory statement in the case of Mr. Abid Ali in relation to his settlement application on 23 June 1989 and another concerning his visit visa appeal on 2 July 1992. The appeals were heard together at Leeds on 16 November 1992; the visit visa appeal was withdrawn at the hearing and the adjudicator reserved judgment in the settlement appeal.

EMPLOYMENT

  Wages Councils
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the Government's summary of conclusions to the wages council consultations in 1988.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  There were 394 responses to the consultation document. Of these, 80 favoured abolition, 308 wanted the councils to be retained and six were inconclusive. The replies from employer organisations with seats on the councils showed a marked change of view since the 1985 consultations, when the majority wanted the system retained. Replies from employer bodies represented on the six largest councils, which embraced 94 per cent. of the workers covered by the system, showed that a majority wanted the councils abolished.

  Trade Union Commissioner
  Ms. Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the cost to public funds of setting up the office of the Commissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members; and what has been the cost of running the office in each year since its establishment.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The White Paper accounts of the independent Commissioner for the Rights of Trade Union Members show the costs of setting up and running the commissioner's office, in each financial year since its establishment were:

  £000

  1988–89

  252,000

  1989–90

  246,000

  1990–91

  260,000

  1991–92

  290,000

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many deaths and serious accidents due to workplace activities have been reported in each year since 1974.

  Number of fatal and serious injuries2, 1974 to 1990–91, as reported to all HSC/E enforcing authorities

  Employees

  Self employed

  Members of the public

  Fatals

  Major3

  Fatals

  Major3

  Fatals

  Major3

  1974

  651

  1—

  1—

  1—_

  —

  —

  1975

  620

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  1976

  584

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  1977

  524

  1—

  1—

  1—

  —

  —

  1978

  499

  1—

  123

  1—

  —

  —

  1979

  492

  1—

  123

  1—

  —

  —

  1980

  440

  1—

  139

  —

  —

  —

  1981

  441

  12,320

  54

  91

  7

  5,600

  1982

  472

  12,290

  48

  127

  8

  5,600

  1983

  448

  12,450

  65

  114

  8

  6,300

  1984

  438

  12,490

  60

  144

  10

  6,700

  1985

  400

  13,180

  71

  206

  4159

  6,900

  1986–87

  355

  20,695

  52

  690

  92

  14,575

  1987–88

  361

  20,057

  84

  867

  113

  12,880

  1988–89

  5529

  19,944

  80

  1,152

  121

  12,614

  1989–90

  370

  20,396

  105

  1,310

  6206

  11,378

  1990–91

  346

  19,896

  87

  1,326

  139

  9,981

  1— Not available.

  2 Injuries at work to employees and self-employed persons and members of the public injured as a result of someone else's work activity reported under various pieces of legislation, but chiefly the Factories Act 1961 for the calendar years prior to 1981, under the Notification of Accidents and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (NADOR) for the calendar years 1981 to 1985, and under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) for the subsequent financial years commencing 1 April 1986.

  3 Introduced under NADOR on 1 January 1981. Definition extended under RIDDOR, 1 April 1986.

  4 Data includes the 56 fatalities to members of the public in the Bradford City Football Club fire disaster.

  5 Includes the 167 fatalities in the Piper Alpha Disaster, 6 July 1988.

  6 Data includes the 95 fatalities and 766 major injuries to members of the public arising from the Hillsborough Stadium disaster.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many deaths due to industrial diseases and health-disabling diseases have been reported as due to workplace activity in each year since 1974.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The available figures for deaths due to asbestosis, mesothelioma and other prescribed industrial diseases are given in the table.

  Deaths from Occupational Diseases in Great Britain

  Asbestosis

  Mesothelioma

  Other diseases

  1974

  74

  245

  789

  1975

  97

  271

  818

  1976

  116

  315

  814

  1977

  132

  336

  737

  1978

  109

  390

  719

  1979

  102

  434

  710

  1980

  102

  458

  697

  1981

  137

  472

  633

  1982

  128

  504

  624

  1983

  121

  573

  655

  1984

  129

  624

  531

  1985

  140

  615

  587

  1986

  166

  702

  524

  1987

  144

  808

  487

  1988

  152

  862

  —

  1989

  157

  900

  —

  1990

  163

  882

  —

  For asbestosis and mesothelioma, the numbers are of death certificates mentioning these conditions. An estimated 100 mesotheliomas annually are not asbestos
  336
  Mr. McLoughlin
  The available information based on injuries reported in Great Britain is provided in the table.

  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.

  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment on how many occasions the current director of field operations of the Health and Safety Executive has inspected a factory; and what are his managerial qualifications for his post.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The director of field operations—DFO—does not, as a matter of policy, carry out inspections at factories or other premises for which the Health and Safety Executive—HSE—is the enforcing authority.

  The DFO has overall management responsibility for more than 1,900 staff covering a wide range of duties in the field operations division. Inspection of factories is but one aspect of the work of the factory inspectorate and is undertaken by factory inspectors based in each of HSE's 20 area offices.

  The current DFO has extensive managerial experience with HSE and has taken part in management and development training programmes within and external to the civil service.

  Over-50s
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what training opportunities are available to those over 50 years of age who find themselves out of work.
  337
  Mr. McLoughlin
  All the Government's employment and training measures are open to those over 50 years of age who satisfy the relevant entry conditions, including length of unemployment where appropriate.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps she is taking to maintain employment prospects for those over 50 years of age.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  We are keen to improve employment prospects for people of all ages and believe that discrimination on the grounds of age is wasteful and shortsighted. We are encouraging employers to abandon arbitrary age limits in recruitment and to adopt personnel policies which treat everyone on their merits. Employers should be making more effective use of the skills and experience of people over 50. I am confident that the advisory group on older workers, whose membership I shall announce shortly, will help change employers' attitudes towards this age group.

  Labour Statistics
  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of full-time employees have worked for their current employer for less than two years, in each standard planning region.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The spring 1992 labour force survey shows that the proportions of full-time employees who had worked for their current employer for less than two years in each region were as follows:

  Percentage

  South-East

  24·9

  East Anglia

  24·5

  South-West

  24·9

  West Midlands

  22·6

  East Midlands

  21·3

  Yorks and Humberside

  24·7

  North-West

  22·0

  Northern

  23·7

  Wales

  25·2

  Scotland

  24·0

  Northern Ireland

  20·8

  Ms. Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of employees currently working part-time in the United Kingdom have worked with their present employer for less than five years, in each standard planning region.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The spring 1992 labour force survey shows that the proportions of part-time employees who had worked for their current employer for less than five years in each region, were as follows.

  Percentage

  South-East

  66·6

  East Anglia

  64·1

  South-West

  65·4

  West Midlands

  63·1

  East Midlands

  63·3

  Yorks and Humberside

  66·2

  North-West

  61·5

  Northern

  62·6

  Wales

  63·8

  Scotland

  63·3

  Northern Ireland

  54·6

  Wages Concils
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will place in the Library a copy of the research commissioned by her Department on the effect of abolition of wages councils on employment prospects for women.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Department has commissioned several studies on the general economic effects of the wages councils. They suggest that the abolition of wages councils should improve employment prospects in the wages council industries, where the majority of workers are women. However, the studies do not focus exclusively on the prospects for women.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action is to be taken against the pesticides contractor involved in case No. C132/91 investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Health and Safety Executive — HSE—considers that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the contractor involved in case number C.132/91 investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration—PCA—was in breach of any health and safety legislation. The PCA found that HSE had acted correctly in its assessment of the work of the contractor.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action she intends to take following the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration's second report 1992–93 in case No. C132/91 involving Mrs. Bettina Jonic Calder.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Following the report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration into Mrs. Calder's complaint, the Health and Safety Executive has introduced procedural changes relating to its dealings with members of the public and to the way it handles complaints which are received. The HSE considers that no further action is required.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if the case of Mrs. Bettina Jonic Calder, Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration reference No. C132/91, will be included in the annual record of pesticides incidents investigated by the Health and Safety Executive.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The pesticide incident involving Mrs. Bettina Jonic Calder was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive in 1989 and details were recorded in the HSE's report "Pesticides Incidents Investigated in 1989/90" published in July 1990.

  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will review the role and operations of the pesticide incidents appraisal panel of the Health and Safety Executive following the finding in case No. C132/91 by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The role and operation of the pesticides incidents appraisal panel were not investigated by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration
  339
  and his report made no call for their review. However, certain aspects of the work of the panel are currently under review, both in response to concern subsequently raised by the complainant and independently of her case.

  Skills Training Agency (Properties)
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many properties belonging to the former Skills Training Agency or skillcentres have been sold off.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The former Skills Training Agency occupied 56 properties. The following 33 properties were transferred to Astra Training Services Ltd. in May 1990:

  Barking

  Basildon

  Bellshill

  Billingham

  Birmingham

  Bradford

  Bristol

  Cheshire

  The following 13 properties were disposed of as shown:

  Site

  Disposal date

  To

  Cumbria

  May 1990

  Training for Industry and Commerce Co. Ltd.

  Lambeth

  May 1990

  Training Business Group

  Liverpool

  May 1990

  Metel Ltd.

  Leicester

  17 August 1990

  Hammond Grange Ltd.

  Chesterfield

  31 August 1990

  Surrendered to Landlord

  East Lancashire

  19 October 1990

  Lancashire County Enterprises Ltd.

  Chelmsford

  2 November 1990

  Surrendered to Landlord

  Leeds

  19 December 1990

  Jarvis Porter Ltd. and G. and L. Parish

  Wakefield

  8 March 1991

  Gallery Le Shon Ltd.

  Edinburgh

  28 March 1991

  The Post Office

  Southampton

  9 August 1991

  Surrendered to Landlord

  Slough

  21 November 1991

  Fairview New Homes plc.

  Reading

  27 January 1992

  Intersurgical Ltd.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much her Department has received under the clawback arrangements when Skills Training Agency or former skillcentre property has been sold off.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Because no former Skills Training Agency or former skillcentre properties sold to private sector companies have been resold or redeveloped under circumstances which could trigger clawback payments, no receipts have been received under these arrangements.

  Skillcentres
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list the skillcentres which have closed since February 1990 giving the date of closure in each case; and how many of the original centres are still operating.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Fifty-one skillcentres, of a total of 60, were sold when the Skills Training Agency was privatised in 1990. The remaining nine, at Letchworth, Portsmouth, Reading, Twickenham, Perivale, Chesterfield, Northampton, Southampton (Millbrook) and Chelmsford were closed by the Department on 31 July 1990. The operation of the sold centres is the responsibility of the purchasers and not of the Department, but I understand that some 43 continue to function.
  340

  Dundee

  Durham

  Enfield

  Gloucester

  Gwent

  Millington

  Hull

  Irvine

  Manchester

  Medway

  Milton Keynes

  North Staffs

  Norwich

  Peterborough

  Plymouth

  Preston

  Redruth

  Rochdale

  Sheffield

  Southampton

  Tyneside

  West Glamorgan

  West Sussex

  Wigan

  Wrexham

  Competitive Tendering
  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what effect the changes to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 contained in the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill will have on local authority competitive tendering; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  One of the provisions in the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill, published on 5 November, is to extend the applications of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 to transfers of undertakings which are not"in the nature of a commercial venture".

  These regulations provide for the transfer of employment rights when an undertaking is transferred to a new employer. There has been some misunderstanding about this amendment and its possible effects have been exaggerated in some press comments.

  It has been suggested that the amendment extends the application of the regulations to the public sector and to compulsory competitive tendering for local authority services for the first time, and that people not covered in the past may now have a claim for retrospective compensation. The fact is that the regulations have always covered the public sector, including local authority services, as well as the private sector. Whether or not they apply in any individual case, however, depends on the facts of that case, and there are a number of tests to be applied.
  341
  For example, it needs to be shown that an undertaking or part of an undertaking has actually been transferred. This test has always applied and will continue to apply.

  The Government are of the view that the regulations will not normally apply where a local authority contracts out in-house services, since such a transaction does not generally involve the transfer of an undertaking within the meaning of the regulations. The facts need to be considered in each case to see whether all the necessary criteria which determine whether the regulations apply have been satisfied. There will be no change in this position as a result of the amendments to the regulations proposed in the Bill.

  The only relevant changes we are making in the Bill are as follows. It will no longer be necessary to show that the undertaking is in the nature of a commercial venture and property will not have to be transferred for there to be a transfer of an undertaking. These changes are required to bring the wording into line with the EC acquired rights directive and to clarify its interpretation.

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

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what strategic guidance she is giving to TECs for 1993–94; and if she will make a statement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Strategic guidance for 1993–94 on training, vocational education and enterprise will be issued today to all TECs. I am pleased that, this year, it is being published jointly with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, emphasising a consistent, coherent strategy across government. The guidance builds on the six strategic priorities identified in earlier documents and sets out the key issues for TECs to address in their plans for the coming year. Copies of the guidance "The Strategy for Skills and Enterprise" have been placed in the Library.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Aid to Africa
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy for the additional funding granted to African countries during 1991–92 to total £30 million or more.

  Mr. Lennox Boyd
  The year 1991–92 was an exceptional year for major humanitarian needs; £60 million was added to the overseas aid vote to enable the Overseas Development Administration to respond to humanitarian needs, including famine in the Horn of Africa.

  In 1991, we provided almost £54 million bilateral humanitarian assistance to the Horn of Africa. To date in 1992, we have already pledged, from existing programme resources, £112 million bilateral assistance—including balance of payments support, food and non-food assistance—to relieve famine in Africa. Of this, £61 million has been for the Horn of Africa.

  Tanzania
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria are used in determining the amount of aid given by the United Kingdom to Tanzania(a) bilaterally and (b) through the EC.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We take a number of factors into account when allocating bilateral aid to individual countries. These include the comparative poverty of the country concerned, and the effectiveness with which our aid can be used. We consider whether the country has adopted policies which will help to promote economic growth and social progress and to combat poverty. The quality of government in the country concerned is an integral part of our assessment.

  The overall allocation of funds for the European development fund—EDF—is decided by the member states. The Commission then draws up national indicative programmes—NIPs—for individual countries based on the priorities set out in the Lomé convention. The overall allocation for Tanzania for EDF VII is 195 mecu for commitment over the period 1992 to 1997. Individual projects are then put to a management committee on which the Overseas Development Administration is represented. The same criteria are applied to the Commission's proposals as we apply to our own bilateral programme.

  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 9 November,Official Report, columns 553–54, if he will list the capital and technical co-operation projects in Tanzania supported by the EC; and the total cost of the projects in each case.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Capital and technical co-operation projects funded by the EC in Tanzania since 1981 total 225·5 mecu—approximately £184 million at current exchange rates—and are listed in the table.

  Project

  Total cost of project (ecus)

  Training Programme 1981–85

  462,411

  Attendance at Trade Fairs

  25,380

  Mtwara Water Supply

  5,065,492

  Phase 2 Agriculture Project Tringa

  10,569,323

  Morogoro Canvas Mill

  2,500,000

  Mwanza Water Supply

  6,590,240

  Coffee Development Programme

  12,848,002

  Training of Irrigation Engineers

  815,131

  Study Banana Pest Control in Kagera Region

  56,955

  Road from Idetero to Paper Mill (Supp Fin)

  8,456,155

  Study Rehabilitation of Zanzibar—Pemba Port

  49,317

  Technical Assistance Rehabilitation Hospital Zanzibar and Pemoa

  267,199

  1st Annual Microprojects Programme

  643,239

  Tanzania Trade Promotion Programme

  154,884

  Tanzania Tourism Promotion

  185,137

  Technical Assistance Food Strategy Tanzania

  238,560

  Region Rinderpest Control Programme

  1,376,470

  Nyanguge-Dunda-Musoma Road

  16,761,620

  Technical Assistance Ports Zanzibar and Pemba

  134,930

  Extensions Mbeya Water Supply System

  2,975,465

  Coffee Development Programme Phase 2

  8,556,784

  Morogoro Canvas Mill Management

  2,200,000

  Tanzania Industrial Research and Development Organisation Tirdo

  1,471,515

  2nd Annual Microprojects Programme

  442,792

  Banana Improvement Pest Control

  967,812

  343

  Project

  Total cost of project (ecus)

  Rehabilitation Zanzibar Hospitals Phase 1

  1,066,044

  Co-operative and Rural Development Bank

  1,478,557

  Study Tanzania Seed Industry

  88,630

  Rehabilitation Zanzibar Hospitals Phase 2

  2,557,142

  Rehabilitation Zanzibar Ports

  9,890,767

  Moroco Shoe Factory

  35,000

  Total funded under Lomé II (European Development Fund 5) 1981–85

  106,930,953

  Food Security Agriculture Sector Programme

  17,416,116

  Coffee Production Marketing Agriculture Sector

  13,346,696

  Co-operatives Agriculture Sectors

  4,255,605

  Vehicle Tractor Repair Agriculture Sector

  10,264,599

  Road Maintenance Agriculture Sector

  13,157,609

  Managing Unit Assistance to Agricultural Sector

  5,485,449

  Rehabilitation Zanzibar Ports

  13,690,820

  1st Programme of Microprojects

  135,554

  Emergency Programme, Tanzania Railways Corporation

  1,997,945

  Musoma Sirari Road Study

  502,865

  Morogoro Canvas Mill Management

  3,296,296

  Study Telecom Network South West Tanzania

  38,522

  Study Rehabilitation STDL Dairy Plants

  11,617

  Incentive Goods for Tanzania

  6,079,753

  Sectoral Import Programme

  15,378,360

  Mtwara Audit Financing

  59,991

  Sector Import Programme

  7,975,323

  Seminar Public Enterprise Reform

  36,782

  Study Management Development Zanzibar Ports

  59,334

  Livestock Service Development

  187,436

  Study Telecom Southern Highlands

  146,377

  Feeder Roads in South West

  4,067,335

  Conservation Historic Buildings

  179,664

  Ibanda Uyole Road

  666,635

  Data Base Financial Control System

  30,581

  Total funded under Lomé III (European Development Fund 6) 1986–90

  118,467,264

  Serengeti Region Conservation Strategy

  108,933

  Total funded under Lomé IV (European Development Fund 7)

  108,933

  Source:European Commission

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Nuclear Plant
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total cost to date in(a) historic costs and (b) 1992 prices of clean-up programmes and retrofitted technology installed at (i) Sellafield, (ii) Capenhurst, (iii) Springfields, (iv) Chapelcross, (v) Harwell, (vi) Dounreay and (vii) Risley, respectively, to protect the environment against radioactive and toxic contamination.

  Mr. Eggar
  This is a matter for the operators of the sites concerned.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what subsidies have been made available to British Nuclear Fuels in each year since 1971, to cover the. long-term treatment, storage and final disposal of 344
  high-level radioactive wastes from (a) foreign spent fuel imported under contracts signed up to December 1975 and (b) spent fuel sent to Sellafield by Nuclear Electric, Scottish Nuclear and their predecessor companies;

  (2) What subsidy has been made available by Her Majesty's Government to British Nuclear Fuels for the disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive wastes arising from contracts signed for reprocessing imported spent nuclear fuel (a) up to December 1975 and (b) since January 1976.

  Mr. Eggar
  None.

  Engine Emissions Consortium
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the total cost to his Department of supporting the vehicle emissions consortium's programme;

  (2) when the vehicle emissions consortium programme was concluded; what action he has taken as a result; and if he will place a copy of its reports in the Library.

  Mr. Eggar
  The total grant contribution from my Department in support of the United Kingdom engine emissions consortium's programme of research into petrol and diesel technologies amounted to £1,810,815. The last project in the programme concluded on 31 July 1992.

  The 11 collaborators in the consortium are the main beneficiaries of the research conducted. They are obliged to take reasonable steps to exploit the results of the projects in which they participated and, if necessary, to co-operate with my Department in securing an alternative person or persons to undertake such exploitation. In addition, my Department will ensure that the results of the programme, once fully evaluated, will contribute to United Kingdom policy formation on vehicle emissions legislation.

  Consortium members are preparing public presentations on the programme. I shall ensure that copies of these are placed in the Library of the House. Reports on the results of the programme provided to the Department by the member companies in the consortium contain commercially confidential information. It is open to the hon. Member to contact Perkins Technology Ltd. of Peterborough, the central co-ordinator of the programme, which will seek the agreement of the member companies to provide the hon. Member with more specific project information.

  Albania
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assistance his Department is providing British companies in creating the opportunities to trade with Albania.

  Mr. Needham
  The Albania trade section within my Department provides general information about the market and answers specific questions about market opportunities. In addition, the world aid section and the export intelligence service publicise the opportunities in Albania which arise from the activities of the multilateral funding agencies.

  My officials also work closely with counterparts in the joint assistance unit of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure that British companies are aware of opportunities under the know-how fund.

  Assisted Area Status
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the meeting between Leicestershire county council on 3 November and the Minister for Industry regarding assisted area status for travel-to-work areas in the county.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  I found my meeting with Leicestershire county council interesting and useful. The points raised at the meeting will be carefully considered in the review of the assisted areas map.

  Piper Alpha
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the condition of the site of the Piper Alpha and of the removal of hazardous or toxic materials which could affect those engaged in maritime activities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  Conditions attached to the Piper Alpha abandonment programme approved by the then Secretary of State for Energy include requirements for samples of sediment, sea water, fish and shellfish to be obtained and examined for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls —PCBs—and radioactivity. Surveys were carried out in 1989, 1990 and 1991. The levels of PCBs and radioactivity in water, fish and shellfish, and of radioactivity in sediments, were all within the background levels found elsewhere in the North sea. Some sediment samples taken within 500 m of the platform showed elevated levels of PCBs, but these were not increasing. The measurements of PCBs in water, fish and shellfish, and in sediments further out appear to indicate that the PCBs in the sediments close to the remains of the installation are not giving rise to elevated levels in the biota.

  The conditions provide for repetition of the surveys and sampling for PCBs biennially until my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is satisfied that there is no significant risk to the marine environment from PCBs associated with transformers formerly located on the installation. In addition, samples taken after 1994 will be examined for radioactivity.

  The conditions also required that within a radius of 500 m the seabed should be surveyed to determine the position of any remains of the installation. This was done in 1990 and will be repeated in 1993 and biennially thereafter until my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is satisfied that any movement of debris will not cause unjustifiable interference with fishing. Outside the 500 m zone, to a radius of 1,500 m, the conditions required that the seabed be surveyed and trawled to recover debris identified, and that any debris too large or heavy to be lifted in a trawl should be recovered by other means. This operation will be completed next year.

  Gas Pipelines
  Mr. Hinchcliffe
  To ask the President of the Boa.rd of Trade what information he has on the future construction of gas pipelines, to the United Kingdom from Europe and non-European nations.

  Mr. Eggar
  I am not aware of any decisions by companies wishing to proceed with the construction of new gas pipelines from Europe or a non-European country 346
  to the United Kingdom. The then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy announced to the House on 30 January 1992 that a group of companies had begun a feasibility study of a gas pipeline from the United Kingdom to the continent, with a view to initial exports of United Kingdom gas. Construction of a planned gas pipeline between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland is due to begin shortly.

  Gas (Electricity Generation)
  Mr. Hinchcliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of gas used for electricity generation is not provided by British Gas and United Kingdom-based companies.

  Mr. Eggar
  None.

  Mr. Hinchcliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are his projections for non-United Kingdom gas consumption for(a) the next decade and (b) the next 50 years in the electricity generating industry.

  Mr. Eggar
  In 1991 the United Kingdom imported 7 billion cu m of Norwegian gas, almost all from the Frigg field. Production from this field is declining rapidly and will cease around 1997. Some additional gas from the Frigg area will be imported from 1993 for around 16 years. On 30 January 1992 the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy announced that the Government would facilitate two imports of Norwegian gas for sale to National Power and an independent power generation project. These are the only firm proposals to import gas of which I am aware.

  The review my right hon. Friend announced to the House on 21 October will look into the latest estimates of likely gas reserves, and will consider the scale of gas-generated power stations in production, in build and in the planning process.

  Deep-mine Coal
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies have been undertaken into the costs associated with re-opening deep-mine coalfields and the feasibility of such operations.

  Mr. Eggar
  British Coal has gained significant experience of the feasibility and cost of putting closed deep mines on to a care and maintenance basis with a view to possible re-opening. In recent years four major closed mines—Carway Drift, Frances, Monktonhall and Thorne —have been put on to a care and maintenance basis and one—Monktonhall—is being prepared for re-opening by the Monktonhall Mineworkers Consortium.

  Regulation Costs
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was(a) the cost of the regulation in 1991–92 and (b) the number of staff employed by (i) the Office of Electricity Regulation, (ii) the Office of Gas Supply and (iii) the Office of Telecommunications.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 November 1992]: Details of the staffing and running costs of Offer, Oftel, and Ofgas are given in the annual reports by each director general. Copies of the reports are in the Library of the House. The most recent reports available give the following information:
  347

  Annual report

  Staff

  Annual cost (£ million)

  OFFER

  1991

  1206

  29·255

  OFTEL

  1991

  1143

  37·5

  OFGAS

  1991

  28

  31·9

  1 Average throughout year.

  2 Expenditure.

  3 Budget.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Victims Charter
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress of the victims charter.

  Mr. Jack
  The charter was published in February 1990 and sets out the rights and expectations of victims of crime. It contains some 50 standards by which compliance with the charter can be judged. A recent exercise showed that 57 per cent.—31 standards—had been achieved and 39 per cent.21 standards—were in the process of being achieved, a total of 96 per cent.

  Birmingham Pub Bombings
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the police inquiry into the Birmingham pub bombings to be completed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The chief constable of West Midlands police is responsible for the conduct of the investigation into the Birmingham pub bombings. It would be improper for me to comment in any way on this investigation while it is continuing.

  Car Crime
  Ms. Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to reduce car crime in the north-west.

  Mr. Jack
  As part of Car Crime Prevention Year we have sought to engage the whole community in a concerted effort to tackle car crime. Among the practical measures being taken in the north-west by Greater Manchester police are the promotion of vehicle watch schemes, the distribution of information packs on car security and the setting up of a special police unit to tackle car crime.

  Police forces throughout the north-west have made a positive contribution to Car Crime Prevention Year and in the 12 months of the year ending June 1992 both Greater Manchester and Merseyside forces reported a fall in the level of car crimes.

  Our safer cities projects in Rochdale and Salford have also taken action to educate the public in car security and have organised and funded projects aimed at diverting young people from car crime.

  Sir John Hannam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response there has been from British car manufacturers to the Car Crime Prevention Year.
  348
  Mr. Jack
  Many car manufacturers have responded very positively to the message of Car Crime Prevention Year by contributing or promising support estimated to be worth more than £3 million.

  In addition, many more new cars are now being fitted with security systems as standard equipment and security features are being given a much higher profile in the manufacturers' advertisements.

  Mr. Enright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review current legislation available to deal with those who steal cars and subsequently kill and maim.

  Mr. Jack
  The relevant law is constantly reviewed; and action to strengthen it has been taken recently. The Aggravated Vehicle-Taking Act 1992 has significantly increased the powers of the courts to deal with both drivers and passengers in a stolen car which causes damage, injury and death. In addition, we have recently announced an intention to double the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from five to 10 years imprisonment.

  Mr. Wolfson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he can report arising from Car Crime Prevention Year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  So far, Car Crime Prevention Year has been a highly successful campaign and I am pleased to say that the quarterly car crime figures for April to June 1992 show a reduction of over 2·5 per cent. on the corresponding quarter of 1991. While we cannot draw too many conclusions from this change, I hope that it is the start of a welcome trend.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to receive advice from outside his Department about the future of the car crime prevention initiative.

  Mr. Jack
  I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that I have recently formed a committee comprising people who are actively involved in all areas of car security and car crime prevention to advise me on these matters and we met for the first time on 20 October.

  This committee brings together senior representatives from the motor manufacturers, the security equipment industry, motoring and consumer associations, the retail and leasing sectors, the insurance industry and the police.

  Crime (Northumbria)
  Mr. Clelland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will next meet representatives of Northumbria police authority to discuss crime levels in the area.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State is currently arranging to meet representatives of Northumbria police authority.

  Prison Building Programme
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the Government's prison building programme.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Eighteen of the 21 new prisons in the Government's current building programme have now
  349
  opened, providing nearly 9,500 additional places. The remainder will open within the next 18 months, providing a further 1,800 places. In addition, this year we shall be spending some £200 million on improving the existing estate.

  The Government's future plans include two new prisons, providing 1,200 places, on which construction work will begin in 1995–1996, as well as a continued high level of investment in the modernisation of existing prisons.

  Immigration (Carriers' Liability)
  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fines due under the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 were waived in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what was their total value.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  For the 12 months ending 30 September 1992 the total value of charges waived was £1,758,000. Information about the number of charges is not available.

  Concealed Weapons
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to empower police officers to conduct random searches for concealed weapons.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  No. Our view remains that compulsory searching should be allowed only where a police officer reasonably suspects that a weapon is being carried.

  Safer Cities Initiative
  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what have been the main achievements of his Department's safer cities initiatives; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  Safer cities has successfully put into practice the partnership approach under which local agencies act in concert to identify and tackle local crime problems; and the programme has supported a wide range of local crime prevention schemes with encouraging results in terms of reduction in crime and fear of crime.

  Community Service Orders
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the use being made of community service orders.

  Mr. Jack
  The courts are making increasing use of community service orders. In 1991, a total of 41,200 community service orders were started, an 8 per cent. increase over 1990.

  Special Constables
  Mr. Paice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has to extend the use of special constables.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The deployment of special constables in individual forces is a matter for chief 350
  constables. With the help of Her Majesty's inspectors of constabulary, we are encouraging forces to make the widest and most imaginative use of special constables.

  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current number of special constables; and what the figure was 12 months ago.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  At 31 December 1991, the number of special constables in England and Wales was 18,072. This represents an increase of 14 per cent. on the total for 1990.

  "Images of Drugs"
  Mr. David Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement following his visit to the exhibition "Images of Drugs" in Southwark.

  Mr. Jack
  The exhibition, which was opened by Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, brings together the knowledge and experience of local people into a creative picture in a variety of media about the effects of drugs misuse. The exhibition is now on tour throughout the borough to schools, youth clubs, local business sites and others requesting the project for their own drug prevention purposes. It gives the people of Southwark a chance to speak in their own language about the effects of drugs on their community. The opening event, which I attended with the princess, also provided a splendid opportunity for some of the excellent local projects sponsored by the Southwark drugs prevention team to publicise their activities. I am confident that royal and ministerial attendance will have encouraged future activities, by providing a high profile focus for drugs prevention in Southwark.

  In European Drugs Prevention Week, I am particularly glad to have the opportunity of praising the exhibition. It is a splendid example of how the Home Office drug prevention initiative is mobilising all sections of the community—including the business community—both in recognising the major challenge which they face and in their commitment to work together to find solutions.

  Drug Offences
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a table showing, for each police force area in England and Wales, the number of notifiable drug offences by category in each year since 1985 and the total for England and Wales.

  Mr. Jack
  The only notifiable offence which is drugs related is that of "trafficking in controlled drugs". This information for 1985–90 is published annually in table 3.1 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales, Supplementary tables"; copies of which are available in the Library. Information for 1991 is contained in the following table:

  Notifiable offences of trafficking in controlled drugs—1991

  Police force area

  Number of offences

  Avon and Somerset

  262

  Bedfordshire

  49

  Cambridgeshire

  79

  Cheshire

  315

  Cleveland

  86

  Cumbria

  133

  351

  Police force area

  Number of offences

  Derbyshire

  129

  Devon and Cornwall

  226

  Dorset

  221

  Durham

  85

  Essex

  238

  Gloucestershire

  123

  Greater Manchester

  868

  Hampshire

  391

  Hertfordshire

  179

  Humberside

  179

  Kent

  551

  Lancashire

  384

  Leicestershire

  65

  Lincolnshire

  141

  City of London

  20

  Merseyside

  506

  Metropolitan Police District

  2,096

  Norfolk

  217

  Northamptonshire

  93

  Northumbria

  143

  North Yorkshire

  100

  Nottinghamshire

  112

  South Yorkshire

  225

  Staffordshire

  117

  Suffolk

  247

  Surrey

  103

  Sussex

  546

  Thames Valley

  299

  Warwickshire

  78

  West Mercia

  160

  West Midlands

  300

  West Yorkshire

  608

  Wiltshire

  91

  Dyfed-Powys

  103

  Gwent

  117

  North Wales

  126

  South Wales

  268

  England and Wales

  11,379

  May Inquiry
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the projected total cost of the Sir John May inquiry; and what has been the cost to date.

  Mr. Jack
  The current projected final cost of Sir John May's inquiry is £1,930,000. As at the end of October 1992, the inquiry, which was set up in October 1989, had incurred expenditure of £1,357,000.

  Prisoners' Requests
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners' requests or complaints referred to governors are answered within seven days.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The figure requested is not readily available and I will write to the hon. Member.

  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of prisoners' requests or complaints referred to area managers are answered within six weeks(a) in total and (b) in each prison service area.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  During the period April to September 1992, 69 per cent. of area managers' answers to prisoners' requests or complaints were sent within six weeks. For individual areas the figures were:352

  Area

  Percentage

  Central

  73

  Chilterns

  57

  East Anglia

  74

  East Midlands

  76

  Kent

  81

  London North

  72

  London South

  39

  Mercia

  76

  North East

  92

  North West

  48

  South Coast

  82

  Trans-Pennine

  63

  Wales/West

  78

  Wessex

  81

  Yorkshire

  90

  Refugees
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to alter the policy whereby all who have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion may enjoy the full protection afforded by the Geneva convention on refugees.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  We are fully committed to meeting our obligations under the convention.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances his Department will issue more visas to victims of the war in Croatia who are currently displaced or refugees.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) on 3 November 1992, at columns 128–29. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary also made it clear in his statement of 5 November that the Government will be discussing with the international organisations the numbers and timing of the evacuation of certain categories of specially vulnerable cases to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has made a decision on the 180 Bosnian refugees whose application for entry into the United Kingdom has been considered by his Department.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary decided on 16 November that six members of this group, who have existing close family ties with the United Kingdom, should be issued with visas. One hundred and eighty cases who have insubstantial or no links with this country are to be refused and eight other cases, including two medical cases, are under consideration.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent consultations Her Majesty's Government have had with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and his European Community counterparts about the future safety and well-being of refugees from Bosnia.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Government are in constant touch with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees about arrangements for assisting those displaced
  353
  from their homes in Bosnia. We are finalising with the UNHCR arrangements and timing for the admission and reception of 150 ex-detainees from camps in Bosnia-Herzegovina plus their dependants. This is an initial group and the UNHCR is aware of the United Kingdom's readiness to consider other similar humanitarian groups, including detainees, whom the international organisations judge should be evacuated. The United Kingdom is in regular contact with our European Community partners about these matters.

  Vulnerable Prisoner Units
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which prisons currently have vulnerable prisoner units; and how many prisoners were held in each of those units on the most convenient recent date.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The table shows which establishments have vulnerable prisoner units and the number of prisoners held in these units on 17 November.

  Establishment

  Population in VPU

  Albany

  142

  Brockhill

  47

  Channings Wood

  102

  Dartmoor

  173

  Durham

  101

  Frankland

  71

  Full Sutton

  85

  Littlehey

  109

  Liverpool

  171

  Maidstone

  80

  Risley

  187

  Rochester

  64

  Shepton Mallet

  27

  Usk

  118

  Wandsworth

  213

  Wayland

  93

  Whatton

  204

  Whitemoor

  239

  Total

  2,226

  Prisoners (Protection)
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners were being held on rule 43 or, in the case of young offenders, rule 46 for their own protection on the most convenient recent date.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  On 17 November, 1,539 prisoners were being held on rule 43 or rule 46 for their own protection. The following list shows a breakdown of these prisoners by establishment type.

  Number

  Local prisons

  1,109

  Remand centres

  98

  Adult trainers

  288

  Young offender trainers

  23

  Female establishments

  21

  Offences in Prisons
  Ms. Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions governors have invited the police to investigate alleged offences within prisons; and how many prosecutions have resulted since 1 April.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The information requested is not collected centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Passport Fees
  Sir John Wheeler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about passport fees.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Privy Council has approved an Order in Council, the Consular Fees (Amendment) Order 1992, which gives authority for an increase in passport fees on 22 November. The fee for a standard 32-page passport will increase from £15 to £18, for a frequent traveller's 48-page passport from £22·50 to £27, for a British visitor's passport from £7·50 to £12 and for a British visitor's passport, including spouse, from £11·25 to £18. The fee for an excursion document to France rises from £2 to £3 and that for a collective passport from £30 to £40. The fee for amending a passport to add particulars of children goes up from £4 to £5. The fees for amendments involving the holder's name, photograph or description are increased from £3 to £5.

  This is the first general increase in passport fees for nine years and overall is well below the increase in inflation in that time. In relation to the cost of travel abroad, a fee of £18 for a standard passport or £12 for a British visitor's passport is still very good value for money.

  Drugs (Prisons)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what have been the reported drug finds in each of the London prisons for the period from 1 January to 1 November.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  There have been a total of 492 recorded drug finds in prison service establishments in London from 1 January 1992 to 1 November 1992. The table shows a breakdown of the reported finds.

  Establishment

  Number of incidents

  Belmarsh

  37

  Brixton

  56

  Feltham

  123

  Holloway

  11

  Pentonville

  33

  Wandsworth

  127

  Wormwood Scrubs

  105

  Wheel Clamping
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he is making for consultations on wheel clamping on private land; and when he will expect replies to the consultation.

  Mr. Jack
  The Government intend to conduct a public consultation exercise on the problems associated with
  355
  wheel clamping on private land in England and Wales. For this purpose, a detailed discussion paper is being prepared. This will be issued as soon as possible and will include details about the closing date for replies to the consultation exercise.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures have been taken to deal with the hard core of juvenile offenders who persistently reoffend.

  Mr. Jack
  The Government understand and share the current concern about what appears to be a comparatively small number of juveniles who persistently reoffend. We are therefore looking urgently at the powers available to the courts and to the other authorities who deal with young offenders as well as at the facilities available at the institutions and other places to which they may be sent in order to decide what new measures it may be sensible to introduce. I would also draw my hon. Friend's attention to some of the recently implemented provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 1991. Inter alia, the Act places courts under a duty to bind over the parents of offenders under the age of 16 if they are satisfied that to do so would reduce the risk of further offending and it significantly strengthens their powers to determine what should happen to those juveniles who are refused bail and remanded to local authority accommodation. The effect of those provisions will be closely monitored.

  Young Offenders Institutions
  Mr. Heppell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases of sexual abuse have been recorded at young offenders institutions in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The current prison service policy is that details of all assaults are recorded, including sexual assaults. Investigations are made as appropriate, but the system at present does not allow for easy retrieval of information relating specifically to sexual assault.

  The reporting of incidents by prison establishments in England and Wales is currently under review, as is the system for the storage and retrieval of information about incidents. An improved system for reporting incidents, and for storing and retrieving information about incidents, is expected to be in place by the middle of 1993.

  It is envisaged that, when the new systems are in place, more detailed information will be available about all assaults, including those with a sexual element.

  Prison Accommodation
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total certified and functional accommodation in the prison service; and what is the projected accommodation level for each of the next seven years.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The total certified normal accommodation—CNA—available for use in the prison service estate on 16 November was 45,650. The projected average CNA for each of the next seven years is as follows:356

  CNA

  1993–94

  47,573

  1994–95

  48,197

  1995–96

  49,334

  1996–97

  50,098

  1997–98

  50,216

  1998–99

  50,264

  1999–2000

  50,264

  Sunday Trading
  Mr. Elletson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will include the compromise solution on shopping hours submitted by Marks and Spencer, Iceland Frozen Foods, Outlets Providing for Everyday Needs and other retailers, as one of the options for reform of the Shops Act 1950 to be presented to Parliament.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  My right hon. and learned Friend hopes to make a statement soon about our proposals for reform.

  Wolds Prison
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Wolds private prison will reach full capacity; and when he will conduct an assessment of the functioning of Wolds prison so that the feasibility of further private prisons can be assessed.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Arrangements are being made to transfer to HM prison Wolds the catchment areas of Kingston-upon-Hull Crown court and committing magistrates courts. This change will take effect from 4 January 1993. I expect that Wolds will reach full capacity within a few months.

  There is continual assessment of the functioning of the prison by the controller and a two-year evaluation study at Wolds is being undertaken by Hull university.

  Strangeways Prison
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the certified normal accommodation will be at Strangeways prison when it becomes fully functional in 1993; and if he will give an undertaking that Strangeways will not be allowed to become overcrowded.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The certified normal accommodation of Manchester prison will be 971 when it becomes fully operational. This level of accommodation may not be reached until June 1994. When the refurbished main prison is opened in September 1993, the old remand centre which is currently the only accommodation in use could be closed. This will be in order to refurbish K wing and to carry out security improvements.

  The prison service will aim to avoid the population exceeding 971 by arranging for sentenced prisoners to be transferred to serve their sentence in training prisons. But if it becomes essential to do so—for example, in order to avoid the use of police cells—the population of the prison could rise to 1,150.

  Prison Population
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his latest projections of the prison population for each of the next seven years.
  357
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The latest projections of the prison population, based on data available up to the end of 1991, were published in a Home Office statistical bulletin "Projections of long term trends in the Prison population to 2000", Issue 10/92, published 28 May 1992. These projections do not take into account any prison places saved as a result of extra resources to strenghen initiatives aimed at diverting offenders from custody which were agreed in the autumn statement 1992. A copy of the bulletin is available in the Library.

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those agencies in his Department which are being considered for privatisation or contractorisation.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Home Office has three agencies: the Fire Service College, the Forensic Science Service and the United Kingdom Passport Agency, and a fourth—the Prison Service Agency—is due to be launched

  Number of cautions, prosecutions and convictions for drug trafficking offences by police force area 1989, 1990 and 19911

  England and Wales 1991

  Police Force Area

  Cautions

  Prosecutions

  Convictions

  1989

  1990

  19911

  1989

  1990

  19911

  1989

  1990

  19911

  Avon and Somerset

  10

  8

  33

  122

  167

  169

  77

  92

  83

  Bedfordshire

  —

  4

  13

  35

  59

  50

  27

  50

  23

  Cambridgeshire

  10

  18

  2

  84

  99

  76

  64

  79

  60

  Cheshire

  4

  4

  7

  99

  122

  174

  78

  77

  108

  Cleveland

  4

  —

  9

  37

  56

  50

  24

  29

  29

  Cumbria

  7

  3

  13

  45

  54

  58

  47

  37

  58

  Derbyshire

  —

  4

  3

  51

  83

  91

  38

  55

  64

  Devon and Cornwall

  4

  6

  21

  132

  122

  153

  108

  106

  105

  Dorset

  3

  —

  4

  58

  68

  74

  39

  52

  59

  Durham

  1

  —

  —

  15

  23

  39

  14

  17

  15

  Essex

  5

  14

  10

  252

  285

  393

  169

  167

  216

  Gloucestershire

  1

  3

  8

  26

  42

  27

  21

  25

  30

  Greater Manchester

  4

  2

  33

  407

  453

  534

  257

  321

  375

  Hampshire

  9

  22

  17

  200

  199

  269

  121

  156

  154

  Hertfordshire

  1

  12

  16

  79

  101

  89

  59

  90

  51

  Humberside

  15

  19

  14

  93

  91

  144

  77

  73

  99

  Kent

  46

  66

  25

  319

  361

  349

  286

  331

  357

  Lancashire

  —

  7

  5

  110

  179

  198

  77

  99

  133

  Leicestershire

  —

  —

  2

  45

  34

  83

  39

  29

  so

  Lincolnshire

  7

  3

  14

  26

  42

  71

  19

  39

  38

  Merseyside

  5

  11

  14

  370

  483

  503

  208

  278

  263

  Metropolitan Police District2

  77

  34

  24

  2,000

  1,919

  1,887

  1,938

  1,773

  1,516

  Norfolk

  7

  9

  17

  92

  107

  140

  70

  95

  80

  Northamptonshire

  3

  6

  3

  55

  75

  71

  27

  53

  49

  Northumbria

  1

  5

  5

  114

  165

  161

  73

  110

  122

  North Yorkshire

  19

  5

  15

  21

  48

  60

  14

  23

  37

  Nottinghamshire

  2

  5

  2

  79

  75

  122

  54

  47

  55

  South Yorkshire

  2

  1

  10

  122

  136

  152

  63

  75

  94

  Staffordshire

  5

  1

  5

  40

  45

  88

  45

  31

  76

  Suffolk

  5

  11

  17

  104

  108

  113

  70

  74

  73

  Surrey

  42

  25

  8

  60

  82

  91

  35

  44

  54

  Sussex

  2

  4

  6

  516

  396

  673

  473

  399

  375

  Thames Valley

  8

  23

  19

  110

  141

  147

  102

  107

  110

  Warwickshire

  2

  8

  19

  27

  23

  56

  22

  29

  37

  West Mercia

  14

  29

  31

  78

  102

  82

  72

  76

  60

  West Midlands

  6

  5

  18

  341

  333

  333

  263

  220

  244

  West Yorkshire

  13

  20

  38

  151

  231

  300

  95

  144

  191

  Wiltshire

  —

  5

  6

  25

  43

  38

  15

  34

  20

  Dyfed-Powys

  7

  4

  13

  52

  49

  50

  41

  27

  37

  Gwent

  2

  11

  1

  26

  43

  58

  15

  25

  29

  North Wales

  —

  5

  5

  38

  61

  46

  45

  46

  58

  South Wales

  7

  12

  5

  154

  180

  273

  109

  130

  177

  England

  344

  402

  506

  6,540

  7,152

  8,108

  5,280

  5,538

  5,563

  Wales

  16

  32

  24

  270

  333

  427

  210

  228

  301

  England and Wales

  360

  434

  530

  6,810

  7,485

  8,535

  5,490

  5,766

  5,864

  358
  in April 1993. As the then Prime Minister explained to the House on 24 October 1988, at column 14, the status of potential agencies is carefully considered before the agency is launched. The future status of an agency will normally be re-examined during the periodic review of an agency's framework document which is a standard part of each agency's arrangements.

  Drug Trafficking
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a table showing for each police area in England and Wales for each of the last three years(a) the number of arrests for drug trafficking, (b) the number of cautions for drug trafficking and (c) the number of convictions for drug trafficking.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 11 November 1992]: Information on arrests is not collected centrally. The table shows the number of cautions, prosecutions and convictions for drug trafficking offences for the years 1989, 1990 and 1991, which is provisional, by police force area.
  359
  1 Provisional data.

  2 Including City of London.

  Wrongful Convictions
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many allegations of wrongful conviction upon indictment have been received during each of the last 10 years by C3 division of his Department with a view to investigation and possible reference to the Court of Appeal under section 17 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968; and, of those, how many cases in each year have been(a) investigated by C3 division, (b) sent to Ministers for a decision, (c) referred to the Court of Appeal and (d) resulted in the Court of Appeal finding that individuals had been wrongly convicted; and what was the average length of time between an allegation having been referred to C3 and a finding of wrongful conviction by the Court of Appeal.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 11 November 1992]: I regret that information is not available in the form requested. The available information is as follows:

  Number of representations received in C3 Division since 1 October 1984 in respect of allegations of wrongful conviction where a sentence of imprisonment was imposed

  Period

  Number received

  1 October 1984 to 30 September 1985

  654

  1 October 1985 to 30 September 1986

  601

  1 October 1986 to 30 September 1987

  560

  1 October 1987 to 31 March 1988

  1256

  1 April 1988 to 31 March 1989

  360

  1 April 1989 to 31 March 1990

  544

  1 April 1990 to 31 March 1991

  512

  1 April 1991 to 31 March 1992

  679

  1 April 1992 to 30 September 1992

  315

  1 A six-month period is shown because the procedure for collecting and collating these statistics was revised in April 1988.

  Number of cases referred to the Court of Appeal under section 17(1) (a) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 and the number of such cases in which the conviction was quashed.

  Year

  Number of cases1 referred

  Number of those cases in which the conviction was quashed

  1982

  4

  4

  1983

  3

  3

  1984

  12

  3

  1985

  4

  2

  1986

  4

  1

  1987

  6

  3

  1988

  2

  —

  1989

  3

  3

  1990

  7

  27

  1991

  10

  29

  1992 (up to 30 September 1992)

  7

  3—

  1 Some cases involve more than one defendant.

  2 Includes one case in which acquittal followed a retrial ordered by Court of Appeal.

  3 None of the cases referred in the period has so far been heard by the Court of Appeal.

  All representations received by C3 division are fully and carefully considered; and further investigations, for example, by the police are requested whenever it is considered that such action would be appropriate.

  Cautions and Discontinued Cases
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many persons were cautioned in England and Wales during the first six months of 1992;

  (2) how many persons were subject to discontinuance from prosecution in the first six months of 1992.

  Mr. Jack
  No information is yet available on cautions or cases discontinued during the first half of 1992. The most recent information is for 1991 and was published in October 1992—Home Office statistical bulletin "Cautions, Court Proceedings and Sentencing".

  Remand Prisoners (Psychiatric Reports)
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many defendants charged with an imprisonable offence were remanded under section 35 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to a hospital for reports in 1991 and for the first six months of 1992.

  Mr. Yeo
  I have been asked to reply.

  During the year ending 31 March 1990—the latest information held centrally—283 defendants charged with an imprisonable offence were remanded under section 35 of the Mental Health Act 1983 to a hospital for reports.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Social Fund
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for each district office, the total social fund budget in each month, for the last 12-month period for which figures are available, for(a) community care grants, (b) budgeting loans and (c) crisis loans; how much was left of each category by (i) November and (ii) December; and which offices (1) applied for and (2) received additional resources.

  Mr. Scott
  Social fund grant and loan budgets are allocated on an annual basis. The Secretary of State announced an £8 million increase to the social fund budget on 2 November 1992. All districts received additional resources. Details of individual district budgets and expenditure are in the Library.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State (1) what were the social fund grants and loans budgets for offices in the northern region for 1992–93; and what was the most recently available cumulative spend figure for the current year as a percentage of that total in each case;

  (2) if he will list the social fund grants and loans budgets for each office in the northern region in each year since the introduction of the social fund; and if he will also list these budgets indexed against (a) the retail prices index and (b) the social fund national spends;

  (3) what was the distribution of the extra social fund allocation between offices and regions in cash and percentage terms; and what this represented in each case as a percentage uplift of the base budget.

  Mr. Scott
  Details of allocations, expenditure and "real terms" expenditure, both nationally and by district and local office, are in the Library. My right hon. Friend the
  361
  Secretary of State announced an £8 million increase to the social fund budget on 2 November 1992. All districts have received additional resources, details of which are being placed in the Library.

  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Social Security if he will list the notional tariff of income assessements on relevant capital for benefit claimants for each year since 1986; and if he will now review these arrangements following the reduction in interest rates.

  Mr. Burt
  The tariff income rule in the income-related benefits was introduced in 1988 and has not been revised. The level of income assumed from capital is calculated by ignoring the first £3,000 and taking into account £1 a week for every £250, or part of £250, between £3,000 and the upper capital limit for the particular benefit.

  The formula for calculating tariff income is not linked to, nor is it meant to imply, any particular rate of return that could be secured from investment. The rule gives most help to people with the least savings.

  Estimated government expenditure on certain cash benefits,1 1989–90

  £ million and £ per head

  National insurance benefits

  Retirement pension

  Sickness and invalidity

  Widow's

  Unemployment

  Disablement

  Income support

  Child benefit

  War pensions

  Total benefits as slated2

  £ million

  United Kingdom

  20,558

  4,208

  862

  765

  477

  8,053

  4,718

  641

  40,281

  North

  1,083

  323

  47

  61

  55

  510

  256

  39

  2,376

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,803

  427

  73

  64

  54

  678

  414

  54

  3,567

  East Midlands

  1,374

  262

  56

  42

  29

  478

  337

  38

  2,618

  East Anglia

  738

  80

  28

  22

  16

  176

  163

  20

  1,243

  South East

  6,497

  831

  248

  178

  92

  2,171

  1,368

  197

  11,581

  South West

  1,915

  257

  67

  62

  26

  509

  360

  57

  3,252

  West Midlands

  1,715

  365

  77

  58

  49

  793

  449

  44

  3,551

  North West

  2,333

  593

  97

  94

  67

  1,083

  548

  81

  4,897

  England

  17,457

  3,138

  693

  583

  388

  6,399

  3,896

  530

  33,084

  Wales

  958

  350

  45

  45

  32

  442

  236

  36

  2,143

  Scotland

  1,689

  553

  92

  106

  43

  834

  406

  63

  3,786

  Northern Ireland

  453

  168

  32

  31

  14

  378

  180

  12

  1,268

  £ per head3

  United Kingdom

  359·2

  73·5

  15·1

  13·4

  8·3

  140·7

  82·4

  11·2

  703·8

  North

  352·5

  105·1

  15·4

  20·0

  18·0

  166·1

  83·4

  12·7

  773·2

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  365·0

  86·4

  14·8

  13·0

  10·9

  137·2

  83·8

  10·9

  722·2

  East Midlands

  343·6

  65·6

  14·0

  10·6

  7·2

  119·6

  84·4

  9·6

  654·6

  East Angiia

  360·9

  39·1

  13·5

  10·9

  7·8

  86·3

  79·6

  9·7

  607·7

  South East

  373·7

  47·8

  14·3

  10·2

  5·3

  124·9

  78·7

  11·3

  666·2

  South West

  411·6

  55·2

  14·4

  13·3

  5·6

  109·3

  77·4

  12·2

  699·0

  West Midlands

  328·7

  69·9

  14·7

  11·2

  9·4

  152·1

  86·2

  8·5

  680·7

  North West

  365·6

  92·9

  15·3

  14·8

  10·5

  169·8

  85·9

  12·7

  767·5

  England

  366·1

  65·8

  14·5

  12·2

  8·1

  134·2

  81·7

  11·1

  693·7

  Wales

  333·5

  121·7

  15·6

  15·5

  11·1

  153·9

  82·1

  12·5

  745·9

  Scotland

  331·8

  108·7

  18·1

  20·8

  8·5

  163·9

  79·7

  12·3

  743·6

  Northern Ireland

  286·3

  106·1

  19·9

  19·7

  8·7

  239·1

  113·8

  7·7

  801·3

  Source: Department of Social Security; Department of Social Security, Northern Ireland.

  1 The quality of these estimates varies between benefits. For some of them, including retirement pension, the regional breakdown in Great Britain is based solely on population estimates. Because of changes in method, the estimates might not be entirely consistent with those published for previous years.

  2 The benefits covered do not account for the total value of social security benefits paid.

  3 Based on mid-1989 population estimates.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of(a) the annual cost or saving, (b) the numbers of gainers or losers, (c) the
  362
  The tariff income rule is kept under review, but we have no plans for change at present.

  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a regional breakdown of the total budget of his Department for each of the past five years; and if he will give a regional breakdown of expenditure on each benefit for which his Department is responsible for each of the past five years, in cash and real terms.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 9 November 1992]: The information is not available in the form requested. However, the following table, which appears in "Regional Trends", presents an estimate of the regional breakdown of expenditure in respect of some major benefits. The table is for 1989–90, the most recent year available.

  average amounts of weekly gains or losses and (d) the maximum amounts of weekly gains and losses in individual cases, which would result from adjustments of the housing benefit taper from 65 per cent. to (i) 50 per cent., (ii) 55 per cent., (iii) 60 per cent., (iv) 70 per cent., (v) 75 per cent. and (vi) 80 per cent.
  363
  Mr. Burt
  The information requested for(a), (b) and (c) is shown in the table.

  HB taper (per cent.)

  Annual Cost £ million

  Annual Saving £ million

  Number of gainers (000s)

  Number of losers (000s)

  Average weekly amount of gain £

  Average weekly amount of loss £

  50

  340

  —

  1625

  —

  4·00

  —

  55

  210

  —

  1555

  —

  2·60

  —

  60

  100

  —

  1505

  —

  1·30

  —

  70

  —

  90

  —

  1465

  —

  1·20

  75

  —

  165

  —

  1465

  —

  2·20

  80

  —

  240

  —

  1475

  —

  3·10

  Figures have been provided from data from the 1987–88–89 family expenditure surveys and are modeled at 1992–93 prices. These figures are rounded

  Figures for (d) could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people were in receipt of each benefit for which his Department is responsible in each region of the United Kingdom for each of the past five years.

  Mr. Scott
  [holding answer 9 November 1992]: The available information on numbers of recipients by region is set out in the tables.

  Income Support Recipients of Income Support for the last three years by DSS regions

  Region

  May 1989

  May 1990

  May 1991

  Great Britain

  4,161,000

  4,180,000

  4,487,000

  North Eastern

  684,000

  674,000

  688,000

  London North

  607,000

  638,000

  735,000

  Family Credit Recipients of Family Credit for the last five years by DSS Region

  30 April 1988

  30 April 1989

  30 April 1990

  30 April 1991

  30 April 1992

  Region

  Midlands

  45

  51

  57

  64

  73

  Northern

  41

  51

  56

  61

  70

  London North

  25

  29

  35

  39

  44

  Wales and South West

  40

  43

  47

  49

  55

  North Western

  42

  51

  53

  58

  64

  Scotland

  30

  35

  37

  41

  46

  London South

  20

  25

  28

  30

  37

  Great Britain

  243

  286

  314

  342

  389

  Note: All figures are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Average number of Housing Benefit and Community Charge Benefit1 cases in Great Britain by standard region

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  Region

  Housing Benefit

  Community Charge Benefit

  Housing Benefit

  Community Charge Benefit

  Housing Benefit

  Community Charge Benefit

  Housing Community

  Community Charge Benefit

  South East

  696,000

  —

  683,700

  —

  490,400

  929,000

  530,300

  891,000

  London

  670,400

  —

  656,000

  —

  545,000

  724,400

  602,100

  732,700

  North

  385,200

  —

  377,900

  —

  296,600

  504,200

  296,800

  446,500

  Wales

  285,100

  —

  281,800

  —

  203,900

  383,700

  209,700

  324,600

  Scotland

  694,100

  —

  556,300

  850,300

  542,200

  590,600

  542,500

  640,300

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  529,200

  —

  519,000

  —

  387,800

  664,500

  397,900

  635,100

  East Midlands

  294,400

  —

  287,200

  —

  211,400

  430,300

  214,800

  392,000

  East Anglia

  197,800

  —

  192,000

  —

  142,200

  279,000

  150,900

  257,700

  South West

  348,700

  —

  345,400

  —

  247,600

  477,100

  265,800

  453,400

  West Midlands

  539,000

  —

  520,400

  —

  369,100

  687,800

  384,900

  691,000

  North West

  733,900

  —

  725,900

  —

  514,400

  960,300

  524,000

  875,500

  Total

  5,373,900

  —

  5,145,700

  850,300

  3,950,700

  6,730,900

  4,119,600

  6,339,700

  1 Community Charge was first introduced in Scotland in April 1989 and extended to the rest of Great Britain in April 1990.

  364

  Region

  May 1989

  May 1990

  May 1991

  South Western

  268,000

  274,000

  310,000

  Wales

  246,000

  248,000

  257,000

  Midlands

  668,000

  665,000

  699,000

  North Western

  662,000

  643,000

  669,000

  Scotland

  486,000

  481,000

  487,000

  London South

  540,000

  558,000

  641,000

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Annual Inquiries, May 1989–91.

  Caveat:

  All figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand, hence they may not sum to the totals given.
  365

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Pensions1 or Pensions in lieu of gratuities current at the end of the Statistical Year for the last five years2

  Region

  31 March 1991

  31 March 1990

  1 April 1989

  2 April 1988

  4 April 1987

  Great Britain

  192,000

  191,000

  185,000

  183,000

  183,000

  Scotland

  17,000

  17,000

  17,000

  16,000

  16,000

  Wales

  19,000

  19,000

  17,000

  16,000

  19,000

  England

  152,000

  151,000

  148,000

  147,000

  143,000

  Northern

  22,000

  22,000

  22,000

  21,000

  21,000

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  19,000

  20,000

  20,000

  20,000

  20,000

  East Midlands

  14,000

  14,000

  13,000

  12,000

  12,000

  East Anglia

  5,000

  5,000

  5,000

  5,000

  5,000

  South East

  35,000

  35,000

  34,000

  33,000

  33,000

  South Western

  12,000

  11,000

  10,000

  10,000

  10,000

  West Midlands

  18,000

  18,000

  18,000

  18,000

  18,000

  North Western

  26,000

  26,000

  27,000

  27,000

  25,000

  Overseas

  4,000

  4,000

  4,000

  4,000

  4,000

  1 Please note that it is possible for an IIDB beneficiary to have more than one pension in payment.

  2 Figures do not take account of late awards notified.

  Source: Annual 10 per cent. sample. Table figures uprated.

  Invalidity Benefit The number of Invalidity Benefit Beneficiaries for the last five years by Standard Statistical Region (The Statistics given are at a point in time)

  Region

  30 March 1991

  31 March 1990

  1 April 1989

  2 April 1988

  4 April 1987

  Great Britain

  1,306,000

  1,208,900

  1,126,000

  1,047,500

  967,900

  Scotland

  181,400

  169,300

  157,900

  146,900

  135,200

  Wales

  146,600

  137,500

  131,800

  126,900

  122,000

  England

  970,600

  895,500

  829,100

  766,600

  704,000

  Northern

  126,300

  116,900

  110,000

  102,700

  96,600

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  124,500

  118,400

  107,500

  98,000

  89,100

  East Midlands

  74,200

  66,200

  61,000

  55,700

  50,400

  East Anglia

  28,800

  26,300

  23,600

  20,700

  19,300

  South East

  219,200

  204,600

  192,000

  179,200

  163,700

  South Western

  71,900

  66,100

  60,200

  57,400

  53,400

  West Midlands

  105,900

  97,300

  90,300

  85,400

  76,200

  North Western

  219,800

  199,700

  184,500

  167,500

  155,300

  Overseas

  7,400

  6,600

  7,200

  7,100

  6,700

  Source: Annual 1 per cent. sample of claims to benefit.

  [Table figures updated].

  Sickness Benefit The number of Sickness Benefit Beneficiaries for the last five years by Standard Statistical Region (The Statistics given are at a point in time)

  Region

  30 March 1991

  31 March 1990

  1 April 1989

  2 April 1988

  4 April 1987

  Great Britain

  109,600

  103,400

  109,200

  117,500

  109,600

  Scotland

  14,800

  13,300

  12,900

  15,800

  15,400

  Wales

  11,700

  10,300

  8,900

  9,600

  9,500

  England

  83,000

  79,600

  87,300

  92,100

  84,700

  Northern

  9,000

  9,800

  9,500

  9,700

  10,700

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  11,700

  10,100

  11,600

  12,500

  10,500

  East Midlands

  5,900

  7,200

  7,500

  8,800

  6,200

  East Anglia

  3,000

  2,200

  2,800

  3,300

  2,900

  South East

  20,000

  17,600

  20,700

  22,900

  21,200

  South Western

  5,500

  6,500

  6,200

  6,500

  6,000

  West Midlands

  8,700

  8,900

  10,400

  9,200

  9,900

  North Western

  19,200

  17,300

  18,600

  19,200

  17,300

  Overseas

  100

  200

  100

  Nil

  Nil

  Source: Annual 1 per cent. sample of claims to benefit. [Table figures uprated].

  Severe Disablement Allowance The number of Severe Disablement Allowance Beneficiaries for the last five years by Standard Statistical Region (The Statistics given are at a point in time)

  Region

  30 March 1991

  31 March 1990

  1 April 1989

  2 April 1988

  4 April 1987

  Great Britain

  293,300

  284,600

  274,500

  263,200

  260,100

  Scotland

  33,900

  33,600

  32,600

  32,300

  31,700

  Wales

  21,900

  22,100

  20,900

  19,800

  18,800

  England

  237,300

  228,700

  220,900

  211,000

  209,500

  Northern

  19,200

  19,500

  18,400

  18,200

  17,700

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  28,800

  27,000

  26,800

  25,200

  24,900

  East Midlands

  19,800

  18,600

  18,000

  17,100

  16,100

  366 367

  Region

  30 March 1991

  31 March 1990

  1 April 1989

  2 April 1988

  4 April 1987

  East Anglia

  9,000

  8,900

  8,400

  7,500

  7,300

  South East

  69,000

  66,800

  65,100

  63,600

  64,500

  South Western

  24,100

  23,400

  22,900

  21,900

  22,300

  West Midlands

  24,000

  23,600

  21,600

  20,600

  20,000

  North Western

  43,400

  40,900

  39,700

  36,900

  36,700

  Overseas

  200

  200

  100

  100

  100

  Source: Annual 1 per cent. sample of claims to benefit [Table figures uprated].

  Unemployment Benefit Number of unemployed claimants in Great Britain in receipt of Unemployment Benefit at May of each year by Standard Statistical Region

  Thousands

  Region

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Great Britain

  636

  378

  299

  555

  669

  South East

  135

  74

  69

  160

  210

  East Anglia

  18

  9

  9

  19

  23

  South West

  45

  25

  19

  43

  53

  West Midlands

  59

  32

  27

  59

  75

  East Midlands

  44

  26

  22

  39

  47

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  69

  41

  31

  55

  58

  North West

  86

  55

  40

  57

  77

  North

  55

  37

  24

  36

  38

  Wales

  39

  24

  17

  28

  28

  Scotland

  86

  56

  40

  52

  58

  Source: Quarterly Analysis of Unemployed Claimants.

  Sample size: 100 per cent.

  Due to rounding, component parts may not sum to totals.

  Independent living fund
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of the expenditure of the independent living allowance was represented by VAT payments in 1991–92.

  Mr. Scott
  The independent living fund is an independent charitable trust administered by trustees. Matters of policy and administration are issues for the trustees of the fund.

  Disability Benefits
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how premiums available to disabled income support claimants assist low-income disabled persons unable to claim support.

  Mr. Burt
  Premiums that are available to income support claimants are also included in the calculation of housing benefit and community charge benefit. This increases the level of those benefits for low-income disabled people not entitled to income support.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will introduce legislation to provide a determination of an individual disabled person's financial needs, based on the additional costs associated with disability; (2) how present benefit systems provide financial support to disabled persons with special dietary needs; (3) what additional measures he is considering to meet the income requirements of the disabled; (4) if he will review benefits available to the disabled in order to consider degrees of disability.

  Mr. Scott
  In 1984–85 the Department of Social Security commissioned the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys to carry out a major independent survey of the circumstances of disabled people. On the basis of the 368
  OPCS findings, the Government announced in the 1990 Command Paper, "The Way Ahead", a phased package of measures aimed at improving provision for people with disabilities.

  The improvements were targeted at those identified by OPCS as most in need: people with moderate to severe disabilities who did not qualify for attendance allowance or mobility allowance; those disabled early in life; and people who wished to gain independence by going out to work.

  The Government introduced disability living allowance and disability working allowance as the most important element of the package of improvements, which also included adjustments to the qualifying criteria and improvements in the level of certain benefits.

  A system of disability benefits which attempted to cover a whole range of specific needs would be far more complicated than the existing structure, both for claimants to understand and for staff to adjudicate and administer. A system based on the severity of a person's disability, taking no account of levels of need for help would be poorly targeted and would produce an unacceptably high number of losers.

  The Government believe that the new structure of benefits for disabled people is the most appropriate to their needs and provides a more coherent and comprehensive system of disability benefits than ever before.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to revise the 80 per cent. disability test for severe disability allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  We have no plans to do so.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will commission a study into the effectiveness of the current range of disabled persons' benefits in meeting needs previously addressed by supplementary benefits additional payments.

  Mr. Scott
  We have no plans to do so.
  369
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he will take to increase the take-up of disability working allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  We shall be continuing the campaign to promote awareness of the benefit by writing individually to people receiving some of the qualifying benefits; offering advice and training to employers, advisers and welfare organisations and placing features in the specialist and local press.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals are currently outstanding on disability working allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  On 16 November there were four appeals outstanding on disability working allowance.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the estimated cost of providing a carer for every disabled person; and what is the actual annual expenditure made available for non-professional carers.

  Mr. Scott
  Invalid care allowance provides an income maintenance benefit, at a cost of £262 million in 1991–92, for carers who forgo the opportunity of full-time employment to care for a severely disabled person who receives either the highest or middle rate care component of disability living allowance or attendance allowance. It is not possible to estimate the cost of providing a level of care in the unspecified circumstances described by the hon. Member.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to extend payments of disablement living allowance to persons under the age of five years and over the age of 65 years.

  Mr. Scott
  We have no plans to do so. There are no age limits for the receipt of disability living allowance once it has been awarded and the care component is already available to children under the age of five years. Attendance allowance is available to those becoming disabled after the age of 65.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will abolish the residency test for severe disablement allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  We have no plans to do so.

  Community Care Grant
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend community care grant regulations to extend claimant rights to those in local authority establishments, including mental rehabilitation units.

  Mr. Scott
  No. There is no need to amend the social fund legislation because people who are receiving income support and who leave the establishments mentioned are already eligible for community care grants, which are discretionary, and each case is decided by a social fund officer on its own merits.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend community care grant regulations to include low-income groups, other than income support recipients, such as invalidity benefit recipients and pensioners.
  370
  Mr. Scott
  No. The current income support rule focuses the available resources on those most in need of this type of assistance. The rule is clear and simple to understand and has always been used in this type of scheme.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made with the inquiry into the arrangements for family credit claims by self-employed persons; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Burt
  Progress of the research being undertaken by the social policy research unit at York university into family credit and the self-employed has been slower than expected. Results are not expected to be published until spring 1993.

  Christmas Bonus
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what estimate he has made of the level of the Christmas bonus for pensioners which would be required to match the equivalent purchasing power of the £10 bonus of 1974;

  (2) what is the total estimated additional cost of fully indexing the pensioners' Christmas bonus to achieve the same purchasing power as the £10 bonus paid in 1974.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Christmas bonus, which is paid regardless of need and which no Government have increased since its introduction in 1972, would now be worth £49·75 had it been increased annually since 1974 in line with prices. The additional cost would be approximately £489 million.

  Income Support
  Ms. Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many families with one or more wage earners qualify for family income support.

  Mr. Burt
  At April 1992, a total of 369,000 families, with one wage earner, received family credit and 19,000 with two wage earners.

  Mr. Ken Vince
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the case of the late Mr. Ken Vince about whose claim for mobility allowance the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe wrote to the chief executive of the Benefits Agency on 20 July and who died two months before the chief executive replied to the right hon. Member on 4 November.

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

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Alfred Morris, dated 18 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 Mobility Allowance Claim of the late Mr Ken Vince.
  371
  I am now in a position to confirm that a decision has been made on the late Mr Vince's claim and this has been notified direct to his next of kin. I have replied to you separately in greater detail about this.

  Clearly, your constituent's claim was not handled as efficiently as it should have been. I offer my sincere apologies to Mr. Vince's family for the distress this must have caused and also for the delay in replying to your correspondence. You will be aware of the problems the Benefits Agency has faced since the introduction of Disability Living Allowance in April and the effects this has had on outstanding Mobility Allowance and Attendance Allowance claims. My letter of 19 October to all Members set out the measures we have taken to resolve these problems successfully.

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

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS

  Clergy (Ordination) Measure
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the right hon. Member for Selby, as representing the Church Commissioners, what information the Commissioners hold on the number of applications made for a faculty under the Measure, following the passing of the Clergy (Ordination) Measure, and the number granted; and whether he will break this down according to whether or not the applicant had commenced approved theological college training before the Measure was given Royal Assent.

  Mr. Michael Alison
  None. This is not a matter for the Commissioners. Faculties under this Measure are granted by the archbishop of the appropriate province.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Agencies
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will place in the Library a copy of the health and safety policy of each of the agencies within his Department.

  Mr. Gummer
  Responsibility for health and safety is delegated to the chief executives of Agricultural Development Advisory Service, the Central Science Laboratory, the Central Veterinary Laboratory, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and the Intervention Board executive agency, which is a separate Government Department responsible to the four United Kingdom Agriculture Departments. I have asked each chief executive to write to the hon. Member to ouline their policy and have also asked them to place any relevant documents in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Walsh to Mr. John McAllion, dated 19 November 1992:

  ADAS is in the process of developing its own Health and Safety policy, which will be placed in the Library of the House when it is available.

  The current situation is covered by the reply given to Dr. David Clark MP (South Shields) on 8 July 1992, Official Report, column 234.

  Letter from Dr. P. I. Stanley to Mr. John McAllion, dated November 1992:

  In its Annual Business Plan 1992–93, The Central Science Laboratory gave a commitment to issue its revised health and safety policy statement by the end of December 1992. The
  372
  statement, which represents a major revision of the previous document in force prior to agency status, is in its final stages of preparation and on target for completion by the end of the year. When the policy statement has been agreed, it will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Letter from Dr. T. W. A. Little to Mr. John McAllion, dated 19 November 1992:

  As you know the Minister has asked that Chief Executives of executive agencies for which he is responsible write to you direct with their answer to your question.

  I am arranging with the Ministry's Parliamentary Clerk for a copy of the Central Veterinary Laboratory's Health and Safety Policy Statement to be placed in the Library of the House of Commons forthwith.

  In his reply to your question about executive Agencies in MAFF, the Minister said that as health and safety was a matter delegated to Chief Executives, he would ask them to write to you and to arrange for a copy of their policy to be placed in the Library of the House. I am doing so as Chief Executive of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

  The VMD health and safety statement is set out in Section 4 of the VMD Personnel Charter, a copy of which is provided to every member of staff. One has now been placed in the Library of the House. As part of a review of the Personal Charter which is currently under way, the health and safety statement is being updated. I will arrange for a copy of the revised statement and Charter to be placed in the Library of the House once this has been completed.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Mr. John McAllion. dated 19 November 1992:

  I am responding to your Question to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food about the health and safety policy of executive agencies. Although the Intervention Board is a separate Government Department, I am responsible to the four Agriculture Ministers and as the subject of your question is a matter within my operational responsibility, the Minister has asked me to reply.

  I attach a copy of the health and safety policy statement for the Intervention Board as it appears in the Agency's staff manual to which all staff have access.

  Together with our Trade Union Side (TUS) we are currently reviewing this policy statement in the light of recent and forthcoming legislation, and guidance from the Civil Service Occupational Health Service (CSOHS) about the development of health and safety policies. Our intention is not only to update the policy statement, but also to issue a health and safety booklet to all staff which will bring together in a convenient format all necessary guidance on health and safety matters.

  We implement our health and safety policy through a joint committee with the TUS which normally meets twice a year. In addition we:

  (a) Carry out regular joint workplace inspections and organise training through the CSOHS;

  (b) Issue guidance to staff on the control of hazardous substances which are covered by the inspections at (a) above;

  (c) Carry out checks on all electrical equipment to ensure that it complies with statutory requirements;

  (d) Have introduced a no smoking policy in work areas earlier this year;

  (e) Have offered voluntary health screening in 1991 and over 700 staff participated. As part of this year's programme advice seminars on stress, smoking, alcohol, healthy eating and heart care will be provided.

  Preparations are well in hand to meet the obligations of the VDU Directive which comes into operation on 1 January 1993. Further EC Directive on health and safety issues are expected in the near future and the Agency's objective will be to embrace those changes within its policy and procedures.

  I am sending a copy of this letter and enclosure to the Library of the House.

  Caterpillars
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to grant funding for research projects on the use of caterpillars to counter the spread of bracken.

  Mr. Curry
  We are currently reviewing our research priorities in this area.

  Agri-environmental Measures
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what action he is taking to ensure speedy and effective implementation of the agri-environmental measures agreed as part of the common agricultural policy reforms during the United Kingdom presidency of the EC;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to extend existing mechanisms for the support of environmentally friendly farming to include all wildlife-rich agricultural habitats in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Curry
  We are working on the development of a new nitrate reduction programme especially where this is necessary to protect drinking water sources, a new scheme to encourage organic farming, a new scheme to reduce livestock numbers where this will be environmentally beneficial, measures to increase the environmental benefits of set-aside and payments to manage land for public access and recreation. Details of these proposals will be issued for consultation this winter. They are in addition to plans to introduce a series of new environmentally sensitive areas. This combination of measures will greatly increase the coverage of schemes to support environmentally friendly farming.

  Organic Agriculture
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has made at the EC Agriculture Council on the provision of financial encouragement for organic agriculture.

  Mr. Curry
  The UK pressed for the inclusion within the agri-environment programme of provisions for the payment of aid to organic farmers. Such provisions were adopted at the EC Agriculture Council in June.

  Monetary Compensation Amounts
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will press the EC to phase in any monetary compensatory amount adjustments due to take effect from 1 January.

  Mr. Curry
  Monetary compensatory amounts are due to be abolished when new agrimonetary arrangements compatible with the single market are put in place on 1 January 1993. Under the new system, the green exchange rates used to convert EC prices into sterling will be kept in line with market exchange rates. The Government have phased in the adjustment to the new system by asking the Commission to propose a 7 per cent. devaluation of the green pound. This was agreed at the Agriculture Council on 16 November. If the present market exchange rate for sterling continues until the end of the year, a further devaluation of the green pound will be necessary.

  Ostrich Farms
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many ostrich farms have been set up in the United Kingdom; and if will list their locations.

  Mr. Soames
  This information is not held centrally, and could be prepared only at disproportionate cost.

  Money Compensation Amounts
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has of the effect of the recent devaluation of the pound sterling and the resulting effect on the monetary compensation amount scheme on the average food bill of a family of four.

  Mr. Curry
  Monetary compensatory amounts are due to be abolished when new agrimonetary arrangements compatible with the single market are put in place on 1 January 1993. Under the new system, the green exchange rates used to convert EC prices into sterling will be kept in line with market exchange rates. If the present market exchange rate for sterling continues until the end of the year, a further devaluation of the green pound will be necessary, in addition to the 7 per cent. devaluation agreed at the Agriculture Council on 16 November. While the recent devaluation will increase farm support prices, food prices will not increase proportionately. EC price support arrangements only affect a limited range of commodities and the cost of raw materials is only a small proportion of the cost of many foods. It is estimated that the 7 per cent. devaluation will raise the food price index by less than 1 per cent. It is too early to say what the effect of any further devaluation food prices would be.

  Wild Boar
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many units are producing European wild boar in the United Kingdom for the meat market.

  Mr. Curry
  No official records are kept on the number of farms producing wild boar, but we estimate there are currently about 40 units in the United Kingdom.

  Suckler Cow Premium
  Mr. Hague
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has decided how entitlement to suckler cow premium should be allocated among new entrants.

  Mr. Curry
  There is provision for new entrants to have some claim on the national reserve of suckler cow premium quota. We are currently considering the detailed implementation, and interested parties will be consulted before final decisions are taken.

  Food Publications
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the cost was to public funds of editing, publishing and printing the series of publications "Food Safety" PB0551, "Food Sense" PB0549, "About Food Additives" PB0552, "Understanding Food Labels" PB05523, "Food Protection" PB0554 and "Healthy Eating" PB0550; and what financial contribution was made by the food or retailing industries.
  375
  Mr. Curry
  The "Food Sense" series of booklets was launched in August 1991, as part of a three-year campaign, to provide attractive and easily understood information in response to public concern about food issues. Some 12·5 million booklets, in the series referred to, have been printed so far. The costs for production and print have been met from within the Department's paid publicity budget and are as follows:

  Numbers printed millions

  Production costs £

  Print costs £

  Food Sense

  7·40

  115,551

  460,270

  Healthy Eating

  1·05

  38,077

  61,230

  Food Safety

  1·15

  38,077

  63,785

  About Food Additives

  1·10

  38,077

  67,352

  Understanding Food Labels

  1·05

  38,077

  59,310

  Food Protection

  0·80

  38,077

  59,760

  There have been no contributions from the food or retailing industries.

  Private Detectives
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what use his Department has made of private detectives in each of the last five years; at what cost; and if he will list the firms involved.

  Mr. Curry
  None.

  Sheep Premium
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when Mr. and Mrs. Rupert Everitt of Hemsbrook farm, Newton road, Littlehempston, Totnes, can expect to receive the first instalment of sheep premium; why there has been a delay in processing this claim; and whether Mr. and Mrs. Everitt will receive compensation for the loss of money they have suffered.

  Mr. Curry
  A payable order for the first instalment under the 1992 scheme was issued to Mr. and Mrs. Everitt on 5 November 1992. Applications from producer groups have been subject to additional checks this year in order to meet new European Community requirements and there has been no unreasonable delay in processing this claim.

  Epping Forest
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase awareness of Epping forest, Essex; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  Epping forest is owned by the Corporation of London. It is managed under the terms of the Epping Forest Act 1878, which requires the conservators of the forest to preserve the natural aspect and the varied vegetation of the forest as well as the public's right to use it as an open space for recreation and enjoyment. It has a large variety of habitats of high nature conservation value and most of the forest has been designated a site of special scientific interest. A balance therefore has to be sought between public use and the protection of the forest's environment.

  We are satisfied that the forest is well known to the general public—they already make good use of it and the
  376
  conservators provide several facilities for visitors—and we do not consider that it is necessary to increase awareness of it any further.

  Methyl Bromide
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will approve and press for a phase-out of methyl bromide at the Montreal protocol negotiations; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what action he is taking to phase out the use of methyl bromide in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment and Countryside to the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 5 November,Official Report, column 372.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what instructions have been issued to safeguard persons using methyl bromide.

  Mr. Soames
  The information that has been issued to safeguard persons using methyl bromide is as follows:

  1. Guidance Note CS12: "Fumigation using methyl bromide", available from the Health and Safety Executive.

  2. Approved Code of Practice (ACOP):

  "Control of substances hazardous to health in fumigation operations"

  (ISBN 0118854690), available from HMSO.

  Detailed instructions relating to individual product use and any necessary precautions that must be taken will be found on the product labels.

  Crop Plantings
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his estimate of the percentage of United Kingdom plantings of winter wheat, spring wheat, spring barley, winter barley, oats, rye, sugar beet, potatoes and oilseed rape of(a) the most popular variety, (b) the two most popular varieties and (c) the three most popular varieties; if he will name the varieties; and whether the percentages of plantings to the top three varieties covers a greater or lesser proportion of total plantings to that crop than was the case 10 years ago.

  Mr. Curry
  Although actual planting by variety is not recorded for cereals and oilseed rape, the tables show figures based upon information collected under certified seed production records. The use of seed retained on the farm outside this system is not recorded.

  For potatoes, the three most popular varieties of potatoes planted in 1992 in the United Kingdom were Maris Piper (12 per cent.); Record (10 per cent.) and Estima (9 per cent.) accounting in total for 31 per cent. of the crop, compared with 1982 when they were Maris Piper (17 per cent.), Desireé (14 per cent.) and Record (8 per cent.), accounting in total for 39 per cent. of the crop.

  United Kingdom certified seed for commercial crop production for harvest in 1992

  Per cent. of volume

  The most popular variety

  Name

  Per cent. accounted for

  Winter wheat

  Riband

  22

  Spring wheat

  Axona

  38

  Spring barley

  Blenheim

  21

  Winter barley

  Marinka

  21

  377

  Per cent. of volume

  The most popular variety

  Name

  Per cent. accounted for

  Oats

  Image

  43

  Rye

  Halo

  25

  Sugar beet2

  Celt

  24

  Oilseed rape

  Falcon

  22

  Per cent. of volume

  The two most popular varieties

  Names

  Per cent. accounted for

  Winter wheat

  Riband, Beaver

  38

  Spring wheat

  Axona, Tonic

  72

  Spring barley

  Blenheim, Alexis

  39

  Winter barley

  Marinka, Puffin

  40

  Oats

  Image, Solva

  60

  Rye

  Halo, Sentinel

  45

  Sugar beet2

  Celt, Saxon

  44

  Oilseed rape

  Falcon, Envol

  42

  Per cent. of volume

  The two most popular varieties

  Names

  Per cent.1 accounted for

  Winter wheat

  Riband, Beaver, Haven

  51

  Spring wheat

  Axona, Tonic, Canon

  86

  Spring barley

  Blenheim, Alexis, Tyne

  51

  Winter barley

  Marinka, Puffin, Pastoral

  53

  Oats

  Image, Solva, Aintree

  77

  Rye

  Halo, Sentinel, Conrah

  56

  Sugar beet2

  Celt, Saxon, Rex

  61

  Oilseed rape

  Falcon, Envol, Libravo

  55

  United Kingdom certified seed for commercial crop production for harvest in 1982

  Per cent of volume

  The most popular variety

  Name

  Per cent. accounted for

  Winter wheat

  Avalon

  20

  Spring wheat

  Timmo

  49

  Spring barley

  Triumph

  24

  Winter barley

  Igri

  49

  Oats

  Peniarth

  61

  Rye

  Rheidol

  53

  Sugar beet2

  Monoire

  25

  Oilseed rape

  Jet Neuf

  72

  Per cent of volume

  The most popular variety

  Name

  Per cent. accounted for

  Winter wheat

  Avalon, Bounty

  38

  Spring wheat

  Timmo, Broom

  93

  Spring barley

  Triumph, Golden Promise

  44

  Winter barley

  Igri, Sonja

  83

  Oats

  Peniarth, Pennal

  98

  Rye

  Rheidol, Lovaszpatoinai

  64

  Sugar beet2

  Monoire, Nomo

  45

  Oilseed rape

  Jet Neuf, Rafal

  89

  Per cent of volume

  The most popular variety

  Name

  Per cent. accounted for

  Winter wheat

  Avalon, Bounty, Brigand

  49

  Spring wheat

  Timmo, Broom, Sicco

  98

  Spring barley

  Triumph, Golden Promise, Koru

  54

  378

  Per cent of volume

  The most popular variety

  Name

  Per cent. accounted for

  Winter barley

  Igri, Sonja, Maris Otter

  94

  Oats

  Peniarth, Pennal, Maris Quest

  100

  Rye

  Rheidol, Lovaszpatonai, Dominant

  74

  Sugar beet2

  Monoire, Nomo, Monotri and Salohill

  69

  Oilseed rape

  Jet Neuf, Rafal, Elvira

  95

  1 Apart from winter wheat, these percent figures are all less than for 1982.

  2 The information for sugar beet relates to actual commercial plantings in 1992 and 1982.

  Veal Calves (Transport)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for how long veal calves transported from the United Kingdom may be sealed in transporters; what length of time United Kingdom regulations allow for animal transport; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Currently calves for export are not sealed in transporters. Regulations in Great Britain require farm animals to be offered food and water at intervals not exceeding 12 hours, unless the journey can be completed within 15 hours. For export journeys over 18 hours., a licence to export is issued when the exporter has made arrangements to feed and water the animals at suitable intervals.

SCOTLAND

  Land Transactions
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what steps he is taking to prevent the speculative sale of Scottish land to owners and developers furth of Scotland;

  (2) what record is being maintained of private land transactions in Scotland in which ownership of land is transferred furth of Scotland;

  (3) what estimate has been made of land in Scotland currently owned by (a) Germans (b) Americans and (c) Belgians; and if he envisages a limit being placed on foreign ownership of Scottish land.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No specific record is maintained for the purpose of identifying the nationality of the owners of land in Scotland. General information on land transactions is, however, available from the Registers of Scotland executive agency.

  We have no plans to impose restrictions on the market for land. In a free society, sellers must be allowed to dispose of their possessions as they think best.

  Expenditure
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a percentage figure for the present financial year equivalent to the figure of 10·66 per cent. stated as applying from 1993 for the public expenditure change formula based on the 1991 census population count results, as indicated in his press notice of 12 November.

  Mr. Lang
  The equivalent percentage figure applied to the current financial year in the 1991 public expenditure survey was 11·76 per cent.

  Private Detectives
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what use his Department has made of private detectives in each of the last five years; at what cost; and if he will list the firms involved.

  Mr. Lang
  None.

  Ozone Depletion
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many catastrophic leaks of ozone-depleting substances have occurred within his Department's buildings in the past five years.

  Mr. Lang
  None.

  Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to publish the results of his Department's research evaluating the effect of compulsory competitive tendering on Scottish local authorities.

  Mr. Stewart
  My right hon. Friend has today published the report "Evaluation of Compulsory Competitive Tendering for Scottish Local Authority Services". The research examined a selection of case study services in a small sample of local authorities to determine the costs and results of providing certain services before and after CCT. The report identifies a number of savings and increased efficiency in the provision of these services after tendering.

  Copies of the report have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate has been made of the number of awards of sequestration for each of the five years immediately following commencement of operation of the provision of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill, as amended; and whether he will take steps to ensure that access to the sequestration process is not restricted.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: The number of awards of sequestration in future years will be subject to a wide variety of factors, including the response of debtors and creditors to the legislation currently before Parliament. It is not, therefore, yet possible to estimate accurately the number of awards for the period requested.

  The Bankruptcy (Scotland) Bill already provides for access to sequestration in appropriate circumstances, subject to certain necessary safeguards to balance the interests of debtors and creditors.

  Courts
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the courts which(a) have undergone renovation in the past four years and (b) are being refurbished at this moment; if he will give the cost of such work; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: The information requested is as follows:
  380

  (a) Major Projects Completed 1989–92 (inclusive)

  Project

  Completion

  Cost £ million

  Forfar Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  1989

  0·10

  Falkirk Sheriff Court, New building

  1990

  6·3

  Arbroath Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  1991

  0·55

  Fort William Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  1991

  0·15

  Hamilton Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  1991

  7·00

  Aberdeen Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  1992

  9·0

  Lochmaddy Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  1992

  0·25

  Parliament House: Extension, New building

  1992

  14·0

  (b) Major Projects Under Construction

  Estimated Final Cost £ million

  Alloa Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  0·13

  Dumfries Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  2·70

  Edinburgh Sheriff Court, New building

  51·40

  Greenock Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  4·30

  Lanark Sheriff Court, Refurbishment

  0·15

  Vulnerable Witnesses
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the courts which have live closed-circuit television links and associated equipment for the purpose of taking evidence from those deemed to be vulnerable witnesses; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 November 1992]: Facilities for closed circuit television links for child witnesses have been provided on a pilot basis at the High Court in Edinburgh and Glasgow and at Edinburgh and Glasgow sheriff courts. Extension to other court houses will be considered in the light of experience of use of the system in the pilot courts.

  Open Air Events
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the current powers for local councils or the police to prevent open air events taking place on private land if there is a reason to expect that they will lead to disturbance.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 November 1992]: District and island councils may licence public entertainments under section 41 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, provided that the local authority has previously resolved to license the particular activity in question. Where an unlicensed activity takes place in an area subject to licensing controls, the organiser is liable on conviction to an exceptionally high summary fine of up to £20,000 or up to six months imprisonment or both. If alcoholic liquor were to be sold at such an event, a liquor licence would be required under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976. A local authority could prevent such an event taking place by refusal to grant a licence or the suspension of an existing licence under either the 1976 or the 1982 Acts.

  Quayle Munro
  Mr. Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much the Scottish Office paid the firm of Quayle Munro for its report on the future of the Scottish water industry.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 26 October 1992]: I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Fife, Central (Mr. McLeish) on 26 October, at columns 530–31.

HEALTH

  Patients Charter
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to publish the results of the first quarter monitoring of the patients charter; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  Health authorities, as purchasers of services, are required to publish annual reports giving

  Spending on personal social services

  Local Authority

  Budget 1991–92

  PSS SSA 1991–92

  Difference £ million

  Difference Per cent.

  Budget 1992–93

  PSS SSA 1992–93

  Difference £ million

  Difference Per cent.

  Bolton

  25·2

  24·1

  1·1

  4·6

  27·4

  26·1

  1·4

  5·1

  Bury

  15·3

  13·3

  2·0

  15·0

  15·5

  14·4

  1·1

  7·8

  Manchester

  66·3

  71·9

  -5·6

  -7·8

  64·6

  76·8

  -12·2

  -15·8

  Oldham

  22·3

  22·0

  0·3

  1·4

  24·7

  23·3

  1·4

  6·2

  Rochdale

  24·8

  21·1

  3·7

  17·5

  23·7

  21·8

  1·88

  8·6

  Salford

  27·1

  28·0

  -0·9

  -3·2

  30·1

  30·3

  -0·2

  -0·7

  Stockport

  24·4

  22·7

  1·7

  7·5

  27·4

  23·9

  3·5

  14·5

  Tameside

  23·2

  20·4

  2·8

  13·7

  23·1

  20·5

  2·6

  12·8

  Trafford

  17·7

  18·3

  -0·6

  -3·3

  19·3

  19·8

  -0·5

  -2·6

  Wigan

  24·0

  22·9

  1·1

  4·8

  25·9

  24·4

  1·5

  6·3

  Knowsley

  14·8

  20·7

  -5·9

  -28·5

  16·1

  22·3

  -6·2

  -28·0

  Liverpool

  64·0

  70·9

  -6·9

  -9·7

  74·9

  75·6

  -0·7

  -1·0

  St. Helens

  19·5

  15·1

  4·4

  29·1

  22·1

  15·9

  6·2

  38·9

  Sefton

  25·0

  24·4

  0·6

  2·5

  27·6

  25·9

  1·7

  6·6

  Wirral

  30·8

  33·1

  -2·3

  -6·9

  34·6

  34·7

  -0·1

  -0·1

  Barnsley

  16·1

  17·7

  -1·6

  -9·0

  18·7

  18·9

  -0·2

  -1·1

  Doncaster

  21·9

  22·9

  -1·0

  -4·4

  24·2

  25·6

  -1·4

  -5·3

  Rotherham

  23·7

  20·4

  3·3

  16·2

  25·2

  21·8

  3·4

  15·6

  Sheffield

  60·5

  54·6

  5·9

  10·8

  65·8

  57·7

  8·1

  14·0

  Gateshead

  22·4

  20·7

  1·7

  8·2

  24·5

  21·8

  2·7

  12·3

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  36·9

  33·5

  3·4

  10·7

  37·7

  34·7

  3·0

  8·5

  North Tyneside

  22·8

  18·6

  4·2

  22·6

  24·5

  20·1

  4·4

  22·1

  South Tyneside

  16·6

  17·4

  -0·8

  -4·6

  17·5

  18·1

  -0·6

  -3·3

  Sunderland

  27·6

  27·1

  0·5

  1·8

  30·9

  28·5

  2·4

  8·4

  Birmingham

  127·6

  124·9

  2·7

  2·2

  137·6

  131·2

  6·4

  4·9

  Coventry

  34·4

  31·5

  2·9

  9·2

  37·7

  32·8

  4·9

  15·1

  Dudley

  22·2

  20·9

  1·3

  6·2

  24·2

  22·5

  1·7

  7·7

  Sandwell

  36·0

  32·7

  3·3

  10·1

  38·3

  34·4

  3·9

  11·3

  Solihull

  17·3

  14·3

  3·0

  21·0

  18·1

  15·6

  2·5

  16·2

  Walsall

  21·6

  21·8

  -0·2

  -0·9

  23·0

  23·2

  -0·2

  -1·0

  Wolverhampton

  30·7

  29·1

  1·6

  5·5

  32·5

  30·4

  2·1

  6·8

  Bradford

  50·0

  49·9

  0·1

  0·2

  54·7

  52·5

  2·2

  4·2

  Calderdale

  21·0

  18·4

  2·6

  14·1

  22·3

  20·2

  2·1

  10·6

  Kirklees

  32·3

  34·2

  -1·9

  -5·6

  36·0

  36·9

  -0·9

  -2·4

  Leeds

  82·1

  71·6

  10·5

  14·7

  84·1

  76·2

  7·9

  10·4

  Wakefield

  27·8

  24·3

  3·5

  14·4

  29·3

  26·2

  3·1

  11·7

  Camden

  48·0

  41·6

  6·4

  15·4

  45·3

  44·0

  1·3

  3·0

  Greenwich

  40·6

  32·2

  8·4

  26·1

  45·1

  34·6

  10·5

  30·3

  Hackney

  53·3

  55·5

  -2·2

  -4·0

  57·7

  59·3

  -1·6

  -2·7

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  36·9

  38·9

  -2·0

  -5·1

  38·2

  41·2

  -3·0

  -7·3

  Islington

  41·9

  43·0

  -1·1

  -2·6

  48·9

  46·7

  2·2

  4·7

  Kensington and Chelsea

  30·1

  30·2

  -0·1

  -0·3

  33·0

  32·3

  0·7

  2·3

  Lambeth

  72·4

  71·2

  1·2

  1·7

  79·2

  75·9

  3·3

  4·4

  Lewisham

  47·2

  43·8

  3·4

  7·8

  47·5

  47·5

  0·0

  0·0

  Southwark

  44·4

  51·0

  -6·6

  -12·9

  55·7

  56·3

  -0·6

  -1·0

  Tower Hamlets

  31·4

  41·0

  -9·6

  -23·4

  39·3

  44·7

  -5·4

  -12·2

  Wandsworth

  57·7

  54·9

  2·8

  5·1

  60·7

  58·7

  2·0

  3·4

  Westminster

  50·3

  43·1

  7·2

  16·7

  57·9

  46·1

  11·8

  25·5

  382
  details of the performance against all relevant patients charter rights and standards achieved by their providers. The national health service management executive will give an overview on performance in the chief executive's annual report for 1992–93.

  Personal Social Services
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the(a) actual and (b) percentage difference between the social services budget estimate and standard spending assessment in 1991–92 for each social services in England;

  (2) what was the percentage difference between the personal social services budget estimate and standard spending estimate (a) in 1991–92 and (b) in 1992–93 for each social services authority in England;

  (3) what is the personal social services standard spending assessment for each social services authority in england in 1992–93.

  Mr. Yeo
  The information requested is as follows:
  383

  Local Authority

  Budget 1991–92

  PSS SSA 1991–92

  Difference £ million

  Difference Per cent.

  Budget 1992–93

  PSS SSA 1992–93

  Difference £ million

  Difference Per cent.

  City of London

  3·295

  0·5

  2·8

  559·0

  3·3

  0·5

  2·8

  566·0

  Barking and Dagenham

  19·5

  18·3

  1·2

  6·6

  20·2

  20·0

  0·2

  1·1

  Barnet

  32·6

  29·2

  3·4

  11·6

  36·6

  31·6

  5·0

  15·7

  Bexley

  18·5

  16·7

  1·8

  10·8

  20·4

  17·8

  2·6

  14·6

  Brent

  47·3

  42·5

  4·8

  11·3

  45·5

  45·6

  -0·1

  -0·2

  Bromley

  23·4

  25·6

  -2·2

  -8·6

  25·7

  27·1

  -1·4

  -5·2

  Croydon

  37·9

  34·0

  3·9

  11·5

  40·8

  36·6

  4·2

  11·6

  Ealing

  38·7

  37·7

  1·0

  2·7

  39·2

  40·8

  -1·6

  4·0

  Enfield

  30·3

  26·7

  3·6

  13·5

  32·1

  28·7

  3·4

  11·9

  Haringey

  33·8

  40·4

  -6·6

  -16·3

  36·6

  44·5

  -7·9

  -17·8

  Harrow

  20·5

  16·0

  4·5

  28·1

  21·5

  17·3

  4·2

  24·2

  Havering

  21·0

  17·2

  3·8

  22·1

  24·9

  18·5

  6·4

  34·4

  Hillingdon

  25·5

  20·3

  5·2

  25·6

  28·3

  21·5

  6·8

  31·7

  Hounslow

  30·8

  23·0

  7·8

  33·9

  33·5

  25·2

  8·3

  33·1

  Kingston-upon-Thames

  16·1

  13·0

  3·1

  23·8

  17·5

  13·9

  3·6

  25·7

  Merton

  20·9

  18·6

  2·3

  12·4

  21·2

  20·3

  0·9

  4·6

  Newham

  39·9

  38·9

  1·0

  2·6

  44·9

  41·8

  3·1

  7·5

  Redbridge

  24·1

  21·7

  2·4

  11·1

  24·6

  23·9

  0·7

  3·1

  Richmond-upon-Thames

  17·8

  17·1

  0·7

  4·1

  17·5

  18·6

  -1·1

  -5·7

  Sutton

  17·6

  15·3

  2·3

  15·0

  18·4

  16·4

  2·0

  12·0

  Waltham Forest

  37·2

  33·2

  4·0

  12·0

  40·5

  35·5

  5·0

  14·0

  Avon

  83·6

  76·4

  7·2

  9·4

  92·8

  81·5

  11·3

  13·9

  Bedfordshire

  42·2

  38·7

  3·5

  9·1

  44·6

  41·6

  3·0

  7·2

  Berkshire

  60·6

  51·8

  8·8

  16·9

  68·1

  55·7

  12·4

  22·2

  Buckinghamshire

  49·2

  39·9

  9·3

  23·3

  52·4

  43·1

  9·3

  21·6

  Cambridgeshire

  50·7

  44·6

  6·1

  13·7

  53·6

  48·1

  5·5

  11·3

  Cheshire

  73·3

  65·9

  7·4

  11·2

  77·7

  70·3

  7·4

  10·5

  Cleveland

  53·3

  52·4

  0·9

  1·7

  57·8

  55·3

  2·5

  4·5

  Cornwall

  33·0

  33·4

  -0·447

  -1·3

  34·8

  36·1

  -1·3

  -3·6

  Cumbria

  36·9

  37·4

  -0·5

  -1·3

  40·5

  39·7

  0·8

  2·0

  Derbyshire

  86·5

  68·4

  18·1

  26·5

  89·1

  72·9

  16·2

  22·3

  Devon

  70·0

  79·1

  -9·1

  -11·5

  78·9

  84·7

  -5·8

  -6·8

  Dorset

  39·7

  53·5

  -13·8

  -25·8

  42·3

  57·4

  -15·1

  -26·2

  Durham

  42·5

  50·9

  -8·4

  -16·5

  45·8

  53·3

  -7·5

  -14·2

  East Sussex

  59·0

  69·2

  -10·2

  -14·7

  67·1

  73·3

  -6·2

  -8·4

  Essex

  112·8

  111·2

  1·6

  1·4

  123·4

  120·8

  2·6

  2·2

  Gloucestershire

  34·5

  38·7

  -4·2

  -10·9

  38·7

  42·1

  -3·4

  -8·2

  Hampshire

  90·0

  111·7

  -21·7

  -19·4

  99·2

  119·6

  -20·4

  -17·1

  Hereford and Worcester

  45·9

  44·4

  1·5

  3·4

  50·7

  47·2

  3·5

  7·4

  Hertfordshire

  74·4

  69·8

  4·6

  6·6

  82·5

  77·2

  5·3

  6·9

  Humberside

  79·4

  72·5

  6·9

  9·5

  84·9

  76·8

  8·1

  10·6

  Isle of Wight

  10·1

  10·6

  -0·5

  -4·7

  10·7

  11·3

  -0·6

  -5·4

  Kent

  111·8

  117·8

  -6·0

  -5·1

  129·1

  126·7

  2·4

  1·9

  Lancashire

  125·4

  113·9

  11·5

  10·1

  138·3

  120·3

  18·0

  15·0

  Leicestershire

  70·7

  69·4

  1·3

  1·9

  74·4

  75·5

  -1·0

  -1·4

  Lincolnshire

  38·3

  41·2

  -2·9

  -7·0

  40·2

  45·0

  -4·8

  -10·6

  Norfolk

  48·1

  56·2

  -8·1

  -14·4

  54·3

  59·6

  -5·3

  -8·9

  Northamptonshire

  44·1

  42·0

  2·1

  5·0

  47·9

  45·3

  2·6

  5·7

  Northumberland

  25·9

  21·9

  4·0

  18·3

  26·9

  23·2

  3·7

  16·0

  North Yorkshire

  45·0

  49·1

  -4·1

  -8·4

  48·7

  52·2

  -4·1

  -7·8

  Nottinghamshire

  96·3

  87·6

  8·7

  9·9

  99·5

  93·9

  5·6

  6·0

  Oxfordshire

  43·6

  40·1

  3·5

  8·7

  47·7

  44·0

  3·7

  8·4

  Shropshire

  28·2

  27·3

  0·9

  3·3

  30·6

  29·8

  0·8

  2·7

  Somerset

  32·1

  33·0

  -0·9

  -2·7

  34·2

  35·5

  -1·3

  -3·8

  Staffordshire

  66·4

  69·6

  -3·2

  -4·6

  78·9

  74·9

  4·0

  5·3

  Suffolk

  42·2

  45·7

  -3·5

  -7·7

  47·9

  49·4

  -1·5

  -3·1

  Surrey

  58·3

  71·4

  -13·1

  -18·3

  70·2

  78·4

  -8·2

  -10·5

  Warwickshire

  33·7

  32·5

  1·2

  3·7

  35·7

  35·1

  0·6

  1·8

  West Sussex

  44·8

  54·3

  -9·5

  -17·5

  501

  58·7

  -8·6

  -14·7

  Wiltshire

  38·7

  37·2

  1·5

  4·0

  41·9

  40·1

  1·8

  4·5

  Isles of Scilly

  0·1

  0·1

  0·0

  0·0

  0·1

  0·2

  -0·1

  -28·0

  Notes:

  It has been assumed that "budget" and "budget estimate" both refer to the budget submitted by authorities to central Government at the beginning of the financial year. It has also been assumed that "standard spending assessment" and "standard spending estimate" both refer to the final SSAs issued by DOE following the local authority settlement debate.

  The difference shown is calculated by subtracting the SSA from the budget for each year.

  Budget data has been adjusted to exclude expenditure directly funded by specific grants to make it comparable with the standard spending assessment.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the percentage change in(a) net and (b) gross expenditure on personal social services from 1985–86 to 1991–92 adjusted by the personal social services deflator.
  384
  Mr. Yeo
  The latest estimates for revenue expenditure in 1991–92 represent real terms increases of 30·4 per cent. for net expenditure and 22·5 per cent. for gross expenditure over expenditure in 1985–86.

  Treatment Costs
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average cost in England in 1990–91 and 1991–92 of treating(a) an in-patient case in an acute hospital, (b) an out-patient in an acute hospital, (c) a day case in an acute hospital and (d) an accident and emergency patient in an acute hospital.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is not available in precisely the form requested. Expenditure on in-patients and day cases is no longer separately identified. Expenditure on day cases is now combined with that for in-patients to form a new category: patients using a bed. Expenditure is also identified by specialty rather than the type of hospital in which a patient is treated. Figures for 1990–91 are given in the table. Figures for 1991–92 are not yet available.

  1990–91 £

  Acute in-patient and day case

  815

  Acute out-patient attendance

  41

  Accident and emergency attendance

  24

  Osteoporosis
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost to the NHS of treatment of osteoporosis patients, both in hospital and the community, in each year since 1985.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not collected centrally. However, the office of health economics has estimated that hospital in-patient expenditure on osteoporosis was £128 million in 1985–86 in England and Wales. In 1991–92 prices, this figure would be of the order of £200 million. These estimates do not take into account the cost of out-patient treatment and the costs of general practitioner services, including the prescribing of hormone replacement therapy and other drugs.

  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of recorded cases of osteoporosis in the years 1985 to 1991.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information is not available in the form requested, as there is no requirement to record the diagnosis in general practice and many patients with osteoporosis will not be admitted to hospital. The estimated number of discharges and deaths with a main diagnosis of osteoporosis was 2,000 in England in 1985, according to the hospital in-patient inquiry. The estimated number of completed episodes, ordinary and day case admissions, with a main diagnosis of osteoporosis was 3,700 in England in 1989–90, according to the hospital episode statistics. The effect on the figures of the change in definition cannot readily be quantified, but it is believed to be of a relatively small order of magnitude.

  NHS Expenditure
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the level of capital spending on hospital and community health services in net terms after deducing proceeds from land and property sales, in each year since 1974–75(a) in cash terms, (b) adjusted using the gross domestic product deflator and (c) adjusted using the relevant index of NHS prices;
  386
  (2) to ask the Secretary of State for Health, what was the level of (a) total NHS expenditure, (b) current expenditure on the hospital and community health services, (c) capital expenditure on the hospital and community health services, (d) expenditure on the family practitioner services, (e) expenditure on centrally funded NHS services and (f) expenditure on personal social services, in each year since 1974–75, (i) in cash terms, (ii) adjusted using the relevant pay and prices index and (iii) adjusted using the gross domestic product deflator.

  Mr. Sackville
  [pursuant to his reply, 18 November]: I regret that there was an error in my previous reply. The last figure in the HCHS capital net table was incorrectly calculated. The revised table is as follows:

  HCHS capital net expenditure (including trusts' capital expenditure)

  Cash

  Adjusted by GDP 1990–91 prices

  Adjusted input unit costs 1990–91 prices

  A

  B

  A

  B

  A

  B

  1974–75

  —

  242

  —

  1,100

  —

  1,043

  1975–76

  —

  326

  —

  1,181

  —

  1,075

  1976–77

  —

  355

  —

  1,133

  —

  1,046

  1977–78

  —

  314

  —

  881

  —

  809

  1978–79

  —

  357

  —

  904

  —

  824

  1979–80

  —

  392

  —

  850

  —

  749

  1980–81

  —

  536

  —

  983

  —

  814

  1981–82

  —

  646

  —

  1,080

  —

  950

  1982–83

  —

  676

  —

  1,055

  —

  979

  1983–84

  —

  685

  —

  1,022

  —

  972

  1984–85

  —

  760

  —

  1,080

  —

  1,035

  1985–86

  —

  796

  —

  1,072

  —

  1,024

  1985–86

  888

  —

  1,195

  —

  1,142

  —

  1986–87

  892

  —

  1,162

  —

  1,093

  —

  1987–88

  902

  —

  1,115

  —

  1,051

  —

  1988–89

  906

  —

  1,044

  —

  998

  —

  1989–90

  1,191

  —

  1,288

  —

  1,202

  —

  1990–91

  1,372

  —

  1,372

  —

  1,372

  —

  1991–92

  1,427

  —

  1,331

  —

  —

  —

  1992–93

  1,856

  —

  1,660

  —

  —

  —

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to extend to doctors working in trusts the existing rights that hospital doctors have in paragraph 330 of their terms and conditions of service to speak out in the interests of their patients' health; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  It is for national health service trusts to agree terms and conditions with doctors and other staff whom they employ. However, I am currently consulting widely on a proposal to issue guidance to the national health service—including NHS trusts—on the rights and responsibilities of managers and staff in this matter.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to allow trust hospitals to sell off pathology or related services to the private sector; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  It is for trusts themselves to decide whether it would be better to provide their own pathology services or to subcontract with other national health service or independent providers of such services. Whatever they decide, trusts must include pathology costs in the overall price of the relevant contract with their
  387
  purchasers, and must not charge individuals for pathology services which are provided as part of national health service treatment.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a table showing national health service pay expenditure in 1990–91, 1992–93 and her best estimate for 1993–94, showing the figures both in millions of pounds and current prices.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The table shows the best available figures for expenditure on pay in the national health service in 1990–91, 1992–93 and 1993–94. The figure for 1992–93 is the latest esimate available and the range for 1993–94 is consistent with a zero to 1·5 per cent. pay increase in public sector pay, announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his autumn statement.

  £ billion

  Financial year

  Nominal

  1992–93

  1990–911

  13·9

  15·6

  1992–932

  17·0

  17·0

  1993–943

  17·0 to 17·3

  16·5 to 16·8

  1 Best estimate from available data.

  2 Latest estimate.

  3 Provisional range to reflect the 0–1·5 per cent, range of pay increase for the public sector contained in the autumn statement.

  Hospitals (Advertising)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will make a statement on her plans to allow advertising in hospital out-patient departments; what guidelines she intends to issue on such advertising; and whether the advertising of certain products will be prohibited;

  (2) what contracts have been negotiated in relation to the use of advertising in accident and emergency and out-patient departments; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Health authorities may allow commercial advertising in hospitals in order to generate additional income. General guidance on income generation activities by hospitals is included in a "guide to local initiatives" issued to health authorities in March 1989.

  Responsibility for income generation schemes is for national health service managers. But the guidance advises health authorities that specific schemes should be congruent with the goals, culture and objectives of the health service and should certainly not contradict them. It would not be in an authority's interest to be involved in activities which are in conflict with its own aims or detract from its image in the community.

  I do not intend issuing any specific guidance on advertising in hospitals.

  Information on contracts for advertising in hospitals is not collected centrally.

  Health Authorities (Property)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much, at current prices, was raised from the disposal of property in each regional health authority in each year 388
  since 1990; what is the current projection of funds to be raised by such disposals in 1992–93 and 1993–94; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on Wednesday 18 November at column 279. Figures are not available for all regions beyond 1992–93. However, the national health service is expected to realise some £155 million from land and property disposals in 1993–94 which will be reinvested in patient care.

  Health Survey
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement giving details of the health survey presently being carried out by the social survey division of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, including sample size and completion date.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The health survey for England, currently being carried out by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys on behalf of the Department of Health, is a part of a continuing programme of surveys to monitor the nation's health. It is a central part of our health of the nation initiative and focuses on cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors.

  The first survey took place in the autumn of 1991 and achieved a sample size of 3,100 adults. A report is due in mid-1993. The fieldwork for the 1992 survey is running from September to December. It is aiming for a sample size of 4,000 adults. The target sample size for 1993 is 17,000 adults. Results will be published annually.

  Medical Audit Initiative
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 5 November,Official Report, column 349, what guidance has been given to those involved in the medical audit initiative on (a) expenses to be claimed and (b) the standard of travel and hotel accommodation to be used consequent on their duties; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  None. Where national health service or Department of Health staff attend meetings or events which entails an overnight stay, expenses may be claimed in accordance with standard rates and conditions set by the Treasury which reflect the seniority of the staff involved.

  Nuclear Accidents
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to ensure(a) that there is available a sufficient supply of potassium iodate tablets for distribution to the population living within 25 miles of Sizewell A and B nuclear reactors for use in the event of there occurring a major accident and (b) that the tablets can be distributed within 24 hours of an accident occurring.

  Mr. Sackville
  The detailed emergency planning zone around the Sizewell nuclear power station extends to a radius of 2·5 km. The size of such zones is formally approved by the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate and is based on a "reference accident" for the reactor type in question. The reference accident is the maximum size of an accident that can
  389
  reasonably be foreseen. While accidents worse than the reference accident could occur, this probability is so remote that detailed emergency planning against their consequences is not justified.

  The provision of potassium iodate tablets is one of a number of countermeasures for which local emergency plans must make provision. Responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of arrangements for responding to nuclear emergencies in respect of particular nuclear installations currently rests with the operators, in consultation with local authorities, health authorities, the emergency services and other interests. The hon. Member may therefore wish to write to the chairman of Nuclear Electric for further information about the arrangements at Sizewell power station.

  Smoking
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she proposes to take to tackle the incidence of smoking among children with special educational needs.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The Government are committed to the continuation of the existing programmes on teenage smoking and to developing material aimed at parents who smoke.

  We are encouraging progress towards a situation in which all educational establishments have an effective smoking policy governing not only young people but staff and all other adults using the premises.

  Education in schools on the harmful effects of smoking is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education.

  Superannuation Branch
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on progress towards establishing her Department's NHS superannuation branch as an executive agency.

  Mr. Sackville
  We are pleased to announce that the NHS superannuation branch will be established as the NHS Pensions Agency on 20 November. The agency will administer the NHS occupational pension schemes for England and Wales. Its detailed objectives and functions are set out in a policy and resources framework document, copies of which are available in the Library.

  The chief executive has been set the following key performance targets for the remainder of 1992–93:

  1. Service Standards

  a. Pension awards to be cleared:

  (i) Within four weeks of receipt of application from employer: 89 per cent.*

  (ii) Within eight weeks of receipt of application from employer 99 per cent.*

  b. Pension age estimates for non-practitioners to be cleared:

  (i) Within four weeks of request: 68 per cent.

  (ii) Within eight weeks of request: 99 per cent.

  c. Pensions age estimates for practitioners to be cleared:

  (i) Within six weeks of request: 71 per cent.

  (ii) Within eight weeks of request: 99 per cent.

  d. Transfer payments to he made:

  (i) Within eight weeks of application: 95 per cent.

  (ii) Within 10 weeks of application: 99 per cent.

  * for incapacity awards the periods start from confirmation of medical incapacity.

  2. Efficiency improvements
  390
  To deliver at least 2 per cent. efficiency gains in keeping with agreed 1992–93 running costs budget.

  3. New efficiency indicators

  By January 1993, to develop at least one of the output measures needed to construct an overall corporate efficiency indicator for the agency.

  4. New quality indicators

  a. By 31 January 1993, to develop a statistical sampling method to provide a sound indicator of the level of accuracy in award and transfer calculations.

  b. By 31 December 1992, to complete a customer satisfaction survey for major agency outputs.

  5. Value for money review

  By 31 January 1993, to undertake a review of agency activities, and services used by the agency, to determine a market testing programme for inclusion in the 1993–94 business plan.

  6. Organisational effectiveness review

  By 31 January 1993, to complete the first review of agency structure and organisation and to identify a preliminary programme for improving effectiveness for stakeholders in he Agency's services.

  7. Support systems review

  By 31 January 1993, to provide an information systems strategy to support the agency's corporate, business and management objectives.

  8. Citizen's charter

  By 31 March 1993, to propose new mechanisms for registering stakeholders' views on agency services.

  Social Services Grants
  Mr. Bates
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what personal social services specific grants will be made in 1993–94.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  For 1993–94 specific grants totalling £86·6 million will be available, which represents a £3·1 million or 3·7 per cent. increase, over the 1992–93 total. The specific grants for 1993–94 will be £34·4 million for mental illness, £31·8 million for social services training, £12·4 million for AIDS/HIV, £5·7 million for the guardian ad litem and reporting officer service and £2·3 million for alcohol and drugs misuse.

  Abortion
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women in England and Wales in 1991 and the first half of 1992 chose medical abortion in the first nine weeks of pregnancy with Mifepristone and prostaglandin.

  Mr. Sackville
  Between July 1991, when Mifegyne (Mifepristone) was licensed, and December 1991, the latest period for which figures are available, the chief medical officers of England and Wales were notified of 109 abortions where the Mifepristone and prostaglandin method was used.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she is taking to impose the 1·5 per cent. pay increase ceiling on senior and general managers in the national health service, from what date the pay ceiling will be effective; and if she will make a statement;
  391
  (2) what plans she has to impose the public sector pay ceiling of 1·5 per cent. in NHS trusts; and if she will make a statement;

  (3) what steps she is taking to enforce the 1·5 per cent pay increase ceiling on all provider units in the national health service; and if she will make a statement;

  (4) what account will be taken of the earnings of those who work in the national health service on performance-related pay in imposing the 1·5 per cent. pay increase ceiling; and if she will make a statement;

  (5) how she intends to impose the 1·5 per cent. pay increase ceiling on dentists.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has written to the chairmen of all health authorities and NHS trusts setting out the arrangements for implementing the policy of restricting public sector pay settlements to a maximum of 1·5 per cent. in the coming year.

  As the hon. Member is aware, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has written to the chairmen of the NHS review bodies amending their remits and asking them not to make recommendations on overall levels of pay, fees and allowances for 1 April 1993. For other staff whose pay
  392
  and conditions are determined by our approval following negotiations in the Whitley councils and other central negotiating bodies the settlement remit will be restricted to between zero and 1·5 per cent. for each group. For those staff whose pay is not subject to central arrangements, chairmen have been asked to ensure that all settlements are restricted to between zero and 1·5 per cent. in the coming year with the pay bill increase being held as near zero as possible.

  Payments under existing peformance pay schemes will continue and, under the existing pay arrangements for NHS general and senior managers, the policy will be implemented by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State's direction with effect from the next review point —1 September 1993.

  The dental rates study group will, as usual, be asked to recommend general dental practitioners' fees, using the target average net income (TANI) determined by Government which will be subject to the 1·5 per cent. maximum. This will take account of the recommendations of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's fundamental review of dental remuneration which is due to be presented to Ministers by the end of the year.

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