Written Answers of 20 December 1994

WALES

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December,Official Report, columns 814–15, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Mr. Redwood
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretaryon 19 December 1994,Official Report, column 937.

  Clwyd Education Authority
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make additional moneys available to enable Clwyd education authority to meet its special needs duties; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what measures he proposes to take to enable head teachers to reduce large class sizes; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will visit Clwyd education authority and discuss with it the difficulties they face in delivering its statutory responsibilities;

  (4) what percentage increase in cash he has proposed for Clwyd education authority for recruitment of more teaching staff;

  (5) by what percentage he plans to increase Clwyd education authority's budget to enable it to spend more cash on its books and its equipment budget; and if he will make a statement.

  (6) if he will convene a conference of local education authorities in Wales to discuss funding difficulties; and if he will make a statement;

  (7) if he will fund Clwyd education authority to enable its head teachers to provide additional cover for absent staff; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Richards
  Clwyd county council's provisional standard spending assessment for 1995–96 is £266.642 million, an increase of 1.7 per cent. including resources for community care. It is for the authority to decide on spending priorities between and within services in the light of its statutory responsibilities and its perception of local needs and priorities. Discussions with local authorities on funding issues are undertaken through the forum of the Welsh Consultative Council on Local Government Finance.

  Executive Search Agencies
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what use his Department has made of executive search 998
  agencies in filling vacancies within his Department and executive agencies administered by his Department during the last year; and how much these services have cost. his Department.

  Mr. Redwood
  None.

  Local Education Authorities
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the local education authority chairmen in Wales he has met formally.

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend has not yet had any formal meetings with individual local education authority chairmen.

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Mr. Redwood
  I regularly travel to Wales by train; each journey takes longer than one hour.

  Primary Schools
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to improve the resourcing of primary schools; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend recently announced his plans for Welsh local government revenue spending in 1995–96. He proposed that total standard spending should be set at £2.767 million. It represents an increase of £72 million, 2.7 per cent on the comparable level of funding for 1994–95.

  It is for individual local authorities to determine how their available resources are allocated between services including education, taking account of their statutory responsibilities and their perception of local needs and priorities.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to visit Meirionnydd Nant Conwy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  I visited the hon. Member's constituency recently in September this year, and have no other immediate plans to visit Meirionnydd Nant Conwy again in the near future.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many schools in Wales have opted to become grant maintained in 1992, 1993 and to date in 1994; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Richards
  Parental ballots at seven schools in Wales in 1992 and six in 1993 were in favour of applying for grant-maintained status. No schools have balloted in favour of grant-maintained status in 1994.

  NHS Managers
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State .for Wales what was the total number of, and expenditure on,
  999
  managers within the NHS in (a) 1979–80 and (b) 1993–94.

  Mr. Richards
  At 30 September 1993 there were 1,159 general and senior managers—whole-time equivalents—employed by the NHS in Wales. The salary and wage cost of employing these staff during the financial year 1993–94 was £30.7 million—provisional. The grades of general and senior managers were introduced gradually from 1985 onwards so comparable figures for 1979–80 are not available.

  The figures include staff employed and expenditure by district health authorities, the Welsh Health Common Services Authority, family health services authorities, NHS trusts and the Health Promotion Authority for Wales.

  Long-term Care
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the projected cost to the NHS of providing long-term care for the chronically sick and terminally ill in(a) 1995–96 and 1996–97.

  Mr. Richards
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost to the NHS of providing long-term care for the chronically sick and terminally ill for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Richards
  This information is not held centrally. However, the Welsh Office has made a series of allocations to support the voluntary hospice as follows:

  Year

  £

  1991–92

  1,000,000

  1992–93

  1,900,000

  1993–94

  2,304,000

  1994–95

  12,477,000

  1including £100,000 agreed but not yet allocated.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how performance-related pay will be calculated for national health service employees.

  Mr. Richards
  Local pay provides the opportunity to reward the contributions which individual members or groups of staff make to the provision of high-quality, cost-effective patient services. The precise nature of pay schemes will be a local matter.

  Home Helps and District Nurses
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many home helps and(b) district nurses per 1,000 people over the age of 65 there are; and what are the equivalent figures for other European countries.

  Mr. Richards
  At 30 September 1993 there were 8.6 whole-time equivalent home helps—including home care organisers and family aides—per 1,000 people aged 65 and over in Wales. Reliable estimates of the numbers of nursing staff employed in specific occupational groups, such as district nursing, and information on equivalent figures for other European countries for these two groups of staff are not available centrally.

  Brynglas Tunnels Bypass
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what financial penalties have been paid by the contractor on the Brynglas tunnels bypass scheme; and what new date has been agreed for its completion.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The contract completion date for the M4 Brynglas tunnels and A4042 Malpas road relief scheme has been extended from 4 December 1994 to 5 February 1995. I am advised that the contractor will not achieve actual completion until summer 1995. Liquidated damages are not yet applicable.

  Young People
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the opportunities available for young people aged 16 and 17 years old who are classified as(a) International Labour Organisation unemployed and (b) economically inactive.

  Mr. Redwood
  The Government guarantee a place on the youth training programme to all 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in education or employment. There is a wide range of opportunities available in employment, education, training and voluntary work.

  National Curriculum Tests
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his latest estimate of the cost of his plans to oversee national curriculum tests in schools and provide for their external marking.

  Mr. Richards
  The precise requirements for 1995–96 have still to be determined by the Curriculum and Assessment Authority for Wales. The latest estimate to meet the assessment needs in Wales to cover test development and distribution, guidance to teachers and external marking is in the order of £4.5 million to £5 million.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimates he has made of the savings which will accrue in each of the next three years arising out of the creation of unitary authorities; and if he will itemise the specific areas where he expects these savings to accrue.

  Mr. Redwood
  Paragraph 6.8 of "Local Government in Wales: A Charter for the Future", Cm 2155, made it clear that financial savings were possible as a result of the reorganisation but that the exact level would depend on decisions taken by the new authorities after their election.

  I do not expect any savings in 1995–96. I informed the House on 14 December, Official Report, columns 925–40, of the funding for transitional costs which I propose to make available, and offered to provide further money for compensation costs to facilitate changes where authorities decide that they want to make major administrative savings at the point of reorganisation.

  I have not made any estimates in respect of 1996–97 or 1997–98 and is too early to do so. I would expect savings to result from such things as the reduction in the number of councillors and in the number of chief executives, treasurers and other posts in central administrative departments.
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  Local government and the public will also benefit from non-financial improvement which result from the reorganisation, such as improved co-ordination of services and greater accountability.

  Schools
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money he plans to make available for his new initiative for popular schools; when he expects this initiative to get under way; and when the first pupils will take up places in schools taking part in the programme.

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend has made £20 million available over the next four financial years for the popular schools initiative. Bids will be invited for consideration under the initiative early in the new year and I would hope to be in a position to make the first announcement of schools to benefit by summer 1995.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to launch a major new initiative like that announced for popular schools to raise standards in schools which are identified by the office of Her Majesty's chief inspector or the local education authority as having particular problems to overcome in providing a high standard of education for their pupils.

  Mr. Richards
  The whole thrust of the Government's education policies and reforms is to raise standards. The Education Act 1993 contained specific provisions to deal with schools identified by inspectors as failing to provide acceptable standards of education. It is our policy to raise the standards of education in all Welsh schools.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what specific programmes and publications he has funded in each of the last three years to promote the dissemination of information about making schools successful.

  Mr. Richards
  The Welsh Office has over that period issued advice and guidance in a variety of forms about aspects of school performance and management which contribute to making schools successful, as has the office of Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools in Wales.

  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by local education authority the(a) secondary schools, (b) primary schools and (c) special schools that will be eligible for his new initiative for popular schools, and what estimate he has made of the capacity of these schools' sites to accommodate the extra facilities that he is proposing.

  Mr. Richards
  All maintained schools which are oversubscribed will be eligible under the popular schools initiative. It is for local education authorities and/or the school to decide whether to bid for funds and whether the school site is able to accommodate the additional facilities.

  Home Ownership
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has(a) to publish material to promote low-cost home ownership schemes and (b) to include in this material information about the Government's proposals to change the rules regarding the payment of housing benefit to people who lose their jobs.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In the new year I intend to publish information about home ownership opportunities to 1002
  support the work of local authorities and housing associations that are seeking to respond to the continuing demand for home ownership.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his oral statement of 14 December,Official Report, column 926, whether the further £6.6 million for disabled people will be allocated exclusively to schemes brought forward by local authorities; and whether he will be issuing new guidelines governing the type of scheme which will be eligible for consideration.

  Mr. Richards
  Of the total of £6.6 million announced by my right hon. Friend, £1.85 million will be allocated to help with housing, including for disabled facilities grants. We are presently considering how the remaining £4.75 million will be allocated but intend that schemes from the local authorities and the voluntary sector will be eligible for support.

  Teachers' Unions
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the teachers' unions he has met formally.

  Mr. Richards
  My right hon. Friend has met the National Association of Head Teachers. Since my appointment I have met the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers. I hope to have the opportunity to meet other teachers' associations in the near future.

  Young People
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish tables showing for spring 1994 and for the latest date which figures are available the total number of 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales together with the number and percentage who are(a) employed, (b) self-employed, (c) full-time students, (d) undertaking Government employment and training programmes, (e) classified as International Labour Organisation unemployed and (f) economically inactive.

  Mr. Redwood
  The available information is given in the table. All those included in the ILO unemployed category are eligible to take up a training place if they wish to do so. The summer figure represents a peak with school leavers appearing.

  Economic activity of 16 and 17-year-olds in Wales

  Spring 1994

  Summer 1994

  Total

  63,000 (100%)

  68,000 (100%)

  Employed234

  22,000 (35%)

  28,000 (42%)

  Full-time student

  48,000 (76%)

  47,000 (70%)

  ILO unemployed

  1—

  11,000 (17%)

  Economically inactive

  37,000 (59%)

  28,000 (42%)

  Source:

  The labour force survey.

  Notes:

  1 Indicates less than 10,000 in a cell. Estimates of less than 10.000 are subject to unacceptably high sampling error and are not published.

  2 The number of 16 and 17-year-olds in employment is based on the internationally recognised measure of employment and therefore includes self-employed and those on government employment or training programmes. Separate estimates of these are not given since the estimates are less than 10,000.

  1003
  3The 1991 census of population recorded only 242 16 and 17-year-olds as self-employed.

  4TEC management information for September 1994 recorded approximately 5,500 16 and 17-year-olds as being on youth training or youth credits.

  Indicative Delegated Budgets
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date indicative delegated budgets were circulated to the heads of groups in his Department.

  Mr. Redwood
  The answer is 2 December 1994.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the running costs of his Department in real and cash terms for each year since the 1977–78 financial year.

  Mr. Redwood
  The available information is as follows:

  Welsh Office running costs

  1993–94

  Cash terms £ million

  prices £ million

  1977–78

  9.1

  29.1

  1978–80

  14.4

  41.3

  1979–80

  17.8

  43.6

  1980–81

  22.6

  46.9

  1981–82

  24.7

  46.7

  1982–83

  25.4

  44.8

  1983–84

  31.5

  53.2

  1984–85

  32.9

  52.8

  1985–86

  32.8

  49.9

  1986–87

  37.9

  56.0

  1987–88

  39.2

  55.1

  1988–89

  40.5

  53.3

  1989–90

  45.7

  56.2

  1990–91

  51.4

  58.5

  1991–92

  58.1

  62.2

  1992–93

  70.4

  72.5

  1993–94

  71.5

  71.5

  1994–95

  73.0

  71.5

  Footnote:
  The figures relate to gross Welsh Office administrative expenditure, not including capital expenditure. Figures are not available on a consistent basis over this period. The most significant change is the introduction of superannuation changes in 1993–94. Including superannuation, running costs in cash terms were £76.5 million in 1993–94 and £78 million in 1994–95. There are other discontinuities, for example reflecting the development of inter-departmental charging arrangements. The Welsh Office has also assumed certain additional responsibilities over this period. Following the transfer of responsibility for training in Wales, the TEC management fee has been included in the figures since 1992–93.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many train journeys 1004
  of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Nineteen.

  Small Claims
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what resources are available to provide plaintiffs with legal advice in small personal injury claims.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Plaintiffs who meet the financial criteria would be eligible for legal advice under the green form scheme. Payments under this scheme for advice on accidents and injuries totalled almost £8.4 million in the financial year 1993–94.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the statutes which govern(a) consumer cases worth less than £1,000 and (b) personal injury cases worth less than £1,000.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  There are no statutes specific to small claims in either category. The County Courts Act 1984 provides the power to prescribe the cases to be referred to arbitration and the procedures to be followed on any such reference. Other general legislation applies both to small claims and to larger claims.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment his Department has made of the safeguards necessary to ensure that plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury cases worth less than £1,000 are equal contestants.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  In its judgment in Afzal-v.-Ford Motor Co. Ltd. the Court of Appeal gave its view that the potential for inequality of representation is present in all cases where the means of the parties are unequal. However, county court rules governing the small claims procedure allow for a party to be represented by someone other than a lawyer, and provide for the arbitrator to adopt a method of procedure which will give both parties an equal opportunity for their case to be presented.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many personal injury cases worth less than £1,000 have been decided in the small claims procedure since the small claims limit was raised to £1,000.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested is not available for the stated period and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, available statistics indicate that approximately 300 personal injury cases are currently concluded by arbitration each month.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in what proportion of small personal injury claims(a) defendants and (b) plaintiffs are represented by solicitors or barristers.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested is not collected and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much has been recovered by the Legal Aid Board in each of the
  1005
  last three years in 1994 prices; and what percentage this represents of the civil legal aid budget.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Payments made to the legal aid fund in respect of civil cases for each of the last three years, at 1994–95 prices, were as follows:

  1991–92 £ thousands

  1992–93 £ thousands

  1993–94 £ thousands

  Contributions

  21,093

  22,010

  23,892

  Costs

  104,573

  137,832

  183,133

  Damages

  73,677

  73,645

  80,916

  Miscellaneous receipts

  686

  1,483

  1,839

  Total receipts

  200,030

  234,970

  289,780

  Total civil legal aid receipts represented 35.7 per cent. of gross civil legal aid expenditure in 1991–92. The equivalent figures for 1992–93 and 1993–94 were 32.5 per cent and 34.3 per cent. respectively.

  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of the total legal aid budget was(a) awarded to claimants and (b) spent on administration and establishment in each of the last two years.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The legal aid fund is provided solely for the purpose of providing help and assistance. Net expenditure on legal aid in 1993–94 and 1992–93 was £1.21 billion and £1.093 billion respectively. The cost of administering legal aid is met by separate provision. For the Legal Aid Board, which administers 80 per cent. of the legal aid budget, the cost of administration in 1993–94 and 1992–93 amounted to £47 million and £43.9 million respectively. The Lord Chancellor's Department and the courts are responsible for administering criminal higher legal aid but equivalent figures are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what proportion of the legal aid budget was spent in each region of the United Kingdom in each of the last two years.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information is not available in the form requested. For England and Wales, the proportion of gross legal aid payments to solicitors—including counsels' fees—made by the Legal Aid Board in the last two years was as follows:

  1992–93

  1993–94

  £ million

  Per Cent.

  £ million

  Per Cent.

  London

  139.6

  18.56

  167.6

  19.57

  South & East

  168.1

  22.35

  191.2

  22.33

  South West & Wales

  129.1

  17.16

  142.6

  16.65

  Midlands

  121.8

  16.19

  137.8

  16.08

  Merseyside & the North

  193.6

  25.74

  217.3

  25.37

  An equivalent breakdown for payments made direct to counsel is not available. Total gross payments to counsel in 1992–93 and 1993–94 were £92.6 million and £104.6 million respectively.

  The Lord Chancellor's Department meets the cost of criminal higher legal aid. Gross payments to both solicitors and counsel in respect of criminal higher legal aid, by administrative circuit, were as follows:
  1006

  1992–93

  1993–94

  £ million

  Per cent.

  £ million

  Per Cent.

  South Eastern

  113.0

  50.91

  118.3

  49.74

  Midland and Oxford

  28.6

  12.89

  32.7

  13.75

  North Eastern

  20.6

  9.30

  23.5

  9.87

  Northern

  29.3

  13.22

  29.6

  12.46

  Wales and Chester

  11.2

  5.06

  14.4

  6.05

  Western

  19.1

  8.62

  19.3

  8.12

  Separate schemes exist for legal aid in Scotland and Northern Ireland. For each jurisdiction gross payments in 1992–93 and in 1993–94 were £129.3 million and £144.5 million, and £45.7 million and £53.6 million respectively.

  Magistrates Courts Committees
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to amalgamate magistrates courts committee areas in England and Wales; if he will name those committees so affected; and if he will list the names of the individuals and organisations that have made representations to him on this matter since the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994 received the Royal Assent.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  No formal submission under section 69 of the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994 has yet been received by the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor does not therefore have any settled plans to exercise his power, under section 69(3) of the Act, to amalgamate magistrate courts committees. Before that power may be exercised the affected magistrates' courts committees, magistrates, and interested authorities will be consulted under the Act. Informal discussions have taken place between representatives of several magistrates courts committees and me and my officials. Those discussions have explored both the question of amalgamation and alternatives to it which achieve the same objectives.

  Civil Justice System
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what procedures are in place for the integration and co-ordination of his Department's review of public expenditure and Lord Woolf's review of the civil justice system.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Lord Woolf is conducting an independent review of access to justice, and those findings of the Department's fundamental review of expenditure which are relevant to his inquiry have been made available to him.

  Parental Responsibility Agreements
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of parental responsibility agreements are currently recorded by the principal registrar of the family division within seven working days of receipt of the completed application and fee.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  All parental responsibility agreements are recorded within seven working days of receipt of the completed application. There is no fee to have an agreement recorded.

  Probate
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of people seeking a grant of probate currently receive it within eight weeks of an application being received by the authorities.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  All grants of probate and other grants of representation are issued within eight weeks, unless the grant cannot be issued because of factors beyond the control of the probate service.

  Courts Charter
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many complaints have been received and what amount of compensation for errors and delays has been paid out by county courts in(a) London and (b) the rest of England and Wales for each month since the implementation of the courts charter.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is not possible to provide the information requested in the time available. I will give the hon. Member a written reply before the House reassembles.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department which court has(a) received the most complaints and (b) had to pay out the most compensation for errors and delays since the implementation of the courts charter; and what plans he has for regular publication of the figures for compensation payments.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is not possible to obtain the information requested in the time available. I will provide the hon. Member with a written reply before the House reassembles. There are no plans for regular publication of these figures.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of jurors outside London currently sit on trials for at least 70 per cent. of the days that they attend court; and what percentage of jurors within London sit on trials for at least 85 per cent. of the days that they attend court, as stipulated by the courts charter.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Performance against the courts charter target is measured by the percentage of juror attendance days spent on trials. During the period April to October 1994, the figures for outside London and within London were 72.4 per cent. and 87.4 per cent. respectively.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of defendants(a) in custody and (b) on bail are not dealt with in the target times set out in the courts charter; what number of defendants (i) in custody and (ii) on bail this affects on average each month; how many defendants in custody have had to wait more than (1) three months, (2) six months and (3) 12 months before trial; and what percentages of defendants in custody these numbers represent.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The available information covering the period April to October 1994 is shown in the table. Statistics on the number of defendants in custody waiting more than 12 months before trial at the Crown court and the distribution of waiting times at magistrates courts are not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  1008

  Waiting times at the Crown Court: Defendants committed for trial dealt with during April to October 1994

  Defendants exceeding waiting time limit

  Type of remand and waiting time limit

  Percentage

  Average number per month

  Custody

  8 weeks

  56

  1,266

  12 weeks

  36

  827

  26 weeks

  12

  268

  Bail

  16 weeks

  39

  2,565

  Defence Witnesses (Expenses)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of defence witnesses do not currently receive their expenses within five working days of their handing in their expenses claim at court.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Since April 1994, all courts in England and Wales have achieved the standard of paying defence witnesses' expenses within five working days of their handing in their expense claim at court.

  Magistrates Courts (Hearings)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of adults do not currently have their first appearance before a magistrates court within five weeks of the start of proceedings against them; and what percentage of children and young people do not have their first appearance before a youth court within three weeks of the start of proceedings against them.

  Mr. John Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor's Department carries out surveys of time intervals between stages in proceedings completed in magistrates courts in three sample weeks, in February, June and October of each year. The results of the October survey are not yet available. The results of the February and June surveys are as follows:

  Percentage of defendants who did not have their first appearance before a magistrates' court in:

  21 days (Juveniles only)

  35 days (Adults only)

  February 19941

  64.68

  20.86

  June 19942

  68.90

  44.20

  1 Surveys covers indictable and triable either way cases only.

  2 Survey covers indictable, triable either way and summary cases.

  Jurors (Expenses)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of jurors are currently sent a cheque to cover their expenses claim within five working days of the end of their service; and what percentage receive some payment for days already served before the end of their service.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Since April 1994, all courts in England and Wales have achieved the standard of sending a cheque to jurors to cover their expenses claim with five working days of the end of their jury service.
  1009
  Information on the percentage of jurors who receive some payment for days already served before the end of their service is not available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

PRIME MINISTER

  Pakistan
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Prime Minister what specific cases of persecution against Christians in Pakistan he raised with Benazir Bhutto during her recent visit to the United Kingdom.

  The Prime Minister
  When my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met Prime Minister Bhutto, he welcomed the acquittal and release of Gul Masih. He also discussed with Ms Bhutto her Government's plans to improve religious safeguards.

  Prime Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to pay an official visit to Fort William; and by what means of transport he plans to travel there.

  The Prime Minister
  I have no immediate plans to do so.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Cummings
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Prime Minister, if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 20 December.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning, I had meetings with Ministerial colleagues and others. I shall be having further meetings later today.

  Trans-European Road Network
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) what discussions took place at the Essen summit on the Trans-European road network, with particular reference to the M2, M25 and M4;

  (2) what submissions were made by the British Government to the Christophersen commission prior to the Essen summit on the trans-European road network in the British Isles; and if he will list those routes that were proposed;
  1010
  (3) pursuant to his oral statement of 12 November, Official Report, columns 613–15, if the TERN proposals discussed at the Essen summit included a trans-European network from the south-east of Ireland to the eastern English channel ports;

  (4) pursuant to his oral statement of 12 December, Official Report, columns 613–15, what other TERN routes the British Isles discussed at the European Council meeting at Essen.

  The Prime Minister
  The Essen European Council welcomed the report of the Christopherson group of personal representatives and endorsed its main recommendations. It confirmed that the 11 priority projects agreed at the Corfu Council and the three further projects now added to the list had either already been started or could be started shortly. Four United Kingdom projects are included among the 14 endorsed by the Essen Council: the channel tunnel rail link; the Cork-Dublin-Belfast-Lame rail link; the Ireland-United Kingdom-Benelux road link; and the upgrading of the west coast main line. In addition to the 14 projects on the Christophersen group list, discussions are continuing in Brussels on the Commission's wider proposals for a trans-European transport network. These proposals include a strategic route linking the south-east of Ireland with the eastern channel ports via south Wales.

  Heads of Government (Guide Dogs)
  Mr. Lamont
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral statement of 12 December,Official Report, column 625, whether France was one of the countries whose Head of Government might not be able to find his way to the Parliament without the aid of a guide dog.

  The Prime Minister
  I have a close and productive working relationship with Mr. Balladur. I have no doubt that he and all sensible observers will take my remarks in the light-hearted manner in which they were made.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister what representations, and at what level, he has made to the Spanish Government about the conduct of their officials at the customs and border post with Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  We have made repeated and high-level representations to the Spanish Government about the disruptive and intrusive control at the border. These have now ended. It is important that they are not reimposed.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister when he last discussed the future of Gibraltar with the Prime Minister of Spain; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  I last discussed the subject of Gibraltar in any detail with the Prime Minister of Spain in May 1991.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has held with the Government of Gibraltar regarding the resumption of some powers and duties of the local government and legislature by the Governor or Her Majesty's Government; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  None.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Human Rights
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what investigations of human rights records are undertaken before aid is given to a particular country; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We keep the human rights record of individual countries under regular review. We rely on information from a wide range of sources including our overseas posts and international and non-government organisations. We also co-ordinate our views with other Governments, notably in the European Union. Decisions on provision of aid take explicit account of recipients' human rights record alongside consideration of other criteria for aid.

  European Union Aid
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the European Union has offered, including balance of payments assistance, to countries without a structural adjustment programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund and what position the United Kingdom Government have taken in the Council on Ministers of these issues.

  Mr. Goodlad
  European Union assistance for structural adjustment is normally in support of adjustment programmes agreed with the International Monetary Fund. Since January 1992 the only exceptions have been:

  (i) A sectoral import programme for Ethiopia for 27 mecu agreed in April 1992 while discussions with the International Monetary Fund were still under way. The United Kingdom voted in favour.

  (ii) A structural adjustment support programme for 5.5 mecu to the Ivory Coast in February 1992. The United Kingdom opposed the project on the grounds that the international financial institutions had suspended their assistance. The decision was adopted by qualified majority.

  (iii) A proposal for 70 mecu "Community support for structural adjustment" was agreed for Algeria in April 1993 in the absence of an agreed International Monetary Fund programme. The United Kingdom voted in favour of the proposal on the ground that it was considered that Algeria had embarked on a serious programme of economic reforms.

  (iv) A further 30 mecu "Agriculture sector import programme" for Algeria was approved in October 1993 on condition that the Algerian Government would, before the end of 1993, take the necessary steps to agree a programme with the International Monetary Fund. The United Kingdom supported, but requested that Algeria's progress with the International Monetary Fund be kept under review and agreement reached before funds were disbursed.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all the projects in Nigeria for which Britain has given aid in the last five years.

  Mr. Goodlad
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend the Member for Morecambe and Lunesdale (Mr. Lennox-Boyd) gave to the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) on 7 February 1994 at column 66.
  1012
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) how aid to Nigeria has been distributed in each of the last 10 years;

  (2) how much aid has been given to Nigeria, and to which organisations, in each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Goodlad
  United Kingdom aid to Nigeria in each of the last 10 years has been as follows:1984–85, £3.8 million; 1985–86, £3.5 million; 1986–87, £3.6 million; 1987–88, £3.15 million; 1988–89, £3.4 million; 1989–90, £66.6 million; 1990–91, £33.5 million; 1991–92, £13.4 million; 1992–93, £12.7 million; 1993–94, £7.95 million.

  The sharp increase in our aid in 1989–90 was due to balance of payments assistance provided as part of an international effort to help Nigeria with its IMF and World bank supported structural adjustment programmes.

  A list of projects funded in the last five years was placed in the Library of the House in response to a question by the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) on 7 February 1994 at column 66.

  Prior to 1989, our aid programme to Nigeria was confined to technical co-operation assistance centred on small education and training initiatives.

  Nagorno-Kharabakh
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on United Kingdom assistance to the refugees displaced by the Nagorno-Kharabakh conflict.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We have provided over £13.2 million of relief assistance to the refugees and the internally displaced since December 1992. This includes over £6.8 million of bilateral assistance mainly through the UN relief agencies and non-governmental organisations, and our share of assistance—£6.4 million—provided by the European Union. This assistance has been provided in broadly equal proportions to both the Azeri and Armenian populations.

  We will continue to respond to the needs of the most affected populations.

  Refugees (Africa)
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the refugee camps organised by the United Nations in Africa and the latest number of refugees in each camp; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Currently the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that there are some 9 million refugees in Africa. Precise information on the population of individual camps is not available.

  President Mubarak
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what promises of increased aid were given to President Mubarak of Egypt during his recent visit to London.

  Mr. Goodlad
  No promise of increased aid was given to President Mubarak during his visit.

  EU Development Council
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 7 December to the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr.
  1013
  Ottaway), Official Report, column 223, what was the voting record of each member state on items agreed at the meeting of the European Union's Development Council held on 25 November.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Decisions in the Development Council are taken by consensus.

  Natural Resources Institute
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make a statement on the future of the Natural Resources Institute.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Following the receipt of advice by consultants, my noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development has decided that formal tenders should be invited to take over the future ownership of the Natural Resources Institute.

  The consultants' report shows that there is widespread recognition of the high quality of work being undertaken at NRI. A number of universities have expressed interest in taking over, singly or jointly, the ownership of NRI. The Government welcome this interest. We intend that it should continue to provide a centre of multi-disciplinary expertise on the sustainable management of renewable natural resources. The Overseas Development Administration expects to remain a substantial customer for NRI's services.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Cabinet Committee on Women's Issues
  Ms Short
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many times the Cabinet Committee on Women's Issues has met in the past year.

  Mr. David Hunt
  Although the membership and terms of reference of ministerial committees and sub-committees of the Cabinet are published, it is not the practice to give details of meetings.

  Open Government
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster how much has been spent, by each Government Department, on publicising the code of practice on access to Government information.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The Office of Public Service and Science, which is the lead Department on the code of practice on access to government information, has spent some £18,252 publicising the code of practice. Many Departments have issued press releases and make explanatory material available on request. Those listed have produced additional explanatory material tailored to their own circumstances. Entries marked with an asterisk are approximate figures.

  Department

  Expenditure

  Department for Education

  £581

  Department of Employment

  *£9,265

  Department of the Environment

  *£170

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Including Overseas Development Administration)

  £1,875

  Department of Health

  *£3,135

  Home Office

  £1,350

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  *£1,000

  1014

  Department

  Expenditure

  Northern Ireland Office

  £2,945

  Department of Trade and Industry

  £971

  Department of Transport

  £1,338

  Welsh Office

  £2,881

  Other (Non-Ministerial) Departments

  Customs and Excise

  £258

  Office of Fair Trading

  £6836

  Ofsted

  *£200

  Ofwat

  *£100

  Magistrates
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will set out the procedures he currently adopts for the appointment of magistrates.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The recruitment and appointment of magistrates in the Duchy area follow the same pattern as in the remainder of the country. Advisory committees recommend suitable candidates to me after interviewing applicants and considering the balance of the bench, which takes into account age, profession, residence and political views. In this way we try to ensure that a bench broadly reflects the community that it serves.

  Benevolent Fund
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many schools have applied for financial assistance from the Duchy benevolent fund for each year since 1979.

  Mr. David Hunt
  The number of schools which have applied for financial assistance from the Duchy of Lancaster benevolent fund for each year since 1979 are as follows:

  1979 to 1987—none

  1988-two schools

  1989-one school

  1990-two schools

  1991-two schools

  1992-one schools

  1993-four schools

  1994-six schools

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to what specific purpose the £5,000 donated by the Duchy benevolent fund to the Royal grammar school in Lancaster for new buildings was put in 1993, 1991 and 1990.

  Mr. David Hunt
  In 1989 the Chancellor of the day approved a major project donation of £5,000 per annum for four years towards the Royal grammar school in Lancaster's development appeal.

  Donations were made in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1994. Over £640,000 was raised by the school. The donation from the Duchy benevolent fund was put towards the building of a new mathematics and information technology classroom block.

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.
  1015
  (2) how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more the Minister without Portfolio has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Mr. David Hunt
  My predecessor and I have travelled by train to official engagements this year on 55 journeys. The Minister without Portfolio travels frequently by train, but has not travelled by train in the course of his official duties as Cabinet Minister without Portfolio.

  Press Releases
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the annual cost to the Central Office of Information of the conversion of Government Department press releases to electronic format and making them available electronically; and what is the annual income gained from the charges made for Government press releases in electronic format.

  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  It is not possible to identify the cost to the Central Office of Information of the conversion of Government Department press releases to electronic format.

  Government Department press releases are supplied electronically to the news media and the Central Office of Information makes no charge to recipients for this service.

  Public access to press releases in electronic format is provided via commercial on-line services some of which provide universal access via the Internet.

  Income from these services was £35,186 in 1993–94, and this income was used to offset the cost to Government of distributing press releases to the media.

  "Competing for Quality"
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which functions and services previously provided in-house have been contracted out under the 1992 "Competing for Quality" programme in the period from 1 April 1992 to 31 December 1993.

  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  The following services previously performed in-house have been contracted out under the "Competing for Quality" programme between 1 April 1992 and 31 December 1993, according to information provided by Departments to the efficiency unit in the Office of Public Service and Science.

  COMPETING FOR QUALITY PROGRAMME APRIL 1992–DECEMBER 1993

  ACTIVITIES PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED IN-HOUSE WHICH HAVE BEEN CONTRACTED OUT

  Customs and Excise

  Catering, London HQ

  Staff Restaurant, Queens Dock

  Catering—Custom House London

  Catering—Dorset House London

  Catering—Manchester HQ

  Debt Recovery Services

  Vehicle Fleet Management

  Central Statistical Office

  Catering

  Department of Employment

  Materials Management (Employment Service)

  Travel Services (Employment Service)

  Field System

  ERC Courses for Disabled (Employment Service)

  National Jobclub Services (Employment Service)

  1016

  Microcomputer Training (Employment Service)

  Publications Distribution (Health and Safety Executive)

  Travel Services

  Van Service Sheffield-London

  Van Services Sheffield-Runcorn

  Estates Maintenance

  Reprographics

  Security EDHQ Runcorn

  Department of Education

  Catering

  Department of National Heritage

  Hampton Court Garden Maintenance

  IT Provision

  Department of National Savings

  Press Cuttings

  Estate Management Phase 1

  Catering Services Durham

  Estate Management Phase 2

  Department of Environment

  Property Holdings, Professional Property Services

  Planning Inspectorate IT Project Management

  Research Services—Project on Early Heat Cycle Effects—on PFA and Slag Concretes

  Staff Catering (Building Research Establishment)

  Department of Health

  Welfare Foods Scheme

  Office Services Quarry House

  Operation and Redevelopment of HES Statistics

  Health Survey for England

  National Diet and Nutrition Survey OAPs

  Clerical Support Staff (NHS)

  Office and Building Service London

  Department of Social Security

  Benefits Agency Travel Services

  Benefits Agency Office/Building Services Quarry House

  Resettlement Units (Resettlements Agency)

  Facilities Management (HQ)

  Audit ITSA)

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Press Notice Distribution (HQ)

  Offshore Focus Magazine (HQ)

  Security (Other HQ)

  Database Maintenance (Other HQ)

  Photographic Service (NPL)

  Support Services Patents Office

  Stationery Supply

  Central Training (HQ Services)

  Monitoring R and D Projects (HQ)

  Offshore Geology

  Department of Transport

  Research

  Export Credits Guarantee Department

  IT Operational Support

  Receptionist/Telephonist

  Forestry Commission

  Operations

  Operations

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Purchasing Services

  Administration of Insurance

  HM Treasury

  Internal Audit

  1017
  Home Office

  Forensic Science Service Waste Disposal

  Forensic Science Service Estate Management

  Escort Services

  HMP Blakenhurst

  Prison Education

  D. Tels Repair

  Land Registry

  Staff Catering

  Legal Services

  Estate Management

  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Document Creation Unit (ADAS)

  Pesticide Evaluation

  Research and Developmen

  Buildings and Estate Management

  Marine Surveillance

  Library

  Recruitment (up to Grade)

  Radionuclide Analysis

  Overseas Trade Statistics

  Ministry of Defence

  Freight Services

  Food Distribution

  Bielefeld Bakery

  Food Distribution

  Plant Hire

  AWE

  Engineering Support Scampton

  Elementry Flying Training

  Works Services: Cyprus, Gibraltar, Falklands, Belize

  Security

  Reconnaissance

  Combat Systems Information

  Helicopter Simulator

  Harrier Support

  Helicopter Support: Osprey, Heron, Seah

  Gardening Deal

  IT Processing

  Works Management

  Air Weapon Range Holbeach

  Flight Checking

  Inspectorate of Recruitment

  Catering Boscombe Down

  Submarine in Service Support

  Tailoring Northern Ireland

  Ration Delivery Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland Civil Service

  Property Certificate Service

  Data Preparation

  Hillsborough Castle Maintenance

  Operating Mainframe Computer

  Prison Officer Messes

  Sludge Contract 1

  Sludge Contract 4A

  Roads Reinstatement State II

  Staff Restaurant Phase II

  CSA Catering Service

  CSA Post Room Messengers

  CSA Security Services

  CSA Cleaning

  CSA Typing Services

  CSA Facilities MGT

  Mainframe Operation Services

  1018
  Intervention Board

  Travel Service

  Olive Oil Sample Analysis

  Sugar Sampling

  Inland Revenue

  Estate Management—Maintenance

  Estate Management—Capital Works

  Forms Procurement and Printing

  Facilities Management (Nottingham/Lincs)

  Writing Training Material

  Employers' Annual Pack

  IT Services

  Catering

  Reprographics

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  Court Buildings Maintenance

  Surveying

  HM Land Registry

  Surveys

  Office Fair Trading

  Distribution of Publications

  OPSS

  Catering and Related Services (Civil Service College)

  Distribution (Civil Service College)

  Consortium Reports

  GTN-LD Outsourcing (CCTA)

  Unison Phase 1 (Chessington Computer Centre)

  Typing Services, Publications (HMSO)

  London Centre Relocation (Civil Service College)

  Downing St. Telephone Service

  Office Services

  Elements of Training (Chessington Computer Centre)

  Reprographics (Chessington Computer Centre)

  Reprographics (Recruitment and Assessment Service)

  Ordnance Survey

  Hardware Maintenance

  Bulk Enveloping and Dispatch

  Digital Conversion

  Gazeteer of Postal Addresses

  IT Mainframe Services

  Paymaster General

  Staff Restaurant

  Scottish Office

  Estate Management Marine Laboratory

  Animal House-Scottish Agricultural Science Agency

  Capital Building Programme Scottish Prison Service

  Mobile Microwave Radio Systems

  Auditors Second Wave NHS Trust

  Audit of NHS Boards

  Design, Print and Publications

  Auditors First Wave NHS Trusts

  Catering, Fire School

  Payroll Computing Service

  Treasury Solicitor

  Security

  Welsh Office

  Legal Services

  Estates Management

  Market Testing
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total cost of all work undertaken
  1019
  by Departments and outside groups in the market-testing process in each of the past three years.

  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  My Department holds information centrally on the cost to Government Departments of employing external consultants to support the "Competing for Quality" programme; other set-up costs; and the cost of departmental market-testing units and related support. Costs were reported in the citizens charter second report in March 1994. The information is currently being updated and will be announced in the new year. I will write to the hon. Member at that stage.

  Civil Service
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the future of the civil service occupational health service.

  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  The first review of the OHS has shown that it has performed well since becoming an agency of the Cabinet Office—Office of Public Science and Service—in 1990. Agency status within central Government has allowed it to develop a comprehensive, high-quality, professionally based occupational health service for civil service departments and agencies, which has kept pace with the changing structure and needs of the civil service and with developments in the fields of occupational health and safety. The review has also been helpful in identifying where there is room for improvement.

  In the light of this and the state of the wider market for occupational health services, I have agreed that the OHS will remain as an executive agency.

  We shall continue to seek improvements in the operation of the OHS and will review it again under normal procedures for executive agencies. I have also agreed that in future is should be known as the Civil Service Occupational Health and Safety Agency, better to reflect the full range of its services.

  I am today placing in the Library of the House a summary of the findings of the review.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Building Refurbishment
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will itemise the refurbishment works undertaken on buildings housing departmental staff in the last three years, indicating the costs involved and the nature of the refurbishments.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information has been placed in the Library.

  Power Station, Ballymoney
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration is being given to granting early approval for the construction of a lignite-fired power station at Ballymoney, County Antrim; and when an announcement will be made of a start date for the project.

  Mr. Ancram
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December,Official Report, column 823, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary,Official Report, column 937.

  Brendan Smyth
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) on what basis the decision was reached to take no further action in respect of the complaint investigated by the RUC that there had been an attempt to pervert the course of justice by a member of the public who approached the family of a victim of Brendan Smyth;

  (2) who took the decision to take no further action in respect of the complaint investigated by the RUC that there had been an attempt to pervert the course of justice by a member of the public who approached the family of a victim of Brendan Smyth.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the duration of the trips, referred to in his answer of 1 November,Official Report, column 1027, which were undertaken by Ministers in his Department and on which they were accompanied by their spouses and paid for at public expense.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  The information is as follows:

  (i) Mr. and Mrs. Tim Smith visited Dublin on 5 February 1994;

  (ii) Lady Mayhew and I visited Canada and the USA between 5 and 15 April 1994;

  (iii) Lady Mayhew and I visited Italy on 14–15 May 1994.

  Departmental Telephone Calls
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much has been spent on telephone charges and how many telephone calls have been made by his Department for each of the last five years.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I have made the following journeys by rail on official duties in 1994:

  (i) 9 March—from London to Bristol

  (ii) 30 September—from London to Bath

  (iii) 17 November—from London to Poole

  Children's Hospitals
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list by health and social services board all children's hospitals giving(a) the total number of beds, (b) the total number and percentage of beds available for overnight parental accommodation and (c) the average annual number of overnight stays by parents.

  (2) if he will list by each health and social services board all hospitals with children's wards giving (a) the total number of beds, (b) the total number and percentage of beds available for overnight parental accommodation and (c) the average annual number of overnight stays by parents.

  Mr. Moss
  The Royal Belfast hospital for sick children, one of the hospitals making up the Royal group of hospitals trust, is the only children's hospital in Northern Ireland. In 1993–94, the latest period for which figures are available, there were 130 beds in wards open overnight. Information on the number of beds for parents and overnight stays by parents is not available centrally.

  Information about the number of beds in children's wards in hospitals in Northern Ireland for 1993–94 is set out in the tables. Information on the number of beds for parents and overnight stays by parents is not available centrally.

  Hospital—by board area

  Average available beds on wards open overnight

  Belfast City

  10

  Belvoir Park

  7

  Forster Green

  20

  Lagan Valley

  4

  Musgrave Park

  25

  Royal Victoria

  21

  Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children

  118

  Ulster

  66

  Eastern Board Area Total

  271

  Coleraine

  16

  Mid Ulster

  21

  Waveney

  31

  Northern Board Area Total

  68

  Craigavon Area

  36

  Daisy Hill

  28

  South Tyrone

  16

  Tower Hill

  25

  Southern Board Area Total

  105

  Altnagelvin Area

  32

  Stradreagh

  5

  Erne

  22

  Tyrone County

  18

  Western Board Area Total

  77

  Northern Ireland Total

  521

  Figures exclude beds and designated intensive care cots for Neonates less than 28 days of age.

  Government Employees
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees there were in each Department of Government in each council district at the 1022
  latest available date and five and 10 years ago; and what are the projections for next year.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Agencies
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of employees of each agency in Northern Ireland when it was first created and at present; what is the projection for next year; and if he will break down the figure by local offices or council area.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.

  Electricity
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the installed capacity of electricity by(a) wind power, (b) water power and (c) other non-fossil fuel renewable energy sources, and the amount of electricity purchased by Northern Ireland Electric and its predecessors over each of the last five years; what is his projection for the present year and the next five years; what percentage of generated power this represents in each such year; what is the unit price paid and the total sums paid for such energy; and what effect the purchase of such energy has on the price of a unit of electricity to a (1) domestic and (2) commercial consumer.

  Mr. Ancram
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.

  Civil Service
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how he intends to implement the principles in the White Paper "The Civil Service: Continuity and Change" in the particular circumstances of the Northern Ireland civil service.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I have today placed in the Library of the House a document which sets out my initial proposals for how the principles underlying the White Paper might be implemented in the particular circumstances of the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department (i) hold open meetings, (ii) conduct public consultation exercises, (iii) conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests, (iv) publish a register of members' interests, (v) publish agendas for meetings and (vi) publish the minutes of meetings; and whether this is in each case(a) under a statutory requirement or (b) voluntary.

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Single Programme
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list all the projects in the Northern Ireland single programme on which European assistance is forecast to be spent in 1994, indicating the amount forecast to be spent in each case.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many parents with care at each Child Support Agency reporting centre have(a) claimed exemption because of fears of undue harm or distress, (b) been unable to give information about the whereabouts of a non-custodial parent and (c) been unable to name the non-custodial parent;

  (2) how many parents with care at each Child Support Agency reporting centre have (a) had a claim for exemption accepted, (b) had a claim for exemption refused and (c) withdrawn a claim for exemption.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Miss Ann Chant, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Requirement to co-operate waived—April to September 1994*

  CSAC

  Fear of violence

  Other†

  Total good cause accepted

  Good cause not accepted

  Claim for Good cause withdrawn

  Belfast‡

  2,235

  1,276

  3,529

  2,654

  1,225

  Birkenhead

  2,387

  1,508

  3,895

  3,232

  1,339

  Dudley

  2,313

  1,212

  3,525

  3,023

  800

  Falkirk

  2,537

  1,267

  3,804

  2,310

  856

  Hastings

  2,386

  1,091

  3,459

  2,832

  942

  Plymouth

  2,291

  1,270

  3,561

  3,311

  902

  * Since April 1994, the Agency has not collected data on cases where the identity of the AP is unknown. This is because such cases are no longer considered under the retirement to co-operate.

  † Includes cases where it is considered that not to accept good cause would be detrimental to the welfare of the child.

  ‡ GB cases only.

  You also asked about the number of PaWCs unable to give information about the whereabouts of the AP. During 1993/94, 33,000

  Specialist traces completed April to September 1994

  CSAC

  Specialist traces cleared

  Successful traces

  Work on hand at 30 September 1994

  Belfast*1

  2,004

  1,664

  3,526

  Birkenhead

  5,672

  3,620

  4,839

  Dudley

  5,154

  4,500

  2,819

  Falkirk

  3,665

  2,997

  4,165

  Hastings

  4,882

  2,445

  3,082

  Plymouth

  7,137

  5,502

  2,845

  1 GB cases.

  I hope this reply is helpful.

  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many parents with care at each reporting centre(a) have asked for maintenance payments to be paid via the Child Support Agency, (b) are having their maintenance payments paid via the Child Support Agency and (c) have been refused the option of having their maintenance payments paid via the Child Support Agency.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Miss Ann Chant, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. Adam Ingram, dated 20 December 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of parents with care who have asked for child maintenance to be paid via the
  1024
  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. Adam Ingram, dated 20 December 1994:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of cases the Child Support Agency has considered under the requirement to co-operate, and the number of cases in which the whereabouts of the absent parent (AP) was unknown.
  Figures for 1993/94 are available only for the whole Agency, and cannot be broken down by Agency Centre (CSAC).
  During 1993/94, 64,812 claims by parents with care (PaWC) were subject to investigation into the requirement to co-operate. Of those, the requirement was waived in 31,749 cases and not waived in 18,857. In a further 14,206 cases the PaWC named the AP.
  Information is collected on the reasons why the requirement to co-operate is waived, rather than on the reasons why PaWCs claim that they have good cause not to co-operate in naming the AP. In 1993/94, the requirement was accepted in 15,823 cases due to the possible threat of violence, in 8,424 cases where the AP was unknown, and in 7,502 other cases.

  cases were subject to specialist tracing action because the whereabouts of the AP was unknown. The AP was traced in over 28,000 of cases.

  Child Support Agency; are having maintenance paid via the Agency; and have been refused the option of having maintenance paid via the Agency.
  As the Agency makes no distinction between parents with care and absent parents information is not available in the precise form requested, but I can confirm that at 30 September accounts for maintenance to be paid via the Agency had been set up in around 150,000 cases.
  Clients would not be refused the option of having child maintenance paid via the Agency.
  Information broken down by Agency Centre is currently under evaluation, and will not be available until the new year.
  I am sorry I cannot be more helpful.

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report column 244, if he will investigate the circumstances in which Peter Stevenson, Ref.

  1025
  7000102373, was sent two CSA assessments of £53.45 and £42.09 per week by the same office on 2 December; and by what amount his income had changed since his assessment of March 1994.

  Mr. Burt
  I shall write to my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the absenteeism rate for the Child Support Agency in 1993.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Miss Ann Chant, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 20 December 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about staff absences in the Child Support Agency.
  The number of working days lost through sick absence in the Child Support Agency in 1993 was 9.8 days per staff year. This compares with a Civil Service average of 10.1 days per staff year.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to propose changes in the system of recovery of overpayments of child support maintenance arising from error by the Child Support Agency or the receipt of incorrect information; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations he has received regarding cases involving the Child Support Agency where overpayments have been made in payment of child support maintenance; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Burt
  The Child Support Agency has received a number of representations in cases where the amount at which an overpayment of child support maintenance is being recovered does not reflect the size of that overpayment or have regard to the remaining period of liability.

  We are currently looking at the application of regulation 10 of the Child Support (Arrears, Interest and Adjustment of Maintenace Assessments) Regulations 1992 and if changes are required an announcement will be made.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether children's national savings accounts are taken into account in calculating a father's liability under the Child Support Act 1991.

  Mr. Burt
  Interest on children's national savings accounts is taken into account as an income available to the parent with whom they live, subject to limits in certain prescribed circumstances.

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he expects to make a further statement on improvements to the present system of child support.

  Mr. Burt
  The Government have been keeping the operation of the Child Support Act under close review for some time. We are now considering carefully the recent report of the Social Security Select Committee and expect to respond to the Committee by the end of January 1995.nb

  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to relocate the headquarters of the Child Support Agency away from London.
  1026
  Mr. Burt
  It has always been the intention that the Child Support Agency's headquarters would move out of London when it became fully established. The agency's headquarters is now ready to relocate and it will move to Dudley by April 1996.

  Following a relocation study, Dudley has been chosen because it offers value for money. The headquarters will be located in premises already held by the agency. Location alongside operations will also enhance staff development opportunities for both headquarters and operations staff and ease the exchange of business skills.

  I am satisfied that the new headquarters will attract good quality staff. Appointments will be made from existing headquarters staff who wish to transfer and from existing managers and staff and new recruits from the Dudley and surrounding areas.

  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action the Child Support Agency will take in order to manage the backlog of cases and to improve the quality of service from the agency.

  Mr. Burt
  The Child Support Agency will delay the take-on of the remaining cases where the parent with care was already receiving income support before April 1993 until it is in a position to tackle them promptly and to a high standard. The agency will, however, continue to provide sympathetic consideration to requests by individual parents who wish their application to be dealt with early. In addition, the agency will not pursue, for the time being, cases where it issued a maintenance application form over six months ago which either has not been returned or has been returned with insufficient information to progress it. By prioritising cases in this way, the agency will get the existing backlog cleared and allow proper attention to be paid to accuracy and customer service.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many parliamentary questions tabled in the last Session of Parliament were not answered on the ground that the information sought was not held centrally by the Department.

  Mr. Hague
  Of the 2,705 parliamentary questions answered during the 1993–94 Session, only six were not answered on such grounds.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December,Official Report, column 891, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, on Monday 19 December,Official Report, column 937.

  Weather Stations
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his letter of 25 October to the hon. Member for Ross, Cromarty and Skye, if he will list the criteria by which he concluded that the linking of
  1027
  the community of Garve, Ross-shire to Tiree weather station was both sensible and meteorologically sound; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Weather stations are chosen in consultation with the Meteorological Office using its judgment and expert climatological knowledge. The key criteria taken into account are: how close a weather station is to the main centre of population, how representative it is of local climatic conditions for those main centres of population, and the speed and reliability with which temperature information can be obtained.

  For automatic payments to be made in 1991, weather stations were linked to postcode areas which vary in size throughout the United Kingdom. The Meteorological Office considers that the temperatures recorded at Tiree are far more representative of the whole of the postcode area—IV23—in which Garve lies, than those recorded at any other site in Scotland at which the temperatures are measured. The links are reviewed with the Meteorological Office each year, principally to take account of weather station and postcode changes. No changes were required for postcode IV23 for 1994–95.

  Mortgage Interest Support
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out how the standard rate of interest on which mortgage interest support will be based after 1 October 1995 will be calculated; and what that rate would currently be if that formula were now in force.

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The method of calculating the standard interest rate will be included for consideration as part of the consultation process.

  VAT (Fuel)
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how much compensation married pensioners will receive for the introduction of VAT on fuel in(a) 1994–95 and (b) 1995–96;

  (2) how much compensation the single pensioner will receive for the introduction of VAT on fuel in (a) 199495 and (b) 1995–96;

  (3) how much compensation disabled people will receive for the introduction of VAT on fuel in (a) 199495 and (b) 1995–96.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Using the 1990–91–92 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1994–95 and 1995–96 prices and benefit levels, the estimated average amounts of compensation for the introduction of VAT on fuel are contained in the following table.

  Social Security benefits for people in employment

  Benefit

  Number of cases1(£000s)

  Average weekly amount (£)

  Total weekly expenditure (£ million)

  Implied annual expenditure (£ millions)5

  Family Credit2

  489

  43.34

  21

  1,101

  Income Support3

  192

  61.51

  12

  615

  Housing Benefit4

  390

  29.60

  12

  600

  Council Tax Benefit4

  453

  5.35

  2

  126

  1 Figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Sources:

  2 Family Credit Enquiry May 1993. The figures shown cover all awards. Some recipients may not have been in employment at the time of enquiry.

  3 Income Support Statistics Annual Enquiry May 1993.

  Expenditure is for cases where the claimant and/or partner is in part-time work, including the self-employed.

  4 Housing Benefit Management Information Statistics Annual 1 per cent. Enquiry May 1993. Expenditure is for cases where the claimant and/or partner has declared full-time or part-time earnings.

  5 Implied Annual Expenditure is derived by multiplying the weekly expenditure by 52. Multiplication of the figures shown in the table will not correspond due to rounding.

  1028

  Client group

  Average weekly amount of help in 1994–95

  Average weekly amount of help in 1995–96

  Single pensioner

  50 pence

  75 pence

  Couple pensioner1

  75 pence

  £1.15

  All disabled2

  65 pence

  £1.00

  1 Couple where the head of the couple is over pension age.

  2 Average compensation for all single disabled people, and all couples where at least one person in the couple is disabled.

  Note:

  1. Average amounts of help are higher than the amounts contained in standard rate retirement pension, because some pensioners receive other benefits, and some receive RP at a higher rate.

  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what the compensation for VAT on fuel at 8 per cent. is worth to pensioners following the decision not to proceed to VAT on fuel at 17.5 per cent. from April 1995 at 1 April(a) 1994 in weekly and annual terms, (b) 1995 in weekly and annual terms and (c) 1996 in weekly and annual terms.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Using the 1990–91–92 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1994–95 and 1995–96 prices and benefit levels, estimated help for VAT on fuel for all pensioners is given in the table. The amounts of help in 1996–97 are likely to be similar to the amounts estimated for 1995–96.

  Average weekly help 1994–95

  Average annual help 1994–95

  Average weekly help 1995–96

  Average annual help 1995–96

  All pensioners1

  60 pence

  £31

  90 pence

  £47

  1 Includes all single people over pension age, and all couples where the head of the couple is over pension age.

  Notes:

  1. Average weekly help rounded to nearest 5p, annual help rounded to nearest £1.

  2. These figures are calculated at benefit unit level.

  Benefits
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give details of the total annual expenditure on social security benefits for people in employment, for the latest available year, broken down by(a) family credits, (b) income support, (c) housing benefit and (d) council tax benefit.

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is set out in the table.

  National Insurance
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the change in legislation to equalise the eight and 16-hour rules for national insurance class 1 contributions was originally proposed to be introduced; when it is now expected to be introduced; and what are the reasons for the delay.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  There were no previous proposals for the introduction of this legislation. As part of the measures associated with the introduction of jobseeker's allowance, legislation to raise from eight to 16 the number of hours that an unemployed person can work and still qualify for the award of a national insurance contribution credit is expected to be introduced from April 1996.

  Income Support
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) males and (b) females in receipt of income support are having fines paid by means of deduction of benefits.

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is set out in the table.

  Income support recipients with deductions from IS for fines recovery

  Number of cases

  Male recipients

  4,000

  Female recipients

  2,000

  All recipients

  6,000

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry February 1994

  Notes:

  The figures have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Fuel Bills
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average fuel bill for a single pensioner for the financial year 1994–95; and what it is projected to be in 1995–96;

  (2) what is the average fuel bill for disabled people for the financial year 1994–95; and what is it projected to be in 1995–96;

  (3) what is the average fuel bill for a pensioner couple for the financial year 1994–95; and what it is projected to be for 1995–96;

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Using the 1990–91–92 family expenditure surveys, uprated to 1994–95 and 1995–96 prices and benefit levels, estimated average weekly fuel bills are set out in the table.

  Client group

  Average weekly fuel bills in 1994–95 £

  Average weekly fuel bill in 1995–96 £

  Single pensioner

  9.25

  9.20

  Couple pensioner1

  13.15

  13.00

  All disabled2

  11.45

  11.35

  1 Couple where the head of the couple is over pension age.

  2 Average fuel bills for single disabled people, and all couples where at least one person in the couple is disabled.

  Notes:

  1. Average weekly fuel bills rounded to the nearest 10 pence.

  2. It is difficult to forecast future fuel expenditure; fuel prices have fallen by over 1 per cent. in real terms over the past two years inclusive of VAT. Further reductions have been assumed in 1994–95 and 1995–96.

  3. The figures are calculated at benefit unit level.

  Invalidity Benefit
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will introduce a scheme to provide for the deduction of benefit for those in receipt of invalidity benefit who are at risk of imprisonment for non-payment of fines.

  Mr. Hague
  Arrangements currently exist for making payments of invalidity benefit to a suitable third party where the beneficiary becomes incapable of managing his or her own affairs through mental impairment. It is also possible to divert payments to protect the interests of the beneficiary or his family where there are exceptional circumstances. We have no plans to extend these arrangements.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what income pensioners with £3,000 savings are deemed to be receiving therefrom per week; and what assumptions as to interest rate lie behind this calculation.

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Pensioners with £3,000 savings are not deemed to be receiving any income therefrom.

  Benefits Agency
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the Benefits Agency market tests for which(a) BET Facilities Management, (b) Group 4, (c) Hoden, (d) Manpower, (e) Mowlam, (f) Procord, (g) Reliance, (h) SERCO and (i) Turner Townsend were invited to tender; whether they did so; and in which they were successful.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information has been placed in the Library.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Prosecution Witnesses
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Attorney-General what percentage of prosecution witnesses currently have to wait more then two hours at court before being called to give evidence.

  The Attorney-General
  No statistics are kept for witness waiting times in the magistrates courts. In April 1994 the Crown Prosecution Service commenced a national survey of witness waiting times in the Crown court. The survey does not capture information about waiting times for professional witnesses, expert witnesses and police officers. The results for the first six months of the survey show that, for a random sample of cases 55.2 per cent. of witnesses had to wait for more than two hours at court before giving evidence.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Attorney-General what percentage of prosecution witnesses do not currently receive their expenses within 10 working days of the Crown Prosecution Service receiving their completed claim form.

  The Attorney-General
  The results of a sample survey carried out during the quarter ending September 1994 show that 20 per cent. of prosecution witnesses do not currently received their expenses within 10 working days
  1031
  of the Crown Prosecution Service receiving their completed claim.

  Brian Patchett
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Attorney-General what international arrest warrant or any extradition proceedings are outstanding on Brian Patchett, formally of the Intelligence Corps.

  Mr. Maclean
  I have been asked to reply.

  There is no record of an international arrest warrant or extradition proceedings against Mr. Patchett.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I and my predecessor have made a total of 33 such train journeys.

  Beef
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in which countries the tins of beef from the intervention stores and distributed free of charge by registered charities were manufactured.

  Mr. Jack
  The processing and canning of beef from United Kingdom intervention stocks for distribution under the EC surplus food scheme are carried out in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether all 1994 autumn environmentally sensitive area and farm woodland premium scheme payments were made in accordance with targets published in "Commitment to Service"; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Short delays occurred in making payments made under both these schemes this year. These arose because of the need to accommodate changes in the way part of the national expenditure under the schemes is reimbursed by the European Community.

  Reimbursement from the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund now comes under the guarantee section, rather than the guidance section as was previously the case. It has to be reclaimed by member states from the European Community in the month in which it makes the payments to farmers. When reimbursement was claimed from the guidance section, payments were made annually to member states, in arrears.

  Payments under both the environmentally sensitive area and farm woodland premium schemes are normally made to farmers during October. The EC budget year starts on 16 October. This means that payments made in October would fall, unpredictably, within two financial years, leading to budgetary and accounting problems. To avoid this, all payments in 1994 under both schemes were delayed slightly, so that they all took place after 16
  1032
  October. This has meant that the targets published in "Commitment to Service" could not be met.

  Payments have been made as soon as practicable under the new arrangements. Revised "Commitment to Service" targets, taking account of these changes, will be published shortly.

  Diagnostic Social and Market Research Ltd.
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the cost of the research work being undertaken by Diagnostic Social and Market Research Ltd.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The cost of the work undertaken by Diagnostic Social and Market Research Ltd. to evaluate the results of the MAFF exhibition at the national history museum was £9,106, including charges made by the Central Office of Information.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what involvement he had in the drawing up of questions by Diagnostics Social and Market Research Ltd. at his Department's exhibitions at the natural history museum.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: None. The market research was commissioned by MAFF, via the Central Office of Information, to evaluate the effectiveness of its natural history museum exhibition and to assist with future planning. The questions were draw up by Diagnostics Social and Market Research Ltd. based on a brief provided by MAFF's information division and COI's market research department.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what use is to be made of the data collected on behalf of his Department by Diagnostics Social and Market Research Ltd. at his Department's exhibition at the natural history museum.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The data collected by Diagnostics Social and Market Research Ltd. in connection with the MAFF exhibition at the natural history museum will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the exhibition and to assist with planning of future publicity on the environment.

  Pig Farming
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the state and prospects of the British pig farming industry.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: British pig producers, like those in most other European countries, have suffered a long period of low prices and poor profitability. The pig cycle, whereby good profitability leads to herd expansion, increased supplies and ultimately falling producer prices, is characteristic of the industry which relies on the marketplace for its returns. The most recent trough in the cycle has been longer lasting than anyone in the industry expected. However, the signs are that supply is slowly reducing across Europe and we expect to see improvements in producer profitability in 1995. As my hon. Friend explained in the debate on the pig industry on 15 December, Official Report, columns 1189–93, it is important that our industry works to distinguish British pigmeat from that of our competitors on the grounds of

  1033
  high quality and welfare standards in order to help boost its prospects for the future.

  Agricultural Wages Board
  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has reached a decision on the future of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales: and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We have now completed our consideration of the views expressed during the consultation period on the operation of the Agricultural Wages Board for England and Wales. We have also had an opportunity to consider the changes to the wages order that the AWB has proposed in response to the judicial review action initiated by the Transport and General Workers Union. It is clear from the responses to consultation that there is wide acceptance, from both sides of the agricultural industry, of the present arrangements. We do not therefore currently intend to change the existing statutory framework. However, since the Government believe that statutory wage fixing arrangements can introduce inflexibilities which prevent rather than encourage job creation, we shall continue to keep the future existence of the AWB under close review.

  National Rivers Authority
  Mr. Nicholson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has had, and what meetings or contacts his officials have had, with the National Rivers Authority regarding measures to avoid flooding of farmland on the Somerset levels this winter; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  I wrote to my hon. Friend on 9 December in response to his representations on behalf of a constituent. MAFF officials are in regular contact with National Rivers Authority officers on flood defence and water level management issues in the Somerset levels. Operational responsibility rests with the National Rivers Authority and the internal drainage boards in the areas concerned.

  North Sea
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list the proposed agenda for the 1995 North Sea ministerial conference, indicating in respect of each agenda item whether or not a draft declaration has been prepared; and whether an annexe of detailed follow-up actions will be included or is being prepared;

  (2) whether the North Sea ministerial declaration on fisheries is to include an annexe outlining detailed actions on fisheries, including the control of industrial fishing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  I have been asked to reply.

  The agenda for the fourth international conference for the protection of the north sea, to be held in Esbjerg, Denmark next June, will be determined by those participating in the light of the work being done by officials at the various preparatory meetings. It is too early yet to say what the agenda will be, but it seems likely that the effect of fisheries on the marine environment will be included, in view of the recommendations on this subject
  1034
  in the quality status report on the North sea published last March. The declaration that can be expected to result from the conference will be determined by the Ministers participating in it: it is therefore too early to forecast what form it will take, as much preparatory work remains to be done.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Manufacturing
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will show, for each year since 1970, the net average capital employed in manufacturing in terms of 1993 prices, together with a breakdown showing the corresponding figures for textiles, basic metals and metal products, machinery and equipment, and road motor vehicles.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Figures on net average capital employed in manufacturing are not available in 1993 prices and a breakdown of the manufacturing sector is also not available.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the information in the Central Statistical Office "First Release" (94)205 on the profitability of United Kingdom manufacturing companies, in 1993 and between 1988 and 1990; and to what extent the change was accounted for by a change in profitability of the principal import-competing and export industries.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Profitability is now rising again, having fallen during the recession from the peak levels of the late 1980s. Estimates of profitability contained in the Central Statistical Office "First Release" (94)205 are not available for principal import-competing and export industries.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers for each of the last three financial years, and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 19 December,Official Report, column 937.

  Imports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the effects of increases in the price of imported goods.

  Mr. Needham
  Import prices impact on the economy in a number of ways. The Government's assessment of economic developments and prospects, published in chapter 3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report", took into account all relevant factors, including the prices of imported goods.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate for each line of the import figure corresponding to exports, as set out in table 2.1 for the 1994 edition of the United Kingdom national accounts.
  1035
  Mr. Needham
  The answer is in the table.

  Imports, from the Input-Output Make matrix for the Kingdom for 1991 and 1992

  £ million at purchasers' price

  1991

  Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing

  4,007

  Mining and quarrying including oil and gas extraction

  7,759

  Manufacturing

  107,753

  Electricity, gas and water supply

  349

  Construction

  0

  Wholesale and retail trade; repairs; hotels and restaurants

  6,142

  Transport, storage and communication

  8,268

  Financial intermediation, real estate, renting and business activities

  4,483

  Public administration, national defence and compulsory social

  394

  Security

  Education, health and social work

  319

  Other services including sewage and refuse disposal

  1,336

  Total1

  140,810

  1992

  Agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing

  4,210

  Mining and quarrying including oil and gas extraction

  7,456

  Manufacturing

  115,180

  Electricity, gas and water supply

  378

  Construction

  0

  Wholesale and retail trade; repairs; hotels and restaurants

  6,864

  Transport, storage and communication

  8,692

  Financial intermediation, real estate, renting and business activities

  4,634

  Public administration, national defence and compulsory social

  387

  Security

  Education, health and social work

  271

  Other Services including sewage and refuse disposal

  1,421

  Total1

  149,492

  Source:

  1 CSO Differences between totals and sums of components are due to rounding

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the Government's policy to increase the share of imports in the United Kingdom market for non-food manufactures; and what was the figure for import penetration in(a) 1973, (b) 1979 and (c) at the latest available date.

  Mr. Needham
  It is not the Government's policy to increase the share of imports in the United Kingdom market for non-food manufactures. The information requested can be compiled only at disproportionate cost.

  Aid Programmes
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list he direct and indirect aid programme offered by the Governments of the United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Germany and Japan to their space and aerospace industries; and if he will make a statement on how such programmes will be affected by the recent general agreement on tariffs and trade.
  1036
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The estimated outturn in 1994–95 for the United Kingdom on indirect support for the civil aerospace industry is £21.6 million and direct support is £2 million. The published information on the French budget indicates that in 1994–95 there is funding for indirect supports of around FF400 million and direct support of about FF1500 million. Similarly for Germany, the published information shows indirect supports of about DM100 million and direct support of around DM200 million in 1994–95.

  The approved civil aeronautics budget for NASA for 1994 is $1.02 billion; a further $1 billion has been allocated for the provision of aeronautics facilities. This does not include expenditure by other departments with direct or indirect benefits for civil aerospace manufacturers, for which no easily obtainable figure is available. Comparable figures for Japanese aeronautics expenditure are nor readily available.

  Civil space expenditure in the current financial year— 1994–95—is as follows:

  Country

  Amount (£ million)

  United Kingdom

  181

  France

  926

  Germany

  633

  Comparable figures for the United States and Japan are not available.

  Commercially published information indicates that the comparison between space expenditure in 1993 is as follows:

  Country

  Amount ($ million)

  United Kingdom

  257

  France

  2,009

  Germany

  1,052

  United States of America

  28,712

  Japan

  1,896

  Source:

  "European Space Directory 1994"

  It is too early to say how the recent GATT might affect aid programmes in the space and aerospace industries.

  Light Commercial Vehicles
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the change in(a)output and employment in the light commercial vehicle industry since 1973, 1979 and 1989, (b)the volume of imports and exports since 1973, 1979 and 1989 and (c)import penetration since 1973, 1979 and 1989; and what is his estimate of the current margin of spare capacity in the United Kingdom industry.

  Mr. Needham
  Employment in the manufacture of light commercial vehicles is not recorded separately in official statistics. Details of United Kingdom production, trade and registrations of light commercial vehicles are available in the annual publication "Motor Industry of Great Britain, World Automotive Statistics", copies of which are available in the Library of the House. No estimate of the current margin of spare capacity, if any, is readily available.

  Trade Statistics
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the change in(a) output and employment, (b) volume of imports and exports and (c) import penetration in (i) road passenger vehicles, (ii) commercial shipbuilding, (iii) commercial aircraft, (iv) railway vehicle, (v) motor car, (vi) heavy commercial vehicle, (vii) other non-metallic products, (viii) basic metal and metal products, (ix) transport and equipment, (x) clothing, (xi) machine and equipment and (xii) other manufacturing industries since (1) 1973, (2) 1979 and (3) 1989; and what is his estimate of the current margin of spare capacity in those industries in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Needham
  Official information for the variables requested is not readily available by the categories listed. Some information, by broad industry sectors, is available in Central Statistical Office publications available in the Library of the House. Series for import penetration are not available. My Department has made no estimates of spare capacity in United Kingdom industry.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board Trade what was(a) the balance of visible trade with the EEC in the first nine months of this year and (b) the balance in the first nine months of 1992.

  Mr. Needham
  The information is available from the central shared database, access to which is available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the change in(a) output and employment in the intermediate materials goods industries, (b) the volume of imports and exports and (c) the increase of import penetration since 1973, 1979 and 1989; and what is his estimate of the current margin of spare capacity in the United Kingdom industry.

  Mr. Needham
  It is not possible to split employment in the manufacturing industries into that which is specifically for the production of intermediate goods. The change in output for intermediate goods is available from data in the index of production. This and the trade data are on the CSO central shared database, which is available in the Library of the House. A series for import penetration is not available. My Department has made no estimate of spare capacity in United Kingdom Industry.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the change in(a) output and employment in the investment goods industries, (b) changes in the volume of imports, (c) the change in the level of import penetration since (i) 1973, (ii) 1979 and (iii) the second quarter of 1990; and what is his estimate of the current margin of spare capacity in United Kingdom industry.

  Mr. Needham
  It is not possible to split employment in the manufacturing industries into that which is specifically for the production of investment goods. The change in output for investment goods is available from data in the index of production. This and the trade data are on the CSO central shared database which is available in the Library of the House. A series for import penetration is not available. My Department has made no estimate of spare capacity in United Kingdom industry.

  Mineworkers Pension Scheme
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will investigate the withdrawal by Apedale Hall Ltd.,1038
  Ashbourne, Derbyshire, of miners from the mineworkers pension scheme before vesting day.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The participation of a private sector small-mine licensee in the mineworkers pension scheme is a matter for the company and the scheme.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the transfer of miners' pensions from the mineworkers pension scheme to the new industry-wide scheme.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  There will be no general transfer of miners' past service pension entitlements from the mineworkers pension scheme to the new industry-wide mineworkers pension scheme. Entitlements of pensioners and deferred pensioners from service before privatisation will remain in the mineworkers pension scheme, in which pension increases linked to the retail prices index are now guaranteed by Government. Contributing members of the mineworkers pension scheme will have the right at privatisation to transfer to the industry-wide scheme for pension accruals from future employment in the coal industry and can choose either to leave their accrued rights from past service in the mineworkers pension scheme or to transfer them to the new scheme.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will investigate the sending of letters dated 11, 17 and 24 November to the National Union of Mineworkers requesting nominations for trustees for the new industry-wide mineworkers pension scheme in the same parcel of documents; and what was the deadline for nominations.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The National Union of Mineworkers was invited to nominate trustee directors for the industry-wide mineworkers pension scheme in a letter dated 10 November and delivered by hand the next day. Nominations were requested by 30 November. Further letters relating to the scheme arrangements were sent separately as dated. I understand that the NUM nominated three trustee directors at the earliest possible moment after the meeting of its executive on 8 December.

  Pit Closures
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the British Coal pits which have closed since October 1992, with the date of closure and number of staff involved.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Since October 1992, British Coal has decided that it does not itself wish to keep in operation 34 pits. Silverwood colliery is currently operating but its closure has been agreed. Of the 34 pits, eight—Clipstone, Rossington, Calverton, Trentham, Markham Main, Silverdale, Betws and Hatfield—have reopened under lease and licence to the private sector and Annesley, Ellington and Tower collieries are subject to privatisation bids.

  The 34 pits, the dates they ceased coal production and their industrial work force in October 1992 are given in the table:

  Colliery

  Date ceased coaling

  Men on books October 1992

  Annesley

  February 1994

  814

  Bentley

  December 1993

  582

  Betws

  January 1993

  96

  Bevercotes

  April 1993

  737

  1039

  Colliery

  Date ceased coaling

  Men on books October 1992

  Bolsover

  April 1993

  452

  Calverton

  November 1993

  694

  Clipstone

  April 1993

  894

  Cotgrave

  October 1992

  565

  Easington

  May 1993

  1,331

  Ellington

  February 1994

  1,607

  Frickley

  November 1993

  933

  Goldthorpe

  February 1994

  485

  Grimethorpe

  October 1992

  788

  Hatfield

  December 1993

  409

  Houghton Main

  October 1992

  396

  Kiveton Park

  September 1994

  715

  Littleton

  December 1993

  829

  Manton

  February 1994

  677

  Markham

  June 1993

  1,212

  Markham Main

  October 1992

  672

  Ollerton

  February 1994

  944

  Parkside

  October 1992

  716

  Rossington

  April 1993

  803

  Rufford

  November 1993

  735

  Sharlston

  May 1993

  695

  Shirebrook

  April 1993

  947

  Silverdale

  December 1993

  642

  Silverhill

  October 1992

  757

  Taff Methyr

  October 1992

  368

  Tower

  April 1994

  399

  Trentham

  October 1992

  1,420

  Vane Tempest

  October 1992

  873

  Wearmouth

  December 1993

  929

  Westoe

  May 1993

  1,170

  Nuclear Liabilities
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 9 December,Official Report, column 389, what payments have so far been made by his Department to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority or British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. in respect of the agreements on nuclear liabilities outlined, and the payment estimated to be made within the public expenditure plans for the next three years.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  UKAEA's decommissioning and radioactive waste management operations programme—DRAWMOPS—was established in April 1986. Between that date and the end of the financial year 1993–94 a total of £600 million was paid to UKAEA, by the Department of Energy and DTI, in respect of the nuclear liabilities on UKAEA and BNFL sites for which the Department has accepted responsibility.

  Estimates which include DRAWMOPS costs for 1994–95 were published in Cm 2504. The actual amount paid in the financial year 1994–95 will not be settled until the year end. The amounts to be included in the Department's public expenditure plans for the years 1995–96 to 1997–98 will be included in the Department's estimates, which are due to be published in March 1995.

  Exports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the extent of profiteering by United Kingdom exporters since December 1992.

  Mr. Needham
  None. It is greatly to the credit of United Kingdom exporters that they have been achieving 1040
  record levels of exports in highly competitive world markets.

  Mercury
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with Mercury concerning its decision no longer to operate public phone boxes.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  My Department has had discussions with Mercury about the future direction of its business. The licensing implications of Mercury's decision no longer to operate public phone boxes are a matter for the Office of Telecommunications.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade who will bear the cost of(a) removing Mercury public phone boxes and (b) reinstating the pavement or other place to its previous condition.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Under the New Works and Street Works Act 1991, and the Town and Country Planning General Development Order 1988 as amended, these costs will be a matter for Mercury Communications Ltd.

  Data Protection Directive
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the outcome of last week's Council of Ministers' meeting that discussed the proposed EC directive on data protection; and if he will undertake that Her Majesty's Government will oppose the directive unless it respects the principle of subsidiarity.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The Internal Market Council on 8 December made some improvements to the proposed directive, including, in particular, the extension from 10 to 12 years of the period within which existing manual records must be brought into compliance with the requirements of the directive. Improvements were made to the provisions which deal with research and statistics, and with the media. The Council identified a number of key issues requiring further discussion and no attempt was made to seek a common position. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary is in the lead on this subject. In the continuing consideration of the draft directive we shall seek the best outcome for the United Kingdom within the constraints of qualified majority voting procedures.

  Jordan (Exports)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether exports to Jordan carried out under the terms of the memoranda of understanding between the Governments of Jordan and of Britain signed in 1985 and 1989 were required to have end user certificates.

  Mr. Needham
  It is not Her Majesty's Government practice to comment on detailed matters concerning individual defence exports. However, certain information about exports made under the Jordan defence package has been made public during Sir Richard Scott's enquiry. Exceptionally, therefore, I am able to say that the memoranda of understanding required that no equipment exported to Jordan would be sold or disposed of without the prior written agreement of Her Majesty's Government.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the export licences issued for exports under the 1979, 1985 and 1989 memoranda of understanding
  1041
  between the Governments of the United Kingdom and of Jordan were referred of the interdepartmental committee.

  Mr. Needham
  The interdepartmental committee to which I believe the hon. Gentleman refers examines export licence applications to Iran—and previously to both Iran and Iraq. No licence applications for Jordan are copied to the IDC. Where appropriate, applications for export licences are copied to both MOD and FCO for their advice.

  British Gas
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what discussions he has had with the regulator of the gas industry about British Gas's policy on direct debit discounts to customers;

  (2) what discussions he has had with the regulator of British Gas over the proposed differential pricing as it affects claimants and pensioners.

  Mr. Eggar
  None. Gas price changes are a matter for the independent regulator, the Office of Gas Supply. The Director General of Gas Supply has confirmed that the discount tariff, for those customers paying by direct debit, meets the terms of the "tariff formula" which limits the prices which British Gas can charge to tariff customers and is within the provisions of section 14(3) of the Gas Act 1986 which relate to undue discrimination against any group of consumers.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received on the declared policy of British Gas to reward those customers who pay by direct debit and penalise those who pay by other means.

  Mr. Eggar
  A substantial number of written representations have been received by my Department from gas consumers and their Members of Parliament about British Gas's discount tariff which is available to those customers paying by direct debit.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the proposed price per therm for(a) those British Gas customers who pay by direct debit and (b) those who pay by other means; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  British Gas's tariffs will be:

  (a) 1.433p per kilowatt hour for those customers paying by direct debit.

  (b) 1.520p per kilowatt hour for customers who pay by other means.

  Note: British Gas's prices are now quoted in the metric unit kWh rather than therms.

  The standing charge will be 10.10p per day for customers on the discount tariff and 10.39p per day for standard tariff customers. The new prices will be introduced on 1 January 1995.

  United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to put the privatisation of all aspects of UKAEA on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  A Bill to privatise the commercial activities of UKAEA was announced in the Queen's Speech. Other initiatives recently announced by UKAEA—for example, the sale of the facilities services division—are being carried out within the authority's powers under existing legislation.

  Fireworks
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to require all advertisements for fireworks to indicate(a) the minimum age of persons to whom fireworks can be sold and (b) a warning on the dangers of fireworks, both to be printed in letters equal to the largest on the advertisement.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  My Department will raise this during discussions early next year with the fireworks industry in preparation for our annual firework safety campaign.

  Public Telephones (Unauthorised Display)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 15 December, Official Report, column 752, what assessment he has made of an appropriate remedy for unauthorised advertisements in public telephone boxes; if he will visit a telephone box; and what obstacles inhibit him from proposing an effective remedy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  As I explained in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend on 8 December,Official Report, column 296, I do not regard it as appropriate to seek to regulate the placing of advertisements in unauthorised places through telecommunications legislation. If my hon. Friend wishes to propose a simple and effective remedy to the concerns he has raised, my hon. Friends and I in other relevant Departments would be happy to consider this, and examine any obstacles which might inhibit action. I have visited telephone boxes, to make respectable phone calls.

  Regional Assistance
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the amounts of regional and similar financial assistance going to(a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) the area covered by the counties of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Information on regional financial assistance to Scotland and Wales was given in the Official Report, columns 675–78, of 5 June 1992. More recent information has been published in the latest edition of "Regional Trends", which is available in the Library of the House.

  Information by county is available only at disproportionate cost.

  German Packaging Ordinance
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the reasons for the European Commission's delay in starting infringement proceedings against Germany over its packaging ordinance; and if he will urge the Commission to act swiftly.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  We have urged the Commission to follow up swiftly its investigation of the German packaging ordinance.

  In the longer term, the difficulties caused by unilateral regulations of this kind should be alleviated by the recently adopted packaging and packaging waste directive.

  Nuclear Materials Trafficking
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will place in the Library a report of the expert proposals to the International Atomic Energy Agency conference on control of trafficking in nuclear materials held on 2 and 3 November;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the proposals of the secretariat of the International Atomic Energy Agency on nuclear materials trafficking; and if he will list each proposal, together with the response of Her Majesty's Government to those proposals.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The IAEA meeting on illicit trafficking held in Vienna on 2 and 3 November was called by the director general of the IAEA in response to a resolution of the IAEA general conference in September 1994.

  There was no official report produced by the expert's meeting in November but the director general drew on the views expressed by the experts in preparing a report for the board in December. This proposed that the agency should:

  (i) intensify its activities in those areas in which it is already supporting member states in preventing and responding to illicit trafficking i.e.:

  —assistance with physical protection measures;

  —assistance in improvement of state systems of accounting control; and

  —assistance with analysing confiscated nuclear materials

  ii) develop a database of incidents of illicit trafficking

  iii) intensify assistance to member states to strengthen their radiation safety infrastructure, and

  iv) continue to examine activities relating to incidents of illicit trafficking.

  The board received these proposals favourably and will resume its discussions of the report at its meeting in March. The Government will continue to support proposals for action which will effectively reduce the risks of illicit trafficking. In their view the agency's role in the area of physical protection should be as a focal point and a co-ordinator of bilateral activities and throughout the agency's activities clear priority should be given to work relating to safeguardable nuclear material.

  Smoke Detectors
  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to ensure that smoke detectors exceeding the legal limit for the unapproved disposal of radioactive material are returned to the manufacturer.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  My Department has no present plans to control the disposal of smoke detectors. Disposal of radioactive material is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, who have the necessary regulatory powers under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.

  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many smoke detectors of the ionising type have been imported in each of the last five years; and from which countries.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The information requested is not available since the product in question is not an 1044
  identifiable commodity within the standard international trade classification.

  British Coal
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the value of British Coal's land and property holdings; how far this value will be reduced by liabilities and contamination; what nature of disposal into the private sector is proposed; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The various options for the future of British Coal's non-operational property portfolio are currently being considered by British Coal in consultation with the Government. No decisions have been taken.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on progress in discussions with the preferred bidders for the regional coal companies in the privatisation of the mining business of British Coal.

  Mr. Eggar
  [pursuant to his reply, 2 December 1994, c. 939–40]: The Government have agreed with Celtic Energy, subject to contract, that Celtic will acquire the South Wales Coal company for £94.5 million; £88.4 million would be payable at completion. Of the balance, £4.9 million would be payable with interest in instalments over the three following years. Final payment of £1.2 million is expected in two instalments, with interest, in 1999 and 2000.

  The bid price has been adjusted as envisaged in the information memorandum. The adjustments reflect developments since tenders were submitted in September 1994 or information which was not available at the time. The main adjustments relate to changes in the expected level of stocks, and certain liabilities and price information disclosed after bids were submitted. Celtic's bid price following these adjustments still clearly represents best value for money.

  The Department will shortly lay a minute before the House describing certain limited warranties and indemnities which it proposed to give to Celtic Energy.

  The acquisition price would also be subject to certain technical adjustments following completion to take account of differences between the value of certain assets and liabilities as estimated at signature of the acquisition arrangement and the corresponding value to be established at completion.

  Changing Tack Programme
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to restart the regional changing tack seminars on defence diversification; and if he will make a statement on the changing tack programme.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Government have no plans to restart the changing tack seminar programme. The changing tack manual "New Perspectives for Defence Suppliers" remains available from the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Ian Greer Associates
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on how many occasions he or his Ministers met representatives of Ian Greer Associates in
  1045
  the last week to discuss matters relating to its clients' interests.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave on 16 December,Official Report, column 851.

  Biological and Chemical Warfare
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list all the quantities of biological and chemical warfare weapons material and precursors that have been imported from the mainland of Europe to the United Kingdom for storage or destruction.

  Mr. Needham
  The information requested is not available.

  Telecommunications Licences
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many telecommunications licences have been granted since the duopoly review in 1991.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I have today granted licences to Concert—the joint venture between BT and Microwave Communications International, MCI—and AT and T. This brings the number of licences granted since the end of the telecommunications duopoly to 60.

  The privatisation and liberalisation of telecommunications in this country have made the UK one of the most advanced countries in the world in terms of the availability of modern, competitive telecommunication services. The services that Concert and AT and T plan to provide under these new licences will further boost competition in the international simple resale market, which is already one of the most exciting sectors in telecommunications. Prices are falling for international calls, benefiting both business and individuals.

  Companies House
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the future of the Companies House agency.

  Mr. Heseltine
  The Department of Trade and Industry is looking at the scope for maximising private sector involvement in its work across the range of its activities.

  On 19 July 1994, Official Report, column 179, I reported to the House that my Department had appointed consultants to explore further with the market how best to contract out most of the services of Companies House; and to consider whether and, if so, how far Companies House should withdraw from those activities where it might compete with other parts of the business information industry. I have now considered SRU Ltd's report, copies of which have been placed in the House Library—edited to omit commercially sensitive information.

  The object of the review of the future of Companies House has been to consider how best to build on its excellent record of improvements in efficiency, value for money and standards of service. I believe that this can best be achieved by closer involvement of the private sector in the running of Companies House activities.

  The business information industry is in the early stages of major technological change. In any plan for the future of Companies House, it will be important for it to be able to meet the changing needs of the market. I therefore
  1046
  propose to proceed with contractorisation on a progressive basis. This will involve Companies House—which will remain an executive agency—working in partnership with the private sector, both customers and suppliers, to develop and deliver new technology. At the same time, it will work through a programme of contracting out a range of activities, including functions carried out by the London and Edinburgh offices. It will be an essential part of any contracts that the existing high standards of service provided by Companies House should continue to be improved. Once the new technology is in place, I would expect to look again at the scope for further contracting out.

  It is my intention to lay an order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 early next year to enable the contracting out of the relevant CH functions.

  The SRU report also concludes that the best way to maximise the exploitation of the information held in Companies House is for it to continue to provide as wide a range of access as possible to the raw data, leaving it to the rest of the business information industry to exploit that information through analysis, assessment, etcetera. I agree with this conclusion.

  Electricity
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, pursuant to his answer of 1 December,Official Report, column 807, he has now made a decision on any further amendments to the Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a Licence) Order 1990.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Following consultation with the electricity industry and others, I have decided that the Electricity (Class Exemptions from the Requirement for a Licence) Order 1990 should be amended to make it clear that on-site generators who belong to the electricity pool may be exempt from the requirement for a supply licence where they supply qualifying consumers on the same site through a distribution or transmission system belonging to a third party.

  I must make it clear that these on-site generators will have to meet all of the criteria for exemption that are presently described in this order, and that this amendment will not alter the present arrangements for trading electricity through the electricity pool.

  I will lay an order bringing this amendment—and the extension of transitional exemptions, which I announced on 1 December—into effect early next year.

  Non-fossil Fuels
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to announce the details of the third renewables non-fossil fuel obligation order; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I have today laid before Parliament an order requiring the regional electricity companies in England and Wales to make arrangements to secure 626.92 MW of new electricity generating capacity from a range of renewable energy sources. This is the third renewables order under the non-fossil fuel arrangements—widely known as NFFO3—and covers the period 1 April 1995 to 31 March 2014.

  The prime purpose of this third renewable order is to create an initial market for those renewables-based

  1047
  electricity generation technologies which have the prospect, in the not-too-distant future, of competing against conventional generation technologies in the open market for electricity. In addition to market enablement, it will contribute towards the Government's broad aim of working towards 1,500 MW of new renewables-based generation capacity in the United Kingdom by the year 2000, thereby assisting the Government in meeting their Rio commitment of returning United Kingdom emissions of carbon dioxide to 1990 levels by same year. NFFO3 will also contribute to the policy objectives of establishing diverse, secure and sustainable energy supplies and encouraging the development of internationally competitive renewable energy industries.

  I am pleased with the response to the tender invitation, which resulted in 520 firm bids coming forward, for a total of some 2,500 MW of capacity. The Government are therefore able to set an order covering technology bands previously supported under the first and second orders and showing clear convergence towards the market price for electricity, while also enabling a number of projects using energy crops and agricultural and forestry wastes to come forward. I understand the regional electricity companies have met their obligations arising from this NFFO3 order by signing collective contracts for 141 projects. I

  Summary of third renewables orders(NFFO—3)

  Technology Band

  Contracted capacity MW dnc

  Number of projects

  Lowest contracted price p/kWh

  Weighted average price1 p/kWh

  Highest contracted price p/kWh

  Wind

  Exceeding 1.6 MW dnc

  145.92

  31

  3.98

  4.32

  4.80

  Not exceeding 1.6 MWdnc

  19.71

  24

  4.49

  5.29

  5.99

  Hydro

  14.48

  I5

  4.25

  4.46

  4.85

  Landfill Gas

  82.07

  42

  3.29

  3.76

  4.00

  Municipal and industrial waste

  241.87

  20

  3.48

  3.84

  4.00

  Energy crops and agricultural and forestry waste

  Energy crops/forestry waste-gasification

  19.06

  3

  8.49

  8.65

  8.75

  Residual (other)

  103.81

  6

  4.90

  5.07

  5.23

  Total

  626.92

  141

  —

  4.35

  —

  1 Average price to be paid, weighted according to the expected output from each project.

  Detailed consultations have taken place throughout the NFFO3 process, from the formulation of initial plans for the third order, to the decision on the shape and size of the order-the latter taking account of the cost and quality of bids received. The Government acknowledge the contribution of all those bodies which have been involved in many ways in the making of this order. In particular, it welcomes the advice from the Director General of Electricity Supply, as a contribution to the debate and the perspective it brings.

  The Government's overall consideration has been to strike a balance between the degree of market stimulation brought forward through the obligation and the cost to the customer. The difference between the "pool price" for electricity and the price paid to the generator for electricity supplied under NFFO contracts is funded through the fossil fuel levy, which is applied to sales of electricity to the final customer. If contracted projects do not go forward to commissioning and generation, then the
  1048
  understand also that letters of notification will be issued shortly to all tenderers bidding into NFFO3.

  Successful bidders will now need to obtain planning permission for their projects—if they have not already done so. The award of a NFFO contract is totally without prejudice to the planning approval process, which must be carried out in the normal way. Developers will also need to secure firm fuel supply contracts where this is relevant. For these reasons therefore, among others, the Government expect that around 300 to 400 MW of the 627 MW contracted capacity are likely to go forward to commissioning. The order provides for the obligation placed on the RECs to be reduced to reflect non-commissioning of projects. To the extent that it appears in later years that the outturn will be outside this range, the Government would expect to take that into account in setting the policy for the further orders foreshadowed last year in my Department's "Renewable Energy Bulletin No. 5".

  The following table shows the breakdown of contracted capacity under the obligation, according to technology band, together with the number of contracts signed, the lowest price to be paid for the electricity produced, the average price paid—weighted according to the expected output from each project—and the marginal highest price paid.

  cost to the fossil fuel levy will reduce accordingly. The Government have also considered the balance between support for renewables technologies covered by previous orders and support for newer renewables technologies. The Government are determined to work towards convergence between the price for electricity from renewables and the open market price, and believe that the inclusion of promising newer technologies in NFFO3 is the most likely way to achieve this for these technologies.

  The Government believe that, in addition to the general prospects for the utilisation of agricultural and forestry wastes, there is considerable long-term potential for short-rotation coppice as an energy crop. However, the commercial exploitation of coppicing will require substantial reductions in costs through experience and optimisation of both the fuel supply chain and the conversion technology. I believe, therefore, that the time is now ripe to include within NFFO a tranche of capacity

  1049
  based on biomass gasification, which is both technically efficient and offers the prospect of significant economies of scale and replication. In addition, I am pleased to announce that, as a contribution to the process of optimising the production of coppice wood, the Government have awarded a £500,000 contract to the Forestry Commission research division for coppice field trials over the whole of the United Kingdom, bringing the total DTI R and D support in this area to £2 million per year.

  The Government have also reflected on how best to continue the stimulus given to wind power. The Government consider that they should distinguish between wind farms and smaller projects involving single individual turbines or small clusters of them—perhaps community based and serving a different market. They expect that only 20 or so of the wind farms will commission, having regard to factors such as the need for planning permission referred to. In addition, the Government have noted that one developer was responsible for a large number of the bids for wind farms put forward under NFFO3. By holding this developer to no more than 10 projects, the Government have been able to secure increased diversity of supply within the wind band. At this early stage in the development of the market for wind, the Government believe that this diversity is desirable, in order not to lose the potential benefits that may arise from a spread of players in this field.

  I welcome the publication in late November of the "Best Practice Guidelines for Wind Energy Development" by the British Wind Energy Association. This is a constructive step, representing a responsible approach, which should ensure that wind projects are appropriately sited. I welcome also the announcement this morning by "The Wind Fund plc" of its intention to open an investment fund to the public in January 1995, which will offer an opportunity to individuals to invest in wind projects—particularly smaller projects—and possibly other renewable energy schemes. This is a further positive step forward in bringing renewable energy projects from conception to commissioning and generation, and in part results from research funded by the DTI.

  With the conclusion of this third round of bidding, it is important to enter a period of analysis, reflection and full consultation, so that lessons can be fully learned from NFFO3, before contemplating options for the size and shape of any future order—or the bidding process which might be employed. Nevertheless, the Government hope that a fourth order can be announced in 1995, to come into effect in 1996. Views on the future of NFFO would be welcome, preferably expressed collectively by the relevant association or trade body.

  NFFO is a success, with over 340 MW of capacity already operational under NFF01 and NFFO2 contracts, and this third order is expected to double that capacity. NFFO has an international reputation, as a process that works, stimulating the market and manufacturing industry. By continuing our policy, we have high expectations of enabling a significant contribution to electricity generation—at market prices—from renewable sources of energy in the medium and longer term.

  Statutory Bodies
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list all those statutory bodies which 1050
  must, within their statutory remit, protect the interests of consumers.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: The following statutory bodies have a general responsibility for the interests of consumers, or classes of consumers, of the industries which they shadow:
  Domestic Coal Consumers Council—section 4 of the Coal Industry Nationalisation Act 1946;
  Post Office Users National Council and the Country Councils for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland—section 14 of the Post Office Act 1969;
  Advisory committees on telecommunications for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and the advisory bodies on telecommunications matters affecting small businesses, and persons who are disabled or of pensionable age—section 54 of the Telecommunications Act 1984;
  Gas Consumers Council—section 2 of the Gas Act 1986;
  Central Rail Users Consultative Committee and eight rail users consultative committees—section 77 of the Railways Act 1993; London regional passengers committee—section 40 of the London Regional Transport Act 1984.

  In addition, the Director General of Fair Trading; the Director General of Telecommunications; the Director General of Gas Supply; the Director General of Electricity Supply; the Director General of Water Services; and the Rail Regulator have specific responsibility for promoting and/or protecting the interests of consumers/customers. The Director General for Electricity Supply is required to appoint consumers' committees and the Director General of Water Services to appoint customer services committees.

  Coal
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will set out the total subsidy paid for additional deep—mined coal as outlined in "Prospects for Coal"; how many tonnes of coal this involves; and how many individual payments have been made.

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: To date, the Department has paid £6,109,510 of subsidy covering the sale of almost 600,000 tonnes of additional coal.

  The Department has made seven offers of subsidy so far. Under the terms of each offer, claims for payment are made on the basis of actual deliveries made. To date, the Department has made 15 such individual payments.

  Russian Military Design Bureaux
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultation he has had with his United States counterparts in the Department of Commerce and Department of Energy over the reasons for the United States Government's refusal to allow the direct commercial trading by United States private companies with the Russian military design bureaux and production associations; and if he will review the present permissive arrangements in the United Kingdom on the direct commercial agreements by British companies with military design bureaux and production associations in Russia and other states of the former Soviet Union.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: I am not aware of any such contacts by members of my Department and I do not intend to instigate a review. Overseas trading arrangements of British companies are a matter for their own commercial judgment subject only to export control procedures where applicable.

  Cuba
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom's trading relations with Cuba.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: Cuba is on the United Kingdom list of destinations for which export licence applications are subject to special licensing procedures. There are no United Kingdom restrictions on imports from Cuba which are not applied more generally against imports from all sources.

  Subject to the above, the United Kingdom enjoys normal trading relations with Cuba, and the Government's policy is to encourage United Kingdom firms to exploit the growing civil market opportunities there.

  I visited Cuba in September with a group of senior British business men to promote the development of trading relations, and initialled a bilateral investment promotion and protection agreement.

  Arms Exports
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) which Arab or middle east countries have been the subject of arms export licence refusals in 1993 on the grounds of internal oppression or regional security;

  (2) which countries in Europe or the former Soviet Union have been the subject of arms export licence refusals in 1993 on the grounds of internal oppression or regional security;

  (3) which countries in Asia have been the subject of arms export. licence refusals in 1993 on the grounds of internal oppression or regional security.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answers 19 December 1994]: Export licence applications for arms may be refused for a number of reasons and these questions could only be answered at disproportionate cost. The annual report of the Export Control Organisation will, however, be available shortly and will give some details of licences refused by destination and classification of goods. A copy of that report will be placed in the Library of the House and I will also arrange for the hon. Member to receive a personal copy.

  Research
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what sum was spent by his Department on research in each of the last 10 years; what percentage this was of the total annual budget; what is the budget for the forthcoming year; what percentage this is of his total budget; and what additional new research is to be undertaken.

  Mr. Heseltine
  [holding answer 13 December 1994]: The sums spent on research and development by the Department for the last 10 years were reported in the statistical supplement to the 1994 "Forward Look of Government-funded Science, Engineering and Technology". The expenditure on research and development and the percentage that this expenditure was of total departmental expenditure are given:

  R and D expenditure £ million

  Percentage of total expenditure

  1985–86

  406.7

  21.1

  1986–87

  555.3

  20.3

  1052

  R and D expenditure £ million

  Percentage of total expenditure

  1987–88

  500.8

  33.6

  1988–89

  504.6

  23.3

  1989–90

  476.1

  30.2

  1990–91

  462.6

  29.5

  1991–92

  364.8

  26.0

  1992–93

  350.8

  26.6

  1993–94

  310.3

  23.2

  1994–95

  245.0

  17.8

  Notes:

  1. Figures include the Department of Energy.

  2. The percentages are based on total central Government spend on trade and industry excluding nationalised industries financing requirements.

  3. Figures for 1993–94 are estimated outturns.

  4. Figures for 1994–95 are at provision.

  The expenditure on research and development in the coming year has still to be determined, and will be reported in the statistical supplement to the 1995 "Forward Look".

  The decline in the Department's spend on R and D over the period partly reflects the inclusion of net aerospace launch aid figures. In the first half of the period, launch aid payments far outstripped receipts. More recently, this situation has been reversed. There has also been a substantial reduction in expenditure on energy R and D, the principal factor in which has been the decision to withdraw from research on the prototype fast nuclear reactor at Dounreay.

  Economic Development
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make it his policy that local authority economic development plans are held in regional Government offices.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I have been asked to reply.

  We see no need to introduce such a policy; local authorities that have prepared an economic development plan are required by statute to make the document available to representatives of the local business community and to such other persons as they consider it desirable to consult about their plan.

  Water Authorities
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many executive and non-executive directors there were in each water authority in the year before privatisation; what was their aggregate remuneration, and what is their current number and aggregate remuneration, including share options and other incentive payments.

  Mr. Atkins
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information about the numbers and remuneration of water authority chairmen and members in the year prior to privatisation can be found in "Public Bodies 1989", issued by the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service and Science. A copy of this publication is available in the Library.

  Information relating to the numbers and remuneration, share options and other incentive payments of current water company directors is published in the annual reports of individual companies. This information is not held centrally.

SCOTLAND

  Empty Property
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to make use of his Department's empty residential property.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Office target for 1994–95 is to dispose of, or bring back into use, 60 out of an estimated total of 158 empty residential properties. The report of the task force on Government Departments' empty houses did not identify any problem affecting the Department which needed attention but we are committed to doing all we can to bring empty property back into constructive use. Sale or lease to a housing association for rent to those in housing need is one option to be considered for empty property, but the approach in each case will depend on local circumstances.

  Roads
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many miles of motorway are currently(a) open, (b) under construction and (c) planned in Scotland either (i) as new motorway or (ii) as existing motorway being widened.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  As at 30 November 1994 in Scotland there were 188 miles of trunk road motorway and a further 19 miles of non trunk motorway, the responsibility for which lies with the local authorities.

  Twelve miles of new trunk road motorway are currently under construction with a further 30 miles planned. Four miles of non-trunk motorway are also planned.

  Much of the motorway network constructed in the 1960s and 1970s is approaching the end of its structural life and will require major maintenance or reconstruction. Some of this work may involve widening.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the parliamentary constituencies in which lies each scheme in his Department's national road programme.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the table for all those schemes costing over £3 million which either are under construction or were announced by my right hon. Friend on 19 May 1994 as expected to start before March 1997. Our future plans are, of course, subject to schemes satisfying the usual value for money criteria together with satisfactory completion of statutory procedures and the necessary preparatory work.

  Scheme

  Parliamentary constituency

  A74(M) Eaglesfield to Kirkpatrick-Fleming

  Dumfries

  A74(M) Cleuchbrae to Dinwoodie Green

  Dumfries

  A74(M) Ecclefechan to Eaglesfield Phase 2

  Dumfries

  M8 Newbridge to Edinburgh

  Livingston

  A87 Skye Bridge Approach Roads

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  M77 Ayr Road Route

  Eastwood

  A74(M) Paddy's Rickle Bridge to Beattock

  Clydesdale/Dumfries

  Al Tranent to Haddington

  East Lothian

  A74(M) Beattock to Cleuchbrae

  Dumfries

  M8 Baillieston to Newhouse

  Motherwell North

  1054

  Scheme

  Parliamentary constituency

  M77 Fenwick to B764 (Floak)

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  A68 Dalkeith Bypass (advance works)

  Midlothian

  Al Haddington to Dunbar

  East Lothian

  A96 Kintore Bypass

  Gordon

  A9 Logie Easter to Garrick Bridge

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  A830 Loch Nan Uamh to Polnish Bridge

  Incerness, Nairn and Lochaber

  A828 Creagan Bridge

  Argyll and Bute

  Local Enterprise Companies
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to monitor the on-going composition of the boards of local enterprise companies, particularly in respect of such boards continuing to reflect a diverse business, community and geographic representation of the entire area covered; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  Local enterprise companies are required to ensure that at least two thirds of their boards of directors are chairmen, directors, chief executives or other top level managers within the private sector who either live or work within the local enterprise company's area of operation. Other board members must live within the local area. These requirements are placed on the local enterprise companies through their operating contracts with Scottish Enterprise and with Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Responsibility for contract compliance and monitoring rests with the enterprise bodies and I have therefore asked their chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Executive Search Agencies
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what use his Department has made of executive search agencies in filling vacancies within his Department and executive agencies administered by his Department during the last year; and how much these services have cost his Department.

  Mr. Lang
  My Department has made use of executive search agencies on two recruitment campaigns between 1 December 1993 and 30 November 1994. The total cost of these services was £69,912 including VAT. None of the executive agencies within my Department has made use of such services during the last year.

  Geese
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what non-lethal methods of goose control are approved by his Ministry; and what measure he is taking to promote them.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Copies of the advisory leaflet "Wild Geese and Scottish Agriculture" are available at offices of the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department and are issued to farmers who report problems associated with the presence of geese on their land. The leaflet provides information about various scaring devices including flags, scarecrows, gas guns and mechanically operated scarers.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are his reasons for the granting of a licence to a farmer on the Solway firth to kill barnacle geese; how
  1055
  many geese have so far been killed under licence on the Solway firth; and how many are permitted to be killed overall.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Licences were granted in January 1994 and October 1994 for the purpose of preventing serious damage to crops. In issuing licences the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department takes into account the history of goose usage of an area, reports of goose numbers at particular times and carries out on-the-ground inspections. Account has also been taken of the outcome of a case in Dumfries sheriff court in which the farmer was acquitted on charges of killing geese without a licence.

  Ten geese were reported killed under the licence issued in January and which expired in April. As at 15 December no geese had been killed under the current licence.

  The licence is not subject to a bag limit but can be revoked at any time for example for non-compliance with the conditions attached to it.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to monitor the damage done to crops by geese in the Solway firth; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department makes inspections at approximately fortnightly intervals of the farm on the Solway firth where a licence is in operation. The department also inspects other farms where numerous geese have been reported and which might be the subject of future applications for a licence.

  Health Care International
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which Scottish health boards have contracted with the Health Care International hospital at Clydebank to treat patients from their area; how many patients were treated from each health board area; and what was the cost of the contracts to each of the health boards.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There have been six such contracts, the details of which are as follows:

  Patients

  Lothian Health Board

  17(Cardiac)

  Grampian Health Board

  7(Oral Surgery)

  Grampian GP Fundholders

  5(Orthapaedics)

  Shetland Islands Health Board

  13(Ophthalmic)

  3(Cardiac)

  Ayrshire and Arran Health Board

  1(Vascular)

  National Specialism Contract

  10(Cardiac)

  Cost is a matter between the receivers and the health boards. However, in each case the contracts represented a saving to the national health service.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what assessment he has made of the London rough sleepers initiative in forming Scottish Office policy for the homeless;

  (2) what action he is proposing to meet the needs of homeless 16 and 17-year-olds;

  (3) how much money the Scottish Office has spent in each of the last three years on its rooflessness initiative.
  1056
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Scottish office policy on homelessness draws on a wide range of sources, including not only experience of initiatives elsewhere in the United Kingdom but reports directly prepared or commissioned in Scotland, for example, the 1993 Donnison report, "Young Homeless People in Scotland", and the 1994 report on the operation of the code of guidance on homelessness.

  During the years 1991–92 to 1993–94, £50,000 per annum was made available to voluntary bodies under the rooflessness initiative. This programme has been followed by initiatives undertaken through voluntary bodies and by Scottish Office support for continuing projects.

  Our main response to homelessness, including rooflessness, is made through support for local housing authorities, which have the primary statutory responsibility for tackling homelessness. A total of £29 million extra capital allocations were made available to housing authorities throughout Scotland during the period 1991 to 1994 for homelessness projects, many of which were for young homeless people, including those who were at risk of becoming roofless. We are also providing grants amounting to over £300,000 in 1994–95 for voluntary bodies that support homeless and roofless people, for example, the Bridges one door initiative in Edinburgh. The 1991 code of guidance on homelessness already advises that 16 to 17-year-olds may be vulnerable and hence in priority need.

  Care in the Community
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will direct Scottish health boards(a) to ensure that every patient discharged from psychiatric units in their area has a care plan capable of being implemented and (b) to retain an adequate number of rehabilitation and long-stay psychiatric beds in their areas.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  It is for the clinicians to assess the individual needs of patients and for those assessed as likely to benefit from care in the community, to decide with the local authorities how that care and accommodation are to be organised. Where social care and health care needs have been identified, discharge from a psychiatric unit only occurs following a full multi-disciplinary assessment and the pre-placement of a comprehensive package of support services to meet the person's assessed needs.

  As regards national health service long stay provision, it is for individual health boards to determine the care needs for this population and to purchase accordingly.

  School Annexes
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what incentives or support his Department has offered to local authorities since 1977 to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of school annexes.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There has been no specific programme of support to local authorities for the elimination of the use of school annexes. However, the capital allocations for educational building have enabled
  1057
  authorities to undertake the extension or adaptation of main buildings to allow the withdrawal of annexes where they have considered that a priority.

  Sex Abuse Crimes
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many crimes involving sex abuse involving young

  Crimes involving sexual abuse recorded by the police and persons with charges proved1, Scotland, 1989–19932

  Crimes of indecency recorded by the police and persons with charge proved where victim was aged under 163

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Police

  Crimes recorded by the police

  persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Central

  109

  19

  136

  22

  92

  24

  92

  23

  113

  22

  Dumfries and Galloway

  33

  13

  29

  6

  45

  9

  49

  13

  69

  12

  Fife

  79

  23

  115

  19

  128

  27

  102

  20

  159

  21

  Grampian

  163

  23

  245

  44

  166

  39

  180

  35

  240

  21

  Lothian and Borders

  236

  54

  187

  39

  212

  46

  270

  36

  278

  39

  Northern

  102

  22

  82

  17

  77

  14

  91

  12

  67

  8

  Strathclyde

  450

  97

  512

  94

  512

  73

  515

  63

  625

  76

  Tayside

  161

  31

  144

  39

  142

  22

  143

  17

  199

  21

  Scotland

  1,333

  282

  1,450

  280

  1,374

  254

  1,442

  219

  1,750

  220

  Notes:

  1 Persons with charge proved where the main offence was as stated This includes persons who plead guilty or were found guilty.

  2 For crimes recorded by the police the year relates to the year when the crime was recorded. For persons with charge proved the year relates to the year when the accused was sentenced.

  3 Includes lewd and libidinous practices, defilement of girls aged under 16 and causing the seduction, prostitution etc. of girl.

  Other crimes of indecency recorded and persons with charge proved where victim's age is unknown1

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Police force

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Crimes recorded by the police

  Persons with charge proved

  Central

  93

  10

  86

  13

  66

  8

  67

  5

  83

  6

  Dumfries and Galloway

  45

  11

  27

  0

  44

  2

  52

  3

  30

  3

  Fife

  85

  10

  88

  19

  96

  18

  94

  14

  94

  17

  Grampian

  195

  17

  177

  21

  178

  16

  148

  22

  189

  20

  Lothian and Borders

  340

  50

  320

  33

  352

  35

  358

  35

  359

  52

  Northern

  76

  15

  105

  22

  79

  10

  89

  6

  85

  6

  Strathclyde

  662

  85

  624

  93

  590

  74

  756

  100

  758

  105

  Tayside

  104

  17

  116

  15

  113

  8

  132

  13

  134

  16

  Scotland

  1,600

  215

  1,543

  216

  1,518

  171

  1,696

  198

  1,732

  225

  Notes:

  1 Includes incest, rape, assault with intent to ravish, indecent assault, carnal knowledge of—or householder permitting carnal knowledge of—mentally defective, lunatic person or girl, abduction of girl under 18 with the intent to have sexual intercourse and clandestine injury.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) teachers, (b) social workers, (c) nurses, (d) doctors, (e) community education workers and (f) other professionals working with children have been found guilty of crimes of indecency or of lewd and libidinous behaviour against persons under 21 years of age in each of the past five years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is not available.

  Lothian Health Board
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the revenue and capital allocation to Lothian health board during each of the last three years.
  1058
  people under 21 years of age were recorded by each of the police forces in Scotland in each of the past five years; and how many people were found guilty of such offences.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is not available in the form requested. The tables give the number of sexual offences which by definition involve persons aged under 16 and, separately, those offences involving sexual abuse where the age of the victim is unknown.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Details of Lothian health board's revenue and capital allocations for 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95 are set out in the table.

  £ million

  Year

  Revenue allocation

  Capital allocation

  1992–93

  357.081

  24.186

  1993–94

  363.716

  11.879

  1994–95

  372.493

  3.877

  The basic revenue allocation shown is supplemented by funds to meet other services and costs, such as provision for AIDS, artificial limbs and appliance centres, breast cencer screening and, the additional cost of teaching.

  NHS Expenditure
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the level of spending per head of population on family health service services in Scotland; and if his answer of 7 December,Official Report, columns 278–79, included such expenditure.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Family health services expenditure was included in my answer of 7 December to the hon. Gentleman. The information requested on family health services expenditure is set out in the table.

  Health board area

  Family health services expenditure per head of population 1993–94 £

  Argyll and Clyde

  178.60

  Ayrshire and Arran

  176.31

  Borders

  168.11

  Dumfries and Galloway

  177.72

  Fife

  157.20

  Forth Valley

  173.36

  Grampian

  157.82

  Greater Glasgow

  182.71

  Highland

  182.26

  Lanarkshire

  164.89

  Lothian

  166.77

  Orkney

  180.97

  Shetland

  161.50

  Tayside

  181.89

  Western Isles

  196.91

  Total Health Board

  172.25

  Truancy
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what initiatives his Department has taken since 1990 to tackle school truancy.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A number of initiatives have been taken aimed at focusing the attention of education authorities, schools and parents on the problem of truancy. These are:A consultation paper "Action on Truancy in Scotland" issued in April 1991.
  Two surveys of truancy in schools in June and November 1991, commissioned from the Scottish Council for Research in Education and published in 1992.
  A study on "Links Between Truancy and Delinquency" commissioned from the MVA Consultancy and published in 1992.
  Regulations made in July 1993 requiring the collection and publication of information on attendance, authorised absence and unauthorised absence by stage for Scottish schools.
  A report by the Audit Unit of HM Inspectorate "Attendance, Truancy & Performance" issued in October 1993.

  In the new year an audit unit report containing school-based information on attendance, and authorised and unauthorised absence will be issued. The Scottish Council for Research in Education has also been commissioned to investigate and report on the links between truancy and performance in primary and secondary schools and it will report in 1995. To assist schools in dealing with truancy a support pack called "The Truancy File" will be sent free to all Scottish schools.

  School Sizes
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research the Scottish Office Education Department has funded arising out of the Pack report's recommendation that the topic of best sizes of schools should be further studied.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  None.

  Housing List Applications
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applicants were waiting on the housing lists of each district council in each financial year since 1979.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Reliable information is not held centrally.

  Trans-European Road Network
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to enable access to European funding for the Skye bridge approach roads following his decision to include the route from Glasgow to Uig, Isle of Skye, in the trans-European road network; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A decision by the European Commission and the Council of Ministers on proposed additions to the trans-European road network— TERN—including the route from Glasgow to Uig, Isle of Skye is expected early in 1995. Although a draft financial regulation, detailing the funding of TERN schemes, has yet to be approved, it is not intended to cover the retrospective funding of schemes.

  Rents
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average rent charged for(a) private sector tenancies, (b) district council tenancies, (c) development corporation tenancies and (d) Scottish Homes tenancies in each financial year since 1979.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The following table shows the average weekly unrebated rents for local authorities, new town development corporations and Scottish Homes and its predecessor, the Scottish Special Housing Association, since 1979–80. Comparable information on private sector rents is not held centrally.

  Average Weekly Rents

  year

  Local authority £

  New town development corporations £

  SSHA Scottish homes £

  1979–80

  4.92

  6.40

  5.43

  1980–81

  5.88

  7.89

  7.21

  1981–82

  7.69

  9.81

  9.15

  1982–83

  9.02

  11.90

  11.26

  1983–84

  9.86

  12.76

  11.96

  1984–85

  10.46

  14.36

  13.06

  1985–86

  11.55

  15.61

  14.23

  1986–87

  12.99

  16.81

  15.79

  1987–88

  14.58

  18.29

  17.28

  1988–89

  16.29

  19.79

  19.02

  1989–90

  18.85

  21.81

  20.88

  1061

  Average Weekly Rents

  Year

  Local authority£

  New town development corporations£

  SSHA Scottish home£

  1990–91

  20.93

  23.29

  23.81

  1991–92

  23.12

  25.62

  26.73

  1992–93

  24.65

  27.72

  29.14

  1993–94

  26.39

  29.87

  31.76

  1994–95

  27.79

  31.36

  33.83

  Housing Waiting Lists
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applicants were waiting on the housing lists of Scottish Homes in each financial year since 1979.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is a matter for Scottish Homes. I have asked its chairman, Sir James Mellon, to write to the hon. Member.

  Disabled People
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to respond to the recommendations of the committee of inquiry into housing in Scotland for people with physical disabilities.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I have written to Lord Ewing of Kirkford, welcoming the Ewing committee's report as a valuable contribution to the debate on housing in Scotland for disabled people, and setting out the Scottish Office's formal response to the committee's recommendations. The response is being placed in the Commons and Lords Libraries, and will be sent to all MPs sitting for Scottish constituencies, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, housing authorities, Scottish Homes and interested voluntary bodies, and the media. The main points of the response are as follows:

  The Scottish Office will consult over 300 organisations early in the new year on amendments to building regulations governing access to new dwellings, including costs. This consultation paper will build on the comments received earlier this year on the topics to be covered in the amendments. New regulations have already been made on access to non-domestic buildings.

  Scottish Homes has been asked to review the Scottish housing handbooks on housing for disabled people, and for elderly people. These will take account of barrier-free housing, which Scottish Homes is already encouraging.

  Over £2.8 billion will be made available for housing investment over the next three years and there have been substantial increases in provision of specialist housing for physically disabled people since 1979.

  Community care, including provision for physically disabled people, is now one of only four national priorities which housing authorities have been asked to address in their housing plans and output targets. It is also a priority for Scottish Homes, including grants to the voluntary and private sectors, and the care and repair scheme which helps disabled and elderly people to carry out repairs and adaptations to enable them to remain in their own home.

  More generally, the circular entitled "Community Care—The Housing Dimension", which was issued by the Scottish Office on 9 August, emphasised the importance
  1062
  of co-operation between housing, social work and health bodies in planning, assessment of need, and housing management for physically disabled people and other community care client groups. This guidance and the introduction of housing plans and housing management plans, encompass and go beyond the committee's recommendations on co-ordination of provision for disabled people by housing authorities. The circular also sets out the respective responsibilities of health, social work and housing for adaptations, aids and equipment.

  It is not possible to give absolute housing rights to disabled people, since their needs have to be considered in the light of costs, available resources and the priorities given to other groups. However, we will take account of their needs and aspirations in our plans, and will continue to support important particular rights, such as the right to be consulted on individual community care assessments. Scottish Homes is preparing a policy statement on housing action for disabled people which we hope will serve as an example for other providers.

  Finally, we recognise the importance of information and advice for disabled people on housing issues. Scottish Homes' Homepoint has made grants of about £17,000 for the disabled persons housing service and for a handbook on disabled persons' housing rights being produced by the Margaret Blackwood housing association.

  Agricultural Wages Board
  Mr. Kynoch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is in a position to announce the Government's decision on the future of the Scottish agricultural wages board.

  Sir Hector Monro
  Following the Government's review of the Scottish agricultural wages board initiated last year, and taking account of the views expressed during the consultation period, we have concluded that the board should continue to operate within the existing statutory framework. A further review of the board will take place in 1998.

  Recycled Liquid Fuel
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the use of recycled liquid fuel at the Blue Circle cement works at Dunbar; and what assessment he has made of(a) the safety of the transport and storage of this fuel and (b) the level and nature of any pollution arising from the use of this fuel.

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 14 December 1994]: During the determination of the application for an authorisation under integrated pollution control in respect of the Blue Circle cement works at Dunbar, Her Majesty's industrial pollution inspectorate gave careful consideration to the environmental implications of burning recycled liquid fuels in part replacement of the normal kiln fuels. In terms of emissions of sulphur dioxide the use was beneficial, but in order to ensure that the impact of burning chlorinated material was negligible, the authorisation included conditions that placed stringent limits on the content of chlorine, polychlorinated biphenyls and pentachlorophenol in all recovered fuels. A series of tests were undertaken by the company to a protocol agreed with HMIPI and emissions of dioxins and furans, the principal concern, were shown to be below the 1 ngm-3 limit set in the draft European Union directive on the incineration of hazardous waste.
  1063
  Monitoring of incoming fuel has shown that all batches comply with the conditions of authorisation and relevant data have been placed on the public register. Current usage corresponds to no more than 3 per cent. of the total thermal input to the kiln.

  HMIPI has work in hand to ensure that test protocols for the estimation of dioxins and furans in environmental media are optimised and Blue Circle is included in the inspectorate's audit programme for 1995–96.

  As regards the safety of these materials during transport and storage, the responsibility for these issues lies with the Department of Transport and the Health and Safety Executive. I have asked both the Department and the Executive to write to the hon. Member in due course.

  Respiratory Illnesses
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital admissions there were for each month in 1991, 1992 and 1993 for(a) acute respiratory complaints and (b) bronchitis by local health authority and trust.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information on hospital discharges is set out in the tables.

  Table 1: Discharges for acute respiratory complaints and bronchitis by month and year of admission, 1991 to 1993

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Acute respiratory

  January

  3,606

  4,590

  3,980

  February

  3,548

  3,850

  3,886

  Table 2: Discharges for acute respiratory complaints and bronchitis by year of admission and health board of residence, 1991 to 1993

  Acute Respiratory

  Bronchitis

  Health board of residence

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Argyll and Clyde

  3,101

  3,069

  3,670

  271

  202

  325

  Ayrshire and Arran

  2,937

  2,819

  3,677

  204

  167

  236

  Borders

  802

  796

  926

  88

  120

  83

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1,071

  1,029

  1,339

  105

  61

  113

  Fife

  2,278

  2,306

  2,640

  215

  250

  336

  Forth Valley

  1,634

  1,789

  2,369

  98

  73

  201

  Grampian

  3,721

  3,782

  4,453

  231

  241

  332

  Greater Glasgow

  7,471

  7,769

  9,775

  642

  706

  1,402

  Highland

  1,419

  1,281

  1,609

  288

  291

  300

  Larnarkshire

  4,366

  4,111

  4,960

  830

  710

  694

  Lothian

  6,361

  6,271

  7,224

  801

  692

  776

  Orkney

  110

  90

  123

  10

  3

  1

  Shetland

  69

  95

  116

  8

  15

  7

  Tayside

  3,721

  3,667

  4,337

  204

  215

  273

  Western Isles

  167

  164

  187

  8

  13

  24

  All Health Boards

  39,228

  39,038

  47,405

  4,003

  3,759

  5,103

  Outside Scotland/NK/NFA

  388

  423

  487

  26

  29

  39

  Scotland

  39,616

  39,461

  47,892

  4,029

  3,788

  5,142

  Notes:

  1. Discharges include only emergency admissions.

  2. The bronchitis discharges are also included in acute respiratory complaints.

  3. Data are collected on a discharge basis.

  Table 3: Discharges for acute respiratory complaints and bronchitis by year of admission and NHS trust 1991 to 1993

  Acute respiratory

  Bronchitis

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1991

  1992

  1993

  South Ayrshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  397

  1,149

  1,473

  10

  40

  68

  Northern Ayr and Arran NHS Trust

  1,513

  1,482

  1,975

  131

  112

  159

  A and A Community Health Care NHS Trust

  183

  157

  190

  15

  10

  14

  1064

  Table 1: Discharges for acute respiratory complaints and bronchitis by month and year of admission, 1991 to 1993

  1991

  1992

  1993

  March

  3,749

  3,221

  4,529

  April

  3,054

  3,112

  3,399

  May

  3,031

  3,026

  3,330

  June

  2,695

  3,076

  3,318

  July

  2,545

  2,694

  2,920

  August

  2,430

  2,530

  2,905

  September

  3,143

  3,073

  3,537

  October

  3,502

  3,085

  4,762

  November

  3,662

  3,374

  5,922

  December

  4,651

  3,830

  5,404

  Total

  39,616

  39,461

  47,892

  Bronchitis

  January

  366

  799

  655

  February

  465

  552

  614

  March

  599

  316

  501

  April

  338

  279

  306

  May

  222

  217

  270

  June

  193

  200

  247

  July

  163

  177

  220

  August

  149

  150

  177

  September

  158

  161

  206

  October

  226

  196

  367

  November

  336

  267

  639

  December

  814

  474

  940

  Total

  4,029

  3,788

  5,142

  Notes:

  1. Discharges include only emergency admissions.

  2. The bronchitis discharges are also included in acute respiratory complaints.

  3. Data are collected on a discharge basis.
  1065

  Table 3: Discharges for acute respiratory complaints and bronchitis by year of admission and NHS trust 1991 to 1993

  Acute respiratory

  Bronchitis

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Borders General Hospital Acute

  625

  662

  721

  78

  110

  79

  Borders Community Health Services

  133

  100

  168

  11

  5

  8

  Dumbarton Unit

  237

  311

  318

  2

  2

  —

  Argyll and Bute Unit

  479

  484

  525

  44

  37

  22

  Royal Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  1,264

  1,303

  1,682

  97

  96

  122

  Inverclyde Royal NHS Trust

  924

  786

  854

  85

  40

  69

  Renfrewshire H-care NHS Trust

  52

  52

  58

  2

  3

  1

  Queen Margaret Hospital NHS Trust

  6

  1

  213

  —

  —

  5

  Fife Healthcare NHS Trust

  1,211

  1,216

  1,171

  96

  115

  152

  Kirkcaldy Acute Hospital NHS Trust

  870

  835

  959

  116

  121

  161

  Care for the Elderly Unit, GGHB

  134

  7

  11

  2

  —

  —

  South General Hospital NHS Trust

  825

  893

  1,061

  61

  194

  337

  Yorkhill NHS Trust

  2,565

  2,501

  3,268

  554

  371

  970

  Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust

  945

  1,002

  1,296

  33

  108

  148

  West Glasgow Hospital University NHS Trust

  1,206

  1,347

  1,600

  16

  27

  55

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust

  1,035

  1,284

  1,591

  17

  25

  12

  Stobhill NHS Trust

  1,268

  1,261

  1,746

  45

  39

  69

  Raigmore Hospital NHS Trust

  1,286

  1,135

  1,449

  304

  303

  329

  Caithness/Sutherland NHS Trust

  109

  134

  161

  3

  7

  12

  Highland Communities NHS Trust

  155

  136

  168

  7

  8

  4

  Comm/Prior Services, Lanark HB

  103

  101

  109

  32

  34

  33

  Monklands/Bellshill NHS Trust

  1,729

  1,545

  1,784

  369

  321

  421

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  1,352

  1,325

  1,601

  271

  217

  163

  Hairmyres/Stonehouse NHS Trust

  921

  926

  1,143

  115

  116

  11

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals NHS Trust

  2405

  2,438

  2,798

  152

  149

  226

  Grampian Healthcare NHS Trust

  978

  1,078

  1,342

  42

  52

  59

  Moray Health Service NHS Trust

  188

  223

  220

  17

  20

  16

  Orkney Health Board Unit

  103

  82

  110

  8

  3

  1

  West Lothian NHS Trust

  1,113

  971

  1,192

  238

  188

  131

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  2,229

  2,458

  2,588

  182

  251

  325

  Edinburgh Sick Children's NHS Trust

  1,723

  1,628

  1,796

  294

  184

  258

  Western General Hospitals NHS Trust

  616

  795

  1,028

  48

  34

  35

  East and Midlothian NHS Trust

  458

  599

  801

  21

  57

  34

  Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust

  315

  —

  —

  26

  —

  —

  St. Columbus Hospice

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Dundee Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

  2,621

  2,532

  2,876

  112

  145

  193

  Perth/Kinross H-care NHS Trust

  872

  959

  1,189

  78

  71

  89

  Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust

  62

  57

  48

  —

  2

  3

  Angus NHS Trust

  422

  406

  557

  23

  12

  6

  Stirling Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  852

  887

  1,190

  63

  47

  116

  Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  805

  908

  1,200

  33

  26

  83

  Western Isles Health Unit

  145

  148

  179

  9

  12

  22

  Community Services Unit D and G HB

  83

  69

  94

  5

  1

  12

  D & G Acute and Mat NHS Trust

  1,013

  995

  1,274

  101

  60

  102

  Shetland Hospitals and Community Unit

  69

  83

  114

  7

  12

  7

  Other

  916

  9

  —

  54

  1

  —

  Total

  39,616

  39,461

  47,892

  4,029

  3,788

  5,142

  Note:

  1. Discharges include only emergency admissions.

  2. Trusts are defined to include those units and hospitals as at 1 April 1993.

  3. The bronchitis discharges are also included in acute respiratory complaints.

  4. Discharges which fall into the "other" category are the following:

  Ayr County Hospital

  Healthfield Hospital

  Seafield Hospital

  Kelso Cottage Hospital

  Duntocher Hospital

  Longmore Hospital

  Bangour General Hospital

  County Hospital, Stornoway

  5. Data are collected on a discharge basis.
  1066

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) males and (b) females were in full-time employment in the latest month for which figures are available and in the same month in each of the last 10 years; and if he will indicate in each case and for each year the proportion of this figure as a percentage of the total population.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 14 December 1994]: The information can be obtained from the NOMIS database which is accessible from the House of Commons Library. However, full-time and part-time breakdown for males should not be used prior to June 1991.

  Black Isle
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the secretary of State for Scotland if he will list(a) the reasons for the announcement that he required more time to consider the revised Black Isle local plan, (b) the likely length of additional time involved and (c) the extent to which he will give full consideration both to Highland regional council's handling of the matter and the volume of objections from the Black Isle itself; and if he will make a statement.

  Number of NHS sight tests1 in Scotland and Lothian Health board

  1987–88

  1988–89

  21989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Lothian

  162,353

  176,902

  74,531

  56,682

  66,297

  71,554

  77,065

  Scotland

  1,098,145

  1,168,610

  475,479

  432,885

  496,598

  538,683

  579,671

  1 One person may have more than one sight test in the period.

  2 Since 1 April 1989 free NHS sight tests have been available only to children, full-time students under 19, those in receipt of income support or family credit, the registered blind or partially sighted, complex lens users, those who hold an AG2 exemption certificate from the health benefits division, diagnosed diabetic or glaucoma sufferers, and close relatives aged 40 or over of glaucoma sufferers.

  Teacher Qualifications
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that teachers of higher national certificates courses in schools and further education colleges will be similarly qualified.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Higher national certificate courses are not currently available in schools in Scotland.

  Skillstart
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had on the proposal that Skillstart will be assessed only internally.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 17 December 1994]: My right hon. Friend has had no such discussions.

  Public Servants
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library copies of the compensation and redundancy terms for(a) Scottish Office civil servants and (b) staff for the Scottish councils.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The compensation and redundancy terms applying to civil servants, including those of the Scottish Office, are set out in section 10 of the "Rules of the Principal Civil
  1068
  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 15 December 1994]: Legislation requires my right hon. Friend to consider a proposal by a planning authority for the adoption of a local plan within 28 days of it being received by him. He may extend this period if he considers it necessary. In the case of the revised Black Isle local plan, the period has been extended to allow more time to consider whether the plan's policies and proposals raise issues of more than local importance.

  I cannot say, at this stage, when a final decision will be announced, but every effort will be made to do so at the earliest opportunity. I can also assure the hon. Member that full and careful consideration will be given to the manner in which this matter has been handled by Highland regional council, and the objections received, before a decision is reached.

  Eye Tests
  Mr Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many eye tests were carried out in(a) Lothian and (b) Scotland as a whole in each of the last seven years for which figures are available.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The number of national health service sight tests paid for by health boards in each of the financial years since 1987 is shown in the table. No information is collected on private sight tests.

  Service Pension Scheme," a copy of which is in the Library.

  A copy of the Local Government (Compensation for Premature Retirement) (Scotland) Regulations 1979 and subsequent amending instruments are already in the Library. A copy of the Local Government (Compensation for Redundancy) (Scotland) Regulations 1994 and a draft of the Government's proposals for compensation for loss of employment arising from local government reorganisation were lodged with the Library on 5 December. The proposals, in the form of a draft of the Local Government (Compensation for Redundancy) (Scotland) Regulations 1995, have been issued for comment.

TREASURY

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many parliamentary questions tabled in the last Session of Parliament were answered on the grounds that the information sought was not held centrally by the Department.

  Mr. Nelson
  From the information available on POLIS, eight written questions were not answered because the information sought was not held centrally.

  Money Laundering
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will list each of the 40 recommendations of the financial action task force to control money laundering together with the action taken by the United Kingdom on each one.

  Mr. Nelson
  The Government fully endorsed the 40 recommendations of the financial action task force on money laundering when they were published in 1990. I have arranged for a paper setting out the United Kingdom's response to each of the FATF recommendations to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Tobacco Duties
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information he has on the proportion of revenue raised through tobacco duties which is paid by different income groups.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I refer the hon. Lady to table 3, appendix 1, of the Central Statistical Office article "The Effects of Taxes and Benefits on Household Income, 1992" in "Economic Trends," January 1994.

  VAT (Fuel)
  Mr. Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the effect of VAT on fuel at 8 per cent. on the annual rate of inflation in the year to September 1995.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  VAT on fuel at 8 per cent. was introduced in April 1994, so any price increases as a result will have fed through to the retail prices index prior to the year to September 1995, meaning that VAT on fuel and power will have no effect on the annual rate of inflation over that period.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the amount of revenue forgone by exemption from value added tax of sums paid in advance to power-generating companies.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  It is estimated that the VAT cost of prepayment of electricity by domestic consumers is £55 million.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on VAT being charged on fuel standing charges.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Treasury Ministers have received a number of representations on this issue. Both the fixed standing charges and the variable consumption charges for domestic electricity and gas are payment for the one service—the supply of gas and electricity—and so liable to VAT at the 8 per cent. reduced rate, even though they are shown separately on the bill. VAT is normally chargeable on the whole price of any taxable goods or services, regardless of the way in which the supplier chooses to structure the price.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the(a) upper and (b) decile income for tax purposes in 1963–64, 1973–74, 1978–79 and 1993–94 and forecast 1995–96; what was the percentage of the income in each case of the amount payable in (i) direct and (ii) indirect tax, including
  1070
  national insurance, health, public sector rents and all other charges less child benefit, by a (iii) two-person household with no dependants and (iv) a two-person household with two dependent children; and what are his estimates for 1994–95;

  (2) what was the median income for tax purposes in 1963–64, 1973–74, 1978–79, 1993–94 and forecast 1995–96; what was the percentage of the income in each case of the amount payable in (a) direct and (b) indirect tax, including national insurance, health, public sector rents and all other charges less child benefit, by a (i) two-person household with no dependants and (ii) a two-person household with two dependent children; and what are his estimates for 1994–95.

  Sir George Young
  Information is not available in the form requested. A certain amount of information on taxes paid and benefits received by broad groups of households is published in an annual article in "Economic Trends" entitled "Effects of taxes and benefits upon household income". The latest article appeared in the January 1994 edition of "Economic Trends", a copy of which is available in the Library. The results of this analysis are not designed for comparison between years because of changes in definition over time, particularly pre and post-1987 when a major revision to the methodology was adopted.

  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what tax rate for income over £50,000 would have to be imposed in order to raise an additional £800 million of revenue.

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 13 December 1994]: An income tax rate of 47p on taxable incomes over £50,000 would raise about £800 million in 1995–96 and £1.3 billion in a full year. These estimates do not allow for any behavioural changes that might result from the introduction of the new tax rate and do not include capital gains tax.

  Exchange Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the effects on Britain of withdrawal from the exchange rate mechanism and what plans he has to restore the rate of exchange against the deutschmark to its August 1992 value.

  Mr. Nelson
  It is not possible to assess the precise effects of sterling's departure from the ERM. However, during sterling's membership of the ERM, inflation fell sharply and the economy began to recover from recession. The Government recognise the value of stable exchange rates but do not set target rates. Movements in exchange rates are considered as part of the Government's general assessments of monetary conditions in setting monetary policy.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on the current rate of exchange of the sterling against the ecu;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the role of the exchange rate in the economy.

  Mr. Nelson
  Movements in the exchange rate are considered as part of the general assessment of monetary conditions in setting monetary policy. The Government recognise the value of a stable exchange rate but do not set target rates. Sterling's exchange rate against the ECU reflects day-to-day market trading in all the EU currencies.
  1071
  The exchange rate is only one factor among many affecting the economy, and it is difficult to isolate the effect of changes in the exchange rate from that of other factors.

  Manufacturing
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the forecast growth in the market for United Kingdom exports of manufactures divided between the EC and the rest of the world together with his forecast of the growth of United Kingdom exports of manufactures in each case.

  Mr. Nelson
  The Treasury does not publish forecasts dividing the growth of the United Kingdom's export markets for manufactures or its growth of exports of manufactures between the EC and the rest of the world.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect on the volume of imports and exports of manufactures of an increase of 10 per cent. in relative export unit values for manufactures; what was the change in the nominal exchange rate against the ecu and the change in the price of manufactures exported to the EEC between February 1993 and January 1994; and what contribution that made to the change in the profitability of manufacturing compared to the average for 1989–90.

  Mr. Nelson
  Estimates of the effect of relative prices changes on manufacturing volumes can be made using the Treasury model. This is available in the House of Commons Library. It is standard practice not to provide the results of simulations in reply to parliamentary questions due to excessive cost involved and the difficulty in making the appropriate assumptions without knowing the context in which the figures will be used.

  Figures for the ecu exchange rate and manufacturing export prices are available on the CSO database, which can be accessed through the House of Commons Library. Manufacturing profitability depends on both manufacturing prices and manufacturers' costs. Company profitability has been strong recently. This reflects tight control over unit costs, rising output and the expansion of margins, particularly for exports.

  Earnings
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the average earnings of a full-time adult male worker in 1963–64, 1973–74, 1978–9, 1993–94 and forecast 1995–96; what was the percentage in each case of the amount payable in(a) direct and (b) indirect tax, including national insurance, health, public sector rents and all other charges; and if he will provide corresponding figures for those whose incomes were 10 times and 20 times greater than those earnings.

  Sir George Young
  Information on the earnings of full-time employees at April is published in the new earnings survey for 1973 and each year up to and including 1994. Prior to 1970, information on the earnings of manual employees was published in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette". Copies of these publications can be found in the Library. Information for 1995–96 is not available. For a given level of earnings, an individual's tax payments and other charges will depend on a variety of circumstances such as income, marital status, age and spending patterns.

  European Parliament
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his written answer dated 5 December 1980,Official Report, column 205, comparing the cost of maintaining a member of the European Assembly with the cost of maintaining a Member of the House of Commons, if he will update his answer expressing the figures in per capita terms.

  Mr. Aitken
  As we made clear in the reply dated 5 December 1980, no precise comparison is possible between the budgetary costs of the European Parliament and the House of Commons. However, the updated information is as follows:

  £ millions

  1European Parliament

  2House of Commons

  Members of the Institution

  Salaries and pensions

  37.2

  22.2

  Travel and subsistence

  43.8

  9.9

  Secretarial expenses

  44.2

  26.9

  Other

  6.8

  12.5

  Supporting staff

  Salaries, allowances pension, etc.

  4207.5

  431.2

  General expenses

  25.9

  18.0

  Accommodation

  Rent

  49.9

  59.9

  Operating costs

  20.7

  25.6

  Security

  6.6

  12.3

  Other Administrative costs

  Stationery, office equipment etc.

  40.6

  1.8

  Publications

  10.8

  8.6

  Payments to Parliamentary bodies

  16.1

  2.8

  Other expenditure

  622.7

  —

  Total

  502.8

  107.5

  Number of Members

  567

  651

  The per capita cost per member is therefore:

  European Parliament: £886,772

  House of Commons: £165,131

  1 The figures for the European budget have been taken from the 1994 Community budget and converted to sterling at the budget rateof £l = 1.3243 ecu

  2 The figures for the House of Commons have been taken from 1994– 95 estimates.

  3 Salaries for the Members of the European Parliament are paid for by national Governments and are not included in the budget.

  4 The budget of the European Parliament covers the cost of 3,790 posts of which 679—17.9 per cent. —are employed in the language service. The House of Commons administration vote covers the costs of 1,317 staff.

  5 A nominal rent has been payable in respect of the Palace of Westminster since 1993–94.

  6 Includes £8.4 million in the reserve.

  EU Membership
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring up to date for each year since 1974 the figures in paragraph 43 of Cmnd 6003 "Membership of the European Community—Report on Renegotiation".
  1073
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The United Kingdom's gross and net contribution to the European Community for each year from 1973 to 1993 are set out in the table.the

  United Kingdom's gross and net contribution to the EC budget

  £ million

  Year

  Gross contributions before abatements of refunds

  Negotiated refunds

  Abatement

  Gross contributions after abatement and refunds

  Public sector receipts

  Net contribution after abatement refunds and public sector receipts

  1973–74

  200

  —

  —

  200

  104

  96

  1974–75

  197

  —

  —

  197

  232

  -35

  1975–76

  370

  —

  —

  370

  354

  16

  1976–77

  544

  —

  —

  544

  320

  224

  1977–78

  941

  —

  —

  941

  382

  559

  1978–79

  1,323

  —

  —

  1,323

  555

  768

  1979–80

  1,665

  —

  —

  1,665

  781

  884

  1980–81

  1,900

  645

  —

  1,255

  1,022

  233

  1981–82

  2,330

  959

  —

  1,371

  1,146

  225

  1982–83

  2,820

  774

  —

  2,046

  1,308

  737

  1983–84

  3,097

  239

  —

  2,858

  1,897

  961

  1984–85

  3,614

  589

  —

  3,025

  1,892

  1,133

  1985–86

  3,745

  —

  323

  2,922

  1,930

  992

  1986–87

  5,121

  —

  1,343

  3,778

  2,557

  1,221

  1087–88

  4,906

  —

  1,137

  3,769

  1,958

  1,311

  1988–89

  5,167

  —

  1,600

  3,567

  2,400

  1,166

  1989–90

  5,804

  —

  1,317

  4,487

  2,035

  2,452

  1990–91

  6,411

  —

  1,838

  4,573

  2,388

  2,185

  1991–92

  6,129

  —

  2,428

  3,701

  2,757

  943

  1992–93

  6,970

  —

  1,993

  4,977

  2,810

  2,167

  1993–94

  8,407

  —

  2,350

  6,057

  3,864

  2,192

  1994–95

  8,308

  —

  1,89

  6,409

  3,963

  2,446

  United Kingdom net contribution to EC budget

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–38

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Latest forecast announced by Chancellor on 23 November 1994

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,192

  2,446

  1994 Departmental Report

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,167

  2,166

  1,714

  1993 Departmental Report

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  943

  2,100

  1,731

  3,142

  1992 Departmental Report

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,185

  1,175

  2,763

  2,934

  3,322

  1991 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2,452

  2,079

  1,280

  3,060

  2,540

  —

  1990 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,166

  2,159

  2,047

  1,830

  2,150

  —

  —

  1989 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,811

  1,110

  2,113

  2,100

  1,730

  —

  —

  —

  1988 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,221

  1,601

  947

  1,610

  1,470

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1987 Public Expenditure While Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  992

  1,259

  1,063

  600

  1,230

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1,133

  974

  796

  1,300

  1,110

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  I985 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  961

  831

  898

  774

  973

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984 Public Expenditure While Paper

  —

  —

  737

  622

  485

  665

  723

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1983 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  225

  711

  502

  584

  685

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1982 Public Expenditure While Paper

  233

  160

  630

  710

  730

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1973–74

  1974–75

  1975–76

  1976–77

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1981 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  884

  427

  450

  450

  450

  1980 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  768

  957

  1,061

  1,200

  1,350

  1,550

  1979 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  —

  559

  680

  750

  830

  780

  870

  —

  1978 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  —

  224

  435

  690

  785

  855

  820

  —

  —

  1977 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  —

  16

  225

  455

  555

  640

  690

  —

  —

  —

  1976 Public Expenditure White Paper

  —

  -35

  25

  170

  220

  270

  315

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1074
  figures in the final column of this table represent the Government's last published estimate for each of these years.
  1075

  1973–74

  1974–75

  1975–76

  1976–77

  1977–78

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1975 Public Expenditure White Paper

  96

  35

  130

  180

  230

  275

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1974 Public Expenditure White Paper

  80

  90

  145

  195

  240

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1973 Public Expenditure White Paper

  80

  125

  155

  195

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  In this table the final outturn figure is always the last published outturn and may therefore be taken from a later public expenditure White Paper or departmental report than indicated in the left hand column.

  Exports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the Bank of England's contention that United Kingdom exporters have been increasing their profit margins at the expense of volume exports.

  Mr. Nelson
  Over the past year, exports have increased strongly—in the third quarter export volumes, excluding oil and erratics, were up 14 per cent. on a year earlier—and export profit margins have also risen, reflecting tight control over unit costs.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the increase in the price of finished manufactures exported(a) to the EEC and (b) to non-EEC countries between 30 December 1992 and 31 August 1994.

  Mr. Nelson
  Price indices for United Kingdom exports of finished manufactures to other EC countries and to non-EC countries are published on a monthly basis. The figures are available on the Central Statistical Office database, which can be accessed through the House of Commons Library.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish his estimate of the current net rate of return as defined in CSO "First Release" (94)205 on exports of manufactures; and what were the figures for(a) 1972, (b) 1979, (c) 1988 and (d) 1990;

  (2) what assessment he has made of the correlation between the net rate of return on exports of manufacturers in 1990 and 1993 and the rate of 7.4 per cent. and 5.8 per cent. for manufacturing as shown in CSO "First Release" (94)205; and if the rate being earned on exports in the third quarter of this year was higher than 7.4 per cent.

  Mr. Nelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 13 December,Official Report, column 587.

  Energy-saving Products (VAT)
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the level of VAT levied on energy-saving products to 8 per cent.; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I have no plans to apply the 8 per cent. reduced rate of VAT to anything other than domestic fuel and power.

  EU Budget Rebate
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the initial sum calculated by the Commission of the European Communities for the United Kingdom budget rebate for the years 1991 and 1992 together with the sums named in the final corrections for those years and the dates on which they were determined.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The initial United Kingdom abatement figures for 1991 and 1992 were 2,921.2 mecu and 3,181 mecu respectively. The final corrections in respect of these years have yet to be determined by the 1076
  European Commission. Details of the final correction for 1992 are unlikely to become available until 1996.

  Prices
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the weighted average increase since August 1992 in the retail prices of(a) goods other than food and revenue duty items and (b) services other than foreign holidays, mortgage interest and community charge or rates.

  Mr. Nelson
  The information requested is not available as there are no unique definitions of goods or services in the retail prices index and such aggregates can be produced only at disproportionate cost.

  National Debt
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the change in the national debt since 1973; and how much of this is accounted for by the United Kingdom's contribution to the EEC.

  Mr. Nelson
  The change in the national debt since 1973 can be calculated from table 17.2 of part 1 of the "Bank of England Statistical Abstract 1994".

  Figures for EC contributions since 1973 were provided in the answer which the Paymaster General gave to the hon. Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) on 29 November, Official Report, columns 608–10.

  Taxation
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his answer to the hon. Member for Peckham (Ms Harman) of 19 January 1994,Official Report, columns 632–40, and provide the latest estimates of the burden of direct and indirect taxes for (a) 1993–94, (b) 1994–95 and (c) 1995–96, including figures for the council tax and its predecessors, both in cash terms and as a percentage of earnings for (i) a single person, (ii) a married couple with no children, (iii) a married couple with two children, (iv) a married couple, both working, with no children, earning 50, 75, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1,000 and 2,000 per cent. of average earnings.

  Sir George Young
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Oxford, East (Mr. Smith) on 19 December 1994.Official Report, columns 944–50.

  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of gross domestic product was taken by(a) income tax, (b) corporation tax, (c) capital gains tax, (d) inheritance tax, (e) value added tax, (f) national insurance contributions, (g) excise duties, (h) the council tax and its predecessors, (i) business rates and (j) other taxes, in each year between 1978–79 and 1994–95.

  Mr. Nelson
  The information requested is given in the table. Forecasts for 1994–95 are taken from the revised table 4A.1 of the 1995–96 "Financial Statement and Budget Report", issued with an HM Treasury press release on 8 December 1994.
  1077

  General government receipts as a percentage of GDP1

  Receipt/financial year

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  (a) Income tax3

  11.0

  10.1

  10.4

  11.2

  10.8

  10.2

  10.0

  9.9

  10.0

  (b) Corporation tax4

  2.3

  2.3

  2.0

  1.9

  2.0

  2.0

  2.6

  3.0

  3.5

  (c) Capital gains tax

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.3

  0.3

  (d) Inheritance tax5

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.3

  (e) Value added tax

  2.8

  4.0

  4.7

  4.6

  4.9

  5.0

  5.7

  5.4

  5.6

  (f) National Insurance contributions6

  7.1

  7.2

  7.5

  7.7

  7.7

  7.5

  7.1

  6.8

  6.9

  (g) Excise duties7

  4.3

  3.9

  3.9

  4.4

  4.2

  4.4

  4.3

  4.2

  4.3

  (h) Community charge/council tax

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Rates8

  3.4

  3.4

  3.7

  4.3

  4.3

  4.0

  4.0

  3.9

  4.1

  (i) Business rates9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  (j) Other GG receipts

  7.5

  7.6

  8.1

  9.2

  9.3

  9.3

  9.4

  8.7

  6.7

  Receipt/financial year

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  (a) Income tax3

  9.7

  9.1

  9.4

  9.9

  9.9

  9.4

  9.1

  9.5

  (b) Corporation tax4

  3.7

  3.9

  4.2

  3.9

  3.1

  2.6

  2.3

  3.0

  (c) Capital gains tax

  0.3

  0.5

  0.4

  0.3

  0.2

  0.2

  0.1

  0.1

  (d) Inheritance tax5

  0.3

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  0.2

  (e) Value added tax

  5.6

  5.7

  5.7

  5.6

  6.1

  6.2

  6.1

  6.4

  (f) National Insurance contributions6

  6.8

  6.8

  6.4

  6.4

  6.3

  6.2

  6.0

  6.3

  (g) Excise duties7

  3.9

  3.8

  3.5

  3.6

  3.8

  3.7

  3.8

  3.9

  (h) Community charge/council tax

  —

  —

  0.1

  1.9

  1.3

  1.4

  1.3

  1.3

  Rates8

  4.0

  4.1

  3.9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  (i) Business rates9

  —

  —

  —

  2.2

  2.4

  2.3

  2.0

  1.8

  (j) Other GG receipts

  6.6

  6.1

  6.3

  5.3

  4.9

  4.7

  5.1

  4.8

  1 Money GDP adjusted for the abolition of domestic rates.

  2 Forecasts published in the revised FSBR table 4A.1 in an HMT press release on 8 December 1994.

  3 Includes surtax.

  4 Includes advance corporation tax.

  5 Includes residual receipts from estate duty and capital transfer tax.

  6 Includes national insurance surcharge.

  7 Fuel, alcohol and tobacco duties.

  8 Includes Northern Ireland rates until 1990–91.

  9 National non-domestic rates. Includes district council rates in Northern Ireland from 1990–91.

  Treasury Model
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the cost of maintaining the Treasury model in terms of(a) direct staff costs and (b) other costs.

  Mr. Nelson
  The equivalent of around five full-time posts are currently devoted to economic model building and development. This staff requirement translates to a cost—including basic pay, national insurance and superannuation costs—of around £200,000 per year. It is very difficult to estimate the indirect costs involved, but these could add a further £100,000 per year if the costs of accommodation, senior management time, training and other items are taken into account.

  Imports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what forecast he has made of(a) the increase or decrease in the volume and value of imports of manufacturers in 1995 and the first half of 1996 and (b) the increase or decrease in United Kingdom output.

  Mr. Nelson
  The Treasury does not publish full forecasts of manufacturing trade flows. Forecasts of non-oil trade volumes and prices are shown in table 3.3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report", and forecasts of the balance of trade in manufactures in table 3.4. Forecasts of United Kingdom output are shown in tables 3.8 and 3.9.

  VAT (Steam Railways)
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to extend value added tax to steam railways.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I have no plans to disturb the current VAT zero rating for public passenger transport, including steam railways, where the service is confined to that of public transport in its widely accepted sense. I can confirm that the proposed restrictions to the zero rating under the VAT (Transport) Order 1994 will not normally affect steam railways, and therefore most operators will be able to continue to apply the zero rate. The exception is when payment for admission to places such as theme or safari parks or working museums includes a steam engine ride. In these cases, where admission charges are apportioned or zero rated at present, they will become wholly liable to VAT at the standard rate.

  Gilt-edged Securities
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much investment by overseas residents in gilt-edged securities has increased each year since 1990 and in the current year to date; and what assessment he has made of the effect of this investment on the rate of exchange.

  Mr. Nelson
  A sectoral breakdown of purchases of Government securities is given at table 10.2F of the Central Statistical Office's "Financial Statistics".
  1079
  Other things being equal, foreign purchases of United Kingdom gilts increase the exchange rate if sterling is acquired to effect the transaction. However, any impact is extremely difficult to quantify since a large number of factors affect the exchange rate.

  European Enlargement
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of the enlargement of the EEC to include countries in eastern Europe on the budget contributions of(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the Mediterranean countries.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The impact of accession to the EU by the countries of eastern Europe would depend on the circumstances under which that enlargement took place and on the extent to which Community policies were modified in advance of enlargement. The Government remain committed to further enlargement and to ensuring that it takes place on terms which are affordable to the Exchequer.

  Current Account Deficits
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his assessment of the percentage overvaluation suggested by the current account deficits in 1989 and 1994.

  Mr. Nelson
  The size of the current account deficit is affected by a large number of factors, including world trade, growth in United Kingdom export markets, export profit margins, domestic demand and competitiveness. The United Kingdom is currently very competitive, as seen by our strong export performance; in the third quarter of 1994 export volumes, excluding oil and erratics, were up 14 per cent. on a year earlier.

  EEC Imports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the under-recording of imports from the EEC in(a) 1992 and (b)

  Mr. Nelson
  Prior to the introduction of the Intrastat system in January 1993, statistics on goods imported into the United Kingdom were based on customs documents. Various investigations had been carried out by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise and the Central Statistical Office into the quality of the statistics. These found that, although some errors were present in the information, they were small and the factors involved tended to offset each other, so that no correction to the data was thought necessary.

  It was expected that such errors would also be present in the Intrastat system. As such, the system was designed to include a method of measuring the effect of these errors

  Revised FSBR Table 4.1—Public sector requirement1

  Outturn

  Forecast

  Projection2

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  General government expenditure—£billion

  277.5

  288.9

  301.8

  312

  323

  332

  341

  General government receipts

  230.8

  252.6

  278.7

  297

  315

  332

  349

  General government borrowing requirement

  46.7

  36.3

  23.1

  15

  7

  0

  -8

  PCMOB3

  -1.3

  -2.0

  -1.6

  -2

  -2

  -1

  -1

  1080
  in recording. The data are gathered during audit visits to traders and the results are included in the article published in the August 1994 edition of "Economic Trends", containing the outcome of a review of the Intrastat system carried out by the Central Statistical Office and Her Majesty's Customs and Excise. These indicate that the value of imports from other European Union countries as reported in the overseas trade statistics publications is now under-estimated by 1.5 per cent.—around £85 million per month. The balance of payments statistics published by the Central Statistical Office include a correction to take this under-recording into account. This adjustment has been applied to data for 1993 and 1994 to date and will continue in the future, and as additional information becomes available it will be revised accordingly.

  It should also be borne in mind that the review established that there were miss-allocations between countries in the old system of recording—known as the "Rotterdam" effect—which caused total imports from other European Union countries to be overstated by an estimated £2,175 million in 1992, and imports from non-member countries to be understated by the same amount. This error in attribution is corrected by Intrastat.

  Pre-tax Incomes
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 6 December,Official Report, column 122, if he will give the numbers of persons in the United Kingdom in 1973 and 1983 with pre-tax incomes of (a) more than £400,000 and (b) between £200,000 and £400,000 at 1992–93 values, using the deflator for average earnings.

  Sir George Young
  The table provides estimates of numbers of individuals for 1992–93, 1983–84 and 1973–74

  Pre-tax income range (adjusted for changes in average male earnings)

  Thousands

  £200,000–1400,000

  1400,000+

  1992–93

  16

  4

  1983–84

  6

  1

  1973–74

  11

  2

  The income ranges used for 1983–84 and 1973–74 have been adjusted to take account of changes in average adult male earnings up to 1992–93.

  Public Sector Borrowing Requirement
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish a revised version of table 4.1 in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" 1995–96 following his announcement of 8 December.

  Mr. Aitken
  The information requested is shown.
  1081

  Revised FSBR Table 4.1-Public sector borrowing requirement1

  Outturn

  Forecast

  Projection2

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  PSBR

  45.4

  34.3

  21.5

  13

  5

  -1

  -9

  Per cent. of money GDP

  General government expenditure

  43.5

  42.5

  42

  41.25

  40.5

  39.75

  39.125

  General government receipts

  36

  37.25

  38.75

  39.5

  39.75

  39.75

  40

  General government borrowing requirement

  7.25

  5.25

  3.25

  2

  1

  0

  -1

  PCMOB3

  -0.25

  -0.25

  -0.25

  -0.25

  -0.25

  0

  0

  PSBR

  7

  5

  3

  1.75

  0.75

  0

  -1

  Money GDP—£billion

  639

  678

  719

  757

  795

  833

  872

  1 Constituent items may not sum to totals because of rounding.

  2 Projections are rounded to the nearest £1 billion from 1996–97 onwards.

  3 Public corporations' market and overseas borrowing.

  Radcliffe Committee
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the conclusions of the Radcliffe committee on the working of the monetary system.

  Mr. Nelson
  The Radcliffe committee on the working of the monetary system reported in 1959. Its recommendations led to publication of the Bank of England "Quarterly Bulletin", December 1960, the collection of monetary statistics, and the publication of CSO "Financial Statistics". Articles covering the Radcliffe committee report can be found in Bank of England "Quarterly Bulletin" December 1969, page 448, and "Quarterly Bulletin" September 1985, page 392.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  1999–2000

  Net public sector debt1

  £ billion2

  308

  321

  327

  327

  319

  per cent. of GDP3

  41.5

  41.5

  40.25

  38.25

  35.75

  Gross General government debt1

  £ billion2

  362

  377

  386

  387

  381

  per cent. of GDP3

  49

  48.5

  47.25

  45.25

  42.75

  1 At end-March.

  2 Rounded to the nearest £1 billion.

  3 GDP centred on end-March. Ratios for excessive deficits procedure use GDP for year ending in March, which raises ratio by around 1.25 per cent.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department (i) hold open meetings, (ii) conduct public consultation exercises, (iii) conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests, (iv) publish a register of members' interests (v) publish agendas for meetings and (vi) publish the minutes of meetings; and whether this is in each case(a) under a statutory requirement or (b) voluntary.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: Of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by the Treasury, the School Teachers Review Body, occasionally undertakes public consultation exercises on a voluntary basis.

  Public Sector Debt
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what projections he has made of public sector debt.

  Mr. Nelson
  The information is set out in the table. This corrects an error in table 4.3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report". The new figures do not alter the broad picture for the public debt forecast. The debt-to-GDP ratio is still expected to peak at end March 1996, and to decline thereafter, on both the net public sector and gross general government measures. The projections for the rest of the public finances, including the fiscal deficit, PSBR and central Government debt interest are unaffected. The new figures therefore have no bearing on the Budget statement.

  Banking Ombudsman
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of whether the terms of reference of the banking ombudsman adequately deal with complaints by non-customer third parties; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The banking ombudsman is appointed by an independent council. His terms of reference are a matter for them, but I understand that the ombudsman does, from time to time, look at cases brought by non-customers.

  Developing Countries (Debt)
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list by country the total stock of existing and
  1083
  estimated debt outstanding to the United Kingdom by developing countries for each year from 1990 to 2000.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 6 December 1994]: The figures for ECGD are not readily available. To assemble them manually would incur disproportionate costs. Figures for outstanding debt stock as at 31 October 1994 are given. For the ODA figures, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to her by the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) on 8 December 1994, Official Report, columns 344–46.

  £ million

  ECGD

  Outstanding debt stock as at 31 October 1994

  Africa

  Algeria

  71.12

  Angola

  56.97

  Benin

  3.83

  Burkina Faso

  1.94

  Cameroon

  62.81

  CAR

  0.25

  Congo

  106.96

  Cote d'Ivoire

  30.25

  Egypt

  368.64

  Ethiopia

  9.76

  Gabon

  121.93

  Gambia

  2.36

  Ghana

  9.04

  Guinea Rep

  5.00

  Kenya

  60.12

  Liberia

  6.64

  Madagascar

  18.14

  Malawi

  0.72

  Mali

  11.40

  Mauritania

  7.50

  Morocco

  121.79

  Mozambique

  76.49

  Niger

  10.06

  Nigeria

  2,304.30

  Senegal

  2.38

  Sierra Leone

  3.62

  ECGD debt service payments 1990–91—31 October 1994

  £ million

  Country

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–31 October 1994

  Africa

  Algeria

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Angola

  5.01

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Benin

  —

  —

  0.32

  0.13

  0.23

  Burkina Faso

  —

  —

  0.37

  0.09

  0.20

  Cameroon

  —

  0.17

  0.38

  —

  0.5

  CAR

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Congo

  1.43

  —

  —

  —

  0.47

  Cote d'Ivoire

  —

  —

  0.12

  0.01

  —

  Egypt

  11.84

  0.29

  34.86

  17.52

  6.80

  Ethiopia

  —

  —

  —

  0.07

  0.12

  Gabon

  —

  7.50

  6.04

  —

  —

  Gambia

  1.00

  1.73

  2.15

  1.47

  1.56

  Ghana

  1.75

  1.71

  1.68

  1.64

  0.81

  Guinea Republic

  0.65

  2.98

  0.33

  0.21

  0.12

  Kenya

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2.56

  Liberia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Madagascar

  1.70

  0.64

  —

  —

  —

  Malawi

  0.69

  0.52

  0.23

  0.05

  —

  Mali

  0.92

  0.45

  0.94

  —

  2.23

  Mauritania

  0.64

  0.15

  —

  0.61

  0.08

  Morocco

  4.71

  11.14

  18.15

  19.07

  14.46

  Mozambique

  1.74

  2.98

  2.18

  0.23

  0.13

  Niger

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Nigeria

  252.01

  236.98

  86.25

  16.75

  —

  1084

  £ million

  ECGD

  Outstanding debt stock as at 31 October 1994

  Somalia

  16.22

  Sudan

  168.31

  Tanzania

  163.31

  Togo

  13.22

  Uganda

  25.33

  Zaire

  80.03

  Zambia

  256.71

  Americas

  Argentina

  142.29

  Bolivia

  41.47

  Brazil

  872.98

  Chile

  0.06

  Costa Rica

  1.73

  Cuba

  28.55

  Ecuador

  61.73

  Guyana

  116.97

  Jamaica

  4.30

  Mexico

  195.16

  Nicaragua

  0.91

  Peru

  124.61

  Trinidad and Tobago

  12.24

  Asia and Middle East

  Indonesia

  3.55

  Philippines

  62.69

  Vietnam

  10.39

  Jordan

  365.21

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list by country the total amounts of existing and estimated debt service being paid to the United Kingdom by developing countries for each year from 1990 to 2000.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 6 December 1994]: Schedules of debt service payments by developing countries to the ODA and ECGD each year since 1990–91 are given. Estimates to the year 2000 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  1085

  ECGD debt service payments 1990–91—31 October 1994

  £ million

  Country

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–31 October 1994

  Senegal

  0.15

  0.32

  —

  —

  —

  Sierra Leone

  —

  —

  —

  0.46

  0.04

  Somalia

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Sudan

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tanzania

  2.53

  1.27

  5.13

  4.29

  1.58

  Togo

  1.07

  0.43

  —

  —

  —

  Uganda

  0.28

  0.07

  —

  0.34

  0.21

  Zaire

  1.27

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Zambia

  —

  5.41

  —

  7.61

  —

  Americas

  Argentina

  38.23

  5.91

  7.56

  6.14

  3.32

  Bolivia

  0.19

  0.63

  0.08

  0.64

  0.49

  Brazil

  —

  —

  120.99

  120.63

  49.95

  Chile

  0.19

  —

  0.23

  0.12

  0.06

  Costa Rica

  0.36

  0.12

  0.11

  0.59

  —

  Cuba

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ecuador

  4.09

  3.15

  5.41

  —

  1.55

  Guyana

  —

  —

  2.18

  0.73

  0.37

  Jamaica

  0.96

  —

  0.89

  0.20

  0.13

  Mexico

  2.21

  —

  18.77

  13.60

  10.39

  Nicaragua

  —

  —

  —

  0.13

  0.04

  Peru

  —

  —

  0.91

  —

  0.25

  Trinidad and Tobago

  0.80

  0.89

  0.79

  0.95

  0.47

  Asia and Middle East

  Indonesia

  0.42

  —

  0.52

  0.51

  —

  Philippines

  4.57

  1.54

  0.83

  8.54

  7.57

  Vietnam

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Jordan

  —

  —

  26.75

  5.17

  0.10

  ODA debt service payments 1990–91—31 October 1994

  £ thousand

  Country

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–31 October 1994

  Antigua and Barbuda

  103

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Barbados

  67

  65

  63

  60

  32

  Belize

  629

  957

  936

  928

  1,123

  Bolivia

  22

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Brazil

  0

  0

  213

  0

  0

  British Virgin Islands

  6

  6

  6

  6

  0

  Cayman Islands

  95

  95

  65

  65

  34

  Colombia

  325

  318

  310

  303

  149

  Costa Rica

  240

  192

  295

  1,040

  0

  Cyprus

  23

  20

  20

  20

  10

  Dominica

  139

  139

  278

  132

  270

  Ecuador

  0

  0

  316

  0

  395

  Falkland Islands

  22

  22

  22

  22

  19

  Fiji

  316

  304

  292

  280

  268

  Gibraltar

  141

  133

  129

  107

  39

  Grenada

  320

  285

  0

  628

  341

  Guyana

  3,068

  3,068

  24

  58

  0

  India

  26,794

  35,255

  22,994

  21,212

  11,440

  Ivory Coast

  0

  0

  0

  0

  255

  Jamaica

  2,716

  3,453

  1,909

  1,539

  1,099

  Jordan

  0

  1,029

  391

  0

  0

  Malaysia

  1,667

  1,204

  1,629

  2,055

  798

  Malta

  122

  75

  11

  0

  0

  Mauritius

  1,274

  1,168

  1,105

  1,00

  462

  Nigeria

  132

  7

  0

  0

  0

  Paraguay

  0

  235

  586

  235

  117

  Philippines

  0

  0

  0

  416

  538

  Seychelles

  296

  1,248

  760

  747

  367

  Singapore

  1,042

  1,042

  1,042

  1,042

  1,042

  Solomon Islands

  7

  7

  3

  10

  142

  St. Kitts—Nevis

  94

  94

  94

  94

  47

  St. Lucia

  0

  333

  167

  333

  333

  1086 1087

  ODA debt service payments 1990–91–31 October 1994

  £ thousand

  Country

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–31 October 1994

  St. Vincent

  0

  0

  263

  263

  132

  Swaziland

  1,079

  858

  1,211

  1,002

  507

  Thailand

  78

  230

  150

  147

  70

  Tonga

  153

  148

  146

  143

  71

  Tunisia

  46

  44

  45

  45

  22

  Trinidad and Tobago

  31

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Turkey

  10,218

  8,396

  7,718

  6,905

  3,145

  Vanuatu

  19

  18

  18

  9

  17

  Zimbabwe

  1,686

  1,748

  1,730

  1,710

  847

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of the special advisers serving in his Departments during the last five years were subject to positive security vetting.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 13 December 1994]: All the special advisers in the Treasury during the past five years have been subject to positive vetting.

  Clubs and Public Houses
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the legislation which differentiates between private licensed clubs and public houses in respect of licences issued for the use of pool tables, juke boxes and one-armed bandits; and if he will list the licence fee applicable in each case, and the legal pay-out applicable for one-armed bandits in(a) registered private clubs and (b) public premises.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The legislation which covers the licensing of gaming machines on any premises is the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981. Gaming machine licence duty is to be replaced on 1 November 1995 with amusement machine licence duty, which will include machines which did not previously require a licence. These will include certain prize machines, video games and quiz machines.

  The licence fee for non-prize machines will be £250 for a full year.

  Pool tables and juke boxes do not require a licence under the current duty, and will not require one when amusement machine licence duty comes into force. The current licence fee payable on one-armed bandits gaming machines depends upon the cost to play the machine once and the amount of the prize that can be won.
  Gaming machines—small prize machines—where the payout cannot exceed £6 in money or money's worth and which cost 5p or less to play once do not require a licence.
  Gaming machines—small prize machines—where the payout cannot exceed £6 in money or money's work and which cost more than 5p to play once require a licence costing £535 for a full year.
  Gaming machines—jackpot machines—which pay out more than £6 in money or money's worth and which cost 5p to play once require a licence costing £535 for a full year.
  Gaming machines—jackpot machines—which pay out more than £6 in money or money's worth and which cost more than 5p to play once require a licence costing £1,375 for a full year.
  Customs and Excise is not responsible for the legislation on the siting of gaming machines. This is governed by the social law and is a matter for the Home Secretary.

TRANSPORT

  MV Derbyshire
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with whom he has had meetings in relation to the MV Derbyshire since the International Transport Workers Federation expedition which located the wreckage of the MV Derbyshire.

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend is currently considering the chief inspector of marine accident's assessment of the sonar and video material provided by the ITF and whether further action needs to be taken. He has discussed the issue with officials in the Department.

  A69
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what current(a) building and (b) planning activities are being carried out by him in respect of (i) improvements to the Al between the Low Fell interchange and the Scottish border and (ii) improvements to the A69 between the Al west road interchange and the M6; how many of his staff and in which locations are working on such improvements; and when each project is scheduled for conclusion.

  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Minister for Railways and Roads, John Watts has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question on what current (a) building and (b) planning activities are being carried out by him in respect of (i) improvements to the Al between the Low Fell Interchange and the Scottish Border and (ii) improvements to the A69 between the Al West Road Interchange and the M6; how many of his staff and in which locations are working on such improvements; and when each project is scheduled for conclusion.

  (a) The schemes under construction are:

  A1 North Shotton slip road for completion in April 1995.

  A69 Route action road safety strategy for completion by March 1995.

  (b) The schemes where planning activities are being carried out in respect of the following:-

  (i) Improvements to the Al between Low Fell Interchange and the Scottish Border.

  1089

  A1—

  Hitchcroft to Cawledge

  Stannington Grade Separation

  Low Lyn Marginal Strips

  Gateshead Western Bypass (Sign Gantries)

  Gateshead Western Bypass Improvement

  Morpeth to Lanehead Improvement

  Willowburn to Denwick Improvement

  (ii) Improvements to the A69 between the Al West Road Interchange and the M6.

  A69—

  Cleugh Head to Scarrow Hill Improvement

  Haltwhistle Bypass DBFO

  Warwick Bridge Bypass

  A number of other route enhancement schemes are programmed and implemented annually.
  It is not possible to give completion dates for schemes in preparation as this depends upon the availability of resources, national priorities and satisfactory completion of statutory procedures.
  There are 7 members of staff dedicated full time to national programme construction schemes.
  A further 8 staff work on the management of the network which in part includes work on other route enhancement and improvement schemes implemented annually. There are also a number of staff providing administrative support. All staff are in Newcastle.

  Maritime Safety Procedures
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will review the current operations of emergency radio procedures following the circumstances of the Heather Bloan fishing boat being lost at sea; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  A review of emergency radio procedures has been under way for some time and my noble Friend the Minister for Aviation and Shipping is considering a proposal that the Coastguard agency should assume responsibility for the medium frequency radio telephony distress, safety and urgency watch on 2182 kHz. This service is currently provided under contract by British Telecommunications International.

  Marchioness
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatalities occurred on the Marchioness; and of these how many were non-United Kingdom citizens.

  Mr. Norris
  Fifty-one people died, 16 of whom were non-UK citizens.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all those who submitted evidence to the marine accident investigation branch report into the Marchioness disaster.

  Mr. Norris
  The MAIB inquiry obtained evidence, either orally or in the form of written statements, from well over 100 people. In the case of most of the survivors, the statements were those made to the police. It is not normal practice to provide a list of witnesses.

  Remembrance Day
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what funding his Department provided in respect of Merchant Navy veterans attending(a) the remembrance day ceremony in London and (b) other remembrance day activities throughout the country in 1993–94 and 1994–95.
  1090
  Mr. Norris
  The Department's expenditure under this heading was £1,576.75 in 1993–94 and £1,159.06 in 1994–95. It was incurred in respect of ceremonies in London. No expenditure was incurred in respect of Merchant Navy representation at such ceremonies outside London.

  Passenger Service Ships
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes he has suggested or promoted to amend or repeal hours of work regulations concerning maximum permitted hours of(a) officers and (b) others on ships registered in the United Kingdom or ships in regular passenger services to or from the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Norris
  In 1993, the Department sent out for consultation draft regulations and a draft merchant shipping notice on hours of work and rest on United Kingdom-registered ships. The drafts are being reviewed in the light of the responses to the consultation documents and of discussions with both sides of industry. We hope to lay the regulations before Parliament early in 1995.

  Driving Standards Agency
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many personal files of Driving Standards Agency employees contain trade union literature or circulars; and what is the purpose of maintaining such records.

  Mr. Norris
  This is an operational matter for the Driving Standards Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from S. J. Ford to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 19 December 1994:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the number of personal files on DSA employees containing trade union literature or circulars and the purpose of maintaining such records.
  No personal files of staff in this Agency contain trade union literature or circulars.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many occasions since the establishment of the agency a Driving Standards Agency employee has had trade union literature or circulars removed from his or her file, following complaints by that employee.

  Mr. Norris
  This is an operational matter for the Driving Standards Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from S. J. Ford to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 19 December 1994:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about the number of occasions since the Driving Standards Agency was established when Agency employees have had trade union literature or circulars removed from their personal file, following complaints by that employee.
  There has been only one such occasion, in 1992. After that incident all personal files were checked to ensure that no other such mistakes happened. No other cases were found.

  Rail Privatisation
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff employed by his Department are currently engaged on work associated with the
  1091
  reorganisation and privatisation of the British Railways Board and Railtrack.

  Mr. Watts
  Eighty-four full-time equivalents.

  Rail Projects (EC Funding)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 5 December,Official Report, columns 35–36, if he will provide details of European regional development fund funding given over the last 10 years to finance public sector rail projects.

  Mr. Watts
  [holding answer 13 December 1994]: I have placed the information in the Library.

  Rolling Stock
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average age of rolling stock used on the Hayes, Kent to London rail line at peak times.

  Mr. Watts
  Approximately eight years and falling. It is expected that all services on this line will be operated by Networkers by April 1995.

  Aviation Facilities
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what is his policy on general aviation facilities.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The Government recognise that general aviation, and in particular business aviation, can bring economic and wider benefits to national competitiveness as well as to local and regional economies. The existence of aviation facilities can be a factor in business location, especially for international companies. The Government wish these benefits to be fully recognised in the planning system, alongside the environmental impacts.

  As demand for commercial air transport grows, general aviation is likely to find access to larger airports increasingly restricted. The Government consider that strategic and local planning guidance will need to recognise the role that smaller airfields and landing strips play, and the difficulty of reopening or providing substitute facilities for airfields that have closed. The Government believe that, where there are proposals to develop an existing airfield, a flying option should be retained where demand clearly exists, or is expected in the longer term. But the Government are not willing to subsidise use of general aviation facilities.

  There are particular pressures on business aviation in the south-east, especially in the sector to the west and south of London. Business aviation can expect to find it increasingly difficult to operate from Heathrow and Gatwick. Farnborough has the runway length to accommodate larger business aircraft, but its future as an airfield has been uncertain for some time, because it is surplus to MOD requirements. Disposal options are being studied and the Government wish these to take full account of the benefits of continued aviation activity. In the longer term, there is likely to be considerable demand for business aviation of the right type and in the right location in the London area.

  The Government therefore believe it important to retain capacity for business aviation at Farnborough. The Government expect this view to be fully reflected in the local planning system.
  1092
  I expect shortly to be making a statement about civil use at RAF Northolt.

  Red Route, London
  Mr. Forman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the London red route network to be operational.

  Mr. Norris
  I have revised the objectives of the Traffic Director for London to require him to implement the priority—red—route network so that it will become operational in the year 2000.

  Traffic Area Network
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide details of the proposed review of the traffic area network.

  Mr. Norris
  The review of the traffic area network will include an efficiency scrutiny. It will be undertaken by Mr. Stephen Curtis, currently chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, and will begin early in the new year. The review is expected to last some four to five months. It will look at the organisation and work of the traffic area offices and will examine the scope for improving effectiveness and efficiency. A copy of the full terms of reference have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Trust Ports
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in the first sale of the trust ports, for which port authority the benchmark figure was leaked; and to whom.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 14 December 1994]: Although the Department understands there was a leak, it has no documentary evidence. In these circumstances, it is not appropriate to identify the parties involved.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the numbers and grades of civil servants in his Department concerned with channel tunnel rail safety(a) in 1994 and (b)

  Mr. Watts
  The numbers and grades of officials in the Department's channel tunnel safety unit are:

  At 1 April 1994:

  G5: 1

  G7: 4

  HEO: 4

  EO: 2

  AO: 1

  AA: 3

  PS: 1

  TOTAL: 16

  At 1 April 1995:

  G5: 1

  G7: 2

  HEO: 4

  EO: 2

  AO: 1

  AA: 3

  TOTAL: 14

  From time to time other officials in the Department contribute in varying measure to consideration of tunnel rail safety.
  1093
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to give authorisation for special vehicle and coach shuttle services through the channel tunnel.

  Mr. Watts
  The Anglo-French Channel Tunnel Intergovernmental Commission authorises Eurotunnel to operate services in the channel tunnel. No application to carry special vehicles and coaches on the shuttles has yet been received, but an application from Eurotunnel is expected early next year.

EMPLOYMENT

  Working Hours
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the total number of hours worked per week by the working population in October this year and in October 1989, October 1979 and October 1973.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Latest estimates from the labour force survey show that in Great Britain in summer 1994 employees and self-employed worked an average of 813 million hours per week, seasonally adjusted. The available figures for earlier years refer to the spring each year: 885 million hours per week in 1989 and 867 million hours per week in 1979, not seasonally adjusted. No comparable information is available for 1973.

  New Earnings Survey
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many workers were excluded for the 1994 new earnings survey; what were the main reasons for such exclusion; and how many were excluded for each reason.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The new earnings survey sampling fraction is nominally 1 per cent. of employees in employment. The following table presents the actual sampling fractions of the 1994 NES, based on employees in employment at March 1994.

  Number of employees

  Employees in employment(a)

  NES (b)

  Sampling fraction (percent.) (b)/(a)

  Full-time

  14,961,000

  120,219

  .80

  Part-time

  5,876,000

  35,159

  .60

  All employees

  20,837,000

  155,378

  .75

  The main reasons for the exclusion of full-time workers are: they were no longer working for the employer recorded on the Inland Revenue file of names and addresses used to distribute the questionnaires, in some cases, because the employer had gone out of business; because the worker was in a category—for example, occupational pensioner, non-salaried director, working for spouse, working outside the United Kingdom—not covered by the survey; and because there were unresolved inconsistencies in the data provided by employers.

  In addition to these reasons, part-time workers are excluded if they are not on the Inland Revenue file. This will happen if their gross weekly earnings are below the threshold for PAYE.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the percentage change between April 1979 to April 1994 in real earnings of blue collar workers in manufacturing relative to white collar workers in the private sector together with his estimate of the corresponding increase in output per head.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Information from the new earnings survey at April, shows that the earnings of full-time manual employees in manufacturing increased by 17.6 per cent. between 1979 and 1994 when adjusted for the increase in the retail prices index at April.

  The corresponding increase for private sector full-time non-manual employees was 56.3 per cent.

  The information requested for output per head is not available.

  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will give the proportions of(a) part-time female manual workers, (b) part-time female non-manual workers and (c) all female part-time workers with earnings excluding overtime less than £5.53 per hour in (i) Great Britain, (ii) west midlands region, (iii) West Midlands metropolitan county, (iv) Hereford and Worcester, (v) Shropshire, (vi) Staffordshire and (vii) Warwickshire for 1994.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Information available from the new earnings survey, showing the proportions of employees with earnings below the amount requested at April 1994, is given in the following tables:

  Hourly earnings excluding overtime of part-time women on adult rates—pay unaffected by absence

  Proportion earning below £5.53: April 1994

  Per cent.

  Manual women

  West Midlands Region

  92.5

  West Midlands MC

  90.5

  Hereford and Worcester

  97.7

  Shropshire

  90.7

  Staffordshire

  97.9

  Warwickshire

  1—

  Great Britain

  90.7

  Non-manual women

  West Midlands Region

  66.6

  West Midlands MC

  62.0

  Hereford and Worcester

  71.9

  Shropshire

  1—

  Staffordshire

  69.5

  Warwickshire

  70.5

  Great Britain

  64.6

  All women

  West Midlands Region

  76.4

  West Midlands MC

  73.5

  Hereford and Worcester

  80.3

  Shropshire

  78.0

  Staffordshire

  81.7

  Warwickshire

  74.3

  Great Britain

  73.6

  Source:

  New earnings survey.

  Note:

  1 Denotes sample too small and/or standard error too large for reliable estimate.

  Demolitions
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when guidelines for demolitions and explosions in the course of demolition were last revised; and what further revisions are under consideration.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Health and Safety Executive published its guidance on demolition and on the use of explosives in demolition in 1984–85. An information sheet is being prepared to clarify factors to be taken into consideration when determining exclusion zones during demolition by explosives. HSE is also involved with the development of two British standard codes of practice, BS 6187 and BS 5607, which give guidance on best practice.

  Journalists
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what has been the change in the real average earnings of journalists working on newspapers in the Greater London area, together with the median, quartile and decile since 1979;

  (2) what has been the change in the real average earnings since 1979 of journalists working on broadcasting; and what were the median, quartile and decile.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The information requested on the earnings of journalists in the Greater London area is not available.

  The new earnings survey shows that average gross weekly earnings of "authors, writers and journalists" as a group increased by 60.6 per cent. between April 1979 and April 1994 when adjusted for the increase in the retail prices index at April.

  Anglo-Great Lakes Corporation
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the costs of investigations carried out by the Health and Safety Executive at the site of the Anglo-Great Lakes Corporation in Newcastle.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Health and Safety Executive staff have paid a number of visits to the site formerly occupied by the Anglo-Great Lakes Corporation.

  At present, HSE records the time spent at individual sites only in a format needed to produce aggregated totals of different activities. The total time spent, and hence the costs, at any particular site over a period of time could be extracted only at disproportionate cost.

  Training
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total expenditure on(a) employment training and (b) youth training in 1993–94 by districts within the Yorkshire and Humberside region; and how many (i) males and (ii) females were on such schemes.

  Mr. Paice
  The information is not available in the format requested.

  Employment training, which was one of the Government's measures for helping the long-term unemployed, was incorporated into training for work from April 1993. Figures are only available by the areas covered by the training and enterprise councils in Yorkshire and Humberside.
  1096
  The table shows provisional expenditure, by TEC, for 1993–94 for youth training, including youth credits and training for work.

  Training and enterprise councils

  Youth training (£ million

  Training for work (£ million)

  Barnsley/Doncaster

  11.911

  8.506

  Bradford

  10.548

  3.904

  Calderdale/Kirklees

  10.149

  5.601

  Humberside

  15.871

  8.529

  Leeds

  6.856

  5.452

  North Yorkshire

  7.081

  2.921

  Rotherham

  5.236

  2.923

  Sheffield

  8.332

  6.393

  Wakefield

  4.126

  3.247

  Total

  80.111

  47.476

  The training for work figures do not include allowance payments paid to unemployed participants by the Employment Service at a rate equivalent to the participants former benefit entitlement plus £10 per week.

  During 1993–94 the number of males who entered training on these programmes was 18,216—YT and YC—and 30,583—TfW—and the number of females who entered training was 13,440—YT and YC—and 11,695—TfW.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the programmes for which his Department is responsible for directly or via agents for training employed people or provide on-the-job training; and what funding is available for each scheme.

  Mr. Paice
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The primary responsibility for training employed people rests with their employers. However, the Government are encouraging them to invest in the training and development of their work forces through:
  Employer investment in people provision—in 1994–95 up to £63 million is available through training and enterprise councils;
  Small firms training loans—in 1994–95 up to £2.03 million is expected to be made available through the participating banks;
  Career development loans—in 1994–95 up to £61 million is expected to be made available through the participating banks.

  In addition, from 1 April 1995 the Government will be making available some £63 million over three years for skills for small businesses.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what progress has been made on the appointment of independent inspectors for NVQ and other qualifications obtained in the course of youth training scheme and training for work funded training programmes.

  Mr. Paice
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The plans of the National Council for Vocational Qualifications are well advanced. We look to recruitment of field staff to be under way by April 1995. Inspectors will monitor the performance of national vocational qualification centres only, across all centres including those active in youth training and training for work.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was(a) the cost of the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council and (b) the

  1097
  average cost of other training and enterprise councils for 1993–94.

  Mr. Paice
  Information on the amount of money the Department paid to training and enterprise councils in 1993–94 is still provisional. The total payment to the 75 English training and enterprise councils to cover programmes and running cost was £1,451 million; the average cost was £19.3 million. Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council was paid £26.4 million.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total budget of the Berkshire training and enterprise council for the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Paice
  The training and enterprise council covering Berkshire, south Buckinghamshire and the Oxfordshire travel-to-work areas of Henley and Aylesbury is Thames Valley Enterprise Ltd. The budget made available by the Employment Department, Department for the Environment and the Department of Trade and Industry to Thames Valley Enterprise Ltd. during 1994–95 is £36,466,659. The budget includes funding, via the training and enterprise councils, for business links. Budget information below training and enterprise councils level is not available.

  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total budget of the Dorset training and enterprise council for the year 1994–95.

  Mr. Paice
  The total budget made available by the Department to Dorset training and enterprise council for the year 1994–95 is £19.7 million.

  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what progress Calderdale and Kirklees training and enterprise council is making in meeting the criteria for the award of a three-year licence.

  Mr. Paice
  I am pleased to announce that Calderdale and Kirklees training and enterprise council has now completed the process of meeting the rigorous standard we set for the award of the new three-year licences. Its licence will be effective from April 1995.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the funding of the salary and office expenses and overheads of the office of the national training and enterprise council director.

  Mr. Paice
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: We understand that the Training and Enterprise Council National Council is funded by contributions from individual TECs. The TEC national council is responsible for decisions about salaries of its staff and office costs.

  Construction Industry (Safety)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will place in the Library a list of construction companies that have been successfully prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive in the last five years together with the judgments obtained.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Information is not held centrally in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The numbers of information laid by the Health and Safety Executive and the resulting convictions in the construction sector in each of the last five years for which figures are available are shown in the table:
  1098

  Year of hearing1

  Information laid

  Convictions

  Average fine per conviction (£)

  1989–90

  781

  658

  762

  1990–91

  746

  600

  857

  1991–92

  746

  604

  1,035

  1992–93

  701

  572

  1,279

  1993–942

  523

  410

  3,412

  1 Years commencing 1 April

  2 Provisional

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to introduce legislation on construction design and safety regulations.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Employment Subsidies
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many jobs he expects to create with the aid of a subsidy for the employment of those out of work for at least two years; if he expects the level of unemployment to be reduced as a result; and what assessment he has made of the policies of the French Government to reduce the number of long-term unemployed.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The workstart employer subsidy aims to encourage employers to take on long-term unemployed people. In addition, it may have some beneficial effect on the number of new jobs and the level of unemployment. However, job subsidies are not cost free, and the control of public spending is essential to reduce non-wage labour costs and create more jobs.

  France has several measures in common with the United Kingdom, including measures similar to restart and jobclubs. As in the UK, it has also implemented cuts in national insurance contributions for the lower paid. However, France also has other policies—a national minimum wage, high non-wage labour costs and support for the social chapter—which would in our view damage job creation if introduced in the UK. The UK has a lower rate of unemployment than France.

  Career Development Loans
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action his Department has taken to ensure that public awareness of career development loans has increased throughout the year 1993–94.

  Mr. Paice
  The career development loan advertising campaign in 1993–94 comprised loose and classified insertions in the national press running throughout the year, and two short periods of predominantly local radio advertising.

  Direct mailing undertaken during the year to university, college and careers office principals was also carried out. In addition, the Department continued to issue its quarterly career development loan newsletter. In 1993–94, more than 65,000 newsletters were distributed to training and education providers, training enterprise councils in England and Wales and local enterprise companies in Scotland, Employment Service offices, careers offices, citizens advice bureaux, libraries and participating banks.

  An updated version of the CDL promotional video was distributed to all TECs, LECs and Employment Service offices.

  Careers Service
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received alleging occasions of neglect of duty by the careers service inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the course of action to be followed when such allegations are received.

  Mr. Paice
  There has been only one such occurrence. The allegations were pursued extensively and we are satisfied there was no neglect of duty. We have every confidence in the integrity of the chief inspector and his staff.

  The Department will investigate swiftly and rigorously any allegations against officials in the careers service inspectorate or elsewhere. Those making the allegations will be informed as quickly as possible of the outcome of these investigations. The precise course of action would vary according to the nature of allegations received.

  Vocational Counselling
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received advocating the regulation of the activities of those charging for private vocational counselling sessions, who are not currently members of any professional association; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Paice
  No representations have been received.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the percentage of(a) men and (b) women that are currently unemployed for each year between the ages of 50 and 60 years.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The information is provided in the following tables:

  ILO unemployment rates: by age and sex Great Britain summer 1994 percentages

  Age

  All persons

  Males

  Females

  50

  6.1

  8.4

  1—

  51

  6.8

  8.5

  1—

  52

  8.1

  10.5

  5.2

  53

  7.4

  9.3

  5.3

  54

  7.7

  9.7

  5.3

  55

  7.7

  9.9

  4.9

  56

  10.0

  12.4

  6.7

  57

  7.7

  10.6

  1—

  58

  9.2

  10.7

  7.1

  59

  10.7

  14.1

  1—

  60

  6.9

  9.7

  1—

  1 Estimates based on figures below 10,000—after grossing up—are not used, as they are subject to unacceptably large sampling errors.

  Claimant unemployment rates (UK): by age and sex October 1994 percentage

  Age

  All persons

  Male

  Female

  50–59

  8.4

  11.3

  4.7

  Source:

  Labour force survey.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the obstacles which reduce the likelihood of young people aged 16 and 17 years who are currently classified as(a) International Labour Organisation unemployed or (b)
  1100
  economically inactive and not currently in full-time education taking up one of the opportunities available to them under Government programmes (i) in general and (ii) in respect of each category of opportunity and each category for young people in the United Kingdom and in each part of the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Paice
  The Government guarantee that all 16 and 17-year-olds not in education, training or employment and who are seeking training are offered suitable training places. It is necessary for young people to register with the careers service and I am not aware of any obstacles which prevent them from doing so. Furthermore, the Government have committed additional resources in 1995–96 to strengthen careers guidance from age 13. We are also looking on a cross-Governmental basis at the position of 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in education, training or employment.

  Part-time Workers
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement about the Government's policy on the employment rights of part-time workers and indicate his response to the House of Lords judgment in the judicial review case Rv. Secretary of State for Employment ex parte Equal Opportunities Commission and another.

  Mr. Portillo
  The Government welcome the growth of part-time work, which is one of the range of flexible working practices which can be of benefit both to employers and to employees in reconciling work and other commitments.

  A comprehensive framework of employment protection rights exists to safeguard employees against unreasonable treatment by their employers, and many of those rights—including those relating to sex and race discrimination, to unlawful deductions from wages and to time off for antenatal care—have long applied to part-timers on exactly the same basis as full-timers. The statutory entitlement of part-timer and full-timers alike were further extended and enhanced by the Government in the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Acts 1993.

  The Government are, however, committed to the principle that the legislation should strike an appropriate balance between the rights of employees and the burdens on business. They have sought to achieve that through the deregulation of the labour market, where appropriate, and believe that this has helped to stimulate the growth for new job opportunities. They therefore oppose the imposition of new restrictions which would inhibit employers and employees from exercising the freedom to reach agreements on the basis of their own priorities, needs and circumstances. The Government rejected on 6 December 1994 the draft EC directive on part-time work as this would have imposed unacceptable constraints on Government action to promote part-time work, and would in any case have extended EC regulation into an area in which the principle of subsidiarity should apply. Such matters are best determined by individual member states, according to their own law and practice.

  In the judicial review case R v. Secretary of State for Employment ex parte Equal Opportunities Commission and another, the Equal Opportunities Commission alleged that the application of different qualifying conditions for part-timers compared with full-timers in the unfair dismissal and redundancy payments legislation

  1101
  discriminated against women contrary to European equal pay and equal treatment law. The Government conceded that, because there are more women than men working part time, the hours threshold had a disproportionate adverse impact on women, but argued that the thresholds were justified on objective grounds, to reduce burdens on business and promote part-time work opportunities. The High Court and the Court of Appeal rejected the EOC's case, but the House of Lords found in its favour.

  The Government have studied the House of Lord's judgment and given very careful consideration to all the legal implications and policy options arising from it. It clearly gives the relevant European legislation a much wider interpretation than was envisaged when it was originally adopted, and reinforces the Government's view that the priority for Europe should not be tackling unemployment rather than adopting further costly social legislation which increases burdens on business and destroy jobs.

  The Government always honour their legal obligations, however, and accept that the judgment must be acted upon. The House of Lords is the supreme court of the United Kingdom and there is no possibility of further appeal or of reopening the case. Only the courts themselves can refer questions to be determined by the European Court of Justice, and the House of Lords considered it unnecessary to do so in this case.

  Having taken very careful account of the policy options and their legal implications, the Government have been advised that the judgment requires the removal from employment protection legislation of all existing distinctions based on the number of hours worked per week. We will shortly be laying before the House appropriate regulations under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972.

  Although the Government were unable to satisfy the House of Lords that the hours thresholds were objectively justified, they continue to believe that their removal will make employers more reluctant to create new part-time jobs, and may indeed threaten some existing jobs. The effects of the change will therefore be carefully monitored, to assess their impact on business and on employment opportunities. The Government will reconsider the position in due course if objective evidence of adverse effects emerges.

ENVIRONMENT

  Toxic Materials
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment pursuant to his answer of 6 December,Official Report, column 134, if he will publish the results of the monitoring of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and oxygen, and of the samples and analysis of heavy metals and dioxins, being produced in the trials of substitute fuels at Redland Aggregates plant at Thrislington, County Durham.

  Mr. Atkins
  The results of the monitoring of particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, oxygen and dioxins produced in the trials up to 9 November 1994, with substitute fuels at the Redland Aggregates plant at Thrislington, County Durham, are already available on the public registers held by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution at Leeds, and at the 1102
  offices of Sedgefield district council in Spennymoor and the National Rivers Authority in Gosforth.

  Samples for heavy metal analysis have been taken, and when the results are available, they will also be placed on the public registers.

  Carbon monoxide monitors are already installed on the plant as part of the standard operational control. Results obtained prior to IPC authorisation from these monitors can be made available to the public under the Environmental Information Regulations, SI 1992 No. 3240.

  Burlington House
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect on the work of the learned societies of requiring a charge equivalent to a full commercial rental value to be paid on their tenancy of Burlington house.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Advisory Committees
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of the meetings held, the secretarial and advisory arrangements, the budgeted and actual expenditure and the subjects of any reports and submissions produced by(a) the Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment, (b) the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council, (c) the Property Advisory Group, (d) the Assessment Panel for Construction Research and (e) the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment; and if he will list the functions and objectives of each body.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is set out for each body in turn:

  Advisory Committee on Business and the Environment

  The Committee was established to provide a forum for strategic level dialogue between Government and business on environmental issues; to mobilise the business community in demonstrating good environmental practice; and to provide a link with, and focus attention on, international business initiatives on the environment.

  The committee was reconstituted in November 1993 and five new working groups established. Since then the main committee has met five times and 26 working group meetings have taken place.

  The secretarial work of the main committee is shared between the DOE and DTI while the DOE provides secretarial support for four working groups and the DTI the other.

  The DOE's expenditure on secretarial support, reports and publicity in 1993–94 was approximately £150,000. There was no separately allocated budget for this work. DTI related costs are not available.

  Reports published include:

  ACBE's Fourth Progress Report (Oct 94)

  Financial Section Working Group Report (Nov 93)

  A Guide to Environmental Best practice for Company Transport (Nov 93)

  The Environment—a business guide (1993)

  Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council

  The council's function is to provide longer-term strategic advice to British Waterways and the Minister on amenity and recreational aspects.
  1103
  The council meets about six times each year.

  The secretarial services are provided by British Waterways and costs are shown in British Waterways annual report and accounts. The Department's expenditure in 1993–94 for the chairman's remuneration was £13,900 against a budget of £18,500.

  No reports were issued in 1993–94.

  Property Advisory Group

  The group's function is to keep under review changes in the land and property market, advise on matters concerning the development process, and advise the Department generally on property issues.

  The group held 10 main meetings and six sub-group meetings during 1993–94.

  The secretariat is provided by the DOE. The Department's expenditure in 1993–94 was approximately £23,000. There was no separately allocated budget.

  No reports or submissions were published during 1993–94.

  Assessment Panel for Construction Research

  The panel provides independent expert advice on the evaluation of the Department's construction research programme and on development of its future strategy.

  The panel, in its present form came into being in May 1994 and has met three times.

  Secretarial services are provided by the Department at an estimated cost for 1994–95 of £8,700.

  No reports have been issued yet.

  Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment

  The committee provides advice to Ministers and others on the exercise of specified powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1990; on releases to the environment of animals, plants and genetically modified organisms; on human health aspects of releases to the environment; and on research needs.

  The committee met six times in 1993–94.

  The secretarial services are provided by the Department. The budgeted expenditure for 1993–94 was £21,700 and actual expenditure £15,600.

  Reports are published jointly by the Department and the committee and include:

  Note 1—The Regulation and control of the Deliberate Release of Genetically Modified Organisms.

  Note 2—Fast Track Procedures for Certain GMO Releases

  Note 3—Reduced information Requirements for releases of Plants under the GMO Regulations

  Note 4—Guidance for experimental releases of genetically modified plants

  Note 5—Guidance for experimental releases of genetically modified micro-organisms (excluding viruses and similar agents)

  ACRE Newsletter No. 1

  ACRE Annual Report 1993–94

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will outline the process and timetable for Her Majesty's inspector of pollution's investigation of the Drigg low-level waste disposal site.

  Mr. Atkins
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member 1104
  for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December, Official Report, column 877, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I refer to the answer given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 19 December,Official Report, column 937.

  Departmental Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been spent on telephone charges and how many telephone calls have been made by his Department for each of the last five years.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Drax Power Station
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will instruct National Power to use the desulphurisation-equipped generators at Drax power station to their full capacity; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  As I indicated in answer to the hon. Member for Lewisham, Deptford (Ms Ruddock) on 22 November—Official Report, columns 66–67— Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution currently in discussion with the generators both about the operation of their FGD-equipped plant in the context of each company's overall generating operations and more generally about improvement programmes for all of the companies' stations. Decision on these questions will be taken in the light of an assessment of what constitutes BATNEEC—best available techniques not entailing excessive costs.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what guidelines have been set by the International Atomic Energy Agency for site selection of a deep repository for radioactive waste;

  (2) if he will list the guidelines set by the Institute of Geologists, now the British Geological Survey, for site selection of a deep repository for radioactive waste.

  Mr. Atkins
  This information should be obtained from the organisation concerned.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce the outcome of the radioactive waste review.

  Mr. Atkins
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) on 6 December,Official Report, column 132.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those Liberal Democrat hon. Members who wrote to him(a) in support of and (b) to seek a meeting with him concerning bids from (i) their own local authority and (ii) other local authorities for moneys from the single regeneration budget.

  Mr. Curry
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those local authorities in Lancashire that sought a meeting with the north-west
  1105
  regional office prior to submitting their bids under the single regeneration budget.

  Mr. Curry
  The details are as follows:

  Blackburn

  Burnley

  Hyndburn

  Lancaster

  Blackpool

  Pendle

  Preston

  Ribble Valley

  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the bids made by bodies other than local authorities in the single regeneration budget process in the north-west.

  Mr. Curry
  The details are as follows:

  Manchester Foyer (St. Vincent's Housing Association)

  Manufacturing Partnership (Lancashire)

  Cumbria Business Futures

  West Coast Project

  Blackstone Edge

  Bridge Hall Area Consolidation Regeneration

  Community Arts and Sports Centre, Halliwell, Bolton

  Gorton Community Forum

  Industrial Society (North West-wide)

  Inner City Creative Initiative Teaching Unit, Moss Side

  Longford Hall

  Oldham TELECITE

  Visions Initiative, Castlefield, Manchester

  Access to Primary Teaching for Asian and Black People (East Lancashire

  Chorley Open Learning Centre

  Midstream (West Lancashire)

  PATH (Preston and Blackburn)

  Ribble Link Navigation

  Silicon Fylde

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the six successful west midlands bids for the single regeneration budget which contain projects which would previously have been eligible to be considered for estate action funding and the details of the housing projects involved.

  Mr. Curry
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The six bids are listed, with details of the housing projects involved.

  The Cannock Gateway Project

  Benion Road, Bevan Lee and Hampton Street.

  Coventry and Warwickshire Partnerships

  Camp Hill Estate, Nuneaton. Stoke Aldermoor Regeneration Project, Coventry. Henley Green Regeneration Project, Coventry.

  Dudley, Foundation for the Future

  Pensnett and a joint Brierley Hill, Hawbush, Pensnett and Chapel Street project.

  Regenerating Wolverhampton

  Stowlawn, Oxford Street/Temple Street and The Lunt.

  Sandwell Regeneration Partnerships

  Hateley Heath

  Stoke-on-Trent, Corbridge Community Renewal

  Grange Estate and Bucknall Road.

  1106
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those local authorities that were successful in more than one single regeneration budget bid.

  Mr. Curry
  The following authorities were partners in more than one successful single regeneration budget bid:

  London Borough of Barking

  Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council

  Bedfordshire County Council

  London Borough of Bexley

  Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council

  London Borough of Brent

  London Borough of Bromley

  Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council

  Cambridgeshire County Council

  Cleveland County Council

  Craven District Council

  London Borough of Croydon

  Derbyshire County Council

  Devon County Council

  Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council

  Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council

  Durham County Council

  London Borough of Ealing

  East Sussex County Council

  Essex County Council

  Fenland District council

  Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council

  Gillingham District Council

  Gloucester City Council

  London Borough of Greenwich

  Hampshire County Council

  London Borough of Harrow

  Hartlepool District Council

  London Borough of Havering

  London Borough of Hillingdon

  London Borough of Hounslow

  Hull City Council

  Kent County Council

  London Borough of Kingston

  Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council

  Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council

  London Borough of Lambeth

  Langbaurgh-on-Tees District Council

  Leominster District Council

  London Borough of Lewisham

  Lincolnshire County Council

  Liverpool Metropolitan Borough Council

  City of London

  Manchester Metropolitan Borough Council

  London Borough of Merton

  Middlesbrough District Council

  City of Newcastle

  London Borough of Newham

  North Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

  Northumberland County Council

  Nottinghamshire County Council

  Oxfordshire County Council

  London Borough of Richmond

  Richmondshire District Council

  Rochester-upon-Medway City Council

  Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

  Ryedale District Council

  Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

  1107

  Selby District Council

  Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council

  Sheffield Metropolitan Borough Council

  South Tyneside Metropolitan Borough Council

  London Borough of Southwark

  Stockton-on-Tees District Council

  St. Helens Metropolitan Borough Council

  City of Sunderland

  London Borough of Sutton

  Thurrock District Council

  London Borough of Tower Hamlets

  London Borough of Waltham Forest

  London Borough of Wandsworth

  Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council

  Wolverhampton Metropolitan Borough Council

  Wrekin District Council

  Cleveland
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how the timetable for proposed reorganisation of Cleveland is affected by the county council's application for a judicial review.

  Mr. Curry
  We have laid before Parliament, for its approval, a draft order to give effect to reorganisation in Cleveland on 1 April 1996. If that approval is given, we shall consider the position in relation to the county council's outstanding application for leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal before the order is made.

  National Environmental Technology Centre
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many of the sites for monitoring air pollution operated by the National Environmental Technology Centre are sited at a road; and if he will list the sites.

  Mr. Atkins
  The National Environmental Technology Centre currently operates the automatic monitoring station at the Cromwell road kerbside site on behalf of the Department of the Environment. The National Environmental Technology Centre is also contracted by the Department to co-ordinate the on-going national survey of nitrogen dioxide using passive diffusion tube samplers. Measurements are being made at nearly 1,300 locations across the United Kingdom. One in four of the diffusion tubes sites have been specifically chosen to be at roadside locations. The locations of these sites can be obtained from the National Environmental Technology Centre.

  Palm House, Liverpool
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made in restoring Palm house, Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  As the hon. Member is aware, essential repair work to the fabric of the building was completed with urban programme funding of £0.254 million in 1993. Liverpool city council has now submitted to the Government office for Merseyside an objective 1 funding application for future phases of the work in 1995 and beyond. I expect the outcome of the objective 1 bidding round to be announced in May 1995.

  Nirex
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) when he expects to make a decision on the planning application by Nirex to build a rock characterisation facility;

  (2) how many representations he has received in opposition to the proposed Nirex rock characterisation facility; and how many of these favoured on-site, above-ground storage of nuclear waste;

  (3) what plans he has for a public inquiry into the application by Nirex to build a rock characterisation facility.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the names of the sites for recording air pollution in the Yorkshire and Humberside region.

  Mr. Atkins
  The following automatic monitoring stations funded by the Department of the Environment are located in the Yorkshire and Humberside region:Barnsley, Leeds, Kingston-upon-Hull, Sheffield and High Muffles in North Yorkshire.

  The Department in collaboration with local authorities is supporting on-going national surveys of nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide using passive diffusion tube samplers. Measurements of smoke are also made at the same sites as those used for the sulphur dioxide measurements. The local authorities listed are involved in these surveys.

  (a) Nitrogen Dioxide:

  Humberside

  —Boothferry, Glanford, Grimsby and Kingston-upon-Hull. Yorkshire

  —Bradford, Calderdale, Doncaster, Hambleton, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Richmondshire, Rotherham, Ryedale, Scarborough, Selby and Wakefield.

  [There are four diffusion tube sites in each area.]

  (b) Smoke/Sulphur Dioxide:

  Humberside

  —Cleethorpes (2), Glanford (1), Grimsby (1), Kingston-upon-Hull (1) and Scunthorpe (1).

  Yorkshire

  —Barnsley (11), Bradford (2), Calderdale (2), Doncaster (4), Kirklees (3), Leeds (3), Rotherham (4), Scarborough (1), Selby (1), Sheffield (1), Wakefield (9 including Normanton) and York (2).

  [The number in brackets gives the number of sites in each area.]

  There are also acid deposition monitoring stations situated at High Muffles and Thorganby. The levels of lead and nine other inorganic elements are measured in Leeds.

  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what pollutants are included in the collection of air samples at his Department's fund monitoring stations.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Department of the Environment monitors the levels of ozone, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, fine particulates as PM10 and 26 volatile organic compounds, including benzene and 1,3-butadiene across the United Kingdom using a number of different automatic analysers.

  The Department in collaboration with local authorities is supporting on-going national surveys of nitrogen

  1109
  dioxide and sulphur dioxide using passive diffusion tube samplers. Measurements of smoke are also made at the same sites as those used for the sulphur dioxide measurements.

  Further networks monitor the levels of (a) lead and nine other inorganic elements, and (b) toxic organic micropollutants such as dioxins and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

  Housing Corporation
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to separating the funding and the monitoring roles of the Housing Corporation; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  In the Government's response to the Environment Select Committee's second report 1993, Cm 2363, we said that we believed the link between the monitoring and funding roles of the Housing Corporation was a natural and positive one and that the former role had a vital part to play in informing decisions on the latter. However, we undertook to keep this under review in further reviews of the Housing Corporation.

  The Government announced a prior options review of the Housing Corporation on 14 December, Official Report, column 663. This will provide an opportunity to consider this again.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total planned expenditure in Berkshire by the Housing Corporation in the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Housing Corporation currently estimates that some £13 million of its capital budget for 1994–95 will be spent in Berkshire.

  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total planned expenditure in Dorset by the Housing Corporation in the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Housing Corporation currently estimates that some £14 million of its capital budget for 1994–95 will be spent in Dorset.

  Waste Management
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the proposed national waste strategy will continue to emphasise the hierarchy of waste management options including reduction, re-use and recycling, including materials recycling, composting and energy recovery contained in the Department of Environment's recent response both to the 17th report of the Royal Commission on environmental pollution and to the second report of Session 1994–94 from the House of Commons Environment Select Committee, HC63.

  Mr. Atkins
  Yes, I can confirm that the waste hierarchy will be a key policy for the waste strategy that is shortly due to be issued for consultation.

  Housing Associations
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what support his Department gives to housing societies and smaller housing associations.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Housing Corporation provides capital funding to registered housing associations through its approved development programme which 1110
  amounts to some £1.5 billion in 1994–95. Smaller associations, defined as those with fewer than 500 dwellings, received around 11 per cent. of allocations for new scheme approvals in 1994–95.

  In addition, the Housing Corporation's total revenue grant support for registered housing associations, including smaller associations, is expected to amount to some £195 million in 1994–95.

  Micro-organisms
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of(a) the agreement made at the UN environment programme conference in 1993 that a state has sovereignty over its flora and fauna and (b) whether this sovereignty extends to micro-organisms; and what steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to ensure the categorisation and identification of micro-organisms.

  Mr. Atkins
  The United Kingdom has ratified the convention on biological diversity, which covers inter alia flora, fauna and micro-organisms. Article 3 of the convention recognises that states have, in accordance with the charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, the sovereign right to exploit their own resources pursuant to their own environmental policies.

  In order to improve our knowledge of micro-organisms, research is in progress in subjects such as soil microbiology. The Office of Science and Technology commissioned an independent review of publicly funded microbial culture collections in the United Kingdom. The Government are currently considering its findings, which were published in November.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures his Department is taking in combating the problem of homelessness in Merseyside, with particular reference to Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The responsibility for dealing with homelessness in Merseyside rests with the local authorities there. In Liverpool, for example, the city council has made extensive provision to meet the demands of the homeless and has good partnership arrangements with voluntary agencies and housing associations. There are no homeless households currently in bed and breakfast in Liverpool and I am pleased with that clear indication of the success of that approach.

  Merseyside
  Mr Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has in the near future to meet the Mersey Partnership to discuss the promotion of Merseyside's development opportunities, business development, land reclamation and environmental improvements; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I have no immediate plans to visit the Mersey Partnership, but I am in regular contact with many of the members.

  The Mersey Partnership, with its drive and energy, is developing and putting across a clear and positive image of Merseyside; its wide membership across the public and private sectors has an important part to play.

  Smoke Detectors
  Mr. Garrett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if Her Majesty's inspector of pollution will establish the number of ionising smoke detectors disposed of in household rubbish and the safety implications of the accumulation of radioactive material in waste tips from such disposals.

  Mr. Atkins
  Disposal of smoke detectors containing very small radioactive sources is controlled under the terms of the Radioactive Substances (Smoke Detectors) Exemption Order 1980, as amended, made under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. The order provides exemption from regulation under the full requirements of the Act but imposes limits and conditions on the accumulation and disposal of these articles. These requirements are designed to ensure that public and environmental safety is fully maintained and Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution is satisfied that this is the case. Because these sources are of very low radiological significance, it is not necessary to record the numbers disposed of in refuse.

  Regional Planning
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to release the draft regional planning guidance for Yorkshire and Humberside.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Next month.

  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is currently the average time between his Department receiving the draft regional planning conference advice and his Department issuing draft regional guidance.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The average time for the completion of draft regional planning guidance after receipt of the conference advice is approximately 14.5 months.

  National Rivers Authority
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total budget of the west and south-east areas of the Thames region of the National Rivers Authority for the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am informed by the National Rivers Authority that in the west and south-east areas of its Thames region the total budget for 1994–95 was as follows:

  Thames West—£10.6 million

  Thames South-East—£20.7 million

  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total budget of the area of the south-western region of the National Rivers Authority which covers Dorset for the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Atkins
  I am informed by the National Rivers Authority that in the south Wessex area of their south western region, which covers Dorset, the total budget for 1994–95 was £7.6 million.

  Hares
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 14 December,Official Report, column 661, what was the estimated population
  1112
  of hares in Great Britain in (a) 1974, (b) 1979, (c) 1984, (d) 1989, (e) 1990 and (f)

  Sir Paul Beresford
  For 1991, I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment and Countryside to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 14 December,Official Report, column 661. No Government estimate of the hare population exists for the years in question up to and including 1990.

  Cemfuel
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the current test burn of Cemfuel at the Castle Cement works, Ribblesdale, is due to end.

  Mr. Atkins
  The extra monitoring work at Ribblesdale is now complete and the operator is preparing an assessment of the results and the effect of emissions on the environment.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information has so far appeared on the public register in respect of Castle Cement's burning of Cemfuel at its Ribblesdale plant; what further information he expects to appear between the present time and the conclusion of the test burn of Cemfuel; and what assessment Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has made of the quality and quantity of such information.

  Mr. Atkins
  All information prior to the protocol of June 1994 is on the public registers. Monitoring trials conducted under the protocol were supervised by HMIP and the final report of these, along with the assessment of environmental effects, is expected at the end of 1994. HMIP is assessing these results.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measurements of total organic carbon have been taken in the emissions from Castle Cement's kilns when they are burning Cemfuel.

  Mr. Atkins
  Measurement of total organic carbon has been part of all tests carried out.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measurements of total organic carbon in the emissions from Castle Cement's kilns when they are burning Cemfuel have been made during electrostatic precipitator trips caused by high levels of carbon monoxide.

  Mr. Atkins
  Electrostatic trips are few and far between and last only for a matter of minutes. No total organic carbon measurements have been taken in these periods.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has drawn from the information placed on the public register in relation to the burning of hazardous waste at Ribblesdale.

  Mr Atkins
  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution's preliminary assessment of the results available so far indicates that, compared with coal, the burning of Cemfuel does not have a net adverse environmental effect.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many deliveries of Cemfuel have been made to Castle Cement's works at Ribblesdale; how many inspections have been made of them by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution; and how many have been rejected as a result of failing to meet the specification.
  1113
  Mr. Atkins
  There have been approximately 1,500 tanker deliveries of Cemfuel to the Ribblesdale site in the last 12 months. The HMIP site inspector has been present and witnessed the unloading operation on numerous occasions. Three loads were rejected in the last 12 months—one load, because the seals on the tanker were not intact, and two, because the paperwork showed fuel of unaccceptable quality.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has been informed by Castle Cement that Cemfuel has proved inferior to its specifications and had therefore been rejected for use; and what action Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution took on each occasion.

  Mr. Atkins
  Three loads were rejected in the last 12 months—one load, because the seals on the tanker were not intact, and two, because the paperwork showed fuel of unacceptable quality.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution proposes to take as a result of the amount of particulate matter in the emissions from Castle Cement's works at Ribblesdale exceeding the authorised limit.

  Mr. Atkins
  The particulate emissions from all kilns comply with the authorised limits.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether(a) his officials in the directorate of pollution control and wastes and (b) Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution have seen the British Cement Association's code of practice on the use of recycled liquid fuels in the manufacture of cement; and whether they were consulted on its contents before publication.

  Mr. Atkins
  The British Cement Association's code of practice was issued by the association on its own initiative and it did not consult officials in the Department or in Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution before publishing it. Officials have seen the code.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what analysis Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution had made of the contents of the uncombusted waste materials among emissions from cement kilns where hazardous wastes are being burnt.

  Mr. Atkins
  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has made no measurements of the uncombusted waste materials from the cement kilns, but tests carried out by the company have confirmed a thermal destruction efficiency of almost 100 per cent.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the conditions for the trial burning of hazardous wastes apply equally to all cement kilns at which such waste is being burnt.

  Mr. Atkins
  All trials authorised after the protocol of June 1994 have to comply with the same requirements.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has reached on whether there is a risk to public health or the environment associated with the emission of uncombusted waste materials as a result of a trip on the operation of a cement kiln when it is burning hazardous waste; and what mechanism exists for measuring the products of incomplete combustion on such occasions.
  1114
  Mr. Atkins
  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution is satisfied that there is no risk to public health or the environment associated with uncombusted waste materials as a result of any process trips. Whenever a trip occurs, the supply of Cemfuel to the kiln is automatically stopped and not restarted until normal operating conditions have resumed. The cement materials in the kiln remain hot for several hours, and this ensures the destruction of any remaining waste.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions the plume from any kiln at Ribblesdale has grounded in the last 12 months; how many times operations have been suspended as a result of inadequate emission velocity; and how many occasions members of the public have complained to Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution about plume grounding.

  Mr. Atkins
  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has no records of the number of times the plumes from the chimneys at Ribblesdale works have grounded in the last 12 months. Operations have never been suspended as a result of inadequate emission velocity. There have been around 50 complaints about plume grounding by members of the public in the last 12 months, although not all these have been confirmed.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many site visits have been made to Castle Cement's works at Ribblesdale which have been(a) announced and (b) unannounced.

  Mr. Atkins
  There have been more than 30 visits to the Castle Cement Ribblesdale site in the last 12 months. Of these, four were unannounced.

  Repossessions
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many repossessions there have been in each year since 1989; and what assessment he has made of the proportion of those repossessed by the United Kingdom subsidiaries of United States companies.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The number of properties taken into possession by mortgage lenders in the United Kingdom in each year since 1989 is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  Per cent of total mortgages

  1989

  15,810

  0.17

  1990

  43,890

  0.47

  1991

  75,540

  0.77

  1992

  68,540

  0.70

  1993

  58,540

  0.58

  1994 (first half)

  25,020

  0.24

  The Department does not have access to information that shows the number of properties taken into possession by individual lenders.

  Housing Revenue Account
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to issue the housing revenue account subsidy determinations for 1995–96.

  Mr. Curry
  I have decided to confirm the proposals for guideline rents and management and maintenance
  1115
  allowances, which were set out in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Mr. Sweeney) on 24 November, Official Report, columns 250–51. I have also decided to confirm the other proposals, subject to some revisions in the light of the responses received. The determinations will be issued later this week. Copies will be placed in the Library.

  Local Authorities (Companies)
  Sir Fergus Montgomery
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his proposals for local authority participation in companies; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  It is our intention that where authorities participate in companies led by the private sector, there should be few controls other than those applicable generally under the Companies Act. In other cases, our intention is that local authorities' interests in companies should be subject to special capital finance and propriety controls.

  We have today issued for consultation to the local authority associations and to local authorities a draft of an order which my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales propose to make under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and which would give effect to these intentions from the financial year 1995–96. We have asked for all comments on the draft order to be submitted by 31 January 1995.

  I have arranged for copies of the draft order, together with an explanatory guide, to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Environment Agency Advisory Committee
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, following his announcement of 18 November,Official Report, column 309, he will announce the member of the Environment Agency Advisory Committee who has been nominated by the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mr. Gummer
  I have invited Professor Ron Edwards, currently a member of the board of the National Rivers Authority, to become a member of the Environment Agency Advisory Committee. Professor Edwards was recommended to me by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Wildlife
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made in implementing the changes to controls on wildlife following his announcement of 20 July.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Good progress is being made in implementing the changes my hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment and Countryside announced on 20 July,Official Report, columns 319–21.

  We have today issued eight general licences to allow the sale of specimens of certain cockatoos, macaws, tortoises, owls and wildfowl, and the competitive showing of certain captive-bred birds, subject to conditions, without the need for an individual licence from the Department; and a general licence allowing the sale of the common toad, common frog, smooth newt and palmate newt, subject to certain conditions.
  1116
  These licences will take effect from 1 January.

  We are now imposing tighter conditions on a greater number of individual import permits to ensure that the specimens concerned are not used for any other purpose than that for which they were imported. The Department's wildlife inspectorate will be stepping up inspections to ensure that importers comply with these conditions. We have also increased the scrutiny of advertisements offering endangered species for sale to ensure that the transactions comply with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and national legislation.

  We have consulted a wide range of interested individuals and organisations about the proposal to abolish the registered sellers of dead birds scheme. Having taken into account all the responses received, we have decided to proceed to abolish the scheme and to introduce general licences.

  We have established a working group to review the enforcement of wildlife controls. Its terms of reference are:
  "To consider the scope for improvements in the enforcement of wildlife species controls in Great Britain with particular reference to the roles of the Police, HM Customs and Excise, the DOE Wildlife Inspectorate and the NGOs, and to report to the Department of the Environment by the end of July 1995".

  The first meeting was held on 21 October and was attended by the police, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food investigations branch, HM Custom and Excise, the Crown Prosecution Service, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, English Nature, the Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, TRAFFIC, RSPB, RSPCA and the National Council for Aviculture.

  I intend to make a further announcement early next year about the increased use of DNA tests to enforce wildlife controls.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will set out the criteria used in each year since 1991 in deciding which areas of land were suitable to receive additional access payments under the countryside stewardship scheme;

  (2) how much was paid to landowners and occupiers as the flat-rate payment for providing new public access under the countryside stewardship scheme in each year since 1991;

  (3) how much was spent on capital payments for providing public access on or to countryside stewardship scheme access sites in each year since 1991; and what was the number of sites for which such capital payments were made in each year.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  Lettsom Gardens, Camberwell
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to ensure that Lettsom gardens, Camberwell, remains a green area free from development and run by local residents; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: I shall write to the hon. and learned Member.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the monthly cost of the provision of a single homeless persons unit mortgaged over 25 years at current mortgage interest rates; and what is the current average monthly mortgage payment.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]As capital funding has been available from the Housing Corporation for the full cost of developing single homeless persons units, most units will have been developed without the need for borrowing. The corporation does not therefore have information available on mortgage costs.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cumulative total of running cost provisions over the previous five years on single homeless units; and what is the average annual expenditure per unit.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]The cumulative total provision by the Housing Corporation for the cost of housing management in single homeless units over the last five years has been £174 million at current prices. The average annual expenditure by housing associations on grant-aided schemes, taking account of income from all sources, is £6,240 per bedspace.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the cumulative total of capital expenditure over the previous five years on the provision of single homeless persons units; and what is the average cost of providing a unit.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: At current prices, the cumulative total capital expenditure by the Housing Corporation on the provision of single homeless persons units over the five years to 1993–94 amounts to £139.5 million. The average capital cost of providing a bedspace in a shared unit over that period was £31,000.

  Birds of Prey
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list, by type, the number of birds of prey reported stolen in(a) 1992, (b) 1993 and (c) each month of 1994.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: As thefts of birds of prey are not reportable offences, comprehensive official statistics are not kept. However, the information available to my Department indicates that the minimum figures for thefts of birds of prey from the wild in Great Britain were as follows:

  1992: 47

  1993: 72

  Figures for 1994 are not yet available.

  My Department does not keep records of birds in captivity which are subsequently stolen.

EDUCATION

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children who have received assistance through the assisted places scheme are from households in the bottom 10th disposable income levels, according to Department of Social Security statistics.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information is not available in the form requested. Parental income for the purposes of the assisted places scheme is assessed on total family income from all sources, gross of all allowances. Non-taxable social security benefits are excluded and no adjustments for the inputed value of free school meals are made as is the case with the DSS statistics.

  For the school year 1993–94, the latest for which information is available, more than 11,800—40 per cent.—assisted pupils were entitled to a completely free place because their families' income fell below the threshold of £9,225 per annum. Over 80 per cent. of parents in the scheme have earnings below the equivalent national average household income.

  Funding Agency for Schools
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list the number of visits each regional representative of the Funding Agency for Schools has made to local education authorities within their designated areas.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This matter is the responsibility of the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will instruct the Funding Agency for Schools to open its meetings to the public.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  No. It is for the funding agency to regulate its own proceedings. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Feeder Primary Schools
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a statement on the inclusion by secondary schools of named feeder primary schools within their admissions criteria.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Circular 6/93 "Admissions to Maintained Schools" advises that priority may be given to children attending certain named primary schools, but that the choice of schools should be determined on objective grounds.

  Public Appointments
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what information is sought at interview with candidates for appointment to paid or unpaid posts for which she is responsible as indicated in the answer to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Taylor) by the hon. Member for Daventry (Mr. Boswell) on 28 March 1994,Official Report, columns 519–20.

  Mr. Boswell
  Ministers interview candidates to gain a fuller picture of their aptitude and experience in order to ascertain their suitability for the post and their ability to
  1119
  make an effective contribution to the work of the relevant public body.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schools' governing bodies were placed under a duty to consider during the school year 1993–94 whether to conduct a parental ballot on grant-maintained status and, in each case, how many ballots were held during 1993–94; and how many resulted in majorities in favour of grant-maintained status.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The governing bodies of some 18,300 primary and 2,950 secondary schools in England were required during the 1993–94 school year to consider whether to hold a parental ballot on grant-maintained status.

  During that year, 167 primary and 104 secondary schools held ballots. Of these, 107 ballots at primary schools and 52 at secondary schools resulted in a vote in favour of grant-maintained status.

  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education which grant-maintained schools have had their admissions policies reviewed by her Department as a result of applying for(a) a change of character and (b) a change of admissions policy not amounting to a change of character; and what action has been taken.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend does not have a general power to require an admissions authority—a governing body of grant-maintained or voluntary-aided school, or a local education authority—to change its arrangements. When considering requests from grant-maintained schools for approval to vary their admission arrangements, officials may sometimes draw attention to aspects of the existing arrangements which appear to fall short of the guidance of best practice contained in circular 6/93. The Department does not keep a detailed record of such exchanges.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the total cost for the central administration of grant-maintained schools for each year since the GMS system was implemented; and what is the central administrative cost per pupil being educated within a grant-maintained school for each year since the GMS system was implemented.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is held by the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total budget for grant-maintained schools within Berkshire for 1994–95.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The determination of grant for GM schools is now a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total budget for grant-maintained schools within Dorset for 1994–95.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The determination of grant for GM schools is now a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Capital Allocations
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a statement on capital allocations for local education authority maintained schools for 1995–96.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Local education authorities have today been informed of their annual capital guidelines—ACGs—for schools which, together with supplementary credit approvals, will total £426 million in 1995–96. They have also been informed of their allocations for spending by the governors of voluntary-aided and special agreement schools in their areas—the overall grant to be made available in 1995–96 will be £96 million.

  Annual capital guidelines do not represent the full total of funds available to local education authorities for capital expenditure. Authorities are also able to spend additional sums from capital receipts and from their revenue budgets if they so choose.

  Local authorities have received considerable resources in the last few years for building work at schools. The substantial sum available in 1995–96 is a 5.7 per cent. increase on the £403 million available in the current year and should enable local authorities to continue to make significant progress in improving the building stock.

  In distributing annual capital guidelines, we have again given priority to the second and third year expenditure on work covered by ACGs in previous years; projects to provide new school places in areas of population growth—"Basic Need"; and projects to remove surplus places. For 1995–96, we are providing historically high amounts to support Basic Need. Of the total of £96 million grant for voluntary-aided schools, £38 million has been set aside for repairs. The remainder is to be provided for capital work with a small element for debt repayment; £15 million of this will support new work to provide for new school places, removal of surplus capacity and a range of improvement and replacement projects. Thirty-seven major projects have been authorised to start and a further 29 to proceed to initial design work. My right hon. Friend and I look to local education authorities and school governors to ensure that the grant is fully effectively utilised.

  A total of £45 million of the ACGs total will be allocated in the form of supplementary credit approvals—SCAs—to LEAs during the course of the year.

  Details of individual LEAs' ACGs and grant allocations have been placed in the Library.

  Further Education Funding Council
  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of the Further Education Funding Council's budget for 1994–95 supports institutions in Dorset.

  Mr. Boswell
  The total amount of recurrent funding allocated by the Further Education Funding Council for the academic year 1994–95 is £2,610.8 million, of which £26.2 million was allocated to institutions in Dorset.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of the Further Education Funding Council's budget for 1994–95 supports institutions in Berkshire.

  Mr. Boswell
  The total amount of recurrent funding allocated by the Further Education Funding Council for
  1121
  the academic year 1994–95 is £2,610.8 million, of which £33.1 million was allocated to institutions in Berkshire.

  Education (Schools) Act 1992
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when she expects to lay before Parliament the 1993–94 annual report of Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools under section 4(a) of the Education (Schools) Act 1992.

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend expects to be able to lay HMCI's annual report before Parliament after the Christmas recess.

  Higher Education Funding Council
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what adjustment is proposed to the total standard spending to take account of the transfer of funding for fee income discretionary awards from local authorities to the Higher Education Funding Council in the 1995–96 financial year, and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Boswell
  We propose to transfer £2.7 million from local authority finance to the Higher Education Funding Council for England—HEFCE—in 1995–96. This reflects the 45 per cent. reduction in the maximum tuition fee reimbursed through mandatory awards announced a year ago. This will lead to a reduction in local authorities' discretionary awards expenditure; there will be a matching increase in the funds distributed to universities and colleges through HEFCE grant.

  Special Educational Provision
  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many appeals for special educational provision under the Education Act 1981 are pending; what is the average time for determining these appeals; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  The Department is currently dealing with some 500 appeals under sections 5(6) and 8(6) of the Education Act 1981 and related complaints under sections 68 and 99 of the Education Act 1944.

  Those resolved over the last year have taken on average about 10 months to conclude. Appeals under section 8(6)

  Numbers and percentages of pupils in single teacher classes by size in maintained primary and secondary schools in each local education authority in England. 1991–1994(provisional) Position in January each year

  1. Primary schools(classes of size)

  LEA

  1991

  1992

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  Corporation of London

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  Camden

  220

  0

  2.8

  0.0

  541

  0

  6.5

  0.0

  Greenwich

  1,178

  38

  7.0

  0.2

  1,305

  0

  7.8

  0.0

  Hackney

  257

  84

  2.2

  0.7

  219

  0

  1.9

  0.0

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  314

  40

  4.6

  0.6

  565

  84

  8.1

  1.2

  Islington

  315

  0

  2.8

  0.0

  756

  0

  6.6

  0.0

  Kensington and

  Chelsea

  187

  0

  4.0

  0.0

  130

  0

  2.7

  0.0

  Lambeth

  284

  84

  1.9

  0.6

  630

  0

  4.0

  0.0

  Lewisham

  661

  37

  4.0

  0.2

  1,943

  74

  11.0

  0.4

  Southwark

  1,352

  37

  8.5

  0.2

  1,326

  77

  7.9

  0.5

  1122
  tend to take the longest to process, as the courts have made it clear that we must copy correspondence from one party to the other, and allow time for comment in the interests of natural justice, until no new issues arise. In such cases, much of the time taken is beyond the Department's control.

  Appeals against decisions taken by LEAs after 1 September under the Education Act 1993 are now referred to the Special Education Needs Tribunal, which is subject to different legal procedures and has a target of five months for deciding appeals.

  Teacher Training Agency
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what adjustment is proposed to the total standard spending to take account of any transfer of functions from local authorities to the Teacher Training Agency for the 1995–96 financial year with respect to(a) the training of licensed and overseas trained teachers and (b) management training for head teachers; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The transfers from local authority finance to the Teacher Training Agency in 1995–96 were £2.26 million in respect of the licensed and overseas trained teachers schemes, and £2.774 million in respect of management training for heads. These transfers reflect the transfer of responsibilities from local authorities to the Teacher Training Agency.

  School Statistics
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what was the number and percentage of pupils in primary schools in(a) January 1991, (b) January 1992, (c) January 1993 and (d) January 1994 being taught in classes of (i) between 31 and 35 and (ii) more than 36 in maintained schools in each local education authority and in total;

  (2) what was the number and percentage of pupils in secondary schools in (a) January 1991, (b) January 1992, (c) January 1993 and (d) January 1994 being taught in classes of between (i) 26 to 30, (ii) 31 to 35 and (iii) more than 36 in maintained schools in each local education authority and in total.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested is given in the tables.
  1123

  Numbers and percentages of pupils single teacher classes by size in maintained primary and secondary schools in each local education authority in England, 1991–1994 (provisional) Position in January each year

  1. Primary schools(classes of size)

  LEA

  1991

  1992

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  Tower Hamlets

  448

  39

  3.8

  0.3

  475

  121

  3.9

  1.0

  wandsworth

  323

  50

  2.5

  0.4

  697

  121

  5.2

  0.9

  Westminster

  218

  0

  3.5

  0.0

  252

  40

  3.7

  0.6

  Barking and Dagenham

  983

  153

  7.3

  1.1

  1,297

  234

  9.4

  1.7

  Barnet

  1,583

  128

  8.3

  0.7

  1,806

  180

  9.2

  0.9

  Bexley

  4,243

  118

  25.7

  0.7

  4,913

  108

  29.1

  0.6

  Brent

  1,430

  114

  8.2

  0.7

  1,375

  75

  7.9

  0.4

  Bromley

  6,097

  36

  32.1

  0.2

  6,381

  36

  33.0

  0.2

  Croydon

  2,763

  112

  12.8

  0.5

  3,264

  289

  15.0

  1.3

  Ealing

  3,277

  0

  15.3

  0.0

  3,219

  151

  14.6

  0.7

  Enfield

  4,616

  36

  25.7

  0.2

  5,147

  38

  27.3

  0.2

  Haringey

  435

  93

  2.7

  0.6

  441

  40

  2.7

  0.2

  Harrow

  4,175

  145

  27.7

  1.0

  4,140

  0

  27.2

  0.0

  Havering

  3,351

  72

  18.7

  0.4

  2,585

  0

  14.5

  0.0

  Hillingdon

  3,646

  426

  21.7

  2.5

  4,306

  439

  25.3

  2.6

  Hounslow

  4,615

  409

  30.8

  2.7

  4,894

  540

  31.8

  3.5

  Kingston upon Thames

  3,403

  36

  42.0

  0.4

  4,486

  219

  51.6

  2.5

  Merton

  1,420

  120

  13.6

  1.1

  1,726

  156

  14.9

  1.4

  Newham

  2,049

  214

  10.3

  1.1

  1,000

  294

  4.9

  1.4

  Redbridge

  8,224

  109

  55.7

  0.7

  8,331

  145

  55.6

  1.0

  Richmond upon Thames

  1,758

  40

  19.8

  0.5

  1,316

  37

  14.4

  0.4

  Sutton

  3,474

  257

  32.8

  2.4

  3,359

  181

  31.6

  1.7

  Waltham Forest

  3,161

  122

  19.6

  0.8

  2,763

  195

  16.8

  1.2

  Birmingham

  25,625

  1,129

  27.0

  1.2

  22,873

  868

  24.0

  0.9

  Coventry

  5,052

  402

  19.8

  1.6

  5,253

  505

  20.3

  2.0

  Dudley

  6,112

  620

  27.1

  2.7

  3,852

  595

  18.3

  2.8

  Sandwell

  7,934

  866

  31.0

  3.4

  7,549

  1,022

  29.3

  4.0

  Solihull

  4,730

  268

  27.7

  1.6

  4,637

  440

  27.2

  2.6

  Walsall

  3,338

  375

  16.4

  1.8

  3,606

  707

  17.3

  3.4

  Wolverhampton

  3,226

  339

  16.2

  1.7

  2,491

  274

  12.5

  1 4

  Knowslev

  3,320

  273

  21.1

  1.7

  3,568

  539

  22.7

  3.4

  Liverpool

  7,785

  686

  17.0

  1.5

  9,939

  666

  21.5

  1.4

  St.Heleas

  4,133

  703

  27.7

  4.7

  4,467

  633

  30.1

  4.3

  Sefton

  7,410

  421

  31.3

  1.8

  7,586

  441

  31.1

  1.8

  Wirral

  2,243

  52

  8.6

  0.2

  3,170

  144(1A

  11 7

  0.5

  Bolton

  7,018

  1,576

  32.9

  7.4

  6,879

  1,390

  31.8

  6.4

  Bury

  4,537

  404

  31.8

  2.8

  4.792

  521

  32.1

  3.5

  Manchester

  7,753

  1,731

  19.3

  4.3

  6,933

  1,428

  17.4

  3.6

  Oldham

  6,788

  1,399

  34.2

  7 0

  7,136

  802

  36.5

  4.1

  Rochdale

  6,376

  513

  36.1

  2.9

  5,969

  402

  34.7

  2.3

  Salford

  3,534

  676

  16.8

  3.2

  4,470

  468

  21.1

  2.2

  Stockport

  5,878

  695

  25.6

  3.0

  5,722

  1,013

  24.3

  4.3

  Tameside

  7,689

  439

  39.7

  2.3

  7,702

  365

  38.2

  1.8

  Trafford

  6,323

  1,107

  37.0

  6.5

  6,661

  l,668

  38.0

  9.5

  Wigan

  7,522

  2,544

  30.2

  10.2

  6,905

  1,779

  27.8

  7.1

  Barnsley

  2,962

  304

  15.3

  1.6

  3,099

  383

  15.8

  2.0

  Doncaster

  3,925

  584

  15.5

  2.3

  5,611

  846

  21.6

  3.3

  Rotherham

  1,905

  429

  8.5

  1.9

  2,362

  608

  10.3

  2.7

  Sheffield

  5,450

  1,197

  14.2

  3.1

  4,412

  1,497

  11.3

  3.8

  Bradford

  3,307

  76

  11.1

  0.3

  3,763

  151

  22.4

  0.9

  Calderdale

  4,663

  440

  28.3

  2.7

  3,763

  151

  22.4

  0.9

  Kirklees

  6,865

  1,032

  23.1

  3.5

  6,648

  785

  22.5

  2.7

  Leeds

  8,230

  2,017

  19.4

  4.7

  8,962

  2,655

  20.7

  6.1

  Wakefield

  6,707

  1,351

  27.4

  5.5

  7,130

  1,192

  28.6

  4.8

  Gateshead

  1,174

  137

  7.2

  0.8

  963

  131

  6.0

  0.8

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  4,477

  563

  24 1

  3.0

  4,593

  647

  23.4

  3.3

  North Tyneside

  1,416

  111

  10.0

  0.8

  2,478

  450

  17.1

  3.1

  South Tvneside

  1,757

  149

  12.7

  1.1

  1,940

  199

  13.7

  1.4

  Sunderland

  4,561

  155

  17.3

  0.6

  4,260

  116

  16.4

  0.4

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  31

  0

  18.8

  0.0

  Avon

  19,859

  1,353

  28.1

  1.9

  19,247

  1,050

  26.9

  1.5

  Bedfordshire

  7,952

  1,454

  23.6

  4.3

  5,993

  1,474

  17.5

  4.3

  1124 1125

  Numbers and percentages of pupils in single teacher classes by size in maintained primary and secondary schools in each local education authority in England, 1991–1994 (provisional) Position in January each year

  1. Primary schools (classes of size)

  LEA

  1991

  1992

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  Berkshire

  15,695

  1,235

  29.9

  2.4

  13,063

  1,028

  24.5

  1.9

  Buckinghamshire

  15,170

  2,081

  28.0

  3.8

  15,128

  2,176

  27.0

  3.9

  Cambridgeshire

  13,111

  485

  25.4

  0.9

  13,118

  775

  24.9

  1.5

  Cheshire

  30,860

  4,587

  38.0

  5.6

  27,427

  3,859

  33.7

  4.7

  Cleveland

  10,496

  2,401

  19.2

  4.4

  10,344

  2,890

  18.3

  5.1

  Cornwall

  11,067

  917

  29.9

  2.5

  12,138

  1,364

  32.5

  3.7

  Cumbria

  6,018

  877

  16.3

  2.4

  7,164

  730

  19.5

  2.0

  Derbyshire

  18,032

  2,293

  25.1

  3.2

  22,117

  2,462

  30.6

  3.4

  Devon

  16,997

  2,512

  23.6

  3.5

  18,191

  2,039

  24.9

  2.8

  Dorset

  12,787

  1,172

  34.6

  3.2

  13,384

  1,169

  35.2

  3.1

  Durham

  12,603

  392

  25.5

  0.8

  11,146

  821

  22.3

  1.6

  East Sussex

  14,618

  326

  32.8

  0.7

  16,200

  182

  36.1

  0.4

  Essex

  28,763

  456

  25.0

  0.4

  27,344

  330

  23.6

  0.3

  Gloucestershire

  8,205

  219

  21.3

  0.6

  8,696

  187

  22.0

  0.5

  Hampshire

  36,781

  2,842

  31.1

  2.4

  33,788

  1,355

  28.4

  1.1

  Hereford and Worcester

  9,072

  916

  20.4

  2.1

  7,886

  551

  17.5

  1.2

  Hertfordshire

  16,216

  806

  23.0

  1.1

  18,080

  437

  25.1

  0.6

  Humberside

  14,054

  2,474

  19.4

  3.4

  13,976

  2,628

  19.2

  3.6

  Isle of Wight

  1,524

  113

  23.3

  1.7

  1,251

  226

  18.5

  3.3

  Kent

  41,200

  665

  35.6

  0.6

  35,834

  1,114

  30.6

  1.0

  Lancashire

  39,617

  6,205

  35.2

  5.5

  38,211

  6,500

  34.0

  5.8

  Leicestershire

  15,813

  1,177

  22.5

  1.7

  12,631

  1,425

  17.9

  2.0

  Lincolnshire

  12,122

  1,395

  26.6

  3.1

  10,067

  932

  22.0

  2.0

  Norfolk

  10,423

  658

  18.4

  1.2

  9,968

  303

  17.5

  0.5

  North Yorkshire

  11,002

  973

  21.1

  1.9

  10,693

  553

  20.3

  1.0

  Northamptonshire

  8,887

  521

  20.4

  1.2

  8,354

  294

  18.8

  0.7

  Northumberland

  6,672

  928

  36.2

  5.0

  5,565

  1,145

  29.8

  6.1

  Nottinghamshire

  10,345

  2,868

  13.3

  3.7

  12,826

  2,830

  16.3

  3.6

  Oxfordshire

  5,758

  675

  16.1

  1.9

  4,828

  474

  13.4

  1.3

  Shropshire

  6,033

  597

  19.3

  1.9

  5,256

  553

  16.5

  1.7

  Somerset

  9,479

  334

  30.0

  1.1

  9,290

  365

  28.9

  1.1

  Staffordshire

  16,389

  2,259

  20.3

  2.8

  18,441

  2,384

  22.4

  2.9

  Suffolk

  4,970

  275

  12.9

  0.7

  4,712

  166

  12.2

  0.4

  Surrey

  12,037

  568

  18.1

  0.9

  12,387

  721

  18.4

  1.1

  Warwickshire

  10,351

  450

  27.2

  1.2

  11,817

  1,005

  30.2

  2.6

  West Sussex

  9,570

  518

  20.4

  1.1

  11,250

  313

  23.0

  0.6

  Wiltshire

  8,488

  108

  21.1

  0.3

  7,993

  405

  19.5

  1.0

  England

  831,221

  79,997

  23.2

  2.2

  823,310

  79,492

  22.7

  2.2

  LEA

  1993

  1994

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  Corporation of London

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  Camden

  452

  0

  5.4

  0.0

  542

  0

  6.1

  0.0

  Greenwich

  1,719

  118

  10.1

  0.7

  2,301

  0

  13.3

  0.0

  Hackney

  656

  0

  5.0

  0.0

  499

  0

  3.7

  0.0

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  719

  0

  10.0

  0.0

  795

  0

  11.1

  0.0

  Islington

  635

  38

  5.2

  0.3

  892

  0

  6.9

  0.0

  Kensington and Chelsea

  159

  0

  3.3

  0.0

  418

  36

  8.3

  0.7

  Lambeth

  762

  0

  4.8

  0.0

  816

  0

  5.2

  0.0

  Lewisham

  1,486

  220

  8.5

  1.3

  1,318

  0

  7.2

  0.0

  Southwark

  1,818

  76

  10.4

  0.4

  2,331

  0

  12.3

  0.0

  Tower Hamlets

  511

  108

  3.8

  0.8

  601

  37

  4.6

  0.3

  Wandsworth

  1,271

  301

  9.0

  2.1

  1,471

  195

  10.5

  1.4

  Westminster

  355

  36

  5.5

  0.6

  352

  76

  4.9

  1.1

  Barking and Dagenham

  828

  193

  5.9

  1.4

  1,183

  232

  8.3

  1.6

  Barnet

  1,857

  171

  9.3

  0.9

  2,319

  115

  11.1

  0.6

  1126 1127

  LEA

  1993

  1994

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  Bcxley

  5,215

  235

  29.6

  1.3

  5,838

  72

  31.6

  0.4

  Brent

  1,865

  280

  10.2

  1.5

  1,819

  338

  9.6

  1.8

  Bromley

  7,461

  0

  37.8

  0.0

  10,239

  146

  46.8

  0.7

  Croydon

  4,022

  0

  17.4

  0.0

  4,667

  229

  19.6

  1.0

  Ealing

  4,149

  112

  18.7

  0.5

  4,001

  145

  19.6

  0.7

  Enfield

  6,045

  36

  31.4

  0.2

  7,201

  36

  35.2

  0.2

  Haringey

  631

  0

  3.8

  0.0

  657

  75

  3.9

  0.4

  Harrow

  3,740

  0

  24.2

  0.0

  3,472

  72

  22.2

  0.5

  Havering

  3,805

  76

  20.7

  0.4

  4,030

  146

  21.3

  0.8

  Hillingdon

  4,308

  634

  25.0

  3.7

  4,422

  474

  24.9

  2.7

  Hounslow

  4,082

  446

  26.5

  2.9

  4,570

  749

  28.7

  4.7

  Kingston upon Thames

  5,164

  39

  55.4

  0.4

  5,299

  185

  56.0

  2.0

  Merton

  2,159

  340

  18.2

  2.9

  2,783

  331

  22.6

  2.7

  Newham

  1,313

  559

  6.2

  2.6

  1,201

  116

  5.4

  0.5

  Redbridge

  8,500

  254

  53.5

  1.6

  8,054

  402

  50.3

  2.5

  Richmond upon Thames

  1,580

  37

  16.3

  0.4

  869

  265

  8.8

  2.7

  Sutton

  4,350

  216

  38.6

  1.9

  4,552

  144

  38.8

  1.2

  Waltham Forest

  3,614

  152

  21.4

  0.9

  3,088

  112

  17.8

  0.6

  Birmingham

  25,683

  1,302

  26.6

  1.4

  25,730

  1,434

  26.9

  1.5

  Coventry

  4,945

  501

  20.0

  2.0

  4,940

  601

  19.5

  2.4

  Dudley

  3,832

  919

  17.2

  4.1

  6,524

  973

  27.1

  4.0

  Sandwell

  8,064

  1,179

  30.4

  4.4

  8,863

  1,312

  32.7

  4.8

  Solihull

  4,734

  665

  27.3

  3.8

  6,200

  511

  34.1

  2.8

  Walsall

  5,293

  704

  24.3

  3.2

  5,066

  511

  22.8

  2.3

  Wolverhampton

  4,351

  380

  20.4

  1.8

  4,774

  381

  22.3

  1.8

  Knowsley

  4,333

  680

  26.6

  4.2

  5,271

  644

  31.0

  3.8

  Liverpool

  10,047

  1,057

  21.5

  2.3

  11,660

  960

  24.5

  2.0

  St. Helens

  3,778

  527

  25.6

  3.6

  4,586

  851

  31.6

  5.9

  Sefton

  7,470

  514

  31.1

  2.1

  7,742

  516

  31.6

  2.1

  Wirral

  4,506

  220

  16.1

  0.8

  5,410

  518

  18.6

  1.8

  Bolton

  7,047

  1,637

  32.5

  7.5

  7,010

  2,036

  31.8

  9.2

  Bury

  4,430

  1,028

  30.1

  7.0

  5,087

  1,152

  32.6

  7.4

  Manchester

  7,879

  2,228

  19.1

  5.4

  8,446

  1,173

  20.5

  2.9

  Oldham

  7,657

  1,016

  36.7

  4.9

  7,746

  871

  36.9

  4.2

  Rochdale

  8,014

  637

  43.7

  3.5

  7,300

  720

  39.8

  3.9

  Salford

  4,856

  767

  22.1

  3.5

  5,603

  1,214

  25.2

  5.5

  Stockport

  6,443

  1,181

  26.8

  4.9

  6,813

  1,366

  28.2

  5.6

  Tameside

  8,966

  773

  43.6

  3.8

  10,943

  1,136

  51.1

  5.3

  Trafford

  7,398

  1,220

  42.2

  7.0

  7,729

  1,422

  41.9

  7.7

  Wigan

  7,066

  1,952

  28.3

  7.8

  7,572

  2,425

  29.0

  9.3

  Barnsley

  3,660

  434

  18.5

  2.2

  5,185

  471

  26.0

  2.4

  Doncaster

  5,076

  930

  19.3

  3.5

  6,296

  1,252

  23.7

  4.7

  Rotherham

  1,927

  271

  8.8

  1.2

  2,334

  235

  10.4

  1.1

  Sheffield

  6,375

  1,480

  17.1

  4.0

  6,821

  1,460

  18.1

  3.9

  Bradford

  5,436

  507

  17.6

  1.6

  8,214

  567

  25.6

  1.8

  Calderdale

  4,564

  108

  26.1

  0.6

  4,942

  326

  28.3

  1.9

  Kirklees

  6,706

  1,098

  22.8

  3.7

  8,391

  981

  26.8

  3.1

  Leeds

  12,263

  3,046

  22.6

  5.6

  16,686

  2,719

  28.2

  4.6

  Wakefield

  7,328

  1,208

  28.8

  4.8

  8,738

  1,258

  32.3

  4.7

  Gateshead

  1,851

  135

  11.5

  0.8

  1,786

  76

  10.8

  0.5

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  5,100

  827

  25.5

  4.1

  5,083

  760

  24.8

  3.7

  North Tyneside

  2,514

  448

  17.2

  3.1

  3,408

  497

  22.7

  3.3

  South Tyneside

  2,684

  339

  18.7

  2.4

  2,915

  541

  20.1

  3.7

  Sunderland

  3,703

  175

  14.3

  0.7

  4,022

  222

  15.4

  0.8

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  31

  0

  18.5

  0.0

  Avon

  21,699

  1,185

  29.4

  1.6

  25,695

  1,058

  34.1

  1.4

  Bedfordshire

  6,880

  1,661

  19.4

  4.7

  7,314

  1,750

  19.7

  4.7

  Berkshire

  13,413

  1,258

  24.6

  2.3

  15,220

  1,070

  27.0

  1.9

  Buckinghamshire

  14,903

  2,380

  26.4

  4.2

  16,670

  2,402

  29.1

  4.2

  Cambridgeshire

  13,361

  551

  25.1

  1.0

  13,979

  1,100

  25.2

  2.0

  Cheshire

  26,668

  3,629

  32.5

  4.4

  27,187

  3,006

  32.6

  3.6

  Cleveland

  11,107

  2,542

  19.3

  4.4

  10,863

  2,523

  18.8

  4.4

  Cornwall

  12,193

  1,299

  32.3

  3.4

  12,409

  1,032

  32.4

  2.7

  Cumbria

  8,439

  793

  22.1

  2.1

  8,568

  817

  22.1

  2.1

  Derbyshire

  24,368

  3,017

  32.8

  4.1

  25,613

  4,369

  34.1

  5.8

  Devon

  18,990

  1,814

  25.1

  2.4

  19,328

  1,847

  24.9

  2.4

  Dorset

  15,596

  926

  39.2

  2.3

  17,562

  580

  42.6

  1.4

  Durham

  13,024

  1,014

  25.8

  2.0

  13,729

  1,283

  26.5

  2.5

  1128 1129

  LEA

  1993

  1994

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  31–35

  36+

  East Sussex

  16,575

  364

  36.5

  0.8

  18,862

  435

  39.8

  0.9

  Essex

  28,347

  228

  24.3

  0.2

  29,961

  768

  25.2

  0.6

  Gloucestershire

  8,821

  451

  21.5

  1.1

  10,644

  479

  25.4

  1.1

  Hampshire

  34,607

  1,295

  28.5

  1.1

  40,820

  3,484

  31.5

  2.7

  Hereford and Worcester

  8,354

  533

  18.5

  1.2

  9,432

  478

  20.1

  1.0

  Hertfordshire

  18,153

  514

  24.5

  0.7

  20,658

  686

  26.8

  0.9

  Humberside

  17,365

  3,154

  23.2

  4.2

  21,804

  4,110

  28.1

  5.3

  Isle of Wight

  1,598

  258

  23.2

  3.7

  1,672

  190

  23.9

  2.7

  Kent

  37,731

  974

  31.2

  0.8

  40,873

  697

  33.0

  0.6

  Lancashire

  38,724

  5,094

  33.8

  4.4

  39,400

  6,008

  33.6

  5.1

  Leicestershire

  14,646

  1,317

  20.5

  1.8

  13,760

  673

  19.2

  0.9

  Lincolnshire

  10,721

  928

  23.1

  2.0

  11,975

  667

  25.2

  1.4

  Norfolk

  10,376

  707

  17.9

  1.2

  10,584

  591

  18.5

  1.0

  North Yorkshire

  11,333

  785

  20.9

  1.5

  12,653

  1,049

  22.9

  1.9

  Northamptonshire

  8,233

  186

  18.3

  0.4

  9,402

  188

  20.2

  0.4

  Northumberland

  5,411

  1,050

  28.6

  5.6

  6,301

  1,600

  33.0

  8.4

  Nottinghamshire

  15,625

  3,253

  19.5

  4.1

  17,125

  2,822

  20.8

  3.4

  Oxfordshire

  5,107

  387

  14.0

  1.1

  5,242

  608

  13.7

  1.6

  Shropshire

  6,635

  529

  20.3

  1.6

  8,530

  555

  25.5

  1.7

  Somerset

  9,752

  584

  29.6

  1.8

  10,074

  402

  28.9

  1.2

  Staffordshire

  25,402

  5,392

  29.4

  6.2

  24,238

  6,500

  27.8

  7.5

  Suffolk

  4,911

  135

  12.3

  0.3

  5,386

  222

  13.2

  1.5

  Surrey

  14,689

  749

  20.9

  1.1

  13,064

  677

  19.2

  1.0

  Warwickshire

  11,973

  1,029

  29.3

  2.5

  11,984

  756

  28.8

  1.8

  West Sussex

  8,630

  478

  17.6

  1.0

  10,459

  475

  20.6

  0.9

  Wiltshire

  10,854

  297

  24.3

  0.7

  11,784

  401

  25.7

  0.9

  England

  896,424

  89,510

  24.1

  2.4

  979,291

  97,178

  25.7

  2.5

  2. Secondary schools (classes of size)

  LEA

  1991

  1992

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  Corporation of London

  0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Camden

  2,885

  534

  0

  33.4

  6.2

  0.0

  2,897

  442

  0

  33.5

  5.1

  0.0

  Greenwich

  4,645

  126

  0

  38.7

  1.0

  0.0

  4,682

  192

  0

  39.1

  1.6

  0.0

  Hackney

  2,593

  279

  0

  45.0

  4.8

  0.0

  2,657

  157

  0

  41.9

  2.5

  0.0

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,980

  287

  0

  36.7

  5.3

  0.0

  1,743

  731

  0

  33.4

  14.0

  0.0

  Islington

  2,743

  93

  0

  53.0

  1.8

  0.0

  3,068

  124

  0

  52.7

  2.1

  0.0

  Kensington and Chelsea

  424

  96

  0

  18.6

  4.2

  0.0

  484

  62

  0

  20.4

  2.6

  0.0

  Lambeth

  1,631

  319

  0

  30.8

  6.0

  0.0

  1,830

  93

  0

  31.9

  1.6

  0.0

  Lewisham

  4,034

  191

  108

  41.8

  2.0

  1.1

  4,533

  288

  0

  49.2

  3.1

  0.0

  Southwark

  3,504

  218

  0

  43.8

  2.7

  0.0

  3,964

  562

  0

  48.7

  6.9

  0.0

  Tower Hamlets

  2,538

  158

  51

  33.9

  2.1

  0.7

  3,086

  95

  0

  38.7

  1.2

  0.0

  Wandsworth

  2,730

  257

  56

  35.2

  3.3

  0.7

  2,769

  188

  0

  37.0

  2.5

  0.0

  Westminster

  988

  313

  0

  15.9

  5.0

  0.0

  2,225

  159

  0

  35.0

  2.5

  0.0

  Barking and Dagenham

  2,871

  93

  37

  41.3

  1.3

  0.5

  3,879

  311

  0

  45.7

  3.7

  0.0

  Barnet

  4,636

  1,403

  0

  29.8

  9.0

  0.0

  4,193

  1,109

  0

  25.8

  6.8

  0.0

  Bexley

  4,604

  1,011

  37

  37.8

  8.3

  0.3

  5,236

  1,002

  0

  42.6

  8.2

  0.0

  Brent

  2,802

  285

  0

  31.7

  3.2

  0.0

  3,073

  408

  41

  32.3

  4.3

  0.4

  Bromley

  4,568

  1,510

  0

  32.6

  10.8

  0.0

  4,430

  1,662

  0

  30.4

  11.4

  0.0

  Croydon

  4,676

  826

  0

  35.5

  6.3

  0.0

  3,897

  759

  0

  30.3

  5.9

  0.0

  Ealing

  2,746

  256

  40

  28.8

  2.7

  0.4

  3,137

  538

  87

  32.7

  5.6

  0.9

  Enfield

  4,263

  1,660

  109

  30.9

  12.0

  0.8

  4,389

  1,715

  37

  29.8

  11.6

  0.3

  Haringey

  2,357

  0

  0

  31.1

  0.0

  0.0

  3,187

  93

  0

  40.4

  1.2

  0.0

  Harrow

  2,083

  507

  0

  31.0

  7.5

  0.0

  2,419

  412

  36

  33.4

  5.7

  0.5

  Havering

  3,525

  1,328

  36

  25.3

  9.5

  0.3

  4,271

  1,294

  0

  31.1

  9.4

  0.0

  Hillingdon

  3,355

  796

  0

  29.3

  6.9

  0.0

  3,473

  793

  0

  29.2

  6.7

  0.0

  Hounslow

  4,041

  827

  36

  36.9

  7.5

  0.3

  4,467

  977

  128

  38.5

  8.4

  1.1

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,708

  421

  0

  26.6

  6.6

  0.0

  1,452

  828

  0

  21.2

  12.1

  0.0

  Merton

  2,236

  62

  0

  39.5

  1.1

  0.0

  2,656

  128

  0

  41.5

  2.0

  0.0

  Newham

  5,431

  62

  0

  49.0

  0.6

  0.0

  5,322

  221

  50

  46.0

  1.9

  0.4

  Redbridge

  4,915

  916

  37

  41.4

  7.7

  0.3

  4,618

  1,202

  73

  36.9

  9.6

  0.6

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,103

  313

  0

  34.9

  5.2

  0.0

  2,281

  279

  0

  37.6

  4.6

  0.0

  Sutton

  2,697

  894

  0

  29.3

  9.7

  0.0

  3,166

  766

  0

  33.4

  8.1

  0.0

  Waltham Forest

  2,938

  253

  37

  31.8

  2.7

  0.4

  3,265

  344

  0

  34.3

  3.6

  0 0

  Birmingham

  18,467

  6,271

  36

  34.4

  11.7

  0.1

  19,678

  5,764

  36

  35.4

  10.4

  01

  Coventry

  5,338

  1,041

  0

  35.1

  6.9

  0.0

  5,460

  1,507

  44

  34.1

  9.4

  0.3

  Dudley

  3,139

  566

  0

  23.4

  4.2

  0.0

  4,609

  409

  40

  29.8

  2.6

  0.3

  Sandwell

  4,992

  509

  0

  30.4

  3.1

  0.0

  4,196

  442

  0

  26.7

  2.8

  0.0

  Solihull

  4,078

  1,023

  37

  34.8

  8.7

  0.3

  3,879

  1,204

  0

  31.6

  9.8

  0.0

  1130 1131

  2. Secondary schools (classes of size)

  LEA

  1991

  1992

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  Walsall

  4,830

  946

  0

  30.5

  6.0

  0.0

  5,140

  993

  37

  30.6

  5.9

  0.2

  Wolverhampton

  3,555

  506

  0

  27.2

  3.9

  0.0

  3,240

  665

  36

  24.6

  5.0

  0.3

  Knowsley

  2,672

  190

  0

  33.5

  2.4

  0.0

  2,998

  255

  42

  37.7

  3.2

  0.5

  Liverpool

  8,726

  1,252

  0

  35.6

  5.1

  0.0

  8,694

  1,374

  37

  35.6

  5.6

  0.2

  St. Helens

  3,318

  607

  75

  32.7

  6.0

  0.7

  3,437

  926

  39

  31.5

  8.5

  0.4

  Sefton

  5,469

  1,286

  0

  35.2

  8.3

  0.0

  5,357

  1,398

  0

  34.2

  8.9

  0.0

  Wirral

  6,216

  632

  0

  33.3

  3.4

  0.0

  5,676

  916

  36

  30.7

  5.0

  0.2

  Bolton

  3,718

  942

  0

  24.7

  6.3

  0.0

  4,911

  1,383

  0

  31.8

  9.0

  0.0

  Bury

  2,905

  600

  0

  34.2

  7.1

  0.0

  3,443

  1,138

  36

  37.6

  12.4

  0.4

  Manchester

  6,545

  539

  0

  34.5

  2.8

  0.0

  6,197

  472

  0

  33.5

  2.5

  0.0

  Oldham

  5,070

  1,268

  0

  38.3

  9.6

  0.0

  5,505

  800

  73

  39.8

  5.8

  0.5

  Rochdale

  2,971

  351

  74

  26.1

  3.1

  0.7

  3,899

  317

  0

  35.0

  2.8

  0.0

  Salford

  1.917

  155

  0

  18.6

  1.5

  0.0

  2,172

  156

  0

  20.6

  1.5

  0.0

  Stockport

  4,476

  663

  36

  32.8

  4.9

  0.3

  4,693

  565

  0

  33.8

  4.1

  0.0

  Tameside

  3,927

  439

  0

  34.2

  3.8

  0.0

  3,826

  726

  0

  32.5

  6.2

  0.0

  Trafford

  3,347

  125

  0

  33.4

  1.2

  0.0

  3,423

  537

  0

  32.5

  5.1

  0.0

  Wigan

  4,578

  568

  36

  27.1

  3.4

  0.2

  4,728

  830

  0

  28.3

  5.0

  0.0

  Barnsley

  4,305

  350

  0

  39.1

  3.2

  0.0

  4,356

  445

  0

  40.2

  4.1

  0.0

  Doncaster

  4,767

  631

  0

  26.7

  3.5

  0.0

  5,092

  1,052

  0

  28.4

  5.9

  0.0

  Rotherham

  5,004

  732

  36

  34.5

  5.1

  0.2

  4,834

  601

  0

  32.6

  4.1

  0.0

  Sheffield

  5,803

  506

  36

  28.3

  2.5

  0.2

  7,017

  415

  123

  33.1

  2.0

  0.6

  Bradford

  11,233

  3,238

  36

  30.7

  8.8

  0.1

  11,713

  3,525

  0

  31.5

  9.5

  0.0

  Calderdale

  4,158

  765

  0

  38.4

  7.1

  0.0

  4,121

  1,037

  0

  36.1

  9.1

  0.0

  Kirklees

  7,097

  529

  36

  32.0

  2.4

  0.2

  7,612

  753

  0

  35.5

  3.5

  0.0

  Leeds

  13,063

  3,600

  385

  28.7

  7.9

  0.8

  14,426

  3,363

  152

  31.9

  7.4

  0.3

  Wakefield

  5,473

  1,212

  77

  29.2

  6.5

  0.4

  6,385

  1,087

  36

  33.9

  5.8

  0.2

  Gateshead

  3,139

  821

  0

  31.4

  8.2

  0.0

  3,522

  789

  0

  34.6

  7.7

  0.0

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  4,489

  767

  0

  30.3

  5.2

  0.0

  4,362

  1,209

  46

  29.4

  8.2

  0.3

  North Tyneside

  4,181

  594

  0

  34.6

  4.9

  0.0

  4,464

  533

  0

  36.1

  4.3

  0.0

  South Tyneside

  1,932

  189

  0

  27.0

  2.6

  0.0

  2,776

  312

  0

  35.5

  4.0

  0.0

  Sunderland

  5,313

  1,325

  0

  32.7

  8.2

  0.0

  5,439

  984

  37

  33.7

  6.1

  0.2

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  26

  0

  0

  35.6

  0.0

  0.0

  Avon

  16,072

  3,348

  36

  34.2

  7.1

  0.1

  17,490

  2,827

  79

  36.9

  6.0

  0.2

  Bedfordshire

  13,737

  2,449

  156

  38.2

  6.8

  0.4

  14,134

  1,651

  0

  38.2

  4.5

  0.0

  Berkshire

  12,463

  3,189

  76

  30.1

  7.7

  0.2

  12,416

  3,905

  0

  29.7

  9.3

  0.0

  Buckinghamshire

  9,404

  1,493

  134

  33.0

  5.2

  0.5

  10,844

  1,882

  42

  36.7

  6.4

  0.1

  Cambridgeshire

  11,733

  2,590

  0

  35.8

  7.9

  0.0

  14,012

  2,275

  174

  39.8

  6.5

  0.5

  Cheshire

  18,250

  5,946

  72

  32.7

  10.6

  0.1

  18,503

  6,822

  229

  32.4

  11.9

  0.4

  Cleveland

  9,172

  796

  39

  29.1

  2.5

  0.1

  9,425

  913

  0

  29.0

  2.8

  0.0

  Cornwall

  10,108

  2,252

  110

  39.7

  8.8

  0.4

  10,462

  1,974

  37

  40.8

  7.7

  0.1

  Cumbria

  8,212

  1,047

  73

  31.4

  4.0

  0.3

  7,958

  1,718

  38

  29.2

  6.3

  0.1

  Derbyshire

  13,089

  1,919

  109

  28.0

  4.1

  0.2

  14,530

  2,849

  122

  30.3

  5.9

  0.3

  Devon

  16,995

  3,415

  335

  34.2

  6.9

  0.7

  17,808

  4,152

  282

  35.9

  8.4

  0.6

  Dorset

  11,191

  2,501

  72

  32.8

  7.3

  0.2

  13,019

  3,114

  0

  37.2

  8.9

  0.0

  Durham

  11,632

  2,410

  38

  37.7

  7.8

  0.1

  12,003

  2,419

  0

  38.9

  7.8

  0.0

  East Sussex

  10,377

  1,395

  0

  38.9

  5.2

  0.0

  10,803

  1,529

  75

  39.2

  5.6

  0.3

  Essex

  31,156

  7,387

  170

  37.4

  8.9

  0.2

  32,324

  7,537

  110

  38.4

  9.0

  0.1

  Gloucestershire

  9,836

  1,935

  73

  34.8

  6.8

  0.3

  9,295

  2,386

  0

  32.8

  8.4

  0.0

  Hampshire

  23,720

  3,594

  36

  34.8

  5.3

  0.1

  26,383

  4,186

  94

  38.2

  6.1

  0.1

  Hereford and Worcester

  14,942

  4,561

  72

  35.1

  10.7

  0.2

  15,818

  4,540

  79

  36.8

  10.6

  0.2

  Hertfordshire

  18,534

  5,038

  0

  32.7

  8.9

  0.0

  19,467

  4,560

  36

  33.3

  7.8

  0.1

  Humberside

  17,521

  2,826

  0

  34.9

  5.6

  0.0

  18,207

  2,795

  112

  35.9

  5.5

  0.2

  Isle of Wight

  3,073

  376

  0

  35.2

  4.3

  0.0

  2,976

  504

  0

  33.6

  5.7

  0.0

  Kent

  27,956

  5,946

  62

  32.3

  6.9

  0.1

  30,081

  7,081

  56

  34.0

  8.0

  0.0

  Lancashire

  22,397

  6,417

  186

  30.3

  8.7

  0.3

  23,661

  6,325

  403

  31.3

  8.4

  0.5

  Leicestershire

  15,372

  1,582

  248

  31.4

  3.2

  0.5

  15,101

  2,400

  41

  30.4

  4.8

  0.1

  Lincolnshire

  10,637

  1,840

  36

  32.9

  5.7

  0.1

  10,421

  1,682

  76

  32.4

  5.2

  0.2

  Norfolk

  10,897

  732

  0

  30.9

  2.1

  0.0

  11,021

  1,054

  38

  31.1

  3.0

  0.1

  North Yorkshire

  11,147

  1,875

  0

  30.3

  5.1

  0.0

  12,654

  1,932

  0

  33.2

  5.1

  0.0

  Northamptonshire

  11,478

  2,166

  131

  30.8

  5.8

  0.4

  12,649

  1,712

  219

  33.5

  4.5

  0.6

  Northumberland

  8,753

  1,760

  115

  35.8

  7.2

  0.5

  8,708

  2,342

  109

  35.2

  9.5

  0.4

  Nottinghamshire

  14,850

  1,929

  41

  27.5

  3.6

  0.1

  16,070

  1,998

  75

  29.5

  3.7

  0.2

  Oxfordshire

  11,737

  1,648

  38

  40.0

  5.6

  0.1

  11,258

  1,879

  54

  38.3

  6.4

  0.1

  Shropshire

  6,191

  928

  121

  28.7

  4.3

  0.6

  6,213

  1,431

  36

  30.0

  6.9

  0.2

  Somerset

  9,042

  1,725

  0

  36.1

  6.9

  0.0

  8,595

  2,152

  36

  34.5

  8.6

  0.1

  Staffordshire

  19,595

  5,625

  299

  33.0

  9.5

  0.5

  19,729

  6,299

  145

  33.1

  10.6

  0.2

  Suffolk

  13,155

  1,170

  36

  32.6

  2.9

  0.1

  13,159

  1,252

  0

  33.1

  3.2

  0.0

  Surrey

  10,936

  1,466

  0

  32.4

  4.3

  0.0

  11,774

  2,019

  0

  34.0

  5.8

  0.0

  Warwickshire

  5,853

  1,138

  74

  27.3

  5.3

  0.3

  6,694

  1,188

  0

  31.8

  5.7

  0.0

  West Sussex

  13,171

  2,540

  72

  38.4

  7.4

  0.2

  13,930

  2,550

  153

  40.1

  7.3

  0.4

  Wiltshire

  9,458

  917

  0

  32.4

  3.1

  0.0

  9,445

  1,400

  36

  32.9

  4.9

  0.1

  England

  813,303

  153,903

  4,544

  33.0

  6.2

  0.2

  857,095

  168,050

  4,288

  34.2

  6.7

  0.2

  1132 1133

  LEA

  1993

  1994 (provisional)

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  Corporation of London

  0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0

  0

  0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  Camden

  3,270

  253

  0

  37.6

  2.9

  0.0

  3,160

  316

  107

  36.7

  3.7

  1.2

  Greenwich

  5,621

  159

  0

  46.0

  1.3

  0.0

  5,355

  157

  36

  43.7

  1.3

  0.3

  Hackney

  2,761

  188

  0

  45.7

  3.1

  0.0

  2,411

  317

  39

  38.1

  5.0

  0.6

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  1,200

  886

  0

  22.1

  16.3

  0.0

  1,569

  668

  0

  30.8

  13.1

  0.0

  Islington

  2,802

  31

  0

  47.1

  0.5

  0.0

  2,887

  219

  0

  48.7

  3.7

  0.0

  Kensington and Chelsea

  696

  160

  0

  26.9

  6.2

  0.0

  382

  126

  0

  16.1

  5.3

  0.0

  Lambeth

  1,490

  63

  0

  26.5

  1.1

  0.0

  1,600

  31

  0

  28.3

  0.5

  0.0

  Lewisham

  4,177

  347

  0

  43.1

  3.6

  0.0

  3,947

  32

  0

  38.5

  0.3

  0.0

  Southwark

  2,998

  1,038

  0

  35.5

  12.3

  0.0

  3,678

  817

  0

  42.0

  9.3

  0.0

  Tower Hamlets

  3,744

  126

  0

  44.9

  1.5

  0.0

  4,045

  93

  0

  43.6

  1.0

  0.0

  Wandsworth

  2,734

  474

  165

  35.1

  6.1

  2.1

  3,349

  316

  0

  41.7

  3.9

  0.0

  Westminster

  2,160

  125

  0

  36.5

  2.1

  0.0

  2,138

  224

  0

  32.9

  3.4

  0.0

  Barking and Dagenham

  4,223

  409

  0

  47.6

  4.6

  0.0

  3,493

  435

  81

  40.8

  5.1

  0.9

  Barnet

  4,564

  1,327

  0

  27.0

  7.8

  0.0

  4,991

  1,015

  0

  29.9

  6.1

  0.0

  Bexley

  5,431

  1,266

  39

  43.6

  10.2

  0.3

  5,806

  1,428

  0

  44.5

  11.0

  0.0

  Brent

  3,222

  478

  0

  29.6

  4.4

  0.0

  4,512

  411

  0

  40.9

  3.7

  0.0

  Bromley

  5,630

  1,236

  0

  37.1

  8.1

  0.0

  6,378

  1,470

  42

  40.2

  9.3

  0.3

  Croydon

  3,792

  609

  38

  28.6

  4.6

  0.3

  4,518

  1,072

  0

  33.5

  8.0

  0.0

  Ealing

  2,797

  479

  51

  29.3

  5.0

  0.5

  4,342

  1,028

  0

  37.4

  8.9

  0.0

  Enfield

  4,597

  1,853

  144

  29.4

  11.9

  0.9

  5,200

  2,103

  72

  32.9

  13.3

  0.5

  Haringey

  2,716

  95

  0

  35.9

  1.3

  0.0

  2,283

  0

  0

  29.6

  0.0

  0.0

  Harrow

  2,566

  511

  36

  34.8

  6.9

  0.5

  3,038

  316

  41

  39.4

  4.1

  0.5

  Havering

  4,556

  1,197

  54

  33.4

  8.8

  0.4

  5,342

  1,382

  0

  38.2

  9.9

  0.0

  Hillingdon

  3,913

  1,137

  36

  31.9

  9.3

  0.3

  4,922

  1,039

  0

  38.7

  8.2

  0.0

  Hounslow

  4,737

  1,419

  110

  39.2

  11.8

  0.9

  4,632

  1,361

  38

  36.8

  10.8

  0.3

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,863

  873

  0

  26.8

  12.6

  0.0

  2,000

  571

  0

  29.2

  8.3

  0.0

  Merton

  2,756

  410

  0

  41.7

  6.2

  0.0

  1,949

  350

  36

  30.2

  5.4

  0.6

  Newham

  6,020

  252

  0

  51.5

  2.2

  0.0

  7,572

  501

  0

  59.7

  3.9

  0.0

  Redbridge

  4,652

  1,165

  0

  36.8

  9.2

  0.0

  4,711

  1,298

  0

  34.1

  9.4

  0.0

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,773

  284

  0

  43.0

  4.4

  0.0

  2,235

  727

  0

  32.5

  10.6

  0.0

  Sutton

  3,589

  933

  0

  37.4

  9.7

  0.0

  4,149

  1,124

  0

  39.8

  10.8

  0.0

  Waltham Forest

  3,312

  448

  0

  33.6

  4.5

  0.0

  4,328

  563

  0

  42.9

  5.6

  0.0

  Birmingham

  19,629

  7,828

  190

  34.0

  13.6

  0.3

  21,409

  7,849

  36

  36.3

  13.3

  0.1

  Coventry

  6,668

  1,045

  0

  42.1

  6.6

  0.0

  7,751

  1,321

  0

  47.2

  8.0

  0.0

  Dudley

  5,594

  500

  78

  35.7

  3.2

  0.5

  6,514

  728

  0

  39.0

  4.4

  0.0

  Sandwell

  4,832

  765

  0

  28.8

  4.6

  0.0

  5,633

  1,077

  0

  33.1

  6.3

  0.0

  Solihull

  3,980

  1,199

  0

  32.5

  9.8

  0.0

  4,088

  1,369

  0

  32.7

  11.0

  0.0

  Walsall

  4,560

  1,103

  38

  27.6

  6.7

  0.2

  5,108

  1,657

  38

  29.4

  9.5

  0.2

  Wolverhampton

  3,399

  799

  74

  26.8

  6.3

  0.6

  4,071

  635

  88

  30.7

  4.8

  0.7

  Knowsley

  3,082

  762

  36

  36.4

  9.0

  0.4

  2,702

  1,154

  0

  32.1

  13.7

  0.0

  Liverpool

  9,003

  1,917

  0

  34.0

  7.2

  0.0

  9,438

  1,632

  0

  34.4

  5.9

  0.0

  St. Helens

  3,410

  819

  36

  32.8

  7.9

  0.3

  3,303

  759

  37

  30.4

  7.0

  0.3

  Sefton

  5,722

  1,232

  302

  36.1

  7.8

  1.9

  5,754

  1,399

  0

  34.2

  8.3

  0.0

  Wirral

  5,117

  1,422

  39

  27.1

  7.5

  0.2

  6,111

  1,652

  0

  31.4

  8.5

  0.0

  Bolton

  4,123

  1,523

  91

  26.9

  9.9

  0.6

  5,547

  1,330

  0

  34.6

  8.3

  0.0

  Bury

  3,349

  1,243

  147

  36.3

  13.5

  1.6

  3,792

  1,368

  38

  38.3

  13.8

  0.4

  Manchester

  7,104

  1,196

  72

  36.2

  6.1

  0.4

  7,643

  1,504

  0

  37.6

  7.4

  0.0

  Oldham

  5,886

  854

  176

  41.8

  6.1

  1.2

  5,947

  1,258

  0

  40.6

  8.6

  0.0

  Rochdale

  4,986

  643

  0

  43.3

  5.6

  0.0

  4,717

  1,146

  0

  40.5

  9.8

  0.0

  Salford

  2,983

  221

  0

  28.4

  2.1

  0.0

  3,487

  412

  0

  31.0

  3.7

  0.0

  Stockport

  4,530

  1,011

  40

  34.0

  7.6

  0.3

  5,489

  980

  36

  36.2

  6.5

  0.2

  Tameside

  5,201

  641

  0

  43.6

  5.4

  0.0

  5,444

  1,360

  0

  42.2

  10.5

  0.0

  Trafford

  3,921

  753

  0

  36.2

  7.0

  0.0

  4,573

  784

  0

  39.6

  6.8

  0.0

  Wigan

  5,274

  1,031

  74

  30.2

  5.9

  0.4

  5,592

  727

  74

  32.3

  4.2

  04

  Barnsley

  4,574

  657

  41

  41.3

  5.9

  0.4

  4,997

  414

  0

  42.5

  3.5

  0.0

  Doncaster

  5,864

  885

  0

  30.3

  4.6

  0.0

  7,345

  924

  0

  36.2

  4.6

  0.0

  Rotherham

  4,986

  416

  0

  33.5

  2.8

  0.0

  6,111

  358

  0

  38.0

  2.2

  0.0

  Sheffield

  8,947

  1,055

  72

  38.0

  4.5

  0.3

  10,955

  1,465

  36

  43.8

  5.9

  0.I

  Bradford

  14,152

  4,033

  130

  36.6

  10.4

  0.3

  15,283

  3,711

  38

  38.3

  9.3

  0 1

  Calderdale

  3,941

  1,293

  0

  34.6

  11.3

  0.0

  4,227

  720

  0

  35.2

  6.0

  0.0

  Kirklees

  8,648

  761

  41

  38.8

  3.4

  0.2

  9,065

  801

  0

  40.7

  3.6

  0.0

  Leeds

  13,376

  2,529

  36

  33.6

  6.3

  0.1

  12,455

  3,481

  255

  31.8

  8.9

  0.7

  Wakefield

  6,025

  955

  0

  32.1

  5.1

  0.0

  6,039

  2,099

  0

  33.2

  11.5

  0.0

  Gateshead

  3,429

  695

  0

  32.9

  6.7

  0.0

  3,612

  880

  0

  35.3

  8.6

  0.0

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  4,628

  982

  37

  30.6

  6.5

  0.2

  5,091

  1,214

  0

  33.3

  7.9

  0.0

  North Tyneside

  5,317

  660

  190

  44.9

  5.6

  1.6

  5,711

  932

  0

  43.7

  7.1

  0.0

  South Tyneside

  3,234

  949

  0

  37.8

  11.1

  0.0

  2,991

  280

  0

  35.9

  3.4

  0.0

  Sunderland

  6,140

  1,054

  37

  35.8

  6.1

  0.2

  6,482

  1,081

  0

  35.2

  5.9

  0.0

  Isles of Scilly

  27

  0

  0

  41.5

  0.0

  0.0

  26

  0

  0

  54.2

  0.0

  0.0

  Avon

  18,763

  2,947

  292

  38.7

  6.1

  0.6

  20,999

  3,108

  119

  41.5

  6.1

  0.2

  Bedfordshire

  15,658

  1,349

  110

  41.0

  3.5

  0.3

  16,343

  1,867

  138

  41.5

  4.7

  0.4

  Berkshire

  12,710

  4,344

  124

  30.2

  10.3

  0.3

  13,718

  3,780

  0

  31.8

  8.8

  0.0

  Buckinghamshire

  11,051

  2,493

  36

  36.7

  8.3

  0.1

  12,334

  2,724

  89

  38.4

  8.5

  0.3

  Cambridgeshire

  14,096

  3,275

  37

  40.6

  9.4

  0.1

  14,819

  3,403

  73

  41.3

  9.5

  0.2

  Cheshire

  20,875

  6,916

  220

  35.6

  11.8

  0.4

  19,581

  7,743

  110

  33.2

  13.1

  0.2

  1134 1135

  LEA

  1993

  1994 (provisional)

  numbers

  percentages

  numbers

  percentages

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  26–30

  31–35

  36+

  Cleveland

  9,561

  821

  0

  28.8

  2.5

  0.0

  12,717

  1,152

  0

  36.4

  3.3

  0.0

  Cornwall

  10,676

  2,232

  216

  39.8

  8.3

  0.8

  10,867

  3,183

  0

  40.1

  11.7

  0.0

  Cumbria

  8,577

  1,943

  0

  30.9

  7.0

  0.0

  9,991

  2,356

  0

  34.8

  8.2

  0.0

  Derbyshire

  15,206

  2,521

  109

  31.1

  5.1

  0.2

  18,218

  3,557

  36

  35.8

  7.0

  0.1

  Devon

  18,919

  4,441

  333

  36.7

  8.6

  0.6

  19,071

  4,226

  88

  35.7

  7.9

  0.2

  Dorset

  13,268

  3,156

  75

  36.8

  8.7

  0.2

  14,204

  3,730

  117

  37.2

  9.8

  0.3

  Durham

  13,310

  2,896

  37

  40.4

  8.8

  0.1

  13,450

  2,621

  0

  40.4

  7.9

  0.0

  East Sussex

  11,000

  1,504

  99

  38.0

  5.2

  0.3

  12,367

  1,497

  0

  39.6

  4.8

  0.0

  Essex

  33,681

  6,797

  327

  39.2

  7.9

  0.4

  34,679

  8,337

  44

  38.9

  9.3

  0.0

  Gloucestershire

  10,948

  2,839

  0

  37.2

  9.7

  0.0

  11,715

  4,145

  38

  38.1

  13.5

  0.1

  Hampshire

  26,849

  3,988

  78

  37.7

  5.6

  0.1

  28,501

  4,630

  125

  37.5

  6.1

  0.2

  Hereford and Worcester

  15,990

  4,501

  193

  36.7

  10.3

  0.4

  16,571

  4,741

  37

  37.1

  10.6

  0.1

  Hertfordshire

  19,846

  5,867

  43

  33.2

  9.8

  0.1

  20,384

  5,803

  0

  33.4

  9.5

  0.0

  Humberside

  19,411

  2,705

  73

  37.7

  5.3

  0.1

  21,398

  5,179

  125

  40.2

  9.7

  0.2

  Isle of Wight

  3,628

  345

  0

  39.9

  3.8

  0.0

  3,390

  1,044

  0

  38.3

  11.8

  0.0

  Kent

  32,475

  6,473

  252

  35.8

  7.1

  0.3

  32,388

  6,787

  109

  34.5

  7.2

  0.1

  Lancashire

  23,750

  7,384

  579

  31.0

  9.6

  0.8

  25,208

  8,550

  151

  31.7

  10.8

  0.2

  Leicestershire

  18,840

  1,744

  73

  36.5

  3.4

  0.1

  19,152

  2,809

  0

  36.2

  5.3

  0.0

  Lincolnshire

  10,592

  2,225

  0

  31.5

  6.6

  0.0

  11,854

  1,684

  0

  33.9

  4.8

  0.0

  Norfolk

  11,316

  1,172

  0

  31.3

  3.2

  0.0

  11,725

  910

  0

  31.6

  2.5

  0.0

  North Yorkshire

  12,488

  2,487

  76

  31.9

  6.4

  0.2

  14,655

  2,779

  113

  36.5

  6.9

  0.3

  Northamptonshire

  13,526

  1,366

  41

  35.0

  3.5

  0.1

  12,985

  1,173

  37

  32.9

  3.0

  0.1

  Northumberland

  10,319

  2,931

  100

  39.0

  11.1

  0.4

  10,199

  2,588

  0

  38.6

  9.8

  0.0

  Nottinghamshire

  19,140

  1,934

  149

  34.3

  3.5

  0.3

  19,520

  2,081

  0

  34.1

  3.6

  0.0

  Oxfordshire

  12,364

  1,993

  205

  40.6

  6.5

  0.7

  11,850

  1,762

  37

  36.6

  5.4

  0.1

  Shropshire

  7,227

  1,267

  40

  33.8

  5.9

  0.2

  7,876

  1,466

  36

  34.6

  6.4

  0.2

  Somerset

  9,960

  1,759

  37

  39.4

  7.0

  0.1

  10,586

  2,194

  36

  40.0

  8.3

  0.1

  Staffordshire

  22,977

  7,901

  252

  36.8

  12.6

  0.4

  24,458

  10,235

  180

  37.6

  15.8

  0.3

  Suffolk

  13,962

  1,133

  115

  34.5

  2.8

  0.3

  12,400

  699

  0

  29.9

  1.7

  0.0

  Surrey

  13,401

  2,403

  0

  37.5

  6.7

  0.0

  15,892

  3,392

  0

  38.4

  8.2

  0.0

  Warwickshire

  7,031

  1,133

  90

  31.6

  5.1

  0.4

  6,452

  724

  0

  28.7

  3.2

  0.0

  West Sussex

  15,197

  2,842

  109

  42.3

  7.9

  0.3

  14,336

  2,481

  0

  38.7

  6.7

  0.0

  Wiltshire

  10,871

  1,715

  37

  35.7

  5.6

  0.1

  11,026

  2,590

  0

  35.5

  8.3

  0.0

  England

  916,462

  183,404

  7,207

  35.6

  7.1

  0.3

  973,304

  205,701

  3,006

  36.5

  7.7

  0.1

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what adjustment is proposed to the total standard spending to take account of any transfer of funding for education functions from local authorities to the single regeneration budget in the 1995–96 financial year; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  A total of £47.326 million was transferred from education's share of total standard spending to the single regeneration budget in 1995–96. The single regeneration budget is designed, through education and other services, to encourage local regeneration and foster partnerships between local groups.

  General National Vocational Qualifications
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what adjustment is proposed to the total spending to take account of the transfer of funding of GNVQs from local authorities to central Government in the 1995–96 financial year; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Boswell
  We propose to transfer £0.25 million from local authority finance in 1995–96 for the funding of GNVQs. This transfer will be reflected in the cost to schools of candidates registered for GNVQs in 1995–96. The Government have announced that they will be providing £23 million new money over three years to support vocational education. Details of the package will be announced shortly.

  Expenditure Plans
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a statement on the relationship between the planned provision for Ofsted for 1995–96 as set out in her answer of 29 November,Official Report, column 680, and in table 1 of the Department for Education and Office of Standards in Education departmental report for 1994–95 to 1996–97; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  Planned provision for Ofsted of £98 million in 1995–96, reflects the latest estimate of the volume of primary and special school inspections next year.

  The plans continue to allow for sufficient funding for a full programme of inspections to be carried out as required by legislation. Her Majesty's chief inspector announced on 8 December a range of measures designed to stimulate the market for inspections.

  School Inspections
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the cost of schools inspection in(a) 1992 and (b) 1994 in constant prices.

  Mr. Forth
  In 1992–93 the DFE's provision for HMI and Ofsted was £30.5 million. It is not possible to disaggregate overall school inspection costs within this total. Local authorities spent some £149 million on their school inspection and advisory services.

  In 1994–95, Ofsted's planned expenditure is £67 million; of this, some 55 per cent. is for the purchase of school inspections. Details of the estimated outturn

  1137
  expenditure by local authorities on school inspections and advisory services for 1994–95 are not yet available.

  Oliver Wiley
  Sir Anthony Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when she expects the appeal on behalf of Oliver Wiley under section 8(6) of the Education Act 1981 for special educational provision, lodged in February, to be determined.

  Mr. Forth
  I expect that a decision will be made early in the new year. I shall, of course, inform my hon. Friend of the outcome.

  Debt Charge Reimbursement Scheme
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what adjustment is proposed to the total standard spending to take account of the transfer of funding, due to the recalculation of the debt charge reimbursement scheme from local authorities to the Further Education Funding Council for the 1995–96 financial year; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Boswell
  We propose to transfer £1.084 million into local authority finance in 1995–96 in respect of the debt charge reimbursement scheme. This reflects the fact that the amount of money paid by the Further Education Funding Council—FEFC—under the scheme is lower than had been assumed when the original transfer of funds from local authorities to the FEFC was calculated.

  Ofsted
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what adjustments were made to the total standard spending to take account of the transfer of functions from local authorities to the Office for Standards in Education in each financial year since 1992—93;

  (2) what adjustment is proposed to the total standard spending to take account of any transfer functions for local authorities to the Office for Standards in Education in the 1995–96 financial year; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Forth
  The amounts transferred from local authority finance to Ofsted were £19 million in 1993–94 and a further £37 million in 1994–95. There are no proposals for further transfers in 1995–96. The phased transfer reflects the gradual transfer of functions from local authorities to Ofsted.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what changes she plans to cash limits on votes within her responsibility for 1994–95.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The cash limit for class X, vote 1, schools, research and miscellaneous services will be reduced by £3.5 million from £803,796,000 to £800,296,000. The reduction will be used to offset an increase in the non-voted cash limit DFE-LACAP for local authority capital for school building projects. The local authority capital cash limit DFE-LACAP will therefore be increased by £3.5 million from £39,398,000 to £42,898,000.

  Postgraduate Students
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what changes she intends to make to her Department's scheme of support for postgraduate students for the academic year 1995–96.

  Mr. Boswell
  Under the Department's postgraduate bursary support scheme, more than 750 students received support in 1994–95. My right hon. Friend has decided, in the light of other demands and priorities, to reduce the funding available for the scheme by 10 per cent. from 1995–96. The funding reduction will not affect students already on course.

  The maximum level of fees payable through the scheme will be £2,430 for 1995–96. This will preserve the value of the postgraduate fee in real terms.

HEALTH

  Health Authority Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff have been employed, by category, by each family health services authority in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Malone
  The available information will be placed in the Library. Family health services authorities were created in September 1990. Since 1990 it has not been possible to identify the numbers and categories of staff employed by individual authorities.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff have been employed, by category, by each regional health authority in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Malone
  The information available will be placed in the Library. It is not possible to identify the numbers of medical and dental staff employed by individual authorities nor has it been possible since 1990 to identify the numbers and categories of non-medical staff by individual authority.

  Treatment Costs
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average cost of(a) treating a patient on the hospital waiting list, (b) providing an out-patient appointment, (c) treating a patient in an emergency in casualty, (d) treating an NHS patient in a private hospital under the last waiting list initiative, (e) a modern health centre suitable for general practitioners and their staff, (19 a heart bypass operation, (g) a hip replacement operation, (h) a cataract removal operation and (i) treating an asthma attack sufferer.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on the treatment costs of elective hospital admissions is not separately available. The average cost for all acute in-patient and day case episodes in 1992–93—the latest year for which information is available—was about £1,004, and for an out-patient attendance £59.

  The available expenditure information does not distinguish patients treated in an emergency in accident and emergency departments from those returning for routine follow-up appointments.

  Five hundred and twelve waiting list patients were treated in private facilities as part of the additional activity purchased in February and March 1994 under the last

  1139
  stage of the central waiting times fund, at an average cost of £1,552 each. For the details I refer the right hon. Member to the reply the then Minister for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney), gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr Blunkett) on 14 June at columns 387–88. The treatments purchased included complex and costly procedures resulting in a relatively high average cost per case.

  The provision of premises is a matter for general practitioners and the costs of providing them are not available centrally.

  The information requested for the average cost of heart bypass, hip replacement and cataract removal operations, and of treating asthma attack sufferers, is not available centrally.

  Alcoholism
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect of the implementation of proposals in the recent Green Paper "Tackling Drugs Together", on the levels of alcoholism.

  Mr. Bowis
  "Tackling Drugs Together" sets out the Government's strategy for combating illegal drug use, not alcoholism.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what use the funds made available to the Health Education Authority for its alcohol programme have been put; and what is to become of the various projects funded by this money following the Health Education Authority's announcement that it intends to discontinue the programme.

  Mr. Bowis
  The Health Education Authority has not discontinued its alcohol work. Its budget for 1994–95 includes £1,159,000 for this work. This has financed the Drinkwise campaign, workplace activities, dissemination of the sensible drinking message, support for health authorities' purchasing functions and other work.

  Obesity
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of(a) men and (b) women in each regional health authority were obese in 1986–87 and in each year since then for which figures are available.

  Mr. Sackville
  The data are not available centrally in the form requested.

  However, information at national level has been published by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys. Figures derived from:

  (i) the "Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults", published in "Health of the Nation: One Year On", show that in England in 1986–87, 7 per cent. of men and 12 per cent. of women aged between 16 and 64 were obese;

  (ii) the "Health Survey for England for 1992", using data for 1991 and 1992 combined, show that in England, 13 per cent of men and 15 per cent. of women aged between 16 and 54 were obese.

  Information at below national level, in the format requested, will be available when data are published in 1995 in the "Health Survey for England for 1993".

  Copies of these publications are available in the Library.

  Hepatitis C Virus
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many HCV tests are given annually by the NHS.

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of tests for hepatitis C virus conducted by the national health service for diagnostic purposes is not available centrally.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional costs will be incurred on HCV testing following the High Court decision on HCV ownership.

  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated cost to the national health service of being unable to buy hepatitis C virus testing kits from Murex Diagnostics.

  Mr. Sackville
  The cost effects on HCV testing should be minimal, as the costs of the kits remaining on the market are comparable to those which are now withdrawn.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration she has given to the High Court decision that the hepatitis C virus is owned by an American company.

  Mr. Sackville
  The High Court decision related to patent rights for hepatitis C virus test kits. All current manufacturers of such test kits are in overseas ownership. We are satisfied that there will continue to be an adequate supply of test kits to the United Kingdom, and that continuing competition will ensure that these kits are supplied on a value-for-money basis.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what new arrangements will be needed for HCV testing following the High Court decision on HCV ownership.

  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements have been made to obtain hepatitis C virus kits since Murex Diagnostics has been prevented from doing so.

  Mr. Sackville
  In some cases centres will need to establish a different source of supply for HCV test kits following the High Court decision on patent rights for such kits. Two existing kits will no longer be available, but there will continue to be an adequate supply of good quality HCV test kits from three manufacturers which will still be competing for the United Kingdom market.

  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the names of the companies which supplied hepatitis C virus testing kits before Murex Diagnostics was prevented from doing so; and what are the names of those which have supplied them since.

  Mr. Sackville
  Ortho Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Abbot Laboratories Ltd., Organon Teknika Ltd., and Murex Diagnostics previously supplied such test kits to the United Kingdom market until the recent High Court decision relating to patent rights. Ortho and Abbott continue to supply, and Sanofi Diagnostics Pasteur Ltd. has recently entered the market, also under licence.

  Community Health Councils
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health regions advertise community health council posts externally only after internal advertising among existing health region staff has failed to result in an appointment; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Malone
  It is a matter for the regional health authorities how they deal with community health council
  1141
  vacancies as they arise. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairmen of the regional health authorities for further information.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines she has issued to health regions about the practice of advertising posts in community health councils externally only after internal advertisement among regional health authority staff has failed to result in an appointment.

  Mr. Malone
  No guidance of this nature has been issued to regions.

  Social Services
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list for each local authority in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, their use of independent organisations to carry out social services work, in order of the proportion of work placed outside the local authority's own social services department.

  Mr. Bowis
  Information is not collected centrally about the use of independent organisations by social services authorities.

  Health Guidance
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she consulted the Audit Commission before health guidance TEL (94) (2) was issued.

  Mr. Malone
  No. The Audit Commission has responsibility for the external audit of the national health service, and it is not its role to set policy or manage the NHS.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 9 December,Official Report, column 395, how many individuals received termination payments from each of the NHS trusts listed.

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) on 19 December.Official Report, columns 985–86.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the salary plus bonus payments for the chief executive of each NHS trust.

  Mr. Malone
  Remuneration details of chief executives are published locally in trusts' annual accounts.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 9 December,Official Report, columns 394–95, what reasons were given by each NHS trust for the termination of employment in each case.

  Mr. Malone
  These are matters for individual trusts which have always been and remain free to determine the terms of their staffs' employment contracts.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the policy of her Department as to cancelled operations in NHS trust run hospitals.

  Mr. Sackville
  The national health service undertakes over 3.5 million operations every year, the vast majority on time. Our aim is to continue to reduce the number of occasions where operations have to be cancelled. We have set a national patients charter standard so that where an operation is unavoidably cancelled on the day it is due to 1142
  take place, the patient will be offered a new date within one month of the cancellation.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the limitations on NHS trust chairmen and non-executive directors seeking posts or contracts with health authorities or trusts.

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 30 November at column 787.

  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) of 9 December 1994,Official Report, column 395, how many termination payments have been made by NHS trusts to employees below the rank of general and senior managers; and what is the total amount for each trust to date.

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many employees of NHS trusts have been(a) dismissed, (b) made redundant, (c) given early retirement and (d) had their contracts revoked with compensation in excess of (i) the NHS redundancy provisions, (ii) £100,000 gross and (iii) £250,000 gross; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Pharmacists (Prescription Fraud)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many pharmacists have been discovered by her Department to have engaged in the practice of fraudulently collecting a prescription fee from a customer and ticking the exempt box on the prescription form during the last 12 months; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Nursing Statistics
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many(a) home helps and (b) district nurses per 1,000 people over the age of 65 years there are in the United Kingdom; and if she will publish comparative data for other European countries;

  (2) how many (a) home helps (b) district nurses per 1,000 people over the age of 65 there are; and what are the equivalent figures for other European countries.

  Mr. Bowis
  For England, the latest available information is for 30 September 1993 and is shown in the table:

  Number per 1,000 people aged 65 or over

  Home helps1

  6.6

  District nurses

  1.2

  Note:

  1 Whole-time equivalent numbers of home helps directly employed by social services departments.

  Source:

  The home help figures are derived from the annual Department of Health census of local authority social services staff.

  The district nurses figures are derived from the Department's non-medical work force census.

  The Population data used are the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys mid-year 1993 England figures.
  1143
  Information relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively. The Department does not hold comparable information about other European countries.

  Prescriptions
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many items on NHS prescriptions were dispensed in 1993;

  (2) how many and what percentage of NHS patients had to pay the full cost of their prescriptions in the latest year for which figures are available;

  (3) how many items on NHS prescriptions dispensed in 1993 cost less than the charge for the prescription.

  Mr. Malone
  In 1993, some 445.43 million prescription items were dispensed by community pharmacists, appliance contractors and dispensing doctors or personally administered to patients by prescribing doctors in England, of which an estimated 222.825 million had a total cost of less than the prescription charge. Figures for the number of patients who paid prescription charges are not available.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the criteria that enable NHS patients to get their prescriptions free of charge.

  Mr. Malone
  The categories of patient exempt from, or entitled to remission of charges for prescribed drugs and appliances dispensed by community pharmacists, appliance contractors and dispensing doctors are shown in the table. Drugs and appliances personally administered or applied to patients by general medical practitioners and prescribing nurses, supplied to hospital in-patients and prescribed for contraceptive purposes or for the treatment of venereal disease are free.

  Patients exempt from, or entitled to remission of, charges for prescribed drugs and appliances dispensed by community pharmacists, appliance contractors and dispensing doctors:

  EXEMPT

  Children under 16;

  Young people under 19 in full-time education;

  Men aged 65 and over

  Women aged 60 and over

  Pregnant women and women who have had a baby in the last 12 months;

  Recipients of war service disablement pensions whose treatment is for their pensionable disability;

  People with one of the following medical conditions;

  Permanent fistula (including caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy, ileostomy or urostomy) requiring continuous surgical dressings or an appliance;

  Forms of hypoadrenalism (including Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is essential;

  Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism;

  Diabetes Mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone;

  Hypoparathyroidism;

  Myasthenia gravis;

  Myxoedema, or other conditions where supplemental thyroid hormone is necessary;

  Epilepsy requiring continuous anti-convulsive therapy;

  A continuing physical disability which prevents the patient from leaving home except with the help of another person.

  CHARGE REMISSION

  Recipients of income support and their partners;

  Recipients of family credit and their partners;

  Holders of AG2 certificates for full help under the NHS low income scheme and their partners

  1144
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to reconsider the present level of prescription charges; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Malone
  Judgments are made each year about how finite health resources can be best targeted for maximum health gain. Perscription charges are one aspect of these considerations. An announcement will be made at the appropriate time.

  Burnley Healthcare NHS Trust
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the former chairman of Burnley Healthcare NHS Trust is disqualified from serving as the chairman or non-executive director of an NHS trust.

  Mr. Malone
  No.

  Wheelchairs
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ensure that people who need indoor or outdoor wheelchairs can obtain then through the national health service.

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 24 November at column 321.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all health authority wheelchair centres.

  Mr. Bowis
  A list of addresses of national health service wheelchair services will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the statutory basis for the wheelchair service.

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 24 November at column 321.

  Birth Statistics
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many births took place in England and Wales in 1993; and how many took place in(a) NHS hospitals with consultation obstetric units, (b) other NHS hospitals, (c) other hospitals, (d) at home and (e) elsewhere.

  Mr. Sackville
  The available information is shown in the table.

  Live and still births in England and Wales 1993

  Live births

  Stillbirths

  All births

  Total

  673,497

  3,855

  677,322

  Institutions

  662,423

  3,781

  666,204

  At Home

  10,528

  60

  10,588

  Elsewhere

  516

  14

  530

  Note:

  The "Institutions" total includes national health service hospitals—those with obstetrics and those without—other hospitals and other institutions. Information for 1993 is not available separately for types of institution.

  Parental Accommodation
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general hospitals(a) provide and (b) do not provide overnight accommodation for parents visiting their sick children.

  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will list by district health authority all children's hospitals giving(a) the total number of beds,

  1145
  (b) the total number and percentage of beds available for overnight parental accommodation and (c) the average annual number of overnight stays by parents;

  (2) if she will list by district health authority all hospitals with children's wards giving (a) the total number of beds, (b) the total number and percentage of beds available for overnight parental accommodation and (c) the average annual number of overnight stays by parents.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on parental overnight accommodation is not collected centrally. However, the Audit Commission report "Children First, A Study of Hospital Services" published in 1993, noted that most hospitals provide facilities for parents to stay overnight and indicated that in recent years there has been a considerable increase in the number of parents staying overnight.

  Information on numbers of children's hospital beds is available in "Bed Availability for England, Financial Year 1993–94", copies of which are available in the Library.

  NHS Centre for Information Technology
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what legislation was invoked to establish the NHS Centre for Information Technology in 1985; to whom the NHS Centre for Information Technology is directly accountable; and what was the employment status of the staff at its establishment.

  Mr. Sackville
  In 1985, Ministers agreed to set up the National Health Service Centre for Information Technology through an agency agreement with the West Midlands regional health authority. It ceased to operate in March 1988. The centre was directly accountable for its work programme to the then NHS management board's director for information and planning. The staff were NHS employees and their contracts of employment were held by the regional health authority.

  Ambulance Services
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what is the total number of ambulances which contain trained paramedics operated by Trent regional health authority and the total number serving(a) the city of Sheffield, (b) south Yorkshire, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) the west midlands; and if she will make a statement;

  (2) what is the total number of ambulances per head of population of the city of Sheffield operated by Trent regional health authority and the total number serving (a) the city of Sheffield, (b) south Yorkshire, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) the west midlands; and if she will make a statement;

  (3) what is the total number of ambulances per head of population of the city of Sheffield which contain trained paramedics operated by Trent regional health authority; what is the total number serving (a) the city of Sheffield, (b) south Yorkshire, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) he west midlands; and if she will make a statement;

  (4) if she will list the total number of ambulances operated by Trent regional health authority and the total number serving (a) the city of Sheffield, (b) south Yorkshire, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) the west midlands; and if she will make a statement.
  1146
  Mr. Sackville
  Information on numbers of ambulances is available from national health service trusts. The information available on paramedics listed shows the unconfirmed results of an informal survey of numbers of paramedics and other front-line staff in each ambulance service in England at the end of 1993.

  Ambulance service

  Total front-line staff (including paramedics)

  Paramedics

  Cumbria Ambulance NHS Trust

  180

  96

  Durham County Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  159

  54

  Northumbria Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  357

  188

  Humberside Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  285

  85

  North Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  183

  61

  Derbyshire Ambulance Service

  232

  73

  Leicestershire Ambulance and Paramedic Service

  214

  60

  Lincolnshire Ambulance and Health Transport NHS Trust

  200

  80

  Nottinghamshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  250

  84

  Cambridge Ambulance Service

  166

  62

  Norfolk Ambulance NHS Trust

  246

  89

  Suffolk Ambulances Service

  145

  36

  Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust

  278

  133

  Essex Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  377

  174

  East Sussex Ambulance Service

  235

  90

  Kent Ambulance Service

  375

  138

  West Sussex Ambulance Service

  175

  68

  Dorset Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  178

  134

  Hampshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  321

  134

  Wiltshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  156

  77

  Isle of Wight Ambulance Service

  48

  31

  Royal Berkshire Ambulance NHS Trust

  168

  61

  Two Shires Ambulance NHS Trust

  290

  101

  Oxfordshire Ambulance Service

  134

  62

  West Country Ambulance Services NHS Trust

  752

  206

  Gloucestershire Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  165

  84

  Hereford and Worcester Ambulance Service

  182

  108

  Shropshire Ambulance Service

  125

  45

  Staffordshire Service NHS Trust

  276

  98

  Warwickshire Ambulance Service

  113

  63

  Lancashire Ambulance Service

  368

  142

  Cleveland Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  134

  69

  West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  450

  122

  South Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance and Paramedic Service NHS Trust

  250

  101

  1147

  Ambulance service

  Total front-line staff (including paramedics)

  Paramedics

  Surrey Ambulance Service

  288

  124

  London Ambulance Service

  1,485

  394

  Avon Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  190

  84

  West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  523

  181

  Mersey Regional Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  552

  183

  Greater Manchester Ambulance Service

  585

  204

  Care Costs
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost to the national health service of providing long-term care for the chronically sick and terminally ill for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Bowls
  Information on the cost of different services provided for the chronically sick and terminally ill is not aggregated centrally. People with long-term health care needs are supported by a wide range of professionals and services within the national health service including in-patient hospital care, general practitioner and primary care support, continuing care in hospital or an alternative facility and NHS contributions towards social services led packages of care.

  I refer the hon. Member to the reply the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville), gave the hon. Member for Wakefield (Mr. Hinchliffe) on 5 December at columns 89–90, for information on palliative care.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the projected cost to the national health service of providing long-term care for the chronically sick and terminally ill in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97.

  Mr. Bowis
  Financial allocations are made to district health authorities and general practitioner fundholders. They will determine the specific levels of service required to meet local priorities and the needs of their local population.

  Home Births
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many of the births which took place at home in 1993 were actually planned as home births.

  Mr. Sackville
  There were 10,588 home births in England and Wales in 1993, of which 10,528 were live births and 60 stillbirths.

  Information on how many of these births were planned as home births is not available.

  Health Statistics
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Healt' if she will now provide the tabulations corresponding to those mentioned in her answer of 27 October,Official Report, column 820, from the maternity hospital episode system for 1992–93; and what plans her Department has to publish these tables in a statistical bulletin.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested will be placed in the Library. Future publication plans for 1148
  information from the maternity hospital episode statistics system are currently under consideration.

  Dementia
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people with dementia there are in(a) each district health authority area and (b) each regional health authority area in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Bowis
  We do not collect this information centrally but it is estimated that some 5 per cent. of the population aged 65 and over suffer from dementia. Information relating to Wales and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland respectively.

  Health Care International
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authorities have contracted with the Health Care International hospital at Clydebank to treat patients from their area; how many patients were treated from each health board area; and what was the cost of the contract to the health authority concerned.

  Mr. Sackville
  North West regional health authority placed individual contracts with Health Care International for the treatment of some 57 patients at a total cost of £260,000.

  Psychiatry and Human Rights
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she proposes to take in response to recommendation 1235 of 1994 of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe relating to psychiatry and human rights; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  The recommendation of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe on psychiatry and human rights has yet to be formally adopted by the Council.

  NHS Estate
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total value of the NHS estate in the current year; and what it was in 1979 in constant prices.

  Mr. Sackville
  The total value of the estate in the national health service, as at 1 April 1992, the last year in which it was valued, was £21,447,463,000. No valuation figures are available centrally for 1979.

  Blood Transfusion Centres
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make available copies of the representations received by the National Blood Authority about the closure of the five blood transfusion centres; and what has been the total number of letters, for and against.

  Mr. Sackville
  These are matters for the National Blood Authority, which has undertaken a thorough and widespread consultation. The results will be carefully considered before decisions are made.

  Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were recorded over the past 10 years; and if she will break down the figures by age group.

  Mr. Sackville
  A table showing the number of deaths for which hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy—D*425.1—was stated as the cause will be placed in the Library, as will a table showing the number of deaths for which other primary cardiomyopathies—ICD*425.4— were stated as the cause. Some of the latter include cases of hypertrophic non-obstructive cardiomyopathy, but it is not possible to make a count of such cases without disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been done, and what findings have been made, about the causes of the fatal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy condition and which groups are vulnerable; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  It is believed that the majority of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have an inherited disorder. Therefore the families of those with the disorder are at risk of having the disease.

  Ambulatory Care
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what experience has been gained elsewhere on the successful operation of an ambulatory care centre of the size of which is proposed for Guy's hospital which is separated from an in-patient service on another site; and what is her assessment of the practicability of the scheme.

  Mr. Sackville
  Patient care throughout the national health service is increasingly being delivered on a day case and out-patient basis and the proposals for an ambulatory care centre at Guy's would put it at the forefront of such developments.

  Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Trust has carried out considerable and detailed work on the proposals which are currently the subject of public consultation. My hon. Friend may wish to contact Lord Hayhoe, the chairman of the Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospital Trust, for further details of the proposals.

  A copy of the consultation document "Looking to the Future" is available in the Library.

  Chest Diseases
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will initiate a study into the level of chest diseases of those who live close to opencast coal mining operations; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The expert Advisory Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants has considered the results of a study in 1992 and concluded that there was no clear evidence that it is injurious to health to live in an area where opencast coal mining is carried out.

  In October the Departments of the Environment anc of Health, together with the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, announced a £5 million research programme into the effects of air pollution on health, and invited research proposals. The closing date for proposals to be received is 30 December. Proposals for research into the health
  1150
  effect of opencast coal mining fall within the scope of this programme and, if submitted, will be considered for commissioning as part of the programme.

  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the recently appointed committee to investigate sudden infant deaths to report.

  Mr. Sackville
  The recently appointed expert group to investigate sudden infant death syndrome has been asked to report as soon as possible.

  Mr. Tom Pinders
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps were taken to ascertain the political views of Mr. Tom Pinders before his appointment.

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Private Health Care
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health is she will state the total payments made in respect of private health care provisions for the treatment of NHS patients in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The level of expenditure by the national health service on health care services from non-NHS providers over the last three years is as follows:

  1991–92: £208.5 million

  1992–93: £267.3 million

  1993–94: £357.4 million (provisional)

  Source:

  Annual accounts of FHSAs, regional and district health authorities.

  Financial returns of NHS trusts.

  These figures include other non-NHS providers such as charitable and religious hospitals, hospices, MENCAP and, MOD hospitals. No figure is held for the level of expenditure with the private sector alone.

  Accident and Emergency Departments
  Mr. Deva
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what previous experience there is of closing an accident and emergency department the size of that at Guy's hospital.

  Mr. Sackville
  There have been a number of accident and emergency departments which have been replaced successfully with minor injuries units. In developing these plans, careful account has been taken to ensure that adequate alternatives would be available for those patients requiring full accident and emergency services.

  The Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham health commission is currently consulting widely on proposals for future services at Guy's hospital.

  National Blood Authority
  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she intends to take to make public a summary of the comments received by the National Blood Authority on its consultation document "The Future of the National Blood Service";

  (2) if she will give a detailed timetable for the remaining stages of the consultation process on the

  1151
  National Blood Authority's document "The Future of the National Blood Service".

  Mr. Sackville
  These are matters for the National Blood Authority. The authority has undertaken a thorough and widespread consultation on its proposals. The results will be carefully considered before decisions are made.

  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she intends to take to bring the recommendations of the National Blood Authority before Parliament.

  Mr. Sackville
  The National Blood Authority has undertaken a thorough and widespread consultation. the results will be carefully considered before decisions are made.

  Ms Eagle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the appointment of zonal directors by the National Blood Authority, prior to the conclusion of the consultation process on the authority's document "The Future of the National Blood Service".

  Mr. Sackville
  When the National Blood Authority took over management control of the regional transfusion centres on 1 April 1994, the regional transfusion directors became directly accountable to the chief executive of the authority. The National Blood Authority decided that this change gave rise to the need for a new management structure based on three zones, notwithstanding the authority's proposals for reorganising the blood service.

  Autism
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made of the auditory integration training for the treatment of autism; if she will make it available on the national health service; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  Practitioners are free, within available resources, to offer desensitisation techniques such as auditory integration therapy if they consider it to be in the best interests of their patients.

  Drugs (Poisoning)
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what new proposals she has to improve the danger warning on labels of products on those medicinal drugs that have been involved in the fatal poisoning of more than five people in the most recent year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Sackville
  None at present. All medicines are labelled to show the recommended dose and any appropriate warnings. Consideration has been given to putting explicit warnings on the labels of medicines known to be implicated in accidental or deliberate poisonings but it is felt that such warnings may actually encourage misuse and overdose. The European Commission is currently considering the whole question of warnings on medicines labels and we will participate in finalising guidance as soon as proposals are available.

  Clinical Waste
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what methods are now being considered for the disposal of clinical waste by the Royal Liverpool University hospital; and if she will make a statement.
  1152
  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for the Royal Liverpool University Hospital National Health Service Trust, which has a duty to comply with all relevant statutory requirements.

  Weighted Capitation
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will supplement the information which she provided to the Health Select Committee, which was published as table 8.3 to the Committee's first special report in the 1993–94 Session, by specifying(a) the cash allocation and (b) the weighted capitation target figure in cash terms for each district health authority in 1994–95; and if she will also specify a notional weighted capitation target figure for 1994–95 for each English district health authority calculated on the basis of the modified formula described in annex 1 to the NHS executive's recent publication "HCHS Revenue Resource Allocation: Weighted Capitation Formula".

  Mr. Sackville
  Some figures have changed from those provided in table 8.3 following the receipt of amended data from regional health authorities. A revised table including the information requested will be placed in the Library.

  There are no operational reasons for calculating notional 1994–95 capitation targets for district health authorities on the basis sought.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will specify the HCHS weighted capitation target figure in cash terms for each English district health authority in 1995–96 on the basis of the capitation formula described as(a) current and (b) modified in annex 1 to NHS executive booklet "HCHS Revenue Resource Allocation: Weighted Capitation Formula", published this autumn;

  (2) what cash allocation would be made to each English district health authority, including allocations to general practitioners fundholding practices in its area, in 1995–96 on the assumption that regional health authorities disburse their 1995–96 HCHS revenue allocations on the basis of the same percentage increase for each district health authority.

  Mr. Sackville
  For 1995–96 it is for regional health authorities to determine weighted capitation targets, including the formula used, and allocations for each of their districts. Similarly, the hypothetical figures sought on cash allocations can be calculated only by regional health authorities.

  When the regional health authorities have determined hospital and community health services revenue allocations and capitation targets for their districts in 1995–96, we will undertake an exercise to collect this information in a comparable format.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will specify in cash terms the 1995–96 HCHS weighted capitation targets for each health region calculated on the capitation formula described as(a) current and (b) modified in annex 1 to the NHS executive's recent publication "HCHS Revenue Resource Allocation: Weighted Capitation Formula", in a form that is compatible with the 1995–96 HCHS revenue allocations to regions announced on 6 December.

  Mr. Sackville
  The modified targets referred to are shown in the table.
  1153
  Capitation targets on the basis of the current formula are not available as there are no operational reasons for these to be calculated.

  Regional health authority

  1995–96 Weighted capitation target £000s

  Northern and Yorkshire

  3,150,160

  Trent

  2,191,435

  Anglia and Oxford

  2,236,531

  North Thames

  3,499,064

  South Thames

  3,383,899

  South and West

  2,946,094

  West Midlands

  2,399,624

  North West

  3,217,091

  England

  23,023,897

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will place in the Library a paper explaining the data and calculations used to determine the weightings for each zone mentioned in table 5 of the NHS executive's recent publication "HCHS Revenue Resource Allocation Weighted Capitation Formula".

  Mr. Sackville
  Yes.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage increase or abatement(a) the three Thames adjustments, London weighting, Thames market forces factor and the Thames 3 per cent. and 1 per cent. supplements, and (b) the new all-embracing market forces factor described in the NHS executive's recent publication "HCHS Revenue Resource Allocation Weighted Capitation Formula" have on the HCHS revenue allocation to each (i) regional health authority and (ii) district health authority in England.

  Mr. Sackville
  The table shows:

  (i) the affect in percentage terms of the Thames adjustments, London weighting and the Thames supplements used to calculate revenue capitation shares in 1994–95 and

  (ii) the effect of the market forces factor used to calculate integrated—revenue and capital charges—weighted capitation shares in 1995—96.

  It is for regional health authorities to make allocations to district health authorities and information on market factors to inform DHA targets is not available centrally.

  RHA

  Percentage

  1995–96

  Northern and Yorkshire

  -4.43

  Trent

  -4.63

  Anglian and Oxford

  -0.40

  North Thames

  10.95

  South Thames

  7.43

  South and West

  -2.52

  West Midlands

  -4.27

  North West

  -4.03

  1994—95

  Nothern

  -3.32

  Yorkshire

  -3.32

  Trent

  -3.32

  East Anglian

  -3.32

  N W Thames

  9.65

  N E Thames

  11.91

  S E Thames

  6.15

  S W Thames

  6.44

  Wessex

  -3.32

  1154

  RHA

  Percentage

  Oxford

  -3.16

  South Western

  -3.32

  West Midlands

  -3.32

  Mersey

  -3.32

  North Western

  -3.32

  Beta-interferon
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ensure that there will be no delay in approving the drug beta-interferon as a treatment of multiple sclerosis if the current trials suggest that this drug could be useful; and when she expects trials to be completed.

  Mr. Sackville
  The licensing authority has always sought to ensure that there is no delay in approving any drug application. The Medicines Control Agency is now arguably the fastest assessing authority for new drugs in the world. In addition, the MCA has a fast-track procedure for considering new drugs which might offer significant public health benefits. However, in the consideration of any drug application, the licensing authority has to be satisfied as to the efficacy, safety and quality of the product before marketing.

  Beta-inteferons, to be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, fall into a category of products which, as from 1 January 1995, will be considered through the new European licensing procedures. Such products will be granted European approvals through the so-called "centralised procedure". The Council regulation 2309/93 defines the time frame within which applications must be considered through the procedure. Applicants are required to provide data to support the safety, quality and efficacy of the product. If the clinical trials and the other data presented by the company are satisfactory and meet European requirements, then a marketing authorisation will be granted.

  Because of commercial confidentiality, information on the progress of clinical trials cannot be provided.

  Socio-economic Factors
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the inter-departmental working group to examine the links between socio-economic factors and health; and if she will report progress.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice her Department's variations sub-group has given(a) on the allocation of national health service resources and (b) on the need to promote interventions which reduce health inequity.

  Mr. Sackville
  We have not established such an inter-departmental working group. A sub-group of the Chief Medical Officer's "Health of the Nation Working Group" was set up earlier this year to consider how the Department and the national health service can effectively tackle ethnic, geographical, socio-economic and gender variations in health in the five "Health of the Nation" key areas. The sub-group is due to report to the Chief Medical Officer by spring 1995.

  Dorset Health Commission
  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total budget of the Dorset health commission for the year 1994–95.

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for the South and West regional health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman, Rennie Fritchie, for details.

  Primary Care
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress her Department is making in developing a new needs-based formula for allocating resources for primary health care.

  Mr. Malone
  Work is now in hand to consider an appropriate approach to resource allocation in 1996–97 and beyond when, legislation permitting, there will be new health authorities embracing the functions of family health services authorities and district health authorities. That work will include primary care expenditure.

  Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) of 9 December 1994,Official Report, column 395, how many chief executives, general and senior managers received payments from the £122,689 quoted for Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust; and what was the total amount of termination payments made to employees below the rank of chief executive and general and senior managers in the Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust.

  Mr. Malone
  Two payments were made by Hammersmith Hospital National Health Service Trust on the termination of chief executive and general and senior managers contracts, totalling £122,689. Details of payments made to other employees are not available centrally.

  Revenue Allocations
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health who carried out the research for her Department which resulted in the approval of a new market forces factor for hospital and community health services revenue allocations.

  Mr. Sackville
  The research into the market forces was carried out by Department of Health officials.

  Budget, Berkshire
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funds were allocated to projects within the Berkshire health authority for 1994–95, excluding the actual budgets for Berkshire health authority and family health services authority.

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for the Anglia and Oxford regional health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Stuart Burgess, the chairman, for details.

  Cornwall Healthcare Trust
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she sought from the former employers 1156
  of Mrs. Abigail Kirby-Harris prior to her appointment as chair of the Cornwall Healthcare Trust.

  Mr. Bowis
  The names and personal references of candidates for the post of chairman of Cornwall Healthcare National Health Service Trust were submitted to Ministers by the chairman of South Western regional health authority. Ministers appointed Mrs. Abigail Kirby-Harris on the strength of that information.

  Measles-Rubella Immunisation
  Mr. Coe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in the measles-rubella immunisation campaign.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Nearly 7 million school children between the ages of five and 16 were offered immunisation against disease. Early indications are that around 90 per cent, uptake was reached in the first phase of the campaign in many areas, with some as high as 95 per cent.

  It is now clear from reports which we have received from district health authorities that high levels of coverage have been achieved. Some authorities have reached 95 per cent. We also have early indications that the rise in measles notifications has been halted. This is a superb effort in the face of the forecast measles epidemic.

  I congratulate all those involved in the campaign-school immunisation teams, school staff, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and health authority administrative staff. I would also like to congratulate Rotary International on its practical help with the campaign.

  NHS Financing
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what increase in financial resources in real terms was awarded to the national health service in 1979, 1986, 1990 and 1993.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 13 December 1994]: The table shows the increase in Government spending on the national health service represented by the original plans for each of the relevant financial years. The further rise in Government spending on the NHS in England announced in the Budget will bring the overall increase since 1978–79 to 69 per cent, in real terms.

  Financial year

  Percentage real terms1 growth over forecast outturn for previous year2

  1979–80

  2.1

  1986–87

  2.0

  1990–91

  4.9

  1993–94

  1.2

  1 Measured by the GDP deflator.

  2 Figures are not necessarily compatible owing to changes in
  definitions.

  Sources:

  Public expenditure White Papers and Department of Health departmental reports.

  Burnley NHS Trust
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was paid by Burnley NHS Trust to Mrs. Maggie Aikman when she resigned; how it was made up;
  1157
  and what would have been her entitlement if employed directly by the NHS.

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 30 November, at column 786.

  The sum paid to Mrs. Aikman was in accordance with the terms of her contract of employment with Burnley Health Care National Health Service Trust.

  NHS Funding
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total amount of funding allocated to the NHS for the financial year 1995–96; what was the figure in 1994–95; how much of this total sum is allocated for 1995–96 to the Yorkshire and Northern region; and what the figure was for 1994–95.

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 13 December 1994]: The sum available for revenue allocations for hospital and community health services in 1995–96 is £24,579 million. The equivalent figure for 1994–95 was £23,457 million. Most family health service funding is demand led and not allocated.

  In 1995–96 the initial cash limit for Northern and Yorkshire regional health authority is £3,186,650,000. In 1994–95, initial cash limits were given to the then 14 regional health authorities. Northern regional health authority received £1,459,489,000 and Yorkshire regional health authority received £1,661,110,000.

  The initial cash limit figures for Northern Yorkshire regional health authority are not strictly comparable due to a boundary change between the two allocation years.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Nigeria
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on future military sales to Nigeria.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The measures announced by the European Union on 2 December 1993 remain in force. They will be reviewed only in the light of progress towards a return to civilian democratic rule in Nigeria.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes were made to United Kingdom policy on arms sales to Nigeria following the military coup of November 1993.

  Mr. Goodlad
  I refer the hon. Lady to the written reply I gave the hon. Member for Clydebank and Milngavie (Mr. Worthington) on 2 December 1993, at column 680.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's diplomatic relations with the Nigerian Government.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We are urging the Nigerian Government to take all possible steps towards an early return to democratic civilian rule and to improve their performance on human rights.

  Liberia
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives are 1158
  being taken by the European Union to assist humanitarian efforts in Liberia and to bring a peaceful solution to the strife.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We have given our strong support to the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations to sustain the Liberian peace process, and have urged our European partners to do so.

  The European Community humanitarian office in Monrovia manages a wide range of essential humanitarian relief projects. The latest of these, a UNICEF water and sanitation project for Monrovia, is being finalised.

  Kenya
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the implications for Her Majesty's Government's policy towards Kenya of the withdrawal by the Kenyan Government of citizenship from Sheikh Khalid Balala; and what plans he has to raise the matter in bilateral and multilateral meetings with the Kenyan Government.

  Mr. Goodlad
  This is a matter for the Kenyan Government.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Kenyan Government about the number of applications in the current year for asylum in the United Kingdom from Kenyan passport holders.

  Mr. Goodlad
  I have made no representations to the Kenyan Government concerning the number of asylum applications this year by Kenyan nationals. The high commissioner in Nairobi has discussed with the Kenyan Government the problems caused by asylum claims from both Somali nationals travelling on Kenyan passports and Kenyan nationals who are ethnic Somalis subsequently claiming to be Somali citizens travelling on false Kenyan passports.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 December,Official Report, column 170, what assessment he has made of the nuclear facilities, storage areas and equipment at the Murmansk naval base as a threat to the air, ocean, water or fisheries of the United Kingdom and its NATO alies.

  Mr. Goodlad
  These visits, to which my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office referred in his answer of 6 December, were not for the purpose of an assessment of that kind. The purpose of such visits is to improve co-operation and understanding between our armed forces.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December,Official Report, column 819, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.
  1159
  Mr. Goodlad
  I refer to the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 19 December Official Report, column 937.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had consultations with the United Kingdom's partners in the European Community about the start date of the intergovernmental conference in 1996.

  Mr. Goodlad
  To date has been discussed formally, but most of my colleagues expect the conference to be convened in the first half of 1996.

  Gulf War
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many safe areas were created by the United Nations for the protection of civilians in the Gulf war; and how many of these were not held by Muslim armed forces.

  Mr. Goodlad
  There were no safe areas created by the United Nations during the Gulf war. But in April 1991, a safe haven was created in northern Iraq to protect the civilian population, the vast majority of whom were Muslims of Kurdish origin.

  Mediterranean Basin
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what actions he proposes to take in response to recommendation 1249 of 1994, of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe relating to co-operation in the Mediterranean basin; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We are considering recommendation 1249 in the context of policies towards the Mediterranean which are already being pursued by other forums such as the European Union.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assurances he gave the Chief Minister of Gibraltar during his telephone conversation on 14 December about the administration and stewardship of the colony by the local administration.

  Mr. Goodlad
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office made clear to the Chief Minister our concern at the contents of a report in The Independent that day.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what considerations led him to telephone the Chief Minister of Gibraltar on 14 December; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office made clear to the Chief Minister our concern at the contents of a report in The Independent that day.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what plans Her Majesty's Government have to ensure that the spirit and letter of the European Union treaties are applied to Gibraltar and its people; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what representations Her Majesty Government have made, and when, to the European Commission or other
  1160
  European Union agency, about the interpretation of the European treaties by Spain in respect of Gibraltar and its people; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We expect Gibraltar to be accorded those rights to which it is entitled by virtue of its status within the European Union. We have made this clear to other member states whenever necessary, for example over the application of the draft external frontiers convention to Gibraltar.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Her Majesty's Government have had with Government of Gibraltar regarding the future of the constitution of Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The Chief Minister told us in 1992 that he would like to see a new constitution. We have listened to his concerns.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with whom responsibility lies for the control of the police in Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The Governor of Gibraltar.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the differences between the rights of European citizenship of the people of Gibraltar and of the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The people of Gibraltar enjoy rights commensurate with the special status negotiated for Gibraltar within the European Community at the time of United Kingdom accession and in subsequent legislation.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his time scale for resolving the problem of delays at the Spanish-Gibraltar frontier imposed by the Spanish authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The secondary checks at the Spanish-Gibraltarian frontier which were the cause of recent unprecedented delays have been lifted. We wish to see all disproportionate checks at this frontier ended permanently.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) with whom responsibility lies for detecting and combating the illegal importation of drugs in Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will make a statement on the standards of conduct and stewardship needed by authorities or agencies subordinate to the Gibraltar Government to combat the illegal importation of drugs; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will make a statement on the conduct and stewardship of customs control carried out by the Gibraltar Government.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Responsibility rests with the Gibraltar police and customs authorities. We have assisted them through the provision of equipment, including two fast patrol launches. Over the past year, just under 2 tonnes of drugs have been seized and over 490 drugs-related arrests made.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what are Her Majesty's Government's responsibilities for money laundering in Gibraltar; and if he will make a statement;
  1161
  (2) if he will make a statement on the standards of conduct and stewardship of the Government of Gibraltar in respect of their fulfilment of their responsibilities in respect of combating money laundering; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We have responsibility for good government in Gibraltar and for Gibraltar's implementation of relevant EC law on money laundering. Money laundering is a criminal offence in Gibraltar. We have furthermore received assurances from the Government of Gibraltar that Gibraltar is in the process of implementing the EC money laundering directive.

  North Korea
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to restore economic and political relations with North Korea; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We have never maintained formal relations with North Korea. North Korea has, however, entered into a number of commitments in its recent agreement with the United States, an agreement which we have welcomed. Any moves by us to establish contacts with North Korea will depend on the progress it makes in fulfilling these commitments.

  East Timor
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he received on 7 December from Timorese people in Lisbon to the British embassy about the relationship between Britain and Indonesia; and what was his response.

  Mr. Goodlad
  A letter signed by two individuals describing themselves as members of the Timorese resistance was handed into Her Majesty's embassy in Lisbon on 7 December. It gave no address to which to reply.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on sovereignty in respect of East Timor.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The United Kingdom has not recognised Indonesia's annexation of East Timor. We believe that the continuing dialogue between Indonesia and Portugal, under the UN Secretary-General's auspices, offers the best prospect for reaching agreement on a just, comprehensive and internationally acceptable settlement on the territory's future.

  Somalia
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total number of applications outstanding concerning Somalis who have applied for entry certificates for family reunification; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  It is not possible to collate this information without disproportionate cost on a worldwide basis. However, there are approximately 850 such applicants awaiting interview in Addis Ababa and Djibouti, and 1,700 such applications pending by the Home Office after being referred by out post in Addis Ababa.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in the run-up to the intergovernmental conference, he will be issuing a White Paper or other public document setting out the Government's view of the key issues and the IGC outcome it will be seeking.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We have no such plans at the moment. It is not yet possible to say what the agenda of the 1996 IGC will be. But we will keep Parliament informed, and answer questions, in the course of normal parliamentary business.

  Boat People
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he proposes to take in respect of those boat people formally detained in Hong Kong whom the Vietnamese refuse to accept as Vietnamese, the Chinese as Chinese and the Hong Kong authorities have had to release as unlawfully detained; what steps he intends to take so that they can settle somewhere; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We are continuing our discussions with the Vietnamese and Chinese Governments. Our firm intention is that the problem of Vietnamese migrants and ex-China Vietnamese illegal immigrants—ECVIIs—in Hong Kong will be resolved well before China takes over in 1997. Solid progress has been made; 45,000 Vietnamese migrants have been repatriated since 1989 and 2,000 ECVIIs have been returned to China since September last year.

  EU Foreign Affairs Council
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the voting record of each member state on items agreed at the meeting of the European Community's Foreign Affairs Council held on 3 to 4 October.

  Mr. Goodlad
  I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary's statement to the House of 27 October 1994 Official Report, columns 765–66. No votes were taken at this Council: those items agreed are also set out in the press release published by the Council secretariat and deposited in the House of Commons Library.

  Economic Summit
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Wallsend (Mr. Byers) of 12 December,Official Report, columns 463–64, if he will make a statement on how his Department arrived at the figure for the total cost for his spouse to accompany him to the economic summit in Naples between 8 and 10 July 1994.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The total cost for Mrs. Hurd to accompany my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the economic summit in Naples, referred to in my answer of 12 December, reflects minimal expenses only. Mrs. Hurd travelled on an official aircraft and stayed as a guest of the Italian Government.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Departmental Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much has been spent on telephone charges and how many telephone calls have been made by his Department for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Department of National Heritage was set up in April 1992 and figures can be provided only from 1993–94, when the Department moved into its present offices and took over telephony.

  Departmental charges for telephony for the year 1993–94 were £.168,000.

  Details of the numbers of calls made per year are not held centrally.

  Executive Search Agencies
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what use his Department has made of executive search agencies in filling vacancies within his Department and executive agencies administered by his Department during the last year; and how much these services have cost his Department.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Neither this Department nor its executive agencies have used executive search agencies to fill any vacancies during the last year.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) whether he will issue a direction to the Director General of the National Lottery with the aim of forbidding the withholding of prize money in the national lottery from one week's competition to add artificially to jackpots in one or more subsequent competitions, other than as part of an authorised roll-over arrangement;

  (2) what advice he has received from the Director General of the National Lottery about the withholding of national lottery prize money by Camelot in order to boost jackpots in subsequent competitions other than as part of an authorised roll-over arrangement;

  (3) whether it his Department's policy to encourage the Office of the National Lottery to permit the withholding of national lottery prize money by Camelot in order to boost jackpots in subsequent competitions other than as part of an authorised roll-over arrangement.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Prize money in the national lottery cannot be manipulated from week to week. I have asked Peter Davis, the Director General of the National Lottery, to write to the hon. Member about this matter, placing copies of his letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will bring forward proposals to prohibit the BBC from promoting and advertising the national lottery.

  Mr. Dorrell
  No. Such proposals are not necessary. Under the terms of its licence and agreement, the BBC may not without my approval receive payment for broadcasting advertising or promotional material, and no such approval has been sought or given.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what advice he has received about the legality of BBC television programmes promoting the national lottery.
  1164
  Mr. Dorrell
  I have been advised that the legality of the BBC's operations is primarily a matter for the BBC's governors.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage under what section of the BBC's charter the corporation is permitted to promote the national lottery.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Under clause 3 of its charter, the BBC can make and broadcast programmes, including programmes covering events such as the national lottery draw. Detailed rules on the content and presentation of such programmes are set out in the BBC's producers' guidelines.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what steps he has taken to satisfy himself that the content, style and promotion of the national lottery programme shown on BBC television on Saturday night conforms with the BBC's charter.

  Mr. Dorrell
  None. The primary responsibility for ensuring that individual programmes conform with the BBC's royal charter rests with the BBC's governors.

  Mr. Trend
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage whether Ministers of the Crown will support individual project applications for grants from the national lottery; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Distribution of the net proceeds of the national lottery is the responsibility of the distributing bodies named under section 23 of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993, as amended by statutory instrument 1994 No. 1342. The decisions that these bodies take will be independent of Government. The Government's main function in the distribution process is to issue directions under section 26 of the Act, covering the financial management of lottery funds and matters which distributors must take into account when making funding decisions.

  Lottery applications, except those made to the National Lottery Charities Board, are expected to attract a significant element of partnership funding from the voluntary or private sector, from local authorities or, exceptionally, from grant in aid. Within their normal departmental responsibilities, Ministers and their Departments may be involved in the process of approving aspects of a project, or in agreeing the contribution which a body receiving grant in aid might wish to make to a fully worked-up project. In cases where the costs of a project exceed a public body's delegated limits, the entire project will need ministerial approval. Ministers and their Departments may also encourage a wide range of projects to be put forward to the distributing bodies. However, they will not endorse any individual application to any national lottery distributing body, nor will they explicitly state that any applications should be given priority by the distributing body over other applications. Where there is any grant in aid partnership funding, that will not in itself result in that project receiving special priority when it is considered by a distributing body for lottery funds.

  Ministers may. of course, support local projects from within their constituencies in their capacity as Members of this House.

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.
  1165
  Mr. Dorrell
  Whenever it is appropriate, I travel by train to official engagements. Information on individual journeys and the times taken could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Sports Council
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations he has made to Her Majesty's Treasury, with regard to reviewing the Sports Council's financial memoranda as part of the current restructuring exercise.

  Mr. Sproat
  As I announced on 8 July,Official Report, columns 584–92, the Sports Council will be replaced during 1995–96 by new United Kingdom and English Sports Councils. The framework of financial control for these bodies is currently under consideration.

  Rugby Football Union
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make urgent representations to the Rugby Football Union regarding its imposition of a 12-month ban on Mr. Adrian Spencer; and if he will make a statemen,t.

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: I have no plans to make specific representations to the Rugby Union Football about this matter. However, the rugby authorities are well aware of my views on the need for more constructive dialogue between the two codes.

  English Heritage
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what local government representation there is on the governing body of English Heritage.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: English Heritage's governing body is its commission. Sir Hugh Cubitt, who has been a member of the commission for six years, is a former member and leader of Westminster city council and a former chairman of the council's planning committee. His appointment ends on 31 December 1994. When making future appointments to the commission, due regard will be given to the National Heritage Act 1983 and the desirability of at least one member having knowledge of local government.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Members' Staff
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many staff are employed by hon. Members; and how many are female.

  Mr. Newton
  As at 30 November 1994, a total of 1,637 separate salary payments were made on behalf of hon. Members. Of these, 1,318 were payments to females.

  Christmas Expenditure
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many official Christmas cards he and his Ministers intend to send in 1994; how much these cards will cost(a) to buy, (b) to post and (c) in staff time to sign, address and place in envelopes; and if he will place in the Library
  1166
  a sample copy of the official Christmas card he intends to send this year.

  Mr. Newton
  This year I expect to send about 200 Christmas cards. The cost of purchasing and posting these cards will be £150, inclusive of VAT, and £38 respectively. It is not possible to estimate accurately the cost in staff time; but it would be minimal. I will arrange for an example of the Christmas card to be placed in the Library.

DEFENCE

  Consultants
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the private consultants employed by his Department in each of the last five years; what projects they were involved with; and what was the total cost in each year.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Department's central contracts branch has placed in excess of 500 contracts with consultants in each of the last few years. In addition to this figure, consultancy contracts are placed as part of specific projects and as low value orders of under £10,000. Under the Department's arrangements for the delegation of contractual authority, such contracts are placed without reference to the central contracts branch and so cannot be identified separately.

  In view of this and the large number of centrally placed contracts involved over the last 15 years, an answer to this question could be provided only at disproportionate cost and effort.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will(a) list those consultancy contracts awarded by his Department's central contracts branch in each year since 1989 and (b) list the purpose of each individual contract.

  Mr. Freeman
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Quangos
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those quangos for which his Department is responsible and indentify the membership of each and the remuneration they receive.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to "Public Bodies 1993", issued by the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service and Science, pages 7 and 8 of which detail MOD non-departmental public bodies.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, who services the British Hawk aircraft sold to Indonesia.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Indonesians service the Hawk aircraft themselves.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates between 1984 and the present memoranda of understanding relating to defence contracts were agreed with the Government of Indonesia; and what was the subject matter and their value.

  Mr. Freeman
  A general co-operation MOU was signed between the United Kingdom and Indonesia in 1983. This MOU has been extended and supplemented
  1167
  but remains in place. It is not the practice to give details of the contents of MOUs between Governments.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance towards military training is being given to Indonesia during the current financial year.

  Mr. Soames
  The United Kingdom has provided training, including developmental and technical courses, for Indonesian students during the current financial year. Details of such training are not normally disclosed, however, as they are regarded as confidential between Governments.

  Debt Collection
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the number of debt collection visits, and the countries visited, made by the Defence Accounts Agency since its formation.

  Mr. Freeman
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Accounts Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from M.J. Dymond to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 19 December 1994:
  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the number of debt collection visits, and the countries visited, made by the Defence Accounts Agency since its formation. As Chief Executive of the Defence Accounts Agency I have asked to reply.
  Debt collection visits (4 in number) have been made to the following countries:

  a. United Arab Emirates 19 February—27 February 1993

  b. USA 16 April–23 April 1994

  c. United Arab Emirates 2 September—7 September 1994

  d. Germany 5 December—9 December 1994.

  Cooks
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many serving officers broken down by service are entitled to the provision of cooks at public expense; and if he will identify the posts and locations and the estimated cost of this provision for the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is as follows:

  Serial

  Post Holder

  Royal Navy

  1

  1st Sea Lord

  2

  Vice Chief of Defence Staff

  3

  Commander-in-Chief Fleet

  4

  Chief Naval Home Command/2nd Sea Lord

  5

  Flag Officer Plymouth

  6

  Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland

  7

  Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic

  8

  United Kingdom Allied Forces South

  9

  Flag Officer Surface Flotilla

  10

  Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet

  11

  Commandant Joint Service Defence College

  12

  Assistant Chief Naval Staff/Admiral President

  13

  Commander British Forces Gibraltar

  14

  Flag Officer Portsmouth

  15

  Flag Officer Sea Training

  16

  Flag Officer Naval Aviation

  17

  Director General Naval Personnel Strategy and Plans

  18

  Commander United Kingdom Task Group

  19

  Flag Officer Submarines

  20

  Naval Secretary

  21

  Flag Officer Training and Recruiting

  1168

  Serial

  Post Holder

  22

  Commandant General Royal Marines

  23

  Medical Director General (Naval)

  24

  Chief of Staff Flag Officer Surface Flotilla

  25

  Commodore Minor War Vessels

  26

  Naval Base Commander/Commodore Drake

  27

  Commandant Royal Naval Staff College

  28

  Commodore Clyde

  29

  Naval Base Commander/Captain Nelson

  30

  Brigadier Commander Commando Forces

  31

  Chief of Staff Flag Officer Naval Aviation

  32

  Commodore Amphibious Warfare

  33

  Chief of Staff Flag Officer Plymouth

  34

  Captain Royal Naval Engineering College

  35

  Captain Admiralty Interview Board

  36

  Captain Britannia Royal Naval College

  37

  Captain HMS Daedalus

  38

  Director Maritime Tactical School

  39

  Captain HMS Dryad

  40

  Captain HMS Sultan

  41

  Captain HMS Collingwood

  42

  Captain HMS Dolphin

  43

  Captain Fleet Maintenance

  44

  Captain HMS Neptune

  45

  Captain HMS Raleigh

  46

  Naval Base Commander Rosyth

  47

  Captain HMS Heron

  48

  Captain HMS Osprey

  49

  Captain HMS Seahawk

  50

  Chief of Staff Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland

  51

  Captain of the Port (Portsmouth)

  52

  Medical Officer-in-Chief RNH Haslar

  53

  Medical Officer-in-Chief INM Alverstoke

  54

  Captain Second Submarine Squadron

  55

  Chief of Staff Commodore Minor War Vessels/Captain Fishery Protection

  56

  Joint Maritime Operational Training Staff

  57

  Commandant Training Centre Royal Marines

  58

  Naval Base Commander Portland

  59

  Director of Naval Recruiting

  60

  Commanding Officer RM Deal

  61

  Commanding Officer RM Poole

  62

  Commanding Officer 45 Commando Royal Marines

  63

  Commanding Officer Comacchio Group

  64

  Commanding Officer RMB Stonehouse

  65

  Naval Party 1002 (Diego Garcia)

  Army

  66

  Chief of Defence Staff

  67

  Chief General Staff

  68

  Inspector General Doctrine and Training

  69

  Quartermaster General

  70

  Commander-in-Chief United Kingdom Land Forces

  71

  Commander United Kingdom Field Army

  72

  Chief of Staff United Kingdom Land Forces

  73

  Commander ACE Rapid Reaction Corp

  74

  Commander British Forces Cyprus

  75

  Commander British Forces Hong Kong

  76

  General Officer Commanding Northern Ireland

  77

  General Officer Commanding Southern District

  78

  General Officer Commanding Eastern District

  79

  General Officer Commanding Scotland

  80

  General Officer Commanding London District

  81

  General Officer Commanding Wales and Western District

  82

  General Officer Commanding 3rd Division

  83

  Commander 2nd Infantry Brigade

  84

  Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe

  85

  United Kingdom Military Representative

  86

  Commandant Army Staff College

  1169

  Serial

  Post Holder

  87

  Commandant Royal Military College of Science

  88

  Commandant Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

  Royal Air Force

  89

  Chief of the Air Staff

  90

  Commander in Chief Strike Command

  91

  Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Personnel and Training

  92

  Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Logistics

  93

  Deputy Commander-in-Chief Central Europe

  94

  Chief of Staff HQ Strike Command

  95

  Air Officer Commanding 18 Group

  96

  Chief of Staff Logistics

  97

  Royal College of Defence Studies

  98

  Air Officer Commanding 1 Group

  99

  Air Officer Commanding 2 Group

  100

  Air Officer Commanding 11 Group

  101

  Chief of Staff HQ Personnel and Training

  102

  Air Officer Training

  103

  Air Officer Commanding and Commandant Bracknell

  104

  Air Officer Commanding and Commandant Cranwell

  105

  Air Officer Directly Administered Units

  106

  Air Officer Maintenance

  107

  Deputy Commander British Forces Cyprus

  108

  Maritime Headquarters Pitreavie

  109

  Air Officer Administration

  110

  Officer Commanding Akrotiri

  111

  Officer Commanding Benson

  112

  Officer Commanding Marham

  113

  Officer Commanding Sek Kong

  114

  Officer Commanding St. Mawgen

  The total estimated cost of these posts for 1994–95 is approximately £2,400,000. For security reasons, it is not our practice to reveal the location of individual residences for senior officers. The subject of domestic assistance, including cooks and chefs, is being studied by Sir Peter Cazalet as part of his review of representational entertainment in the armed forces.

  RAF Llandwrog (Buried Bombs)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he now expects to be in a position to respond to the request made by the hon. Member for Caernarfon for a briefing from his Department on the danger posed by second world war bombs buried at RAF Llandwrog near Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd; and if he will make a statement concerning his investigations into this matter.

  Mr. Soames
  The issues raised in the hon. Member's letters of 25 November and 14 December concerning the role of RAF Llandwrog after the second world war are being investigated. My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State will reply as soon as these investigations are complete.

  Gulf War
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when chemical weapons detectors were triggered during the Gulf war; and what is his Department's assessment of this situation.
  1170
  Mr. Soames
  Chemical weapons detectors were triggered during the Gulf war on a number of occasions but records of individual incidents are not held centrally. We are also aware that there were times when detectors alarmed as a result of operator error; on these occasions, in particular, it is likely that no report would have been made to higher formation. In consequence, and given that detectors were widely deployed both on the ground and at sea, it is impossible to answer a general question of this nature with any degree of accuracy.

  Apart from those occasions attributed to obvious operator error, each chemical alarm would have been followed up by NBC reconnaissance to confirm the presence of chemical agent or otherwise. Since at no time was chemical agent detected during such follow-up operations it is assessed that chemical agent was not used for Operation Granby against United Kingdom forces.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many patients have been seen by his Department's appointed doctor concerning problems related to Operation Granby.

  Mr. Soames
  To date, 67 individual personnel have been examined by an armed forces consultant under the Gulf medical assessment programme, some on more than one occasion. All have been found to be suffering from identifiable complaints, none of which is peculiar to service in the Gulf. From January 1995, the rate of new examinations will be increased and efforts made to reduce the high proportion of patients not attending for pre-booked appointments.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether non-medical personnel were permitted to order members of the British armed forces in the Gulf war to take vaccinations.

  Mr. Soames
  All vaccinations were offered to service personnel deployed to the Gulf on the basis of voluntary informed consent.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds his Department considered it necessary to vaccinate members of the armed forces in the Gulf war against plague and not botulism toxoid.

  Mr. Soames
  Details of specific medical countermeasures employed by British forces against potential biological warfare threat during Operation Granby remain classified.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what monitoring was used by his Department in, and during, the Gulf war for troops who had been vaccinated.

  Mr. Soames
  All aspects of the health of service personnel are monitored, in peace and war, as a matter of routine. As all the vaccines which were offered to Gulf war personnel are routinely used in the civilian world, and were administered in accordance with normal clinical practice, there were no grounds for special additional monitoring of those troops who had been vaccinated.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 12 December,Official Report, column 457, on market testing, what is the total value of the contracts awarded.
  1171
  Mr. Freeman
  The total annual value of contracts placed following the examination of defence support activities up to September 1994 was approximately £350 million. This figure represents a considerable saving on the original annual operating costs of the 46 activities involved.

  Pregnancy Dismissals
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will instigate an inquiry into the publication by a tribunal deciding the issue of compensation in a pregnancy dismissal case, and of a woman's medical records produced by counsel acting for his Department without the woman's consent.

  Mr. Soames
  Such documents may properly be disclosed to a court or tribunal in the course of legal proceedings to which they are relevant. Industrial tribunals are judicial bodies which are wholly independent of my Department.

  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the sums of financial compensation paid to former members of the armed services who were judged by industrial tribunals to have been dismissed unfairly because of their pregnancies; and what was the commissioned or non-commissioned status of those women who were compensated.

  Mr. Soames
  Up to 13 December, industrial tribunal decisions on the amount of compensation due for dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy have resulted in 151 payments totalling £4,397,095 to 10 officers, average £58,018, and 141 other ranks, average £27,070. However, these payments include some made recently but relating to cases heard by tribunals before the employment appeal tribunal issued its helpful guidance in July, since when the level of new awards has fallen. Furthermore, tribunal awards represent only a small proportion of the 3,428 pregnancy claims—75 per cent. of the claims received—which have now been settled for an overall average of about £10,000 for all ranks.

  Medical Records (Confidentiality)
  Mr. Martlew
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the notes of the discussions which took place during 1987 and 1988 between his Department and the General Medical Council which refers to the issue of forces medical records and confidentiality.

  Mr. Soames
  Although my Department and the General Medical Council corresponded and held informal meetings during 1987 and 1988 to discuss matters relating to medical confidentiality, there is no evidence that these meetings were formally minuted. The correspondence and discussions however resulted in the publication of new, jointly agreed, notes of guidance on medical confidentiality for medical officers employed by the armed forces, and the issue of a new medical form to protect the confidentiality of personal medical records during the administrative processing of service medical boards. I am placing copies of these documents in the Library of the House.

  Service Personnel (Exhumation)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what action his Department intends to take to protect the bodies of service personnel who are buried in public land 1172
  from being exhumed without permission by war relic hunters; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Authority to protect sites where it is believed there are military remains is given to my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence under the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Licences to unearth or move any wreckage are not granted if there is any suspicion that human remains may lie at the site. Action against alleged offenders is a matter for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

  Recruitment and Redundancies
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations led to the simultaneous recruitment and making redundant of regular military personnel in 1993–94.

  Mr. Soames
  The manpower reductions under "Options for Change" could not be achieved through natural wastage alone and it was therefore necessary for each of the services to implement a redundancy programme. Over 90 per cent. of those being made redundant have volunteered for selection.

  Recruiting has continued throughout the redundancy programme, albeit at reduced levels, in order to maintain a balanced age and rank structure and to meet shortages in certain branches and trades.

  Nerve Agents
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to which defence establishment in Australia the G agent intermediate Di-Di and the CR gas was transported in each case referred to in his answer of 24 June 1994,Official Report, column 381.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr Harry Cohen, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking to which defence establishment in Australia the G agent intermediate di-di and the CR gas was transported in each case referred to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the UK Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them. As part of this work the potential hazard of possible chemical and biological warfare agents is assessed and the effectiveness of British protective measures evaluated.

  3. Our records do not indicate to which defence establishment in Australia the G agent intermediate di-di and the V agent intermediate referred to in my answer of 24 June 1994 were transported. As I mentioned the materials, suitably packaged, were transported to London for onward transportation to Australia. It is probable that the materials went to the Materials Research Laboratory in Melbourne.

  1173
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from which source the CR gas was obtained for the tests with service volunteers in the specified years referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Leyton on 24 June 1994,Official Report, column 383.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr Harry Cohen, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking from which source the CR gas was obtained for the tests with Service volunteers in the specified years referred to in his Answer to the honourable Member for Leyton on 24th June 1994, Official Report, column 383 has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the UK Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them. As part of this work the potential hazard of possible chemical and biological warfare agents is assessed and the effectiveness of British protective measures evaluated.

  3. The CR gas referred to in my answer of 14 June 1994, Official Report, column 383 would have been synthesised either at this Establishment or at the Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in which years the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, tested CN gas on service personnel in the human volunteer programme; what was the purpose of these tests; how the gas was administered to the volunteers; how many service volunteers were tested with this gas; and where the results of these tests were published in open literature.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking in which years the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, tested CN gas on Service personnel in the human volunteer programme; what was the purpose of these tests; how the gas was administered to the volunteers; how many Service volunteers were tested with this gas; and where the results of these tests were published in open literature has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces have effective protective measures against the threat that chemical or biological weapons may be used against them. In order to carry out this work, it is necessary to use Service volunteers to:

  a. assess the ability of Service personnel to function with new equipment and procedures,

  b. develop medical countermeasures to protect Service personnel and

  c. evaluate the effects of very low and medically safe concentrations of CW agents on the ability of unprotected personnel to operate normally.

  No studies involving volunteers are carried out unless there is a clear military need and a detailed protocol has been reviewed and approved by an independent Ethics Committee in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Physicians.

  3. CN gas, otherwise known as chloracetophenone, was used in the early part of this century as a military tear gas, a riot control
  1174
  agent, a training aid, and as the standard agent for respirator testing in the Armed Services and civil defence. Although it has now been abandoned by the UK for all these purposes, our records indicate that it was extensively studied at Porton Down least 1924. It is probable that there were some studies at that time involving Service volunteers. However, our records in the inter-war years are not in a format from which we could extract details about the number of service volunteers tested and the years in which they were tested.

  4. During the period that CN gas was studied at Porton Down it would have been disseminated using the following techniques:

  a. pyrotechnic formulations

  b. a spray from an alcoholic solution

  c. bursting munitions (bombs), grenades, largely, and

  d. small glass capsules containing solid CN heated to bursting and release the compound.

  5. Our records do not indicate which of these techniques would have been used in any of the human volunteer studies. There are three publications which provide some information on CN:

  a. The comparative opthalmictoxicology of chloracetophenone (CN) and dibenoxazepine (CR). B Ballantyne, M F Gazzard, D W Swanston and P Williams. Arch. Toxicol. 1975., 34 183–201.

  b. Chemical agents used in control and warfare. F W Beswick. Human Toxicol. 1983, 2 247–256.

  c. Riot control agents. Bryan Ballantyne. Medical Annual 1977, John Wright, Bristol.

  There appear to be few, if any, publications on CN from the inter-war years.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds(a) the policy on female service volunteers, referred to in his answer of 24 June 1994, Official Report, column 380, was changed in 1972 and (b) female service personnel had not been invited to participate in the human volunteer programme before this year.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Harry Cohen dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking on what grounds (a) the policy on female Service volunteers, referred to in his Answer of 24 June 1994, Official Report, column 380, was changed in this year and (b) female personnel had not been invited to participate in the human volunteer programme before this year has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces have effective protective measures against the threat that chemical or biological weapons may be used against them. In order to carry out this work, it is necessary to use Service volunteers to:

  (a) assess the ability of Service personnel to function with new equipment and procedures,

  (b) develop medical countermeasures to protect Service personnel and

  (c) evaluate the effects of very low and medically safe concentrations of CW agents on the ability of unprotected personnel to operate normally.

  No studies involving volunteers are carried out unless there is a clear military need and a detailed protocol has been reviewed and approved by an independent Ethics Committee in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Physicians.

  3. It is not possible from our records to determine whether there was a policy change in 1972 with regard to the participation of female Service volunteers. We believe that there was a change in perception of the importance of female Service personnel. However,

  1175
  female Service personnel will only be accepted for participation in studies at CBDE where the CBDE Ethics Committee has approved the relevant protocol and agreed that female volunteers may participate.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the assessment drawn from the research into the stabilisation of the nerve agent GD referred to in his answer of 24 June 1994,Official Report, columns 378–79; and from which source the nerve agent was obtained.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Harry Cohen dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what was the assessment drawn from the research into the stabilisation of the nerve agent GD referred to in his Answer of 24 June 1994, Official Report, columns 378–9, and from which source the nerve agent was obtained has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them. As part of this work the potential hazard of possible chemical and biological warfare agents is assessed and the effectiveness of British protective measures evaluated.

  3. In my earlier answer to you of 24 June (Official Report, columns 378–9), I said that CBDE had carried out work on the nerve agent GD and in particular its stability in order to evaluate the feasibility and hazard of the use of such an agent against the United Kingdom Armed Forces. The assessment was that with an appropriate stabiliser there was little decomposition of GD stored at 71°C for three years. It was shown that GD stored with the stabiliser in mild steel vessels was virtually unchanged after three years. The GD was produced at Nancekuke.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the conclusions of the studies referred to in his answer of 24 June 1994,Official Report, column 383, on CR gas on service volunteers in relation to the skin and eye sensitivity tests; with which other countries the results of these studies were shared; when the results were shared; and under which defence agreement the results were exchanged.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr Harry Cohen, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what were the conclusions of the studies referred to in his Answer of 24 June 1994, Official Report column 383, on CR gas on Service volunteers in relation to the skin and eye sensitivity tests; with which other countries the results of these studies were shared; when the results were shared; and under which defence agreement the results were exchanged has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces have effective protective measures against the threat that chemical or biological weapons may be used against them. In order to carry out this work, it is necessary to use Service volunteers to:

  1176

  a. assess the ability of Service personnel to function with new equipment and procedures.

  b. develop medical countermeasures to protect Service personnel and

  c. evaluate the effects of very low and medically safe concentrations of CW agents on the ability of unprotected personnel to operate normally.

  No studies involving volunteers are carried out unless there is a clear military need and a detailed protocol has been reviewed and approved by an independent Ethics Committee in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Physicians.

  3. The studies on CR gas in relation to the skin and eye sensitivity tests referred to in my answer of 24 June 1994, (Official Report, column 383) concluded that CR was found to have certain advantages over CS in specific situations. Its potency was found to be approximately ten times greater than that of CS and its toxicity is low in comparison with the other irritants. It is capable of use in both aerosol and solution form.

  4. The results of this work have formed part of the chemical and biological defence programme and is part of the technical database drawn upon in collaboration with the United States, Australia and Canada under the Technical Cooperation Programme and its predecessors and with the United States and Canada under the Memorandum of Understanding on Chemical and Biological Defence.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what years the studies with service volunteers were undertaken at the Cambridge military hospital, referred to in his answer of 24 June 1994,Official Report, column 375; what was the purpose and conclusion of these studies; how many studies were carried out at this hospital; and how many service volunteers were involved in these tests.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of state for Defence asking in what years the studies with Service volunteers were undertaken at the Cambridge Military Hospital, referred to in his Answer of 24th June 1994, Official Report, column 375, were undertaken; what was the purpose and conclusions of these studies; how many studies were carried out at this hospital; and how many Service volunteers were involved in these tests has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces have effective protective measures against the threat that chemical or biological weapons may be used against them. In order to carry out this work, it is necessary to use Service volunteers to:

  a. assess the ability of Service personnel to function with new equipment and procedures,

  b. develop medical countermeasures to protect Service personnel and

  c. evaluate the effects of very low and medically safe concentrations of CW agents on the ability of unprotected personnel to operate normally.

  No studies involving volunteers are carried out unless there is a clear military need and a detailed protocol has been reviewed and approved by an independent Ethics Committee in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Physicians.

  3. The Nerve Agent Pretreatment Set (NAPS) was developed in response to a requirement which called for a pretreatment effective against poisoning by all known nerve agents. A number of studies were conducted by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establish to identify the effective oral dose regime which used in conjunction

  1177
  with therapy would provide protection against nerve agent poisoning whilst producing minimal or nil side effects.

  4. One of these studies took place at the Cambridge Military Hospital in 1993. Thirty two of the military staff of the hospital volunteered to take part and the conclusions of the study agreed with earlier findings that the side effects from the taking of NAPS were minimal and did not interfere with military efficiency.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the nature of the study referred to in his answer of 24 June,Official Report, column 378, which prompted the service volunteer to withdraw following the detailed explanation of the protocol.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what was the nature of the study referred to in his Answer of 24th June, Official Report, column 378, which prompted the Service volunteer to withdraw following the detailed explanation of the protocol has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces have effective protective measures against the threat that chemical or biological weapons may be used against them. In order to carry out this work, it is necessary to use Service volunteers to

  a. assess the ability of Service personnel to function with new equipment and procedures,

  b. develop medical countermeasures to protect Service personnel and

  c. evaluate the effects of very low and medically safe concentrations of CW agents on the ability of unprotected personnel to operate normally.

  No studies involving volunteers are carried out unless there is a clear military need and a detailed protocol has been reviewed and approved by an independent Ethics Committee in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Royal College of Physicians.

  3. The volunteer who withdrew from the study referred to in my answer of 24 June, Official Report, Column 378, was taking part in a climatic study whilst wearing Individual Protective Equipment. The protocol for the study required some blood samples to be taken but the volunteer was uneasy about this and exercised his right to withdraw from the study.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the conclusion drawn from the studies on VX referred to in his answer of 24 June,Official Report, column 371, to determine whether or not this agent was producible in quantity and was stable when stored.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, CBDE to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Ken Livingstone dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what was the conclusion drawn from the studies on VX referred to in his answer of 24 June, Official Report, column 371, to determine whether or not this agent was producible in quantity and was stable when stored has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat the chemical and biological weapons may be used against them. As part of this work the potential hazard of possible chemical
  1178
  and biological warfare agents is assessed and the effectiveness of British protective measure evaluated.

  3. The conclusion drawn from the stability studies referred to in my answer of 24 June 1994, Official Report, column 372, was that VX could be produced on a large-scale and that the product could be stabilised. The studies showed that using a suitable stabiliser VX could be stored under nitrogen in mild steel containers; storage could not be achieved in containers of other materials. These conclusions taken together with others supported the assessment that VX would present a significant battlefield hazard.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the purpose of the research on the nerve agent GB between 1979 and 1993 at Nancekuke as described in his answer of 11 January 1994,Official Report, columns 163–64; what quantities of nerve agent were used in this research; if the results of this research were shared with any other countries; and under which defence agreement this occurred.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, CBDE to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what was the purpose of the research on the nerve agent GB between 1979 and 1993 at Nancekuke as described in his answer of 11th January 1994, Official Report, column 163–4; what quantities of nerve agent were used in this research; if the results of this research were shared with any other countries; and under which defence agreement this occurred has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them. As part of this work the potential hazard of possible chemical and biological warfare agents is assessed and the effectiveness of British protective measure evaluated.

  3. In my earlier answer to you of 1 1 th January 1994 (Official Report, column 163-164), I advised you that the approximate periods during which research was carried out at Nancekuke was from 1951 to 1976. The Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke was closed in 1980 and was handed back to the RAF. By 1979 the closure process was well advanced and few personnel remained on site. There was, therefore, no research carried out at Nancekuke on the nerve agent, GB, after 1979.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the conclusion drawn from the work carried out on the substituted analogues of VX at Nancekuke, referred to in his answer of 24 June,Official Report, column 371.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, CBDE to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Ken Livingstone dated 19 December 1994:

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what was the conclusion drawn from the work carried out on the substituted analogues of VX at Nancekuke, referred to in his Answer of 24th June, Official Report, column 371 has been passed to me to answer as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used aganst them. As part of this work the potential hazard of possible chemical

  1179
  and biological warfare agents is assessed and the effectiveness of British protective measure evaluated.

  3. The conclusion drawn from the work with VX analogues showed that these compounds were unlikely to provide any advantage over VX as a chemical warfare agent to a potential aggressor.

  Housing
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel have applied for housing from local authorities in(a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland on leaving the forces in each of the past five years; and what is his estimate of the numbers expected to make such applications in the current year and in each of the next three years.

  Mr. Soames
  The information is not available in the form requested. Recent surveys have indicated, however, that of all personnel leaving the services on redundancy 43 per cent. were already home owners and a further 40 per cent. intended to buy a home.

  The numbers of personnel leaving the armed forces in the last five years are as follows:

  Numbers

  1989–90

  42,761

  1990–91

  39,942

  1991–92

  34,501

  1992–93

  34,002

  1993–94

  32,865

  1994–951

  33,465

  1 to date.

  Value of exports £ million

  Direct employment

  Indirect employment

  Total employement

  1987–88

  2,000

  44,000

  38,500

  82,500

  1988–89

  2,000

  42,500

  37,500

  80,000

  1989–90

  3,000

  50,000

  44,000

  94,000

  1990–91

  2,500

  37,500

  33,000

  70,000

  1991–92

  3,000

  42,000

  37,000

  79,000

  1992–93

  2,000

  28,000

  24,500

  52,500

  Note:

  As with table 1.10 of "UK Defence Statistics 1994", all figures are rounded to the nearest 500—total figures may not therefore correspond to the sum of the components.

  Satellite Intelligence Data
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether intelligence data gathered from satellites of the United Kingdom and its allies is fully available to United Kingdom forces serving with UNPROFOR; and what limitations on such exchanges of data exist.

  Mr. Soames
  All necessary information, derived from a variety of sources, is provided to UK forces serving with UNPROFOR.

  Cruise Missiles
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to ask for contracts for a conventionally armed stand-off missile system and to acquire cruise missile systems for United Kingdom forces.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer to the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Milton Keynes,
  1180
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement concerning the transfer of service housing stock.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Milton Keynes, North-East (Mr. Butler) on 8 December,Official Report, column 303.

  International Payments
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if international payments cleared through defence export sales organisations or Government-to-Government defence contracts are cleared through the Defence Accounts Agency or its systems.

  Mr. Freeman
  Yes.

  Exports
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library an analysis of how the figures in "Defence Statistics 1994", table 1.10, for employment dependence on defence exports were derived; and if he will estimate for the years stated dependence on military aerospace exports.

  Equivalent figures for the earlier years are not available.

  Mr. Freeman
  Defence statistics bulletin No. 3 explains the methodology used to prepare the employment estimates published in table 1.10 of "UK Defence Statistics 1994". Copies of the bulletin were placed in the Library at the time.

  Figures for UK employment dependent on defence aerospace equipment exports for the years 1987–88 to 1992–93 are as follows:

  North-East (Mr. Butler) on 29 November 1994, Official Report, column 621.

  Feasibility studies are now under way into the possibility of fitting our submarines with conventionally armed Tomahawk land missiles; results from these studies are expected in the spring and a decision on procurement will be taken in the light of those findings.

  Global Monitoring System
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what rights of access to the global monitoring system the United Kingdom possesses; and if he will list the agreements that govern them.

  Mr. Soames
  I am not aware of any such system.

  Bombing (Bihac)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 1 December,Official

  1181
  Report, columns 913–14, concerning the dropping of napalm bombs, whether the United Nations military observers identified the maker of the unexploded bomb.

  Mr. Soames
  From markings found on the unexploded bomb, the weapon has been identified as having been manufactured in the former Yugoslav Republic.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 1 December,Official Report, columns 913–14, concerning the dropping of napalm bombs, what was the nationality of the UN military observer who reported the incident and that of the UNMOs who collected evidence at the impact points; and what was the evidence which they collected.

  Mr. Soames
  It is not UN policy to release information on the nationalities of individual UN military observers involved in incidents. A cluster bomb casing, an unexploded bomb, unexploded and exploded bomblets and unburnt weapon material were found at the site.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many cluster bombs were dropped on Bihac; what was the estimated weight of explosive used in all bombs falling on Bihac; and what assessment he has made of their country of manufacture.

  Mr. Soames
  Two cluster bombs were dropped in Bihac on 18 November. Each bomb had an estimated weight of explosive of 32 kg. It is assessed that the cluster bombs were British manufactured BL755 munitions, which were purchased by the former Yugoslavia prior to the outbreak of the present conflict.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 December,Official Report, columns 945–6, what assessment he has made of the factors underlying the absence of photographic evidence in relation to the bombing in Bihac; and what assessment he has made of casualties or damage to buildings in the Bihac area.

  Mr. Soames
  The decision as to whether or not to gather photographic evidence in relation to the bombing in Bihac rested with the UN. We have no information as to the casualties caused by the air attacks on 18 November. We are only aware of some minor damage to an old warehouse and to a football field.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 1 December,Official Report, column 913, whether the loss of one of the two aircraft observed in the vicinity of Bihac was reported at the time; if the aircraft was totally destroyed with its pilot; and why the United Nations military observers did not photograph the wreckage for identification purposes.

  Mr. Soames
  The loss of one of the aircraft observed in the vicinity of Bihac was reported at the time the aircraft was destroyed and the pilot killed. The decision not to photograph the wreckage rested with the UN.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 2 December,Official Report, columns 945–46, what were the initial reports of the damage inflicted by the bombing of Bihac; and if these were consistent with the dropping of an unexploded napalm bomb and an unspecified number of cluster bombs.

  Mr. Soames
  Initial reports of the bombing of Bihac on 18 November indicate that the munitions used in the attack caused only minor damage to an old warehouse and to a football field. Although some sub-munitions of the 1182
  cluster bombs exploded, available evidence suggests that neither of the two weapon types operated as designed.

  Absenteeism
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what was the absenteeism rate for the Defence Analytical Services Agency in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (2) what was the absenteeism rate for the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (3) what was the absenteeism rate for his Department in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (4) what was the absenteeism rate for the Defence Research Agency in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (5) what was the absenteeism rate for the Defence Operational Analysis Centre in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (6) what was the absenteeism rate for the RAF Training Group Defence Agency in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (7) what was the absenteeism rate for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (8) what was the absenteeism rate for the Meteorological Office in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (9) what was the absenteeism rate for the defence animal centre in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (10) what was the absenteeism, rate for the RAF Support Command's Maintenance Group Defence Agency in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (11) what was the absenteeism rate for the Army Base Repair Organisation in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (12) what was the absenteeism rate for the Hydrographic Office in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (13) what was the absenteeism rate for the defence postal and courier services in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (14) what was the absenteeism rate for the Defence Accounts Agency in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  (15) what was the absenteeism rate for the Military Survey in 1991, 1992 and 1993;

  Mr. Freeman
  Neither my Department nor its agencies could provide the information requested without disproportionate cost and effort.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December,Official Report,columns 903–94, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 19 December 1994,Official Report, column 937.

  Nuclear Submarines
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what responsibilities have been vested in(a) Devonport Management Ltd. and (b) Babcock Thorn for the longer-term management of laid-up nuclear powered submarines; for how long it is intended that laid-up nuclear submarine boats will be stored afloat; what has been the cost to date for the preparation of each boat in

  1183
  an environmentally fit state for storage afloat; and which body is responsible for submitting and maintaining the nuclear safety case for such nuclear submarines withdrawn from operational service;

  (2) whether environmental and safety cases for the storage afloat of nuclear submarines withdrawn from operational service have been submitted for approval to the nuclear installations inspectorate.

  Mr. Freeman
  Responsibility for decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines rests with my Department; contracts are placed with the dockyard contractors when necessary in relation to the maintenance of the submarines. Storage afloat of decommissioned nuclear submarines is an interim policy pending national decisions on a final disposal route, the timing of which is still under consideration. The approximate costs of undertaking the defuelling, de-equipping and lay-up preparation process for those nuclear-powered submarines which have been taken out of service to date are as follows:

  Submarine

  DDLP £ million

  HMS Swiftsure

  11.5

  HMS Warspite

  11.3

  HMS Churchill

  11.2

  HMS Conqueror

  10.6

  HMS Courageous

  10.8

  HMS Revenge (SSBN)

  18.7

  HMS Valiant and HMS Resolution have not started their DDLP process yet.

  Those costs do not include the costs of final disposal, the policy for which is still under consideration. It is also not possible to provide costs on the decommissioning of HMS Dreadnought, which was the first nuclear submarine to be withdrawn from service in 1982 and the information requested, insofar as it may be available, could be assembled only at disproportionate cost.

  Since section 1 (1) (a) of the Nuclear Installations Act 1965 specifically excludes nuclear reactors comprised in a means of transport from the provisions of the Act, there is no requirement to prepare environmental or safety cases to the NII. However, hazard analysis has been conducted at each dockyard, and the MOD and the relevant local authorities carry out regular surveys alongside, which confirm that the storage afloat of the decommissioned submarines presents no external radiological hazard.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give the number of vessels from the Royal Navy's surface fleet that spent a substantial part of their operational time in guarding nuclear submarines.

  Mr. Soames
  It is not my Department's policy to comment on operational matters.

  Departmental Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on telephone charges and how many telephone calls have been made by his Department for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Freeman
  For telephone costs I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 December,Official Report, column 576, to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark).
  1184
  The number of telephone calls made by my Department is not recorded, and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

  Defence Export Services Organisation
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many staff have been employed in the office of the Defence Export Services Organisation in Jakarta in each year since its establishment; and what is the breakdown of their posts.

  Mr. Freeman
  Three staff have been employed in the Jakarta office each year since its establishment. The breakdown is as follows: one grade 7, one personal secretary—shared with the British defence attaché Jakarta—and one driver.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which date the decision to establish an office of the Defence Export Services Organisation in Jakarta was taken.

  Mr. Freeman
  The decision to establish an office of the Defence Export Services Organisation in Jakarta was taken in September 1990.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which date in 1991 an office of the Defence Export Services Organisation was formally established in Jakarta.

  Mr. Freeman
  The office for the Defence Export Services Organisation was formally established in Jakarta in April 1991.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the annual cost of running the office of the Defence Export Services Organisation in Jakarta in each year since its establishment both in full and net of any offsetting administrative arrangements.

  Mr. Freeman
  The estimated annual cost of running the DESO office in Jakarta in each year since its establishment has been:

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  £K

  £K

  £K

  £K

  1261

  67

  78

  1167

  1 including three years advance rent.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the country-based project groups were set up within the defence export services teams; when each country-based project group was functioning; and how many such country-based project groups exist at the present time.

  Mr. Freeman
  Within the Defence Export Services Organisation there are three country-based project teams: for Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Kuwait. They were established in September 1985, November 1989 and January 1993 respectively.

  Hercules
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution he proposes to make towards the tendering costs of the proposals for refurbishment or replacement of the Hercules aircraft.

  Mr. Freeman
  None.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations were made to him following
  1185
  the placement of an advertisement for the sale of Hercules C130K by his Department in the September 1994 edition of Flight International.

  Mr. Freeman
  Following placement of the advertisement, 20 organisations expressed a possible interest in Hercules C 130K aircraft. Contact will be made with these organisations should aircraft become available for sale.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now withdraw the offer to put up for sale a number of Hercules C130K aircraft which were advertised in the September 1994 edition of Flight International; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 28 November,Official Report, column 550.

  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what conclusions he has reached about the Hercules replacement programme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence gave on 16 December,Official Report column 823.

  Biological Warfare (Vaccines)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 21 November to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark),Official Report, column 59, if he will list the countries, other than the United Kingdom, in which licences for civilian use had been obtained for vaccines for biological warfare protection.

  Mr. Soames
  Of the vaccines administered to British service personnel during Operation Granby, against the potential biological warfare threat, two were not licensed in the UK for civilian use. One was licensed in United States of America and Canada, while the other was licensed in France, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Venezuela. Both vaccines are, however, tested by the UK National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, and cleared for use by the institute and the Department of Health.

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has made two train journeys of one hour's duration or more in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the pilots of the two Harrier jets that flew at a low altitude over the Royal Welsh agricultural show 1994 filed and submitted flight plans indicating their intentions; if flight plans were authorised; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  There were no breaches of the avoidance afforded to the Royal Welsh agricultural show in 1994. The incidents to which the hon. Member refers occurred, in fact, in 1993. At one of the units concerned, a flaw occurred in the system for presenting details of temporary 1186
  avoidances to aircrew; as a result, the avoidance was not taken into account in planning the sortie. In the second case, the sortie was planned to avoid the area of the show, but adverse weather conditions necessitated a diversion for flight safety reasons from the planned route, in the course of which the breach occurred.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many breached of low flying regulations there were over Wales in 1992, 1993 and so far in 1994; how many of these breaches resulted in formal disciplinary procedures; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  There were eight confirmed breaches in 1992 and four in 1993. Investigations to date in 1994 have confirmed that 11 breaches have occurred. None of these has to date resulted in court martial or summary disposal proceedings under the service discipline Acts. However, copies of the RAF police reports into the incidents have been sent to the commanding officers of the aircrew concerned for consideration as what further action is necessary and what can be learned from the incident.

  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy while low flying training is still necessary to offer low-level flights in conventional aircraft, as distinct from high-speed jets, to educate the public in the necessity of such manoeuvres.

  Mr. Soames
  No. We believe the provision of such flights would be of no practical benefit and the cost could not be justified. My Department does, however, recognise the importance of explaining the need for low flying and how it is controlled and monitored. Accordingly, public presentations are given regularly by RAF representatives and officials around the UK. Furthermore, informative leaflets are freely available. We believe this better meets this requirement.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received concerning infringements of low flying regulations.

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has recently received a number of representations from hon. Members and the general public about alleged infringements of low flying regulations.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date the recent alteration of the boundaries of the Glasgow-Prestwick low-flying avoidance area took effect; what is now the minimum permitted altitude for military low flying over and in the vicinity of(a) the Heads of Ayr holiday camp, (b) Maybole, (c) Dalrymple, (d) Patna, (e) Drongan, (f) Ochiltree, (g) Cumnock, (h) Auchinleck, (i) Catrine, (j) Mauchline and (k) Ballochmyle hospital; and what consultations took place prior to the reduction of the size of the Glasgow-Prestwick avoidance area.

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 16 December]: The alteration took effect on 7 November 1994 to coincide with the issue of revised military flying charts. The locations listed, with the exception of Mauchline which straddles the boundary, are outside the revised avoidance area and therefore open to low flying by fixed-wing aircraft to a minimum altitude of 250 ft minimum separation distance. The guidance provided to aircrews does, however, state that they should avoid flying over populated areas wherever possible. The UK low flying system alters whenever there is a reduction or increase of controlled airspace of this kind, whether civil or military, and it is not our practice to conduct consultations when these changes are made.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if service volunteers who take part in tests at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down are bound by the Official Secrets Acts in respect of the tests.

  Mr. Soames
  Although service volunteers are bound by the Official Secrets Acts in the same way as all other Government employees, their medical records are provided on request to their general practitioner, as is information on the studies in which they participated.

  Nuclear Liabilities
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of the President of the Board of Trade of 9 December,Official Report, column 389, if he will estimate the total liabilities to British Nuclear Fuels Ltd. and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in respect of pre-1971 programmes; what have been the total payments made so far as a result of these liabilities; and what further payments are planned within the next public expenditure plan period.

  Mr. Freeman
  Since 1988 to the end of the financial year 1993–94 the Department has paid £365 million in respect of these payments. An estimate of the payment for this financial year is some £50 million. The payments estimated for the next public plan period amount to about £250 million over the next three years.

  The estimated total value of pre-1971 waste management and decommissioning liabilities to BNFL and AEA extending well into the next century is in the order of £2 billion.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the name of the officer commanding British forces in Cyprus; when he was appointed to this position; and when his appointment is expected to end.

  Mr. Soames
  The officer commanding British Forces in Cyprus is Major General A. G. H. Harley, CB OBE. He was appointed to this position on 25 March 1993 and his appointment is expected to end in February-March 1995.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Commander in Chief of British forces in Cyprus on the need to make clear to service personnel the serious nature of drink-related driving offences; what assessment he has made of the prevalence of the offence; and if he will make a statement.

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

  Goose Bay
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the planned number of low-level sorties to be flown by Royal Air Force aircraft from Canadian forces Goose Bay in each of the years(a) 1992, (b) 1993 and (c) 1994; and what were the reasons for any divergence between the planned number of sorties and the actual numbers of sorties flown in each year.

  Mr. Soames
  In 1994, it was planned to fly 1,212 sorties, the vast majority of which would have involved an element of low flying. In the event, 1,299 sorties were 1188
  actually flown. Records of the number of sorties planned to be flown in 1992 and 1993 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Any divergence between the number of sorties planned and those readily actually flown could be the result of a variety of factors including; aircraft availability and weather but chiefly the effect of unforeseen operational deployments.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many weapons, and of what types, were dropped or fired by Royal Air Force aircraft during training from Canadian forces base Goose Bay in the 1994 flying season.

  Mr. Soames
  Some 290 inert 1,000 lb bombs and 297 inert 28 lb practice bombs were dropped by RAF aircraft during training from Canadian forces base Goose Bay in the 1994 flying season. No weapons were "fired" by RAF aircraft.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if payments to the Canadian authorities for Royal Air Force use of facilities at Goose Bay were withheld or postponed following introduction of the new cost recovery methodology by the Canadian Department of National Defence in the financial year 1990–91.

  Mr. Soames
  Part of the payment to the Canadian authorities for financial year 1990–91 was postponed while the introduction of the revised cost recovery methodology was the subject of correspondence between United Kingdom and Canadian officials.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what commitments to, or agreements on, future costs to the United Kingdom Government were contained in the agreements signed with the Canadian authorities in 1986 concerning Royal Air Force access to training at Goose Bay.

  Mr. Soames
  The United Kingdom agreed to pay for those costs attributable to the Royal Air Force's use of Goose Bay.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the presentation made by the head of the Royal Air Force delegation to the meeting of the Goose Bay military users committee in June 1994.

  Mr. Soames
  The head of the Royal Air Force delegation did not make a presentation to the Goose Bay military users committee in June 1994.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration has been given to the pooling of Royal Air Force and German air force maintenance and operations facilities for Tornado aircraft deployed for training at Canadian forces base Goose Bay.

  Mr. Soames
  Consideration of potential cost savings measures between all military users is a constant process.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what agreements have been reached with other NATO air forces concerning the sharing of air-to-air refuelling assets for transatlantic deployment of fighter aircraft to Canadian forces base Goose Bay;

  (2) what agreements have been reached with other NATO air forces concerning the sharing of air transport assets for transatlantic deployment of air and ground crew from Europe to Canadian forces base Goose Bay.

  Mr. Soames
  No agreements have been reached, although a degree of informal pooling of resources
  1189
  already takes place between the allied detachments at Goose Bay.

  Service Discipline
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many British service personnel have been disciplined in each of the last five years for alcohol-related offences while stationed in(a) Germany, (b) Britain and (c) Cyprus;

  (2) how many British service personnel have been disciplined in each of the last five years for drug-related offences whilst stationed in (a) Germany, (b) Britain and (c) Cyprus.

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

  Brian Patchett
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what efforts have been made to trace Corporal Brian Patchett of the Intelligence Corps, formerly based at RAF Gatow.

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has no record of any Brian Patchett in the Army. If the hon. Member wishes to write to my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence with more details, he will be happy to look into the matter further.

  International Military Service Ltd.
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the disposal of the assets and good will of International Military Services Ltd. is now complete; and to whom those assets and good will were passed.

  Mr. Freeman
  Although International Military Services Ltd. ceased trading on 31 July 1991, not all its residual obligations have yet been met. Disposal of its assets will not be dealt with until the company is finally wound up.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether reinforced bunkers built to designs supplied by International Military Services Ltd. are still in service in Iraq.

  Mr. Freeman
  No operational bunkers were supplied or designed by International Military Services Ltd. for Iraq.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the arrangements for supervision of International Military Services in 1987; what considerations had led to them; and how they were subsequently revised.

  Mr. Freeman
  When ownership of IMS was assumed by the Ministry of Defence in 1979, the Department laid down rigorous policy guidelines for the company, setting out the nature of the business it could undertake and the degree of MOD supervision required. The company was obliged to seek the Department's approval before initiating business in new markets, or which involved novel features or was significantly different from previous business. In 1989, IMS was required to cease trading by 1991.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 29 November 1993,Official Report, column 365, to which agencies or departments of Government the employees of IMS Ltd.
  1190
  were transferred in the years 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991.

  Mr. Freeman
  There have been no staff transfer arrangements for the years quoted between IMS Ltd. and my Department or its agencies.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the IMS Ltd. branch in Tehran was closed; and to which agency or agencies of Government its responsibilities were transferred.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Tehran office remains a registered office of IMS Ltd. None of its responsibilities has been transferred to my Department or its agencies.

  Royal Ordnance
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what total orders by value were placed with Royal Ordnance under the terms of explosives and propellants and related end products agreement; what proportion of his Department's ammunition purchases that represented; and when the EPREP agreement was terminated.

  Mr. Freeman
  Orders to an approximate total value of £560 million were placed with Royal Ordnance under the EPREP agreement, representing 80 per cent. of the Department's ammunition purchases over the agreement's five-year life. The EPREP agreement expired on 31 March 1993.

  Aircraft Reconnaissance Systems
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what electronic combat reconnaissance systems for aircraft are available from United Kingdom manufacturers; and what is the cost of each such system.

  Mr. Freeman
  Comprehensive information on systems available from industry is only held when we are considering specific proposals to purchase such equipment.

  The cost of any such system is commercially sensitive.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British strike aircraft are fitted with electronic combat reconnaissance systems; and what programme is currently in hand to fit more such systems to strike aircraft.

  Mr. Freeman
  Some Tornado GRI aircraft are equipped with the air-launched anti-radiation missile which is designed to attack and suppress enemy radar systems. The number of aircraft so equipped is classified and cannot be publicly disclosed. Following the Tornado mid-life update programme, all Tornado GR4 aircraft will be ALARM capable.

  Brunei
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent purchases have been made(a) under and (b) outside the 1989 defence protocol agreement between the United Kingdom and Brunei; and what efforts have been made to bring the defence protocol into effect.

  Mr. Freeman
  It is not the policy of this Government to reveal details of defence exports.

  The hon. Member will be interested to know that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei Darussalam signed a memorandum of understanding on defence equipment, infrastructure and training on 15 December.
  1191
  The memorandum, which enters into force immediately, will continue the close relations between the British defence industry and the Royal Brunei armed forces.

  Saudi Armed Forces Project Group
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of his Saudi armed forces project group were seconded from industry; and from which enterprises they were so seconded.

  Mr. Freeman
  Two members of staff of the Saudi armed forces project office within my Department are on secondment, one from British Aerospace and one from Hunting Engineering.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many previous officials of the Saudi armed forces project group are now working in commercial enterprises that do, or may, have an interest in contacts placed, or likely to be placed, through the group.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department does not hold comprehensive records of the subsequent employment of former staff of the Saudi armed forces project office. Such employment would, however, be governed by the normal rules on acceptance of business appointments by former Crown servants.

  Peace Dividend
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the total net and gross savings from the peace dividend in each of the past three years.

  Mr. Soames
  Details of defence spending between 1992–93 and 1994–95 at constant 1993–94 prices, are set out:

  Year

  Total £ million

  Underlying £ million

  1992–93

  23,611

  23,243

  1993–94

  22,757

  22,181

  1994–95

  22,071

  21,556—forecast of outturn

  The "underlying" figures exclude expenditure on redundancies arising from the transition to the new force structure and costs resulting from recovery from the Gulf conflict.

  Future Large Aircraft
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to place an order for the future large aircraft.

  Mr. Freeman
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 16 December 1994,Official Report, column 823.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the need by his Department to order the European future large aircraft; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Representations were made by British Aerospace in support of the European future large aircraft. A number of letters were raised from hon. Members and 1192
  from British Aerospace employees, as well as an early-day motion and some questions in the House.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact on the United Kingdom aerospace industry should the Government choose not to proceed with the FLA.

  Mr. Freeman
  I can assure the hon. Member that the wider industrial issues of the Hercules rolling replacement programme were given full and careful consideration.

  Army Costs (Northern Ireland)
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of potential savings from the reduction in Army security activities as a consequence of the ceasefire in Northern Ireland for each of the next five years.

  Mr. Soames
  No such estimate has been made.

  Military Regalia
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on items of military regalia during the last five years, indicating the costs of each type of item.

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

  Territorial Army
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to provide for the Territorial Army vehicles built in the former East Germany.

  Mr. Freeman
  None.

  Second World War
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the events planned to commemorate the end of the second world war, (b) the total cost to his Department and (c) the charges which will be made to second world war veterans and widows for participating in the events.

  Mr. Soames
  The Government plan to commemorate the end of the second world war with a programme of events to mark the 50th anniversary of both VE day and VJ day. The former will be commemorated over the 6 to 8 May bank holiday, and the latter over the weekend of 19 and 20 August. The provisional programme of major events will include:

  Dates

  Events

  6–8 May

  Public event activities in Hyde park.

  6 May

  Reception and banquet at Guildhall, City of London

  7 May

  Service at St. Paul's cathedral.

  7 or 8 May

  Services in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

  8 May

  VE night concert in Hyde park.

  19 August

  Open air service in central London.

  19 August

  Tribute and promise parade in central London

  19 August

  Evening firework display along the Thames.

  20 August

  A tribute throughout the nation, including services in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh, and culminating with a Beating the Retreat and sunset ceremony in these cities and in London.

  1193
  The cost of organising the commemorative events will fall to a number of Government Departments, as appropriate. The total cost to the Ministry of Defence cannot be projected accurately at present, as the details of plans have yet to be finalised.

  It is not envisaged that any charges will be made to veterans for admission to any of the Government-sponsored events.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service men and women on active service in(a) Bosnia and (b) elsewhere are working 60 hours per week or more.

  Mr. Soames
  We do not maintain detailed records of the hours worked by service personnel on operational duty in Bosnia. The information that is available, however, indicates that last year some 20 per cent. of other ranks worked in excess of 60 hours per week.

  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on current policy over British armed forces serving in Bosnia.

  Mr. Soames
  British troops continue to make a major contribution to the United Nations operation in the former Yugoslavia which has helped to save hundreds of thousands of lives. We intend to maintain this contribution so long as our forces can continue to carry out the UN mandate at an acceptable level of risk.

  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what commitment the United States has given to deploy ground troops in Bosnia.

  Mr. Soames
  The President of the United States has recently indicated his willingness, in principle, to contribute ground forces to any NATO-led operation to support a withdrawal of UNPROFOR, should that become necessary.

  Defence Employees
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many people are employed in British defence industries.

  Mr. Freeman
  Defence expenditure in this country, by my Department and by overseas purchasers, sustained some 425,000 jobs in industry in 1992–93, the last year for which estimates are available.

  Western European Union
  Mr. Jim Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends to meet his Swedish, Finnish and Austrian counterparts to discuss the development of the Western European Union; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence looks forward to discussing a range of defence matters with his counterparts in these countries, both in the course of bilateral meetings and in the WEU, should they decide to seek a formal association with that organisation.

  Arms Trade
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about his Department's involvement in the international arms trade.
  1194
  Mr. Freeman
  The United Kingdom involvement in the international arms tradeis strictly controlled by Government policy which takes account of our defence and international obligations. The Defence Export Services Organisation within my Department exists to help UK defence industry market and sell its products and services overseas. 1993 was a record year for British defence equipment manufacturers—winning orders worth some £7 billion. It is still too early to say how successful 1994 has been.

  Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the royal naval college, Greenwich.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to the hon. Member for Surrey, North-West (Sir M. Grylls) on 8 December,Official Report, column 303.

  Married Quarters
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how his Department's budget has been affected by the failure to sell the married quarters housing stock.

  Mr. Soames
  The defence budget for 1995–96 continues to assume a substantial receipt from the sale of married quarters in Great Britain during that year. Although the original plans for a housing trust have been dropped, other options are being pursued.

  Equipment
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent discussions he has had with the United Kingdom's European Union partners on future defence equipment needs.

  Mr. Freeman
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence regularly discusses future defence equipment needs with our European Union partners in the western European armaments group, most recently on 14 November in Noordwijk.

  Arms (Value)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what he estimates to be the value of arms currently held by British forces; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  Records are not maintained which would enable my Department to provide such information. Details of major equipment procured for the UK armed forces have, however, been published in successive Statements on the Defence Estimates.

  Contractors
  Mr. Bennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is providing to defence contractors as a result of reductions in the procurement budget.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department is assisting defence contractors to adjust to possible changes in the market for their products by providing as much information as we
  1195
  can about our future requirements, to help them in their commercial planning.

  Defence Establishments, Herefordshire
  Mr. Colin Shepherd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received concerning the closures of defence establishments in Herefordshire.

  Mr. Soames
  In the past 12 months, seven representations have been made to Ministers in my Department concerning defence establishments in the county of Hereford and Worcester where closure or part closure has been announced or proposed.

  Attack Helicopters
  Mr. Page
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what evaluations have taken place regarding the provision of attack helicopters.

  Mr. Freeman
  The evaluation of fixed price bids received at the end of September in response to the attack helicopter competition is in progress. This evaluation is being conducted on the basis of operational and cost-effectiveness, with proposals for UK industrial participation and risk being key considerations. As part of this process, test flights of the contender aircraft have been conducted.

  Konver
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with European Union representatives concerning the Konver project.

  Mr. Freeman
  None. The EEC Konver programme is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

  Diversification
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on defence diversification.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government's policy is that decisions on how to adapt to changing market circumstances, and what products to make, are for the commercial judgment of companies.

  Franco-British Summit
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the implications for United Kingdom defence policy of the recent Franco-British summit.

  Mr. Soames
  The UK-French summit formed part of the framework of bilateral relations which the UK has developed with close allies and demonstrated a commonality of views on a wide range of defence issues.

  Reserve Forces Bill
  Mr. Patchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the Reserve Forces Bill.

  Mr. Soames
  As my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 17 November,Official Report, columns 222–23, we intend to publish draft reserve forces legislation early in the new year.

  Christmas Holiday
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has made to ensure operational readiness over the Christmas holiday.

  Mr. Soames
  The operational readiness of the armed forces is maintained throughout the year at levels appropriate to the prevailing circumstances.

  Eurofighter
  Mr. Elfyn Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest position vis-a-vis completion of the Eurofighter project; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  Reorientation of the project is continuing. No decision on production is required until next year, but current planning assumes that the production investment phase will begin in early 1996 with a production contract for the first batch following about a year later.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Tam Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the film "Maltese Double Cross", by Alan Francovites, in relation to those areas of the Pan Am 103 crash over Lockerbie which are the responsibility of his Department.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 15 December,Official Report, column 766. My Department has co-operated fully with the Crown Office and Dumfries and Galloway police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so.

  UN Military Capability
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what ideas his Department has submitted to the appropriate authorities for the reform of the United Nations military capability.

  Mr. Soames
  The 1993 British reply to the United Nations Secretary-General's report "An Agenda for Peace" put forward a range of proposals on command and control, planning, doctrine and other aspects of peacekeeping, several of which have been adopted. The United Kingdom has also responded constructively to the United Nations standby force planning initiative. In addition, we have taken an active part in general discussions on ways of enhancing the capacity of the United Nations to mount peacekeeping operations. My Department has been fully involved in all these responses.

  Army
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about possible defence agency status for the Army's technical branches and authorities.

  Mr. Soames
  I have decided that Army technical support should be considered as a candidate for agency status, under the next steps procedures. A "prior options" study is under way to establish whether agency status or other options would be appropriate and an entry to this effect appeared in the December 1994 market-testing bulletin. I would welcome comments from interested parties; these should be sent by 26 January 1995 to: Major General P.J.G. Corp, Director General Equipment Support
  1197
  (Army), HQ QMG, Monxton road, Andover, Hants, SP11 8HT.

  Disposals Sales Agency
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the establishment of the Disposals Sales Agency responsible for the disposal by sale of stores and equipment surplus to the requirements of his Department.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Disposal Sales Agency was established as an agency within the Defence Export Services Organisation of the Ministry of Defence on 1 October 1994. The role of the agency is to provide a disposal sales service for surplus equipment, stores, spares and other material to the Ministry of Defence and the Department's agencies.

  In the past, there have been major sales to other Governments of equipment in operational condition, in particular ex-Royal Navy ships; and other ranges of surplus equipment and stores provide considerable revenue to the Department each year. The skills of the disposal sales agency in identifying the best marketing opportunities and increased private sector involvement are the key to the future success of the agency.

  The previous organisation was headed by a grade 6 civil servant, who has been appointed the agency's first chief executive. The agency has 100 employees.

  The chief executive has been set the following key targets for the financial year 1994–95:

  1. to achieve disposal sales revenue of £60.8 million

  2. to introduce three new storage and marketing agreements—joint ventures—with industry.

  3. to implement the first stage of a three-year programme of withdrawal of the agency from direct selling, other than Government-to-Government sales.

  4. to improve efficiency by reducing the overhead of the agency's stores activity in Germany.

  5. to establish an agency resource data base and interim output budget, incorporating full cost
  accruals accounting.

  6. to develop performance indicators.

  Copies of the agency's framework document are available in the Library of the House.

  Cash Limits
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes he has to announce to the class I cash limits and running costs limit for 1994–95.

  Mr. Rifkind
  The class I cash limits will be amended as follows:

  Class I cash limits

  Vote

  Current cash limit

  Change

  Revised cash limit £000s

  1

  11,554,200

  -4,549

  11,549,651

  3

  6,404,169

  -11,230

  6,392,939

  These changes reduce the block defence cash limit by £15,779,000 from £22,777,039,000 to £22,761,260,000.
  1198
  They reflect decreases to compensate for an overspend on class I, vote 3 in financial year 1993–94.

  The Ministry of Defence's running cost regime has been replaced by a much broader defence operating costs limit covering all front-line and support budgetary expenditure. The new limit will be £17,399,500,000 in 1994–95. This is an administrative change only, with no effect on the defence block cash limit or on the vote structure. Controls analogous to those of the running costs regime will continue to apply to defence operating costs.

  Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his intention to make provision for the re-sparring of the one remaining Lancaster bomber of the battle of Britain memorial flight in time to avoid its grounding from May 1996 onwards; and if he will make a statement about the future size of the flight.

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 16 December]: The future of the battle of Britain memorial flight is not in doubt. Current plans assume that the Lancaster will be re-sparred during the winter of 1995–96. Decisions on the future size of the flight will follow the outcome of a routine review, now under way, into its composition, activities and cost.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 1 December,Official Report, column 843, if he will make a statement regarding his Department's expenditure on special advisers in each of the last three financial years and for the financial year 1979–80.

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 19 December,Official Report, column 937.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the duration of the trips, undertaken by Ministers in his Department on which they were accompanied by their spouses and paid for at public expense, which were referred to in his answer of 26 October,Official Report, column 644.

  Mr. Howard
  The duration of the visits were from 1 January to 7 January 1994 and from 20 August to 2 September 1994.

  North Wales Police Authority
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement concerning the establishment level of the North Wales police authority.

  Mr. Maclean
  The approved establishment of the North Wales police is 1,369. This represents an increase of 90 posts since 1979. The increase is in line with those received by other police forces. As from 1 April next year,
  1199
  formal approval of establishments will end, and complement levels will be entirely for local decision.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what revenues he has made available to the North Wales police authority to enable it to develop its school liaison and community-based projects; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  No specific funding has been made available for these purposes. The police service undertakes a range of work in schools and the community, in order to foster good relations between the police and young people. It is for the chief constable to determine the deployment of resources to meet the various responsibilities of the North Wales police.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the allocation of funds to the North Wales police authority so that it may recruit officers, special constables and civilians.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question by him on 8 December at columns 567-68.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what percentage the North Wales police authority's spending has been increased in the coming year; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  It is the responsibility of the North Wales police authority to set the force budget for 1995–96.

  Prison Security
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if funding is always available to prisons in England and Wales when a prison governor requests improvements to alarm systems, or security cameras; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the availability of funding for improvements to alarm systems or security cameras in prisons in England and Wales.
  Governors have discretion to spend up to £50,000 from their local budget on capital projects, including installation of alarms or security cameras. If they have inadequate budget available, they can apply for central funding and this would normally be granted if it was an essential security expenditure.

  Departmental Telephone Calls
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been spent on telephone charges and how many telephone calls have been made by his Department for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Howard
  I regret that this information is not available.

  Police Resources (Wales)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the principle underlying the decision he took concerning the sharing of resources among the police authorities of Wales.
  1200
  Mr. Maclean
  The draft report "The Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 1995–96" sets out the principles on which proposed allocations of resources to police forces have been made for 1995–96. A copy of the report has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what percentage Welsh police spending has increased in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Between 1992–93 and 1993–94 total capital and current expenditure by Welsh police authorities increased by 4.2 per cent. Final expenditure figures for 1994–95 are not yet available. The Government's proposals for allocations of police grant for current expenditure and police standard spending assessments in Wales in 1995–96 were announced on 1 December 1994,Official Report, column 815.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has with the chief constables of Dyfed and North Wales before the apportioning of resources to police authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Association of Chief Police Officers was represented on the Home Office working group which oversaw the development of the funding formula. The draft "Police Grant Report (England and Wales) 1995–96" was sent to chief officers on 1 December. This offers to them the opportunity to comment upon my right hon. and learned Friend's proposals for the allocation of police funding in 1995–96.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will grant extra funds to the North Wales police authority to enable it to proceed with its capital project on the communications network; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  Projects of this kind are funded from the block allocations of capital resources which are made to each police authority. It is for the Police Authority and chief constable to decide what their priorities are and on what they spend their allocation. There are no additional funds available for individual communications projects.

  Executive Search Agencies
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what use his Department has made of executive search agencies in filling vacancies within his Department and executive agencies administered by his Department during the last year; and how much these services have cost his Department.

  Mr. Howard
  Executive search consultants are used in making appointments to public bodies where it is thought that they will be able to supplement usefully the field of applicants.

  Since January 1994 consultants have been used in a scheme to fill the post of prisons ombudsman and are currently being used to assist in recruiting a director of personnel for the Prison Service.

  For reasons of commercial confidentiality it is not our practice to disclose individual contract values. However, the combined value of the two contracts is £44,000 excluding VAT.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the average period of detention of those asylum seekers who are detained;

  (2) what is the longest time for which an asylum seeker has been detained;

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 12 December, Official Report, columns 483–84, for how long each of (a) the 103 asylum seekers who have been detained for more than six months and (b) the asylum seekers who have been detained for longer than 12 months have been in detention.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Information on the length of detention of those people who had sought asylum and have been in detention longer than 12 months at 15 December 1994 is given in the table. Similar information for those detained longer than six months could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The longest currently detained person who had sought asylum has been held in detention since 14 August 1990. The individual concerned has been detained for this exceptional length of time because he represents a substantial threat to national security.

  Information on the average period of detention for persons currently detained, who had sought asylum is not available.

  Persons detained longer than 12 months as at 15 December 1994, who had sought asylum, by the date on which each person entered detention

  Port cases

  Deportation cases

  Illegal entrant cases

  10 September 1993

  17 March 1993

  27 May 1993

  11 November 1993

  8 June 1993

  3 June 1993

  2 December 1993

  12 October 1993

  15 September 1993

  2 December 1993

  13 November 1993

  9 October 1993

  4 December 1993

  6 November 1993

  15 December 1993

  23 November 1993

  25 November 1993

  Ministerial Train Journeys
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many train journeys of one hour's duration or more he has made in Britain in 1994 in the course of his official duties.

  Mr. Howard
  I have made 24 train journeys of one hour's duration or more this year.

  Fire Safety
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for a cost-benefit analysis on the recommendations of the interdepartmental review on fire safety legislation and enforcement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Government have not yet taken any decisions in response to those recommendations. Before we do so, we will give careful consideration to all the relevant issues including the costs and benefits of the propositions before us.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has that self-compliance in matters of fire safety in houses of multi-occupation will improve standards of safety.
  1202
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Self-compliance under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 for which the Home Office has responsibility is at present only provided for under section 9A. This does not affect houses in multiple occupation. Policy in respect of houses in multiple occupation rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Ex-prisoners (Housing)
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the rate of reoffending by prisoners who have no secure residence to return to on their release; and what assessment he has made of the probable impact upon this rate of reoffending if housing benefit is restricted for single prisoners to a maximum of 13 weeks.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  There is no statistical information routinely available on the relationship between reoffending by prisoners and the type of accommodation to which they are released. It is therefore not possible to assess any effect on reoffending of changes to the rules on eligibility for housing benefit for single prisoners.

  Income Support
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) males and (b) females in receipt of income support have been imprisoned in the last year for non-payment of fines.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Lynne Jones, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many (a) males and (b) females in receipt of income support have been imprisoned in the last year for non-payment of fines.
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  National Lottery
  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the date of the appointment of the chief executive of the National Lottery Charities Board.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  This is a matter for the National Lottery Charities Board.

  Mr. John Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when charities will be allowed to apply for funds from the National Lottery Charities Board; and what process or criteria will be used to determine distribution.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  These are matters for the National Lottery Charities Board.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when a definitive date will be given for the appointment of a chief executive to the National Lottery Charities Board.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  This is a matter for the National Lottery Charities Board, but I understood that it expects to make an announcement very shortly.
  1203
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when charities will be given the opportunity to apply for funds from the National Lottery Charities Board; and what process will be used to decide on distribution.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  This is a matter for the charities board.

  Prison Populations (European Union)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the prison population in each of the 12 member states of the European Union.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The countries of the European Union are covered by the statistics collated by the Council of Europe. The latest available information is given in the table. An article on "International Comparisons of Prison Populations" by Collier and Tarling—Home Office research bulletin No. 23, pages 48 to 54—showed that the figures for different countries are unlikely to be strictly comparable because the definitions of prisons and prisoners vary from one country to another, reflecting different legal and administrative systems. Examples of differences in the definitions are the inclusion or exclusion in a country's figures of juvenile offenders and mentally disordered offenders.

  Prison population in each of the countries of the European Union as at 1 September 19931

  Nationality

  Prison population

  Belgium

  7,200

  Denmark

  3,700

  France

  51,100

  Germany2

  65,800

  Greece3

  6,500

  Ireland

  2,100

  Italy

  50,800

  Luxembourg

  400

  Netherlands

  7,800

  Portugal

  10,900

  Spain

  45,700

  United Kingdom

  53,400

  1 Provisional figures.

  2 Data refer to 30 September 1993, and as opposed to previous surveys includes data for the five new "Lander".

  3 Data refer to 1 January 1993.

  Life Sentences
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women over the age of 60 years are at present serving a life prison sentence in prisons in England and Wales.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Torn Cox, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many (a) men and (b) women over the age of sixty years are at present serving a life prison sentence in prisons in England and Wales.
  The latest available information is for 31 October 1994. On that date there were 155 life sentence prisoners (149 males and six females) aged over sixty years in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales.
  1204
  Mrs. Peacock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners are at present serving a life sentence in the United Kingdom; and what is the total annual cost to the Exchequer.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mrs. Elizabeth Peacock, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many prisoners are at present serving a life sentence in the United Kingdom; and what is the total annual cost to the exchequer.
  The latest available information is for 31 October 1994. On that date there were 3,200 life sentence prisoners (3,095 males and 105 females) in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales. Information for Scotland and Northern Ireland is available from the Scottish and Northern Ireland offices respectively. The average net operating cost per prisoner per week is published in the "Prison Service Annual Report and Accounts, April 1992—March 1993" (Table D, Volume 2, Cm 2385) and was £494 at 1992–93 prices.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are serving a life prison sentence in each of the 12 European Union states.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I regret that the information requested, is not available for states in membership of the Council of Europe other than the United Kingdom.

  Doncaster Prison
  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many companies bid to manage the Doncaster prison when Premier Prison Services succeeded in winning the contract.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. John Gunnell, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about Doncaster prison.
  Five bids to manage Doncaster prison were received in response to the invitation to tender.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what performance criteria are specified in the contract for managing Doncaster prison.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. John Gunnell, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the performance criteria specified in the contract for managing Doncaster prison.
  The contract, a copy of which is held in the House of Commons Library, specifies a wide range of performance criteria, covering all aspects of the prison's activities. As with both publicly and privately managed prisons, the performance at Doncaster is measured against key performance indicators, which are specified as follows:
  Escapes from the prison: no more than two by the end of the first year of operation thereafter no more than one in each year of operation.

  1205
  Escapes from court: no more than eight each year for the first three years. No more than six in the fourth year and then subject to review.
  Time out of cell: a minimum of twelve hours a day for prisoners on normal location.
  A positive regime: a minimum of at least twelve hours a day of regime activities including education for prisoners on normal location. Adult prisoners to have access to a minimum of six hours a week, and young prisoners under 17 provision of fifteen hours a week, of education and training.
  Visits: The statutory minimum as set out in Prison Rules.
  Grievances: Ninety per cent. of grievances, capable of resolution at prison level, resolved within seven days.
  Assaults on prisoners: no more than 148 by the end of the first year of operation, to be reviewed at the end of the first year.
  Assaults on staff: no more than 77 by the end of the first year of operation, to be reviewed at the end of the first year.

  Prison Escapes
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those prisoners serving sentences who have spent time unlawfully at large during the past five years were at large for(a) 24 hours, (b) seven days, (c) 30 days and (d) more than 30 days.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. A. J. Beith, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many of those prisoners serving sentences who have spent time unlawfully at large during the past five years were at large for (a) 24 hours (b) seven days (c) thirty days and (d) more than thirty days.
  I am afraid that this information is not collected centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those prisoners serving sentences who have spent time unlawfully at large during the last five years(a) returned to custody voluntarily, (b) were reapprehended by the police and other agencies of the law and (c) are still at large.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. A. J. Beith, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many of those prisoners serving sentences who have spent time unlawfully at large during the last five years (a) returned to custody voluntarily (b) were reapprehended by the police and other agencies of the law and (c) are still at large.
  I regret that this information is not collected centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Capsicum Pepper Sprays
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the draft report of the joint Home Office and metropolitan police review of deportation procedures contained reference to the use of capsicum pepper sprays.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  It is not the practice to comment on the contents of draft or incomplete reports. As I said in my reply on 6 December at column 150, the
  1206
  conclusions of the review were placed in the Library on 12 January 1994.

  Firefighters
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of firefighters serving(a) the city of Sheffield, (b) South Yorkshire, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) the west midlands; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Information on the number of firefighters in each fire authority is published annually in the reports of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Fire Services for England and Wales. The latest report, for 1993–94, column 2679, contains on page 14 a table giving brigade establishments and strengths as at 1 January 1994. I understand from South Yorkshire fire and civil defence authority that on that date there were 471 regular firefighters and 62 retained firefighters based at fire stations in the city of Sheffield.

  Prison Escorts
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners serving sentences have been guarded, escorted or otherwise supervised by private security firms, and how many by the Prison Service, since the first escort of prisoners by private security firms; and how many have escaped from the supervision of each.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. A. J. Beith, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the escapes of prisoners serving sentences from escorts by the Prison Service and from escorts by contractors.
  I am afraid that the information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Cheshire Police Headquarters
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cause of the major power fault cut on 29 November affecting Cheshire police force headquarters; how long they were without power; what emergency systems they used; what action is being taken to prevent this happening again; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand that the power failure at Cheshire constabulary headquarters was caused by an internal failure of both normal and backup electricity supplies. Power was restored to the building after two hours. The 999 emergency system remained operative throughout. Measures have already been taken to prevent such a thing happening again.

  Detention Pending Trial
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take in response to recommendation 1245 of 1994 of the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe relating to detention pending trial; and if he will make a statement.
  1207
  Mr. Maclean
  The decision to detain a person pending trial is taken primarily to protect the public and ensure the pursuance of justice.

  The majority of the guidelines contained in this recommendation reflect existing law and procedure in the United Kingdom.

  Police Authorities
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the guidelines governing the claiming and levels of attendance allowances for members of police authorities.

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is contained in a Home Office circular letter dated 5 August 1994. A copy is available in the Library.

  Police Strength
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of police officers serving(a) the city of Sheffield, (b) south Yorkshire, (c) Greater Manchester and (d) west midlands; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is set out in the table:

  Police strength at September 1994

  City of Sheffield

  995

  South Yorkshire

  3,029

  Greater Manchester

  6,949

  West Midlands

  6,981

  Firearms
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what response he has made to the Association of Chief Police Officers report on firearms licensing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  The Association of Chief Police Officers produced a report on firearms administration in 1990. This was considered by a working group set up in 1991, consisting of Home Office officials, Her majesty's inspectorate of constabulary and representatives of several police forces, which was set up to promote efficiency and consistency amongst forces; to identify models of best practice for forces in administering the firearms licensing system; and to identify a reliable basis on which to set fees. The report of that group was circulated to police forces, strongly recommending that, where they had not already done so, they adopt the procedures which is set out.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of his Department's posts lost or contracted out as a result of market testing since 1991.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  A total of 705 Home Office posts have been contracted out as a result of the "Competing for Quality" programme, which includes strategic contracting out as well as market testing with in-house bids. There has also been a reduction of 209 posts as a result of efficiency improvements made by in-house bid teams during the market-testing process.
  1208
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many external contractors have been awarded functions of his department following a market test; and what were the contract prices.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) at column 487.

  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) which outside consultants were used during the course of any market test conducted or completed since 1991;

  (2) what was the total amount paid to each consultant used on his Department's market testing in each year since 1991.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Up to 30 September 1994 the Home Office market-testing division and the Prison Service contracts and competition group engaged the following consultants to advise on market tests where there was an in-house bid:

  Brian Farrington Ltd.

  P. Chapman

  Clayton Forde Associates

  D. Croin

  ER Consultants

  Ernst and Young

  Handley-Walker plc

  Ken Worthing Associates

  KPMG Peat Marwick

  Lamb Associates

  G. Lister

  L. Massey

  PA Consulting Group

  Theodore Goddard

  Touche Ross Management Consultants

  Information on the costs of contracts with individual consultants is commercially confidential.

  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the outcome of each market-testing exercise in his Department which has been completed since 1991;

  (2) which of his Department's functions have been market tested since 1991.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The outcome for each market test with an in-house bid since 1991 is as follows:

  Market testing exercise

  Non-Prisons Programme

  Statistics Data Collection

  In-house bid win

  Central Training Services

  In-house bid win

  Central Typing Services

  In-house bid win

  Reprographic and Design and Illustration Services

  Contract to be awarded to HMSO

  Departmental Computer Services

  Contracted out

  Immigration and Nationality Department Security Guards

  In-house bid win

  Internal Audit

  In-house bid win

  Record Storage and Retrieval

  In-house bid win

  Immigration and Nationality Department Typing Services

  In-house bid win

  Immigration and Nationality Department Messengerial and Reprographic Services Immigration and Nationality Department File Storage and Retrieval Services

  Tenders being evaluated

  Prisons Programme

  HMP Manchester

  In-house bid win

  Warehousing Prisons

  In-house bid win

  1209

  Market testing exercise

  Facilities Management

  In-house bid win

  Management of Buckley Hall Prison

  Contracted-out

  Private Security Patrols
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the guards employed by private security patrols in Southwark have criminal convictions.

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not available.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what meetings he has had with the police in Southwark to discuss the issue of private security patrols;

  (2) if he will make a statement on mobile private security patrols operating in Southwark.

  Mr. Maclean
  My right hon. and learned Friend has not discussed private security patrols with the police in Southwark. We are not aware of an significant local problems with patrols operating in the area.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to license private security patrols.

  Mr. Maclean
  We have no such plans.

  Drivers (Insurance Fines)
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of those convicted of driving without insurance received fines of greater than(a) £1,000 and (b) £5,000 in 1993.

  Mr. Maclean
  Information available to me indicates that 6,538 convictions for driving without insurance in 1993 in England and Wales resulted in fines of over £1,000 being imposed, none of which was over £5,000.

  Prisoner Transfers
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have been transferred from Great Britain prisons to Northern Ireland prisons in the last six months, in the categories of republican, loyalist or non-terrorist offenders.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Since July, 11 prisoners have been transferred from prisons in England and Wales to prisons in Northern Ireland on a temporary basis. Eight of these prisoners have been convicted of terrorist offences. Requests for such transfers are not considered or recorded on the basis of the prisoner's political beliefs.

  Stop and Search
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances a police officer who stops a person and bodily searches that person is required to make an official report of the incident in his log book and also in the police station to which he is assigned; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  These matters are regulated by section 3 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and by the code of practice for the exercise by police officers of statutory powers of stop and search—code A—made under section 66(a) of the Act.
  1210
  A written record must be made of all stops and searches by police officers. The record must be made on the form provided for this purpose as soon as practicable after the search. The search record is to be retained at a police station in the area where the search takes place. A copy of the record may be obtained by the person searched if he asks for it within one year of the date of the search.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in what circumstances the Metropolitan police maintain computer records relating to individual stop-and-search incidents; and what is the purpose of so doing in respect of those searches which do not give rise to an arrest.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: I understand from the Commissioner that computer records of all stop-and-search incidents are maintained at local divisional level throughout the Metropolitan police district. This is in compliance with section 3(7) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, which requires that the police record all occasions when a person is searched. Anyone who is stopped and searched by the police is entitled to request a copy of the record of the search for up to 12 months after the search took place; computer records are therefore maintained to allow for such requests. They are destroyed after 12 months.

  Mr. Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 December.Official Report, column 843, which five police authorities estimated the numbers of ethnic minorities stopped and searched in the fiscal year 1993–94; what is the basis of their estimates; for what reasons these authorities could not collect actual figures; and what action he will take to ensure that all police forces comply with the request to supply accurate figures for the numbers of ethnic minorities stopped and searched in the forthcoming year.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Statistics of the number of stops and searches conducted in 1993–94 were collected from forces by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary. Estimated figures were provided in respect of five forces: Essex, Humberside, Lancashire, Sussex and West Midlands.

  In Essex, the form containing the ethnic split was not introduced until 1 October 1993, and in Humberside not until 1 September 1993. HMIC received returns only for the portions of the fiscal year after those dates, and multiplied the figures appropriately.

  In the case of Lancashire, the relevant form was not introduced until 1 January 1994. The force estimated the ethnic breakdown of the total years' result based on the split disclosed during the months for which these figures were available. In Sussex, the form was not introduced until 1 July 1993; the force estimated the annual total by grossing up from the available figures.

  West Midlands was unable to provide actual data because the force did not receive forms from every subdivision for every month. It furnished HMIC with an estimate on the basis of approximately 94 per cent. of potential returns.

  These were difficulties associated with the introduction of this new monitoring procedure and it is not expected that there will be such difficulties in subsequent years.

  European Youth Campaign
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the United Kingdom's financial
  1211
  contribution to the European youth campaign against racism, xenophobia, anti-semitism and intolerance; and what is the figure for each of the European countries.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The campaign was agreed on the basis that it would be met from existing Council of Europe resources, supplemented by voluntary additional contributions and private sector funding. At the national level the United Kingdom contribution to the European youth campaign is being co-ordinated by the Commission for Racial Equality as part of its statutory function to promote good race relations. This will be funded from its existing Government grant of £15.5 million—1994–95. Information is not available on the position of other member states, most of which have no equivalent of the CRE and will have to allocate specific funding, but we understand that very few have offered additional contributions.

  Prison Staff Violence
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made on the Prison Service project to reduce violence against staff; and when a report will be published.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the Prison Service project to reduce violence against staff.
  The preliminary work of the project has been completed and the results will shortly be considered by the Prison Board. Further work is likely to be undertaken. There are no plans to publish the preliminary results.

  Dorset Police Authority
  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total budget for the Dorset police authority for 1994–95.

  Mr. Maclean
  The latest estimate by the Dorset police authority of total current and capital expenditure in 1994–95 is £65.2 million.

  Child Abduction
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to ensure that there are uniform and satisfactory instructions on dealing with child abduction cases available in all police stations.

  Mr. Maclean
  Discussions are planned between the Association of Chief Police Officers and Reunite—the National Council for Abducted Children—on a range of issues, including guidance materials available to police officers.

  Thames Valley Police Authority
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total budget for the Thames Valley police authority for 1994–95; and what proportion was allocated to Berkshire.

  Mr. Maclean
  The latest estimate by the Thames Valley police authority of total current and capital 1212
  expenditure in 1994–95 is £188.7 million. The proportion of expenditure applicable to Berkshire cannot be separately identified.

  Secure Training Units
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary State for the Home Department if he will list the locations selected for secure training units and give for each(a) the date on which detailed planning permission was applied for, (b) the progress to date on each application (c) the projected dates on each site for letting a contract, for commencement on site and for completion, (d) the number of young people to be accommodated in each case, (e) the target date for first admissions in each case, (f) the target date for first admissions in each case and (g) the target date for full operation.

  Mr. Maclean
  I announced on 21 April 1994 at columns 636–37, that it was proposed to site secure training centres at Campsfield house, Gringley, Medomsley and Onley. The location of the fifth site, at Cookham Wood, was announced on 29 June 1994 at column 622. Each secure training centre will accommodate up to 40 persistent juvenile offenders sentenced to a secure training order.

  Applications for outline planning permission in respect of four of the sites and for a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use in respect of the Gringley site have been lodged with the relevant planning authorities. To date, permission has been granted on one site—Cookham Wood—and planning consultants have been engaged to advise on progressing matters on the other four sites.

  Following enactment of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, it is our intention to issue invitations to tender for the design, construction and refurbishment, management and finance of each secure training centre. Invitations to tender will be issued on the basis of named sites with the benefit of outline planning permission for the development of a secure training centre. Contracts will then be let as soon as practicable following receipt of the tenders.

  It will be the responsibility of the contractor to obtain detailed planning permission and issues such as projected start and completion dates on site, target dates for first admission and for full operation are contractual matters to be proposed by tenderers. Those proposals will then form part of the tender evaluation exercise.

  Unitary Authorities, Wales
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the electoral areas to be used for the first elections to the councils of the new unitary authorities in Wales.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I am pleased to announce that my right hon. and noble Friend Lady Blatch has today signed electoral arrangements orders establishing the electoral areas to be used for the first elections for the 22 new unitary authorities in Wales.

  The orders confirm the proposals submitted to the Home Secretary by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales in July this year. The first elections to the new authorities will be held on 4 May 1995. Copies of the orders may be obtained from the Vote Office.

  Justice and Home Affairs Council
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 30 November and 1 December.

  Mr. Howard
  The main matters dealt with by the Council were as follows:

  The Council discussed the serious problems presented by fraud against the Community budget. It adopted a resolution on the criminal law protection of Community financial interests, and agreed that further work should be done on this during the first half of 1995 with a view to concluding a binding legal instrument. The United Kingdom proposed a legally binding joint action in March this year.

  The Council considered the draft Europol convention but was unable to resolve all the outstanding issues. The presidency reported on progress in developing the convention to the European Council at Essen on 9 to 10 December.

  The Council decided on senior staff appointments in the EUROPOL drugs unit. The United Kingdom candidate has now been confirmed as a member of the senior management team.

  The Council adopted the following measures in the field of immigration:

  Resolution on the admission of third-country nationals to the territory of member states for study purposes.

  Resolution on admission for self-employment.

  Joint action on travel facilities for third country nationals school pupils.

  The Council adopted conclusions setting out the framework for organising co-operation and contacts with third countries on third pillar matters. The Council agreed that the French presidency should organise a meeting with Cyprus and Malta in the first half of 1995.

  The Council considered an interim report on racism and xenophobia. It expressed general agreement on the importance of the issue and on the need for further work on all aspects of the problem.

  It considered an interim report on judicial co-operation against international organised crime and asked officials to develop a range of proposals for further action.

  The Council agreed proposals from the presidency for increased police and customs co-operation in implementation of the declaration adopted at the Berlin conference with central and eastern European states on 8 September.

  The Council agreed that officials should proceed with the development of a convention covering all aspects of extradition concurrently with the preparation of a more limited, separate instrument creating simplified procedures for persons consenting to extradition. The aim should be to finalise this latter document in the first half of 1995.

  The Council considered a progress report on the drafting of an extension to the Brussels convention, covering jurisdiction and enforcement of judgments in matrimonial cases. It agreed that the working group should continue its work and should examine in particular the possibility of extending the convention to procedures relating to the custody of children.

  Passports
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reached a decision on the recommendations arising from the Passport Agency's review of the British visitors passport, the British excursion document and the collective passport; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  The Passport Agency's review of the British visitor's passport, the British excursion document and the collective passport has now been completed. The need for the review arose from 1988 Home Affairs Select Committee report which recommended that because of doubts about its security and value as an identity document, the BVP should be withdrawn as soon as the computerisation programme for issuing standard passports had been successfully completed, and effective arrangements were in place for the issue of the standard 10-year passport, especially for people requiring a travel document quickly.

  In conducting the review, the agency has consulted widely and received contributions from the Home Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Security Service, from leading organisations in the travel industry, the Post Office and from national youth associations.

  The review evidence has established that the BVP is a poor quality travel document which does not provide definite evidence of national status or of identity, and its security is poor. It is used in the evasion of immigration controls, and its use by criminals, terrorists and football hooligans has been of considerable concern to police and immigration authorities in this country, and in the EC for a long time. Because of these factors, Spain has decided to withdraw acceptance of the BVP from 1 October 1995, and it is clear that many other EC Governments, facing immigration pressures from outside the EC are very concerned about the BVP's security weaknesses.

  The BVP remains popular, but its poor reputation creates problems for bona-fide holders, and it is of no value for non-travel purposes. In comparison to the standard 10-year passport, it represents poor value for money.

  As for the BED which can be used for short excursions to France, and the no-passport excursion arrangements with Belgium and the Netherlands, the review has established that these arrangements are also vulnerable to abuse, and are not compatible with the requirement for tight immigration controls.

  The review has concluded that there is strong support for the continuation of the collective passport which is well regarded in Europe.

  In the light of these findings the Passport Agency has recommended that the BED and the arrangements for no-passport excursions should be withdrawn from 1 March 1995; that the BVP should be withdrawn from 1 January 1996; and that the collective passport should be retained.

  The Passport Agency is satisfied that the standard passport which costs £18 will provide a convenient and effective replacement for the BVP and BED, and that it will be able to provide a flexible and responsive service which fully meets the needs of the travelling public throughout the year. To improve customer service the agency is planning to form partnerships with high street outlets such as travel agents and the Post Office so that they will issue and receive completed applications, and

  1215
  fees from the public. The agency intends to have these arrangements in place by the autumn of next year.

  I have carefully considered the Passport Agency's report on its review, and its recommendations, and after consultations with colleagues, I have approved them.

  The Green Paper on identity cards, which I plan to publish in the spring of 1995, will take account of the Government's decision to withdraw the British visitor's passport and the no-passport arrangements. It will invite views on the available options for a national identity card scheme, including the possible use of a United Kingdom identity card as a travel document within Europe.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which of the advisory non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department(a) hold open meetings, (b) conduct public consultation exercises, (c) conduct consultation exercises with outside commercial interests, (d) publish a register of members' interests, (e) publish agendas for meetings and (f) publish the minutes of meetings; and whether this is in each case (i) under a statutory requirement of (ii) voluntary.

  Mr. Howard
  [holding answer 16 December 1994]: Details of appointments for which I am responsible are given in "Public Bodies 1993", a copy of which is in the Library.

  The answers in relation to the advisory non-departmental public bodies listed in "Public Bodies 1993" and sponsored by the Home Department are as follows:

  (a) none

  (b) Boundary Commission for England—statutory requirement—Boundary Commission for Wales—statutory requirement

  (c) Advisory council on the Misuse of Drugs—voluntary—Animal Procedures Committee—voluntary

  (d) none

  (e) none

  (f) none

  Maidstone Gaol
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have been made to home leave arrangements at Maidstone gaol since 1 November.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about changes that have been made to home leave arrangements at Maidstone prison since 1 November 1994.
  The more stringent risk assessment for temporary release (which includes home leave) for prisoners, announced on 18 November by the Home Secretary, has already been implemented at Maidstone. The new procedures, which include consideration of the victims' views if known, will provide for a more rigorous assessment to be made in considering all applications for home leave and temporary release.

  Police Funding
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish, by police force area, figures for total police funding in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1994–95.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 12 December 1994]: In respect of 1995–96 I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Uxbridge (Mr. Shersby) on 1 December 1994 at column 844.

  It is not possible to provide directly comparable figures for police funding in 1994–95. The elements of standard spending assessments relevant to police are, in the case of county forces, part of the counties' overall SSAs for the provision of local services. Police grant for 1994–95 is now being paid in respect of actual expenditure by police authorities. The nearest approximation to police funding in 1994–95 is therefore obtained by adding an estimate of that part of a county's SSA relevant to the police to estimated police grant. These figures are given and provide a rough basis for comparison with 1995–96 funding. They are not, however, directly comparable because:

  (a) the 1994–95 financial year is not yet over and the expenditure figures are therefore still estimates; and,

  (b) grant elements of the 1994–95 figures include forces' share of funding for common police services, whereas the 1995–96 grant element of the figures are shown after forces' share of funding for common police services have been taken into account. Section 31 of the Police Act 1964 as substituted by section 17 of the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994 does not provide for deductions from grant to fund common police services.

  The table shows the totals of the estimated SSAs relevant and to police and police grants by English police force area in 1994–95. For 1994–95 and earlier years there were no SSAs for police authorities in Wales.

  Police force area

  £ million 1994–95 estimated funding

  English Forces

  Avon and Somerset

  139.82

  Bedfordshire

  53.16

  Cambridgeshire

  58.07

  Cheshire

  85.83

  Cleveland

  67.53

  Cumbria

  53.98

  Derbyshire

  83.56

  Devon and Cornwall

  136.75

  Dorset

  61.16

  Durham

  61.80

  Essex

  143.99

  Gloucestershire

  53.85

  Hampshire

  155.67

  Hertfordshire

  82.05

  Humberside

  91.65

  Kent

  152.38

  Lancashire

  147.20

  Leicestershire

  81.83

  Lincolnshire

  56.67

  Norfolk

  65.16

  North Yorkshire

  63.07

  Northamptonshire

  55.46

  Nottinghamshire

  105.02

  Staffordshire

  97.17

  Suffolk

  55.83

  Surrey

  84.75

  Sussex

  131.58

  Thames Valley

  191.25

  1217

  Police force area

  £ million 1994–95 estimated funding

  Warwickshire

  46.48

  West Mercia

  95.24

  Wiltshire

  58.45

  English Shires Total

  2,816.40

  English Metropolitan Forces

  Greater Manchester

  314.56

  Merseyside

  213.26

  Northumbria

  163.10

  South Yorkshire

  136.84

  West Midlands

  314.92

  West Yorkshire

  240.90

  English Metropolitan Total

  1,383.58

  Metropolitan Police

  1,616.89

  City of London

  56.18

  Total

  5,873.05

  Corporate Plan
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will be publishing the next corporate plan; and what consultations with the trade unions will precede it.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about when the next Corporate Plan will be published; and what consultations with the trade unions will precede it.
  We expect to publish the Corporate Plan for 1995–98 not later than 1 April 1995. We are happy to take account of any comments from the trade unions in preparing the draft Corporate Plan, which will then be submitted to the Home Secretary for approval. A meeting has already been arranged with the Prison Service Trade Union Side to discuss the next Corporate Plan on 20 December, and we will be happy to arrange further meetings with the unions if they so wish.

  Prisoner Release (Victims)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether victims in individual cases will have the right to challenge a governor's decision to release a prisoner on home leave or temporary release;

  (2) how victims will be made aware of any prisoner's applications for either home leave, temporary leave or parole.

  (3) what legal advice he took prior to announcing the fact that he is to allow victims to influence decisions on prisoners' home leave in England and Wales;

  (4) what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure that the victims' helpline view is communicated to the governor in each case.

  (5) where the victims' home leave helpline will be located; and how many staff will be allocated to it;
  1218
  (6) what plans he has to make the victims' home leave hotline a freephone;

  (7) which individuals and organisations were consulted prior to his announcement of the victims' home leave helpline on 14 November;

  (8) what was the total number of home leave and temporary leave applications in England and Wales during 1993; and how many were granted.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the consultation with victims before decisions being taken about release on home leave and temporary licence and statistics on the number of applications made for such leave in 1993 and the number granted.
  The new helpline is located in Birmingham as a discrete part of the Prisoner Location Service and will be initially staffed by four members of staff. Details of the victim concerns will be conveyed to the Governor of the prison concerned using a standard form and the victim notified in writing that this has taken place. There are no plans to make the Helpline free of charge but the calls made using the main number are charged only at local rate.
  The introduction of the Victims' Helpline does not confer any new rights upon victims. The Helpline has been set up to enable victims to make their concerns known to the Prison Service by a more simple and direct means. There was therefore no need to seek fresh legal advice on the setting-up of the Victims' Helpline.
  The introduction of a Helpline evolved from discussions within the Home Office Standing Victim Steering Group which includes representatives from all the criminal justice agencies and voluntarily organisations who considered that there should be a facility for stopping unwanted communications from prisoners to victims of crime. Consultation on the operation of the Helpline will continue with the relevant agencies concerned.
  Current instructions on the consideration of home leave and temporary release applications already require governors to consider, where appropriate, consulting known victims or the police and probation services in order to establish known victim's concerns. It is already the case that the wishes of a victim who does not wish a prisoner to come back to the family home, where the offence was committed against a family member, must be respected and in these circumstances the application would be refused. In all other circumstances, the views of the victim will be taken fully into account, but it is for the governor in the light of all the known circumstances about the offender and the circumstances of the offence to decide whether home leave should be granted.
  Statistics on the number of applications made by prisoners for home leave and temporary release are not currently recorded. The number of prisoners who were granted unescorted absences in 1993 was 29,000.

  Reconviction Rates
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the reconviction rate following discharge from(a) approved schools, (b) community homes with in-house education facilities and (c) borstals for each year since 1974.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: After 1970 sentencing to an approved school order ceased to be a sentencing option available to the courts.

  After 1983 borstal training ceased to be a sentencing option available to the courts. Information on reconvictions after discharge from borstal training is contained in chapter eight of "Prison Statistics, England and Wales, 1987", Cm 547. The relevant figures are

  1219
  contained in tables 8.7 and 8.10. Reconviction rates, after a two-year follow-up period, are quoted for males and females discharged from borstal training for each year from 1974 to 1983.

  The information requested on reconviction rates for community homes with in-house educational facilities is not centrally available.

  Suicides (Prison Staff)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many suicides involving prison service staff have occurred in each of the past three years; and what steps have been put in place to support vulnerable staff.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about suicides involving Prison Service staff.
  There were five staff suicides in 1992 and four in 1993. There have been ten this year, and the Prison Service is most concerned about this increase, as it is about each individual case. In all cases, the principal causes appear to have been related to their private lives rather than work.
  The Prison Service has a staff care and welfare service whose role is to assist staff to give of their best by providing for them and their families a confidential service to enable them to deal with personal and work related problems.
  A specific part off that role is to provide care support and counselling to staff who have been involved in incidents at work, to help prevent or relieve the symptoms of post traumatic stress which may result.
  A workshop was held in November to examine issues related to staff suicide. A number of ideas emerged from this - relating, for example, to the provision of training in stress management, the operation of care teams and links with outside agencies, which will be examined further. We shall continue to keep this matter under very careful review to see whether there are additional steps which could helpfully be taken.

  Marchioness
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what money he has allocated to meet the costs of legal representation for the police at the inquest into the Marchioness disaster scheduled for March 1995.

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Provision for costs of this kind is made in the estimates for the Metropolitan police and the cost falls on the Metropolitan police fund.

  Prison Service Initiatives
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a list of initiatives currently being undertaken by the Prison Service.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 20 December 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the initiatives currently being undertaken by the Prison Service.
  The Service's current programme of work is set out in our Corporate Plan for 1994–97 and Business Plan for 1994–95, copies of which have been placed in the Library.

  Young People (Detention)
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young persons were sentenced to a period of detention under section 53 of the Children Act 1933 for each year since 1974;

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 19 December 1994]: The information is given in the table.

  Persons sentenced under Section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933, 1974–1993

  England and Wales Year

  Section 53 (1)

  Section 53 (2)

  1974

  7

  20

  1975

  6

  14

  1976

  7

  43

  1977

  10

  45

  1978

  9

  56

  1979

  26

  53

  1980

  20

  65

  1981

  15

  73

  1982

  30

  84

  1983

  16

  69

  1984

  22

  99

  1985

  18

  154

  1986

  16

  156

  1987

  19

  154

  1988

  22

  177

  19891

  15

  114

  19901

  10

  125

  1991

  12

  102

  19922

  11

  93

  19932

  24

  315

  1 Comparisons with prison receptions suggest there may have been under-recordings during 1989 and 1990, although this is less likely in 1990.

  2 Under the Criminal Justice Act 1991, the arrangements for imposing longer sentences under section 53(2) of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 also applied to 17-year-olds from 1 October 1992.