Written Answers of 25 November 1993

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  "A New Framework for Local Justice"
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his assessment of the costs of implementing the decisions under the White Paper, "A New Framework for Local Justice".

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The cost of implementing the White Paper reforms will largely depend on decisions taken locally by magistrates courts committees. However, we estimate the cost of implementing the package of reforms to be in the region of £5 million. These transitional costs will be more than offset in due course through increased efficiency, but in the meantime the Government will ensure that the overall funding of the service takes account of any additional costs.

  Chief Justices' Clerks
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his assessment of the cost of the establishment of the office of chief justices' clerk across the country.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The cost of the establishment of the post of chief justices' clerk will largely depend on decisions taken locally by magistrates courts committees, and by the size of particular areas and organisations. The indicative start-up costs of the changes planned for the magistrates courts were referred to in the Government's White Paper "A New Framework for Local Justice" as around £5 million. It is expected that some of the costs attributable to the appointment of chief justices' clerks will be met by a reallocation of resources rather than additional expenditure. Inquiries made in several areas where shadow chief justices' clerks have already been appointed indicate that the resulting savings can exceed the costs.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals his Department has for achieving further progress towards the goals set out in article VI of the non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have demonstrated our readiness to reduce our nuclear force levels wherever we can. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for defence announced on 16 November that each Trident submarine would carry no more than 96 warheads compared with the previous intention to carry no more than 128, and that the actual number might be significantly fewer. We believe that a comprehensive test ban and a convention prohibiting the production of fissile material for weapons purposes 100
  Could if widely applicable and effectively verifiable, make a valuable contribution to non-proliferation and we have made clear that we are prepared to work for the conclusion of such agreements.

  Mr. Amanullah Khan
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many times to date, since May 1990, Mr. Amanullah Khan, a Pakistani national, has applied to enter the United Kingdom as a visitor; and how many times any such applications have been(a) granted and (b) refused.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  In the absence of any information in London about visa applications by Mr. Amanullah Khan, I have asked posts in the sub-continent to let me have a report. I shall arrange for the hon. Member to receive a substantive reply from the migration and visa correspondence unit of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as soon as possible.

  Medical Precursors
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the question of lifting the ban on the importation of medical precursors into Serbia and Montenegro was last discussed by the United Nations Security Council sanctions committee; what decision was taken; and what was the position of Her Majesty's Government.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The question of lifting the ban on the importing of medical precursors into Serbia and Montenegro was last discussed by the United Nations sanctions committee on 21 May 1993 following an approach to the committee by the Government of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Agreement in the committee could not be reached.

  The United Kingdom Government representative to the sanctions committee has never raised an objection to applications put to the committee for imports of medical precursors, but as the committee works on the basis of consensus we recognise that if any member of the committee wishes to hold or block a request they have the right to do so.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent communications he has received from the Bosnian Muslim authorities; what replies he has given; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The only recent communication we have had with the Bosnian Government was about the know-how fund. We welcome the opportunity to meet representatives from all the Bosnian parties at the European Union meeting in Geneva on 29 November.

  Gas
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the importation of gas from Russia to Serbia was last discussed by the United Nations Security Council sanctions committee; what was the result of that discussion; and if he will make a statement.
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  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The importing of gas from Russia to Serbia was last discussed at the United Nations sanctions committee meeting on 23 September 1993. The application was for gas to produce fertilisers. The committee blocked the request as it considered the gas an input to industry.

  The question of the export of energy-related items to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for humanitarian purposes has been regularly discussed by the sanctions committee. The committee has ruled that it will consider applications for these items only when full details of the stocks of such items currently held by the Serbians are provided to the committee. Despite receiving this request in October 1992 the Serbians have yet to provide such details. No imports have therefore been agreed.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many visits abroad he has made during 1993; and what was(a) the cost to the taxpayer and (b) the purpose of each visit.

  Mr. Brooke
  During 1993 I have twice visited Paris, on the first occasion accompanying the chairman of the Arts Council to look at French approaches to public architecture and participative public education about it, the second to open the British Tourist Authority's "Maison de la Grande Bretagne". The cost of these visits was £536.10 and £516.09 respectively. I have also been to Brussels for two meetings of EC culture Ministers; the cost of the first of these visits was £701.95 and of the second will be in the region of £700.

TRANSPORT

  Road Traffic Forecasts
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he next proposes to review his Department's national road traffic forecasts.

  Mr. Key
  The current forecasts, published in 1989, remain the Government's best view of the likely future growth in traffic. The forecasts and the methodology behind them are, however, kept under regular review. The Department is currently commissioning research to examine possible improvements to the methodology, and has made arrangements for experts in traffic modelling and other relevant fields to provide advice for the same purpose.

  Rail Privatisation
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to encourage employees of BR to bid for franchises on management buy-out for services in East Anglia.

  Mr. Freeman
  Financial assistance will be available towards the costs of formulating MEBO bids. British Rail will reimburse costs on a scale of 85 per cent. of the first £10,000 of costs and 75 per cent. of the remainder, up to a maximum of £100,000 for each bid team.

  While the Railways Act 1993 enables BR to be franchisee, it also empowers the franchising director not to
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  invite BR to bid if he considers that desirable for the purpose, inter alia, of promoting the award of franchises to MEBOs.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the number of people who evade vehicle excise duty each year; and what is the cost of this evasion to Her Majesty's Treasury.

  Mr. Key
  The number of unlicensed vehicles in use on the public roads at the end of December 1992 was estimated at just under 1.3 million. The latest information indicates that over 96 per cent. of VED payable is collected. The revenue loss to the Exchequer through VED evasion for 1992–93 was estimated at around £130 million.

  Sir Christopher Foster
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport on what criteria Sir Christopher Foster was appointed to the Board of Railtrack; at what salary; how many days work per week is involved; and for how long the appointment will last.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. Friend announced on 16 November the names of a number of prospective non-executive members of the Railtrack board, including Sir Christopher Foster. They are to be appointed when the company is incorporated at the end of February 1994. Sir Christopher has extensive relevant experience in transport economics, and has recently been special adviser to my right hon. Friend on rail privatisation, a position which terminated upon the announcement of his forthcoming appointment to Railtrack. His terms of appointment will be settled in due course, when the formal appointment is made.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what remuneration has been paid by his Department to Sir Christopher Foster in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Freeman
  Sir Christopher Foster was a special adviser to the Secretary of State from 1 June 1992 until 16 November 1993. During that time his employers, Coopers and Lybrand, were paid at a rate of £5,000 per annum for his services.

  Coopers and Lybrand
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that there is no conflict of interest between Sir Christopher Foster's role as adviser to his Department and his position as a director of Coopers and Lybrand.

  Mr. Freeman
  Sir Christopher Foster ceased to be my right hon. Friend's special adviser on 16 November. The need to avoid potential conflicts of interest was covered in the terms of his original appointment.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the progress of the consultancy contract awarded to Coopers and Lybrand, to establish a charging regime for track users under the proposed reorganisation and privatisation of British Rail;

  (2) if he will list the consultancy commissions, and value thereof, of contracts awarded to Coopers and Lybrand in connection with the re-organisation and proposed privatisation of British Rail.
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  Mr. Freeman
  Good progress has been made. Detailed proposals on the structure of access charges and calculation methods have been made and are being implemented. The breakdown of contract costs is a matter of commercial confidentiality. As I said in my answer of 3 November to the Member for Devon, North (Mr. Harvey), the Department has paid approximately £1.6 million to Coopers and Lybrand for work on access and charging since December 1991. Sums for the most recent work have yet to be settled.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many of the contracts awarded to Coopers and Lybrand in connection with the reorganisation and proposed privatisation of British Rail were(a) on the basis of competitive tendering and (b) by invitation;

  (2) from what sources his Department sought advice on Coopers and Lybrand's suitability to carry out that work where consultancy contracts were awarded to Coopers and Lybrand in connection with re-organisation and proposed privatisation of British Rail on the basis of invitation.

  Mr. Freeman
  Two contracts have been awarded to Coopers and Lybrand in this connection on the basis of competitive tendering. Following the completion of work under the first contract, further work was carried out by invitation between April and August this year on an interim basis while a second tendering exercise was carried out. Coopers and Lybrand's suitability for this interim contract was determined by the Department's evaluation of their work on access and charging up to that point.

  Vehicle Weights
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action is being taken by his Department to determine how many roads are capable of supporting a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes.

  Mr. Key
  The design of road pavements is related to the amount of wear and tear caused by the different types of vehicle. Current design standards take account of both current and agreed future changes in gross vehicle weight limits. The Department's roads are already capable of supporting a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many road bridges in the United Kingdom are not capable of supporting a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes;

  (2) what action is being taken by his Department to determine how many road bridges are capable of supporting a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes; and what proportion of these are owned by British Rail;

  (3) how many road bridges in the United Kingdom will require strengthening in order to safely take coaches with gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes; and what proportion of these are owned by British Rail.

  Mr. Key
  In 1988 the Department commenced a programme of assessing its structures on the English trunk road and motorway network in accordance with the bridge assessment code which covers the effects of higher vehicle and axle weights which will be permitted in the United Kingdom from 1999, including those of 18 tonne two-axled vehicles. To date approximately 700 structures have been assessed as being unable to carry the future loading in full. When all assessments have been completed, it is expected that approximately 1,100 104
  structures will be shown to require strengthening. The strengthening of structures carrying the English trunk road and motorway network is programmed to be completed by the end of 1988. Very few structures carrying the English trunk road and motorway network are owned by British Rail, and none of them is expected to need strengthening.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what considerations underlie the maintenance of the gross vehicle weight limit for coaches of 17 tonnes; and what consideration has been given to raising it to 18 tonnes.

  Mr. Key
  The main considerations in setting weight limits for all classes of vehicle are road wear and the strength of bridges. The agreement reached in the European Community in 1989 on gross weights for coaches on international journeys was based on the use of an 11.5 tonne rear-drive-axle. We are at present engaged in an exercise to assess and upgrade all the bridges in the United Kingdom to accept this heavier axle load. We therefore have a derogation from the directive to retain our existing axle limit of 10.5 tonnes until 1999.

  Increasing the gross weight to 18 tonnes while retaining the existing maximum rear axle load would result in all the additional weight going on the front axle. That weight is effectively limited at present by the availability of suitable tyres for safe operation. Furthermore, such a vehicle would have to depend on perfect load distribution to avoid overloading either axle. We cannot therefore now increase gross weights.

  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to exclude the weight of safety equipment, including TELMA and double glazing, when calculating the gross vehicle weight for coaches; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  Our weight limits are designed to protect the infrastructure and bridges in particular. The weight of a vehicle will be felt on a bridge regardless of whether certain equipment is included in a definition of weight or not. Consequently we cannot exclude the weight of any equipment, safety related or otherwise, from the gross weight of the vehicle.

  British Rail Managers
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British Rail managers, having taken early retirement, have been re-employed on short-term or consultancy contracts by British Rail or associated rail organisations, during 1992–93.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information is not readily available in the form requested.

  British Rail has re-engaged some retired staff but only on a limited basis and for specific short term talks tapping their knowledge and experience.

  Schools (Road Safety)
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are the existing guidelines regarding car parking restrictions outside schools; how the restrictions are enforced; what changes are planned to ensure more effective road safety outside schools; and in what timescale.

  Mr. Key
  Traffic conditions outside schools vary widely, from busy main roads to quiet back streets. Our
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  advice to local authorities is that road safety measures need to be tailored to the individual circumstances. Such measures may include traffic calming techniques or 20 mph speed limits. Mandatory parking or stopping restrictions may sometimes be appropriate and enforcement of them would be the responsibility of the police, except in London where increasingly the boroughs are taking this on. In most cases however advisory "keep clear" markings on the road are sufficiently effective. Comparatively few accidents happen outside school entrances, and we have no plans for new central initiatives on this subject.

  Passengers (London)
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish a table showing his Department's latest estimate of the number of passengers travelling into, out of and within London each day on(a) each of the divisions of British Rail, (b) London Underground and (c) London Buses; and what are the comparable figures for each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Norris
  The available information is given in the following tables.

  Table 2

  Arrivals per weekday in central London on British
  Rail1 1982 to 1992

  Thousands

  Network SouthEast divisions

  InterCily

  South East2

  Central2

  South West

  Thames and Chiltern

  Thameslink (North)

  North

  West Anglia and Great Northern

  Great Eastern

  London Tilbury and Southend

  1982

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1983

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984

  148

  395

  95

  333

  319

  335

  3109

  32

  —

  1985

  159

  3100

  93

  323

  321

  322

  3106

  31

  —

  1986

  168

  99

  95

  19

  17

  15

  98

  33

  65

  1987

  177

  107

  105

  22

  21

  19

  107

  35

  65

  1988

  183

  109

  106

  22

  23

  20

  110

  38

  67

  1989

  186

  110

  115

  22

  24

  23

  51

  62

  37

  71

  1990

  179

  114

  110

  21

  25

  22

  50

  58

  38

  70

  1991

  163

  106

  104

  21

  24

  20

  47

  57

  33

  67

  1992

  153

  107

  100

  20

  22

  19

  47

  53

  29

  65

  1 Based on surveys conducted in the autumn of each year.

  2 Includes Thameslink (South).

  3 Includes arrivals on InterCity trains.

  Factory Ships
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what inspections he has made of Russian Klondyke factory ships in United Kingdom coastal waters;

  (2) what assessment he has made of the risks to human life of Russian Klondyke factory ships.

  Mr. Norris
  As with other merchant vessels, these factory ships are liable to inspection as part of the port state control regime when they are in port. Ships at sea are not usually inspected not least because of the problems of access. Following recent incidents it has become clear that there is cause for concern about these particular vessels. and my Department is taking special steps to carry out an intensified programme of inspections of these vessels this week if weather conditions permit. We shall also be considering what further steps can and should be taken to
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  In table 1, it is not possible to split the bus and underground figures to show the number of journeys into and out of London.

  The figures in table 2 do not include journeys which did not terminate in central London, and cannot be split to show the number of passengers who started their journey outside London. The numbers leaving central London are likely to be very similar to those arriving.

  Table 1

  Passengers journeys per year on London Buses and London Underground 1982 to 1992–93

  Millions

  London Buses

  London Underground

  1982

  1,039

  498

  1983

  1,089

  563

  1984–85

  1,153

  672

  1985–86

  1,146

  732

  1986–87

  1,158

  769

  1987–88

  1,211

  798

  1988–89

  1,206

  815

  1989–90

  1,183

  765

  1990–91

  1,180

  775

  1991–92

  1,149

  751

  1992–93

  1,127

  728

  ensure that these vessels do not pose a danger in terms either of potential calls on our rescue services, or as a pollution threat to the United Kingdom coastline.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the risks of oil spillage from Russian Klondyke factory ships; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how many Russian Klondyke factory ships are currently in United Kingdom coastal waters;

  (3) how many Klondyke factory ships in each of the last five years have required assistance from (a) the coastguard rescue, (b) the Lerwick lifeboat and (c) Lerwick harbour.

  Mr. Norris
  On 22 November 1993, 98 Klondykers were known to be in United Kingdom waters. Of these about 60 are Russian.
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  In each of the last five years the number of occasions when assistance was given to Klondyke factory ships by (a) coastguard, (b) Lerwick lifeboat, and (c) Lerwick harbour was:

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  (a)

  2

  8

  8

  7

  16

  (b)

  1

  0

  4

  1

  9

  (c)

  1

  0

  0

  1

  3

  On the basis of eight incidents in the last four years resulting in pollution from Klondykers following accidents the risk is significantly greater than for other types of ship in United Kingdom waters.

  Inspections carried out on these vessels when they are in port have included consideration of their compliance with the international convention for the prevention of pollution from ships. These inspections have not indicated a particular risk of illegal oil discharges from these vessels.

PRIME MINISTER

  Dartmouth (Visit)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will pay an official visit to Dartmouth, South Devon.

  Mr. Newton
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has no immediate plans to do so.

  Nuclear Tests (Radiation)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the current position on his consideration of the report by the National Radiological Protection Board into the effects of radiation on British service personnel involved in nuclear tests.

  The Prime Minister
  I understand that a follow-up report by the National Radiological Protection Board—NRPB—on cancer and mortality among nuclear test veterans is now undergoing peer review prior to publication. The Government know of no new evidence to change the position from the previous NRPB report, which showed that the total incidence of death and malignant disease among test veterans has been no greater than among people generally. We will of course study the follow-up report once it is published.

  Identity Cards
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Prime Minister which Department will be conducting the investigation into the feasibility of a national identity card scheme.

  The Prime Minister
  The Government keep the question of a national identity card under review. The Department of Social Security is considering whether identity cards can contribute to the fight against benefit payment fraud.

  Letters
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister how many officials in his office are currently involved in drafting replies to letters for him to sign.
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  The Prime Minister
  Officials provide drafts as necessary.

  Higher and Further Education
  Mr. Madel
  To ask the Prime Minister what proposals he has to introduce a national awards scheme to recognise outstanding achievement by higher and further education institutions.

  The Prime Minister
  I am pleased to inform the House that Her Majesty the Queen has given her approval to the introduction of a national awards scheme to be known as the Queen's anniversary prizes for higher and further education.

  The proposal for these prizes was initiated by the Royal Anniversary Trust. This trust was formed to fund certain celebrations of the fortieth anniversary of the Queen's accession in 1992. The awards scheme will be funded and operated by that trust, using the residue of money remaining in it at the end of 1992, in collaboration with Her Majesty's Government.

  The purpose of the scheme is to recognise projects of the widest scope which are judged to be of outstanding excellence in service and benefit to the nation. It will be held every two years commencing in 1994, when applications will be sought in January. The prizes will be presented by her Majesty the Queen at a ceremony, which on the first occasion will be in February 1995.

  The scheme is a free-standing initiative but obviously draws much on the experience of the existing Queen's awards arrangements. There are, of course, other awards schemes for further and higher education institutions and there continues to be a place for them in their particular fields. This new and distinctive scheme complements those activities and usefully provides a new focus for a vital part of the nation's endeavour.

  The Government regard it as essential that the substantial expansion of further and higher education opportunities should be accompanied by increases in attainment and quality. I pay tribute to the many colleges and universities across the country which continue to work hard for these ends. Success brings its own reward, but it is right that particular excellence should receive particular recognition.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 25 November.

  The Lord President
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is attending the Anglo-German summit in Cologne.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Patents
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria are being adopted by the Patent Office to determine whether there is a significant inventive step in establishing the structure and function of any given gene; and what will be the arrangements for informing the research community that patent applications in this area will no longer be considered.
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  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Patents Act 1977 requires the Patent Office to assess whether an invention is obvious to a skilled person or involves an inventive step. The Patent Office must make a judgment based on all the information submitted by the applicant for a patent and what is known about a particular area of technology. In making any judgment in a case relating to a particular gene the degree of difficulty in locating it would be a factor to be taken into account in assessing whether isolation of a gene amounted to an invention.

  Until such time as the existing law is modified or appropriate case law has been established by the courts it would be wrong for the Patent Office to circumscribe the ability of companies or individuals to apply for patents relating to genes.

  Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd.
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the extent to which assurances given to him by Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd. about its treatment of lessees since 1991 are being met; and what action he is taking to monitor compliance.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The assurances were given to Ministers in 1991 by all major brewers. They related to the sympathetic treatment of tenants who might have real difficulties in taking on a long-term lease, such as those nearing retirement, and to the introduction of independent arbitration procedures. None of the representations made to my Department has revealed that the assurances are not being met, but the Department has, where appropriate, sought IEL's comments on particular cases.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent representations he has received about the activities of Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My officials and I have received a number of letters from, and on behalf of, Inntrepreneur lessees. My officials held a meeting with representatives of the National Association of Inntrepreneur Lessees (NAIL) on 23 September. As the hon. Member knows, following my meeting with him on 22 July, I met him again on 1 November, together with a representative of NAIL, to discuss these matters.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many representations he has received expressing concern at the policies of Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd. has within the brewing industry; what has been the thrust of such representations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him on 5 July 1993,Official Report, column 35. Since answering this question 54 letters have been received from, or on behalf of, Inntrepreneur lessees. In addition, as the hon. Member is aware, I met him and a representative of the National Association of Inntrepreneur Lessees earlier this month. These representations have mainly been about rent levels.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has held with Inntrepreneur Estates Ltd with a view to bringing about a meeting between them and representatives of the National Association of Inntrepreneur Lessees; and what response he has received.
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  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  As the hon. Member is aware from my letter to him of 22 November, I wrote to Mr. R. G. Williams, chairman and managing director of Grand Metropolitan Estates Ltd, which manages the property arm of Inntrepreneur Estates Limited, about the possibility of the company meeting representatives of the National Association of Intrepreneur Lessees.

  Mr. Williams has explained that his company does not propose to meet NAIL, although it has met with individual IEL lessees and a legal representative of theirs. He also explained that the company will be initiating meetings with individual hon. Members who have expressed an interest in IEL matters.

  Brewery Industry
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has held with Sir Allen Sheppard, chairman of Grand Metropolitan Estates, in respect of developments in the brewery industry; what issues were discussed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has had no recent discussions with Sir Allen Sheppard in respect of developments in the brewing industry. Sponsorship of this industry is of course the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Agriculture.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information he has on the number of public house closures since the Supply of Beer (Tied Estate) Order 1989 was introduced; how many of these were Inntrepreneur lessees; when he intends to review the operation of the Beer Orders; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  Neither my Department nor the Office of Fair Trading has any information on the number of public house closures or the former ownership of closed houses. Such information is not required to monitor compliance with the Beer Orders.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 27 May 1993, Official Report, column 694.

  Economic Development, Merseyside
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the persons and organisations on Merseyside he has met during the current year to discuss economic development issues.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has this year met representatives of a number of organisations on Merseyside concerned with economic development, ranging from the Merseyside development corporation to the Mersey Partnership.

  Victoria Street Offices
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when his Department vacated the offices at 1-16 Victoria street, London; and what future plans there are for their use.

  Mr. Eggar
  My Department vacated 1-19 Victoria street in September 1991. On our future plans, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway) on 4 November 1993,Official Report, column 349.
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  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the rent and other associated costs in 1993–94 for 1-19 Victoria street, London.

  Mr. Eggar
  The expenditure on rent, rates and associated costs in 1-19 Victoria street will be £1.5 million in 1993–94.

  Nuclear Industry
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he will announce the timetable for the review of the nuclear industry.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I made to the hon. Member for Clackmannan (Mr. O'Neill) on 20 October 1993,Official Report, column 245.

  Car Industry
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were employed in(a) car retailing and (b) car repairing and servicing in 1990, 1991 and 1992; and what is the estimated size of car dealers networks in each of those years.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The latest figures available from the census of employment records 211,200 people employed in the retail distribution of motor vehicles and components in 1991 and 171,000 in the repair and servicing of motor vehicles. This compares with 210,200 and 193,000 respectively in 1989. No figures are available for 1990 or 1992. Published statistics are not available on the size of car dealer networks.

  Post Office Privatisation
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many officials, by grade, in his Department are currently working on the privatisation of the Post Office.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  Officials working primarily on the Post Office review and the privatisation of Parcelforce are as follows: 1.5 grade 5s; 2.5 grade 7s; 1 HEO; 1 HEO(D); 0.5 personal secretary and 2 AAs. Higher grade officials are also involved in these matters as necessary.

  Telecommunications Industry
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on competition in the telecommunications industry.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Government continue to base their telecommunications policy on the 1991 White Paper, "Competition and Choice: Telecommunications Policy for the 1990s", Cm 1461. We are firmly committed to greater competition and liberalisation in telecoms. These policies have created a vigorous sector to the benefit of both business and residential customers.

  Consumer Affairs Council
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what matters were discussed and what decisions taken at the Consumer Affairs Council in Brussels on 19 November.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Council discussed the draft timeshare directive, and agreed on a common position by a qualified majority vote.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guarantees were received from the Government of Indonesia concerning the military uses of exports from Britain of vehicles, planes and other military equipment.

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 24 November 1993]: Each export licence application is treated on its merits on a case-by-case basis. Her Majesty's Government's policy on the export of defence equipment is based on the right of sovereign states to their own self defence in accordance with article 51 of the UN charter.

  Her Majesty's Government has no reason to believe that military goods exported under licence to Indonesia have been used for internal security purposes. We have received assurances from the Indonesian Government as recently as this summer that the Hawk aircraft, for example, will not be used for internal security purposes.

  Konver Funding
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to announce his decisions on the bids for Konver funding by Essex county council and others; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The United Kingdom Konver programme committee met on 24 November. I plan to announce the decisions early in December.

DEFENCE

  Depleted Uranium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many types of gun or cannon his Department deploys which can fire depleted uranium bullets or shells.

  Mr. Hanley
  The British Armed Forces are currently equipped with two kinds of ammunition containing depleted uranium: 120mm tank ammunition and 20mm ammunition for the Royal Navy's Vulcan Phalanx point defence weapons system.

  Firepower Measurements
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department measures the explosive firepower of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons in terms of megaton equivalents.

  Mr. Aitken
  The explosive power of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons is measured in kilotonne and megatonne equivalents.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the megaton equivalent of a(a) 10 kilotonne, (b) 20 kilotonne, (c) 100 kilotonne and (d) 200 kilotonne nuclear warhead.

  Mr. Aitken
  One kilotonne is equivalent to 0.001 megatonnes.

  Departmental Land, Plymouth
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and addresses of the sites owned by the Ministry of Defence within the Plymouth city boundary and indicate their current uses.
  113
  Mr. Hanley
  A list of the freehold sites in the Plymouth area together with their current use is as follows:

  Ministry of Defence freehold sites in Plymouth

  Site/establishment

  Current use

  The Royal Citadel

  29 Commando Regiment (Royal Artillery)

  Millbay Park

  Sports ground used by Service personnel from the Royal Citadel

  Manadon

  Royal Naval Engineering College

  Bowden Park

  Sports ground used by Service personnel from RNEC Manadon

  Ernesettle

  Royal Naval Armament Depot

  Bull Point, St. Budeaux

  Royal Naval Armament Depot and Royal Naval sports pitches

  Western King

  Public open space (let to Plymouth City Council)

  HM Naval Base

  Operational Naval Base including North Yard, South Yard, Morice Yard, Goschen Yard, HMS Defiance, Weston Mill area and other minor sites

  Keyham Sports Ground

  Royal Naval Sports Ground

  HMS Drake

  Shore based Royal Naval accommodation

  Various married quarter sites throughout the Plymouth area

  Residential accommodation for married Service personnel and their families

  Fort Staddon

  Royal Naval Wireless Station

  Staddon Heights

  Army training area and public open space

  Radford Woods, Plymstock

  Former Royal Naval Oil Fuel Depot

  Barton Road, Turnchapel

  Former Royal Naval Oil Fuel Depot

  Mount Batten

  Former Royal Air Force Station

  Mount Wise, Devonport

  HQ Flag Officer Plymouth

  RNH Stonehouse, Plymouth

  Royal Naval Hospital

  Brickfields, Devonport

  Royal Naval Sports Grounds

  Rectory, Devonport

  Services Rugby Ground

  Royal William Yard, Stonehouse

  Former Naval Stores Depot

  Stonehouse Barracks

  HQ 3 Brigade Royal Marines

  Seaton Barracks

  Commando Logistic Regiment and Royal Marine Training Area

  RM Coypool

  Commando Logistic Regiment, Royal Marines

  RM Turnchapel

  539 Assault Squadron, Royal Marines

  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what Ministry of Defence land and buildings in Plymouth he expects to be surplus to MOD requirement in the next five years and to be disposed of to the private sector.

  Mr. Hanley
  The following surplus sites are expected to be sold over the next five years:

  Former RAF Mount Batten

  Royal William Yard

  Western King Open Space

  Mount Wise (Part of Site)

  Former oil fuel depots at Radford Woods, Plymstock and at Barton Road, Turnchapel

  Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse

  Hamoaze House

  Seymour House

  26 residential properties

  A number of small sites are also expected to be sold.

  The rationalisation of MOD landholdings and the early sale of surplus land and buildings is a key priority. Opportunities for release of future sites in Plymouth will be kept under review.

  Housing, Scotland
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of houses owned by his Department in(a) Dundee and (b) Scotland; how many of these houses are currently empty; and how many of these houses which have been empty for (i) one to two years, (ii) two to three years and (iii) more than three years.

  Mr. Hanley
  As at 30 September 1993, MOD owned 63 married quarters in Dundee, of which 27 were vacant, and 6,504 married quarters in Scotland, of which 731 were vacant, as follows:
  114

  Married quarters vacant

  Dundee

  Scotland

  Less than 1 year

  6

  596

  Between 1-2 years

  0

  101

  Over 2 years

  21

  34

  Our statistics do not separately identify those properties which have been vacant for more than three years.

  The majority of the vacant quaŕters were either undergoing or awaiting major maintenance work or modernisation, already allocated to service families who were due to move in shortly, or held for units returning from overseas. Following various studies, it has now been decided to sell a site in Dundee which contains 21 properties vacated because of structural problems.

  MOD also owned 238 civilian houses throughout Scotland, of which 16 had been vacant for less then six months and 47 for over six months. Fifty-four of the vacant civilian houses were leased properties awaiting early return to Dumbarton district council.

  In addition 80 vacant service married quarters and 29 vacant civilian houses were in the process of being sold.

  Equipment Sales
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what sums have been earned from sales of defence equipment to those countries whose Governments have received directly or indirectly substantial repayments of tax as a result of the exercise of sovereign immunity during each of the last seven years.

  Mr. Aitken
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to reveal details of sales of defence equipment. Information relating to the value of such sales is published in table 1.11 of "UK Defence Statistics". A copy of the 1993 edition is available in the House Library.

  Winter Supplies
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has on the adequacy of supplies of winter uniforms and equipment to British forces under United Nations command in Vitez, Gorni Vakuf and surrounding areas.

  Mr. Hanley
  Adequate supplies of clothing and equipment for the British troops are held in Bosnia and all personnel have at least the same sort of cold weather clothing as those in Germany including winter underwear and gloves. Although over 80 per cent. of troops deployed in the former Yugoslavia have their full complement of cold weather clothing some troops in Vitez have yet to be issued with the enhanced package due to the closure of the supply route between Vitez and Split by fighting between the rival factions and by bad weather. Movement along the route has now commenced following negotiations with local military commanders and the remaining clothing supplies for the British troops will be a high priority.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Priorities
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are his Department's overseas development priorities for this parliamentary session.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The Overseas Development Administration's priority objectives for the current financial year are set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office departmental report 1993, Cm 2202.

  My right hon. Friend the Minister for Overseas Development described ODA's priority objectives for 1994–95 in a speech she made to the Royal Institute of International Affairs on 18 October. Copies of the report and the speech are in the Libraries of the House.

  Forests
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government is taking to promote the implementation of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development forest principles internationally.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  On 13 September my noble Friend Baroness Chalker of Wallasey and the Indian Minister of Environment and Forests, Kamal Nath, signed a memorandum of understanding establishing an IndoBritish forestry initiative to work towards improved international co-operation on forest issues. The United Kingdom and India will together promote progress on the implementation of the UNCED forest principles and the success of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development's review of forestry in 1995.

  My noble Friend Baroness Chalker of Wallasey has written to the chairman of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, Ambassador Razali, and the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Policy Co-ordination and Sustainable Development, Mr. Desai,
  116
  proposing that the United Kingdom and India should jointly host an international workshop in 1994 to prepare for this review.

EDUCATION

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will list the specific purpose grants given to grant-maintained schools in south Yorkshire for each financial year since 1991–92, including the current year; and what was the purpose of each grant.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The following self governing schools in South Yorkshire have received special purpose grants—SPGs:

  Amount paid (£) for each financial year

  School

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Clifford C E First School, Sheffield

  SPG (Transitional)

  21,834

  —

  SPG (Development)

  2,915

  4,985

  SPG (Restructuring)

  11,136

  —

  SPG (VAT)

  1,044

  4,141

  SPG (Premises)

  —

  920

  All Saints RC School, Sheffield

  SPG (Transitional)

  —

  59,640

  SPG (Development)

  —

  24,490

  SPG (VAT)

  —

  131,391

  Notre Dame School, Sheffield

  SPG (Transitional)

  —

  50,610

  SPG (Development)

  —

  22,436

  SPG (Restructuring)

  —

  8,652

  SPG (VAT)

  —

  128,664

  St. John Fisher RC (VA) Primary, Sheffield

  SPG (Transitional)

  —

  24,338

  SPG (Development)

  —

  4,863

  SPG (VAT)

  —

  4,298

  1Provisional figures to be finalised.

  The purpose of each of the SPGs is as follows:

  Special Purpose Grant (Transitional)
  Available to help with the costs incurred as a result of the school's acquisition of self governing status.

  Special Purpose Grant (Development)
  Available to fund management training, staff development and implementation of the national curriculum.

  Special Purpose Grant (Restructuring)
  Available to help with essential staff restructuring which involves costs arising from premature retirernent, redundancy or voluntary severance of teaching staff.

  Special Purpose Grant (VAT)
  Compensates for the payment of VAT on supplies and services, which self governing schools may not claim back.

  Special Purpose Grant (Premises)
  Assists self governing schools with the additional cost of school premises insurance.

  Schools (Newspapers and Books)
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much was spent by London schools on newspapers and books in the last available year.
  117
  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information is not collected centrally in the form requested. The 33 inner and outer London local education authorities spent a total of over £61 million on books and equipment in nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in 1991–92, the latest year for which figures are available.

  University College, Dearne Valley
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he expects the proposed university college to be situated on the Dearne valley to be in operation.

  Mr. Boswell
  This is a matter for those involved in the project. I understand that the University of Sheffield is considering its plans in the light of consultation with the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fish Conservation
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make it her policy to take steps to suspend the Sea Fish Conservation Act 1993, and replace it with the proposals put forward by the National Federation of Fisheries Organisations; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  I have given very careful consideration to the proposals put forward by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations but I shall not make a statement until the High Court has delivered its judgment in the federation's judicial review proceeding. The changes to fisheries policy covered the NFFO document "Conservation: An Alternative Approach" would not require the suspension of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1993.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement about bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

  Mr. Soames
  A further progress report on BSE in Great Britain for the period up to 29 October is available today. I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House. The report details increasingly firm evidence that the ruminant feed ban is effective in controlling the epidemic in the way which has been predicted. The number of suspect cases of BSE reported in the last three months is 12.7 per cent. below that for the same period last year, 10,270 cases in 1993 compared with 11,759 cases in 1992. There is also a dramatic reduction in the number of cases occurring in younger animals.

  Wind Energy
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how her Department was represented at the conference on wind energy opportunities on farms held in Stoneleigh on 11 November.

  Mr. Jack
  The conference was attended by an ADAS officer and an assistant regional planning advisor.

  Meat Inspection
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what savings she expects the new meat inspection rules to bring to the meat industry; what supervision will be carried out to ensure standards are maintained; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  The introduction of the new poultry meat inspection system will result in reductions in poultry meat inspection costs estimated in July 1993 at £1.75 million. There will however be costs associated with the employment and training of poultry inspection assistants which the industry will be expected to bear.

  Poultry inspection assistants will work under the supervision of the official veterinarian of a member of his team who will ensure standards are maintained.

  Premiums and Arable Area Payments
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what were the dates of payment of sheep and beef premium and arable area payments including set-aside for 1993 and 1994.

  Mr. Jack
  In England payments under the 1993 sheep annual premium scheme started on 5 October 1993 and 77 per cent. of claims had been paid by 19 November. Advance payments under the 1993 beef special premium scheme began in the middle of November and for the 1993 suckler cow premium scheme are expected to start in January. The remainder of the premium due for both these schemes will be paid between April and June 1994.

  The first advance oilseeds payments under the 1992–93 arable area payments scheme were made on 26 August 1993 and over 99 per cent. of claims had been paid by 30 September. Payments for oilseeds, cereals, proteins and set aside started on 20 October 1993. Payments under the 1994 sheep annual premium scheme and the 1993–94 arable area payments scheme are not due until next year.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will now publish county-based figures with respect for the arable area payments scheme.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Wastes (Sea Disposal)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on the matters discussed and decisions taken at the meeting of the London convention on sea disposal of wastes, held in London on 8 to 12 November; and if she will place in the Library a copy of the final declaration and the statement made by the United Kingdom to the meeting.

  Mr. Jack
  The consultative meeting of the London convention held on 8 to 12 November considered and adopted four resolutions in furtherance of the process of amending the convention. These resolutions established: a ban on the disposal of radioactive wastes at sea; a ban on the sea disposal of industrial wastes; a ban with some exemptions, on the incineration of wastes at sea; a commitment to undertake a thorough review of the other provisions of the convention.

  The United Kingdom fully supported the resolutions on industrial waste, incineration and the amendment process.

  119
  We abstained from the vote on the disposal of radioactive wastes and are currently considering the implications of the decisions on this matter. The United Kingdom delegation made no formal declaration or statement to the meeting but we were able to emphasise the United Kingdom's desire to see practical steps taken and properly applied to ensure protection of the marine environment and was able to report that, in advance of the present amendments, the United Kingdom had already terminated all dumping of industrial wastes and incineration at sea.

  Drift Net Fishing
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives she is planning to take at the European Council of Fisheries Ministers meeting on 22 November to ensure that other member states do not extend the phase-out period for drift net fishing.

  Mr. Jack
  No mention was made of drift nets at the Fisheries Council on 22 November. The derogation permitting a limited use by France of drift nets up to 5 km long expires on 31 December 1993 unless the Commission makes a proposal to extend the derogation, and the Council accepts it. Should any such proposal be made, I will scrutinise it very closely to see whether the requirement in the regulation, that no ecological risk would be involved, is fully met.

  Beef
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list for each month for the last two years the average market price of beef together with the tonnage going into intervention in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Jack
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  United Kingdom intervention intake and beef prices October 1991 to September 1993

  Intervention intake in tonnes

  Prices in pence per kilogramm (liveweight)

  1991

  November

  14,662

  95.07

  December

  5,418

  96.34

  1992

  January

  8,306

  98.3

  February

  8,046

  99.23

  March

  9,045

  100.15

  April

  6,722

  101.34

  May

  7,221

  101.12

  June

  6,554

  103

  July

  4,228

  102.99

  August

  5,431

  102.7

  September

  14,073

  100.81

  October

  14,144

  100.67

  November

  9,770

  104.58

  December

  4,661

  107.29

  1993

  January

  8,871

  108.54

  February

  6,765

  116.53

  March

  1,713

  122.2

  April

  2,992

  126.7

  May

  0

  132.05

  June

  0

  133.65

  July

  0

  121.49

  120

  Intervention intake in tonnes

  Prices in pence per Kilogramm (liveweight)

  August

  0

  122.61

  September

  380

  111.53

  October

  475

  112.51

  Note: The price given is the cattle reference price. This liveweight price indicates the price for cattle paid by the wholesaler and received by the producer.

  Animal Diseases
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farms have been placed under movement restrictions as a consequence of the recent outbreak of(a)brucellosis and (b) warble fly; in which counties the herds infected are located; and how many are affected in each of those counties by each of those infections.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  One farm in Gywnedd, where brucellosis infection has been confirmed following culture of the relevant organism, has been placed under movement restrictions. Two farms in Cheshire where cattle have reacted positively to the serological test for brucellosis have also been placed under movement restrictions.

  Thirty-nine premises in the following counties were placed under movement restrictions between April and July 1993 following confirmation of warbles infestation in imported cattle. Treatment notices were served on all farms within 3km of the above premises this autumn resulting in a further 1,490 farms placed under restriction pending treatment.

  County

  Number

  Avon

  2

  Ayrshire

  1

  Bedfordshire

  1

  Cheshire

  8

  Cornwall

  1

  Devon

  2

  Dorset

  1

  Dyfed

  1

  Gloucestershire

  1

  Hampshire

  2

  Kent

  1

  Lancashire

  1

  Lothian

  1

  Oxfordshire

  1

  Shropshire

  3

  Somerset

  6

  Staffordshire

  1

  West Sussex

  1

  Wiltshire

  3

  Worcestershire

  1

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle in total have tested positive for(a) brucellosis and (b) warble fly; how many of these were infected before entering the United Kingdom; how many have contracted the disease in this country; from which countries the infected cattle originated; and what known risks there were in those countries of brucellosis or warble fly which could be calculated to present a danger if animals were to be imported into the United Kingdom.
  121
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Since 1 September 1993, 21 cattle in Great Britain have reacted positively to serological tests for brucellosis. Disease has been confirmed by culture in nine animals, one of which was imported from France. Detailed epidemiological investigations to determine the source of infection are continuing. We understand that a small number of cattle herds in France are infected with brucellosis and are under restriction. However, all cattle imported into the United Kingdom from all member states must originate from officially brucellosis-free herds—as defined in Community rules—and must be tested negative for brucellosis within the 30 days prior to export.

  Two hundred and twenty-one cattle imported from France between January and July 1993 proved to be infested with warble fly. The annual United Kingdom serum survey for warble fly currently being undertaken has so far disclosed four positive reactions. One of these animals was imported from France: the origin of the other three animals is at present unknown. There is a high incidence of warble fly in France, in common with a number of other member states. It is a legal requirement that all cattle imported into the United Kingdom, except those for immediate slaughter, must be treated within 24 hours of arrive for warble fly.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle infected with brucellosis have been slaughtered; and how many humans have been infected by the disease; and by what means the disease was transmitted from cattle to humans.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Since 1 September 1993, 15 cattle which reacted positively to the serological test for brucellosis have been slaughtered, in nine of which the disease was confirmed; no humans have been infected. In the past, humans caught the disease by direct contact with infected cattle or by consumption of unpasteurised milk or milk products. There is no risk of infection from the consumption of pasteurised milk or milk products or from meat.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the estimated costs incurred by her Department in connection with arrangements for containing the risk from the presence of animals tested positive to foot and mouth, equine viral ateritis, warble fly and brucellosis, tracking down and testing the infected animals, publicising each threat, slaughtering the affected animals and compensating the losses where eligible; and what additional costs were incurred.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what has been the total cost in both nominal and real terms for each year since 1979 to her Department of programmes for tackling animal diseases imported into the United Kingdom which had previously been deemed to be eradicated.

  1989–90£

  1990–91£

  1991–92£

  1992–93£

  Administrative and clerical

  46,818,579

  52,828,708

  59,612,780

  68,802,552

  Managerial

  8,884,824

  13,341,551

  19,322,078

  21,838,204

  Nursing and midwifery

  190,911,768

  205,822,687

  227,698,352

  242,791,513

  122
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  Compensation paid to farmers by Agriculture Departments following compulsory slaughter of their stock for the diseases specified was, for the years indicated, as follows:

  1981

  1984

  1986

  1987

  1992

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  Foot and Mouth Disease

  91,414

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newcastle Disease

  —

  816,325

  —

  —

  —

  Classical Swine Fever

  —

  —

  451,435

  276,525

  —

  Avian Influenza

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6,202

  Estimation of other expenditure specifically associated with these disease outbreaks would involve the Department in disproportionate costs.

  New Forest (Hunting)
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide details of the terms and conditions of the licences issued by the Forestry Commission to the New Forest buckhounds allowing them to hunt in the New Forest.

  Mr. Jack
  A copy of the permit issued by the Forestry Commission to the New Forest buckhounds for the 1992–93 season is already in the Library of the House. The permit for the 1993–94 season has the same terms and conditions.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of(a) administrative and clerical staff, (b) managerial staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff employed in the NHS in each year since 1989.

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows:

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Administrative and Clerical

  16,066

  5,939

  6,200

  6,568

  6,671

  Managerial

  2—

  497

  723

  926

  950

  Nursing and Midwifery

  17,667

  17,829

  17,454

  16,826

  15,825

  Notes: Figures are expressed in whole time equivalent.

  1Includes managerial staff.

  2Not available.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the total salary costs for(a) administrative and clerical staff, (b) managerial staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff employed in the NHS in each year since 1989.

  Mr. Ancram
  Total salary costs are as follows:
  123
  This information is not available in the form requested for the financial year 1988–89.

HEALTH

  Private Ambulance Services
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations she has received with regard to the regulation of private ambulance services; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what disciplinary action has been taken against those officials of the Guy's—St. Thomas's National Health Service Trust responsible for the awarding of a contract to Belmont ambulance service.

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for the Guy's and St. Thomas's hospital trust. The hon. Member may wish to contact Lord Hayhoe, the chairman, for details.

  Lost Working Days
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will provide a table showing different categories of sickness, ill health and injury and the number of working days lost for each category in 1992–93.

  Mr. Sackville
  There is no information available centrally on the breakdown of working days lost by health related disease. The hon. Gentleman may wish to contact the Confederation of British Industry for details of its survey.

  Suicide
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the latest available figures for the number of officially recorded suicides in the United Kingdom showing men and women separately for(a) all persons aged 18 years and over, (b) all persons aged 30 to 55 years, (c) all persons aged 18 years and over who were unemployed at the date of suicide and (d) all persons aged 30 to 55 years who were unemployed at the date of suicide.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on the number of people who have been recorded as having committed suicide and who were unemployed is not available. At death registration informants are asked for last occupation rather than employment status of the deceased.

  The table shows suicide deaths ICD E950-E9591 by sex for ages 18 and over and 30 to 55 years for England and Wales for 1992. Data for 1992 are provisional.

  1992

  18+

  30-55

  Males

  3,026

  1,536

  Females

  895

  371

  1 International Classiflcation of Disease Code Ninth Revision.

  Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Civil Servants
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for each civil service grade in her Department(a) the total number of persons employed and (b) the total number of women employed.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information shows the position on 1 November 1993:

  Total number of staff employed in the Department of Health

  Grade (including grade equivalents)

  Total

  Women

  Grade 1

  3

  0

  Grade 2

  8

  0

  Grade 3

  25

  5

  Grade 4

  28

  11

  Grade 5

  211

  79

  Grade 6

  135

  45

  Grade 7

  571

  151

  SEO

  413

  121

  HEO(D)

  22

  11

  HEO

  716

  329

  AT

  8

  4

  EO

  966

  560

  AO

  1,376

  1,003

  AA

  580

  345

  Others

  178

  79

  TOTALS

  5,240

  2,743

  Notes:

  1. Professional grades have been shown under their equivalent unified grade.

  2. The "Others" category relates to youth treatment service direct care staff and YTS industrial staff.

  3. Casual members of staff have been excluded. In addition, the following staff have been excluded because they are not currently being paid by the Department:

  on loan to other government departments;

  on maternity leave of more than three months;

  on unpaid career breaks/study leave.

  Community Care
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to amend the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  Provisions relating to community care in England and Wales were contained in part III of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990. We have no plans to amend those provisions.

  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether her Department is conducting research into the budget allocation between the national health service and social services as set out in the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990.

  Mr. Bowis
  No. The Act does not set out budgets for the national health service or for social services.

  GP Services
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the expenditure per head of population in each family health services authority area on general practitioner services, separately identifying general practitioner fund-holders in 1990–91 and 1991–92, in cash and standard prices; and what expenditure per head was attributable to expenditure on behalf of the under five, five to 15, 16 to 64, and 64 plus years age groups.
  125
  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will bring forward proposals to amend the contract between family health services authorities and general practitioners so that patients are able to make formal complaints about the staff employed by general practitioners.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The contract to which the hon. Member refers is the statutory arrangement—known as the terms of servicefamily health services—under which general practitioners provide general medical services for the national health service. Where staff employed by a GP carry out duties within the terms of service on the GP's behalf, complaints about the performance of those duties can already be made

  Area of usual residence

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Northern

  39,117

  39,248

  40,878

  40,239

  40,404

  40,105

  39,097

  40,656

  41,128

  40,003

  Yorkshire

  46,507

  46,672

  48,022

  48,340

  49,344

  49,972

  49,637

  51,187

  50,769

  49,703

  Trent

  57,165

  57,652

  58,751

  59,284

  61,050

  61,618

  61,666

  63,571

  63,129

  62,142

  East Anglian

  23,075

  23,685

  24,487

  24,592

  25,799

  26,600

  25,979

  26,590

  26,288

  26,095

  North West Thames

  45,596

  46,207

  47,468

  48,124

  49,633

  50,639

  49,666

  50,793

  51,459

  51,992

  North East Thames

  49,894

  51,228

  52,006

  52,959

  55,314

  56,466

  56,094

  57,999

  57,059

  56,968

  South East Thames

  44,007

  44,644

  46,902

  47,558

  49,956

  51,402

  51,073

  52,086

  51,412

  51,313

  South West Thames

  34,688

  34,908

  36,367

  36,734

  38,236

  39,258

  38,822

  40,101

  39,975

  40,229

  Wessex

  33,044

  33,810

  34,957

  35,772

  37,175

  37,942

  37,810

  38,571

  37,122

  37,205

  Oxford

  30,948

  31,811

  33,070

  33,201

  34,661

  35,698

  35,809

  36,424

  36,187

  36,076

  South Western

  35,523

  36,193

  37,560

  38,119

  39,840

  40,981

  40,772

  41,090

  40,342

  40,125

  West Midlands

  68,224

  68,726

  70,351

  70,408

  72,469

  72,809

  73,346

  75,092

  74,210

  71,992

  Mersey

  31,850

  31,601

  32,889

  32,712

  32,788

  33,515

  32,934

  33,771

  33,361

  31,675

  North Western

  53,617

  54,188

  55,593

  55,567

  56,661

  57,358

  56,652

  58,989

  58,365

  56,266

  Wales

  35,494

  35,861

  36,771

  37,038

  37,816

  38,824

  38,019

  38,866

  38,079

  37,523

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many live births have been recorded(a) per region and (b) per hospital for each year over the last 10 years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information for England and Wales per region for 1991 and 1992 is shown in the table. The information relating to still births recorded by region for the years 1982–1990 is available from the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys annual reference volume DH3 mortality statistics, perinatal and infant: social and biological factors, table 7b, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Information on the number of still births per hospital could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Still births by regional health authority, England and Wales 1991 and 1992

  1991

  1Rate

  1992

  1Rate

  England

  3,072

  4.6

  2,777

  4.2

  Wales

  177

  4.6

  153

  4.1

  Northern

  220

  5.3

  157

  3.9

  Yorkshire

  235

  4.6

  220

  4.4

  Trent

  318

  5.0

  297

  4.8

  East Anglian

  112

  4.2

  105

  4.0

  North West Thames

  238

  4.6

  220

  4.2

  North East Thames

  271

  4.7

  229

  4.0

  South East Thames

  226

  4.4

  246

  4.8

  South West Thames

  174

  4.3

  140

  3.5

  Wessex

  160

  4.3

  155

  4.1

  Oxford

  153

  4.2

  116

  3.2

  South Western

  166

  4.1

  164

  4.0

  West Midlands

  376

  5.0

  319

  4.4

  126
  using the formal complaints procedure. Professor Alan Wilson of Leeds university is chairing a full review of national health service complaints systems which is due to report at the turn of the year.

  Birth Statistics
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many live births have been recorded(a) per region and (b) per hospital for each year over the last 10 years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The numbers of live births by usual residence of mother for health regions in England, and for Wales, are shown in the table. Information on the number of live births per hospital could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  1991

  1Rate

  1992

  1Rate

  Mersey

  141

  4.2

  116

  3.6

  North Western

  282

  4.8

  293

  5.2

  1Stillbirths per 1,000 live and still births.

  Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Newham General Hospital
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the procedure to be followed, and bodies responsible for any decision, for the closure of Newham general hospital(a) as a directly managed unit or (b) as a trust within the national health service.

  Mr. Sackville
  There is a statutory requirement for district health authorities and family health services authorities to consult community health councils over any proposals to make substantial variations in the provision of local health services. Where a variation in service is the consequence of a decision taken by a national health service trust the responsibility for consultation remains with the DHA or FHSA. Ministers reserve to themselves the final decision where a closure is contested.

  We are not aware of any closure proposal affecting Newham general hospital.

  NHS Bed Bureaux
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will publish a table showing the volume of work undertaken by NHS bed bureaux for each year since 1989;

  (2) if she will publish a table showing every bed bureau operating within the NHS and the location of each for each year since 1989.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. Arrangements made by health authorities and trusts for coping with particularly high levels of admissions to hospital will vary according to local circumstances.

  Anti-depressant Drugs
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish a table showing(a) total and (b) per capita expenditure on anti-depressant drugs in each family health services authority area; and for each NHS region, during 1992–93.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Information for the calendar year 1992 is shown in the table. The cost information is in terms of net ingredient cost, that is the basic cost of the drugs before discount and excluding dispensing costs and fees.

  The antidepressant drugs are those shown in section 4.3 of the "British National Formulary".

  Antidepressant drugs—British National Formulary section 4.3 England 1992

  Family Health Service Authority

  Net ingredient cost (£ thousands)

  Net ingredient cost per head of population (£)

  321

  Cleveland

  1,044.7

  1.87

  322

  Cumbria

  1,050.2

  2.14

  323

  Durham

  1,368.7

  2.25

  324

  Northumberland

  634.3

  2.06

  325

  Gateshead

  453.6

  2.23

  326

  Newcastle

  548.3

  1.95

  327

  North Tyneside

  467.7

  2.40

  328

  South Tyneside

  246.3

  1.57

  329

  Sunderland

  555.4

  1.87

  Northern RHA

  6,369.1

  2.06

  341

  Humberside

  1,434.9

  1.63

  342

  North Yorkshire

  1,214.1

  1.68

  343

  Bradford

  985.6

  2.06

  344

  Calderdale

  347.0

  1.79

  345

  Kirklees

  728.1

  1.90

  346

  Leeds

  1,506.7

  2.09

  347

  Wakefield

  516.1

  1.63

  Yorkshire RHA

  6,732.5

  1.82

  361

  Derbyshire

  1,416.6

  1.50

  362

  Leicestershire

  1,652.0

  1.83

  363

  Lincolnshire

  1,303.7

  2.18

  364

  Nottinghamshire

  1,389.8

  1.36

  365

  Barnsley

  383.8

  1.71

  366

  Doncaster

  515.9

  1.76

  367

  Rotherham

  375.0

  1.47

  368

  Sheffield

  873.9

  1.65

  Trent RHA

  7,910.8

  1.66

  381

  Cambridgeshire

  953.0

  1.41

  382

  Norfolk

  1,622.3

  2.13

  383

  Suffolk

  1,265.1

  1.95

  East Anglia RHA

  3,840.5

  1.84

  401

  Bedfordshire

  795.7

  1.48

  402

  Hertfordshire

  1,571.2

  1.58

  403

  Barnet

  385.0

  1.27

  404

  Brent and Harrow

  495.6

  1.10

  128

  Family Health Service Authority

  Net ingredient cost (£thousands)

  Net ingredient cost per head of population (£)

  405

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  853.7

  1.32

  406

  Hillingdon

  263.3

  1.11

  407

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  601.2

  1.79

  North West Thames RHA

  4,965.6

  1.42

  421

  Essex

  2,373.1

  1.53

  422

  Barking and Havering

  403.3

  1.07

  423

  Camden and Islington

  567.5

  1.60

  424

  City and East London

  681.1

  1.16

  425

  Enfield and Harringey

  536.8

  1.13

  426

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  591.5

  1.31

  North East Thames RHA

  5,153.4

  1.36

  441

  East Sussex

  1,418.9

  1.97

  442

  Kent

  2,278.2

  1.48

  443

  Bexley and Greenwich

  496.5

  1.14

  444

  Bromley

  434.4

  1.48

  445

  Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark

  860.0

  1.18

  South East Thames RHA

  5,488.0

  1.48

  461

  Surrey

  1.824.8

  1.76

  462

  West Sussex

  1,182.3

  1.66

  463

  Croydon

  413.1

  1.29

  464

  Kingston and Richmond

  546.4

  1.80

  465

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  891.8

  1.46

  South West Thames RHA

  4,858.5

  1.63

  481

  Dorset

  1,281.5

  1.93

  482

  Hampshire

  2,758.6

  1.74

  483

  Wiltshire

  1,095.2

  1.89

  484

  Isle of Wight

  334.9

  2.67

  Wessex RHA

  5,470.2

  1.85

  501

  Berkshire

  1,253.4

  1.65

  502

  Buckinghamshire

  806.8

  1.25

  503

  Northamptonshire

  890.1

  1.51

  504

  Oxfordshire

  827.1

  1.41

  Oxford RHA

  3,777.4

  1.46

  521

  Avon

  1,262.9

  1.30

  522

  Cornwall

  865.2

  1.82

  523

  Devon

  1,755.9

  1.68

  524

  Gloucestershire

  940.7

  1.74

  525

  Somerset

  629.9

  1.33

  —

  South Western RHA

  5,454.6

  1.56

  541

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,013.4

  1.47

  542

  Shropshire

  654.1

  1.58

  543

  Staffordshire

  1,863.8

  1.77

  544

  Warwickshire

  702.0

  1.43

  545

  Birmingham

  1,705.0

  1.69

  546

  Coventry

  413.5

  1.36

  547

  Dudley

  397.4

  1.28

  548

  Sandwell

  541.6

  1.84

  549

  Solihull

  359.0

  1.79

  551

  Walsall

  445.1

  1.69

  552

  Wolverhampton

  493.5

  1.99

  —

  West Midlands RHA

  8,588.4

  1.63

  561

  Cheshire

  1,778.9

  1.84

  562

  Liverpool

  951.4

  1.99

  563

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  581.4

  1.73

  129

  Family Health Service Authority

  Net ingredient cost (£thousands)

  Net ingredient cost per head of population (£)

  564

  Sefton

  585.0

  1.98

  565

  Wirral

  682.4

  2.04

  —

  Mersey RHA

  4,579.1

  1.90

  581

  Lancashire

  2,712.0

  1.92

  582

  Bolton

  427.6

  1.62

  583

  Bury

  370.5

  2.05

  584

  Manchester

  975.3

  2.24

  585

  Oldham

  304.4

  1.38

  586

  Rochdale

  489.1

  2.38

  587

  Salford

  509.1

  2.21

  588

  Stockport

  686.7

  2.38

  589

  Tameside

  370.1

  1.68

  591

  Trafford

  490.0

  2.27

  592

  Wigan

  595.0

  1.90

  —

  North Western RHA

  7,929.6

  1.99

  —

  England

  81,117.6

  1.68

  Incidence of certain anomalies of development of bones of head including cranio synostosis1:single years, 1983–92 for the regional health authorities of England and for Wales

  Rates per 100,000 births

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  England and Wales

  32

  26

  31

  28

  28

  17

  15

  15

  15

  11

  England

  34

  32

  27

  32

  29

  29

  17

  16

  16

  11

  Wales

  22

  22

  8

  8

  13

  13

  24

  8

  3

  8

  Northern

  20

  33

  46

  30

  30

  42

  43

  17

  15

  17

  Yorkshire

  28

  38

  29

  33

  26

  18

  22

  16

  20

  8

  Trent

  78

  48

  52

  37

  54

  48

  32

  28

  11

  19

  East Anglian

  22

  34

  37

  28

  31

  22

  35

  26

  34

  8

  North West Thames

  39

  37

  27

  33

  24

  41

  42

  25

  23

  10

  North East Thames

  20

  31

  23

  17

  27

  23

  28

  12

  12

  14

  South East Thames

  25

  16

  19

  23

  36

  19

  29

  13

  12

  12

  South West Thames

  17

  34

  16

  16

  39

  53

  46

  17

  5

  20

  Wessex

  30

  56

  40

  22

  24

  18

  32

  13

  5

  8

  Oxford

  23

  22

  57

  36

  23

  31

  14

  11

  30

  6

  South Western

  36

  3

  24

  18

  27

  15

  15

  10

  15

  12

  West Midlands

  63

  39

  34

  20

  27

  18

  23

  11

  15

  4

  Mersey

  9

  44

  21

  30

  33

  33

  15

  12

  15

  19

  North Western

  15

  37

  25

  30

  42

  29

  35

  20

  19

  7

  1These data have been selected using code 756.0 of the International Classification of Disease (9th Revision). This code covers anomalies of the skull and face bones and includes cranio synostosis. The data presented are taken from the National Congenital Malformation Notification Scheme. This scheme is voluntary and includes all malformations identified at or within 10 days of birth. The system may not be very effective in identifying all cases of cranio synostosis as many cases do not become apparent for some months.

  Nannies
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will bring forward proposals to require the registration of nannies as suggested by the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  No. Parents who employ a nanny to care for their children in their own home are responsible for making the arrangements and are well placed to ensure that the nanny is taking good care of their children.

  Asthma
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the expenditure on general practitioner prescribed anti-asthma medication and preparations in each family health services authority area in 1992–93; and if he will express that as an expenditure figure per head.
  130
  Notes:

  1. The data cover all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered.

  2. BNF section based on the September 1991 BNF.

  3. For net ingredient cost per head OPCS 1991 mid-year resident population projections for 1992 have been used.

  Birth Defects
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of cranial synostosis have occurred per 100,000 births in each health authority over the last 10 years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is in the table:

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Information for the calendar year 1992 is shown in the table. The cost information is in terms of net ingredient cost, that is, the basic cost of the drugs before discount and excluding dispensing costs and fees.

  The drugs used for the treatment of asthma are those shown in the following "British National Formulary" sections:

  3.1—Bronchodilators

  3.2—Corticosteroids

  3.3—Cromoglycate and related therapy.

  Drugs for the treatment of asthma—British National Formulary sections 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3

  England 1992

  Family health services authority

  Net ingredient cost (£ thousands)

  Net ingredient cost per head of population (£)

  321

  Cleveland

  3,599.1

  6.43

  322

  Cumbria

  3,186.6

  6.50

  323

  Durham

  4,413.7

  7.27

  324

  Northumberland

  2,393.4

  7.79

  325

  Gateshead

  1,367.9

  6.74

  131

  Family health services authority

  Net ingredient cost (£ thousands)

  Net ingredient cost per head of population (£)

  326

  Newcastle

  1,995.6

  7.08

  327

  North Tyneside

  1,315.6

  6.74

  328

  South Tyneside

  1,073.6

  6.83

  329

  Sunderland

  2,185.2

  7.35

  Northern RHA

  21,530.8

  6.95

  341

  Humberside

  5,525.3

  6.27

  342

  North Yorkshire

  4,245.0

  5.87

  343

  Bradford

  2,869.4

  6.01

  344

  Calderdale

  1,302.9

  6.72

  345

  Kirklees

  2,338.2

  6.10

  346

  Leeds

  4,597.6

  6.37

  347

  Wakefield

  2,498.5

  7.88

  Yorkshire RHA

  23,376.8

  6.32

  361

  Derbyshire

  6,030.0

  6.37

  362

  Leicestershire

  5,959.0

  6.60

  363

  Lincolnshire

  4,151.4

  6.96

  364

  Nottinghamshire

  6,605.2

  6.44

  365

  Barnsley

  1,535.8

  6.83

  366

  Doncaster

  2,284.3

  7.78

  367

  Rotherham

  1,559.4

  6.11

  368

  Sheffield

  3,665.3

  6.90

  Trent RHA

  31,790.3

  6.66

  381

  Cambridgeshire

  3,983.5

  5.88

  382

  Norfolk

  5,007.3

  6.56

  383

  Suffolk

  3,995.4

  6.17

  East Anglia RHA

  12,986.2

  6.22

  401

  Bedfordshire

  3,130.3

  5.83

  402

  Hertfordshire

  6,158.2

  6.19

  403

  Barnet

  1,531.6

  5.07

  404

  Brent and Harrow

  2,514.0

  5.56

  405

  Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow

  3,542.9

  5.48

  406

  Hillingdon

  1,237.3

  5.21

  407

  Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

  1,637.1

  4.88

  North West Thames RHA

  19,751.5

  5.64

  421

  Essex

  8,310.0

  5.34

  422

  Barking and Havering

  1,885.0

  4.99

  423

  Camden and Islington

  1,947.3

  5.48

  424

  City and East London

  3,304.3

  5.64

  425

  Enfield and Harringey

  2,253.4

  4.76

  426

  Redbridge and Waltham Forest

  2,164.2

  4.81

  North East Thames RHA

  19,864.5

  5.23

  441

  East Sussex

  4,402.0

  6.11

  442

  Kent

  7,763.1

  5.05

  443

  Bexley and Greenwich

  2,367.8

  5.45

  444

  Bromley

  1,381.2

  4.71

  445

  Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark

  4,001.2

  5.51

  South East Thames RHA

  19,915.3

  5.36

  461

  Surrey

  5,417.1

  5.23

  462

  West Sussex

  4,455.2

  6.25

  463

  Croydon

  1,422.5

  4.44

  464

  Kingston and Richmond

  1,664.0

  5.49

  465

  Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth

  3,248.2

  5.32

  South West Thames RHA

  16,206.9

  5.43

  481

  Dorset

  4.054.0

  6.10

  482

  Hampshire

  8,819.2

  5.56

  132

  Family health services authority

  Net ingredient cost (£ thousands)

  Net ingredient cost per head of population (£)

  483

  Wiltshire

  3,358.2

  5.80

  484

  Isle of Wight

  984.2

  7.84

  Wessex RHA

  17,215.7

  5.82

  501

  Berkshire

  4,922.1

  6.49

  502

  Buckinghamshire

  3,658.8

  5.67

  503

  Northamptonshire

  3,469.8

  5.88

  504

  Oxfordshire

  3,405.6

  5.80

  Oxford RHA

  15,456.2

  5.99

  521

  Avon

  5,377.3

  5.55

  522

  Cornwall

  3,405.3

  7.16

  523

  Devon

  6,931.8

  6.63

  524

  Gloucestershire

  4,094.4

  7.56

  525

  Somerset

  2,560.9

  5.42

  South Western RHA

  22,369.7

  6.39

  541

  Hereford and Worcester

  4,965.5

  7.19

  542

  Shropshire

  3,218.3

  7.80

  543

  Staffordshire

  6,628.2

  6.30

  544

  Warwickshire

  4,195.3

  8.53

  545

  Birmingham

  6,530.5

  6.47

  546

  Coventry

  1,949.2

  6.40

  547

  Dudley

  1,640.1

  5.27

  548

  Sandwell

  2,203.9

  7.49

  549

  Solihull

  1,421.6

  7.08

  551

  Walsall

  1,785.5

  6.78

  552

  Wolverhampton

  1,424.0

  5.75

  West Midlands RHA

  35,962.2

  6.81

  561

  Cheshire

  6,448.1

  6.67

  562

  Liverpool

  3,315.0

  6.92

  563

  St. Helens and Knowsley

  2,487.8

  7.39

  564

  Sefton

  1,971.9

  6.69

  565

  Wirral

  2,460.1

  7.34

  Mersey RHA

  16,682.9

  6.92

  581

  Lancashire

  10,375.9

  7.34

  582

  Bolton

  1,944.6

  7.37

  583

  Bury

  1,362.8

  7.55

  584

  Manchester

  3,625.5

  8.34

  585

  Oldham

  1,485.3

  6.74

  586

  Rochdale

  2,011.9

  9.78

  587

  Salford

  1,931.4

  8.39

  588

  Stockport

  2,003.3

  6.94

  589

  Tameside

  1,487.1

  6.73

  591

  Trafford

  1,640.4

  7.60

  592

  Wigan

  2,331.2

  7.46

  North Western RHA

  30,199.5

  7.57

  England

  303,308.4

  6.27

  Notes:

  1. The data cover all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered.

  2. BNF section based on the September 1991 BNF.

  3. For net ingredient cost per head OPCS 1991 mid year resident population projections for 1992 have been used.

  Residential Care Homes
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the budget allocated to community care is being spent on(a) residential nursing homes and (b) nursing homes by each separate health authority.

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  Private Patients
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many private patients have been using national health service paid beds in each of the four regional health authorities covering the Greater London area for the first 10 months of 1993.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of the four Thames regional health authorities for details.

  NHS Management Executive
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give the number of people employed by the NHS management executive for each year since its inception.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister for Health gave the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Ms Primarolo) on 25 May 1993 at column 506.

  Staff groups within Scarborough district health authority and North East Yorkshire health national health service trust 1989–92 (whole time equivalent)

  September 1989

  September 1990

  September 1991

  September 1992

  Medical and Dental

  60

  60

  70

  130

  Nursing and Midwifery

  890

  940

  970

  990

  Administrative and Clerical

  220

  240

  n/a

  270

  Others

  540

  560

  210

  610

  Total

  1,710

  1,790

  1,250

  1,990

  Notes:
  All figures are rounded to the nearest 10.
  n/a—Indicates that the figures are not available.
  The 1991 "Others" figure only includes direct care staff not included elsewhere, no management/support staff are included.
  The 1992 "Administrative and Clerical" and "Others" field will not include any management/support staff from Scarborough DHA.
  The "Medical and Dental" figures include consultants and associated specialists in 1992 only.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the HCHS revenue budget allocated to Scarborough health authority in 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94; and what budget would have been awarded to the authority in each of these years if his Department's and Yorkshire Health's capitation funding formulae had been applied in full.

  Mr. Sackville
  Revenue allocations to district health authorities are the responsibility of regional health authorities and detailed information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Brian Askew, chairman of Yorkshire regional health authority for details.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of people presenting themselves at the accident and emergency department at Scarborough district were attended to within five minutes in each month of 1993.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. Tom Pindar, the chairman of Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS trust for details.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what rewards and incentives beyond the pre-existing

  Scarborough Health Services
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what capital developments have been implemented by the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire health trust since its establishment.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department collects information on schemes costing over £1 million. No scheme of that value has been implemented since the establishment of the trust. The hon. member may wish to contact the trust chairman, Mr. Tom Pindar, for details on any scheme costing £1 million or less.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many full-time equivalent(a) medical, (b) nursing, (c) administrative and clinical and (d) other staff were employed (i) by Scarborough health authority on 1 April 1990 and 1 April 1991 and (ii) by Scarborough health authority and Scarborough and North East Yorkshire health trust on 1 April 1992 and 1 April 1993.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information available is shown in the table.

  Whitley Council arrangements have been introduced for the staff at Scarborough district hospital since the creation of the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire health trust.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. Tom Pindar, chairman of the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare national health service trust for details.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what surplus or deficit on HCHS revenue spending was achieved by Scarborough health authority in 1990–91 and 1991–92 and by Scarborough and North East Yorkshire health trust in 1992–93.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Scarborough health authority recorded a deficit of £924,000 in 1990–91 and a surplus of £29,512 in 1991–92 on hospital community health services revenue spending. The figure for 1990–91 is not comparable with the figures for 1991–92 because of the introduction of capital charges and changes to accounting policies following the introduction of the internal market. Scarborough and North East Yorkshire health trust recorded a deficit of £528,000 in 1992–93.

  Oxendon House, Leighton Buzzard
  Mr. Madel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions her Department has had with Bedfordshire county council about the future of Oxendon house, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department has been kept informed about recent developments in relation to Bedfordshire county council's children's home, Oxendon house. I understand that the acting principal of the home has been arrested and charged by the police and that four other members of staff have been suspended. Following advice from the social services inspectorate, the county council is conducting an investigation into allegations of inappropriate therapies and restraint techniques and the general

  HCHS salary costs for administration and clerical staff

  Region

  1989–90 £000s

  1990–91 £000s

  1991–92 £000s

  1992–93 £000s

  Northern

  59,873

  68,294

  74,398

  66,316

  Yorkshire

  68,955

  76,647

  71,129

  56,606

  Trent

  90,141

  102,750

  110,586

  96,330

  East Anglia

  36,648

  43,159

  47,768

  43,959

  North West Thames

  77,695

  94,959

  103,049

  88,836

  North East Thames

  101,809

  116,802

  112,500

  91,945

  South East Thames

  98,880

  111,716

  115,472

  95,480

  South West Thames

  72,451

  83,251

  84,887

  60,440

  Wessex

  52,498

  58,770

  66,360

  56,323

  Oxford

  48,151

  55,314

  62,209

  60,169

  South Western

  59,830

  70,223

  52,830

  34,511

  West Midlands

  110,016

  123,706

  136,394

  139,224

  Mersey

  52,959

  58,602

  43,756

  29,224

  North Western

  90,513

  100,324

  106,761

  96,395

  SHA

  18,245

  22,513

  26,757

  29,805

  NHS Trusts

  —

  —

  168,578

  455,694

  Total

  1,038,664

  1,187,030

  1,383,434

  1,501,257

  HCHS salary costs for managerial staff

  Region

  1989–90 £000s

  1990–91 £000s

  1991–92 £000s

  1992–93 £000s

  Northern

  9,809

  15,301

  21,007

  22,650

  Yorkshire

  13,035

  23,501

  27,114

  27,773

  Trent

  9,183

  14,969

  24,547

  26,395

  East Anglia

  8,505

  11,232

  14,833

  16,318

  North West Thames

  13,778

  19,568

  25,020

  25,137

  North East Thames

  19,180

  29,010

  33,824

  34,005

  South East Thames

  12,959

  19,993

  27,434

  30,011

  South West Thames

  9,230

  16,167

  20,556

  26,498

  Wessex

  8,648

  15,718

  21,698

  23,209

  Oxford

  5,402

  10,123

  15,622

  18,677

  South Western

  11,573

  15,670

  15,122

  10,004

  West Midlands

  17,007

  23,498

  34,907

  42,427

  Mersey

  8,399

  13,801

  13,602

  11,093

  North Western

  9,773

  18,870

  28,817

  30,247

  SHAs

  2,362

  4,111

  5,440

  7,933

  NHS Trusts

  —

  —

  54,296

  141,854

  Total

  158,843

  251,472

  383,839

  494,231

  HCHS salary costs for nursing and midwifery staff

  Region

  1989–90 £000s

  1990–91 £000s

  1991–92 £000s

  1992–93 £000s

  Northern

  327,830

  351,182

  356,965

  310,195

  Yorkshire

  355,539

  380,633

  347,362

  263,155

  Trent

  451,088

  484,754

  487,920

  409,895

  East Anglia

  193,638

  211,961

  220,493

  194,181

  136
  culture of the home. Meanwhile the home has been closed, the children relocated and 45 members of staff have been given leave of absence.

  The social services inspectorate is continuing to monitor the situation.

  NHS Salaries
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the total salary costs for(a) administrative and clerical staff, (b) managerial staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff employed in the national health service in each region in each year since 1989.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Analysis of salaries and wages costs for hospital and community health services—HCHS—in England are shown in the tables. The figures for 1992–93 are provisional.
  137

  Region

  1989–90 £000s

  1990–91 £000s

  1991–92 £000s

  1992–93 £000s

  North West Thames

  350,313

  373,184

  366,548

  250,916

  North East Thames

  431,427

  467,107

  417,118

  324,807

  South East Thames

  381,547

  412,477

  414,177

  330,649

  South West Thames

  304,296

  328,232

  288,082

  221,386

  Wessex

  278,293

  299,341

  309,975

  240,092

  Oxford

  216,270

  234,391

  255,309

  227,566

  South Western

  326,431

  353,054

  243,011

  98,199

  West Midlands

  503,545

  543,884

  567,466

  540,793

  Mersey

  258,812

  270,931

  173,629

  114,597

  North Western

  448,128

  477,019

  492,033

  414,415

  SHAs

  66,060

  70,730

  84,210

  89,712

  NHS Trusts

  —

  —

  747,160

  2,041,241

  Total

  4,893,217

  5,258,880

  5,771,458

  6,071,799

  Sources:
  1. Annual accounts (1989–90 and 1990–91) and annual financial returns (1991–92 and 1992–93) of regional and district health authorities in England, NHS Trusts (1991–92 and 1992–93 only) and special health authorities.

  Notes:

  1. Salaries and wages costs incurred by family health services authorities are excluded as corresponding costs are not identified on the same basis.

  2. Managerial staff consists of general and senior managers, the main reason for the increase has been the reclassification of some staff in professional and administrative groups into these grades.

  Juvenile Offenders
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many additional secure accommodation places have been made available for juveniles since 1991.

  Mr. Bowis
  Two new secure units have opened since 1 January 1992, providing a total of 18 secure places. Local authorities are currently engaged in a capital programme to provide additional secure places for juvenile remands.

  Mersey Health Services
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all the members of each hospital trust in the Mersey region giving their addresses and professional or other background.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) gave the Member for Knowsley, North (Mr. Howarth) on 20 July 1993 at column 121.

  The private address of a trust non-executive director is a personal matter and it is not appropriate to release this information.

  An announcement will be made shortly concerning national health service trust chairmen and non-executive directors who have been appointed in the fourth wave.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list(a) the hospitals she has visited and (b) the persons and organisations she has met during the course of the current year in the Mersey region, in order to discuss national health service matters; and the dates on which the meetings took place.

  Mr. Sackville
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State visited Mersey region on 26 July as part of a programme of visits to regions throughout the country. My right hon. Friend visited Ashworth hospital, Alder Hey children's hospital and Aintree Park group practice, where she met a cross-section of staff and discussed a range of different subjects.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements she has made to ensure adequate 138
  financing of the intensive care unit at the Alder Hey children's hospital, Liverpool; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Purchasers are responsible for ensuring the availability of a comprehensive range of services, within available resources taking account of the priorities set by Government. It is for them to decide, in discussion with the management of the hospital, on the level of funding for the intensive care unit.

  Purchasers will be using the recent report "The Care of Critically Ill Children" from the British Paediatric Association to undertake an immediate review of their requirements for paediatric intensive care. The Alder Hey children's hospital provides excellent services for the people of Mersey, where the provision of paediatric intensive care beds exceeds the recommendations of the report. Copies of the BPA report will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will visit Broadgreen hospital, Liverpool, to discuss with staff and representatives of Liverpool East community health council the proposed closure of the accident and emergency unit.

  Mr. Sackville
  On 16 September I announced that a decision had been taken to agree to the closure of the accident and emergency department at Broadgreen hospital. The decision was based on our assessment of the best, long-term interests of the people of Liverpool and followed a period of public consultation on the proposal. All correspondence on this matter was seen, including the response from Liverpool East community health council, and I met with a delegation of Members of Parliament from Liverpool, before the decision was made. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to visit Broadgreen hospital.

  Benzodiazepine
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken by her Department to discourage the over-prescribing of benzodiazepines; what plans she has to restrict represcribing; if she will bring forward proposals for legislation; and if she will make a statement.
  139
  Dr. Mawhinney
  Advice from the Committee on Safety of Medicines—CSM—concerning the prescribing of benzodiazepines was given to doctors in "Current Problems Number 21" in January 1988, copies of the relevant pages will be placed in the Library. This strongly emphasised the dangers of dependence with benzodiazepines and advised doctors to limit their use to short-term relief—two to four weeks only—of anxiety and insomnia that is severe, disabling, or subjecting the individual to extreme distress. Similar advice is given in the "British National Formulary", which the Department issues free to all prescribing doctors twice a year.

  Following the publication of the "Health of the Nation" White Paper, the "Mental Illness Key Area Handbook", published in January 1993, suggested that family health services authorities should agree with general practitioners local targets for reducing benzodiozepine prescriptions. We also intend to circulate a copy of the Mental Health Foundation's publication, "Guidelines for the prevention and treatment of benzodiazepines dependence" to all family health services authorities in the near future, copies of which will be placed in the Library. We have no plans to introduce legislation in this area.

  Intensive Care
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what investigations she has carried out into the circumstances which led to the deaths of three Manchester patients following 50-mile ambulance journeys to Blackpool; and what steps she is taking to ensure that there are sufficient intensive care resources in Manchester and Liverpool hospitals to prevent such circumstances from arising in the future;

  (2) how many cases involving intensive care treatment in (a) the Liverpool and (b) the Manchester areas have been diverted to hospitals in other areas in each of the past six months; to which areas they have been diverted; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on the number of diverted intensive care cases is not available centrally. Purchasers of health care are responsible for ensuring the availability of a comprehensive range of services. It is for them to decide, in discussion with providers, how best to meet the need for intensive care facilities within available resources.

  It would be inappropriate to comment on the circumstances of the deaths of the three Manchester patients before any possible inquest is held. We understand that North Western regional health authority is holding
  140
  discussions with district health authorities to establish whether the level of provision of intensive care beds in Manchester matches demand.

  The Government are currently funding a study by the Royal College of Anaesthetists into access to intensive care.

  Mr. Stanley Clarke
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the response time by the London ambulance service in respect of pensioner Stanley Clarke from Lancashire who collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack in Woolworth's store, Old road, Chingford; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact, Mr. Martin Gorham, chief executive of the London ambulance service, for details.

  Fireworks
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people in Britain were injured by fireworks for each year since 1980; and what percentage of those injured for each year were under 16 years old.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  I have been asked to reply.

  The number of fireworks injuries recorded at hospital accident and emergency departments from the DTI's annual national fireworks survey, carried out for the 21 days before bonfire night, the night itself, and the seven days following, since 1980, are as follows:

  Year

  Total number of injuries

  Percentage of those injured under 16 years old Per cent.

  1980

  555

  70.1

  1981

  681

  67.5

  1982

  626

  66.1

  1983

  833

  61.2

  1984

  778

  62.9

  1985

  968

  61.3

  1986

  846

  55.1

  1987

  960

  56.3

  1988

  877

  50.9

  1989

  800

  51.8

  1990

  805

  48.9

  1991

  723

  50.1

  1992

  942

  51.8

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to bring investments by or on behalf of foreign Governments in British industry within the national tax structure as being a commercial activity.

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

  Advance Corporation Tax
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what sums have been repaid by the Inland Revenue in the five years to March 1993 on account of sovereign immunity and by way of advance corporation tax rebates on dividend payments or on sums assumed to be dividend payments either directly or indirectly to the Government of Kuwait or to any bank managing funds on its behalf in respect of shareholdings or other investments in British companies;

  (2) what sums have been repaid by the Inland Revenue in the five years to March 1993 on account of sovereign immunity and by way of advance corporation tax rebates on dividend payments to either the Government of Brunei or to any bank or financial institution managing funds on its behalf in respect of shareholdings or other investments in British companies;

  (3) what sums have been repaid by the Inland Revenue in the five years to March 1993 on account of sovereign immunity and by way of advance corporation tax rebates on dividend payments to the Government of Abu Dhabi or to any bank or financial institution managing funds on its behalf in respect of shareholdings or other investments in British companies;

  (4) what sums have been repaid by the Inland Revenue in the five years to March 1993 on account of sovereign immunity and by way of advance corporation tax rebates on dividend payments to the Government of Singapore or to any bank or financial institution managing funds on its behalf in respect of shareholdings or other investments in British business;

  (5) what sums have been repaid by the Inland Revenue in the five years to March 1993 on account of sovereign immunity and by way of advance corporation tax rebates on dividend payments or on sums assumed to be dividend payments either directly or indirectly to the Government of Singapore.

  (6) how much has been paid by the Inland Revenue in the five years to March 1993 in the current financial year in respect of advance corporation tax rebates on dividend payments to the Government of Qatar or to any financial institution or company managing funds invested in British business on its behalf.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The normal rules of Revenue confidentiality preclude the provision of information about the affairs of named individuals or entities.

  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the total sum repaid through the exercise of sovereign immunity in respect of the repayment of advance corporation tax relating to dividend payments to foreign Governments or to banks and financial institutions managing investments and shareholdings in British business on behalf of those Governments during each of the last seven years.
  142
  Mr. Dorrell
  The approximate amount of tax credits paid on dividends—excluding those paid direct by the payer of the dividends—on sovereign immunity grounds in the years requested is as follows:

  £ million

  1986–87

  116

  1987–88

  147

  1988–89

  154

  1989–90

  147

  1990–91

  138

  1991–92

  164

  1992–93

  116

  Loan Repayment
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how much of the 10 billion ecu loan arranged in September 1992 has been repaid; and what was the sterling value of that amount which has been repaid on the basis of exchange rates(a) at the time the loan was arranged, (b) immediately after the devaluation of September 1992 and (c) at the time it was repaid;

  (2) how much of the 10 billion ecu loan arranged in September 1992 has been repaid; and what was the sterling value of that amount which remains outstanding on the basis of exchange rates (a) at the time the loan was arranged, (b) immediately after the devaluation of September 1992 and (c) at current exchange rates;

  (3) how much of the 10 billion ecu loan arranged in September 1992 has been drawn down; and what was the sterling value of that amount (a) when the loan was arranged, (b) immediately after the devaluation of September 1992 and (c) on the basis of current exchange rates;

  (4) what was the sterling value of the 10 billion ecu loan facility arranged in September 1992 (a) when it was arranged in September 1992, (b) after the devaluation of September 1992 and (c) at current exchange rates.

  Mr. Nelson
  The 10 billion ecu borrowing programme, announced on 3 September 1992, had three elements: an ecu 5 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility, arranged and drawn down in deutschmarks in various amounts over the month of September 1992; a DM 5 billion bond issued in October 1992; and a US$ 3 billion bond issued in December 1992.

  The actual amount of the multi-currency drawing was DM 9,944,550,000. The sterling value of this facility when it was arranged—3 September 1992—was equivalent to £3,554,798,928, and at end-September 1992 was equivalent to £3,962,761,506. The same sum in deutschmarks was the equivalent of £3,936,564,801 at the exchange rate as at the close of business in London on 23 November 1993.

  DM 5 billion as at end October 1992 was equivalent to £2,073,656,271 and, on present valuation as defined above, was equivalent to £1,979,257,383. US$ 3 billion as at end December 1992 was equivalent to £1,980,198,020 and, on present valuation as defined above, was equivalent to £2,025,931,929. None of this borrowing has been repaid.

  Taxation
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will add to the table given in the Official Report, of 3 November, column 255, estimating the tax liabilities in

  143
  1994–95 for the given income ranges showing the effect of all tax changes including those announced in the 1993 Budget and including both indirect taxation and intermediate taxation.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Information on average changes in income tax and national insurance contribution liabilities is given in the tables. The figures for 1994–95 assume statutory indexation of allowances and thresholds and include measures already announced in the March 1993 Budget. It is not possible to provide an equivalent analysis of the other taxes.

  Average change in 1994–95 compared with 1993–94 indexed regime Income tax

  Range of individual's income in 1994–95

  Numbers gaining'

  Amount

  Numbers losing'

  Amount

  £

  '000s

  £

  '000s

  £

  Under 5,000

  0

  0

  0

  0

  5,000–10,000

  4,000

  19

  1,600

  60

  10,000–15,000

  3,000

  20

  3,100

  100

  15,000–20,000

  1,300

  20

  2,700

  120

  20,000–25,000

  570

  20

  1,500

  130

  25,000–30,000

  220

  20

  980

  160

  30,000–40,000

  180

  20

  930

  350

  40,000–50,000

  60

  20

  360

  360

  50,000–70,000

  30

  20

  250

  370

  70,000–80,000

  10

  20

  50

  370

  Over 80,000

  20

  20

  170

  360

  TOTAL

  9,200

  20

  11,700

  150

  Income tax and National Insurance contributions

  Range of individual's income in 1994–95

  Numbers gaining'

  Amount

  Numbers losing'

  Amount

  £

  '000s

  £

  '000s

  £

  Under 5,000

  0

  0

  1,600

  10

  5,000–10,000

  1,200

  18

  5,700

  50

  10,000–15,000

  480

  20

  5,600

  130

  15,000–20,000

  170

  20

  3,800

  210

  20,000–25,000

  80

  20

  2,000

  260

  25,000–30,000

  40

  20

  1,200

  310

  30,000–40,000

  40

  20

  1,100

  480

  40,000–50,000

  10

  20

  400

  500

  50,000–70,000

  10

  20

  260

  510

  70,000–80,000

  —

  —

  60

  510

  Over 80,000

  10

  20

  180

  500

  TOTAL

  2,100

  20

  21,800

  170

  Civil Servants
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each civil service grade in his Departments(a) the total number of persons employed and (b) the total number of women employed.

  Sir John Cope
  Information on the staffing in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's departments, as at 1 April 1993, is set out in the attached tabled.

  Staffing of Chancellor of the Exchequer's departments:

  Numbers by grade and by women employed in grade at 1 April 1993

  Total employed headcount

  Total women headcount

  Treasury (inc Forward)

  Grade 1

  5

  —

  Grade 2

  6

  1

  Grade 3

  24

  2

  144

  Total employed headcount

  Total women headcount

  Grade 4

  5

  —

  Grade 5

  68

  6

  Grade 6

  26

  —

  Grade 7

  206

  44

  Senior Executive Officer

  88

  24

  Higher Executive Officer (D)

  14

  4

  Higher Executive Officer

  128

  42

  Executive Officer

  173

  67

  Administrative Officer

  245

  138

  Administrative Assistant

  100

  63

  Senior Economic Assistant

  26

  5

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  5

  —

  Assistant Statistician

  3

  1

  Senior Information Officer

  1

  —

  Information Officer

  1

  1

  Senior Librarian

  1

  1

  Librarian

  4

  3

  Assistant Librarian

  6

  4

  Higher Professional and Technology Officer

  2

  —

  Professional and Technology Officer

  2

  —

  Chief Typing Manager

  2

  2

  Typing Manager

  3

  3

  Senior Personal Secretary

  19

  19

  Personal Secretary

  121

  121

  Typist

  56

  55

  Senior Scientific Officer

  1

  —

  Higher Scientific Officer

  1

  —

  Senior Catering Officer

  10

  2

  Catering Manager 1

  28

  4

  Catering Manager 2

  21

  4

  Catering Manager 3

  44

  21

  Catering Manager 4

  34

  21

  Chef 1/Chief Cook 1

  1

  1

  Support Manager 1

  1

  —

  Support Manager 2

  4

  3

  Support Manager 3

  7

  2

  Support Grade Band 1

  58

  18

  Support Grade Band 2

  112

  38

  Industrial Grades

  496

  362

  Total Treasury (inc Forward)

  2,182

  1,089

  Central Statistical Office

  Grade 1

  1

  —

  Grade 2

  1

  —

  Grade 3

  3

  —

  Grade 4

  1

  —

  Grade 5

  20

  3

  Grade 6

  5

  —

  Grade 7

  77

  14

  Senior Executive Officer

  47

  15

  Higher Executive Officer

  164

  67

  Executive Officer

  356

  181

  Administrative Officer

  480

  315

  Administrative Assistant

  67

  52

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  15

  3

  Assistant Statistician

  9

  3

  Senior Information Officer

  1

  —

  Information Officer

  1

  —

  Librarian

  1

  —

  Assistant Librarian

  1

  1

  Mapping and Charting Officer

  1

  1

  Higher Graphics Officer

  1

  1

  Graphics Officer

  4

  1

  Typing Manager

  1

  1

  Senior Personal Secretary

  3

  3

  Personal Secretary

  23

  23

  Personal Secretary (Trainee)

  1

  —

  Typist

  20

  20

  Support Manager 3

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 1

  6

  5

  Support Grade 2

  19

  10

  Total Central Statistical Office

  1,330

  720

  145

  Total employed headcount

  Total women headcount

  Customs and Excise

  Grade 1

  1

  1

  Grade 2

  3

  —

  Grade 3

  9

  1

  Grade 4

  1

  —

  Grade 5

  77

  4

  Grade 6

  131

  13

  Grade 7

  501

  53

  Senior Executive Officer

  1,683

  156

  Higher Executive Officer (D)

  8

  —

  Higher Executive Officer

  5,332

  1,195

  Executive Officer

  8,452

  3,023

  Administrative Officer

  5,758

  3,286

  Administrative Assistant

  2,392

  1,597

  Senior Economic Assistant

  1

  —

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  3

  —

  Assistant Statistician

  —

  —

  Senior Information Officer

  4

  3

  Information Officer

  4

  2

  Assistant Information Officer

  3

  2

  Librarian

  2

  1

  Assistant Librarian

  3

  2

  Legal Officer

  3

  —

  Legal Trainee

  3

  1

  Senior Professional and Technology Officer

  1

  —

  Higher Professional and Technology Officer

  3

  —

  Professional and Technology Officer

  6

  —

  Chief Typing Manager

  3

  3

  Typing Manager

  28

  28

  Senior Personal Secretary

  13

  12

  Personal Secretary

  105

  101

  Personal Secretary (Trainee)

  9

  9

  Typist

  432

  431

  Senior Scientific Officer

  4

  2

  Higher Scientific Officer

  2

  —

  Scientific Officer

  2

  1

  Assistant Scientific Officer

  2

  1

  Higher Photographic Officer

  1

  —

  Photographic Officer

  3

  —

  Support Manager 1

  1

  —

  Support Manager 2

  2

  —

  Support Manager 3

  13

  10

  Support Grade Band 1

  174

  88

  Support Grade Band 2

  592

  247

  Higher Telecommunications Technical Officer

  1

  —

  Assistant Telecommunications Technical Officer

  1

  —

  Other

  31

  2

  Total Custom and Excise

  25,804

  10,273

  Government Actuary

  Grade 2

  1

  —

  Grade 3

  3

  —

  Grade 4

  7

  —

  Grade 6

  2

  —

  Grade 7

  1

  —

  Senior Executive Officer

  3

  3

  Higher Executive Officer

  4

  —

  Executive Officer

  4

  2

  Administrative Officer

  6

  4

  Administrative Assistant

  1

  —

  Senior Personal Secretary

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  3

  3

  Typist

  11

  —

  Actuary

  22

  3

  Trainee Actuary

  14

  4

  Support Grade Band 1

  1

  —

  Support Grade Band 2

  2

  —

  Total Govemment Actuary

  76

  21

  146

  Total employed headcount

  Total women headcount

  Inland Revenue

  Grade 1

  1

  —

  Grade 2

  5

  —

  Grade 3

  21

  —

  Grade 4

  37

  —

  Grade 5

  238

  16

  Grade 6

  988

  68

  Grade 7

  2,250

  375

  Senior Executive Officer

  332

  74

  Higher Executive Officer

  641

  241

  Executive Officer

  919

  467

  Administrative Officer

  849

  538

  Administrative Assistant

  553

  402

  Economic Assistant

  1

  —

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  6

  —

  Assistant Statistician

  1

  1

  Legal Officer

  3

  1

  Legal Trainee

  1

  —

  Senior Graphics Officer

  1

  —

  Graphics Technical Grade

  5

  2

  Graphics Officer

  12

  9

  Trainee Graphics Officer

  1

  —

  Chief Typing Manager

  23

  23

  Typing Manager

  33

  33

  Senior Personal Secretary

  23

  23

  Personal Secretary

  120

  119

  Typist

  282

  275

  Senior Scientific Officer

  3

  2

  Higher Scientific Officer

  8

  4

  Scientific Officer

  1

  1

  Senior Photgrahic Officer

  2

  1

  Photgraphic Officer

  1

  —

  Support Manager 1

  1

  —

  Support Manager 2

  6

  1

  Support Manager 3

  36

  12

  Support Grade Band 1

  284

  190

  Support Grade Band 2

  826

  228

  Departmental Grades:

  Inspector"S"

  1,059

  129

  Regional Collector

  404

  33

  Inspector

  5,069

  1,648

  Collector (HG)

  1,079

  334

  Revenue Executive

  13,486

  7,316

  Revenue Officer

  19,341

  14,310

  Revenue Assistant

  10,462

  7,316

  Certified Revenue Assistant

  4,231

  3,198

  Senior Valuer

  710

  141

  Valuer

  370

  115

  Assistant Valuer

  152

  15

  Graduate Valuer

  42

  14

  Cadet Valuer

  172

  58

  Senior Valuation Executive

  43

  3

  Staff Officer

  203

  39

  Valuation Technician/VCHG

  994

  403

  Valuation Clerk

  785

  527

  Stamping Officer

  24

  3

  Inspector of Engineering

  1

  —

  Mechanist Grade

  3

  —

  Foreman Mechanist

  1

  —

  Revenue Typing Managers

  296

  295

  Revenue Personal Secretaries

  612

  610

  Revenue Typist

  3,317

  3,294

  Industrial Grade

  7

  2

  Total Inland Revenue

  71,377

  43,030

  Department for National Savings

  Grade 1

  1

  —

  Grade 2

  1

  —

  Grade 5

  7

  1

  Grade 6

  9

  —

  Grade 7

  42

  3

  147

  Total employed headcount

  Total women headcount

  Senior Executive Officer

  122

  19

  Higher Executive Officer

  339

  129

  Executive Officer

  865

  483

  Administrative Office

  2,639

  2,020

  Administrative Assistant

  2,230

  1,638

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  1

  —

  Senior Information Officer

  2

  1

  Senior Graphics Officer

  2

  —

  Higher Graphics Officer

  2

  —

  Senior Research Officer

  2

  —

  Typing Manager

  8

  8

  Senior Personal Secretary

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  8

  8

  Typist

  93

  93

  Support Manager 2

  6

  3

  Support Manager 3

  16

  8

  Support Grade Band 1

  47

  19

  Support Grade Band 2

  120

  30

  Total Department for National Savings

  6,563

  4,464

  National Investment and Loans Office

  Grade 5

  1

  —

  Grade 7

  2

  1

  Senior Executive Officer

  2

  1

  Higher Executive Officer

  6

  1

  Executive Officer

  12

  4

  Administrative Officer

  8

  6

  Administrative Assistant

  2

  2

  Personal Secretary

  1

  1

  Typist

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 1

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 2

  2

  2

  Total National Investments and Loans Office

  38

  20

  Registry of Friendly Societies

  Grade 2

  1

  1

  Grade 3

  1

  —

  Grade 4

  2

  —

  Grade 5

  7

  —

  Grade 6

  2

  1

  Grade 7

  21

  6

  Senior Executive Officer

  14

  4

  Higher Executive Officer

  24

  7

  Executive Officer

  30

  12

  Administrative Officer

  25

  15

  Administrative Assistant

  8

  6

  Typing Manager

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  8

  8

  Typist

  2

  2

  Support Manager 3

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 1

  2

  —

  Support Grade Band 2

  8

  —

  Total Registry of Friendly Societies

  157

  64

  Royal Mint

  Grade 3

  1

  —

  Grade 4

  1

  —

  Grade 5

  2

  —

  Grade 6

  2

  —

  Grade 7

  11

  —

  Senior Executive Officer

  15

  3

  Higher Executive Officer

  16

  4

  Executive Officer

  51

  26

  Administrative Officer

  96

  66

  Administrative Assistant

  14

  13

  Museums Grade F

  1

  —

  Senior Professional and Technology Officer

  9

  —

  Higher Professional and Technology Officer

  19

  —

  148

  Total employed headcount

  Total women headcount

  Professional and Technology Officer

  77

  1

  Technical Grade 1

  2

  —

  Typing Manager

  1

  1

  Senior Personal Secretary

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  5

  5

  Typist

  8

  8

  Senior Scientific Officer

  2

  —

  Higher Scientific Officer

  3

  1

  Scientific Officer

  15

  1

  Higher Photographic Officer

  1

  —

  Photographic Officer

  1

  —

  Process and General Supervisory Grade D

  2

  —

  Support Grade Band 1

  7

  3

  Support Grand Band 2

  14

  13

  Departmental Grades

  6

  —

  Industrial Grades

  590

  19

  Total Royal Mint

  973

  165

  The Office of Her Majesty's Paymaster General

  Grade 5

  1

  —

  Grade 6

  3

  —

  Grade 7

  9

  1

  Senior Executive Officer

  26

  6

  Higher Executive Officer

  97

  47

  Executive Officer

  175

  112

  Administrative Officer

  395

  315

  Administrative Assistant

  202

  170

  Typing Manager

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  3

  3

  Typist

  9

  9

  Support Manager 3

  2

  2

  Support Grade Band 1

  8

  8

  Support Grade Band 2

  25

  14

  Total Office Of Paymaster General

  956

  688

  VAT
  Mr. Riddick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many claims by do-it-yourself house-builders, for refund of value-added tax under the provisions of Customs and Excise notice No. 719 were met in whole or in part during the years ended 31 December 1991 and 31 December 1992 and the half-year ended 30 June 1993.

  Sir John Cope
  The number of claims for refund of VAT by do-it-yourself house-builders met in whole or in part is as follows:

  Number

  1 January to 31 December 1991

  9,515

  1 January to 31 December 1992

  10,896

  1 January to 30 June 1993

  5,060

  Private Electricity Supply Companies
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what authority private electricity supply companies may charge customers who pay bills in monthly instalments the new rate of VAT prospectively, to cover all instalments up to next April.

  Sir John Cope
  For VAT purposes, supplies of electricity are treated as taking place each time a payment is received by the supplier or a tax invoice is issued by him,
  149
  whichever is the earlier. The rate of tax to be charged will normally be the rate in force at that time. Consumers should not be charged VAT on any payments made by them before 1 April 1994.

  EC Trade Deficit
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to correct the trade deficit with EC partners; what is his current policy on the pound/ deutschmark exchange rate; if he will make it his policy to allow the rate to float; and what has been his policy on the exchange rate in the last three months.

  Mr. Nelson
  The balance of trade with European countries reflects a range of factors, including the effects of the recession in continental Europe. The key to United Kingdom producers' future success both as exporters and in competition with imports in domestic markets is their ability to keep costs down and quality high. The Government have facilitated this by getting inflation down to its lowest level for a generation.

  I have no specific target for the pound/deutschmark exchange rate nor for the sterling exchange rate index. But the exchange rate and domestic indicators, including the growth of the money supply and the behaviour of asset prices, are taken into account in guiding monetary policy.

WALES

  Queensferry Roundabout
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many representations he has had concerning his proposals to widen the highway Queensferry-Aston-Ewloe roundabout.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the statement of results of the public consultation and reasons for the choice of the preferred route for the proposed A494 trunk road, River Dee to Ewloe improvement, a copy of which has been sent to him.

  Council House Sales
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many council houses were sold, giving the amount of cash gained by their sale, in 1990, 1991, 1992 and for the current year.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The number of local authority dwellings sold and their total selling prices are given in the table.

  Sales of local authority dwellings in Wales1

  Number of sales

  Total selling prices £ millions

  1990

  6,377

  81.4

  1991

  3,642

  52.7

  1992

  2,767

  43.2

  January-June 1993

  1,170

  18.1

  1Excludes new town sales.

  Source: Local authority returns.

  Buckley-Clwyd Relief Road
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to authorise the construction of the Buckley-Clwyd inner relief road; what is its likely cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  This is a Clwyd county council scheme. The council has made a side roads order for the scheme and submitted it to my right hon. Friend for confirmation. The objection period expires on 26 November after which date a decision will be taken on whether an inquiry is necessary. I have no details on the cost of this scheme.

  School Building Works
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement concerning the prospect for the modernisation of the Llay Park county primary school, Llay, Clwyd;

  (2) if he will make a statement concerning the prospects and timetable for the building extension project for Hope high school, Clwyd.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Matters relating to the prospect of building works are for the local education authority and the school concerned.

  Clwyd Alyn Estate
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit the Clwyd Alyn housing association estate at Garden City, Deeside.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Arrangements for my forthcoming visit to the Alyn and Deeside district have yet to be agreed.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what moneys he has made available to Clwyd Alyn housing association to enable it to modernise its garden city estate; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Housing for Wales has agreed to provide up to £2.5 million of grant funding. Together with private finance, this is expected to meet the eligible costs to Clwyd Alyn housing association of works on the houses on the garden city estate.

  Roads Projects
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the start date and what is the cost, respectively, of the roads projects on Deeside at(a) A550 Shotwick-Woodbank-Drome corner, (b) the Aston Hill road widening, (c) the Ewloe roundabout interchange and (d) the new River Dee crossing scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the 1993 Supplement to "Roads in Wales: Progress and Plans for the 1990s".

  Wind Energy
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how his Department was represented at the conference on development of wind energy in rural communities held at Stoneleigh on 11 November.
  151
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The Department was not represented at the conference.

  Alltami Bypass
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for a bypass of Alltami, near Mold; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Plans for the improvement of the A494 trunk road between Mold and Ewloe are shown in the 1933 supplement to "Roads in Wales, Progress and Plans for the 1990s". The scheme is shown in the long term with construction not likely to begin before April 1999. The hon. Gentleman may wish to be aware that the public will be consulted on alternative routes and a consultation exercise is planned for early in the new year.

  Health Service Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the total salary costs for(a) administrative and clerical staff, (b) managerial staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff employed in the national health service in each year since 1989.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is as follows:

  1989–90 £000s

  1990–91 £000s

  1991–92 £000s

  a. Administrative and Clerical

  64,001

  73,218

  84,648

  b. Managerial

  6,479

  9,207

  16,849

  c. Nursing

  338,195

  364,485

  402,503

  Source: Health Authorities' Annual Accounts.

  Notes:
  i. Figures include expenditure by Health Authorities, the Welsh Health Common Services Authority and the Health Promotion Authority for Wales but exclude that of Family Health Services Authorities whose corresponding costs are not identifiable on the same basis.
  ii. It should be noted that over the period senior managers' terms and conditions of service have been extended to second and third level managers and some senior nurses and other professional staff have transferred to the senior management grades. The introduction of Project 2000 nursing reforms has led to the reclassification of student nurses from salaried nurses to bursaried students; and there has also been a growth in the number of healthcare assistants who are paid on local pay scales and are not classified as nursing staff.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of(a) administrative and clerical staff, (b) managerial staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff employed in the NHS in each year since 1989.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information, which relates to the whole-time equivalent of staff employed as at 30 September, is as follows:

  Administrative and Clerical

  Nursing and Midwifery

  Managerial1

  Other

  Other

  Learners2

  Total

  1989

  187

  7,378

  24,919

  3,118

  28,037

  1990

  416

  7,653

  25,018

  3,075

  28,093

  1991

  683

  8,050

  25,028

  2,934

  27,962

  1992

  848

  8,347

  25,451

  1,970

  27,421

  1993

  1,028

  8,577

  25,206

  1,033

  26,239

  Notes:

  Includes staff employed by the Welsh Health Common Services Authority and those Family Health Service Authorities using District Health Authority payroll systems.
  152
  The use of locally devised payscales from 1991 onwards may affect the comparability of figures as these staff cannot be allocated centrally to a specific staff group and are not, therefore, included above.

  1General managers, senior managers and managers. The growth in the number of these staff arises partly from the extension in 1989 of senior manager terms and conditions of service to second and third level managers including some managers in staff groups other than administrative and clerical.

  2 Since the autumn of 1991 student nurses have been classified as students and are no longer included in the NHS staff figures. Staff numbers shown in the table in 1992 and 1993 are students finishing pre Project 2000 courses. There were some 1,800 Project 2000 student nurses at September 1993.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Crime, North West
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the recent crime figures for the North West.

  Mr. Howard
  Notifiable offences recorded by the police in the north west region rose by 2.6 per cent. in the 12 months ending June 1993 compared with an increase of 3.8 per cent. for England and Wales as a whole.

  Police Reform
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reaction he has had to his announcement on reform of the police force on the basis of the Sheehy report.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received widespread support for the broad thrust of his proposals.

  Prison Population
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons are detained in prisons; and what the figures were five and 10 years previously.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  On Friday 19 November 1993 there were 47,360 prisoners in prison service accommodation and 28 in police cells, giving a total of 47,388 in prisons in custody.

  Only end of month figures are available for the earlier years. The figure for 30 November 1988 was 50,365, including 1,025 in police cells. The figure for 30 November 1983 was 43,895, including 551 in police cells.

  Prison Ships
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his policy towards the use of prison ships.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Marine detention facilities are one of the options being considered as part of prison service contingency planning. The aim is to identify options for coping with levels of prisoner population that exceed available prison accommodation.

  Intimidation of Witnesses
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the intimidation of witnesses; and if he will make a statement.
  153
  Mr. Maclean
  There is a deep seated public concern, reflected in correspondence I have received and in more general reports, about the intimidation of witnesses and other citizens who assist the police in the fight against crime. We intend to meet that concern by inviting Parliament to approve a new offence of witness intimidation intended to supplemene the existing criminal law in this area.

  Crime Prevention
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research his Department has conducted into the effectiveness of custodial sentences in preventing crime.

  Mr. Maclean
  The research and statistics department of the Home Office regularly publishes material which is relevant to the consideration of the effectiveness of sentencing.

  A recent Home Office study of 193 burglars given community service orders in 1987 produced results suggesting that imprisoning them for one year could have prevented between three and 13 crimes per burglar.

  Crime (Research)
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what investigations he has carried out into the causes of crime; and what conclusions he has come to.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Home Office research and planning unit has carried out a number of research studies, which have dealt with the predictors of offending. They show that the reasons why people become offenders are complex and wide ranging.

  Right to Silence
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made on his plans to abolish the right to silence.

  Mr. Maclean
  I intend to bring forward legislation which will allow the courts to draw proper inferences from a defendant's silence, either when questioned by the police or during the trial.

  Police Bureaucracy
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers will be returned to operational duties by his plans to cut paperwork and to reduce the number of police middle managers.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  This will be for individual chief constables to determine in the light of the particular circumstances of their own forces. But my right hon. and learned Friend has made it possible for some 5,300 police officers to be redeployed to front line operational police duties.

  New Prisons
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many new prisons he plans to have built in the next five years.
  154
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The new prison at Doncaster is due to be completed and opened in April 1994. Six new prisons are to be built under the private sector design, control and finance initiative announced on 2 September.

  Sheehy Report
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding his response to the Sheehy report on police pay and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral reply given earlier today to the hon. Member for Cirencester and Tewkesbury (Mr. Clifton-Brown).

  Capital Punishment
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reintroduce capital punishment for the murder of a policeman.

  Mr. Maclean
  We have no such plans. Matters relating to capital punishment are traditionally decided by a free vote in Parliament with Members voting in accordance with their own judgment of the issues involved.

  Police, Derbyshire
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has any plans to increase the number of police officers in Derbyshire.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Derbyshire, in common with all other police authorities, has made an application for extra officers. Decisions on these applications will be made when the level of police funding in 1994–95 has been decided.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list those who received enbargoed copies of the report by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary on the Derbyshire constabulary prior to its publication on 16 November; and on what dates copies were forwarded to each of the hon. Members representing parliamentary constituencies within Derbyshire.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I understand that in accordance with normal practice, Her Majesty's inspector of constabulary sent embargoed copies of the report to the police authority and the force. Reports by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary are not routinely sent to hon. Members but copies are placed in the Library on the day of publication.

  Immigration (Carriers' Liability)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the operation of the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 has an important effect in reducing the number of people who are able to travel to the United Kingdom without proper documents. Our strategy for its operation combines extensive training and guidance for carriers with the vigorous pursuit of charges incurred.

  Country Sports
  Sir Michael Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to uphold the right to take part in lawful country sports; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in drawing up plans to prevent the disruption of legal country sports.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  We will introduce in the Criminal Justice Bill, to be brought forward this session, a criminal offence of aggravated trespass to ensure that the police have the necessary powers to prevent or to deal with those trespassers who seek to obstruct or disrupt a lawful activity.

  Police, Northumbria
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what submission has been made to him for extra police officers in the Northumbria police authority area for 1994–95.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  My right hon. and learned Friend has received an application from the Northumbria police authority for 80 additional police posts for 1994–95.

  Summer Time
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he now intends to introduce double summer time.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 4 November 1993 at column 363.

  Certain notifiable offences recorded by the police in Lewisham

  Year

  Rape

  Burglary in a dwelling

  Theft from a vehicle

  Incidents of domestic violence

  1985

  14

  4,218

  3,981

  43

  1986

  32

  4,748

  5,181

  33

  1987

  24

  4,042

  5,578

  70

  1988

  41

  4,899

  4,823

  78

  1989

  27

  5,193

  4,874

  152

  1990

  32

  5,966

  4,210

  169

  1991

  57

  5,555

  4,694

  321

  1992

  43

  6,322

  4,454

  357

  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will categorise the violent crimes recorded by the police in Lewisham for each year since 1985; and how many cases of violent crime recorded in Lewisham in each such year resulted in a conviction.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is given in the table. It is not possible to link recorded crime statistics with convictions, as the information collected on convictions is compiled on a different basis.

  Shamrock Farms (Primates)
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he has taken in the case of the conditions and handling of imported primates by Shamrock Farms, Brighton.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The actions I required to be taken following the investigation last year were set out in the reply given to a question from my right hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Sir J. Wheeler) on 2 December 1992 at columns 215-16. The further action which I took to monitor progress in implementing my requirements, was described in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Kemptown (Mr. Bowden) on 1 April 1993 at column 383-84. Since then, I have continued to receive regular reports from the Animals (Scientific Procedures) inspectorate, and these show that satisfactory progress is being made in accordance with my instructions.

  Crime Statistics, London
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many criminal offences were recorded by the police in Lewisham in(a) 1985 and (b) 1992; and how many in each case resulted in a conviction.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to her question on 18 October 1993 at columns 143-44.

  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for each year since 1985 how many(a) rapes, (b) burglaries in dwellings, (c) thefts from vehicles and (d) incidents of domestic violence were recorded by the police in Lewisham; and how many of these resulted in a conviction.

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information relates to notifiable offences recorded by the police and is, given in the table. It is not possible to link recorded crime statistics with convictions, as the information collected on convictions is compiled on a different basis.

  Offences of violent crime recorded in Lewisham

  Year

  Violence against the person

  Sexual offences

  Robbery

  1985

  644

  102

  580

  1986

  695

  133

  616

  1987

  728

  103

  897

  1988

  846

  155

  688

  1989

  1,170

  147

  644

  1990

  1,269

  145

  810

  1991

  1,471

  169

  1,181

  1992

  1,324

  196

  1,127

  Police Establishment
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the police establishment for each sector within the Metropolitan police force for April 1992 and for each month thereafter; including details of supernumerary posts.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers there are in each rank of the police force; and how many are(a) women, (b) black and (c) Asian.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Table 1 gives the numbers of women officers and of officers from ethnic minorities in the police service as at 31 August 1993, the latest date for which this information is available.

  More detailed data on officers from ethnic minority groups is collected only annually. Table 2 gives numbers of black and Asian officers, reported by police forces as at 31 December 1992.

  Table 1

  Police ranks

  Total strength

  Women Officers

  Officers from ethnic minorities

  Chief Constable

  50

  0

  0

  Deputy Chief Constable

  55

  0

  0

  Assistant Chief Constable

  127

  5

  0

  Chief Superintendent

  509

  11

  1

  Superintendent

  1,402

  31

  3

  Chief Inspector

  2,179

  56

  5

  Inspector

  6,979

  241

  31

  Sergeant

  20,201

  1,041

  111

  Constable

  96,593

  15,148

  1,699

  Total

  128,095

  16,533

  1,850

  Table 2

  Police Ranks

  Black Officers

  Asian Officers

  Chief Constable

  0

  0

  Deputy Chief Constable

  0

  0

  Assistant Chief Constable

  0

  0

  Chief Superintendent

  0

  0

  Superintendent

  0

  1

  Chief Inspector

  4

  0

  Inspector

  12

  10

  Sergeant

  55

  40

  Constable

  900

  429

  Total

  971

  480

  Extradition
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of extradition cases in which the British Government are now involved which seek the return of a British national to the United Kingdom to face criminal charges.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Government are currently seeking the extradition of 37 British nationals to the United Kingdom to face criminal charges. This does not include people whose return is sought from the Republic of Ireland under arrangements for the mutual backing of warrants.
  158
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement of the proposals by the EC Justice Ministers at Limelette, Belgium, on 27-28 September, to draw up a new convention on extradition.

  Mr. Maclean
  At the Limelette meeting, EC Justice Ministers agreed a declaration instructing the judicial co-operation working group on criminal matters to continue with work initiated during the United Kingdom"s presidency of the European Community to find ways of improving and simplifying extradition arrangements between the Twelve which are at present conducted mainly under the 1957 European convention on extradition. The group was invited to examine and report to Ministers in a year on a number of possible measures which, if adopted, would streamline extradition between the Twelve, and on whether such measures might be incorporated in a new convention between the Twelve.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were extradited to the United Kingdom from countries overseas in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is given in the table. It does not include people returned from the Republic of Ireland under arrangements for the mutual backing of warrants.

  Year

  Number extradited

  1988

  14

  1989

  17

  1990

  21

  1991

  25

  1992

  17

  11993

  15

  1to date

  Sri Lankan Tamils
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankan Tamils have been deported from the United Kingdom in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The information available relates to all Sri Lankan citizens deported and is given in the table. No distinction is made in statistical records between Tamils and other Sri Lankans.

  Sri Lankan citizens removed from the United Kingdom under the deportation process

  Year

  Number

  1991

  4

  1992

  6

  11993

  5

  1January to September

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the present position of the Sri Lankan Tamils at present detained at Harmondsworth detention centre, stating how long each person has been detained at this centre, what is the reason for their being detained there and when he expects a decision regarding their case to be arrived at.
  159
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  On 23 November five Sri Lankan citizens were detained at Harmondsworth detention centre. Three had been held since July—14, 16 and 24 respectively —one since 21 August and one since 6 October. The reason for detention in each case was that the immigration service was not satisfied the applicant would comply with conditions of temporary admission. Four of the applicants have been refused asylum and await determination of their appeals. A decision on the one remaining appliction will be taken as soon as possible.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankan Tamils are at present detained in prison in England and Wales awaiting adjudicators' decisions as to their status and right to remain in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  None.

  Hunting (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of(a) cases brought against and (b) successful prosecutions of (i) hunt saboteurs for violence against hunters and hunt followers and (ii) hunters and hunt followers for violence against hunt saboteurs in each year since 1990.

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Civil Servants
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department(a) the total number of persons employed and (b) the total number of women employed.

  Mr. Howard
  The information requested is set out as follows. The figures represent staff in the Home Office and its agencies on 22 November 1993 including those on loan or outward secondment.

  Total

  Total/Female

  Administrative Assistant

  2,155

  1,585

  Administrative Officer

  4,457

  3,127

  Administrative Trainee

  9

  2

  Assistant Chief Officer

  3

  0

  Assistant Director

  8

  0

  Assistant Divisional Officer

  5

  0

  Assistant Immigration Officer

  42

  23

  Assistant Information Officer

  7

  2

  Assistant Inspector of Fire Services

  28

  0

  Assistant Librarian

  14

  9

  Assistant Scientific Officer

  91

  69

  Assistant Statistician

  1

  1

  Assistant Storeperson

  112

  8

  C. of E./R.C. Chaplain (P/T)

  132

  27

  C. of E. Chaplain

  103

  5

  Chaplain General Prisons

  1

  0

  Chief Education Officer

  1

  0

  Chief Immigration Officer

  360

  51

  Chief Inspector-Animals S.P. Inspector

  1

  0

  Chief Typing Manager

  4

  4

  Commandant

  1

  0

  Communications Officer 2

  1

  0

  Communications Officer 3

  8

  0

  Consultant Voluntary Services Unit

  2

  2

  Divisional Officer 1

  1

  0

  Divisional Officer 2

  1

  0

  Executive Officer

  2,126

  1,177

  Farm Manager 1

  6

  0

  160

  Total

  Total/Female

  Farm Manager 1A

  15

  0

  Farm Manager 2

  11

  0

  Farm Manager 3

  25

  1

  Farm Manager 4

  19

  0

  Farms and Gardens Officer

  4

  0

  Fireground Supervisor

  1

  0

  Governor 1

  38

  0

  Governor 2

  85

  7

  Governor 3

  115

  13

  Governor 4

  308

  38

  Governor 5

  458

  31

  Governor 5 (APS)1

  22

  5

  Grade 1 (PUSS)

  1

  0

  Grade 2 (DUSS)

  8

  0

  Grade 3

  25

  7

  Grade 4

  4

  0

  Grade 5

  96

  23

  Grade 6

  102

  13

  Grade 7

  613

  157

  Graphics Officer

  14

  3

  Graphics Technical Grade

  1

  1

  Head of Department 3

  1

  0

  Head of Department 4

  1

  0

  Head of Department 5

  1

  0

  Head of Department 6

  1

  0

  Head Pharmacist

  1

  0

  Higher Executive Officer (Development)

  24

  10

  Higher Executive Officer

  1,171

  475

  Higher Graphics Officer

  1

  0

  Higher Instructional Officer

  28

  2

  Higher Professional and Technical Officer

  134

  5

  Higher Psychologist

  45

  31

  Higher Scientific Officer

  182

  81

  Higher Telecommunications Technical Officer

  41

  0

  HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services

  1

  0

  HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary

  1

  0

  HM Inspector of Fire Services 1

  2

  0

  HM Inspector of Fire Services 2

  7

  0

  HM Inspector of Constabulary

  4

  0

  Immigration Officer

  2,113

  782

  Industrial

  3,024

  205

  Information Officer

  18

  13

  Inspector (Immigration Service)

  69

  0

  Inspector—Animals S.P. Inspector

  19

  2

  Instructional Officer I

  1,049

  149

  Instructional Officer II

  2

  0

  Interpreter

  7

  2

  Lecturer 2

  24

  6

  Legal Officer

  3

  2

  Librarian

  8

  5

  Matron Housekeeper

  1

  1

  Medical Officer

  81

  6

  Medical Officer (P/T)

  112

  6

  Night Patrol

  949

  84

  Nursing Grade A

  5

  4

  Nursing Grade C

  60

  56

  Nursing Grade D

  100

  82

  Nursing Grade E

  86

  60

  Nursing Grade F

  118

  100

  Nursing Grade G

  30

  23

  Nursing Grade H

  7

  6

  Personal Secretary

  492

  490

  Pharmacist

  19

  13

  Pharmacy Technician

  23

  21

  Principal Lecturer

  3

  0

  Principal Medical Officer

  6

  1

  Principal Officer

  1,378

  44

  Principal Officer (APS)1

  36

  10

  Principal RC Chaplain

  1

  0

  Prison Auxiliary

  1,553

  302

  Prison Officer

  19,002

  1,775

  Prison Officer (APS)1

  37

  19

  Professional and Technology Officer

  99

  11

  Psychological Assistant

  40

  27

  Psychologist

  1

  0

  Psychologist-Graduate Trainee

  26

  19

  R.C. Chaplain

  15

  1

  161

  Total

  Total/Female

  Regional Catering Manager

  6

  0

  Research Officer (Social Science)

  16

  9

  Scientific Officer

  117

  66

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  8

  2

  Senior Divisional Officer

  1

  0

  Senior Executive Officer

  429

  128

  Senior Information Officer

  10

  4

  Senior Inspector-Animals S.P. Inspector

  3

  0

  Senior Instructional Officer

  1

  0

  Senior Lecturer

  4

  0

  Senior Legal Assistant

  2

  1

  Senior Librarian

  1

  1

  Senior Medical Officer

  39

  5

  Senior Officer

  3,395

  157

  Senior Personal Secretary

  42

  42

  Senior Pharmacist

  1

  0

  Senior Professional and Technical Officer

  168

  1

  Senior Psychologist

  47

  29

  Senior Research Officer (Social Science)

  11

  6

  Senior Scientific Officer

  193

  31

  Senior Telecoms Technical Officer

  1

  0

  Staff Principal Pharmacist

  5

  0

  Storeperson

  461

  21

  Stores Officer Grade A

  1

  0

  Stores Officer Grade B

  2

  0

  Stores Officer Grade C

  11

  2

  Stores Officer Grade D

  12

  3

  Support Grade Band 1

  152

  105

  Support Grade Band 2

  734

  446

  Support Manager 1

  1

  0

  Support Manager 2

  4

  3

  Support Manager 3

  14

  13

  Technical Grade 1

  16

  4

  Technical Grade 2

  8

  3

  Telecom Engineering Technician

  195

  1

  Telecom Technical Enginer II

  58

  0

  Telecoms Technical Officer

  2

  0

  Temporary Prison Officer

  4

  4

  Territorial Inspector

  5

  0

  Trainee Graphics Officer

  1

  1

  Trainee Statistician

  1

  1

  Trainee Typist

  1

  1

  Typing Manager

  32

  32

  Typist

  772

  771

  Note:

  1 APS—Accelerated Promotion Scheme.

  Mr. Anthony Stock
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to make a statement concerning the conviction of Mr. Anthony Stock for robbery.

  Table 1

  Number of juveniles aged 10 to under 17 convicted at juvenile and magistrates' courts within the Lewisham area by type of offence 1985–19921

  PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Lewisham juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  29

  22

  22

  16

  10

  10

  6

  6

  Sexual offences

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  Burglary

  61

  53

  41

  36

  29

  15

  9

  8

  Robbery

  12

  2

  16

  9

  7

  4

  9

  8

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  181

  123

  109

  76

  38

  35

  14

  11

  Fraud and forgery

  5

  2

  1

  1

  2

  —

  1

  1

  Criminal damage

  7

  7

  7

  1

  —

  1

  —

  5

  Drug offences

  8

  8

  1

  1

  6

  1

  3

  3

  Other (excluding motoring)

  4

  3

  10

  7

  4

  7

  7

  2

  Motoring offences

  —

  1

  2

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  307

  221

  210

  149

  97

  73

  49

  46

  Greenwich juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  16

  18

  17

  23

  24

  25

  16

  19

  162
  Mr. Maclean
  On 24 November my right hon. and learned Friend referred Mr. Stock's conviction to the Court of Appeal under section 17(1)(a) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968.

  Metropolitan Police Housing
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many residential properties are owned by the Metropolitan police; and how many of these are currently empty.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I understand that, as at 31 October 1993, the receiver to the Metropolitan police district owned 2,241 residential properties for police purposes.

  A total of 323 were leased to housing associations and 148 were vacant. Of the 148 vacancies, 69 were allocated to officers who had not taken occupation; 34 were vacant for sale on the open market; 29 were vacant and available for allocation; and 16 were vacant for building works.

  Policy Records
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether personal or police records for which his Department has responsibility have been transferred to the far east for the purpose of making microfiche copies.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  No. But we have not ruled out the possibility that work on the computerisation of criminal records currently held on microfiche might be carried out in the far east or anywhere else, provided that rigorous safeguards for security and confidentiality are in place. We expect to announce our decision on this matter next spring.

  Juvenile Crime
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the most common crimes committed by juveniles in Lewisham in each year since 1985; and of those juveniles convicted of an offence over this period what was the average sentence served.

  Mr. Maclean
  Information available centrally on juveniles aged 10 to under 17 years within the Lewisham area is given in the tables.
  163

  PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Sexual offences

  3

  2

  —

  2

  2

  —

  —

  3

  Burglary

  51

  51

  48

  40

  43

  37

  22

  11

  Robbery

  7

  1

  1

  7

  2

  8

  14

  6

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  159

  119

  130

  101

  73

  62

  48

  33

  Fraud and forgery

  4

  5

  3

  2

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Criminal damage

  6

  3

  5

  5

  8

  10

  5

  4

  Drug offences

  4

  3

  3

  3

  6

  7

  3

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  4

  2

  8

  9

  9

  5

  3

  7

  Motoring offences

  1

  3

  3

  2

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Total Indictable offences

  255

  207

  218

  194

  168

  154

  113

  84

  Greenwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  1

  2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1

  Sexual offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Burglary

  2

  1

  2

  4

  —

  —

  2

  2

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  2

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  11

  15

  8

  3

  1

  1

  8

  3

  Fraud and forgery

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Drug offences

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  16

  20

  15

  9

  2

  3

  17

  8

  Woolwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  3

  5

  1

  3

  —

  4

  1

  2

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  5

  7

  3

  4

  4

  4

  2

  2

  1Provisional.

  Table 2

  Average sentence length (months) given at juvenile and magistrates' courts for offences commited by juveniles within the Lewisham area by type of offence 1985–19921

  PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Lewisham juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  2.2

  2.9

  —

  1.9

  —

  6.0

  3.0

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  2.8

  2.3

  1.0

  3.3

  6.0

  2.5

  —

  —

  Robbery

  3.0

  —

  3.2

  0.7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  2.5

  3.8

  3.1

  3.1

  —

  0–7

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  2.2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  4.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  0.9

  1.4

  4.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  2.6

  2.8

  2.9

  2.8

  6.0

  2.8

  3.0

  —

  Greenwich juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  —

  3.5

  1.9

  4.0

  —

  —

  4.0

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  4.1

  3.2

  3.8

  3.9

  5.1

  3.3

  3.0

  4.0

  Robbery

  0.8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6.0

  6.0

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  3.7

  4.0

  3.7

  2.5

  —

  0.7

  4.5

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  3.0

  —

  —

  3.0

  6.0

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  3.6

  3.7

  3.6

  3.0

  5.2

  2.8

  4.4

  5.0

  Greenwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1.4

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  —

  4.0

  —

  4.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  164 165

  PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  3.0

  4.0

  —

  4.0

  —

  1.4

  —

  —

  >Woolwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  —

  —

  —

  0.7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  3.0

  —

  —

  0.7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 Provisional

  Table 3

  Number of juveniles aged 10 to under 17 convicted at the Crown Court by committing petty sessional division within the Lewisham area and type of offence 1985–19921

  Committing PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Lewisham juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  2

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Burglary

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  2

  1

  1

  1

  1

  2

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  3

  —

  4

  3

  1

  1

  5

  3

  Greenwich juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  1

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  —

  1

  1

  2

  1

  2

  —

  —

  Greenwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  1

  1

  —

  1

  2

  1

  1

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  Burglary

  5

  3

  —

  1

  5

  4

  1

  —

  Robbery

  5

  —

  1

  4

  4

  5

  —

  1

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  2

  2

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  13

  7

  2

  6

  12

  12

  2

  3

  Woolwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  1

  5

  —

  4

  4

  —

  1

  —

  Robbery

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  —

  —

  2

  2

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  3

  —

  166 167

  Committing PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  2

  8

  3

  6

  7

  1

  4

  —

  1 Provisional

  Table 4

  Average sentence length (months) given at the Crown Court for offences committed by juveniles by committing petty sessional division within the Lewisham area and type of offence 1985–19921

  Committing PSD/type of offence

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  11992

  Lewisham juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  9.0

  —

  —

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  —

  —

  —

  9.5

  —

  —

  6.0

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  12.0

  —

  —

  12.0

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  9.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  3.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  9.0

  —

  3.0

  7.3

  12.0

  —

  6.0

  12.0

  Greenwich juvenile court

  Violence against the person

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  —

  —

  12.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robbery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3.0

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  —

  —

  12.0

  —

  —

  3.0

  —

  —

  Greenwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  6.0

  —

  —

  8.0

  —

  —

  6.0

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  3.5

  4.0

  —

  —

  4.3

  10.0

  —

  9.0

  Robbery

  10.0

  —

  —

  7.5

  —

  5.3

  —

  9.0

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  4.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  12.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  7.9

  5.0

  —

  7.5

  5.3

  6.5

  —

  8.0

  Woolwich Petty Sessional Division

  Violence against the person

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2.0

  —

  —

  —

  Sexual Offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Burglary

  —

  6.0

  —

  5.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robbery

  —

  4.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  —

  —

  —

  6.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fraud and forgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Criminal damage

  —

  12.0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Drug offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other (excluding motoring)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Motoring offences

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total Indictable offences

  —

  7.0

  —

  5.2

  2.0

  —

  —

  —

  1 Provisional.

  Racial Offences
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what initiatives he has pursued to help combat racial attacks.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Government have on many occasions expressed their abhorrence of racial violence and harassment and fully supports police efforts to tackle racially motivated crime.
  168
  In 1989 the inter-departmental racial attacks group, chaired by the Home Office, produced its first report stressing the importance of dealing with racial attacks as a priority task and recommending a multi-agency approach to combatting racial crimes. The report was distributed to all local authorities and to all police forces, and the implementation of the recommendations by forces has been monitored by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary.

  A follow-up report was published in January 1992, which detailed progress made so far, noted good practice,

  169
  and proposed how the police and local agencies might further develop their response to racial attacks and harassment.

  National and local police training addresses the issue of radical attacks, as part of a wider programme of race awareness training. The Home Office funds the specialist support unit in police-community' and race relations training, which deals among other matters with racial attacks training for police trainers.

  Each year the Home Office sponsors the Holly Royde seminar on community and race relations which brings together police officers from forces across the country with the purpose of addressing community and race relations issues in an operational context and developing action plans for implementation in forces.

  Other initiatives include:
  the establishment in 1988 of a Home Office-funded pilot multi-agency project in Newham, East London, which produced a report in 1991 providing a detailed understanding of the practice of multi-agency co-ordination;
  the production of a crime prevention leaflet on racial attacks in several different ethnic minority languages, and encouragement of reporting of incidents through poster campaigns;
  Home Office sponsored research on victimisation in east London and Manchester.
  The Home Affairs Committee is conducting an inquiry into racial attacks and harassment. I gave evidence in July. Future Government action will be informed by the Committee's recommendations.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals have been prosecuted to date under part III of the Public Order Act 1986—racial hatred —for offences committed at a designated football match.

  Mr. Maclean
  Court proceedings data collected centrally do not detail the circumstances and/or the venue where the offence took place.

  Prisoners (Home Leave)
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the Government's policy towards home leave for violent or dangerous prisoners.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The Government fully recognise and share public concern that prisoners who present a risk to public safety should not be released on home leave. Steps to tighten the existing procedures governing the grant of home leave were introduced in October 1992 to ensure that no prisoner who is eligible to be considered for an initial period of home leave should be recommended for release into the community before a detailed and thorough risk assessment of his or her potential danger to the public has been carried out. This is particularly important in the case of any offender with violent or dangerous propensities or antecedents.

  Guidance to governors on the operation of home leave, including the risk assessment procedure is contained in "Circular Instruction 43/92", a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library.

  The prison service is presently conducting a review of the operation of the home leave and temporary release schemes. The working group undertaking the review is tasked with ensuring that public safety is not compromised by offenders being allowed leave as part of their gradual re-integration into society. It includes representatives from
  170
  the police and probation services, and from Victim Support as well as the prison service. The working group's programme of work is nearing completion following which we shall study its report and any recommendations it may make, with great care.

  Young Offenders
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will initiate a full trial into a scheme for young offenders to receive training at sea on the vessel Excelsior, at Lowestoft, for periods of up to three months, to be deducted from their sentences if they passed the training satisfactorily.

  Mr. Maclean
  Funds are available through the probation supervision grants scheme for voluntary organisations providing sail and similarly challenging training to operate projects designed to strengthen the range and content of programmes for the supervision of offenders who are serving sentences in the community. I see a number of benefits from this approach, and will want to test the effectiveness of this kind of training and consider the scope for integrating it into other sentences. We are discussing with a number of probation services the extent to which offenders could participate in Excelsior Sailing Trust activities, which could be funded under the scheme.

  Fast Response Cars
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fast response police cars are currently in use in the metropolis; for which main purposes they are used; how many officers are directly involved in driving them; what is the cost; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I understand that 339 fast response cars are presently used by the Metropolitan police. The main purpose of such vehicles is to respond to emergency calls. They are also used for general patrol duties. A total of 2,077 officers have authority to drive these vehicles. The approximate total annual cost for the purchase, maintenance and other running costs is £2.94 million.

  Prisoners' Families (Visits)
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the commitment by the Prison Service to pay for the travel costs of prisoners' families to make a second visit each month to their family member in prison where such families are eligible to receive public funds for such travel.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for these matters have been delegated to the director general of the prison service who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mrs. Bridget Prentice, dated 25 November 1993:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the position regarding the proposed extension of the Assisted Visits scheme to cover the second statutory monthly visit.
  The White Paper "Custody, Care and Justice" included a commitment to consider extensions of the scheme as resources permit. We also have indicated in the Prison Service Business plan that the extension should take place this financial year.

  171
  No final decision on this matter has been taken. It will be necessary to do so in the light of the resources available to the Prison Service. I am afraid that it is not yet possible to say when it will be possible to finance the second visit per month. You may be assured, however, that we are well aware of the need to maintain close prisoner and family ties and the importance which prisoners and their families attach to visits.

  Prison National Standards
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the document concerning the prison national standards will be published.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the director general of the prison service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 25 November 1993.
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about when the document concerning the Prison National Standards will be published.
  Drafting work on a Code of Standards for the Prison Service is nearing completion and we expect to publish it shortly.

  Dangerous Dogs
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward proposals to amend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to enable owners of relevant breeds to remove their dogs' muzzles to allow them to drink or to receive veterinary attention in a public place, especially if this is within a private motor vehicle.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Government do not intend to weaken protection afforded by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Recent tragic events have shown how wrong this would be.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many fatalities there have been due to dog attacks since Royal Assent was given to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; if he will name the breed of each dog involved; and whether it was registered under the Act;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the future of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 following the recent death in Cleveland.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The tragic events in Cleveland underline the need for the strict provisions in the Dangerous Dogs Act, and how right the Government have been not to heed those who have sought to weaken it.

  I understand that the dog involved in the Cleveland attack was identified by a veterinary surgeon as being a pit bull terrier type, with some mastiff or bull mastiff qualities. It has not been registered under the Act.

  In other words, it fell within the Act's definition of a dog of the type known as a pit bull terrier.

  I am aware of one other fatal injury caused by dogs since the coming into force of the Dangerous Dogs Act on 12 August 1991. This occurred in November 1991, and involved an attack on a boy by his family's pets, a Lakeland terrier, a great dane and a German shepherd, none of which are required to be registered under the Act.

  Security Service
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Director General of the Security Service is on performance-related pay.
  172
  Mr. Howard
  No.

  Criminal Compensation
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received respecting recent changes in criminal compensation rules; what has been the nature of these representations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Since announcing last November our intention to replace the present criminal injuries compensation scheme with a tariff scheme next year we have received representations and comment from a number of hon. Members, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, representative bodies of the legal profession, Victim Support local schemes and the national office, the Trades Union Congress and members of the public.

  The representations have covered a range of issues, the main ones being the rationale for the change, the scope of the new arrangements, the way in which the new scheme will be administered and the appeal arrangements.

  Ministerial Letters
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officials are currently involved in drafting replies to letters for Ministers in his Department to sign.

  Mr. Howard
  The information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Many officials are involved as part of their normal duties in drafting replies for Ministers.

  "A False Sense of Security"
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to the document, "A False Sense of Security" published by the Children's Society, a copy of which has been sent to him; and what initiatives or policy changes he intends to put forward in response to that report.

  Mr. Maclean
  The second report of The Children's Society's advisory committee on young offenders, "A False Sense of Security", will be launched at a one day conference organised by The Children's Society today, 25 November 1993, at which I shall be giving a key note address. My right hon. and learned Friend and I will be giving careful consideration to the contents of the report.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Industrial Injuries Benefit
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide(a) an estimate of the total number of claims expected for prescribed disease D12—coal miners' chronic bronchitis and emphysema—in each of the first three years following its prescription, (b) an estimate of the total number of awards expected for prescribed disease D12 in each of the first three years following its prescription and (c) an estimate of the total annual expenditure, pursuant to such awards over each of the three years in question.

  Mr. Scott
  The number of claims cannot be predicted with any certainty but operational plans have provided for
  173
  handling 80,000-90,000 claims in the first year following prescription. The estimated total annual benefit cost is £6 million, based on the assumption that around 9,000 benefit awards will be made, nearly all in the first year. The numbers of new claims and awards in second and subsequent years are expected to be small.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many industrial disablement claims for

  Asbestos related diseases First examination and those re-examined where the diseases were not previousy diagnosed

  References

  Positive diagnosis

  D1

  D3

  D8

  D9

  Total

  D1

  D3

  D8

  D9

  Total

  1991

  Cardiff

  68

  72

  26

  57

  223

  32

  67

  5

  22

  126

  Glasgow

  227

  65

  32

  32

  356

  68

  58

  9

  22

  157

  London

  105

  192

  38

  73

  408

  49

  180

  6

  18

  253

  Manchester

  158

  63

  51

  29

  301

  63

  56

  11

  10

  140

  Newcastle

  944

  67

  35

  90

  1,136

  53

  61

  9

  23

  146

  Sheffield

  107

  80

  30

  78

  295

  45

  74

  6

  41

  166

  Stoke

  25

  26

  17

  23

  91

  14

  20

  4

  8

  46

  Swansea

  13

  4

  11

  12

  40

  6

  3

  5

  5

  19

  All Centres

  1,647

  569

  240

  394

  2,850

  330

  519

  55

  149

  1,053

  1992

  Cardiff

  70

  49

  29

  47

  195

  53

  42

  8

  17

  120

  Glasgow

  295

  88

  27

  45

  455

  96

  77

  5

  31

  209

  London

  126

  199

  50

  97

  472

  49

  186

  10

  27

  272

  Manchester

  181

  81

  55

  44

  361

  46

  70

  11

  5

  132

  Newcastle

  205

  59

  21

  65

  430

  42

  55

  8

  24

  129

  Sheffield

  102

  93

  35

  74

  304

  43

  87

  3

  41

  174

  Stoke

  27

  34

  21

  18

  100

  13

  30

  9

  11

  63

  Swansea

  26

  6

  5

  11

  48

  12

  4

  —

  4

  20

  All Centres

  1,112

  609

  243

  401

  2,365

  354

  551

  54

  160

  1,119

  100 per cent. of cases examined by Medical Boarding Centres (Respiratory Diseases) but excluding cases boarded for reassessments and those disallowed prior to boarding.

  D1 = Pneumoconiosis

  D3 = Diffuse Mesothelioma

  D8 = Primary Carcinoma of the Lung

  D9 = Bilateral diffuse pleural thickening

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of disability living allowance claims this year have been(a) successful at the initial stage, (b) successful at the review stage and (c) successful on appeal.

  Mr. Scott
  In the period from 1 April 1993 to 31 October 1993 inclusive:

  (a) 50 per cent. of new claims were successful.

  (b) 46 per cent. of reviews (for whatever reason), were successful; and

  (c) 44 per cent. of appeals decided were successful.

  The figures relating to reviews and appeals do not necessarily relate to claims made during the relevant period. Reviews may be requested for reasons other than dissatisfaction with the result of a claim, for example, changes of circumstances.

  Civil Servants
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department(a) the total number of persons employed and (b) the total number of women employed.
  174
  asbestos-related diseases referred to special medical boards, and the numbers in which the diseases were diagnosed in each year since 1991 in the same format as tables given in reply to the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden) of 28 January 1992, Official Report, columns 514-16.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is in the table.

  Mr. Scott
  The number of permanent staff employed by the Department, including its agencies, on 31 October 1993 was as follows:

  Grade (including equivalent professional and other grades)

  Total staff1

  Number of women1

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  Grade 2

  4

  0

  Grade 3

  14

  2

  Grade 4

  12

  4

  Grade 5

  122

  30

  Grade 6

  317

  74

  Grade 7

  686

  146

  Senior Executive Officer

  1,433

  366

  Higher Executive Officer

  5,890

  2,480

  Executive Officer

  25,071

  15,370

  Administrative Officer

  45,716

  34,367

  Administrative Assistant

  15,469

  10,719

  Others

  160

  114

  TOTAL

  94,895

  63,672

  1 Including part-time staff paid for more than 10 hours a week.

  Notes:

  1. Total of 94,895 equates to 88,435 full-time equivalent staff.

  2. The table excludes:

  i) staff on loan or secondment and not being paid by the Department

  ii) staff on unpaid leave for more than three months or on unpaid maternity leave

  iii) casual staff.

  Pensions
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will show as a table for each EU member state the level in pound sterling of the basic state pension, the SERPS or mandatory private pension and a total of both for an employee on national average earnings, married in a one-income household with no dependent children at time of retirement from the latest figures available.

  Mr. Hague
  The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportinate cost. However the report of a study commissioned by the Department last year—the Watsons report—contains this information for six EC member states, including the United Kingdom. A copy of that report is in the Library.

  Quarry House
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give to the nearest £5,000 the value of the carpet in the entrance area of Quarry house, headquarters of his management executive.

  Mr. Burt
  The cost of the carpet linking the two courtyards within Quarry house was £15,000. This was part of the Quarry house project and a contribution to the Percent of Art initiative.

  Vaccine Damage Compensation
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) in how many applications for vaccine compensation the reason has been given that there is insufficient documentary evidence;

  (2) if he will list the number of cases in which applications for vaccine compensation have been rejected; and if he will provide the reasons why applications have been rejected in each case;

  (3) in how many cases involving applications for vaccine compensation medical examinations have been carried out.

  Mr. Hague
  The information requested is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to undertake a comprehensive review of the vaccine compensation scheme.

  Mr. Hague
  We keep the vaccine damage payments scheme under constant review.

  Media Interviews
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the guidelines governing when media interviews dealing with the administration and efficiency of the Benefits Agency are given by officials of the agency and when by Ministers.

  Mr. Scott
  There are no such guidelines. Each request for interview is considered in the light of the relevant circumstances.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to remove from the Child Support Agency the powers to overturn clean break divorce settlements which have been established by courts or agreements; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Burt
  Clean break settlements concern the financial affairs of former partners. There can be no clean break between parents and their children, and calculation of maintenance by the agency is based on the current needs of children, and the current income and outgoings of their parents. The formula which the agency uses to assess maintenance does take account of the practical consequences of such settlements, since the current housing costs of absent parents are allowed for in calculating their maintenance liability, and capital settlements may affect the assessable income both of absent parents and of parents with care. Where the practical outcome is that an absent parent has higher costs or lower income, his maintenance liability will consequently be less.

  The operation of the Child Support Agency is being kept under review.

  Sickness and Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what numbers of new claimants have been accepted for(a) sickness benefit and (b) invalidity benefit in each of the past 12 months.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is not available in the form requested. The table shows the number of claims made to sickness and invalidity benefit for each month in Great Britain.

  Month

  Number of Sickness Benefit and Invalidity Benefit claims

  November 1992

  94,000

  December 1992

  79,000

  January 1993

  95,000

  February 1993

  90,000

  March 1993

  101,000

  April 1993

  90,000

  May 1993

  85,000

  June 1993

  94,000

  July 1993

  92,000

  August 1993

  88,000

  September 1993

  92,000

  October 1993

  91,000

  Notes:

  1. Figures are based on a 100 per cent. clerical count, rounded to the nearest thousand and are subject to amendment.

  2. Separate figures are not available for Sickness Benefit and Invalidity Benefit.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the criteria according to which people are considered eligible to receive invalidity benefit with particular reference to ME—myalgic encephalomyelitis—sufferers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Invalidity benefit is payable to people who remain incapable of work when their entitlement to sickness benefit or statutory sick pay ends, and who have satisfied the national insurance contribution conditions
  177
  which apply to sickness benefit. Entitlement does not depend on the nature of a person's incapacity, and people suffering from ME qualify in the same way as other claimants if they satisfy these conditions.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many officials in his Department are currently involved in drafting replies to letters for Ministers in his Department to sign.

  Mr. Hague
  The ministerial correspondence section, which allocates correspondence and ensures accuracy of drafts, comprises 15 staff.

  It is part of the responsibility of most executive grade officers in the Department to produce draft replies to correspondence on issues within their area of responsibility. It is therefore impossible to quantify the number involved in producing drafts.

  Disability Legislation
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to introduce antidiscrimination legislation on behalf of disabled people; what representations he has received on this subject; what his response has been; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  The Government have no plans to introduce such legislation. A number of organisations of and for disabled people and the all-party disablement group have made representations. While the Government share the aim of ending discrimination against disabled people, they do not see comprehensive legislation as the appropriate vehicle for doing so. At the Prime Minister's request, I am working with members of the all-party disablement group, to identify areas for further action where discrimination could be eliminated at little or no cost.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the management structure of the NHS management executive(a) before and (b) after the post of special project director was created.

  Mr. Stewart
  The post of special project director is outwith the management structure of the NHS Management Executive, reporting direct to the Chief Executive, NHS in Scotland.

EMPLOYMENT

  Part-time Workers
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many part-time workers were in employment in(a) June 1993 and (b) June 1992.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The available information is as follows:

  Part-time workforce in employment in Great Britain: Seasonally adjusted (thousands)

  Number

  June 1992

  6,683

  June 1993

  6,769

  Employment Training
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the job entry rate for employment training leavers in each region.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The latest information available is in the following table:

  Percentage of all leavers from employment training during the period April 1992 to January 1993 going into a job

  Region

  Percentage into a job1

  South East

  28

  London

  26

  Eastern

  30

  South West

  32

  West Midlands

  30

  East Midlands

  38

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  36

  NW, Greater Manchester

  33

  North West

  35

  Northern

  31

  Wales

  39

  Scotland

  34

  Source: ET National Follow-up Survey.

  1 Into a Job includes full-time work, part-time work and self employmaent three months after leaving.

  Training and Enterprise Councils (Secondments)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many civil servants from his Department on secondment to training and enterprise councils have(a) applied for and (b) been accepted under the voluntary early retirement scheme; and of those, how many are now working permanently for the TEC to which they were seconded; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Applications for voluntary early retirement were received from 171 staff on secondment to training and enterprise councils. A total of 153 were accepted. No information is available on the number, if any, now working permanently for the TEC to which they were seconded.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many officials are currently involved in his Department in drafting replies to letters for Ministers to sign.

  Miss Widdecombe
  We do not keep a record of the number of officials currently involved in drafting ministerial replies and this information can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Health and Safety Publications
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will reverse the decision of the Health and Safety Executive to award the contract for the distribution of official health and safety publications to Promotion Logics and Dillons bookstores; what assessment he has made of the level of public access to these publications and the competitive effect on other bookstores; and if he will make a statement.
  179
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This is a matter for the Health and Safety Executive but I understand the hon. Gentleman's concerns. I have already made inquiries and once these are complete I will write to him.

SCOTLAND.

  NHS Management Executive
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether it is the normal practice for posts in the NHS management executive to be advertised; and if he will list the exceptions there have been to such practice in recent years.

  Mr. Stewart
  Apart from the post of the chief executive, the only senior posts in the management executive to be advertised in recent years have been those of director of finance, director of operations and director of human resources.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will conduct an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Lawrence Peterken's dismissal as general manager of Greater Glasgow health board and his subsequent appointment to the post of special projects director with the NHS management executive.

  Mr. Stewart
  My right hon. Friend has already instituted such an investigation.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the job description and the terms and conditions under which the job of national health service management executive special projects director was offered to Mr. Peterken's.

  Mr. Stewart
  Mr. Peterken's duties will be to examine a number of issues that flow from the reforms that have been introduced in the NHS in the last few years. He will be employed on the terms and conditions applicable to general managers of health boards.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland at what stage his views were sought on the appointment of Mr. Laurence Peterken's to the post of special projects director with the NHS Management Executive.

  Mr. Stewart
  This appointment was made by the Chief Executive, NHS in Scotland, after consulting my right hon. Friend and my noble and learned Friend.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the management structure of the NHS Management Executive (a) before and (b) after the post of special project director was created.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  The post of special project director is outwith the management structure of the NHS Management Executive, Reporting direct to the Chief Executive, NHS in Scotland.

  Forestry Commission
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations the review group has received on the subject of the privatisation of the Forestry Commission.

  Mr. Lang
  More than 340 organisations and 1,450 individuals have made submissions or offered comment 180
  direct to the Forestry review group. Comment has also been addressed to Ministers and officials in the other departments represented on the group. The majority of letters are concerned about the effect that privatisation might have on access to woodlands, security of timber supplies and the environment.

  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the future of the Forestry Commission.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Forestry Ministers have asked the forestry review group to review the effectiveness of the current incentives for forestry investment, in accordance with the manifesto commitment, and options for the ownership and management of Forestry Commission woodlands, and to make proposals for changes which would improve the effectiveness of the delivery of the Government's forestry policy objectives, having regard to the Government's other economic and environmental policies.

  My right hon. Friend does not wish to make any statement about the future of the Forestry Commission until Ministers have received and studied the advice of the review group.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements exist for the making of submissions to him from local people, organisations and local authorities in respect of which areas of Forestry Commission land should not be privatised.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Forestry Ministers have asked the forestry review group to review options for the ownership and management of Forestry Commission woodlands, and to make proposals for changes which would improve the effectiveness of the delivery of the Government's forestry policy objectives, having regard to the Government's other economic and environmental policies.

  Once they have received and considered the advice of the review group they will decide what further action, if any, should be taken.

  In the meantime, individuals and interested bodies are welcome to address comments on the work of the review group to its Secretary:

  G. S. Pearson

  Secretary, Forestry Review Group

  Room 5/42

  New St. Andrew's House

  Edinburgh

  EH1 3TG

  Young Persons Secure Accommodation
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many places in secure accommodation there are for persons aged under 16 years in Scotland; and where they were located, in each year since 1986.

  Mr. Stewart
  The number of secure places in Scotland formally approved by the Secretary of State since 1986 is as follows:

  Number

  Rossie school Montrose

  25

  St. Mary's Kenmure school Glasgow

  24

  Kerelaw school Stevenston

  24 (18 in 1986–1988)

  181

  Number

  Howdenhall children's unit Edinburgh

  5

  Rimbleton house Glenrothes

  2

  Brodie youth care centre Polmont (formerly Weedingshall)

  2 (0 in 1986; 1 in 1987–89)

  Hightrees assessment centre Closeburn (formerly Closeburn)

  2 (0 in 1986)

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  £

  Rossie school

  68,396

  71,448

  69,770

  36,626

  41,336

  59,139

  64,152

  St Mary's Kenmure school

  9,560

  165,483

  —

  21,177

  37,064

  60,074

  109,459

  Weedingshall youth care centre (now Brodie)

  —

  —

  —

  63,000

  —

  —

  —

  Howdenhall centre

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1106,718

  Note:

  1Part of total grant offer of £1,139,784.

  Until 1990 the Secretary of State paid grants towards the revenue costs of Rossie and St Mary's schools, but specific information on these payments is not readily available.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the average annual cost of keeping a person in the accommodation units at(a) Rossie school, (b) St. Mary's Kenmure school, Glasgow, (c) Kerelaw school, Stevenson, (d) Howdenhall children's unit, Edinburgh, (e) Rumbleton house, Glenrothes, (f) Weedingshall youth care centre, Polmont and (g) Closeburn assessment centre, Closeburn; and what proportion of such cost is met by direct Government grant.

  Mr. Stewart
  The annual cost of keeping a person in the secure units (based on current weekly bed-rate figures) is as follows:

  £

  Rossie school

  59,696

  St. Mary's Kenmure

  56,940

  Kerelaw school

  65,780

  Howdenhall children's unit

  58,500

  Rimbleton house

  60,060

  Weedingshall youth care centre (now Brodie)

  74,270

  Closeburn assessment centre (now Hightrees)

  77,168

  The Scottish Office does not pay grants to asssist with revenue costs.

  September 1989

  September 1990

  September 11991

  September 11992

  March 11993

  (a) Head count

  Nursing and midwifery2

  74,949

  74,573

  75,068

  73,605

  71,506

  Managerial staff3 5

  800

  1,072

  1,315

  1,678

  1,834

  Administrative and clerical4

  16,617

  17,136

  17,679

  18,584

  18,677

  (b)Whole-time equivalent

  Nursing and midwifery2

  64,454.3

  63,687.2

  63,503.0

  61,652.0

  60,252.5

  Managerial staff3 5

  797.6

  1,064.5

  1,301.3

  1,661.6

  1,180.2

  Administrative and clerical4

  14,425.3

  14,859.3

  15,282.8

  15,978.0

  16,125.8

  182
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much direct central Government support is paid towards the cost of the secure accommodation for persons aged under 16 years in each financial year since 1986 in(a) Rossie school, Montrose, (b) St. Mary's
  Kenmure school, Glasgow, (c) Kerelaw school, Stevenson, (d) Howdenhall children's unit, Edinburgh, (e) Rumbleton house, Glenrothes, (f) Weedingshall youth care centre, Polmont and (g) Closeburn assessment centre, Closeburn.

  Mr. Stewart
  Capital grants were paid by the Secretary of State towards secure accommodation as follows:

  List D Schools
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the amount of central Government financial support paid to list D category schools in Scotland in each of the five years preceding their abolition from 1 April 1986; and if he will express that central Government support as a percentage of the total cost of these schools in each year.

  Mr. Stewart
  The Secretary of State paid grants towards the capital costs of those schools up to 1986 as follows:

  £

  1981–82

  366,476

  1982–83

  229,599

  1983–84

  227,005

  1984–85

  308,269

  1985–86

  354,684

  At the same time, the Secretary of State paid grants towards the revenue costs of the schools but specific information is not readily available on the percentage of final current expenditure which these grants met.

  Health Service Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of(a) administrative and clerical staff, (b) managerial staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff employed in the NHS in each year since 1989.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information requested for the NHS in Scotland is as follows:
  183
  Notes:

  1 1991, 1992, 1993 figures include the State Hospital, Carstairs.

  2 Nursing and midwifery staff include qualified, unqualified and in training nurses. The decrease of numbers between 1991, 1992 and 1993 is wholly accounted for by a decrease in and transfer out of NHS employment of those in training: in particular, Project 2000 student nurses, who are excluded from the figures, are not directly employed by the NHS.

  3 1989 data include administrative and clerical staff on grade 18 and above; 1990–1992 data include grades 7 and above.

  4 Excludes managerial staff. Includes control assistants and ambulance officers.

  5 The increase in numbers in this group is partially accounted for by the transfer of some professional staff to senior manager grades.

  Former NHS Workers
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to make use of the experience of former NHS workers

  Mr. Stewart
  The Scottish Office has for many years made use of experience of staff previously employed in the NHS and I expect this practice to continue.

  Health Board Managers
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what experience of the health service is required of applicants for the post of general manager of a health board.

  Mr. Stewart
  This is a matter for the recruiting health board itself to consider.

  Greater Glasgow Health Board
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent communications he has had with Mr. Bill Fyfe, chairman of Greater Glasgow health board; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  My noble and learned Friend met health board chairmen, including Mr. Fyfe, on 5 November. In addition, my right hon. Friend spoke to Mr. Fyfe by telephone on Wednesday 24 November.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which firms have been chosen to do public relations work for Greater Glasgow health board; and what has been the total value of this contract.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 23 November 1993]: Firms employed by Greater Glasgow health board in 1992–93 and 1993–94 (to 31 October 1993) are Faulds, Michael Kelly Associates Limited, Proscot, Alan Clark Associates and PR Consultants (Scotland), with a total spend of £534,954.40 in 1992–93 and £168,624.38 in 1993–94 to date.

  Local Authority Boundaries
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from(a) Musselburgh and (b) Prestonpans in favour of putting those two towns in separate local authority areas; and how many representations he has received opposing the creation of such a boundary.

  Mr. Stewart
  Since publication of the White Paper, "Shaping the Future—The New Council", a total of 29 individual letters from Musselburgh and two from Prestonpans have expressed concern over the restructuring proposals for these areas. In addition, a number of representations from outwith these areas have expressed concern over the problems to which the White Paper boundaries would give rise in Prestonpans.

  Melrose Bypass
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the finishing of construction of the proposed Melrose bypass.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 23 November 1993]: I am currently considering the report of the public local inquiry into the proposal for the Melrose bypass phase 3 and a decision will be issued as soon as possible.

ENVIRONMENT

  Countryside Survey
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he published the survey of the countryside commissioned by his Department; how many copies were printed; to whom they have been distributed; and what policy proposals he intends to develop arising from the findings of the report.

  Mr. Yeo
  The results of Countryside Survey 1990 were published by the Department on 17 November in a main report and a summary report. 1,500 copies of the main report and 3,300 copies of the summary report have been printed. The reports have been distributed to the 150 guests at the launch, representing Government Departments, non-departmental public bodies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, industry, academia and the press. Wider distribution of 1,000 copies of the summary report to include local authorities is in progress. Copies have been deposited in the House Library and are also available from my Department's publications sales unit priced at £12 for the main report and £6 for the summary report.

  Countryside survey 1990 reports on the 12-year period leading up to 1990. Since 1990 the Government have set in place a range of positive policy measures in the countryside. These include the introduction of the countryside stewardship scheme in England and the Tir Cymen scheme in Wales in June 1992; in 1991 the introduction of the hedgerow incentive scheme; in 1992; the extension and development of environmentally sensitive areas; and the integration of environmental measures in the reform of the common agricultural policy.

  Further work has been commissioned by my Department to improve our understanding of the reasons for the changes recorded, and we shall commission a further survey in the year 2000.

  Shopping Centres
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his current proposals concerning out-of-town shopping centres.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Secretary of State's current policy is set out in Planning Policy Guidance note 6, "Town Centres and Retail Developments", published in July. It should be
  185
  taken into account by local authorities as they prepare their development plans, and in deciding individual applications. Among other things, it stresses a suitable balance in providing for retail development between town centre and out-of-centre retail facilities, taking account of factors such as accessibility and effective competition that will benefit consumers generally.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for how many out-of-town shopping centres he has given planning permission for each year since 1979; and which companies have been successful.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Secretary of State granted permission, on appeal, for major retail developments over 1,000 sq. metres floor space as follows:

  Year

  Number of Appeals Allowed

  *1984–85

  28

  1985–86

  42

  1986–87

  82

  1987–88

  88

  1988–89

  65

  1989–90

  37

  1990–91

  43

  1991–92

  47

  1992–93

  70

  * This covers the period from 1 January 1984 to 31 March 1985

  No data is readily available for the period 1979–1983, nor is data readily available for the number of called-in applications approved. It is not possible to distinguish between town centre schemes and out of town developments, nor to identify the developers or companies involved, without unreasonable cost.

  Sainsbury's, Yeovil
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the planning application for Sainsbury's plans to develop Wyndham Hill in Yeovil.

  Mr. Baldry
  As a departure from the development plan the application has been referred to the Secretary of State, who will decide whether or not to call it in.

  Local Government Review
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the mode of transport used by each member of the Local Government Commission in performing their duties in the local government review, with the class of travel used.

  Mr. Baldry
  Travel expenses necessarily incurred by members on Commission business are payable in accordance with the arrangements made for senior staff of the commission. Civil service terms and conditions excluding pay apply to these staff. Accordingly, the commission has discretion to determine its own arrangements for reimbursement of travel expenses within the rules and principles set out in the civil service management code.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the total cost of the public opinion surveys carried out in the course of the local government review.
  186
  Mr. Baldry
  This is a matter for the Local Government Commission.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the current situation with regard to local government reorganisation.

  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. Friend announced on 2 November his decision to implement the Local Government Commission's recommendations in respect of the Isle of Wight. We are currently considering the Government's response to the commission's recommendations concerning Derbyshire, Cleveland and Durham. The commission is preparing reports on Avon, Gloucestershire and Somerset, and on Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire. The commission has been directed to begin reviews of the remaining shire counties on 13 December 1993 and to submit all reports on or before 30 December 1994.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cities he has visited since his appointment as Secretary of State.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cities he has visited since his appointment as Secretary of State.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cities he has visited since his appointment.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cities he has visited since his appointment.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cities and towns he has visited in England since his appointment.

  Mr. Gummer
  Fourteen cities and 13 towns.

  Civil Servants
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department(a) the total number of persons employed and (b) the total number of women employed.

  Mr. Gummer
  The following information covers non-industrial staff:

  Grade

  Total

  Women

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  Grade 2

  7

  3

  Grade 3

  34

  5

  Grade 4

  7

  0

  Grade 5

  144

  20

  Grade 6

  309

  30

  Grade 7

  776

  128

  SEO and equivalent

  740

  133

  HEO and equivalent

  981

  305

  EO and equivalent

  1,224

  524

  AO and equivalent

  1,601

  995

  AA and equivalent

  790

  518

  Totals

  6,614

  2,661

  Capital Receipts Holiday
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to extend the capital receipts holiday.

  Mr. Baldry
  We have no such plans.

  Local Government Reorganisation 1974
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the cost of the local government reorganisation in 1974; and what savings have been made to date.

  Mr. Baldry
  This information is not available.

  Local Government Commission
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cost to public funds of the Local Government Commission's travel expenses up to 28 October.

  Mr. Baldry
  This is a matter for the Local Government Commission.

  City Pride
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional resources are available to urban areas as a result of City Pride.

  Mr. Baldry
  There are no additional resources for City Pride. Central and local government as well as the private sector will continue to spend large sums of money in London, Birmingham and Manchester. City Pride is about making the most of this investment, building on the vision and strengths of the partnership which exist there and providing a lasting foundation for growth. The Department has already constructive discussions with the three cities about taking forward this new initiative.

  Trading Standards Service
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be the impact of the proposals contained in the Local Government Review on the Trading Standards Service; and what measures the Government plans to take to protect this service.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Local Government Commission's recommendations must enable adequate provision to be made for all existing local government functions, including the trading standards service. This is a matter we shall be looking at as we receive the commission's final reports for each area.

  Environmental Taxes
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has on the proposals advanced by the OECD for implementation of environmental taxes in OECD member countries.

  Mr. Gummer
  The OECD have done a good deal of analytical work on the use member countries make of economic instruments to advance environmental policies, but I am not aware that they have made any proposals for the implementation of environmental taxes.

  Housing (Managing Agents)
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what plans he has to make it compulsory for landlords to consult leaseholders in sheltered accommodation, where known, before the appointment of a managing agent in all circumstances;

  (2) what reforms he plans to ensure that leaseholders in sheltered accommodation can dismiss or replace an unsatisfactory managing agent more easily;

  (3) what plans he has to ensure that landlords and managing agents who breach the Landlord and Tenant Acts are prosecuted;

  (4) what steps he has taken to ensure that leaseholders in sheltered accommodation are aware of their rights under the Landlord and Tenant Acts 1985 and 1987, and the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act.

  Sir George Young
  All leaseholders are protected by the contractual terms of their leases, which define the rights and duties of landlords and tenants and the basis of service charges. In addition, the Landlord and Tenants Acts 1985 and 1987 give tenants additional statutory rights.

  The Government have no plans to make it compulsory for landlords to consult leaseholders in any type of accommodation before appointing a managing agent. However, under the existing legislation, a recognised tenants association has the right, at any time, to serve a notice on the landlord asking him to consult the association about the appointment or employment of a managing agent. Tenants of flats, either individually or as a group, can apply to the county court for the appointment of a manager if the landlord or his agent is in breach of his management obligations.

  In addition, if, in accordance with the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act, a group of tenants enfranchise and purchase the freehold of their block, they will be able to dismiss an unsatisfactory agent and appoint their own replacement.

  Where a landlord has failed to comply with certain provisions of the Landlord and Tenant Acts the tenant has the right to seek redress through the courts. In certain cases the landlord may be committing a criminal offence and a local authority which is a housing authority may prosecute.

  The Department issues press releases to draw attention to new or amended legislation which affects the rights of landlords and tenants. It also publishes information booklets on these rights from time to time which are supplied to the public on request. The booklets may also be obtained from local libraries and citizens-advice bureaux.

  Community Charge Form (Auction)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement as to how the previous occupant of No. 10 Downing street's completed community charge form for 1989 came into the hands of auctioneer Trevor Vennett-Smith of Gotham, Nottinghamshire.

  Mr. Baldry
  This is a matter for the local authority concerned.

  Wildlife Habitats
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is proposing to take to prevent further decline in the number of important wildlife habitats as revealed in the 1990 countryside survey.
  189
  Mr. Yeo
  Countryside Survey 1990 reports on the 12-year period leading up to 1990. Since 1990 the Government has set in place a range of positive policy measures in the countryside. These include the introduction of the countryside stewardship scheme in England in June 1991 and the similar Tir Cymen scheme in Wales; the introduction of the hedgerow incentive scheme in 1992 and the extension and development of environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs). The United Kingdom has also strongly advocated the integration of environmental considerations in the reform of the common agricultural policy.

  The United Kingdom played a leading role in the negotiations which resulted in the EC Habitats Directive and consequently welcomed its adoption in May 1992 as a step forward for nature conservation in the Community. The Government is fully committed to meeting its obligations under the directive and has just undertaken a wide public consultation process on its proposals for implementing the directive.

  Acid Rain
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he is undertaking to prevent damage to flora and fauna from acid rain.

  Mr. Yeo
  The Government have in place a range of measures to control and progressively reduce emissions of sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen, the two main precursors of acid rain. These measures were set out in the 1990 Environment White Paper, "This Common Inheritance", and subsequent annual reports. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he can provide figures on homelessness for(a) Coventry, (b) the west midlands and (c) London and the average for major cities in the United Kingdom.

  Sir George Young
  The latest estimates of the number of households for whom local authorities in the west midlands and London accepted responsibility to secure permanent accommodation appear in table 1(a) of "Households found accommodation under the homelessness provisions of the 1985 Housing Act 1985: England. Statistics for the second quarter of 1993".

  The latest reported figure for Coventry, and other major cities in England, appear in the associated supplementary table.

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority—Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  East Anglia

  Bedford

  0205

  Bedford

  2,326

  351

  1,975

  0210

  Luton

  816

  141

  675

  0215

  Mid Bedfordshire

  2,105

  234

  1,871

  0220

  South Bedfordshire

  1,334

  260

  1,074

  Cambridge

  0505

  Cambridge

  1,417

  301

  1,116

  0510

  East Cambridgeshire

  1,166

  234

  932

  3510

  Forest Heath

  1,181

  172

  1,009

  3525

  St. Edmundsbury

  1,653

  306

  1,347

  0530

  South Cambridgeshire

  2,215

  416

  1,799

  Chelmsford

  1505

  Basildon

  2,165

  372

  1,793

  1515

  Brentwood

  1,565

  264

  1,301

  190
  Copies of both are in the Library.

  For information about Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland respectively.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the regulations being considered as part of his Department's plans for deregulation in pollution control.

  Mr. Yeo
  A list of regulations affecting business, including those dealing with pollution control, was placed in the House of Commons library on 20 April 1993.

  Mr. Kevin Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the regulations being considered as part of his Department's plans for deregulation in environment protection.

  Mr. Yeo
  A list of regulations affecting business, including those dealing with environmental protection, was placed in the House of Commons Library on 20 April 1993.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many officials in his Department are currently involved in drafting replies to letters for Ministers to sign.

  Mr. Gummer
  It is not possible to identify the number of officials involved in drafting replies for ministerial signature. Many staff in my Department will be involved at some time in assisting with gathering material for, and the drafting of, letters for Ministers to sign.

  Council Tax
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many appeals against council tax valuation remain outstanding(a) in total, (b) by local authority and (c) by standard region.

  Mr. Curry
  As at 30 October 1993, there were 597,931 proposals to alter the council tax valuation list outstanding. This figure is broken down on the tables below by billing authority and by Valuation Office Agency region. The information is not collected by standard statistical region.
  191

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  1525

  Chelmsford

  2,468

  235

  2,233

  1535

  Epping Forest

  1,885

  129

  1,756

  1540

  Harlow

  913

  82

  831

  1565

  Thurrock

  1,487

  277

  1,210

  1570

  Uttlesford

  1,836

  364

  1,472

  Colchester

  1510

  Braintree

  2,509

  291

  2,218

  1520

  Castle Point

  1,364

  110

  1,254

  1530

  Colchester

  2,448

  356

  2,092

  1545

  Maldon

  1,254

  184

  1,070

  1550

  Rochford

  1,126

  91

  1,035

  1555

  Southend-on-Sea

  1,773

  191

  1,582

  1560

  Tendring

  2,629

  216

  2,413

  Ispwich

  3505

  Babergh

  1,380

  247

  1,133

  3515

  Ipswich

  1,232

  237

  995

  3520

  Mid Suffolk

  1,672

  271

  1,401

  3530

  Suffolk Coastal

  2,553

  657

  1,896

  3535

  Waveney

  1,501

  299

  1,202

  Norwich

  2605

  Brockland

  1,920

  321

  1,599

  2610

  Broadland

  1,808

  293

  1,515

  2615

  Great Yarmouth

  1,062

  211

  851

  2620

  North Norfolk

  2,473

  413

  2,060

  2625

  Norwich

  1,417

  371

  1,046

  2630

  South Norfolk

  2,212

  303

  1,909

  Peterborough

  2815

  East Northamptonshire

  1,325

  216

  1,109

  0515

  Fenland

  846

  99

  747

  0520

  Huntingdonshire

  1,333

  357

  976

  2635

  Kings Lynn and West Norfolk

  2,774

  141

  2,633

  0525

  Peterborough

  1,177

  163

  1,014

  2525

  South Holland

  1,328

  98

  1,230

  St. Albans

  1910

  Dacorum

  1,465

  184

  1,281

  1920

  Hertsmere

  1,535

  345

  1,190

  1930

  St. Albans

  1,725

  124

  1,601

  1940

  Three Rivers

  1,126

  167

  959

  1945

  Watford

  1,164

  168

  996

  Stevenage

  1905

  Broxbourne

  860

  93

  767

  1915

  East Hertfordshire

  1,744

  161

  1,583

  1925

  North Hertfordshire

  1,759

  229

  1,530

  1935

  Stevenage

  574

  103

  471

  1950

  Welwyn Hatfield

  1,206

  78

  1,128

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  80,806

  11,926

  68,880

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority—Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  East Midland

  Derby

  1005

  Amber Valley

  1,982

  310

  1,672

  1020

  Derby

  2,450

  825

  1,625

  1045

  Derbyshire Dales

  2,727

  354

  2,373

  1025

  Erewash

  1,238

  318

  920

  1040

  South Derbyshire

  1,408

  296

  1,112

  Doncaster

  4405

  Barnsley

  1,575

  280

  1,295

  4410

  Doncaster

  1,686

  381

  1,305

  4725

  Wakefield

  1,975

  575

  1,400

  Grimsby

  2015

  Cleethorpes

  785

  70

  715

  2510

  East Lindsey

  3,260

  379

  2,881

  2020

  Glanford

  1,060

  268

  792

  2025

  Great Grimsby

  437

  31

  406

  2045

  Scunthorpe

  245

  35

  210

  Hull

  2010

  Boothferry

  1,277

  218

  1,059

  2040

  East Yorkshire

  1,453

  294

  1,159

  2005

  E Y Borough of Beverley

  2,105

  324

  1,781

  2030

  Holderness

  1,317

  269

  1,048

  2035

  Kingston-upon-Hull

  1,517

  432

  1,085

  192 193

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstnding

  Leicester

  2405

  Blaby

  1,341

  107

  1,234

  2415

  Harborough

  1,473

  298

  1,175

  2425

  Leicester

  1,838

  375

  1,463

  2440

  Oadby and Wigston

  517

  97

  420

  Lincoln

  2505

  Boston

  787

  61

  726

  2515

  Lincoln

  483

  207

  276

  3030

  Newark and Sherwood

  1,370

  219

  1,151

  2520

  North Kesteven

  1,656

  590

  1,066

  2530

  South Kesteven

  1,422

  175

  1,247

  2535

  West Lindsey

  1,695

  253

  1,442

  Loughborough

  2410

  Charnwood

  1,982

  306

  1,676

  2420

  Hinckley and Bosworth

  1,116

  63

  1,053

  2430

  Melton

  1,211

  91

  1,120

  2435

  North West Leicestershire

  855

  160

  695

  2445

  Rutland

  951

  149

  802

  Mansfield

  3005

  Ashfield

  743

  146

  597

  3010

  Bassetlaw

  1,299

  130

  1,169

  1010

  Bolsover

  487

  68

  419

  1015

  Chesterfield

  898

  214

  684

  3025

  Mansfield

  846

  250

  596

  1035

  North East Derbyshire

  1,151

  171

  980

  Northampton

  2805

  Corby

  457

  86

  371

  2810

  Daventry

  966

  95

  871

  2820

  Kettering

  1,102

  155

  947

  2825

  Northampton

  1,240

  238

  1,002

  2830

  South Northamptonshire

  1,421

  264

  1,157

  2835

  Wellingborough

  502

  86

  416

  Nottingham

  3015

  Broxtowe

  1,284

  365

  919

  3020

  Gedling

  1,601

  355

  1,246

  3035

  Nottingham

  1,540

  229

  1,311

  3040

  Rushcliffe

  2,070

  369

  1,701

  Sheffield

  4415

  Rotherham

  3,342

  444

  2,898

  4420

  Sheffield

  3,121

  597

  2,524

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  71,264

  13,072

  58,192

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  London

  Barking

  5060

  Barking & Dagenham

  580

  51

  529

  5480

  Havering

  2,630

  257

  2,573

  Bromley

  5180

  Bromley

  6,627

  821

  5,806

  5240

  Croydon

  4,721

  719

  4,002

  5870

  Sutton

  2,400

  385

  2,015

  City of London

  5030

  City of London

  111

  12

  99

  Ealing

  5270

  Ealing

  4,588

  754

  3,834

  5540

  Hounslow

  2,976

  545

  2,431

  Enfield

  5090

  Barnet

  5,878

  713

  5,165

  5300

  Enfield

  4,662

  430

  4,232

  5420

  Haringey

  4,808

  727

  4,081

  Greenwich

  5120

  Bexley

  3,376

  516

  2,860

  5530

  Greenwich

  2,601

  220

  2,361

  5690

  Lewisham

  2,509

  321

  2,188

  Harrow

  5150

  Brent

  2,799

  498

  2,301

  5450

  Harrow

  2,126

  313

  1,813

  5510

  Hillingdon

  2,296

  300

  1,996

  Islington

  5360

  Hackney

  2,623

  429

  2,194

  5570

  Islington

  3,592

  610

  2,982

  Kensington

  5390

  Hammersmith & Fulham

  4,377

  896

  3,481

  194 195

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  5600

  Kensington & Chelsea

  8,014

  908

  7,106

  Lambeth

  5660

  Lambeth

  5,186

  400

  4,786

  5840

  Southwark

  3,379

  393

  2,966

  London Support Unit

  5210

  Camden

  5,406

  831

  4,576

  5990

  City of Westminster

  6,210

  1,087

  5,123

  Redbridge

  5780

  Redbridge

  3,250

  475

  2,775

  5930

  Waltham Forest

  1,634

  236

  1,398

  Tower Hamlets

  5750

  Newham

  1,203

  235

  968

  5900

  Tower Hamlets

  1,613

  51

  1,562

  Wimbledon

  5630

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,967

  318

  1,649

  5720

  Merton

  1,865

  233

  1,632

  5810

  Richmond upon Thames

  4,000

  595

  3,405

  5960

  Wandsworth

  1,922

  250

  1,672

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  111,929

  15,529

  96,400

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  North Western

  Bolton

  4205

  Bolton

  2,986

  981

  2,005

  4210

  Bury

  2172

  252

  1,920

  Burnley

  2305

  Blackburn

  1,082

  303

  779

  2315

  Burnley

  659

  92

  567

  2330

  Hyndburn

  732

  171

  561

  2340

  Pendle

  1,090

  187

  903

  2350

  Ribble Valley

  1,726

  143

  1,583

  2355

  Rossendale

  1,500

  240

  1,260

  Chester

  0605

  Chester

  2,032

  523

  1,509

  0620

  Ellesmere Port & Neston

  788

  247

  541

  4325

  Wirral

  3,241

  635

  2,608

  Crewe

  0610

  Congleton

  1,234

  177

  1,057

  0615

  Crewe & Nantwich

  1,762

  266

  1,496

  0630

  Macclesfield

  2,576

  413

  2,163

  0635

  Vale Royal

  1,986

  378

  1,608

  Lancaster

  2310

  Blackpool

  1,232

  310

  922

  2325

  Fylde

  1,829

  130

  1,699

  2335

  Lancaster

  2,354

  277

  2,077

  2370

  Wyre

  2,062

  318

  1,744

  Liverpool

  4305

  Knowsley

  965

  306

  659

  4310

  Liverpool

  2,950

  253

  2,697

  4320

  Sefton

  3,239

  500

  2,739

  Manchester

  4215

  Manchester

  1,842

  141

  1,701

  Preston

  2320

  Chorley

  973

  216

  757

  2345

  Preston

  1,498

  315

  1,183

  2360

  South Ribble

  1,725

  355

  1,370

  2365

  West Lancashire

  1,635

  397

  1,238

  Rochdale

  4220

  Oldham

  1,429

  252

  1,177

  4225

  Rochdale

  1,386

  258

  1,128

  Salford

  4230

  Salford

  2,277

  634

  1,643

  4245

  Trafford

  2,503

  271

  2,232

  Stockport

  1030

  High Peak

  1,241

  160

  1,081

  4235

  Stockport

  2,709

  220

  2,489

  4240

  Temerside

  1,413

  255

  1,158

  Warrington

  0625

  Halton

  1,262

  328

  934

  4315

  St Helens

  1,761

  544

  1,217

  0640

  Warrington

  2,120

  411

  1,709

  4250

  Wigan

  3,063

  610

  2,453

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  69,034

  12,469

  56,565

  196 197

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  Northern

  Alnwick

  2905

  Alnwick

  1,334

  424

  910

  2910

  Berwick-upon-Tweed

  882

  103

  779

  2915

  Blyth Valley

  364

  65

  299

  2920

  Castle Morpeth

  1,045

  74

  971

  2925

  Tynedale

  1,649

  112

  1,537

  2930

  Wensbeck

  281

  19

  262

  Bradford

  4705

  Bradford

  4,742

  708

  4,034

  Carlisle

  0905

  Allerdale

  1,397

  105

  1,292

  0915

  Carlisle

  1,272

  161

  1,111

  0925

  Eden

  2,171

  306

  1,865

  Durham

  1305

  Chester-le-Street

  459

  156

  303

  1310

  Darlington

  1,151

  265

  886

  1315

  Derwentside

  742

  103

  639

  1320

  Durham

  1,219

  67

  1,152

  1325

  Easington

  267

  20

  247

  1330

  Sedgefield

  732

  134

  598

  1335

  Teesdale

  1,255

  13

  1,242

  1340

  Wear Valley

  824

  59

  765

  Halifax

  4710

  Calderdale

  3,302

  651

  2,651

  4715

  Kirklees

  6,217

  1,208

  5,009

  Harrogate

  2705

  Craven

  2,218

  131

  2,087

  2710

  Hambleton

  2,136

  72

  2,064

  2715

  Harrogate

  3,765

  306

  3,459

  2720

  Richmondshire

  1,253

  99

  1,154

  Leeds

  4720

  Leeds

  6,621

  902

  5,719

  Middlesbrough

  0705

  Hartlepool

  495

  125

  370

  0710

  Langbaurgh-on-Tees

  1,346

  265

  1,081

  0715

  Middlesbrough

  818

  277

  541

  0720

  Stockton-on-Tees

  1,413

  279

  1,134

  Newcastle

  4510

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne

  2,034

  360

  1,674

  4515

  North Tyneside

  1,342

  200

  1,142

  Sunderland

  4505

  Gateshead

  1,716

  349

  1,367

  4520

  South Tyneside

  1,013

  154

  859

  4525

  Sunderland

  1,220

  386

  834

  Ulverston

  0910

  Barrow-in-Furness

  678

  98

  580

  0920

  Copeland

  855

  137

  718

  0930

  South Lakeland

  3,279

  493

  2,786

  York

  2725

  Ryedale

  2,481

  196

  2,285

  2730

  Scarborough

  2,374

  256

  2,118

  2735

  Selby

  2,433

  285

  2,198

  2740

  York

  1,238

  297

  941

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  72,033

  10,370

  61,663

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  South Eastern

  Brighton

  1405

  Brighton

  1,963

  548

  1,415

  3820

  Crawley

  876

  120

  750

  1420

  Hove

  1,611

  437

  1,174

  1425

  Lewes

  1,832

  302

  1,530

  3830

  Mid Sussex

  1,977

  242

  1,735

  Chatham

  2215

  Dartford

  904

  156

  748

  2225

  Gillingham

  851

  265

  586

  2230

  Gravesham

  1,121

  192

  929

  2240

  Rochester-upon-Medway

  1,128

  148

  980

  2255

  Swale

  1,811

  190

  1,621

  198 199

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  Eastbourne

  1410

  Eastbourne

  1,690

  317

  1,373

  1415

  Hastings

  1,103

  171

  932

  1430

  Rother

  2,436

  568

  1,868

  1435

  Wealden

  3,175

  675

  2,500

  Folkestone

  2210

  Canterbury

  2,246

  336

  1,910

  2220

  Dover

  1,569

  367

  1,202

  2250

  Shepway

  1,869

  219

  1,650

  2260

  Thanet

  1,419

  287

  1,132

  Guildford

  3615

  Guildford

  2,619

  290

  2,329

  3630

  Runnymede

  3,605

  271

  3,334

  3640

  Surrey Heath

  1,424

  382

  1,042

  3650

  Waverley

  2,488

  350

  2,138

  3655

  Woking

  1,411

  309

  1,102

  Reigate

  3605

  Elmbridge

  2,536

  331

  2,205

  3610

  Epsom & Ewell

  689

  77

  612

  3620

  Mole Valley

  1,572

  48

  1,524

  3625

  Reigate & Banstead

  2,218

  316

  1,900

  3635

  Spelthorne

  1,224

  356

  863

  3645

  Tandridge

  2,045

  376

  1,670

  Tunbridge Wells

  2205

  Ashford

  2,725

  182

  2,543

  2235

  Maidstone

  2,271

  143

  2,128

  2245

  Sevenoaks

  2,813

  80

  2,733

  2265

  Tunbridge & Malling

  2,339

  189

  2,150

  2270

  Tunbridge Wells

  2,271

  315

  1,956

  Worthing

  3805

  Adur

  893

  248

  645

  3810

  Awn

  2,945

  358

  2,587

  3815

  Chichester

  2,843

  351

  2,492

  3825

  Horsham

  2,653

  300

  2,353

  3835

  Worthing

  1,670

  355

  1,315

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  74,836

  11,169

  63,667

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  Southern

  Aylesbury

  0405

  Aylesbury Vale

  3,050

  337

  2,713

  0415

  Chiltern

  1,974

  159

  1,815

  0420

  Milton Keynes

  2,281

  300

  1,981

  0410

  South Buckinghamshire

  1,319

  84

  1,235

  0425

  Wycombe

  2,792

  133

  2,654

  Basingstoke

  1705

  Basingstoke and Deane

  2,205

  659

  1,546

  1710

  East Hampshire

  2,240

  379

  1,861

  1730

  Hart

  1,080

  183

  897

  1750

  Rushmoor

  739

  243

  496

  1765

  Winchester

  2,851

  510

  2,341

  Bournemouth

  1205

  Bournemouth

  3,141

  563

  2,578

  1210

  Christchurch

  1,190

  165

  1,025

  1240

  East Dorset

  2,286

  173

  2,113

  1220

  Poole

  2,690

  333

  2,357

  Dorchester

  1215

  North Dorset

  1,468

  57

  1,411

  1225

  Purbeck

  1,273

  233

  1,040

  1230

  West Dorset

  2,585

  122

  2,463

  1235

  Weymouth and Portland

  958

  74

  884

  Oxford

  3105

  Cherwell

  2,215

  273

  1,942

  3110

  Oxford

  2,013

  147

  1,866

  3115

  South Oxfordshire

  2,618

  271

  2,347

  3120

  Vale of White Horse

  2,469

  274

  2,195

  3125

  West Oxfordshire

  1,685

  183

  1,502

  Portsmouth

  1720

  Fareham

  1,503

  179

  1,324

  1725

  Gosport

  943

  89

  854

  1735

  Havant

  1,338

  200

  1,138

  1745

  Portsmouth

  1,768

  327

  1,441

  200 201

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  Portsmouth (IOW)

  2105

  Medina

  1,377

  247

  1,130

  2110

  South Wight

  1,651

  244

  1,407

  Reading

  0305

  Bracknell Forest

  1,121

  124

  997

  0310

  Newbury

  2,610

  281

  2,329

  0315

  Reading

  2,093

  179

  1,914

  0320

  Slough

  865

  202

  663

  0325

  Windsor and Maidenhead

  2,239

  212

  2,027

  0330

  Wokingham

  2,159

  238

  1,921

  Southampton

  1715

  Eastleigh

  1,495

  347

  1,148

  1740

  New Forest

  3,698

  686

  3,012

  3915

  Salisbury

  2,765

  280

  2,485

  1755

  Southampton

  1,957

  355

  1,602

  1760

  Test Valley

  2,623

  281

  2,342

  Swindon

  3905

  Kennet

  1,746

  178

  1,568

  3910

  North Wiltshire

  3,380

  499

  2,881

  3920

  Thamesdown

  2,371

  181

  2,190

  3925

  West Wiltshire

  2,531

  171

  2,360

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  89,355

  11,360

  77,995

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  Western

  Barnstaple

  1135

  Mid Devon

  1,717

  459

  1,258

  1115

  North Devon

  2,008

  338

  1,670

  1145

  Torridge

  1,591

  262

  1,329

  3320

  West Somerset

  899

  201

  698

  Bath

  0105

  Bath

  1,799

  395

  1,404

  0115

  Kingswood

  915

  120

  795

  0120

  Northavon

  2,406

  397

  2,009

  0125

  Wansdyke

  1,540

  298

  1,242

  Bristol

  0110

  Bristol

  4,954

  650

  4,304

  0130

  Woodspring

  4,116

  349

  3,767

  Exeter

  1105

  East Devon

  3,208

  590

  2,618

  1110

  Exeter

  1,780

  173

  1,607

  1130

  Teignbridge

  3,646

  652

  2,994

  1140

  Torbay

  2,140

  484

  1,656

  Gloucester

  1605

  Cheltenham

  2,264

  666

  1,598

  1610

  Cotswold

  3,309

  588

  2,721

  1615

  Forest of Dean

  2,612

  449

  2,163

  1620

  Gloucester

  789

  192

  597

  1625

  Stroud

  3,195

  425

  2,770

  1630

  Tewkesbury

  1,335

  208

  1,127

  Plymouth

  0805

  Caradon

  1,830

  247

  1,583

  1120

  Plymouth

  2,863

  747

  2,116

  1125

  South Hams

  3,532

  644

  2,888

  1150

  West Devon

  1,835

  262

  1,573

  St Austell

  0810

  Carrick

  2,306

  353

  1,953

  0835

  Isles of Scilly

  214

  16

  198

  0815

  Kerrier

  2,065

  417

  1,648

  0820

  North Cornwall

  2,111

  284

  1,827

  0825

  Penwith

  1,432

  143

  1,289

  0830

  Restormel

  1,756

  245

  1,511

  Taunton

  3305

  Mendip

  2,551

  294

  2,257

  3310

  Sedgemoor

  1,897

  362

  1,515

  3325

  South Somerset

  3,659

  705

  2,954

  3315

  Taunton Deane

  2,256

  450

  1,808

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  76,532

  13,085

  63,447

  202 203

  Council Tax

  Proposals by billing authority Cumulative to 31 October 1993

  VOA region and office

  DoE Code

  Billing authority

  Received

  Settled

  Outstanding

  West Midland

  Birmingham

  4605

  Birmingham

  7,082

  1,219

  5,863

  Coventry

  4610

  Coventry

  2,411

  619

  1,792

  3705

  North Warwickshire

  902

  133

  769

  3710

  Nuneaton and Bedworth

  1,218

  137

  1,081

  3715

  Rugby

  1,116

  154

  962

  Kidderminster

  1805

  Bromsgrove

  1,406

  240

  1,166

  4615

  Dudley

  2,490

  271

  2,219

  1845

  Wyre Forest

  1,402

  209

  1,193

  Lichfield

  3410

  East Staffordshire

  1,478

  161

  1,317

  3415

  Lichfield

  1,589

  219

  1,370

  3445

  Tamworth

  284

  32

  252

  4630

  Walsall

  1,288

  269

  1,019

  Sandwell

  4620

  Sandwell

  1,392

  300

  1,092

  Shrewsbury

  3205

  Bridgnorth

  1,628

  442

  1,186

  3210

  North Shropshire

  1,646

  479

  1,167

  3215

  Oswestry

  605

  37

  568

  3220

  Shrewsbury and Atcham

  1,949

  169

  1,780

  3225

  South Shropshire

  1,317

  58

  1,259

  3230

  Wrekin

  1,349

  132

  1,217

  Stoke-on-Trent

  3420

  Newcastle-upon-Lyme

  1,226

  289

  939

  3425

  Stafford

  2,062

  441

  1,621

  3435

  Staffordshire Moorlands

  1,583

  242

  1,341

  3440

  Stoke-on-Trent

  1,138

  226

  912

  Warwick

  4625

  Solihull

  1,964

  283

  1,681

  3720

  Stratford-upon-Avon

  3,695

  610

  3,085

  3725

  Warwick

  2,307

  322

  1,985

  Wolverhampton

  3405

  Cannock Chase

  862

  224

  638

  3430

  South Staffordshire

  1,893

  247

  1,646

  4635

  Wolverhampton

  1,915

  427

  1,488

  Worcester

  1810

  Hereford

  483

  193

  290

  1815

  Leominster

  1,969

  408

  1,561

  1820

  Malvern Hills

  2,586

  473

  2,115

  1825

  Redditch

  811

  147

  664

  1830

  South Herefordshire

  1,459

  218

  1,241

  1835

  Worcester

  915

  111

  804

  1840

  Wychavon

  2,254

  415

  1,889

  REGIONAL TOTAL

  61,678

  10,556

  51,122

  TOTAL FOR ENGLAND

  707,467

  109,536

  597,931

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average cost to public funds of processing an appeal against a property valuation for council tax purposes.

  Mr. Curry
  The estimated average cost of processing a council tax appeal in the current financial year is £115. This estimate includes Valuation Office Agency and valuation tribunal costs.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his latest estimate of transitional costs in respect of local government reorganisation in England.

  Mr. Baldry
  My right hon. Friend has made no estimate of the transitional costs of local government reorganisation.
  204
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to increase the level of total standard spending and aggregate external finance to meet the transitional costs of local government reorganisation.

  Mr. Baldry
  We intend to take any transitional costs of local government reorganisation into account in deciding the appropriate provision for local government expenditure for a year. My right hon. Friend intends to announce his proposals for the 1994–95 local government finance settlement shortly.

  Nirex
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be done with the toxic effluent arising from the excavations for the Nirex low level radioactive waste repository.
  205
  Mr. Yeo
  Construction and operation of the Nirex repository will be undertaken in accordance with the statutory controls.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what volume of rock and spoil will be or has been removed in the construction of(a) the reference design for the Nirex low and intermediate level radioactive waste depository and (b) the channel tunnel.

  Mr. Yeo
  United Kingdom Nirex Ltd. is currently working on the estimated volumes of spoil to be removed in the construction of the planned deep disposal facility for intermediate and low level radioactive waste. I have arranged for the chairman of United Kingdom Nirex Ltd. to write to the hon. Gentleman. Some 7·5 million cubic metres have been excavated in building the channel tunnel.

  Name

  Position

  Company

  Derek Wanless (Chair)

  Group Chief Executive

  National Westminster Bank plc

  John Baker

  Chief Executive

  National Power PLC

  Peter Bonfield CBE

  Chairman and Chief Executive

  ICL plc

  Cedric Brown

  Chief Executive

  British Gas plc

  Ann Burdus

  Non-executive Director7

  Dawsons International

  Rodney Chase

  Managing Director

  British Petroleum Company plc

  Mike Clasper

  Managing Director and Vice-President

  Procter and Gambke Europe

  David Davies

  Chairman

  Johnson Matthey PLC

  Peter Davies

  Managing Director

  DHL International (UK) Limited

  Oliver Doubleday

  —

  Bax Farm

  Richard Gamble

  Group Chief Executive

  Royal Insurance PLC

  Ian Gibson CBE

  Chief Executive and Managing Director

  Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK)Ltd

  Christopher Haskins

  Chairman and Chief Executive

  Northern Foods plc

  Roger Hewitt

  Chief Executive

  Shanks and McEwan Group plc

  Derek Higgs

  Deputy Executive

  S.G. Warburg & Co. Ltd

  Ron Huggins

  Managing Director

  Kimberly-Clark Limited

  Sir Gordon Jones

  Chairman

  Yorkshire Water plc

  Martin Laing CBE

  Chairman

  John Laing PLC

  Robert Lawton

  —

  Lawton Farms

  David Malpas

  Managing Director

  Tesco PLC

  Jean Parker CBE

  Director

  Vacu-Lung Traction Tyres Ltd

  Robin Paul

  Deputy-Chairman and Managing Director

  Albright and Wilson Ltd

  George Phillipson

  Chairman

  Redland Aggregated Ltd

  Sir Antony Pilkington

  Chairman

  Pilkington plc

  John Speirs

  Managing Director

  Norsk Hydro (UK) Ltd

  Geoff Turnbull MBE

  Chairman

  GT Group Limited

  Alan Smith

  Managing Director

  B&Q Plc

  Development Plans
  Mr. Forman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice his Department has given to local authorities about how to carry out environmental appraisal of development plans.

  Mr. Baldry
  Planning Policy Guidance Note 12 asks local planning authorities to carry out an environmental appraisal of their development plan policies. In addition, the Department today published "Environmental Appraisal of Development Plans: A Good Practice Guide" which provides advice on a straightforward range of techniques and procedures. It clearly shows the benefits of environmental appraisal, and how it can be easily integrated into stage of the plan-making process. Environmental appraisal can be an important tool in

  Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the future of the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment.

  Mr. Gummer
  The Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment was appointed for an initial two-year term in May 1991. It proved an extremely valuable forum for strategic dialogue between Government and industry in environmental issues, and produced a series of practical, action-orientated recommendations in its three progress reports.

  In light of the importance of the committee's work, I am delighted to announce that my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade and I have appointed a successor committee under the chairmanship of Derek Wanless, Group Chief Executive of National Westminster Bank. The reconstituted committee met for the first time yesterday. Its membership is as follows:

  helping to meet the wider goal of sustainable development. Local authorities should carry out plan appraisals to ensure that they contribute to this aim.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many cases he has taken statutory action against local authorities in relation to compulsory competitive tendering of council services.

  Mr. Baldry
  The table lists the number of such cases from January 1989 to the end of September 1993. It gives full details of the cases in the period July to September 1993, summary figures for the year to date, and the cumulative total from 1989.

  I am publishing this information today and propose to issue regular up-date reports.

  The table shows that in the period January to September 1993, the Secretary of State served 17 notices and 9 directions relating to anti-competitive tendering of council

  207
  services; and 80 notices and nine directions relating to the financial failure by local authorities' direct service organisations to achieve the required financial objectives.

  Compulsory competitive tendering statutory action bulletin —England

  3rd Quarter 1993 (July to September)

  3rd quarter 1993

  Total for 1993 to date

  Total from January 1989

  Notice served ralting to anti-competitive behaviour

  5

  17

  54

  Adur DC

  Other Cleaning

  Bradford MDC

  Building Maintenance

  Langbaurgh on Tees BC

  Street Lighting

  Leeds CC

  Refuse Collection

  Osestry BC

  Sport and Leisure

  Notices seved ralating to financial failure

  20

  80

  188

  Ashford BC

  Ground Maintanance

  Ashford BC

  Refuse Collection

  Barking and Gagenham LB

  Refuse Collection

  Bedforshire CC

  Ground Maintenance

  Castle Point DC

  Other Catering

  Castle Point DC

  Other Cleaning

  Colchester BC

  Ground Mainatenance

  Corby DC

  Vehicle Maintenance

  Harrow LB

  Ground Maintenance

  Hillingdon LB

  Other Catering

  Hillingdon LB

  Building Cleaning

  Hillingdon LB

  Welfare Catering

  Kingston upon Hull CC

  Other Catering

  Kingston upon Thames LB

  Other Catering

  Leicestershire CC

  Groung Maintenance

  Northavon DC

  Vehicle Maintenance

  Richmond upon Thames LB

  Ground Maintenance

  Sefton MBC

  Building Maintenance

  South Bedfordshire DC

  Refuse Collection

  Directions given relating to anti-competitive behaviour

  4

  9

  27

  Birmingham CC

  Building Maintenance

  Portsmouth CC

  Building Maintenance

  South Tyneside BC

  Ground Maintenance

  Stockton-on-Tees

  Other Cleaning

  Directions given relating to financial failure

  7

  9

  41

  Camden LB

  Vehicle Maintenance

  Camden LB

  Highways and Sewers

  New Construction £50k

  New Construction £50k

  Camden LB

  Building Maintenance

  Hammersmith and Fulham LB

  Highways and Sewer

  Hammersmith and Fulham LB

  Building Maintenance

  Sefton MBC

  Building Maintenance

  Waltham Forest LB

  Ground Maintenance

  Oslo Commission
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the reasons for the transfer of responsibility for the Oslo Commission from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Department of the Environment.

  Mr. Yeo
  Responsibility for policy on the questions covered by the Oslo Commission (principally relating to 208
  dumping of materials at sea) has not been transferred: this remains with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. What has been transferred is responsibility for the payment of the annual contribution to the commission's costs. This follows from the merger of the budgets of the Oslo Commission and the Paris Commission (for policy on which the Department of the Environment is responsible) in the run-up to the establishment of a single commission when the 1992 convention on the protection of the marine environment of the north-east Atlantic comes into force.

  CHIEF ADJUDICATION OFFICER'S REPORT
  CHIEF ADJUDICATION OFFICER'S REPORT
  STATE PENSION AGE EQUALISATION: EFFECTS
  STATE PENSION AGE EQUALISATION: EFFECTS
  HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS
  HOSPITAL WAITING LISTS
  MR. RAOUL WALLENBERG
  MR. RAOUL WALLENBERG
  CHINA: POPULATION PROGRAMME
  CHINA: POPULATION PROGRAMME
  IPPF and UNFPA: CHINA
  IPPF and UNFPA: CHINA
  IPPF AND UNFPA: UK FUNDING BASIS
  IPPF AND UNFPA: UK FUNDING BASIS
  NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  NUCLEAR WEAPONS
  COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY: NEGOTIATIONS
  COMPREHENSIVE TEST BAN TREATY: NEGOTIATIONS
  NUCLEAR CAPABILITY: REDUCTIONS
  NUCLEAR CAPABILITY: REDUCTIONS
  UNCED FOREST PRINCIPLES: PROGRESS
  UNCED FOREST PRINCIPLES: PROGRESS
  MINISTERIAL AND OTHER SALARIES ORDER 1993
  MINISTERIAL AND OTHER SALARIES ORDER 1993
  ODA GRANTS
  ODA GRANTS
  PLANNING INSPECTORATE EXECUTIVE AGENCY and WILDLIFE and COUNTRYSIDE ACT
  PLANNING INSPECTORATE EXECUTIVE AGENCY and WILDLIFE and COUNTRYSIDE ACT
  LEASEHOLD VALUATION: MARRIAGE VALUE
  LEASEHOLD VALUATION: MARRIAGE VALUE