Written Answers of 18 April 1994

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Court Services Agency
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he has finalised his plans for the Court Services Agency; what consideration has been given therein to the current responsibilities of(a) tribunals, (b) social security commissioners, (c) Judge Advocate General's offices, (d) Official Solicitor, (e) Court Funds Office, (f) Lord Chancellor's visitors and (g) the Northern Ireland Court Service; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Plans for the creation of a Court Service Agency are yet to be finalised. Such plans will not, however, affect the responsibilities of those bodies and officeholders which the hon. Member has mentioned.

  Minor Disputes
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans his Department has to ensure that minor disputes can be resolved in court or at arbitration at less cost and greater speed than at present.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Since the publication of the civil justice review in 1988, my Department has been engaged in an ongoing programme targeted at reducing cost, delay and complexity in all forms of civil litigation.

  The small claims procedure in the county court aims to provide the benefits of arbitration to litigants with minor disputes. Various changes have been made to this procedure in recent years in order to increase its speed and accessibility. In 1993 106,000 cases were heard as arbitrations in the county court, more than twice as many as in 1990.

  My Department has recently consulted on proposals that small unliquidated claims should also be heard in this more informal forum, and we are currently evaluting the results of this consultation.

  Inns of Court School of Law (Admission Procedures)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to ask the Lord Chancellor's advisory committee on legal education and conduct to conduct an investigation into the admissions procedures for the Inns of Court school of law for the academic year 1994–95.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor's advisory committee on legal education and conduct is currently conducting a wide-ranging review into all aspects of legal education. It is due to complete this review at the end of 1995. The Lord Chancellor has no plans to request the Lord Chancellor's advisory committee on legal education and conduct to examine the specific procedures of the Inns of Court school of law in isolation.

  Immovable Property Transactions Report
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to the answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 100, what response his Department made when approached in connection with the report to the European Commission on information and protection of transactions concerning immovable property purchased by consumers.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I assume that the question refers to an answer given by the President of the Board of Trade on 12 April. The Lord Chancellor's Department was approached in the context of a study of the existing position in the United Kingdom. The Department offered to assist, but the offer was not followed up by those preparing the report.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Parish Constables
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many pilot projects have been undertaken using parish constables; and what resources his Department has contributed in each case.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  There are 46 parish constable schemes in operation. They are listed in table A.

  Parish constable schemes are the responsibility of chief officers and are funded in the same way as other policing activities. Additional resources allocated by the Home Department to police forces involved in the development of schemes for the supply of essential communications equipment are shown in table B.

  Parish Constables

    Table A
    There are 46 parish constable schemes in operation, of which 39 are parish special constable schemes and seven are parish warden schemes. Further details are given in the table.
    Thirty nine parish special constable schemes were fully operational at 31 March 1994, including some arrangements which predated the launch of the initiative but which have now been adapted to fit the recommended criteria. The schemes are:
    Cambridgeshire

    Bottisham

    Derbyshire

    Chapel en le Frith

    Little Eaton

    Duffield

    Draycott

    Breaston

    Ironville

    Aldercar and Langley

    Chinley

    Hartshorn

    Overseal

    Hilton

    Devon and Cornwall

    Lewannick

    Dorset

    Winterbourne Strickland

    Yetminster

    Durham

    Langley and Burnhope

    Essex

    Hockley

    Southminster

    Hampshire

    Silchester

    Tadley

    Overton

    Baughurst

    Kingsclere

    Bramley

    Sherfield-on-Lodden

    Kent

    Capel, Tudeley, and Five Oak Green

    Pembury

    Frittenden

    New parish special constable recruits are being trained within the communities to which they will eventually be dedicated in:

    Goudhurst

    Paddock Wood

    Cranbrook

    Hawkhurst

    North Yorkshire

    Sleights

    Northumbria

    Corbridge

    Nottinghamshire

    Kirkby

    Beckingham

    South Yorkshire

    Hooton-Pagnall and Clayton

    Thurcroft

    Aston-cum-Aughton

    Bramley and Ravenfield

    Maltby

    Suffolk

    Elmswell

    Warwickshire

    Curdworth

    PARISH WARDEN SCHEMES

    Parish warden schemes fully operational at the end of March 1994 were:

    Dorset

    Schemes run and funded by the county council:

    Broadwindsor

    Stalbridge

    Holt

    Leicestershire

    Scheme run and funded by the local parish council:

    Glenfield—Five neighbourhood watch street wardens

    West Mercia

    (schemes which predate the launch of the parish constable initiative).

    Schemes run and funded by the police:

    Eardisley

    Weobley

    Pembridge

    33 schemes were still in development at 31 March 1994, ie with ongoing negotiations with communities or recruitment drives for volunteers:

    Bedfordshire—2, parish special constable

    Cambridgeshire—1, parish special constable

    Cleveland—4, parish special constable

    Derbyshire—4, parish special constable

    Leicestershire—1, parish special constable

    Norfolk—5, parish special constable

    Northamptonshireb—1, parish special constable

    Northumbria—1, parish special constable

    356

    Nottinghamshire—6, parish special constable

    Staffordshire—3, parish warden

    Surrey—5, parish special constable

    Table B

    £

    Cambridgeshire

    1,420·00

    Cleveland

    410,00

    Derbyshire

    3,180·00

    Dorset

    400,00

    Essex

    330·00

    Kent

    7,840·00

    Norfolk

    2,330·00

    Northamptonshire

    2,050·00

    Nottinghamshire

    560·00

    Surrey

    2,040·00

    Warwickshire

    280·00

    North Yorkshire

    350·00

    South Yorkshire

    690·00

    TOTAL

    21,880·00

  Criminal Injury Compensation
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Royal Ulster Constabulary Police Federation about proposals to alter the arrangements for criminal injury compensation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  We have not received any representations from the Police Federation for Northern Ireland. The new arrangements for awarding criminal injuries compensation in Great Britain came into effect on 1 April 1994. Separate arrangements continue to apply in Northern Ireland.

  Unemployment and Crime
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will publish the results of the recent study on the link between unemployment and crime, conducted by the crime policy division of his Department;

  (2) if he will place in the Library a copy of the document on the link between unemployment and crime, prepared by the crime policy division of his Department.

  Mr. Maclean
  There is no such study or document.

  Public Meetings and Demonstrations
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many bans on public meetings and demonstrations were issued in(a) 1979, (b) 1985 and (c) the last year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  There is no power to ban public meetings. The power under the Public Order Acts of 1936 and 1986 to prohibit public processions was not used in 1979, and was used five times in 1985 and twice in 1993.

  Emergency Services Equipment, Durham
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the revenue and capital expenditure of the Durham fire brigade on mobile communications equipment and command and control systems in each financial year since 1991–92; and what plans exist for 1994–95.
  357
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Expenditure on mobile communications equipment and command and control systems is a matter for individual authorities and detailed information is not held centrally.

  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the revenue and capital expenditure of the Durham police constabulary on mobile communications equipment and command and control systems in each financial year since 1991–92; and what plans exist for 1994–95.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Revenue and capital expenditure by Durham Constabulary on mobile communications equipment and command and control systems since 1991–92, and current plans for 1994–95, are shown in the table.

  Revenue and capital expenditure by Durham Constabulary on mobile communications equipment and command and control systems

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95 (plans)

  Revenue (£)

  235,470

  278,240

  277,420

  258,600

  Capital (£)

  5,000

  36,100

  105,000

  181,000

  Parliamentary Boundary Commission Inquiry, Essex
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects the results of the Essex parliamentary boundary commission inquiry to be published.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand that the Boundary Commission for England will be making a decision on the inquiry report towards the end of June, after which the outcome will be published.

  Aintree Spring Race Meeting
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the costs passed on to Aintree Racecourse Ltd. by Merseyside police for policing the 1994 Aintree spring race meeting.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Merseyside police estimate that the total charge to be passed on for this year's event will be about £100,000.

  Cancer-inducing Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which drugs used to treat human patients are known to cause cancer in animals; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Many products used to treat human cancer and other life-threatening conditions are capable of causing cancer in animals; they are used because the benefits they offer to sufferers are judged to outweigh any risks there may be. The detailed information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Criminal Trials (Televising)
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the televising of criminal trials in England and Wales.

  Mr. Maclean
  We have no such plans.

  Radio Communications
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the estimated cost of replacing the radio communications equipment for the whole of the Metropolitan police district;

  (2) if he will estimate the length of time that will be required by the Metropolitan police to plan, install and implement a trunked radio system.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I understand that the Metropolitan police are evaluating tenders for the replacement of personal radio systems for divisional, specialist and public order use. The timescale for implementation will be a matter of negotiation prior to contract but the indications are that the work will take between four and five years to complete.

  So long as the Metropolitan police are in negotiation with potential suppliers, details of cost estimates are commercially sensitive.

  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the dates for the implementation of the public safety radio communications project.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  We plan that the public safety radio communications project, if approved, would be implemented from 1998. To that end, the Home Office is currently undertaking a detailed assessment of the feasibility and costs of various options. Implementation will depend on a number of factors including the availability of frequencies and technology.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  EU Distance Selling Directive
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the European Union distance selling directive in relation to tourism.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Government have made it clear that it will not agree to this directive while it contains provisions which would prevent payment in advance for goods and services. We are also pressing for the complete exclusion of services with reservation from the scope of the directive. The Greek presidency has responded to these concerns by tabling compromise proposals which go some way to addressing them, and these are under discussion in Brussels. It is too early to say whether these proposals might form a basis for agreement.

  GATT
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to publish a report on the expected benefits of the general agreement on tariffs and trade for British industry and commerce within each sector of the economy in the format of that produced in New Zealand; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  The Government intend to publish a White Paper setting out the results of the GATT round. My Department is analysing the results of the round in order to identify more fully the potential opportunities for different industrial and commercial sectors.

  Competitive Manufacturing
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will place the prospectus, guidance notes and application forms for his programme for competitive manufacturing in the Library.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The recently published DTI annual report gives information on the many schemes operated by the department to help improve the competitiveness of United Kingdom industry. A copy of this report has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Iraq
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what requests were received by the British Government from Iraqi companies or Government agencies for biological agents between 1979 and 1991; and if he will list the companies or Government agencies.

  Mr. Needham
  Records are not kept in a form which would enable me to answer this question. Export controls on certain specific biological agents were not introduced until 31 December 1992.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what quantities of(a) Ustilago nuda Rostrup, (b) Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum, (c) Bacillus Anthracis, (d) Bacillus Subtilis Cohn, (e) Clostridium tetani, (f) Clostridium botulinum Type E, (g) Clostridium perfringens, (h) bacillus megaterium, (i) Clostridium botulinum Type A, (j) Brucella abortus Biotype 3, (k) Brucella abortus Biotype 9, (1) Brucella melitensis Biotype 1, (m) Brucella-melitensis Biotype 3, (n) Clostridium botulinum Type F, (o) Saccharomyces cerevesia, (p) Escherichia coli, (q) Bacillus cereus, (r) Staphylococcus epidermis, (s) Bacillus pumilus, (t) Cauliflower Mosaic Caulimovirus, (u) Plasmid in Agrobacterium Tumefaciens, (v) Bacillus ceres, (w) Francisella tularensis var. tularensis Olsufiev, (x) Salmonella choleraesuis subsp. choleraesuis Serptype typhi, (y) Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, (z) Hulambda 4x-8, clone (HPRT) chromosome, (aa) Hulambda 14-8, clone (HPRT) chromosome, (bb) Hulumbda 15, clone (HPRT) chromosome, (cc) PHPT31, clone (HPRT) chromosome and (dd) plambda 500, clone pseudogene (HPRT) chromosome were exported from Britain to Iraq between 1979 and 1991.

  Mr. Needham
  Records are not kept in a form which would enable me to answer this question. Export controls on certain specific biological agents were not introduced until 31 December 1992.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 24 March,Official Report, columns 428–9, if he will list the firms of consultants employed by his Department and the number of contracts they have undertaken in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Eggar
  The information requested cannot be provided other than at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information technology consultants his Department has employed; for what purpose; and at what total cost for each of the last five years.
  360
  Mr. Eggar
  The Department has employed a wide range of information technology consultants and contractors from many sources over the last five years, for the purposes of assisting the development of IT strategies, and all aspects of their implementation, including support for project management, project support, systems analysis, computer programming, system testing, and IT security. Expenditure on such resources for the last five years, for which information is held centrally, and excludes agencies, is as follows:

  Year

  £K

  1989–90

  2,015

  1990–91

  3,492

  1991–92

  5,072

  1992–93

  6,909

  1993–94

  5,247

  British Coal Superannuation Scheme
  Ms Rachel Squire
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the present arrangement in the British Coal staff superannuation scheme of allowing staff to retire at 50 years of age will continue for present employees; whether the Government will continue to meet the cost from 50 years to 60 years; and on which vote the cost will be borne.

  Mr. Eggar
  The arrangements under which members of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme can qualify for pensions at 50 is a matter for the corporation and the scheme trustees. The related obligation on British Coal to make "additional contributions" in respect of early and enhanced pensions will continue to be honoured and to attract Government financial support. The cost to Government is borne on vote 5 within the Department's expenditure.

  Computer Systems
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what computer systems his Department have brought in, for what function and at what cost for each of the last five years; and in each case whether the computer system is still in use.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Department has made increasing use of computer systems, enhanced existing systems, and introduced many new systems over the last five years to assist most aspects of my Department's work. This includes: financial and management information systems; database systems recording incidents of insolvency, patents, designs, trademarks, DTI sponsorship of United Kingdom companies, export licences, home accidents; econometric and statistical systems recording information on production sector companies, overseas trade, the insurance industry, energy sources and resources; modelling systems for pay forecasting and energy demands; and office automation and communications systems.

  Micro-computer systems have a life expectancy of three years or more, and larger systems five years or more. Very few of the computer systems introduced over the last five years are no longer in use. Central capital expenditure on new and enhanced computer systems for the last five years is as follows:
  361

  Year

  £k

  1989–90

  7,744

  1990–91

  8,496

  1991–92

  6,693

  1992–93

  9,308

  1993–94

  11,858

  These figures exclude expenditure on behalf of agencies, except the Insolvency Service in 1992–93 and 1993–94.

  Immovable Property
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 100, what information he has concerning the date on which the European Commission intends to publish the report on information and protection of transactions concerning immovable property purchased by consumers; and what information he has as to why the Commission has not as yet published that report.

  Mr. Heseltine
  The Commission has no plans to publish the report now or in the future. It commissions many reports, not all of which are published. The Commission has not made public its reasons for not publishing this report.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 100, what response was given by the Office of Fair Trading to the approach made in connection with the report to the European Commission on information and protection of transactions concerning immovable property purchased by consumers.

  Mr. Heseltine
  This is a matter for the Director General of Fair Trading. I have informed the director general of the question and I understand that he will be writing to the hon. Member.

  Matrix Churchill Trial
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which Ministers in his Department were approached to sign public interest immunity certificates in connection with the Matrix Churchill trial and declined to do so.

  Mr. Heseltine
  On 29 September 1992, shortly before the Matrix Churchill trial, further DTI documents were discovered which fell within a class for which PII is usually claimed. In the absence of both myself and my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs and Small Firms, Baroness Denton, was approached to sign a third DTI PII certificate in this case, following the two that I had signed earlier. She felt that the issue should await the Minister for Trade's return to the office the next day. On 30 September the Minister for Trade was approached to sign the certificate but was unable, in the time available to him, to give the matter the due attention that it demanded. The documents were subsequently mentioned to the court by prosecuting counsel and released to the defence in the light of the decision of the court to order the disclosure of other DTI documents.

  Mobile Phones (GPs)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with representatives of the telecommunications industry to establish a subsidised phone rate for calls made to general practitioners' mobile phones when on call; and if he will make a statement on plans for such a rate.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 15 April 1994]: The use of mobile phones by general practitioners when on call can provide a valuable benefit to patients, by improving response times and quality of service. The price of phone services is a matter for the individual telecommunications companies who provide them. I have received no requests to discuss with these companies the subsidisation of their services.

  Pergau Dam
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list all payments by the Export Credits Guarantee Department in relation to the Pergau project, giving the dates on which they were made and the amounts of the payments in each case; and if he will give similar information for the planned schedule of future disbursements.

  Mr. Needham
  Payments made by ECGD in relation to the Pergau project have been entirely related to the cost of providing interest rate support. Up to 20 December 1993 such costs amounted to £29·202 million of which the ODA ATP budget contributed £24·367 million.

  Contributions are received from ODA in June and December in each year and, for ease of comparison, ECGD's costs, whether paid or accrued, have been reported to 20 December in the relevant financial year.

  Future interest support costs will be affected by the rate at which the balance of the loan is drawn down and, to a limited extent, by the future course of interest rates. The table shows the estimated cost by financial year, including the contribution made from ODA ATP funds.

  £ millions

  Amounts paid or to be paid

  Financial year

  By ECGD

  of which contributed by ODA

  Amounts Paid

  1991–92

  2·235

  1·882

  1992–93

  9·294

  7·835

  1993–94

  17·673

  14·650

  Estimated Payments

  1994–95

  27·080

  25·310

  1995–96

  31·284

  26·940

  1996–97

  31·384

  26·950

  1997–98

  30·406

  26·980

  1998–99

  26·729

  22·926

  1999–2000

  23·042

  19·749

  2000–01

  19·411

  16·538

  2001–02

  15·668

  13·396

  2002–03

  9·833

  10·218

  2003–04

  6·871

  7·039

  2004–05

  3·726

  3·880

  2005–06

  0·674

  0·740

  Total

  255·310

  225·033

  Overseas Investment
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 29 March,Official Report, column 650, what was the level of United Kingdom overseas investment in (a) the far east, (b) Europe and (c) north America in 1979 and 1993.

  Mr. Nelson
  I have been asked to reply.
  The available information for the nearest adjacent years for which estimates of overseas district investment have been made is as follows:

  Direct investment assets abroad1 (at book values)

  19782

  £ million 1992

  Far East (Asia, other than Middle East)

  1,773

  11,530

  Western Europe

  6,145

  42,967

  North America

  6,496

  61,130

  Source: Central Statistical Office, Business Monitor MO4 and First Release.

  1 Investment in overseas branches, subsidiaries and associates of United Kingdom enterprises.

  2 Excludes insurance companies.

ENVIRONMENT

  Tidal Movement, Torbay
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the level of tidal movements in Torbay; and if he will now categorise the bay as less sensitive under the urban waste water directive.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Secretary of State asked the National Rivers Authority to make recommendations as to those areas which might be identified as high natural dispersion areas—less sensitive areas under the urban waste water treatment directive—in England and Wales. The authority has made its recommendations on the basis of agreed criteria and, in so doing, it has been for it to make whatever assessments of tidal movements may be relevant.

  The Secretary of State will announce the areas to be identified as high natural dispersion areas shortly.

  Cambridgeshire County Council
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he was notified of the findings of the local government ombudsman in respect of Cambridgeshire county council concerning the case brought by Mr. E. B. C. Osmotherly; and what action he will take to ensure that the recommendations are implemented.

  Mr. Baldry
  Our attention has been drawn to this case on several occasions by the complainant's former and present Members of Parliament. I understand that the county council has declined to act upon the recommendations of the local government ombudsman, who is now in correspondence with the council about the terms of a statement which he will require to be published locally. My right hon. Friend has no powers to ensure that recommendations made by a local government ombudsman should be implemented.

  Ofwat Regional Committees
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the previous water authority or company experience of each of the 1994 appointees to the regional customer services committees of Ofwat.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Water Industry Act 1991 requires the Director General of Water Services, in appointing persons to be members of customer service committees, to have regard to the desirability of the persons appointed being persons who have experience of, and have shown capacity in, some matter relevant to—(i) the function of a water or sewerage undertaker; or (ii) the carrying out of those functions in relation to any area by a company which the director has allocated, or is proposing to allocate, to that committee; and the desirability of—(i) the committee including one or more persons with experience of work among, and the special needs of, disabled persons; and (ii) persons appointed including disabled persons.

  Copies of the Ofwat news releases announcing the new appointments made in 1994, including a short biography of the appointees, are in the Library.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the current membership of each of the regional customer services committees of Ofwat, indicating which of those members were newly appointed in 1994.

  Mr. Atkins
  The chairmen and members of Ofwat's 10 customer service committees—CSCs—are listed in the director general's annual reports, copies of which are in the Library; the next report is expected to be published in June. I have today placed in the Library, a list of CSC members, excluding the chairmen, as at 31 March 1994. In 1994, so far, there has been one new appointment, that of Mr. Subhash Thakrar to Ofwat's Thames CSC. In addition, two new chairmen have been appointed in 1994, Mr. Eric Wilson to the Yorkshire CSC, and Dr. Roger Corbett to the Eastern CSC. Copies of the relevant Ofwat news releases relating to these appointments are also in the Library.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what interim relief of council tax is available to households transferring to higher rated districts due to the implementation of local boundary commission recommendations.

  Mr. Baldry
  We shall be considering, together with the local authority associations, whether we should provide transitional help to protect countil tax payers where a new authority inherits commitments that otherwise could not be met without increasing council taxes.

  Waste (Definition)
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to delay the implementation of waste management licensing of the metal recycling industry pending the agreement of a common European definition of waste; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the European Commission to issue a common European definition of waste.
  365
  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 12 April 1994]: A common European definition of waste has been agreed and is contained in article 1 of directive 91/156/EEC which was adopted by the Council of Ministers on 18 March 1991. I announced on 13 April, Official Report, column 176, that the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 had been laid before Parliament and will come into force on 1 May 1994. Implementation of the waste management licensing provisions of part II of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 will also commence on 1 May 1994. However, the application of these provisions to activities involving scrap metal will not commence until 1 October 1994. This will allow the scrap metal industry further time to consider the implications of the new system and to make any representations. The scrap metal industry will remain subject to the licensing provisions of part I of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 until 1 October 1994.

  The 1994 regulations transpose into national legislation the definition of waste in article 1 of directive 91/156/EEC. The new definition will come into force on 1 May 1994 for the purposes of both part II of the 1990 Act and the extant provisions of part I of the 1974 Act.

  Secure Training Places
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether it will be possible for appeals to be made against planning decisions for the five new secure training centres being created by the Home Office if they are placed on the existing site of a disused Home Office detention centre.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 15 April 1994]: Development by the Crown does not at present require planning permission. But Government Departments follow the procedures contained in part IV of Department of the Environment circular 18/84 which provides for them to consult local planning authorities before proceeding with development, including material changes of use, which would otherwise require planning permission. Where the local planning authority objects to the development proposal or where there is any unresolved disagreement, the developing Department, if it wishes to proceed with the development, will notify the Secretary of State for the Environment, who will determine whether the development should go ahead. In all such cases the local planning authority, the developing Department, and other interested parties are given an opportunity to express their views. As with decisions on all planning applications, there is no third party right of appeal.

  There may be cases where consultation would not be required, for example, because the development proposed does not entail a material change of use. In such cases, Departments have agreed to notify the local planning authority of development proposals which are likely to be of special concern to the authority or to the public. This gives the local planning authority an opportunity to decide whether to advertise it so as to give the public a chance to comment and to discuss with the developing Department ways in which the proposal might be amended to overcome any objections.

TREASURY

  Maastricht Treaty
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when fines will be imposed on the United Kingdom under article 104c of the Maastricht treaty for being excessively in debt; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  The possible imposition of fines on member states for failing consistently to comply with Council recommendations to tackle excessive deficits does not apply until the beginning of stage 3 of economic and monetary union. The protocol to the treaty relating to the United Kingdom makes it clear that this possibility can apply to the United Kingdom only if and when it enters stage 3. Under the European Communities (Amendment) Act 1993, the United Kingdom cannot move to stage 3 without approval by an Act of Parliament.

  Balance of Payments
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the extent to which the new reporting and collection system of the trade returns underestimates the balance of payments deficit; what are the reasons for this; and if he will issue a statement on the necessary provisions to the figures published since the new systems began.

  Mr. Nelson
  I have little to add to the replies I gave to my hon. Friends the Members for Hazel Grove (Sir T. Arnold) on 21 March at column 21, and for Chelmsford (Mr. Burns) on 8 February at column 121.

  The investigations into the Intrastat system are proceeding well. Customs and Excise and the Central Statistical Office aim to publish a full report in the summer at around the same time as data from the 1994 edition of the Pink Book on the United Kingdom balance of payments is released. As announced in its first release on the estimates of the balance of United Kingdom visible trade for January 1994, published on 14 April 1994, the Central Statistical Office aims to include any preliminary adjustments shown to be necessary with the estimates for trade in February 1994 that are scheduled for publication on 12 May 1994.

  Savings (Income)
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the bank rate in April 1988; what annual income was received from savings of £250; and what are the equivalent figures for April 1994.

  Mr. Nelson
  In April 1988, the base rate was 8 per cent. It now stands at 5¼ per cent. The annual income from savings depends on the financial product in which the savings are invested.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Psoriasis
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much is spent by the Medical Research Council on research into the treatment of psoriasis; what was the cost five years ago; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  In the financial year 1992–93, the Medical Research Council's expenditure on research in the
  367
  field of psoriasis was £409,000 and in the financial year 1988–89 total expenditure in this field amounted to £538,000.

  The council also supports a substantial portfolio of research on skin, data from which may be of direct relevance to our understanding of diseases such as psoriasis. In the financial year 1992–93 the council's expenditure on skin research was £4,874,000.

  The council is always willing to consider new applications for research in the area of psoriasis and other skin disorders; such proposals would be peer-reviewed in competition with all other applications for MRC support.

  Press Releases
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will ensure that copies of Government press releases are always made available to hon. Members at the same time as they are placed in the Parliamentary press Gallery.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Most Government news releases which are placed in the press Gallery are transmitted electronically at the time of release to POLIS—the Hose information system —where they may be accessed by any Member.

  Access to Government Information
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the definition to be adopted by Her Majesty's Government of "vexatious" as used in paragraph 9 of the code of practice on access to Government information; what criteria will be used to judge whether or not a request for information is vexatious; and if he will give an explanation for the change in wording of paragraph 15(b) on statutory and other restrictions on information disclosure in regard to Parliament compared to paragraph xv of the draft code.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  "Vexatious" as used in the code of practice bears its natural and ordinary meaning. Whether or not a particular request is "vexatious" is a matter which needs to be established on a case-by-case basis. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration would be able to investigate complaints that Departments had applied this or any other exemption unreasonably. On the final part of his question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 12 April at column 26.

PRIME MINISTER

  Allivane
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister what papers or communications are retained at 10 Downing street in regard to the role of Allivane in providing shells and other military equipment to Iraq and Iran.

  The Prime Minister
  Copies of correspondence received by my office since November 1990, and to which I or my office have replied, have been retained, as is customary. No records exist prior to April 1989.

  Advisers
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask if he will list the name and Department of each special adviser employed in the service of himself, members of the Cabinet,368
  Ministers of State, and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State; if he will give their educational and vocational qualification, salaries and duties; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask The Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 12 April,Official Report,columns 30-31, if he will identify those political advisers who are not employed on civil service grades of pay, the Departments in which they work and the salaries that they receive.

  The Prime Minister
  There are currently 38 special advisers attached to Ministers. Details of their names and Departments are as follows:

  Name

  Department

  K. Adams

  Environment

  A. Allen

  Trade and Industry

  P. Barnes

  Social Security

  C. Blunt

  Defence

  T. Burke

  Environment

  J. Caine

  Northern Ireland Office

  D. Cameron

  Home Office

  Dr. E. Cottrell

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Dr. W. Eltis

  Trade and Industry

  M. Fraser

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  J. Gray

  Environment

  C. Grantham

  Education

  D. Green

  Prime Minister's Office

  Mrs. S. Hogg

  Prime Minister's Office

  Ms S. Hole

  Chief Whip's Office

  A. Kemp

  Trade and Industry

  Mrs. T. Keswick

  Treasury

  Mrs. E. Laing

  Transport

  D. Loehnis

  National Heritage

  G. MacKay

  Scottish Office

  M. MacLay

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  R. Marsh

  Health

  Ms S. McEwen

  House of Lords

  M. McManus

  Employment

  P. Moman

  Privy Council Office

  Dr. J. Nicholson

  Office of Public Service and Science

  L. O'Connor

  Environment

  Sir I. Pearce

  Transport

  Lord Poole

  Prime Minister's Office

  Ms K. Ramsay

  Prime Minister's Office

  P. Rock

  Home Office

  D. Ruffley

  Treasury

  D. Rutley

  Office of public Service and Science

  Lady Strathnaver

  Trade and Industry

  N. True

  Prime Minister's Office

  Miss A. Warburton

  Prime Minister's Office

  H. Williams

  Welsh Office

  A. Young

  Scottish Office

  The duties of special advisers are a matter for the appointing Minister. Details of their qualifications are not held centrally.

  Salaries for special advisers are negotiated individually in relation to their previous earnings, and are confidential. They are, however, normally paid on a special advisers' salary spine of 30 points, ranging from £19,121 to £59,957. Appointments are non-pensionable, and the salary spine reflects this. Of the 38 advisers currently employed, six are paid outside the normal salary spine—three political and three experts. One other, expert adviser, is paid on a civil service scale.

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask The Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 31, if he will specify the salaries paid to political advisers in each Department since 1988, expressed in 1993–94 prices.
  369
  The Prime Minister
  The salaries of individual advisers are confidential. Information available on the number of advisers in each department in each year since 1988 and the number of advisers on each point of the pay

  Table 1

  Department

  Number of Advisers

  1 September 1988

  6 April 1989

  30 July 1990

  16 September 1991

  1 April 1992

  20 October 1993

  1 April 1994

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Cabinet Office (including Prime Ministers Office, Chief Whips Office, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster's Office)

  9

  10

  10

  7

  9

  8

  9

  Ministry of Defence

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Department of Education

  1

  1

  1

  2

  2

  1

  1

  Department of Employment

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Department of the Environment

  2

  2

  3

  7

  6

  2

  4

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Department of Health1

  3

  3

  1

  3

  3

  1

  1

  Home Office

  1

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  House of Lords

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Department of National Heritage

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Northern Ireland Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  Scottish Office

  1

  1

  2

  1

  2

  2

  2

  Department of Social security1

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Department of Trade and Industry

  2

  2

  1

  2

  2

  1

  4

  Department of Transport

  1

  1

  2

  1

  1

  1

  2

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  3

  3

  3

  3

  4

  2

  2

  Department of Energy

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  Privy Council Office

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  The Lord Privy's Seals Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Welsh Office

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1Formerly DHSS

  Table 2

  Number paid this amount

  Scale point

  Current salary £ per annum

  1 September19881

  6 April 19892

  30 July 19903

  16 September 19914

  1 April 19924

  20 October 19934

  1 April 19943

  30 (pp)

  59,957

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  29 (pp)

  57,650

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  28

  55,433

  1

  2

  1

  2

  1

  4

  5

  27

  54,136

  1

  1

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  26

  52,845

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  25

  51,193

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  1

  24

  49,541

  2

  1

  3

  1

  1

  1

  4

  23

  47,284

  —

  1

  3

  2

  4

  1

  1

  22

  45,527

  1

  2

  1

  1

  —

  1

  1

  21

  43,778

  3

  2

  2

  2

  1

  1

  4

  20

  41,947

  1

  1

  2

  2

  1

  —

  —

  19

  40,100

  1

  2

  1

  1

  2

  —

  1

  18

  38,254

  1

  4

  2

  1

  3

  1

  —

  17

  36,415

  1

  l

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  16

  34,222

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  15

  32,827

  3

  2

  —

  3

  2

  1

  1

  14

  31,718

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  13

  30,613

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  12

  29,453

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  11

  28,394

  1

  —

  2

  1

  —

  1

  1

  10

  27,523

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  9

  26,303

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  8

  25,374

  —

  l

  1

  —

  1

  2

  2

  7

  24,548

  —

  —

  2

  2

  2

  —

  —

  6

  23,734

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  —

  5

  22,902

  2

  1

  2

  3

  5

  2

  3

  4

  21,683

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1

  —

  —

  3

  20,941

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  370
  spine in each year since 1988 is in the tables. The salary figures shown against each point in the spine are those current since August 1992.
  371

  Number paid this amount

  Scale point

  Current salary £ per annum

  1 September 19881

  6 April 19892

  30 July 19903

  16 September 19914

  1 April 19924

  20 October 19934

  1 April 19943

  2

  20,308

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  1

  19,121

  1

  —

  1

  1

  3

  —

  —

  1 Three special advisers were not paid on the normal salary spine points.

  2 Two special advisers were not paid on the normal salary spine points and five others were either on secondment or unpaid.

  3 Two special advisers were not paid on the normal salary spine point and five others were either on secondment, unpaid or on a part-time daily rate.

  4 Two special advisers were not paid on the normal salary spine points and four others were either on secondment, unpaid or on a part-time daily rate.

  Belize
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask The Prime Minister what response he has made to representations from the Government of Belize following the decision of the Greek presidency to eject Belize from observer status at the recent EC meeting in Athens with the San José Ten; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  We have protested to the presidency and made clear to others our dissatisfaction at the mishandling of arrangements regarding Belizean attendance at the San José meeting. We shall continue to make clear, both to partners and in the region, that Belize as a stable, responsible democracy deserves inclusion in the San José process.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask The Prime Minister how many parliamentary questions to his Department have not been answered because of disproportionate costs or because the information requested was not held centrally over the last five years; how many could be answered now due to computerisation and/or more effective operational systems; and if he will list each such question along with the name and constituency of the hon. Member who tabled it.

  The Prime Minister
  I have answered more than 2,000 questions, of which under 2 per cent. from a number of different hon. Members have not been answered because of disproportionate costs or because the information requested was not held centrally. As computer and operational systems continue to improve, doutbless there will be increased potential for this percentage to decline.

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask The Prime Minister if he will place in the Library all correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary and Lord Justice Scott further to his letter of 17 March 1993.

  The Prime Minister
  The Cabinet Secretary has not had further correspondence with Lord Justice Scott concerning the issues raised in the former's letter of 17 March 1993.

  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask The Prime Minister whether all papers promised by Ministers or departmental officials to the Scott inquiry, pursuant to oral evidence by Ministers or officials have now been delivered to Lord Justice Scott.

  The Prime Minister
  Following recent hearings certain material remains to be provided to Lord Justice Scott, but will be sent as soon as possible. Further hearings will take place in May and the provision of material to Lord Justice Scott will continue for some time.

  European Union (Qualified Majority Voting)
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask The Prime Minister, pursuant his oral statement of 29 March,Official Report, columns 797-99 if he will state the treaty or other basis on which the Court of Justice of the European Community would be able to rule that, assuming accession to the Community of all applicant states—any decision reached by at least 68 votes —the Commission would be required to take any necessary initiatives stating the date and place when the document giving the basis for such a ruling was agreed.

  The Prime Minister
  The obligation, in the Council decision on qualified majority voting, on the Commission and the presidency to take any initiative necessary to reach a solution adopted by at least 68 votes is justifiable in the European Court of Justice. The text of the Council decision has already been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask The Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 29 March,Official Report, columns 797-98, concerning extension of a proposal blocking minority of 27 votes in an enlarged European Community Council of Ministers, if he will state, precisely, the nature of the qualifications now agreed, where they are available in written form, and published, and by whom they are authenticated.

  The Prime Minister
  The text of the Council decision on qualified majority voting has already been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Labour-controlled Local Authorities
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask The Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe) of 12 April,Official Report, column 17, if he will list the Labour-controlled local authorities he referred to where there is corruption.

  The Prime Minister
  District auditors' reports and the outcome of criminal proceedings have revealed instances of malpractice and corruption in a number of Labour councils.

  Civil Servants
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask The Prime Minister how many permanent secretaries, deputy secretaries and under secretaries left the civil service and subsequently took up appointments in the private sector since 1979; what was the average interval between leaving the service and taking up appointment in the private sector; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 April 1994]: Precise numbers could be obtained only at disproportionate

  373
  cost. However, examination of a substantial sample of applications for approval to take appointments by civil servants in grades 1, 1A, 2 and 3 since 1984 shows an average interval of 3·4 months between leaving the service and proposed date of taking up a first private sector appointment. Not all appointments are necessarily taken up. Applications to take up second and subsequent appointments after leaving are not included in the average.

  Disabled People
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask The Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the need for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation for disabled people.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 April 1994]: On a number of occasions, I have not only made clear my support for the principle of seeking to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities, but also my reservations on the detailed practicalities of the present approach to comprehensive legislation. None the less, I shall of course want to see and consider the results of the deliberations of the Standing Committee on the Civil Rights (Disabled Persons) Bill.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  EC Legislation
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what plans he has to improve the scrutiny of the activities and legislation of the European Community.

  Mr. Newton
  The scrutiny arrangements generally work well and need no fundamental change. They are, however, under constant review, and will continue to be developed as necessary.

  Prime Minister's Question Time
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what plans he has to ensure that Prime Minister's Question Time is used only for scrutiny of the actions of the Government.

  Mr. Newton
  Subject to Madam Speaker's views as to what is or is not in order, it is up to the hon. Members who ask questions to determine what questions they ask.

  New Reichstag Building
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will obtain(a) for his office and (b) for the Library, a copy of the plans for the new Reichstag; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Newton
  I have no plans to do so.

  Sanctions Policy
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will move to set up a Select Committee to consider the effect of sanctions policy against countries such as Iraq, Libya and North Korea.

  Mr. Newton
  I have no plans to do so. The hon. Member may wish to suggest the topic to the relevant Select Committee.

  Parliamentary Estate (Costs)
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission what was the cost in 1993–94 of space in the parliamentary estate other than for the offices of hon. Members, their staff and staff of the House and those used for meetings and debates.

  Mr. Beith
  All but some 1 per cent. of the total area of the parliamentary estate is used for facilities for Members and staff. On a very rough apportionment, the annual cost to this House of the remaining space would be some £220,000, together with any costs of rent and rates for the outbuildings.

  Strangers' Gallery
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the right hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission what financial provision has been made for increasing the seating capacity of the Strangers' Gallery.

  Mr. Beith
  None.

  Accommodation (Commercial Organisations)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee, pursuant to his answer of 28 March,Official Report, column 505, when the last review took place of financial arrangements for commercial organisations with accommodation in the Palace of Westminster.

  Mr. Channon
  A review of the agreement with Thomas Cook was completed by the Administration Committee in March.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Official Duties
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on his duties as Lord President of the Council.

  Mr. Newton
  As Lord President, I am responsible for the work of the Privy Council Office, and for overseeing the functions of the Privy Council itself. In this connection, I present the Council business to Her Majesty.

  I also act for the Queen as Visitor of a number of universities and colleges.

  Appointments
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what public consultations he undertakes before appointments are made by the Privy Council.

  Mr. Newton
  As indicated in my written answer to the hon. Member on 3 March,Official Report, column 868, consultation in respect of Privy Council appointments is conducted with the organisations concerned and with relevant Government Departments.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Departmental Office Space (Ipswich)
  Mr. Cann
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many square feet of office space his Department leases, rents or owns inside the boundary of the borough of Ipswich; and what was the equivalent area in June 1979.

  Mr. Burt
  The full range of information is not available from 1979. However, from the information which is available, it is estimated that during the last 10 years the Department's occupancy covered a total of 32,722 sq. ft. spread over three sites:

  —Eastgate House, Carr street—8,608 sq. ft.

  —Warnford House, Coleman street—21,538 sq. ft.

  —Princess House, Princess street—2,586 sq. ft.

  At present the Department occupies 42,892 sq. ft. in one building within the borough—St. Felix house, Silent street. The property is leasehold and the Department is the sole tenant.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements he has made for a review of the security of civil servants working in the Child Support Agency; if he will sanction extra resources for managers to implement measures which will help to allay staff fears over their safety, with particular reference to stringent procedures for dealing with incoming mail and the provision of escorts for field visits; and what he proposes in respect of the compulsory wearing of name badges and staff identifying themselves over the telephone or in correspondence as required by the citizens charter.

  Mr. Burt
  Measures to ensure the safety of Child Support Agency staff are the responsibility of Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive, who has ensured that comprehensive and professional security is provided for all the staff. There are strict procedures for the safe handling of incoming mail including the use of X-ray machines. Procedures are also in place to minimise the risk to visiting officers which include accompanied visiting where there is concern for personal safety.

  The agency has a policy of giving names and wearing name badges as a matter of course. This is in the interest of providing good customer service to clients. It is recognised, however, that some staff may feel concerned about giving their names and those fears are treated sympathetically.

  These areas are very sensitive and the chief executive and I are keeping them under close review.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will detail all the contracts on which his calculation of £136 million savings in the civil service market-testing programme is based; what was the value of each contract; what was the saving in each case; and what were the main items by which the savings were secured in each major case.

  Mr. Hague
  The £136 million detailed in the question is the value of savings achieved by the Government's market testing programme. As at 31 March 1994 this 376
  Department had awarded 55 contracts with a total value of £62·5 million which have achieved efficiency savings averaging some 32 per cent. Details of individual contract values and savings are commercial in confidence information and cannot be provided.

  Occupational Deafness
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Streatham (Mr. Hill), 30 March,Official Report, column 787, if he will list the occupational activities for which occupational deafness can be prescribed as a disease, in relation to which disablement benefit is payable; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Scott
  Occupational deafness is prescribed for disablement benefit purposes in relation to the following occupational activities:

  1. The use of powered, but not hand powered, grinding tools on cast metal other than weld metal or on billets or blooms in the metal producing industry, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of those tools whilst they are being so used;

  2. The use of pneumatic percussive tools on metal, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of those tools whilst they are being so used;

  3. The use of pneumatic percussive tools for drilling rock in quarries or underground or in mining coal, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of those tools whilst they are being so used;

  4. Work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of plant (excluding power press plant) engaged in the forging (including drop stamping) of metal by means of closed or open dies or drop hammers;

  5. Work in textile manufacturing where the work is undertaken wholly or mainly in rooms or sheds in which there are machines engaged in weaving man-made or natural (including mineral) fibres or in the high speed false twisting of fibres;

  6. The use of, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of, machines engaged in cutting, shaping or cleaning metal nails;

  7. The use of, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of, plasma spray guns engaged in the deposition of metal;

  8. The use of, or work wholly or mainly in the immediate vicinity of, any of the following machines engaged in the working of wood or material composed partly of wood, that is to say; multi cutter moulding machines, planing machines, automatic or semi-automatic lathes, multiple cross-cut machines, automatic shaping machines, double-end tenoning machines, vertical spindle moulding machines (including high speed routing machines), edge banding machines, bandsawing machines with a blade width of not less than 75 millimetres and circular sawing machines in the operation of which the blade is moved towards the material being cut;

  9. The use of chain saws in forestry.

  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend, the Member for Erewash (Mrs. Knight) on 24 February at column 368, which sets out the further occupational activities to be added from October 1994.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Nuclear Non-proliferation
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for
  Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what matters in regard to the control of nuclear proliferation he plans to raise at the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 to 19 April.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Nuclear non-proliferation does not feature on the agenda of this meeting.

  Sweden
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the provisions in the accession document submitted by Sweden to the Council of the European Union on publication by civil servants of Government documents.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Sweden made a declaration in the Final Act attached to the treaty of accession welcoming the development now taking place in the European Union towards greater openness and transparency. The declaration noted that open government is a fundamental part of Sweden's constitutional, political and cultural heritage. The Union made a declaration in response noting the Swedish declaration and adding that the member states of the European Union take it for granted that as a member Sweden will fully comply with Community law in this respect. The United Kingdom fully supports this declaration by the Union.

  Belize
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the treatment of the representative of Belize at the recent conference between the European Union and central American countries.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We have protested to the presidency and made clear to others our dissatisfaction at the mishandling of arrangements regarding Belizean attendance at the San José meeting. We shall continue to make clear both to member states and to countries in the region, that Belize as a stable, responsible democracy deserves inclusion in the San Jose process.

  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement regarding territorial claims by Guatemala over Belize.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Guatemala recognised Belize as a sovereign and independent state in 1991. We will continue to encourage both countries to work for a full settlement of their territorial dispute.

  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of the EC on the territorial integrity of Belize.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The European Community welcomed Guatemalan recognition of Belize in 1991 and its reaffirmation by the new Guatemalan Government in 1993. The European Community also urged Belize and Guatemala to continue to work for a full settlement of their territorial dispute.

  North Korea
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent meetings he or his officials at the United Nations have had with(a) the United States of America, (b) Russian and (c) Chinese ministers or officials in regard to the present situation in North Korea's nuclear programme.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  North Korea's nuclear programme is frequently a subject of discussion between us and the 378
  Governments of those states most directly concerned. The United Nations Security Council last considered the matter of North Korea's compliance with its IAEA safeguards agreement during the final week of March. Following discussions on this issue between all members of the Security Council, the President of the Security Council issued a statement on 31 March calling on North Korea to comply fully with its safeguards agreement.

  Somalia
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what extra resources the OPS unit of UNDP in Somaliland has recently received to help it in its work of disarming and rehabilitating militia in Somaliland.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The national demobilisation committee project proposal, prepared with the assistance of the UNDP/OPS contracted team of Zimbabweans, is due to be presented to donors on 22 April 94. Decisions on funding are expected to be taken in the light of that presentation.

  Inhumane Weapons Convention
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proposals Her Majesty's Government have put forward with a view to introducing monitoring and enforcement mechanisms in the forthcoming updating of the United Nations 1980 inhumane weapons convention.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  None. The United Kingdom is still considering the issues involved in the review conference.

  Tigers
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources are currently being made available by his Department for tiger conservation schemes; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We are most concerned about the plight of the tiger and are working through CITES to encourage consumer countries to stamp out the illegal trade in tiger parts. For this reason, we contributed towards the cost of the CITES high level delegation to the region. We welcome the development of the global tiger forum last month in India and will continue to participate actively in international efforts to save the tiger.

  Macdeonia
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects the European Court of Justice to offer an opinion on the referral submitted by the European Commission concerning the decision of the Government of Greece to impose an embargo against the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  There is as yet no indication when the European Court of Justice might offer a ruling. We have made clear our support for the Commission's decision to refer Greece's action to the European Court of Justice. We hope that this will lead to an early lifting of Greece's measures.

  Immovable Property
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 101, on the report on information and protection of transactions concerning immovable property purchased by consumers, if he will now make it his policy to bring forward proposals to ensure that member Governments of the European Community are entitled (a) to see and (b) to publish for consultation all reports commissioned by the European Commission.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  No. The publication of reports commissioned by the European Commission is a matter for the Commission itself. However, the majority of these reports are likely to be available under the agreement on public access to documents held by the Council and Commission.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 99, on information and protection of transactions concerning immovable property purchased by consumers, if he will make it his policy to bring forward proposals to ensure that in future the European Commission informs the United Kingdom Government of all the reports which it commissions.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  No. The European Commission commissions large numbers of reports annually to assist it in its work. These reports are the property of the Commission, which itself decides whether or not they should be published. However, under the code of conduct on access to Council and Commission documents, we would expect the public to have access to the majority of such reports.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 April,Official Report, column 100, on the report on information and protection of transactions concerning immovable property purchased by consumers, if he will now make it his policy to require the European Commission to make known to the United Kingdom Government the cost of this and of all future such reports which it commissions.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  No. The cost of reports commissioned by the European Commission is a matter for the Commission itself. However the Commission must ensure that all its expenditure is consistent with the treaties and Community legislation, including requirements for sound financial management. It is also subject to examination by the Court of Auditors as to the legality and regularity of transactions.

EDUCATION

  Local Education Authorities
  Mr. Walden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the difference is between devolvement and delegation of local education authorities' moneys.

  Mr. Forth
  In the context of local management of schools, funds are customarily said to be delegated where 380
  they form part of the unhypothecated budget shares allocated to schools by formula, and devolved where they are made available to schools subject to conditions, specified by the local education authority, as to the purposes for which they may or may not be used.

  History
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the future of the core status of the United Nations following the pending review of the history programme of study within the national curriculum.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend is currently considering advice from the School Curriculum and Assessment Authority on slimming down the national curriculum. At this stage I cannot comment on the possible place of the United Nations within a revised history curriculum. The Secretary of State's proposals will be published in May and will be followed by a public consultation exercise.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which grant-maintained schools previously required to provide rooms for election meetings are now able to refuse.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  There has been no change in the statutory requirements governing the provision of rooms at schools for election meetings.

  School Discipline
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children were(a) suspended and (b) expelled from school in (i) Humberside and (ii) England in each year since 1984.

  Mr. Forth
  Figures for each of the last 10 years are not available. Information on permanent exclusions from maintained schools in England was collected by the Department over a two-year period, starting with the summer term 1990, under the national exclusions reporting system—NERS. In England, 2,910 permanent exclusions were reported in year one and 3,833 in year two. It is not possible to provide an area breakdown of the figures because of assurances given as to confidentiality.

  Nursery Education
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is his latest estimate of the number of children under five years of age in(a) nursery schools and (b) nursery classes in primary schools.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  In 1993, 53,000 children aged under five attended maintained nursery schools in England, either full or part time, and a further 287,000 children attended nursery classes in maintained primary schools.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he has taken and what methods he has used in calculating his published figures concerning children under school age attending reception classes, nursery classes in primary schools, nursery schools and registered playgroups to avoid double counting of those
  381
  children who, within the chosen period of any returns of single time census are attending, or have attended, more than one category of provision.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information on pupils in schools is collected each January from schools. A pupil should be on the register of only one school at any one point in time. Information on children attending playgroups is not held centrally. Figures quoted about playgroup attendance are those supplied by the Pre-school Playgroups Association, to which about 80 per cent. of playgroups are affiliated. It is of course possible that a child attends both a play group and some form of schooling in the same year.

  Preparation for Parenthood
  Mr. Sims
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to include preparation for parenthood in the revised national curriculum; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend has no such plans. Section 1 of the Education Reform Act 1988 requires the provision of a curriculum which prepares pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life. In fulfilment of that, schools often include preparation for parenthood within their programmes of personal, social and health education in the wider curriculum.

  School Age
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is Government policy as to the age at which a child must commence school; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Under the Education Acts the statutory duties relating to compulsory education apply from the start of the school term following a pupil's fifth birthday. Local education authorities and schools may make provision for children before that age, but are not obliged to do so.

  Law Students
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans he has to undertake a fundamental review of the availability of public assistance for the payment of the fees of law students taking either the legal practice course or Bar finals.

  Mr. Boswell
  My right hon. Friend has no such plans at present.

  Higher Education Funding
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proposals he has to further broaden the funding base of higher education from industry.

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 12 April 1994]: British universities received some £1·25 billion from private sources in 1991–92—just over a quarter of their total income. Private income, which includes income from industry for a range of services, has grown by some 70 per cent in real terms since 1985. In addition to income, institutions had outstanding borrowings of some £830 million from the private sector in 1992 for capital developments.
  382
  We welcome this broadening of the funding base, which is a key means by which universities can strengthen their independence. We are seeking to increase private finance for higher education in line with the private finance initiative.

EMPLOYMENT

  Campaigns
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, pursuant to his answer of 14 February,Official Report, column 643-44, how many requests were received for entry packs for the 1993 national training awards; how many inquiries were received about career development loans; how many publications relating to "Just the Job" new measures were taken up; and what proportion of the total number produced this represented.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The national training awards office received 9,795 requests for entry packs for the 1993 competition; 36,390 inquiries were received about career development loans during their 1993–94 advertising campaign; 70,000 copies of the "Just the Job" were issued during the 1993–94 press advertisting campaign, representing 4-25 per cent. of the total produced.

  Fishermen
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what help is being given by fishing vessel owners in each port to assist this Department in identifying fishermen employed in the industry for redundancy; what access is being given by them to records on each; and what charges are being made.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Information has been obtained from a number of sources including the fishing vessel owners' records held in various ports. Vessel owners' associations have made their records available for inspection by departmental officials. No charge is being made for this service.

WALES

  Pupil Costs
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the unit cost per pupil for each Welsh local education authority for 1992–93 for(a) nursery primary pupils and (b) secondary pupils.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Provisional data on the net expenditure per pupil in maintained schools in each local education authority area in Wales for 1992–93 are given in the table.

  1Nursery/Primary £ per pupil

  1secondary £ per pupil

  Clwyd

  1,486

  2,243

  Dyfed

  1,807

  2,164

  Gwent

  1,479

  2,226

  Gwynedd

  1,664

  2,423

  Mid Glamorgan

  1,476

  2,300

  Powys

  1,911

  2,088

  South Glamorgan

  1,494

  2,144

  West Glamorgan

  1,794

  2,403

  1 Local education authority and grant-maintained schools. Includes recharged expenditure on school catering and certain central services.

  Non-departmental Bodies
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish a list of all the non-departmental bodies in Wales that can be referred to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration.

  Mr. Redwood
  The following bodies in Wales are within the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration:

  Agricultural Wages Committees

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation

  Countryside Council for Wales

  Development Board for Rural Wales (except housing functions)

  Housing for Wales

  Office of HM Chief Inspector of Schools in Wales

  Sports Council for Wales

  Wales Tourist Board

  Welsh Language Board

  Welsh Office

  The commissioner may investigate actions taken on behalf of a Government Department or other authority within his jurisdiction.

  Braille Ballot Papers
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will introduce legislation to provide Braille ballot papers at polling stations; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  This is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

  Forestry Commission Land Sales
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list all Forestry Commission land sold in Mid Glamorgan since 1 January 1991, giving the hectarage and the price paid per hectare; and what information he has on the current use of that land.

  Mr. Redwood
  The areas of forest land which have been sold by the Forestry Commission in Mid Glamorgan since 1 January 1991 are shown in the table. The price paid per hectare is given where the purchaser has agreed that such information can be made public. The Forestry Commission does not maintain records of the subsequent use of the woodlands it sells; however, woodland cannot normally be converted to another use without planning permission.

  Name of Property

  Area (hectares)

  Price (£)Per hectare

  Aberbargoed tip

  21·00

  22,400

  Blaengarw (old tip)

  67·80

  600

  Coed Cefn Rhychdir

  23·00

  1—

  Cors y Sarnau

  15·70

  1—

  Fochriw to Deri (main sewer improvement)

  0·30

  1,700

  Llanbradach (colliery road)

  0·01

  50,000

  Parc Cefn Machen (part)

  0·10

  1—

  Treherbert (land at)

  4·00

  1—

  Twyn Ifan Madoc

  18·50

  1—

  1 Not public information.

  384
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on the closure of the Design Council in Wales; and what plans he has to ensure that industry in Wales continues to receive a design service.

  Mr. Redwood
  Various views have been expressed on the value of the Design Council in Wales. In recognition of the important role of good design, I am currently considering possible support measures.

  Further Education
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the Development Agency for Further Education as he expects it to affect further education in Wales.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I have no knowledge of a development agency for further education. However, a new body is to be established in place of the further education unit and further education staff college which between them carried out much important work in developing the FE sector in England and Wales.

  I expect the new, as yet unnamed, body to complement the work of the Further Education Funding Council for Wales and provide the advice, support and other services that colleges and interested organisations will need.

  Deeside Industrial Park
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the measures he is taking to improve access to and from the Deeside industrial park, Deeside, Clwyd, with the objective of increasing productivity, ending lorry queues and improving road safety; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The capacity of the Deeside industrial park junction is to be increased as part of proposals to improve the A550 trunk road between the River Dee and Woodbank junction.

  School Buses
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he proposes to give additional moneys to local education authorities in Wales to enable them to fit seat belts in school minibuses; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what consultation he has had with local education authorities in Wales concerning the need to fit seat belts in minibuses used to transport school children.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The Government are anxious to do all that we can to limit minibus and coach accidents and to mitigate their effect. We are currently reviewing the whole technical and cost implications of seat belts in these vehicles, including the "three for two" concession in home-to-school transport.

  Overgrazing
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what involvement the Countryside Council for Wales has had in operating the measures introduced to prevent overgrazing under the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement.
  385
  Mr. Redwood
  The Countryside Council for Wales and other environmental and farming interests were consulted about the introduction of these measures. The operational responsibility rests with my officials assisted by Agricultural Development Advisory Service specialists.

  Lambs
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to introduce weather aid to compensate farmers in parts of Wales affected by exceptional losses of lambs resulting from extreme weather during the 1994 lambing season; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  I sympathise with sheep farmers who have suffered higher than usual losses of lambs this season, but it is not the Government's policy to provide compensation for the day-to-day business risks usually associated with livestock production.

  Arable Farmers
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the effect on arable farmers in Wales of the division of Wales into less-favoured area/non-less-favoured area sectors for the purposes of grant payment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  No producer will receive less this year than last, subject to any changes in the green rate in force on 1 July 1994 and provided that the total area on which payments are made remains constant. Specialist cereal growers, most of whom are in the non-less-favoured area sector, will benefit from higher payments.

  Traffic Congestion
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the measures he has planned to eliminate traffic jams from Sealand, through Garden city, Queensferry, Shotton and Connahs quay to Kelsterton on the A550 and A494; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The communities referred to are along roads which are the responsibility of Clwyd county council, which is planning to build the third Dee crossing. This is expected to alleviate traffic along those routes. My right hon. Friend plans to upgrade the Deeside industrial park junction on the A550 which will complement the county council's proposals.

  Boundary Commission
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the membership of the Local Government Boundary Commission for Wales.

  Mr. Redwood
  I have appointed Professor Eric Sunderland as chairman of the commission from 1 April. Professor Sunderland replaces Lady Crawshay, who has chaired the commission since 1979.

  I have also re-appointed Mr. Richard Hall Williams as deputy chairman and appointed Mr. Lloyd FitzHugh in succession to Mr. Ray Lacey.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Pergau Dam
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the total expected cost to the United Kingdom Exchequer of support for the Pergau dam project;

  (2) what the total cost of the Pergau dam project to the United Kingdom Exchequer has been to date;

  (3) if he will set out the planned schedule of all future disbursements for the Pergau dam project from the Overseas Development Administration, with the planned dates and amounts in each case.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today by my hon. Friend the Minister for Trade at column 360. In addition to the total estimate of interest rate support costs to the Exchequer for the Pergau project of £255·310 million, a further £1·035 million in total is expected to be spent on technical, financial and environmental monitoring of the implementation of the project. The total estimated cost to the Exchequer of the project is therefore £256·345 million.

  The total cost of the project to the Exchequer to date is £29·621 million. This covers actual expenditure between the financial years 1991–92—1993–94 on ECGD and ODA interest rate support costs of £29·202 million and ODA expenditure on technical, financial and environmental monitoring of £0·419 million.

  The current planned schedule for estimated future disbursements from ODA for (A) interest rate support costs contributed by ODA and (B) technical, financial and environmental monitoring costs of the implementation of the project is as set out in the table. The payments under (A) are made in June and December in each financial year; the payments under (B) for monitoring implementation of the project are made as work proceeds, without any pre-planned disbursement dates.

  £ million

  (A)

  (B)

  1994–95

  25·310

  0·240

  1995–96

  26·940

  0·240

  1996–97

  26·950

  0·136

  1997–98

  26·980

  —

  1998–99

  22·926

  —

  1999–2000

  19·749

  —

  2000–01

  16·538

  —

  2001–02

  13·396

  —

  2002–03

  10·218

  —

  2003–04

  7·039

  —

  2004–05

  3·880

  —

  2005–06

  0·740

  —

  Bosnia
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the current calculations about the food needs of Bosnia; and what is the current rate of supply.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  UNHCR currently estimates a requirement of 45,000 metric tons per month of food for Bosnia Herzegovina. Prior to the airlift being temporarily suspended on 11 April the delivery rate—for March—was 82 per cent.
  387
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his current assessment of the need for medical supplies in Bosnia and the adequacy of that supply.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Until a permanent cessation of hostilities is agreed, it will not be possible to provide medical supplies sufficient to meet all the needs throughout Bosnia. The United Nations agencies have appealed for US$1·76 million in emergency aid and health supplies for April which we understand is fully covered by donor pledges.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the cost to be incurred for each exercise in market testing in progress or planned within the Overseas Development Administration; and what is his projection for the saving to be made.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Under the "Competing for Quality" initiative, quality improvements are as important as financial savings. We do not make presumptions about levels of savings in advance of the test.

  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what market tests have been completed; what market tests are in progress; and what market tests are planned for the Overseas Development Administration;

  (2) what was the cost of each exercise in market testing completed to date within the Overseas Development Administration; and how much money was saved as a result of the exercise.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The requested information is recorded in the "Citizen's Charter Second Report 1994" published in March, Cm. 2540.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Independent Television
  Mr. Alison
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his policy on independent television; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  We aim to increase diversity and choice for viewers and to promote competition in the provision of services.

  Media Ownership
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he now expects to issue his conclusions on the review into media ownership and cross-ownership.

  Mr. Brooke
  I would like this review to be completed as rapidly as possible. Officials will make recommendations to Ministers this summer, but the timing of an announcement about the outcome will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of those recommendations and any legislative implications.

  BBC Charter
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans he has to redistribute existing BBC local radio wavebands to the commercial sector.

  Mr. Brooke
  Our policy is to encourage the broadcasters to reduce the broadcasting of the same programmes on AM and FM frequencies. AM frequencies used by the BBC for local radio will be released to the Radio Authority, if they are needed for the development of independent local radio.

  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he next plans to meet the chairman of the BBC governors to discuss the renewal of the BBC charter.

  Mr. Brooke
  I shall be meeting the BBC chairman next month.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will place in the Library a copy of all submissions made on the renewal of the BBC charter.

  Mr. Brooke
  No. We received more than 6,000 responses to the consultation document. I encouraged organisations to publish their responses, and many did so, but some organisations asked for their replies to be kept private. Last July, I placed in the Library a report analysing the replies from the public and a list of the organisations which responded.

  Brass Bands
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assistance his Department can give to coalfield brass bands.

  Mr. Sproat
  I refer the hon. Member to the oral answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Hemsworth (Mr. Enright) earlier today.

  Film Industry
  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many feature films were produced in the United Kingdom in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Brooke
  Industry sources indicate that in 1993, 39 feature films were produced in the United Kingdom and a further 28 films were shot abroad with the participation of United Kingdom production companies. The total of 67 films represents a significant increase over the previous year, during which 47 films were produced with United Kingdom involvement.

  Foreign Visitors
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment he has made as to the factors which attract foreigners to Great Britain.

  Mr. Sproat
  The statutory tourist boards produce regular surveys which show that Britain has a wide range of attractions for foreign visitors. Among the most important of these are a number of areas supported by my Department: the built heritage, museums and galleries, and the arts.

  Art Galleries
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent consultations he has had about the availability of works of art in galleries for public display.

  Mr. Sproat
  In general, the display of works of art to the public in museums and galleries is a matter for individual institutions.

  Tourist Sector Jobs
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his appraisal of the opportunities for job creation in the tourist sector; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sproat
  Employment in the tourism sector has shown steady expansion since the early 1980s and by June 1993 was just under 1·5 million, representing 7 per cent. of all employees in employment in Great Britain. The prospects for future growth in tourism employment opportunities remain good. The British Tourist Authority BTA—forecasts growth in overseas visits and expenditure over the next five years, and this is expected to be accompanied by growth in domestic tourism. The impact of such expenditure is spread widely throughout the economy as it includes spending on accommodation, eating out, shopping, travel within the United Kingdom and on services and entertainment. Many nominally non-tourism businesses derive a substantial part of their trade from tourists. Indeed, BTA estimates that, for every one direct job in the tourist industry, half an indirect job is created elsewhere in the economy.

  Mirror Group Newspapers
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consultations he had with the President of the Board of Trade over the acquisition of Newspaper Publishing by Mirror Group Newspapers.

  Mr. Brooke
  My Department's views on this matter were sought by the Department of Trade and Industry, and given to it in terms approved by me.

  Bronze Age Hill Sites
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is his policy in providing the services of custodians at bronze age hill sites.

  Mr. Brooke
  Sites which are my responsibility are entrusted to the care of English Heritage. Decisions on the deployment of custodians are for that body.

  System-(Hardware)

  Function

  Still in use

  Integrated Purchasing System-(AST)

  Computerised Purchasing

  Yes

  Human Resource Management System-(MDL)

  Integrated Personnel, Superannuation and Payroll System

  Yes

  Two Mainframes-(ICL)

  To Provide a contingency service for Computer Bureau

  Yes

  VALCOM-(ICL)

  Computer System for the Valuation and Lands Office

  Yes

  Network and System Management Project-(DEC)

  To manage the Department of Finance and Personnel's computer system

  Yes

  Museums and Galleries (Attendance)
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage whether he will now publish the actual, as distinct from the forecast, attendance figures for the financial year ended 31 March reported by the national museums and galleries in England for which he is responsible, broken down into the individual institutions but including their outstations, with the definitive, as distinct from the provisional, figures in each case of the percentage increase or decrease on the attendance figures for the financial year 1992–93.

  Mr. Sproat
  I refer to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member on 14 February at column 578.

  European Football Championship
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what discussions he has had with the Football Association with a view to giving Government assistance to that body to provide for a European football championship competition in Great Britain in 1996.

  Mr. Brooke
  My Department is actively assisting the Football Association—FA—in the arrangements for the 1996 European championship through its representation on the FA's central organising committee for the event. I have been involved in promoting the event and I was delighted to attend the qualifying draw for the championship in Manchester on 22 January when I had the opportunity to discuss matters with the chairman of the FA.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Computer Systems
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what computer systems his Department have brought in for what function and at what cost for each of the last five years; and in each case whether the computer system is still in use.

  Sir John Wheeler
  Details of all computer systems brought in by the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments during the last five years could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, network computer systems, in excess of the EC threshold, have been brought in as follows:
  391

  System-(Hardware)

  Function

  Still in use

  Accounting System-(ICL)

  Computerised Accounting for Department of Environment's (DOE) Road Service

  Yes

  Laboratory Information Management System (HMS)-(Siemens Nixdorf)

  To manage laboratory information for DOE—Water Service

  Yes

  Management Accounting and Information System-(ICL)

  Management Accounting and Information System for DOE-Works Service

  Yes

  Animal Health System-(UNISYS)

  To provide up to date and accurate information for use in eradication of Tuberculosis and Brucellosis in cattle

  Yes

  Biometrics VAX 6320-(DEC)

  To Provide statistical and graphical facilities for scientists

  Yes

  Back-up System for VAX 6320-(DEC)

  To allow back-up of user data overnight in unattended mode, allowing the VAX to remain operational during working hours

  Yes

  Plant and Vehicle Fleet Management-(ICL)

  Computerised records for Plant and Vehicle Management

  Yes

  Strategic Communications Network-(Linked LANS and Routers)

  Communication Network for Roads Service

  Yes

  Monitoring of Road Traffic Accidents-(UNIX)

  To monitor Road Traffic Accidents

  Not yet in use

  Capital Works Programme Management System-(DEC)

  To manage the Capital Works Programme

  Yes

  Design and Drafting System-(Sun)

  Computer Aided Design and Drafting System for DOE's Water Service

  Yes

  Design and Drafting System Network

  To manage the Computer Aided Design and Drafting System for DOE Works Service

  Yes

  Grants and Subsidies-(Sequent servers and various peripherals)

  The administration of the EC Capital Grant and Livestock Subsidy Scheme that existed in April 1992 including applications, claims and payments processing

  Yes

  Office Systems — (MIPs and IBM servers with various PCs and peripherals)

  To provide office system (electronic mail, word-processing, spreadsheet etc.) facilities to senior staff in DANI

  Yes

  Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS)-(Sequent servers and various peripherals)

  Administration of exisiting EC Capital Grants and Livestock Subsidy Scheme as amended by CAP reforms introduced in 1992–93. Additional functions to support the Integrated Administration and Control System

  Yes

  Animal Health System Contingency-(UNISYS)

  To provide a suitable coputerised back-up system for the Animal Health System

  Yes

  DFO Systems-(Networked PCs)

  To provide PCs for an integrated management information of Agriculture (DANI) Forest Service

  Yes

  DANI Accounting System-(FM solution)

  To develop a computerised cash accounting system using the Oracle Financials Package

  Yes

  392 393

  System-(Hardware)

  Function

  Still in use

  Income Support-(FM solution)

  The administration of claims for and payments of relevant social security benefits to Northern Ireland claimants

  Yes

  Pensions-(FM solution)

  Yes

  Unemployment Benefit-(FM solution)

  Yes

  Disability Living Allowance-(FM solution)

  Yes

  Family Credit and Disability Working Allowance-(FM solution)

  Yes

  Social Fund-(FM solution)

  Yes

  Incapacity Benefits-(FM solution)

  Yes

  Child Support-(FM solution)

  The administration of the assessment and collection of child maintenance in Northern Ireland and parts of Great Britain

  Yes

  Office Automation (various servers)

  To provide office automation facilities for staff in the Department of Economic Development

  Yes

  Network infrastructure (various servers and routers)

  To provide a network for departmental office system in DED

  Yes

  Electoral Register System1

  To replace existing mainframe based electoral register system and provide improved management information

  Yes

  Payroll/Personnel System1

  Processing of pay and personnel function for prison officers

  Yes

  1 The hardware cannot be named for security reasons.

  Total cost (£)

  1989–90

  12,472,501

  1990–91

  3,069,217

  1991–92

  3,447,691

  1992–93

  9,301,305

  1993–94

  5,153,074

  Electricity Share Offer
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 18 February,Official Report, column 1034, how many applications were received in response to the Northern Ireland Electricity share offer.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  Four hundred and ninety thousand applications were received in the public offer for sale of shares in Northern Ireland Electricity plc. The offer was 3·9 times oversubscribed.

  Social Fund
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he will adopt to ensure that applications in respect of the social fund will be expedited.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Social Security Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Alec Wylie. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Mr. A. Wylie to Mr. Eddie McGrady, dated 18 April 1994:
  394
  I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what steps will be taken to ensure that applications in respect of the Social Fund will be expedited.
  During the 1993/94 year a new Social Fund computer system was introduced to all social security offices throughout Northern Ireland. The introduction of this system will help to ensure that Social Fund applications are processed promptly and accurately and therefore provide an efficient service to customers.
  Work is also continuing to improve the design of Social Fund application forms. It is aimed at helping customers to supply all the information needed to allow informed decisions to be made on applications. This should reduce the number of instances where Social Fund officers have to contact customers for further information and will expedite the process leading to decisions.
  I hope you find this information helpful.

  Roads
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to address rising volumes and traffic delays in terms of major and minor roads infrastructure provision in each roads division in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  The capital works programmes of Department of the Environment Roads Service have been developed to address the ever-increasing demands on the road network. During the 1994–95 financial year it is planned to spend some £29 million on major and minor road works in Northern Ireland. Individual schemes are prioritised within the funds available.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the capital expenditure on minor roads provision in each of the roads divisions from 1 April 1981 to 31 March 1984.
  395
  Mr. Tim Smith
  Expenditure on minor roads schemes —that is, mainly those costing less than £200,000—in each division of DOE Roads Service for the period in question has been as follows:

  Expenditure in £000s

  Financial year

  Ballymena

  Belfast

  Coleraine

  Craigavon

  Downpatrick

  Omagh

  Total

  1981–82

  1,058

  1,731

  1,706

  935

  1,158

  1,823

  8,411

  1982–83

  826

  1,582

  1,009

  878

  635

  625

  5,555

  1983–84

  1,182

  1,827

  1,336

  1,047

  917

  928

  7,237

  1984–85

  1,257

  1,293

  1,232

  1,211

  1,072

  1,182

  7,247

  1985–86

  1,108

  1,045

  1,237

  1,351

  1,367

  1,164

  7,272

  1986–87

  1,090

  1,706

  1,689

  1,358

  1,537

  1,061

  8,441

  1987–88

  1,341

  1,480

  1,271

  1,174

  1,401

  1,382

  8,049

  1988–89

  1,078

  1,399

  1,147

  1,057

  1,307

  1,306

  7,294

  1989–90

  1,372

  1,656

  1,450

  1,422

  1,338

  1,555

  8,793

  1990–91

  1,441

  1,878

  1,449

  1,791

  1,552

  1,653

  9,764

  1991–92

  1,292

  1,510

  1,285

  1,430

  1,282

  1,284

  8,083

  1992–93

  1,273

  2,022

  1,629

  1,636

  1,630

  1,638

  9,828

  1993–941

  2,252

  2,633

  2,662

  2,677

  2,379

  2,598

  15,201

  1 Provisional figure.

  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the capital expenditure on major roads provision in each of the roads divisions from 1 April 1981 to 31 March 1994.

  Expenditure in £000s

  Financial year

  1HQ

  Ballymena

  Belfast

  Coleraine

  Craigavon

  Downpatrick

  Omagh

  Total

  1981–82

  6,683

  1,348

  8,763

  1,835

  1,959

  2,495

  796

  23,879

  1982–83

  8,872

  834

  8,814

  991

  817

  1,084

  953

  22,365

  1983–84

  6,152

  1,118

  4,634

  1,687

  1,845

  1,097

  491

  17,024

  1984–85

  2,836

  783

  3,901

  1,446

  1,426

  535

  1,145

  12,072

  1985–86

  612

  906

  3,154

  757

  1,434

  985

  1,568

  9,416

  1986–87

  418

  1,014

  3,268

  1,505

  1,804

  1,092

  879

  9,980

  1987–88

  690

  1,071

  3,169

  1,821

  1,784

  890

  793

  10,218

  1988–89

  1,755

  3,063

  1,999

  986

  1,844

  1,827

  694

  12,168

  1989–90

  100

  1,895

  6,510

  1,298

  1,233

  2,217

  3,144

  16,397

  1990–91

  35

  1,518

  4,991

  1,091

  1,313

  2,782

  3,379

  15,109

  1991–92

  —

  2,308

  8,430

  1,813

  2,807

  2,982

  1,600

  19,940

  1992–93

  —

  706

  7,759

  1,634

  377

  1,744

  1,646

  13,866

  21993–94

  —

  1,859

  12,713

  1,619

  1,369

  1,026

  320

  18,906

  1 Relates to schemes handled centrally.

  2 Provisional figures.

  Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1988
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what statistical or empirical research his Department is undertaking or has commissioned into the impact of the abolition of the right to silence under the provisions of the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1988; the date on which the work commenced; and when he expects the findings will be(a) completed and (b) made public;

  (2) if he will identify the statistical or empirical research on the impact of the abolition of the right to silence under the provisions of the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1988, published or unpublished; and if he will place a copy of the relevant documents in the Library;

  (3) if he will list any statistical or empirical research on the workings of the relevant provisions of the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1988, published or unpublished; and if he will place a copy of the relevent documents in the Library;

  (4) what evidence he has as to the effect of the abolition of the right to silence in Northern Ireland under the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1988.
  396
  Mr. Tim Smith
  Expenditure on major roads schemes —that is, mainly those costing over £200,000—in each division of Department of the Environment Roads Service for the period in question has been as follows:

  Sir John Wheeler
  In 19990, the Northern Ireland Office carried out a statistical analysis of data gathered on a small sample of supsects interviewed by police. The research is, however, of limited value because of the absence of any pre-1988 data with which to compare it. A summary of the research findings has been made available to members of the Standing Committee on the Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill; and a copy will now be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Further research is being commissioned by the Northern Ireland Office. This research should provide a fuller legal analysis of the operation and effect of articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1988. It is hoped to complete this by March 1995.

  Northern Ireland International Airport
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when consultations took place between the Northern Ireland Office and operators of the Northern Ireland international airport, and the representative organisation of the employees in respect of the future pension arrangements; and whether it was conducted by means of(a) a meeting, (b) correspondence or (c) both.
  397
  Mr. Tim Smith
  In response to concerns expressed about the future pension arrangements for employees at Belfast international airport, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland wrote to the Northern Ireland committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union on 11 August 1993.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he, or a Minister from his Department, will meet the Northern Ireland Airports Police Association to discuss the future policing of the airport following the passing of the recent order relating to the airport's future management.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  My predecessor met representatives of the Belfast Airport Police Association on 7 September 1993. At that meeting and in subsequent correspondence, he discussed in detail the arrangements for the future policing of Belfast international airport. If the association has any queries additional to those already discussed, I will be happy to provide an explanation.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the implications of privatisation for the powers of constables in the Northern Ireland airports police.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  On privatisation of Belfast international airport there will be no change to the existing powers of airport constables.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has studied the circumstances surrounding the need for Parliament to pass the British Transport Police (Jurisdiction) Act 1994 following the management and commercial reorganisation of British Rail, with a view to ascertaining if there will be a need for any comparable legislation in relation to the Northern Ireland Airports Police following the management and commercial reorganisation at the Belfast international airport.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  The proposed privatisation of Belfast international airport will not involve any changes to the jurisdiction of the airport constabulary. The Transport Police (Jurisdiction) Act 1994 has no implications for the statutory provision for airport policing in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the existing pension conditions arrangements for employees at Northern Ireland international airport will be maintained following the coming into force of the order that set up a separate company to operate the airport in anticipation of its privatization.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  When the assets of Northern Ireland Airports Limited are transferred to the successor company, the pension rights of airport employees will be preserved by way of a deed.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if pension arrangements for employees of the Northern Ireland international airport will be protected following privatisation.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  It would be inappropriate and contrary to established policy to give assurance concerning the continued assumption after the sale of the successor company of pension fund obligations by any new owner
  of Belfast international airport.

  Criminal Injury Compensation
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received from the Royal Ulster Constabulary Police Federation about proposals to alter arrangements for criminal injury compensation; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland wrote to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State on 17 November 1992 about this matter. A reply was issued on 18 December 1992.

  Unlogged Fish Catches
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to stop the landing of unlogged fish around the coast; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The activities of the fishing industry are monitored both at sea and on shore by the fisheries inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland. Information or reports suggesting the occurrence of unlogged landings are immediately investigated, and prosecutions taken as appropriate. Such landings undermine the efforts being made to conserve stocks and jeopardise livelihoods of fishermen and those dependent on the industry.

HEALTH

  Health Information
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total annual budget, including staffing costs, of(a) the health information service and (b) the health literature line.

  Mr. Sackville
  For available information on the costs of the health information service I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 8 March at columns 166-67.

  The cost of the health literature line for 1993–94 was £263,365.

  Policy
  Mr. Brandreth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are her plans for the work of the Department in 1994–95 and beyond.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  I have agreed a statement of the aims, goals and priorities for my Department for 1994–95 and subsequent years.

  The statement covers the whole range of the Department's work relating to health and social services, European Community and other international issues, and internal management.

  The statement includes our specific priorities for the national health service executive, which are taken forward in more detail in the NHS executive's business plan for 1994–95 approved by the NHS policy board.

  Copies of both statements have been placed in the Library.

  London Ambulance Service
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the revenue and capital expenditure of the London ambulance service on mobile communication equipment and command and control systems in each financial year since 1991–92; and what plans exist for 1994–95.

  Mr. Sackville
  Figures provided by the London ambulance service are:

  Year

  Capital (note1)

  Revenue (note2)

  £000

  £000

  1991–92

  982

  667

  1992–93

  569

  653

  31993–94

  90

  652

  1 Capital expenditure on computer aided despatch system (including mobile communications equipment).

  2 Revenue expenditure on maintenance of new and existing radio and communications equipment.

  The plans for 1994–95 include upgrading the radio system; issuing hand portable radios and other computer and communications projects relating to ambulance control.

  3 Provisional.

  NHS Reforms (London)
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many copies of "NHS Changes in London: Answers to the Questions You've Been Asking", have been printed; how many have been distributed; what was the total cost; and from which budget the cost has been drawn.

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of copies printed was 3·5 million. A total of 3·28 million copies have been distributed to households within in the M25 area, and the rest have been made available to national health service trusts, health authorities, general practitioners, purchasers, family health services authorities, main libraries and citizens advice bureaux within the distribution area. The estimated total cost is £150,000, paid for from the Department's information division publicity budget.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 21 March,Official Report, column 68, (1) in which reviews pernicious anaemia has been considered for inclusion on the list of medical conditions which confer prescription charge exemption; and what were the reasons for not including it on that list;

  (2) when the list of medical conditions which confer prescription charge exemption has been reviewed; and what representations and discussions take place in the course of such a review.

  Mr. Sackville
  We regularly receive representations about extending the list of medical conditions which confer exemption from prescription charges to include other illnesses, including pernicious anaemia. The arrangements for exemption on medical grounds were last reviewed as part of the fundamental review of health expenditure in 1993. No options for change within what can be afforded were identified. Charge remission available under the national health service low income scheme and prescription prepayment certificates ensure that no one 400
  who is not exempt from prescription charges need be deterred from obtaining necessary medication for financial reasons.

  Accident and Emergency Provision
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what accident and emergency provision will be made for residents and workers in the capital at the minor injuries units when they have sustained major injuries and conditions.

  Mr. Sackville
  Where a major injury or condition has been sustained and an ambulance is called, the casualty would be conveyed to a full accident and emergency department. Should an attender at a minor injuries unit be assessed as having sustained injuries or a condition requiring attention beyond the scope of the service, they would be transferred without delay by ambulance to an accident and emergency department.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what accident and emergency provision will be made for residents and night shift workers in the capital after the minor injuries units have closed for the weekend.

  Mr. Sackville
  Some minor injuries units will remain open at weekends. Precise hours of opening are, and will be, arranged to reflect known previous attendance pattens at nearby accident and emergency departments. They will be kept under review. Accident and emergency departments will remain open on a seven-days-a-week basis for those with more severe injuries or conditions.

  Breast Prostheses
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what specific arrangements are made for a woman who has suffered a double mastectomy to receive prostheses on the NHS;

  (2) which breast prostheses are available on national health service prescription;

  (3) for which breast prostheses her Department will pay for a woman, on income support, who has suffered a double mastectomy.

  Mr. Sackville
  The arrangements for the supply of breast prostheses to women who have suffered a double mastectomy are no different from those which apply to women who have had a single mastectomy. Breast prostheses are available through the hospital service. They are not available on a general practitioner's prescription. Where they are prescribed by a hospital consultant they are supplied and fitted free of charge to the patient, regardless of income. Individual consultants are able to prescribe whatever types of prostheses best meet the needs of their patients, taking into account other priorities and the availability of resources. If a woman has a personal preference for a more expensive type of prosthesis than that supplied by the hospital, she is free to make her own arrangements and meet the whole cost.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations she has had with Mastectomy Advice Self-Help concerning the availability of prostheses.

  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by what amount the budget of the United Teaching Hospitals Trust has been increased for 1994–95 to reflect an acquired responsibility for the management of Wharfedale hospital;

  (2) by what amount the budget of St. James's University Hospital NHS Trust has been increased for 1994–95 to reflect its acquired responsibility for the management of Seacroft hospital.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health gave him on 9 March at columns 304-05.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many staff working at Wharfedale hospital joined the payroll of United Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust on 1 April;

  (2) how many staff working at Seacroft hospital joined the payroll of St. James's University Hospital NHS Trust on 1 April.

  Mr. Sackville
  None. Staff at Seacroft and Wharfedale hospitals are employed by Leeds health authority.

  Health Survey
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of Stale for Health what instructions she gave when commissioning the 1992 health survey for England from the social surveys division of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys; on the inclusion or exclusion of income and class in its analysis.

  Mr. Sackville
  In the report of the 1992 "Health Survey for England," copies of which are available in the Library, social class as well as other socio-economic indicators such as economic activity or employment status, housing tenure, marital status, ethnic group and household type is discussed in the text where significant findings have emerged. Data on income are not collected in the health survey. The information collected has to be limited because of the need to keep interviews to a reasonable length, concentrating on the main purpose for which the survey was set up.

  A full data set for the 1992 survey for general access will be lodged with the Economic and Social Research Centre archive in due course.

  Hip Replacement
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) hip replacement operations and (b) revision hip replacement operations have taken place in the last five years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is shown in the table.

  Finished consultant episodes, NHS hospitals, England

  Hip replacement operations1

  1989–90

  21990–91

  Total

  50,790

  50,725

  Revisions

  3,562

  3,459

  1 Total Prosthetic Replacement of Hip Joint and Prosthetic Replacement of Head of Femur.

  2 Provisional.

  Complaints
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 17 January,Official Report, column 392, if she will now publish a table of written complaints by patients about (a) hospital and (b) community health services in each region in 1992–93.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is due to be published soon in a booklet entitled "Written complaints by or on behalf of patients, England—financial year 1992–93" copies of which will be placed in the Library.

  Hospitals, London
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people there are to each doctor-nurse team in the capital; and how this will alter after the closure of accident and emergency facilities in London hospitals.

  Mr. Sackville
  In inner London in 1992, there were 480 people per hospital and general practice doctor, and 97 people per hospital and general practice nurse.

  No accident and emergency facilities will close until alternative services are available. Therefore we would not expect any significant overall change in the ratio of medical and nursing staff per head of population as a result of changes in the pattern of casualty services.

  NHS Reorganisation, London
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the effects of reorganisation of the NHS in London on mid-Essex health services.

  Mr. Sackville
  The changes we are making in London's health services will enable health authorities to contract for more cost-effective services. The specialty reviews provided advice to health authorities on the disposition of specialist services following changes in London. Health authorities in Essex are currently taking the specialty reviews into account, before forming purchasing plans for contracts with hospitals in mid-Essex.

  Abortion
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospitals and private units offer a medical abortion service with mifepristone; and what are the addresses of those that do offer this treatment.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information about national health service hospitals performing medical termination of pregnancy using Mifegyne—mifepristone—is only available from the abortion notification forms submitted to the chief medical officer under regulation 4 of the Abortion Regulations 1991. This information is subject to the restrictions set out in regulation 5 and cannot therefore be published.

  A list of places in the private sector that have been approved under section 1(3) of the Abortion Act 1967, as amended, to provide medical termination of pregnancy will be placed in the Library.

  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received in respect of the recent survey of abortion patients at the Pregnancy Advisory Service clinic carried out by the Pro-choice Alliance.
  403
  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she will take to reduce waiting times and improve access to national health service abortion services.

  Mr. Sackville
  Arrangements for purchasing abortion services under the national health service are the responsibility of individual district health authorities in the light of their assessment of local needs and priorities.

  Managers (Relocation Costs)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid by(a) regional health authorities, (b) district health authorities, and (c) trusts for the relocation costs of newly employed managers; and what is the average amount paid to each manager, for each year since 1989.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she is taking to ensure that health authorities and trusts do not exceed their powers in the payment of relocation expenses for newly appointed managers.

  Mr. Sackville
  Relocation expenses for all staff, including managers, who work for health authorities and those working for national health service trusts on national terms and conditions of service are governed by section 26 of the General Whitley Council handbook, copies of which are available in the Library. The agreement, which took effect last year, allows employers to reimburse any reasonable costs incurred by an employee on relocating to a new area and does not lay down specific limits.

  Under the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, trusts have the freedom to make their own terms and conditions of service. Trusts, however, have every incentive to keep costs to a minimum in this area thereby increasing the amount of resources available for patient care.

  Rampton Hospital
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's policy in respect of Rampton hospital, Nottinghamshire, becoming a trust hospital in the near future; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  No decision has been taken to extend trust status to Rampton hospital or the other special hospitals.

  After-school and Holiday Places
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will provide the latest estimates of(a) the number of after-school places for children aged over five years in Great Britain and (b) the number of holiday places for children aged over five years in Great Britain.

  Mr. Bowls
  Information collected centrally in England relates to out-of-school clubs and holiday schemes for those aged five to seven years provided by, registered with or known to local authorities. Latest available estimates for England are 11,900 places in the former and 47,500 in the latter at 31 March 1992.

  Information about the number of out-of-school places and holiday places in Scotland and Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Wales respectively.

  Nurse/Patient Ratio
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 25 February,Official Report, column 514, if she will provide comparable information on the qualified nurse/patient ratio on a regional basis.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 29 March 1994]: The information will be placed in the Library.

SCOTLAND

  Computers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what computer systems his Department has brought in for what function and at what cost for each of the last five years; and in each case, whether the computer system is still in use.

  Mr. Lang
  Because of the wide range of the Scottish Office's activities, this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Skill Shortages
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he collects about specific skill shortages in the economy; if he will list them; and what action he is taking to counteract such shortages.

  Mr. Stewart
  My right hon. Friend does not collect information about skill shortages in the economy. It is an objective of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to improve the performance of new and existing businesses by increasing their commitment to plan and invest in training and development to meet business needs. Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are also responsible for funding and co-ordinating the provision of training for young people and unemployed adults through local enterprise companies to meet the needs of the local labour markets.

  IACS
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a short supplementary booklet explaining integrated administration and control systems; and if he will send such a booklet out with the official form.

  Sir Hector Monro
  An explanatory booklet on IACS has been produced and sent to Scottish producers with the blank IACS forms for 1994.

  Strathkelvin District Council
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what condiderations underlay the reduction in the general services capital allocation for Strathkelvin district between 1994–95 and 1996–97; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  Local authority capital financial plans are considered afresh each year in light of the outcome of the Government's public expenditure survey generally. Capital allocations are determined having regard to the aggregate public expenditure resources available, the relative needs of individual authorities as expressed in their
  405
  financial plans, the ability of authorities to finance capital expenditure at their own hand, and past and projected spending levels and patterns.

  In the case of Strathkelvin district council, it benefited from a general decision that no authority should take a reduction in its allocation for 1994–95 on its general services programme. The provisional allocations for 1995–96 and 1996–97 were, however, set at a level which reflects both the fact that aggregate resources being provisionally allocated from this programme are reduced and our view of the council's need for capital allocations to undertake capital expenditure given the level of resources available to it overall.

  By their very nature the provisional allocations will fall to be reviewed. This will happen later in the year in response to the council's 1994 capital financial plan.

  Consultancy Contracts
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount spent by his Department in the last five years for which figures are available on consultancy contracts; if he will list each consultancy firm, the subject of assignment and, if appropriate, the executive agency for whom the consultancy was carried out; which executive agencies and quangos responsible to or appointed by him are excluded from the information provided; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 21 February at columns 51-52 and to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 16 March at columns 659–60.

  Members' Interests
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what register his Department maintains of meetings between hon. Members and Ministers where the hon. Member concerned has a declared financial interest in the company or organisation which he is lobbying for, discussing or representing at any such meeting; if such register of meetings is available for public inspection; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  No register of this nature is maintained by my Department.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information is available on the names, addresses, salaries, honoraria or allowances, occupations, former occupations and known political affiliations of people appointed by him to outside bodies and quangos; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  Most of this information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information on political affiliation is neither sought nor recorded. The levels of any salary or fee paid to a member of a nationalised industry, non-departmental public body or NHS body sponsored by my Department is listed in the Cabinet Office publication "Public Bodies 1993", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list each appointment for which he is 406
  responsible which falls for renewal between 30 April and 31 December, giving the name of the quango, executive agency or outside body, the title of the appointment, the name of the current postholder, the salary, honoraria or allowance, and the date of renewal.

  Mr. Lang
  This information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

TRANSPORT

  Rail Privatisation
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what was the cost of reorganising the British Railways Board for rail privatisation; and if this includes the cost of new liveries for British Rail staff and trains;

  (2) what was the cost of setting up Railtrack plc; and whether this includes the cost of new signs and logos.

  Mr. Freeman
  Reorganisation costs incurred by British Rail, including costs of setting up Railtrack, total £66 million up to 31 March 1994. The allocation of spending within British Rail and Railtrack is a matter for the businesses concerned. The Government are confident that these initial costs will be more than offset by the benefits resulting from privatisation.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) whether the minimum service specification for each of the six shadow rail franchises will require the shadow franchisee to run as a minimum as many trains on each existing route as in the current British Rail timetable;

  (2) whether the performance standards specified in the shadow franchise agreements for each of the six shadow rail franchises will be at least as demanding as those operated hitherto by British Rail.

  Mr. Freeman
  Paragraph 18 of the objectives, instructions and guidance issued to the Director of Passenger Rail Franchising on 22 March by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State requires that for the initial letting of franchises, the specification of minimum service levels for railway passenger services is to be based on that being provided by British Rail immediately prior to franchising, taking into account the existence of, and justification for, seasonal variations in service schedules.

  Paragraph 21 of the objectives, instructions and guidance states that when the Franchising Director specifies the quality of service to be provided by a franchisee, the performance standards he sets should have the effect of maintaining or improving standards.

  Highways Agency
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the cost of setting up the new Highways Agency.

  Mr. Key
  Approximately £173,000, including the cost of the project team; the costs of producing the framework document, business plan and explanatory brochure about the work of the agency, and the cost of functions to mark the launch of the agency.

  Road Safety
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether there are regular meetings between the Government Departments of Transport, Education, Health
  407
  and the Home Office specifically to review and co-ordinate activities to enhance road safety; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  There are frequent meetings between the Department of Transport and other Government Departments with an interest in road safety issues, including those mentioned in the question. Moreover, all the Departments mentioned are represented on the "Health of the Nation" accident prevention task force. I am satisfied that the current arrangements allow for adequate co-ordination within Government of activities to enhance road safety.

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will inquire into the sale of marks market testing process at the DVLA; and to what extent the process was carried out in accordance with the Government's guidelines.

  Mr. Key
  I am satisfied that the process of letting the most recent contract for the sale of registration numbers work fully complied with civil service tendering procedures.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations Capita made to him regarding the way the original market test for the sale of marks functions at the DVLA was carried out; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  Concerns were expressed by Capita and others following the original tendering process in 1992 for the sale of vehicle registration numbers telesales contract. These centred on the basis upon which the in-house team was allowed to put forward proposals. The tendering exercise has been re-run using criteria based on the maximisation of revenue and the development of a cohesive marketing strategy. Tenderers were judged on their ability to maximise revenue from the sale of numbers, expertise in telesales and innovation and experience within the marketing field, as well as cost.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the sale of marks market test contract at the DVLA was awarded on the basis of the applicability of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981.

  Mr. Key
  No. It is the Department's view that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 do not apply in this case.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Teledata contract bid for the sale of marks function at the DVLA;

  (2) what were the reasons for not awarding the original contract for the sale of marks to the in-house team; what was the difference in money terms between the lowest bid and the successful bid; and by whom the lowest bid was submitted.

  Mr. Key
  Following a competitive tender exercise in 1992 in which the contract to operate the agency's telesales facility was offered to the market, it became apparent that the process adopted did not fully reflect tendering 408
  procedures as set out in "Competing for Quality", Cm 1730. The tender competition was accordingly re-run. Details of individual bids are commercial in confidence.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list contracts awarded by his Department to Teledata Ltd. since 1987;

  (2) whether Teledata Ltd. bid for the original sale of marks contract at the DVLA prior to the re-run of the recent market test.

  Mr. Key
  Teledata Ltd. won the contract to operate a telephone information service and a sale of vehicle registration numbers telesales facility in December 1989. The company did not tender in the exercise held in 1992. Under changed ownership it won the contract in the latest sale of registration numbers market test. No other contract has been let to this company by my Department.

  Safety Levy
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consider introducing a £1 levy on all car insurance premiums to be directed to transport safety and transport education measures.

  Mr. Key
  We have no plans to introduce such a levy.

  Cars
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many cars he estimates were on the roads in 1992–93.

  Mr. Key
  The numbers of cars licensed in Great Britain at the end of 1992 and 1993 respectively is as follows:

  Great Britain cars

  Year

  (1,000s)

  1992

  20,681

  1993

  120,988

  1 Provisional.

  Beer
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when he last met the executive of the Brewers Society to discuss drink and driving;

  (2) when he will next meet the Brewers Society to discuss the sale of beers with high alcohol content and their impact on driving ability.

  Mr. Key
  I met the director of the Brewers Society on 28 June 1993. I have no arrangements at present to meet the society again, but would be happy to do so if it wished.

  Bicester Hunt (Trespass)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether British Rail is to take any action to prosecute a trespass on railway lines by the Bicester hunt on 13 January.

  Mr. Freeman
  We are not aware of the incident referred to by the hon. Member. If he will write to the Department with details we shall see that the matter is investigated further.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total income to the Treasury from the vehicle tax disc in 1992–93.

  Mr. Key
  Net vehicle excise duty, excluding refunds, for the 1992–93 financial year was £3,225 million.

  Dangerous Substances
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the action the owners of tankers carrying dangerous substances must take in the event of an emergency to ensure that dealing with any spillage, or fire can be carried out with the utmost protection to personnel who have to attend to such an emergency.

  Mr. Key
  Under the Road Traffic (Carriage of Dangerous Substances in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1992 the operator of a road tanker or of a vehicle with a tank container carrying a dangerous substance must ensure that its driver has received adequate information in writing about the identity of the substance, the quantity to be carried, the nature of the hazards created by the substance and the action to be taken in an emergency. The driver must keep that written information in the vehicle cab, so that it is readily available if needed by the emergency services.

  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will press, through the European Fire Service Organisation, for the retention of some form of emergency action code, including hazchem, to be used throughout the EEC; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  It is for the fire service inspectorate to press the case for an international emergency action code in the International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinguishing of Fires (CITE). I understand it will continue to do so.

  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will take steps to ensure that all road tankers carrying dangerous substances will continue to carry the necessary hazard warnings which identify the substance carried; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make it his policy that the United Kingdom system of tanker marking, as distinct from the continental system, will be used at all times when dangerous substances are being carried on roads in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  A draft EEC directive on the carriage of dangerous goods by road currently contains a provision which will allow British road tankers carrying dangerous substances in the United Kingdom to continue to display the existing United Kingdom hazard warning labels. Vehicles registered in other countries will however be allowed on our roads, as they always have been hitherto, if they display the hazard warning plates required by the European agreement concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. The United Kingdom has so far been unable to persuade a majority of the countries party to the agreement to amend it so as to adopt the United Kingdom system.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Consultants
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information technology consultants her Department has employed in each of the last five years; for what purpose; and at what total cost.

  Mr. Jack
  There follows a list giving details of information technology consultants employed by the Department in the three years 1991–94 and the tasks on which they were engaged. The associated costs are as follows:

  £ million

  1991–92

  4·0

  1992–93

  5·2

  1993–94

  8·3

  Information for the earlier two years could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food List of information technology consultants employed in the period 1991–94

  Consultant

  Task

  ACT Logsys

  Support to market testing programme for IT services

  ACT Business Systems

  Software support for IT users

  Admiral

  Development of computer systems for CAP reform schemes

  Admiral

  Development of Work Recording project for Veterinary Field and Investigation Service

  AIMS Systems

  Technical advice on Structured Design Methodolgy

  Aimtech Europe

  Development of IT system for licence identifications and management

  Ampersand

  Development of computer systems for CAP Reform schemes

  Ampersand

  Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate Project

  Ampersand

  Development of computer systems for Food Science Group

  AMP Systems

  Minister's Dairy System

  AMTEC

  Advice on quality management

  AMTEC

  Support to market testing programme for IT Services

  Applied Information Systems

  Advice on corporate data management

  ASK Group

  Development of computer systems for CAP Reform schemes

  ASK Group

  Development of Farm Survey System

  Aslib Consultancy

  Text Retrieval Study

  Asterisk Systems

  Development of computer systems for Food Science Group

  Asterisk Systems

  Development of computer systems for CAP reform schemes

  BIS

  Technical advice on Structured Design Methodology at the Central Veterinary Laboratory

  Brandt Computers

  Development of Resource Management Strategy

  Bristol University

  Development of computer system for National Food Survey

  Brook Systems

  Project Management of Sample Management System

  Keith Butterfield Associates

  Review of Staff Performance Appraisal system

  Cambridge Ergonomics

  Assistance with development of IT sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  CAPITA

  Support to market testing programme of IT Services

  411

  Consultant

  Task

  CCTA

  Development of IT Strategy for National Institute of Agricultural Botany and National Meat Hygiene Service

  CCTA

  IT Security Reviews

  CCTA

  Assistance with development of IT Sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  CCTA

  Support for Business Analysis in Flood Defence Division

  CCTA

  Support to IT procurements

  Chris Cole Association

  Advice on strategy for structured cabling

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Support to market testing programme for IT services

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Development of computer systems for CAP Reform schemes

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Support for development of small IT Systems

  Corporate Computers

  Advice on computer systems for National Food Survey

  CSS Trident

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  CSS Trident

  Advice to Guildford Computer Bureau

  Digital Equipment Corporation

  Advice on configuration management

  D. M. Shaw Associates

  Advice on management of change

  D. M. Shaw Associates

  Development of standards for post implementation review of computer Projects

  D. M. Shaw Associates

  Advice on quality management standards

  DPP International

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Duhig Berry

  Advice on project management techniques

  Electronic Facilities Design

  Audit of Sample Management System project

  Electronic Facilities Design

  Development of IT training strategy

  Electronic Facilities Design

  Study of office working practices including time recording

  Ernst & Young

  Development of Resource Management Strategy

  Ernst & Young

  Support to market testing programme for IT services

  Exclusive Software

  Conversion of programs to Ingres

  Exclusive Software

  Development of IT sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  Exeter University

  Development of computer systems for ADAS

  F I Group

  Quality assurance of development of computer system for National Food Survey

  F I Group

  Data conversion for Agricultural Census

  F I Group

  Facilities management of Agricultural Census computer system

  F I Group

  Development of computer system for Overseas Trade Data

  Forvus Ltd

  Development of National Food Survey system

  Foxware

  Database pilot exercise

  Gateway System

  Advice on data communications cabling

  R T Grundy Associates

  Issue and evaluation of Tenders for Consultancy

  Harwell Computers

  Advice on IT system for licence identifications and management

  Hayes- Davies

  Advice on quality management, customer satisfaction surveys

  Haynes Associates

  Re-location of HQ to York project

  Hoskyns

  Development of computer system for Farm Woodlands scheme

  Hoskyns

  Assistance with Ingres database conversion project

  Hoskyns

  Advice on project management tools

  Hunterskill

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  412

  Consultant

  Task

  Independent Training

  Assistance with development of

  Solution

  sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  Inference Ltd

  Implementation of computer system for re-location expenses

  Infologistix

  Development of integrated library system

  Ingres

  Development of computer systems for CAP Reform schemes

  insight Consultancy

  IT security reviews

  ISM Consultants

  Assistance with data communications strategy

  Intersect

  Development of IT maintenance strategy

  International Software

  Assistance with development of IT sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  John Guest Ltd

  Advice on data management in the Fisheries Group

  Kermon Associates

  Technical assurance on implementation of office systems

  Kermon Associates

  IT security reviews

  LBMS

  Development of computer system for CAP Reform schemes

  LBMS

  Business analysis/feasibility studies/ system design

  LBMS

  Advice on standards

  Logica

  Development of computer systems for Food Science Group

  Logica

  Development of knowledge-based system in the Animal Health Group

  Mansell Associates

  Support for MAFF IT users

  Megaware Consultants

  Development of computer systems for Food Science Group

  MSB International

  Support for MAFF IT users

  Metron

  Advice to Guildford Computer Bureau

  Midsummer Computing

  Advice on geographical information systems

  MMT Ltd

  Development of computer system for Licensed Veterinary Inspections, Horticultural Inspection Recording

  MMT Ltd

  Advice on relational database management systems

  MMT Ltd

  Project management for National Food Survey system

  MMT Ltd

  Assistance with computer systems for Emergencies and Food Protection

  Mouncey and Parteners

  Development of computer systems for emergencies planning, meant plant monitoring

  Mouncey and Partners

  Development of IT sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  Mouncey and Partners

  Assistance with market testing programme of IT Services

  Mouncey and Partners

  Technical assurance on accommodation planning IT project

  Mouncey and Partners

  Assistance with computer systems for Emergencies and Food Protection

  Mouncey and partners

  Assistance with Horticulture Price Reporting project

  Mouncey and Partners

  Publicity Branch Feasibility study

  Mouncey and Partners

  Feasibility study on milk quotas system

  Mouncey and Partners

  Development of Grants & Subsidies Management System

  MSB International

  Technical Support for Guildford Computer Bureau

  MSG Business Systems

  Assistance with development of IT sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  Neville Clark

  Assistance with development of IT sub-strategy for Fisheries Group

  OFICE

  Assistance with building cabling project

  Opal Ltd

  Conversion of office systems

  Oracle

  Development and implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Oracle

  Support for IT systems at National Institute for Agricultural Botany

  PA Consulting

  IT sub-strategy studies

  413

  Consultant

  Task

  PA Consulting

  Advice on project costing and management for ADAS

  PA Consulting

  Audit of computer systems for CAP Reform schemes

  PA Consulting

  Development of Animal Tracking Project for the Animal Health Group

  PA Consulting

  Advice on IT implications for Regional reorganisation

  PA Consulting

  ADAS Accounting Project

  PA Consulting

  Emergencies Sample Handling Study

  PA Consulting

  Development of Food Related Database Shells Project

  PA Consulting

  Development of IT Strategy for National Meat Hygiene Service

  PACTUM Ltd

  Ingres program development for the Horticulture Inspection Recording System

  Perspective

  Advice on quality audit

  Premier Computing

  Implementation of Office Systems

  Price Waterhouse

  Development of Resource Management Strategy

  Price Waterhouse

  Development of IT strategy for Central Science Laboratories

  Prime Computer Systems

  Advice on capacity planning

  Projects Group

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Quana Learning Systems

  Development of IT training guides

  Quana Learning Systems

  Development of computer system for CAP Reform schemes

  Reading University

  Advice on relation of statistical software

  Reed Personnel

  End user support

  Ricardo Ltd

  Advice on end user support documentation

  SAC Ltd

  Advice on end user support methods

  Sapphire Ltd

  Support for IT systems in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  SEMA Group

  Development of Farm Survey System

  SEMA Group

  Development of IT strategy for National Meat Hygiene Service

  Sequent Computer Systems

  Capacity planning

  Sequent Computer Systems

  Implementation of Resource Management System

  Sequelogic

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Sherwoods Ltd

  Development of computer system for CAP Reform schemes

  Sherwoods Ltd

  Development of a computer system for TB in Cattle

  Shreeveport Ltd

  Development of IT strategy for National Meat Hygiene Strategy

  Siemens Nixdorf

  Assistance with data communications strategy

  Siemens Nixdorf

  Development of computer system for CAP Reform schemes

  Siemens Nixdorf

  Implementation of office systems (Project MAIDEN)

  Software Innovations

  Advice to Guildford Computer Bureau

  Software Support

  Support for Case Management System in Legal Branch

  South-West Health Authority

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Softbridge Support Service

  Development of computer system for Import Licence Identification and Management

  Span Group

  Advice to Guildford Computer Bureau

  Span Group

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Surrey Training and

  Advice on Investors In People project

  Enterprise Council

  Touche Ross

  IT security reviews

  Touche Ross

  Project management for the development of IT accounting system in National Institute for Agricultural Botany

  Touche Ross

  Development of IT strategy for personnel management

  414

  Consultant

  Task

  Touche Ross

  Development of an IT strategy for National Meat Hygiene Service

  TMS Computer Authors

  Software support for MAFF users

  Triad Ltd

  Development of a computer system for TB in Cattle

  Triad Ltd

  Development of a computer system for CAP Reform schemes

  Triad Ltd

  Development of computer system for Import Licence Identification and Management

  Triad Ltd

  Development of an IT Strategy for National Meat Hygiene Service

  Triad Ltd

  Development of a computer system for administration of pesticides approval applications

  Triad Ltd

  Implementation of Resource Management Strategy

  Zergo Ltd

  Security review of data communications network

  City Farms
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was her Department's expenditure on city farms in(a) 1991, (b) 1992 and (c) at the latest available date.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  None. Government funding is provided primarily by the Home Office.

  Computer Systems
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what computer systems her Department have brought in, for what function and at what cost for each of the last five years; and in each case whether the computer system is still in use.

  Mr. Jack
  Expenditure on computer capital projects over the last five years is as follows:

  £ million

  1989–90

  7·6

  1990–91

  9·9

  1991–92

  9·2

  1992–93

  16·9

  1993–94

  15·6

  The Department employs computer facilities for a wide variety of functions in support of its many business needs and I cannot provide full details without disproportionate cost. However, the most significant computer projects, in terms of cost and value to the Department have been the systems to support the implementation of common agricultural policy reform measures, a resource management strategy, the introduction of office systems to head quarters offices and the provison of central bureau facilities in support of a range of applications across the Department.

  City Farms
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many city farms there were in(a) 1991, (b) 1992 and (c) at the latest available date.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  In 1991 and 1992, there were 63 city farms. A further six farms are expected to be established soon.

  Animal Transportation
  Mr. Armstrong
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on her Department's actions with respect to the arrival of cull milking ewes at Poole, Dorset, on 22 March.

  Mr. Soames
  This consignment of ewes originating in Spain was intercepted by the Ministry at Poole on 22 March and accompanied to a lairage at Southampton where the sheep were unloaded and detained for resting, feeding and watering and for veterinary examination. At unloading, the veterinary officer found one sheep dead and euthanased three more found recumbent. Another ewe was found to have lambed. The consignment was held overnight pending veterinary examination on the following day, by which time a second sheep had lambed. The veterinary examination carried out on 23 March disclosed a further 26 sheep unfit to continue their journey and these, together with the ewes which had lambed and the new-born lambs, were humanely destroyed. The remaining sheep, passed fit for transport, were consigned to their final destination in Birmingham.

  Ministry veterinary officers have made statements to the local authority, which will be considering prosecution for possible contraventions of the Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1992.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place in the European Union on limiting the journey time for transport of animals for slaughter.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Worsley (Mr. Lewis) on 24 March 1994 at col.370.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information she has on the numbers of animals which will be imported for slaughter during the next 12 months.

  Mr. Soames
  Such information is not available.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has to reinstate veterinary checks of animals at ports of arrival within the United Kingdom until all member states reach a common high standard.

  Mr. Soames
  EC rules prohibit the re-introduction of regular, systematic veterinary checks at internal borders, including at ports of entry, on animals traded between member states. In Great Britain, the State Veterinary Service (SVS) continues to conduct random and suspicion-based health and welfare checks on such animals at ports of arrival and regularly undertakes blanket surveillance, for 24-hour periods, at all south and east coast ports, covering both imports and exports of animals. In addition, the SVS continues to conduct a significant level of veterinary checks at premises of destination on animals imported from other member states.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she last met the Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers to discuss the export of live animals for slaughter.

  Mr. Soames
  My right hon. Friend the Minister has met the Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers on a number of 416
  occasions but she has not discussed the export of live animals with the federation. Ministry officials also meet representatives of the federation regularly and discussions about the welfare of exported animals took place on 28 February 1994.

  Animal Welfare at Markets
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how she is monitoring the enforcement of the Welfare of Animals in Markets Order 1990; and what information she has on prosecutions brought under this legislation by each relevant local authority.

  Mr. Soames
  Veterinary officers and other Ministry staff visit markets regularly in the course of their duties which include providing advice and assistance to local authorities with responsibility for enforcement of the Welfare of Animals at Markets Order 1990.

  Details of prosecutions are included in the "Return of Expenditure Incurred and Proceedings Taken under the Animal Health Act 1981, and Incidence of Disease in Imported Animals for the year 1993" which was laid before Parliament last month. The return shows that 28 prosecutions were taken for offences under the order in question.

  Environmental Protection
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals in regard to environmental protection she put to the European Fisheries Council on 12 April; and if she will make a statement on matters discussed and decisions taken at the Council meeting.

  Mr. Jack
  I reported the outcome of the 12 April Fisheries Council in my reply of 13 April to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Hertsmere (Mr. Clappison) on 13 April at col.183-84. In a discussion on drift netting in the Council I stressed both the need to take environmental and ecological implications fully into account and my determination to oppose reintroduction of any derogation for drift nets longer than 2·5 km.

  Gambia
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what arrangements exist between the Government of Gambia and the European Union relating to access to the continental shelf and the coastal waters of the Gambia for fishing vessels from European Union member states.

  Mr. Jack
  A new protocol to the EU-Gambia fishing agreement, setting out the technical and financial terms governing fishing by European Union vessels in all Gambian waters for the period of 1 July 1993 to 30 June 1996, was adopted by the Council on 10 March 1994.

  The protocol provides for licensing of 23 tuna freezer seiners and seven pole and line tuna vessels. Additionally, there are opportunities for fresh fish trawlers up to a capacity of 410 gross registered tonnes, freezer trawlers fishing for shrimps up to a capacity of 2000 gross registered tonnes and other freezer trawlers up to a capacity of 750 gross registered tonnes.

  Warble Fly
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will initiate research into health risks associated with dressings used for warble fly; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Any potential human health risks from the use of veterinary medicines are fully assessed with applications for product licences are considered against the scientific criteria of safety, quality and efficacy laid down in EC and United Kingdom legislation. Provided that the label instructions are properly followed, the use of licensed warble fly treatments should pose no risk to human health.

  Sheep Dips
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects to make available to farmers application forms for certificates of competence for the use of organo-phosphorous sheep dips; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Sheep farmers were sent a letter and application form last month inviting them to enrol with an agent of the National Proficiency Tests Council, for taking a test for a certificate of competence in the safe use of sheep dips. NPTC agents are sending certificates of enrolment, which are now necessary to support any purchases of organo-phosphorous sheep dips, to those who apply. During the coming months, NPTC agents will be arranging tests for the certificate of competence itself. The latter certificate is not necessary to support purchases of organo-phosphorus sheep dip until 1 April 1995.

  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will initiate research into the possibility of a connection between the use of organo-phosphorous sheep dips and depressive illness; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Whether or not such research will be initiated will depend on recommendations from the medical panel, which was set up last month as a sub-committee of the Veterinary Products Committee to look into claims of long-term health effects, and to advise on research.

  State Veterinary Service
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if she will make a statement on the future of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food veterinary service;

  (2) what plans she has to privatise the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Veterinary Service; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  My right hon. Friend expects to consult interested parties on possible changes to the State Veterinary Service within the next few weeks.

  Overgrazing
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action is taken to restore the land concerned where overgrazing is found to occur in connection with the amended hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme.
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  Mr. Jack
  The provisions of the current hill livestock compensatory allowances scheme are aimed at preventing further environmental damage rather than restoration of the vegetation.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment her Ministry has made of the measures introduced to prevent overgrazing in connection with the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  It is too early to assess the impact of the measures aimed at preventing overgrazing introduced under the current hill livestock compensatory allowances scheme.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what involvement English Nature has had in operating the measures introduced to prevent overgrazing under the hill livestock compensatory allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  English Nature and other environmental and farming interests were consulted about the introduction of these measures.

  Fish Quotas
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which quotas have been transferred from the Northern Ireland Fish Producers Organisation to the Fife Fish Producers Organisation since Christmas 1993; and under which qualifying rules transfers have been made.

  Mr. Jack
  None. The allocations of fish quotas to producer organisations for a particular year are based on the track records of vessels over 10m in overall length in their membership at 1 January, in accordance with the rules for the management of fish quotas drawn up in consultation with the industry each year. The rules for vessels joining or leaving a particular producer organisation are a matter for the group concerned.

DEFENCE

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many warheads constitute a strategic strike compared with a sub-strategic strike.

  Mr. Hanley
  I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, on 23 March,Official Report, column 290.

  Mines
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what tests Her Majesty's Government have carried out on the safety and reliability of self-destructing and self-neutralising mines; if he will publish the results; and what plans there are for further tests;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the failure rate of self-neutralising and self-destructing mines.

  Mr. Aitken
  No self-destructing or self-neutralising mines are in service with the armed forces and no specific
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  tests have been carried out by my Department into the safety and reliability of such mines. Consequently no data are available regarding failure rates. We do have plans to introduce mines with these capabilities and acceptable levels of safety and reliability will have to be demonstrated as part of the procurement process. Any such weapon would, of course, fully comply with the international laws of armed conflict.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received that symptoms of Gulf war syndrome have affected the spouses and children of those who served in the Gulf war.

  Mr. Hanley
  My Department has received representations relating to seven cases where it is alleged that there may be some linkage between service in the Gulf and subsequent medical problems among spouses or children of service personnel.

  Boarding School Allowance
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the amount of money earmarked on the service children boarding school allowance scheme in Wales in each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Hanley
  Information on the location of schools attended by the children of service parents claiming boarding school allowance is not compiled annually. The most recent available information is for 1992, when the average boarding school allowance paid per service child was £7,117. From this it is estimated that some £2,850,000 was paid to claimants whose children attended schools in Wales. Information for previous years is not available.

  Fraud
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what how many(a) Ministry of Defence civilian personnel, and (b) service personnel have (i) been charged and (ii) been found guilty of fraud in the last 12 months.

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

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money has been lost to his Department through fraud in the financial years(a) 1990–91,(b) 1991–92 and (c) 1992–93; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Fife, North-East (Mr. Campbell) on 11 January,Official Report, column 172. My
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  Department expects the highest standards of personal honesty and integrity from its employees, and is taking steps to increase awareness and to counter the incidence of fraud in the workplace.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) who are the members currently appointed to the nuclear powered warships safety committee;

  (2) who are the members currently appointed to the nuclear weapons safety committee;

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 28 January 1994]: Membership of the nuclear weapons safety committee and nuclear powered warships safety committee is made up of serving officers of the armed forces, senior civil servants and a number of independent specialists drawn from industry and the academic world. For security reasons it is not our practice to reveal names of individual members serving on these committees.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who are the members currently appointed to the board of the National Army museum.

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 28 January 1994]: The information requested is as follows:

  Field Marshal Sir Peter Inge

  General Sir George Cooper

  Mrs. Sara Jones

  Rt. Revd. Michael Mann

  Richard Marriott

  Hon. David McAlpine

  The Duke of Westminster

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who are the members currently appointed to the Royal Military college of science advisory council.

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 28 January 1994]: The information requested is as follows:

  The Lord Gregson AMCT CBIM DL (Chairman)

  Professor Sir Roger Elliott DSc MA DPhil FRS

  Professor Sir John Cadogan CBE FRS

  Professor J. H. Westcott DSc FRS FEng

  Dr. A. A. Wells OBE FRS FEng.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who are the members currently appointed to the Royal College of Defence Studies advisory board.

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 28 January 1994]: The information requested is as follows:

  Lord Bridges GCMG

  Professor Sir John Cadogan CBE FRS

  Professor Lawrence Freedman

  Sir John Graham Bt GCMG

  Sir James Hamilton KCB MBE

  Sir Richard Lloyd Bt

  RAILWAY PENSIONS
  RAILWAY PENSIONS
  MIGRATORY BIRDS: PROPOSED CHANGE TO DIRECTIVE
  MIGRATORY BIRDS: PROPOSED CHANGE TO DIRECTIVE
  SIXTEEN AND SEVENTEEN YEAR-OLDS: SEVERE HARDSHIP PAYMENTS
  SIXTEEN AND SEVENTEEN YEAR-OLDS: SEVERE HARDSHIP PAYMENTS
  EASTER HOLIDAY
  EASTER HOLIDAY
  HEAVY LORRY BANS: PROSECUTION
  HEAVY LORRY BANS: PROSECUTION
  YEMEN
  YEMEN
  DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS: UNPAID PARKING FINES
  DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS: UNPAID PARKING FINES
  DIPLOMATS: SERIOUS OFFENCES
  DIPLOMATS: SERIOUS OFFENCES