Written Answers of 17 February 1994

NATIONAL FINANCE

  Tax Allowances
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies have been done to assess the effects on relative living standards, work incentives and family life of phasing out married couples' income tax allowance and the additional personal allowance for lone parents.

  Mr. Dorrell
  No specific studies on this question have been carried out. Although tax changes in 1994 and 1995 will result in a proportionately greater tax burden for married couples and unmarried people with children, they will still pay less tax than other single people with the same incomes.

  Business Expansion Scheme
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what was the cost in tax relief of each dwelling let under the business expansion scheme; and what estimates he has made of the amount of capital gains tax which will be lost if and when these are sold;

  (2) how many dwellings let under the business expansion scheme were specifically let for the university sector; and what the proportion of business expansion scheme dwellings are assured exit schemes;

  (3) how many new lettings from investments under the business expansion scheme there were in (a) each region and (b) the United Kingdom as a whole; and what percentage these figures represent of (i) all privately rented property and (ii) all rented property, for each year of its existence.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The average cost per dwelling of providing BES income tax relief is estimated to be about £17,500 for lettings made between 1988 and 1992. It is not possible to give a reliable estimate of the cost of exempting gains arising from disposals of BES shares from capital gains tax. Any gains arising from the sale of properties owned by BES companies are, of course, subject to corporation tax in the usual way. Information is not available centrally from administrative sources on the number of dwellings let under the BES for the university sector or the proportion of dwellings which are let through assured exit schemes. However, information from independent analysts suggests that of the total amount of investment made through BES assured tenancy public offers about 30 per cent. was invested in accommodation let for academic establishments and about 60 per cent. was in assured exit schemes. Reliable estimates by regions are available for years up to 1991–92. These and preliminary estimates for the United Kingdom total in 1992–93 are shown in the table.
  888

  New Lettings

  as a percentage of:

  Total number1

  All privately rented property

  All rented rented property

  (per cent.)

  (per cent.)

  1988–89

  England:

  South-East

  2,200

  0·33

  0·09

  East Anglia

  300

  0·33

  0·11

  South-West

  300

  0·14

  0·06

  West Midlands

  300

  0·22

  0·04

  East Midlands

  400

  0·29

  0·08

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  400

  0·25

  0·06

  North-West

  1,100

  0·61

  0·13

  North

  200

  0·21

  0·04

  Wales

  400

  0·47

  0·11

  Scotland

  800

  0·58

  0·07

  Northern Ireland

  neg

  neg

  neg

  United Kingdom

  6,400

  0·33

  0·08

  1989–90

  England:

  South-East

  1,200

  0·17

  0·05

  East Anglia

  100

  0·10

  0·04

  South-West

  100

  0·05

  0·02

  West Midlands

  100

  ·07

  0·01

  East Midlands

  200

  0·14

  0·04

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  400

  0·24

  0·06

  North-West

  500

  0·27

  0·06

  North

  neg

  neg

  neg

  Wales

  neg

  neg

  neg

  Scotland

  400

  0·30

  0·04

  Northern Ireland

  100

  0·45

  0·05

  United Kingdom

  3,100

  0·15

  0·04

  1990–91

  England:

  South-East

  2,500

  0·31

  0·10

  East Anglia

  1,100

  1·05

  0·40

  South-West

  500

  0·22

  0·09

  West Midlands

  100

  0·07

  0·01

  East Midlands

  400

  0·28

  0·08

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  100

  0·06

  0·01

  North-West

  500

  0·26

  0·06

  North

  neg

  neg

  neg

  Wales

  neg

  neg

  neg

  Scotland

  100

  0·08

  0·01

  Northern Ireland

  400

  1·82

  0·20

  United Kingdom

  5,700

  0·27

  0·07

  1991–92

  England:

  South-East

  4,100

  0·50

  0·17

  East Anglia

  300

  0·27

  0·11

  South-West

  1,100

  0·47

  0·20

  West Midlands

  100

  0·06

  0·01

  East Midlands

  700

  0·49

  0·14

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  400

  0·22

  0·06

  North-West

  1,300

  0·65

  0·15

  North

  100

  0·10

  0·02

  Wales

  500

  0·52

  0·14

  Scotland

  100

  0·07

  0·01

  Northern Ireland

  800

  3·64

  0·41

  United Kingdom

  9,300

  0·42

  0·12

  1992–93

  United Kingdom

  24,000

  1·08

  0·30

  1 Estimates rounded to nearest 100.

  889

  Building Societies
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the building societies that have agreed to allow the building societies ombudsman scheme to consider home income plans cases;

  (2) if he will list those building societies who were involved with home income plans; and which have refused to agree that such cases can go to the ombudsman scheme.

  Mr. Nelson
  I understand that the following societies have consented to an extension of the Building Societies Ombudsman's powers to cover complaints or possible complaints related to home income plans:

  Bradford and Bingley

  Britannia

  Chelsea (Capital Access Scheme mortgages on a case by case basis)

  Cheltenham and Gloucester (including complaints arising out of lending by the former Guardian, Heart of England and Portsmouth Building Societies)

  Halifax

  Melton Mowbray

  National and Provincial

  Newcastle

  Northern Rock (all complaints arise out of lending by the former Lancastrian Building Society)

  Portman (including lending by the former Wessex Building Society)

  Staffordshire (if Society cannot first resolve complaint itself)

  Woolwich (all complaints arise out of lending by the former Town and Country Building Society).

  The following societies have refused:

  Bristol and West

  Kent Reliance

  Lambeth

  National Counties

  West Bromwich.

  The Leeds has formally refused but is in practice co-operating on a case-by-case basis—this includes all complaints arising out of lending by Sussex County, Eastbourne Mutual or Southdown building societies.

  The following societies have not yet made a firm decision:

  Alliance and Leicester

  Birmingham Midshires

  Manchester

  Nationwide

  £ million at 1993–94 prices

  Year

  Petroleum revenue tax

  Supplementary petroleum duty

  Corporation tax

  Royalty

  Total

  ACT setoff

  Mainstream CT

  1979–80

  3,526

  —

  192

  423

  1,543

  5,683

  1980–81

  5,004

  —

  201

  507

  2,060

  7,772

  1981–82

  4,526

  3,834

  511

  778

  2,643

  12,293

  1982–83

  5,786

  4,232

  357

  564

  2,884

  13,822

  1983–84

  10,163

  —

  726

  755

  3,216

  14,860

  1984–85

  11,537

  —

  2,000

  1,910

  3,900

  19,346

  1985–86

  9,718

  —

  1,654

  2,791

  3,136

  17,299

  1986–87

  1,759

  —

  1,673

  2,289

  1,361

  7,082

  1987–88

  3,228

  —

  957

  867

  1,440

  6,493

  1988–89

  1,805

  —

  902

  671

  792

  4,170

  1989–90

  1,293

  —

  610

  305

  708

  2,916

  1990–91

  980

  —

  413

  551

  689

  2,634

  1991–92

  -231

  —

  397

  287

  597

  1,049

  1992–93

  71

  —

  495

  208

  572

  1,347

  1993–941

  500

  —

  300

  —

  600

  1,400

  1 1994–95 Financial Statement and Budget Report estimate.

  890

  Business Premises
  Sir Terence Higgins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer under what authority district valuers may require those whose business premises are being revalued to produce audited accounts; for how many years they may be asked to produce these; within what period they may be asked to provide them; what sanctions apply in the event of non-production; and for what purpose such detailed information may be required.

  Mr. Nelson
  Valuation officers are empowered under paragraph 5 of schedule 9 to the Local Government Finance Act 1988, as amended, to serve a notice on a person, who is the owner or occupier of a hereditament, requesting that person to supply information, specified in the notice, that the officer reasonably believes will assist him on carrying out his statutory functions.

  Accounts are asked for where rental information is sparse for the type of property in question. Valuation officers will specify a period sufficient to establish trends, but this would not normally exceed three years.

  The Act provides that the information should be supplied within a period of 21 days from the date of service of the notice. There is a fine on summary conviction for failing to do so without reasonable excuse.

  The information supplied will be used to establish rental values for those classes of properties in order that valuation officers may fulfil their statutory obligation to compile and maintain rating lists.

  North Sea Oil
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 1 February,Official Report, columns 607–8, if he will publish a similar table of revenues from North sea oil since 1979–80, based on 1993–94 prices.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Revenues raised from North sea oil and gas production by category of tax since 1979–80 at 1993–94 prices have been as follows:
  891

  Tax Changes
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the hon. Member for Peckham will receive an answer to the two questions about the effect of the 1995–96 tax changes, tabled for answer on 31 January.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Today.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 635–41, to provide similar estimates of the burden of direct and indirect taxes for 1995–96 to take account of

  Income tax, national insurance contributions and indirect tax payments at multiples of average earnings, 1995–961

  Multiples of average earnings

  50

  75

  100

  150

  200

  300

  400

  500

  700

  1000

  2000

  Single

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  41·8

  73·60

  105·72

  173·64

  270·72

  525·43

  823·33

  1,146·45

  1,792·69

  2,762·04

  5,993·23

  NICs

  12·65

  19·98

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  Income tax + NICs

  54·14

  92·58

  129·77

  197·69

  294·77

  549·48

  847·38

  1,170·50

  1,816·74

  2,786·09

  6,017·28

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  21·3

  25·2

  27·2

  29·7

  34·8

  45·0

  52·9

  58·9

  65·8

  70·9

  77·0

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·2

  4·1

  3·1

  2·1

  1·5

  1·2

  0·9

  0·6

  0·3

  Income tax + NICs

  27·8

  31·7

  33·3

  33·9

  37·9

  476·0

  54·4

  60·1

  66·7

  71·6

  77·3

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  28·54

  52·87

  77·20

  132·50

  210·36

  366·08

  521·80

  677·52

  988·96

  1,456·12

  3,013·32

  NICs

  14·75

  24·48

  34·21

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  Income tax and NICs

  43·29

  77·35

  111·41

  172·28

  250·14

  405·86

  561·58

  717·30

  1,028·74

  1,495·90

  3,053·10

  VAT

  —

  18·89

  24·84

  37·47

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  22·26

  27·45

  38·43

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  118·50

  163·70

  248·18

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  14·7

  18·1

  19·8

  22·7

  27·0

  31·3

  33·5

  34·8

  36·3

  37·4

  38·7

  NICs

  7·6

  8·4

  8·8

  6·8

  5·1

  3·4

  2·6

  2·0

  1·5

  1·0

  0·5

  Income tax and NICs

  22·2

  26·5

  28·6

  29·5

  32·1

  34·8

  36·1

  36·9

  37·8

  38·4

  39·2

  VAT

  —

  6·5

  6·4

  6·4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  7·6

  7·1

  6·6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  40·6

  42·1

  42·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Married, no children

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  30·76

  62·88

  94·99

  160·64

  252·84

  502·20

  796·36

  1,119·47

  1,765·71

  273,5·07

  5,966·26

  NICs

  12·65

  18·98

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  Income tax + NICs

  43·41

  81·85

  119·04

  184·69

  276·89

  526·25

  820·41

  1,143·52

  1,789·76

  2,759·12

  5,990·31

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  15·8

  21·5

  24·4

  27·5

  32·5

  43·0

  51·1

  57·5

  64·8

  70·3

  76·6

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·2

  4·1

  3·1

  2·1

  1·5

  1·2

  0·9

  0·6

  0·3

  Income tax + NICs

  22·3

  28·0

  30·6

  31·6

  35·6

  45·1

  52·7

  58·7

  65·7

  70·9

  76·9

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  23·58

  47·91

  72·24

  127·54

  205·40

  361·12

  516·84

  672·56

  984·00

  1,451·16

  3,008·36

  NICs

  14·75

  24·48

  34·21

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  Income tax and NICs

  28·33

  72·39

  106·45

  167·32

  245·18

  400·90

  556·62

  712·34

  1,023·78

  1,490·94

  3,048·14

  VAT

  —

  17·30

  23·72

  37·33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  24·60

  29·93

  41·12

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  114·29

  160·10

  245·77

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  12·1

  16·4

  18·6

  21·8

  26·4

  30·9

  33·2

  34·6

  36·1

  37·3

  38·6

  NICs

  7·6

  8·4

  8·8

  6·8

  5·1

  3·4

  2·6

  2·0

  1·5

  1·0

  0·5

  Income tax and NICs

  19·7

  24·8

  27·3

  28·7

  31·5

  34·3

  35·7

  36·6

  37·6

  38·3

  39·1

  VAT

  —

  5·9

  6·1

  6·4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  8·4

  7·7

  7·0

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  39·1

  41·1

  42·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  892
  the tax changes announced for 1995–96, assuming that other aspects of the tax regime are subject to statutory indexation and that prices rise by the amount specified in the working assumption on page 121 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1994–95" and assuming earnings growth in 1995–96 is the same as in 1994–95.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 31 January 1994]: Estimates of tax payments in 1995–96 on the basis requested are given in the table. The actual tax burden in 1995–96 will depend on decisions taken in the 1994 Budget as well as on changes in prices and earnings.
  893

  Multiples of average earnings

  50

  75

  100

  150

  200

  300

  400

  500

  700

  1000

  2000

  Married, 2 children

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  10·82

  42·94

  75·06

  139·87

  230·29

  477·85

  770·46

  1,093·58

  1,739·82

  2,709·17

  5,940·36

  NICs

  12·65

  18·98

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  24·05

  Income tax + NICs

  23·48

  61·92

  99·11

  163·92

  254·34

  501·90

  794·51

  1,117·63

  1,763·87

  2,733·22

  5,964·41

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  5·6

  14·7

  19·3

  24·0

  29·6

  40·9

  49·5

  56·2

  63·8

  69·6

  76·3

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·2

  4·1

  3·1

  2·1

  1·5

  1·2

  0·9

  0·6

  0·3

  Income tax + NICs

  12·1

  21·2

  25·5

  28·1

  32·7

  43·0

  51·0

  57·4

  64·7

  70·2

  76·6

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  4·58

  28·86

  53·19

  108·49

  186·35

  342·07

  497·79

  653·51

  964·95

  143,2·11

  2,989·31

  NICs

  14·75

  24·48

  34·21

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  39·78

  Income tax and NICs

  19·28

  53·34

  87·40

  148·27

  226·13

  381·85

  537·57

  693·29

  1,004·73

  1,471·89

  3,029·09

  VAT

  —

  17·06

  24·40

  39·95

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  24·62

  28·88

  37·91

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  95·02

  140·68

  226·13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  2·3

  9·9

  13·7

  18·6

  23·9

  29·3

  32·0

  33·6

  35·4

  36·8

  38·4

  NICs

  7·6

  8·4

  8·8

  6·8

  5·1

  3·4

  2·6

  2·0

  1·5

  1·0

  0·5

  Income tax and NICs

  9·9

  18·3

  22·5

  25·4

  29·0

  32·7

  34·5

  35·6

  36·9

  37·8

  38·9

  VAT

  —

  5·8

  6·3

  6·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  8·4

  7·4

  6·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  32·5

  36·2

  38·7

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Married, both working, no children

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  11·45

  40·12

  72·24

  136·48

  211·44

  359·78

  556·04

  796·15

  1,358·40

  2,292·90

  5,524·09

  NICs

  12·65

  18·98

  25·30

  37·96

  44·29

  48·10

  48·10

  48·10

  48·10

  48·10

  48·10

  Income tax + NICs

  24·10

  59·10

  97·55

  174·43

  255·73

  407·88

  604·14

  844·25

  1,406·50

  2,341·00

  5,572·19

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  5·9

  13·7

  18·6

  23·4

  27·2

  30·8

  35·7

  40·9

  49·8

  58·9

  70·9

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·5

  6·5

  5·7

  4·1

  3·1

  2·5

  1·8

  1·2

  0·6

  Income tax + NICs

  12·4

  20·2

  25·1

  29·9

  32·8

  34·9

  38·8

  43·4

  51·6

  60·1

  71·6

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1995–96

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  6·55

  28·36

  52·12

  100·79

  149·45

  270·93

  415·76

  571·48

  882·92

  1,350·08

  2,907·28

  NICs

  10·03

  19·76

  29·49

  48·96

  66·20

  79·56

  79·56

  79·56

  79·56

  79·56

  79·56

  Income tax and NICs

  16·57

  48·12

  81·61

  149·74

  215·65

  350·49

  495·32

  651·04

  962·48

  1,429·64

  2,986·84

  VAT

  —

  19·57

  26·60

  40·54

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  28·97

  33·59

  42·73

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  96·66

  141·80

  233·01

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  3·4

  9·7

  13·4

  17·3

  19·2

  23·2

  26·7

  29·4

  32·4

  34·7

  37·3

  NICs

  5·2

  6·8

  7·6

  8·4

  8·5

  6·8

  5·1

  4·1

  2·9

  2·0

  1·0

  Income tax and NICs

  8·5

  16·5

  21·0

  25·6

  27·7

  30·0

  31·8

  33·4

  35·3

  36·7

  38·4

  VAT

  —

  6·7

  6·9

  6·9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  9·9

  9·6

  7·3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  33·1

  36·5

  39·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Notes to tables

  1. Income tax payments are calculated on the assumption that the households receive no tax reliefs other than the standard allowances and only have income from employment. All earners, including wives, are assumed to pay Class 1 NI contributions at the contracted-in rate.

  2. Since 1990–91, husbands and wives have been taxed independently. Previously the tax liability of couples depended on their joint income. To permit comparisons with earlier years, the table therefore shows income tax and National Insurance Contributions paid by a married couple as a proportion of their joint income, assuming, as in the earlier years, that where both partners are earners, the husband and wife share the relevant multiple of earnings in the ratio 60:40.

  3. In order to provide comparability with 1978–79, when support for children was given partly through child tax allowance, child benefit is treated as a negative income tax for the married couple with two children.

  4. Estimates of income tax and National Insurance Contributions in 1995–96 are based on the illustrative assumption of uprating 1994–95 personal allowances, tax thresholds, NIC Lower and Upper earnings limits and the level of Child Benefit in line with the assumption of 3·25 per cent. given in the 1994–95 Financial Statement and Budget Report for the increase in the Retail Price Index in 1995–96.

  5. Estimates of income tax and National Insurance Contributions in 1995–96 if the 1978–79 tax regime had been indexed for inflation are based on
  894

  895
  the assumption that the 1978–79 levels of personal allowances, child tax allowances, tax thresholds, NIC Lower and Upper earnings limits and Child Benefit are indexed to 1995–96 in line with the growth in the RPI. The growth in the RPI in years beyond 1993–94 uses the assumptions for RPI increases for 1994–95 and 1995–96 contained in the 1994–95 Financial Statement and Budget Report.

  6. In both cases, average earnings are taken to be the average gross weekly earnings of all full-time males on adult rates with pay unaffected by absence and are assumed to be £38930 per week based on the earnings growth assumption of 4 per cent. for 1995–96.

  7. The estimates of most indirect taxes are based on equations derived from the 1985 Family Expenditure Survey, uprated to later years using forecasts of aggregate tax receipts. Estimates of VAT on domestic fuel and power, Airline Passenger Duty and Insurance Premium Tax are based on equations using results from the 1991 and 1992 Family Expenditure Survey respectively, uprated using a similar methodology. These estimates are based on the illustrative assumption that 10 per cent. of disposable income is saved.

  8. There are wide variations in spending patterns between households with the same composition and similar incomes and estimated payments of VAT and other indirect taxes are therefore approximate, even within the income range for which figures are shown. Outside this range, the margin of error is even higher and reliable estimates cannot be made Because of sampling variation, there can be substantial differences between estimates obtained from Family Expenditure Surveys for different years.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 653–41 and, on the same basis as his answer to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Garscadden (Mr. Dewar) of 22 April 1993, Official Report, columns 176–78, provide similar estimates of the burden of direct and indirect taxes

  Income tax, national insurance contributions and indirect tax payments at multiples of average earnings, 1994–95

  multiples of average earnings

  50

  75

  100

  150

  200

  300

  400

  500

  700

  1000

  2000

  single

  indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  39·70

  70·58

  101·46

  166·53

  259·26

  503·22

  788·90

  1,099·57

  1,720·91

  2,652·91

  5,759·60

  NICs

  12·16

  18·25

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  Income tax + NICs

  51·87

  88·83

  124·86

  189·93

  282·66

  526·62

  812·30

  1,122·97

  1,744·31

  2,676·31

  5,783·00

  percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  21·2

  25·1

  27·1

  29·7

  34·6

  44·8

  52·7

  58·8

  65·7

  70·9

  76·9

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·3

  4·2

  3·1

  2·1

  1·6

  1·3

  0·9

  0·6

  0·3

  Income tax + NICs

  27·7

  31·6

  33·4

  33·8

  37·8

  46·9

  54·3

  60·0

  66·6

  71·5

  77·3

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  27·34

  50·73

  74·13

  126·83

  201·69

  351·41

  501·13

  650·85

  950·29

  1,399·45

  2,896·65

  NICs

  14·16

  23·51

  32·87

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  Income tax and NICs

  41·50

  74·25

  107·00

  165·27

  240·13

  389·85

  539·57

  689·29

  988·73

  1,437·89

  2,935·09

  VAT

  —

  18·12

  23·85

  35·97

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  other indirect

  —

  21·40

  26·31

  36·74

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  113·76

  157·16

  237·98

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  14·6

  18·1

  19· 8

  22·6

  26·9

  31·3

  33·-5

  34·8

  36·3

  37·4

  38·7

  NICs

  7·6

  8·4

  8·8

  6·8

  5·1

  3·4

  2·6

  2·1

  1·5

  1·0

  0·5

  Income tax and NICs

  22·2

  26·4

  28·6

  29·4

  32·1

  34·7

  36·0

  36·8

  37·7

  38·4

  39·2

  VAT

  —

  6·5

  6·4

  6·4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  7·6

  7·0

  6·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  40·5

  42·0

  42·4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Married, no children

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  29·36

  60·24

  91·12

  154·00

  242·02

  481·13

  762·88

  1,073·55

  1,694·89

  2,626·89

  5,733·58

  NICs

  12·16

  18·25

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  Income tax + NICs

  41·52

  78·49

  114·52

  177·40

  265·42

  504·53

  786·28

  1,096·95

  1,718·29

  2,650·29

  5,756·98

  Percentage of gross earnings

  Income tax

  15·7

  21·5

  24·3

  27·4

  32·3

  42·8

  51·0

  57·4

  64·7

  70·2

  76·6

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·3

  4·2

  3·1

  2·1

  1·6

  1·3

  0·9

  0·6

  0·3

  Income tax + NICs

  22·2

  28·0

  30·6

  31·6

  35·5

  44·9

  52·5

  58·6

  65·6

  70·8

  76·9

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  22·38

  45·77

  69·17

  121·87

  196·73

  346·45

  496·17

  645·89

  945·89

  1,394·49

  2,891·69

  NICs

  14·16

  23·51

  32·87

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  Income tax and NICs

  36·53

  69·29

  102·04

  160·31

  235·17

  384·89

  534·61

  684·33

  983·77

  1,432·93

  2,930·13

  VAT

  —

  16·48

  22·64

  35·73

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  896
  that would take effect in 1994–95 if the tax rates announced for 1995–96 and contained in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1994–95", applied in 1994–95.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 31 January 1994]: Figures illustrating the hypothetical tax burdens in 1995–96 if the measures announced for 1995–96 applied in 1994–95 are given in the table. The actual burden of tax in 1995–96 will depend on decisions taken in the 1994 Budget as well as on changes in prices and earnings.
  897

  Multiples of average earnings

  50

  75

  100

  150

  200

  300

  400

  500

  700

  1000

  2000

  Other indirect

  —

  23·71

  28·75

  39·38

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  109·48

  153·42

  235·42

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  12·0

  16·3

  18·5

  21·7

  26·3

  30·9

  33·1

  34·5

  36·1

  37·3

  38·6

  NICs

  7·6

  8·4

  8·8

  6·8

  5·1

  3·4

  2·6

  2·1

  1·5

  1·0

  0·5

  Income tax and NICs

  19·5

  24·7

  27·3

  28·6

  31·4

  34·3

  35·7

  36·5

  37·5

  38·3

  39·1

  VAT

  —

  5·8

  6·1

  6·3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  8·5

  7·6

  7·1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  39·0

  41·0

  41·9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Married, 2 children

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1994–95

  Amounts,£per week

  Income tax

  10·05

  40·93

  71·81

  133·88

  220·17

  457·55

  737·80

  1,048·47

  1,669·81

  2,601·82

  5,708·51

  NICs

  12·16

  18·25

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  23·40

  Income tax + NICs

  22·22

  59·18

  95·21

  157·28

  243·57

  480·95

  761·20

  1,071·87

  1,693·21

  2,625·22

  5,731·91

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  5·4

  14·6

  19·2

  23·8

  29·4

  40·7

  49·3

  56·0

  63·7

  69·5

  76·3

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·3

  4·2

  3·1

  2·1

  1·6

  1·3

  0·9

  0·6

  0·3

  Income tax + NICs

  11·9

  21·1

  25·4

  28·0

  32·5

  42·8

  50·8

  57·3

  64·6

  70·1

  76·6

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  3·93

  27·32

  50·72

  103·42

  178·28

  328·00

  477·72

  627·44

  926·88

  1,376·04

  2,873·24

  NICs

  14·16

  23·51

  32·87

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  38·44

  Income tax and NICs

  18·08

  50·84

  83·59

  141·86

  216·72

  366·44

  516·16

  665·88

  965·32

  1,414·48

  2,911·68

  VAT

  —

  16·06

  23·11

  38·06

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  23·79

  27·83

  36·37

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  90·69

  134·52

  216·29

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  2·1

  9·7

  13·5

  18·4

  23·8

  29·2

  31·9

  33·5

  35·4

  36·8

  38·4

  NICs

  7·6

  8·4

  8·8

  6·8

  5·1

  3·4

  2·6

  2·1

  1·5

  1·0

  0·5

  Income tax and NICs

  9·7

  18·1

  22·3

  25·3

  28·9

  32·6

  34·5

  35·6

  36·8

  37·8

  38·9

  VAT

  —

  5·7

  6·2

  6·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  8·5

  7·4

  6·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  32·3

  35·9

  38·5

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Married, both working, no children

  Indexed 1978–79 tax system applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  10·73

  38·18

  69·06

  130·82

  202·92

  344·92

  532·59

  762·48

  1,301·70

  2,199·13

  5,305·82

  NICs

  12·16

  18·25

  24·33

  36·49

  42·86

  46·80

  46·80

  46·80

  46·80

  46·80

  46·80

  Income tax + NICs

  22·89

  56·43

  93·39

  167·32

  245·79

  391·72

  579·39

  809·28

  1,348·50

  2,245·93

  5,352·62

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  5·7

  13·6

  18·5

  23·3

  27·1

  30·7

  35·6

  40·7

  49·7

  58·8

  70·9

  NICs

  6·5

  6·5

  6·5

  6·5

  5·7

  4·2

  3·1

  2·5

  1·8

  1·3

  0·6

  Income tax + NICs

  12·2

  20·1

  25·0

  29·8

  32·8

  34·9

  38·7

  43·2

  51·5

  60·0

  71·5

  1995–96 tax measures applied in 1994–95

  Amounts, £ per week

  Income tax

  5·97

  26·91

  49·72

  96·51

  143·29

  259·63

  398·42

  548·14

  847·58

  1,296·74

  2,793·94

  NICs

  9·60

  18·95

  28·31

  47·03

  63·82

  76·88

  76·88

  76·88

  76·88

  76·88

  76·88

  Income tax and NICs

  15·56

  45·86

  78·03

  143·53

  207·12

  336·51

  475·30

  625·02

  924·46

  1,373·62

  2,870·82

  VAT

  —

  18·59

  25·34

  38·75

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  28·05

  32·42

  41·05

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  92·50

  135·79

  223·33

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Percentage of earnings

  Income tax

  3·2

  9·6

  13·3

  17·2

  19·1

  23·1

  26·6

  29·3

  32·3

  34·6

  37·3

  NICs

  5·1

  6·8

  7·6

  8·4

  8·5

  6·8

  5·1

  4·1

  2·9

  2·1

  1·0

  Income tax and NICs

  8·3

  16·3

  20·8

  25·6

  27·7

  30·0

  31·7

  33·4

  35·3

  36·7

  38·3

  VAT

  —

  6·6

  6·8

  6·9

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other indirect

  —

  10·0

  8·6

  7·3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  33·0

  36·3

  39·8

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Notes to tables:

  1. Income tax payments are calculated on the assumption that the households receive no tax reliefs other than the standard allowances and only have
  898

  899
  income from employment. All earners, including wives, are assumed to pay Class I NI contributions at the contracted-in rate.

  2.Since 1990–91, husbands and wives have been taxed independently. Previously the tax liability of couples depended on their joint income. To permit comparisons with earlier years, the table therefore shows income tax and National Insurance Contributions paid by a married couple as a proportion of their joint income, assuming, as in the earlier years, that where both partners are earners, the husband and wife share the relevant multiple of earnings in the ratio 60:40.

  3 In order to provide comparability with 1978–79, when support for children was given partly through child tax allowance, child benefit is treated as a negative income tax for the married couple with two children.

  4.Estimates have been provided on the basis that measures for 1995–96 announced in the 1993 Budgets are implemented in 1994–95, on the basis of 1994–95 levels of earnings and prices and with other tax allowances, thresholds at 1994–95 levels. Estimates have also been provided for tax payments on the basis that the 1978–79 tax regime had been indexed for inflation in line with the growth in the RPI and applied to 1994–95 levels of earnings.

  5.Average earnings are taken to be the average gross weekly earnings of all full-time males on adult rates with pay unaffected by absence and are assumed to be £37430 a week based on the illustrative earnings growth assumption of 4 per cent. in 1994–95.

  6.The estimates of most indirect taxes are based on equations derived from the 1985 Family Expenditure Survey, uprated to later years using forecasts of aggregate tax receipts. Estimates of VAT on domestic fuel and power are based on equations using results from the 1991 Family Expenditure Survey, uprated using a similar methodology. These estimates are based on the illustrative assumption that 10 per cent. of disposable income is saved.

  7.There are wide variations in spending patterns between households with the same composition and similar incomes and estimated payments of VAT and other indirect taxes are therefore approximate, even within the income range for which figures are shown. Outside this range, the margin of error is even higher and reliable estimates cannot be made. Because of sampling variation, there can be substantial differences between estimates obtained from Family Expenditure Surveys for different years.

  Mortgage Interest Relief
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 January,Official Report, columns 635–41, if he will provide estimates for the years 1978–9 to 1992–93 of the burden of direct and indirect taxes on a married couple, two children, and one earner on 100 per cent. of average earnings, including the impact of mortgage interest relief, if the family is assumed to have a mortgage at the average outstanding level in each year, and is paying the average mortgage interest rate.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 1 February 1994]: The available information is given in the table.

  Tax and mortgage payments

  1978–79

  1992–93

  1993–94

  (i) Whole economy

  Income tax

  11·2

  9·3

  9·1

  NICs

  7·2

  6·2

  6·2

  (ii) Family

  Income tax

  14·4

  12·3

  12·4

  NICs

  6·5

  7·9

  7·9

  Net mortgage payments

  11·8

  14·0

  10·8

  Notes:

  1. Whole economy income tax and NICs show total tax receipts on an accruals basis as a proportion of GDP. The figures for NICs include both employers' and employee contributions.

  2. Family income tax payments are calculated on the assumption that the households receive no tax reliefs other than the standard allowances and only have income from employment. All earners are assumed to pay Class 1 NI contributions at the contracted-in rate.

  3. In order to provide comparability with 1978–79, when support for children was given partly through child tax allowance, child benefit is treated as a deduction from income tax. Both children are assumed to be under 11 years old.

  4. The calculations assume a mortgage of £33,000 in 1992–93 and 1993–94, and one of £8,400 in 1978–79. The figures for 1978–79 and 1992–93 represent broadly the same proportion of the average house price as a £33,000 mortgage today.

  5. Average earnings are taken to be the average gross weekly earnings of all full-time males on adult rates with pay unaffected by absence. Average earnings stood at £92·80 per week in 1978–79 and £347·70 in 1992–93. They are assumed to grow by 3½ per cent. in 1993–94 to £359·90.

  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 19 January,Official Report, column 635, if he will (a) provide estimates for the years 1993–94 and 1994–95 of the burden of direct and indirect taxes on a married couple, one earner, two children, on 100
  900
  per cent. of the average earnings, including the impact of mortgage interest tax relief, assuming that the family has a £35,000 mortgage and that mortgage interest rates are 7·9 per cent. in 1993–94 and 7·8 per cent. in 1994–95 and (b) provide similar estimates for 1995–96 to take account of the tax changes announced for 1995–96, assuming that other aspects of the tax regime are subject to statutory indexation, that prices rise by the amount specified in the working assumption on page 121 of the Financial Statement and Budget report 1994–95, that earnings growth in 1995–96 is the same as in 1994–95 and that the family has a £35,000 mortgage and that mortgage interest rates are 7·8 per cent. in 1995–96.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 1 February 1994]:The available information is given in the table.

  Tax and mortgage payments

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  (i) Whole economy

  Income tax

  9·1

  9·6

  9·9

  NICs

  6·2

  6·4

  6·3

  (ii) Family

  Income tax

  12·4

  13·1

  13·7

  NICs

  7·9

  8·8

  8·8

  Net mortgage payments

  11·6

  11·6

  11·8

  Notes to Table:

  1. Whole economy income tax and NICs show total tax receipts on an accruals basis as a proportion of GDP. The figures for NICs include both employers' and employee contributions.

  2. Family tax and mortgage payments show income tax, employee NICs and net mortgage payments for a one-earner married couple on average earnings with two children as a percentage of earnings.

  3. Family income tax payments are calculated on the assumption that the households receive no tax reliefs other than the standard allowances and only have income from employment. All earners are assumed to pay Class 1 NI contributions at the contracted-in rate.

  4. Child benefit is treated as a deduction from income tax.

  5. Estimates of family income tax and National Insurance Contributions in 1995–96 are based on the illustrative assumption of uprating personal allowances, tax thresholds, NIC Lower and Upper earnings limits and Child Benefit in line with the assumption of 3·25 per cent. given in the 1994–95 Financial Statement and Budget Report for the increase in the Retail Price Index in 1995–96.

  6. Mortgage payments are shown net of mortgage interest relief.

  7. Average earnings are taken to be the average gross weekly earnings of all full-time males on adult rates with pay unaffected by absence. These are assumed to be £359·90 per week in 1993–94, £374·30 in 1994–95 and £389·30 in 1995–96, based on illustrative earnings growth assumptions of 4 per cent. per year in 1994–95 and 1995–96.
  901

  Pension Transfers
  Mr. Butterfill
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what information the Securities and Investments Board requested from FIMBRA, LAUTRO and IMRO in relation to pension transfers; what was the basis of the brief given by the Securities and Investments Board to KPMG; what action was taken by the Securities and Investments Board in investigating pension transfers by the companies directly regulated by the Securities and Investments Board; what were the terms of reference of the steering committee on pension transfers; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 16 February 1994]: KPMG was asked by the Securities and Investments Board to examine in conjunction with FIMBRA, LAUTRO and IMRO the extent of compliance with regulators' requirements in the sale of lump sum pension transfers. I understand that the study was carried out on a representative sample of client files provided by those SROs. It was commissioned as a result of SIB's analysis of compliance by directly regulated firms, which indicated significant levels of non-compliance. SIB published the report on 16 December 1993. It found that, as with SIB's directly regulated firms, a large proportion of files did not contain all the material that they should have contained. SIB has stressed that it remains to be seen how far this finding is symptomatic of unsuitable advice causing financial disadvantage to investors.

  A regulators steering group, chaired by the chief executive of SIB, has been charged with examining the extent of the problem and devising preventative and remedial guidelines. An advisory committee of experts, chaired by Sir Douglas Wass, has been set up to advise the SIB board on further work on pension transfers. Full terms of reference of both are set out hereafter.

  Pensions Advisory Committee

  1. To review the plans and proposals developed by the Regulators' Steering Group in accordance with its terms of reference, with particular regard to their practicability and to the extent to which they address the problems identified; and

  2. To submit to the SIB two reports on the outcome of its review:
  the first on the proposals of the Steering Group for the development of preventative measures; and the second on the full report of the Steering Group on the actions required to provide remedies for any shortcomings in the advice given to clients.

  3. It is understood:

  (a) that members of the Advisory Board will be free to consult their "constituencies" on an informal and confidential basis during the course of its work, and

  (b) that the Advisory Board will be free to publish its reports to the SIB in the event that the body does not accept its advice in whole or in part.

  Regulators' Steering Group

  (i) To advise on further measures necessary to ensure that future pension business involving transfers or opt outs from occupational pension schemes is conducted in accordance with applicable regulatory standards.

  (ii) To develop specifications for an industry review of potential problem cases, and the priorities for tackling the review.

  (iii) To clarify the scale and incidence of detriment to investors.

  ((iv) To consider what forms of remedy are appropriate in different sets of circumstances.

  (v) To plan for co-ordinated regulatory activity where it is necessary.

  902

  (vi) To foster commitment within the investment and occupational pensions industries and the actuarial profession to the review, and to the resolution of problem cases.

  To keep SIB informed of its progress on the above by means of monthly reports, and in particular to report on (i) above by 28 February 1994 and to report on overall progress by 30 June 1994.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Passports
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now arrange for the issue of a full British passport or travel documents to Mrs. Hunwicks, a constituent of the hon. Member for Ilford, South.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Mrs. Hunwicks has not acquired British citizenship and thus does not qualify for a British passport. Any application she may wish to make for a Home Office travel document will be considered on its merits.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are applied by officials in the Passport Agency and his Department when deciding whether or not to issue passports to people living in this country for the last 30 years but who were born in the republic of Cyprus(a) before and (b) after it gained its independence.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The Passport Agency issues British passports to those who qualify under the relevant nationality legislation. In the case of people born in Cyprus, this is the Cyprus Act 1960 and the British Nationality (Cyprus) Order 1960.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the Passport Agency has refused to issue a full passport to Mrs. Hunwicks, a constituent of the hon. Member for Ilford, South; and what account was taken of the issue of a British visitor's passport.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Mrs. Hunwicks has not acquired British citizenship and thus does not qualify for a British passport.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Mr. and Mrs. Hunwicks, constituents of the hon. Member for Ilford, South, first applied for passports at the Passport Office at Petty France, London; what reasons they gave for the application; when Mr. Hunwicks was given his passport; why Mrs. Hunwicks was refused a passport; and how many subsequent visits and telephone calls Mr. and Mrs. Hunwicks made to the Passport Office.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Mr. Hunwicks applied for British passports for himself and his wife on 18 January 1994 to enable them to travel to Morocco. A passport for Mr. Hunwicks was issued on 21 January. He was informed that a passport could not be issued to Mrs. Hunwicks as she has not yet acquired British citizenship. Mr. and Mrs. Hunwicks have made three visits to London passport office, and had several telephone conversations, in seeking to clarify this situation.
  903

  Temazepam
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce his decision on the conclusions reached by his Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs regarding the misuse of the hypnotic temazepam.

  Mr. Maclean
  I am studying the Advisory Council's conclusions in consultation with ministerial colleagues. The consultation process is taking a little longer than at first envisaged, but I hope to reach a decision shortly after Easter.

  Assault
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list by region the available data on the breakdown of assault victims by (i) race and (ii) religion in 1993.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list by region the number of female victims of (i) sexual and (ii) physical assaults since 1990 who were assaulted by males against whom they had restraining orders.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Sex Offences
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convicted sex offenders have then gone on to offend once again after their release from prison in the last 10 years.

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information on the re-offending of prisoners is the reconviction rate for a "standard list" offence, as defined in appendix 4 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales 1992", within two or four years after discharge from a prison service establishment. The latest statistics are for those discharged in 1987 after completion of a prison sentence for which the principal offence was a sex offence. Of those discharged, 416 or 25 per cent. had been convicted of a further offence within two years and 540 or 32 per cent. within four years. The numbers exclude the reconviction of a small number of discharges whose criminal histories could not be traced.

  Fraud
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce provisions for minimum custodial sentences linked with the amounts involved in cases of major fraud.

  Mr. Maclean
  We have no plans to do so.

  Sheehy Inquiry
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made as to the effect on the report of the Sheehy inquiry of the members of the inquiry all being men.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  None.
  904

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will answer the questions from the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton tabled for answer on 28 January regarding the appointments he makes to public bodies.

  Mr. Howard
  I have no record of any question tabled by the hon. Member to my Department for answer on 28 January.

  The hon. Member has received an answer to all the questions he tabled for answer on 26 January concerning public bodies.

  Police Surveillance
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 13 December,Official Report, column 435, if he will review the position as respects court cases of citizens allowing their houses to be used for surveillance by the police.

  Mr. Maclean
  It is clear that the operation of the current rules on disclosure causes a number of problems in respect of members of the public who allow their homes to be used for surveillance by the police. The Government are reviewing this issue as part of their consideration of the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Criminal Justice about prosecution and defence disclosure.

  Game Licences
  Mr. John Carlisle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will abolish the game licence system.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  We are currently consulting interested groups on how far game licences continue to meet their original objective of combating poaching and enforcing the statutory close season and on whether there may be better means of achieving the same object.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many teachers, per London borough, are employed directly on section 11 funded projects; and what estimate he has made as to how many will lose their jobs following the change in the grants formula.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Information is not maintained centrally in the form requested. The number of designated teacher posts approved for funding under section 11 grant in each London borough is shown in the table, in full-time equivalent terms.

  London Borough

  Number of FTE teacher posts approved

  Barking and Dagenham

  15·6

  Barnet

  48·5

  Bexley

  7·0

  Brent

  92·5

  Bromley

  —

  Camden

  72·4

  Croydon

  63·2

  Ealing

  184·4

  Enfield

  64·0

  905

  London Borough

  Number of FTE teacher posts approved

  Greenwich

  85·0

  Hackney

  225·5

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  40·6

  Haringey

  181·1

  Harrow

  37·0

  Havering

  3·0

  Hillingdon

  13·0

  Hounslow

  91·4

  Islington

  102·0

  Kensington and Chelsea

  58·0

  Kingston

  7·1

  Lambeth

  51·2

  Lewisham

  98·0

  Merton

  28·0

  Newham

  132·2

  Redbridge

  56·6

  Richmond

  4·0

  Southwark

  108·5

  Sutton

  2·0

  Tower Hamlets

  428·5

  Waltham Forest

  114·0

  Wandsworth

  112·4

  Westminster

  95·5

  Notes:

  1. Figures relate to posts in full-time equivalent terms, not individuals.

  2. Figures include any such posts in grant maintained schools within a borough's area

  Section 11 Grant: London boroughs

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Barking and Dagenham

  211,233

  246,230

  245,849

  223,204

  317,607

  230,289

  230,860

  Barnet

  1,049,851

  949,002

  1,202,176

  1,073,736

  1,135,419

  808,203

  748,243

  Bexley

  11,104

  13,049

  15,523

  13,105

  55,271

  95,293

  100,138

  Brent

  4,025,852

  3,349,013

  2,614,389

  2,521,332

  2,449,332

  1,627,435

  1,742,385

  Bromley

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Camden

  244,234

  424,671

  1,544,899

  1,635,092

  1,441,285

  784,832

  1,111,346

  Croydon

  1,235,905

  1,093,806

  1,384,268

  1,351,821

  1,250,852

  930,801

  949,775

  Ealing

  3,654,390

  4,711,527

  5,579,558

  4,578,343

  3,253,875

  2,112,204

  2,632,879

  Enfield

  346,133

  470,294

  535,477

  496,131

  988,721

  1,053,026

  1,058,164

  Greenwich

  491,847

  455,939

  1,248,340

  1,334,721

  1,557,710

  1,178,481

  1,329,673

  Hackney

  941,829

  1,499,707

  4,299,227

  4, 128,546

  4,191,327

  2,874,005

  3,002,040

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  212,962

  142,900

  1,011,358

  1,000,212

  764,353

  680,384

  713,289

  Haringey

  1,992,027

  2,988,487

  2,871,610

  1,663,800

  2,357,008

  1,857,603

  2,604,874

  Harrow

  567,214

  568,947

  755,346

  708,141

  808,967

  580,320

  556,992

  Havering

  0

  36,407

  29,798

  27,934

  45,490

  36,622

  39,169

  Hillingdon

  369,717

  374,464

  448,158

  529,700

  432,290

  332,159

  317,055

  Hounslow

  1,250,491

  1,889,641

  1,620,992

  1,712,577

  1,824,153

  1,265,608

  1,401,864

  Islington

  412,193

  527,806

  1,727,799

  1,689,993

  1,981,114

  1,262,481

  1,434,673

  Kensington and Chelsea

  133,599

  162,496

  1,051,382

  1,027,752

  1,081,670

  830,214

  899,845

  Kingston

  9,866

  1,210

  0

  0

  77,628

  108,532

  106,742

  Lambeth

  689,373

  262,171

  1,468,067

  1,665,526

  1,511,432

  1,046,532

  1,109,603

  Lewisham

  317,569

  332,541

  1,440,252

  1,382,641

  1,883,935

  1,394,157

  1,637,467

  Merton

  705,491

  441,369

  588,786

  435,738

  373,830

  463,386

  490,246

  Newham

  2,506,284

  2,877,460

  2,580,767

  2,428,165

  3,255,362

  1,899,954

  2,206,728

  Redbridge

  816,962

  853,644

  880,844

  858,488

  1,103,708

  870,444

  933,052

  Richmond

  69,177

  66,446

  74,879

  52,427

  56,716

  53,729

  56,225

  Southwark

  515,764

  270,503

  2,302,159

  2,096,790

  1,894,304

  1,622,506

  1,965,479

  Sutton

  3,848

  16,920

  15,696

  19,367

  46,201

  44,137

  46,902

  Tower Hamlets

  266,711

  291,460

  4,353,398

  4,962,547

  8,771,856

  5,978,576

  6,826,782

  Waltham Forest

  1,641,928

  1,540,411

  1,627,145

  1,270,270

  1,897,467

  1,501,779

  1,585,015

  Wandsworth

  312,391

  309,424

  2,117,834

  2,176,164

  1,998,135

  1,234,737

  1,434,386

  Westminster

  68,948

  73,648

  1,519,653

  1,316,560

  1,899,147

  1,329,921

  1,498,548

  London Boroughs Grants Unit

  0

  18,142

  7,022

  7,928

  62,510

  113,815

  117,528

  Inner London Education Authority

  7,503,850

  21,941,375

  19,308,052

  0

  0

  0

  0

  906
  All approved posts remain eligible for grant funding. It is a matter for authorities to decide, within their overall financial provision, how they propose to proceed in the light of the reductions in section 11 funding which we regret it has been necessary to make.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the expenditure, per London borough, on section 11 projects for each of the past five years; what it will be in the current year; and what is the proposed expenditure for 1994–95.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  The table shows, in relation to each London borough, and also the London Boroughs Grants Unit and, where relevant, the Inner London education authority,

  (a) for the years between 1988–89 and 1992–93, grant expenditure under section 11;

  (b) for 1993–94, amounts of grant under three quarterly payments so far made; and

  (c) budget allocations which have been notified as the basis for grant recipients' own expenditure in 1994–95.

  Since grant is currently paid on the basis of actual expenditure incurred by grant recipients, it is not possible to give grant expenditure figures for 1993–94 as a whole, or for 1994–95.

  It should be noted that the later figures in relation to the Inner London education authority include grant in respect of earlier years, payment of which had been delayed due to the late submission of claims.

  Prison Dogs
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about the effect of the privatisation of prisons on prison dogs; and if he will make a statement.
  907
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. J. Butler to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 17 February 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me, in the absence of the Director General from the office, to reply to your recent Question asking what representations have been received about the effect of the privatisation of prisons on prison dogs.
  I have assumed that your Question refers to recent newspaper articles suggesting that the Prison Service intends to have the dogs destroyed. We have received a number of representations in response to these articles.
  The candidacy of the Prison Dog Service for market testing has been suspended, as under present law contractors would be unable to exercise powers to stop and search inmates. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Bill would remedy this. The future of the dogs will come into question only if there is a market test and a private sector contractor wins the contract. We would expect to find alternative work placements or homes for the dogs.

  Crime Detection
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish for the last convenient year details of the crime detection rate for each police force area in England and Wales, together with the equivalent rates for England as a whole and for Wales as a whole.

  Mr. Maclean
  The latest available information relates to 1992 and is published in table 2.11 of "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales 1992", a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Communications Business
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans the communications business of the Home Office has to close the Ruddington head office; what are the consequences to be for the staff in the event of such closure; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he expects to initiate pre-redundancy measures as detailed in the model redundancy agreement and if necessary to offer staff the option of secondment; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) if he will ensure that any proposed purchaser intends to respect existing terms and conditions of employment of the communicatioins business of the Home Office employees and that employees' severance terms shall not be changed without consent and that there can be no unilateral change to these terms;

  (4) what conclusion he has reached on the representations made by unions at the communications business of the Home Office concerning a guarantee of redundancy money in the event that any new owner of DTELS becomes insolvent; and if he will make a statement;

  (5) what is the status of the proposed sale of the communications business of the Home Office; who has managed the sale; what is the purchase consideration; and if he will make a statement;

  (6) what proposals there are for the communications business of the Home Office to relocate staff presently
  908
  operating at Ruddington head office to be relocated at the DTELS establishment at Stanton; and if he will make a statement;

  (7) what indications he has received from any proposed purchaser of the communications business of the Home Office to maintain the recognition agreement with NUCPS, CPSA and IPMS unions; and if he will make a statement;

  (8) what steps he has taken to ensure that the communications business of the Home Office shall retain its autonomy and that the privatisation process shall help to protect jobs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  DTELS, formerly the Directorate of Telecommunications, is being privatised by means of a trade sale. Price Waterhouse is the financial adviser to the Department on the sale.

  National Transcommunications Ltd. has been approved as preferred bidders for DTELS and negotiations to complete the sale are under way. The purchase consideration must be treated as commercial in confidence.

  NTL is not in a position to set out in detail future staffing plans for the business. These will be finalised following completion of the sale. It has announced, though, that it intends to close DTELS's existing Ruddington head office within 12 months and to transfer operations o Winchester, with some staff relocating to the existing DTELS site at nearby Stanton. Opportunities may also arise at other NTL or DTELS locations.

  We have no plans to initiate pre-redundancy measures under the model redundancy agreement or to second staff in response to NTL plans. The unions have been informed that the Government's normal clean break policy on privatisation will apply and that there will be no Government underwriting of any redundancy payment which are the responsibility of NTL.

  NTL has undertaken that where redundancies are necessary it will respect the procedures currently in place. Staff terms and conditions, including severance rights, are protected on transfer by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations.

  NTL has undertaken also to adhere to collective bargaining arrangements. Any proposal to change conditions of service would be discussed and agreement sought. It has confirmed that it would not seek to make unilateral changes.

  The Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union is the union recognised by NTL for collective bargaining. NTL recognises that existing recognition of civil service unions within DTELS transfers across. It aims though, to recognise BECTU as the sole union which represents all staff. It is understood that BECTU and the civil service unions are discussing how this might be achieved.

  While it was not a requirement of sale, NTL has indicated that DTELS will operate as a separate entity within its organisation and that a separate operations structure will be maintained.

  We think that DTELS is being sold to a purchaser which will meet its responsibilities to staff and customers. While NTL has indicated that there will be redundancies, privatisation ensures that for the majority there is the best prospect of long-term job security.
  909

  Sentencing (Illness)
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals he has for ensuring that courts are placed under a stronger duty to inquire into a convicted defendant's former medical history and circumstances where there is an application to adjourn the date of sentencing on grounds of illness.

  Mr. Maclean
  Courts already have a power to adjourn after conviction to enable inquiries to be made.

  We are not persuaded that it is necessary to place courts under such a duty.

  Metropolitan Police
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the total cost to public funds of the Metropolitan police in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  As police authority for the Metropolitan police district, I have approved estimates which provide for net revenue expenditure of £1,660·724 million in 1994–95. There will be a cash limit on current expenditure of £1,616·511 million. Capital expenditure is subject to separate control.

  I have also approved the issue of a precept of £133·55 per property in band D of the council tax valuation band Metropolitan police purposes.

  I have discussed the estimates for the Metropolitan police expenditure in 1994–95 with representatives of the London local authority associations.

  Fire Precautions
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received the report on the review of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 which began in July 1993; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  We received the report late in December. The report concludes that the Fire Precautions Act 1971 has been successful in its primary objective of saving lives. But it suggests that certification is no longer the only or best way of achieving fire safety and that there is room for a substantial move to self-compliance. It recommends, however, that adequate controls must be retained to maintain high standards of public protection where necessary and to enable fire authorities to target their resources at high risk premises. It recommends the removal of Crown immunity from enforcement action other than in very limited circumstances.

  We will consider this report alongside the findings and recommendations of the scrutiny on fire safety enforcement which began on 17 January. However, in the meantime, we believe that it is important that all interested parties are able to consider the findings and recommendations of the review and I have today arranged for copies of the report to be placed in the Libraries of both Houses. Interested parties can obtain copies by writing to the Fire Safety Division of the Home Office, Horseferry house, Dean Ryle street, London SW1P 2AW.

  Racial Chanting
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions there were in(a) 1992 and (b) 1993 for racial chanting at football
  910
  matches under section 3(1) of the Football (Offences) Act 1991: and how many of these prosecutions were successful.

  Mr. Maclean
  In England and Wales in 1992, there were 31 prosecutions under section 3 of the Football (Offences) Act 1991, 21 of which resulted in a conviction. 1993 data will not be available until the autumn.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all television advertising, newspaper advertising, radio advertising and other promotional campaigns with a budgeted cost in excess of £10,000 conducted by(a) the Lord Chancellor's Department and (b) his agencies (i) in the current financial year and (ii) planned for 1994–95, showing for each one the objectives and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of the advertising.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor's Department has conducted no television advertising, newspaper advertising, radio advertising or promotional campaigns with a budgeted cost in excess of £10,000 in the current financial year, 1993–94. No advertising or promotional campaigns with a budgeted cost in excess of £10,000 are planned for 1994–95. The same applies to the two agencies for which the Lord Chancellor has responsibility-the Public Record Office and Her Majesty's Land Registry.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Law Commission.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: The members currently appointed to the Law Commission are:

  Mr. Justice Brooke (Chairman)

  Professor Jack Beatson

  Miss Diana Faber

  Mr. Charles Harpum.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Judicial Studies Board.

  Mr. John Mr. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: The following are currently members of the Judicial Studies Board: Lord Justice Henry (Chairman), Judge Francis Allen, Mr. P. Birts, QC, Mr. Justice Brooke, Judge Crane, Mr. P. F. Guggenheim, JP, Mr. J. F. Halliday, District Judge Holloway, Mr. R. E. K. Holmes, Mr. Justice Johnson, Lord Justice Kennedy, Judge Machin, QC, Professor M. Partington, Judge Sumner, Mr. Justice Tuckey, Dr. D. A. Thomas.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Section 706 Tribunal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 2 February 1994]: HIs Honour Stephen Oliver, QC is the chairman of the tribunal constituted under section 706 of the Income

  911
  and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. There are also six members appointed by the Lord Chancellor as having special knowledge of or experience in financial or commercial matters. Their names are Mr. H. A. Stevenson, Mr. R. L. Payton, Mr. A. Spier, Mr. R. J. G. White, Mr. A. J. Ring and Mrs. S. Sadeque.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Transport Tribunal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: The president of the transport tribunal is Judge Harold Wilson. The chairmen are Judge Michael Brodrick, Robert Owen QC and, in Scotland, J. Mair. The other members of the tribunal are Miss B. Haran, Mr. T. Hall, Mr. G. Simms, Mr. J. Whitworth and Mr. P. Rogers.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Lands Tribunal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: The members of the Lands Tribunal are His Honour Judge Marder QC (President), His Honour Judge O'Donoghue and His Honour Judge Rich. In addition to these legal members there are also five surveyor members: Mr. P. H. Clarke, Mr. J. C. Hill, Mr. M. Hopper, Dr. T. Hoyes and Mr. A. P. Musto.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Value Added Tax Tribunal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: The president of the Value Added Tax Tribunal is His Honour Stephen Oliver QC. The four full-time chairmen are Mr. R. A. Bennett QC, Mr. J. D. Demack, Mr. A. W. Simpson and Mr. W. T. A. Wallace. There are also 30 part-time chairmen whose names are:

  J. F. Avery Jones

  C. P. Bishopp

  Mrs. A. N. Brice

  M. P. Cornwell-Kelly

  Viscount Dilhorne

  J. F. Easton

  Lady French

  J. H. Fryer-Spedding

  Mrs. E. Gilliland

  Miss J. C. Gort

  P. E. Heim

  A. Hilton

  P. Horsfield, QC

  R. P. Huggins

  M. S. Johnson

  F. L. De May

  R. K. Miller, CB

  Mrs. J. C. Mitting

  A. S. T. E. Nicol

  M. F. O'Brien

  M. F. J. Palmer

  Miss J. Plumptre

  D. S. Porter

  D. Potter

  H. Robin Rowland, QC

  D. A. Shirley

  I. E. Vellins

  R. H. Widdows

  P. W. De Voil

  Miss J. Warburton

  There are also 136 other members as follows:

  Mrs Edith Rachel Adams, FCA ATII

  John Adrian, Esq

  Ms Caroline Susan De Albuquerque

  912

  Michael Hamilton Allan, Esq

  George Kevin Armstrong, Esq FCMA FCIS

  Robert Asbridge, Esq

  Mrs. Vera Ashcroft

  Ronald William Atkinson, Esq

  David George Bailey Esq

  Dr. Norma Rhoda Ball, AKC FRGS

  John Daniel Dudley Bates, Esq

  Lindsay Harry Berry, Esq

  Richard Stewart Boddington, Esq

  Robert Bridge, Esq

  Vivian Robert Vincent Brindley, Esq

  Alan Bell Brown, Esq FCA ATII

  Arthur Ernest Brown, Esq

  Gordon Burnison, Esq

  Mrs. Brenda May Burrell

  John Anthony Byrne, Esq DCM FIPM

  Mrs. Margaret Ada Tomsett Calvert, FAC

  Frederick Ernest Thomas Card, Esq

  James Carew, Esq FCIS

  Kenneth Chambers, Esq

  Richard Chant, Esq ACA FTII

  Arthur Haywood Charlesworth Esq

  Roger Edmund Cockfield, Esq

  Ian Condie, Esq

  Bernard J. Coode, Esq FFA

  Richard Dudley Corke, Esq

  Anthony Norburn Craven, Esq

  Robert Laverock Hamilton Crawford, Esq

  James D. Crerar, Esq

  James Stredwick Cullen, Esq

  Jon Patrick Maynard Denny, Esq

  Miss Vera June Di Palma, FCCA FTII OBE

  Keith Stuart Dugdale Esq

  John Brian Dynes, Esq

  Mrs. Sheila Edmondson FCA

  Mohammed Farooq, Esq

  Hector William Michael Fiske, Esq

  Geoffrey Gallon, Esq

  Cranstoun Bygott Harold Gill, Esq

  John Martyn Gilliat, Esq

  John Bryan Goulding, Esq

  William Graves, Esq

  Robert Geoffrey Grice, Esq

  Derrick Peter Harris, Esq FCA

  Charles Vernon Hasted, Esq

  Frank Hazledine, Esq

  Anthony Francis Hennessey, Esq

  William Edward Hesketh, Esq ICCA

  Roger David Hicks, Esq

  Stanley Hobson, Esq

  William Chalmers Hogg, Esq

  Frank Paul De Montezuma Horsey, Esq

  Mohammad Modashar Hossain, Esq FCA FCBSI

  Robin M. Ivison, Esq FCA FTII ATT

  Ms Jessica Mary Jacob

  Michael James, Esq

  Roy Leonard Jennings, Esq FCA FTII

  Mrs. Roberta Scott Johnson

  Ivor Arthur Herbert Jordan, Esq

  Aziz Khan, Esq

  John David Kippest, Esq

  John Michael Lapthorne, Esq

  Peter Halford Lawson, Esq

  Peter Dennis Lewis, Esq TD

  Geoffrey John Charles Lockhart, Esq

  Miss Karen Bruce Lockhart

  Maurice McCloy, Esq

  George McCulloch, Esq

  Edgar Michael McGahey, Esq OBE

  Mrs. Janis Rosemary Adelaide McGowan

  Francis McIlwee, Esq FCCA ATII

  Terence McKeag, Esq

  Hugh McMichael, Esq

  Mrs. Rosalind Jean Mackworth

  Kenneth Charles Manterfield, Esq FCA

  Lt. Colonel Tymothy Marsh

  John N. Mendelssohn, Esq

  George Miles, Esq

  Herbert William Millar, Esq

  913

  Dennis Victor Mundy, Esq

  Linley Barrett Ollier, Esq

  Richard Turner Parkinson, Esq

  Mrs. Rosemary Vivien Penn

  Thomas Murch Petherick, Esq

  Norman Henry Phillips, Esq

  Reginald James Pickerill, Esq FCA FTII

  William Joseph Pickup, Esq

  Alan William Potter, Esq

  Mrs. Gilian Pratt

  James Pratt, Esq

  Mrs. Gretta Pritchard

  Dr. William Idwal Pumphrey, FIM

  Scott Alexander Rae, Esq

  John Benjamin Rees, Esq

  David Spencer Richards, Esq

  Stephen Paterson Riddell, Esq MA LLB

  Anthony John Ring, Esq FTII FCA

  Mrs. Nancy Joan Roberts

  Phillip James Roberts, Esq

  Albert Leonard Robinson, Esq RHCIMA FCFA

  Mrs. Margaret Jane Rees Rogers

  Dominic Thomas Scarre Rutter, Esq

  Mrs. Shahwar Sadeque MBCS

  Mrs. Lynneth Mary Salisbury

  George Kenneth Baber Saxby, Esq

  Peter John Seward, Esq

  Michael Alan Sharp, Esq

  Cyril Raymond Shaw, Esq FCA

  Stanley Ronald Sibley, Esq FCCA

  Michael Maurice Silbert, Esq FRICS

  Vivian Sklar, Esq

  Basil Benjamin Smith, Esq

  Frank Smith, Esq

  Mrs. Janet M.Smith

  Ramniklal Pranial Sodagar, Esq FCA ATII

  Lewis Springfield, Esq

  James Thomas Brian Strangward, Esq

  Ranbir Singh Suri, Esq

  Selvyn Walker Telfer, Esq

  Neil Francis Townsend, Esq

  Maurice William Trace, Esq

  Willian Raymond Turner, Esq

  Dame Joan Fleetwood Varley, DBE

  Anthony Wreford Bothwell Voge, Esq

  Dame Rachel Elizabeth Waterhouse, DBE

  Howard Edmund Watkinson, Esq

  Michael Eckford Lind Weir, Esq

  Ian Ronald Welch, Esq

  Peter Whitehead, Esq

  Leon Guy Wilkinson, Esq

  Miss Diana M. Wilson

  John Anthony Wright Esq

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to immigration appellate authorities adjudicators.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: There are currently 15 full-time adjudicators of immigration appeals. They are: R. G. Care, J. R. Bright, Mrs. J. Davidson, J. R. Disley, I. M. S. Donnell, J. G. Freeman, M. T. Fugard, A. T. Hatt, E. J. T. Housden, M. I. Khan, J. A. 0. O'Brien-Quinn, D. J. Parkes, M. W. Rapinet, C. 0. Richards and J. G. Storry. There are also 100 part-time adjudicators whose names are:

  G. Alis

  K. Allen

  F. Aragon

  Miss E. Arfon-Jones

  C. H. Bennett

  S. J. Blackford

  W. G. Beckett

  D. N. Bowen

  Ms J. M. Braybrook

  Mrs. F. C. Bremner

  J. S. Brodwell

  V. Callender

  914

  The Reverend J. Camp

  Professor D. B. Casson

  Miss A. M. Cheales

  Major General M. H. F. Clarke

  Dr. H. Concannon

  Professor K. Counter

  M. E. Curzon Lewis

  Mrs. A. C. Davies

  M. Davies

  G. Dearden

  Mrs. D. Drew

  Miss K. E. Eshun

  J. B. Fitzpatrick CBE

  J. R. A. Fox

  J. Frankland

  Mrs. D. A. Friedman

  J. C. Gibbs

  Miss J. C. Gort

  B. S. Grewal

  The Honourable J. K. A. Grey

  J. L. Guest

  Guild CBE

  P. Gulbenkian

  D. T. Hallchurch

  J. J. Halliwell

  M. Hinchliffe

  A. J. Hirst

  J. L. O. Holden

  M. S. W. Hoyle

  R. J. C. Ince

  Ms C. Jarvis

  D. J. Jefferson

  E. J. Jenkins

  M. H. Jubber

  R. A. Kay

  Mrs. C. M. Kennedy

  P. M. Kilty

  I. S. Kulatilake

  A. Labor

  D. A. Lamb

  H. J. E. Latter

  J. W. H. Law

  Sir Alan Leslie

  Miss M. N. Lingard

  Mrs. C. J. Lloyd

  Mrs. C. J. W. Malins

  A. J. Martin

  Mrs. E. S. Martins

  Master R. Martyn

  D. W. Mayall

  H. M. Mitchell QC

  J. J. Molloy

  M. Neuberger

  E. L. Newsome

  C. M. G. Ockelton

  R. J. Oliver

  O. G. Onoufriou

  C. Osborne

  J. D. Perkins

  Dr. S. L. Popper

  J. F. Pullig

  N. W. Renton QC

  Mrs. C. E. Roberts

  Mrs. H. C. Rose

  P. B. Rose

  C. P. Rushton

  D. J. Salmon

  N. Selwyn

  Mrs. P. M. Skitmore

  Dr. P. E. Slinn

  L. J. Smith

  Dr. H. Storey

  Mrs. S. H. Story

  B. M. Suchack

  Mrs. P. A. Symons

  Mrs. D. E. Taylor

  J. M. Timmons

  S. D. Travers

  I. E. Vellins

  T. G. Walters

  915

  G. Warr

  B. C. M. G. Watkins

  Mrs. J. L. Weinberg

  E. M. E. White

  Mrs. K. Woodhouse

  C. C. Wright

  P. J. Wynne

  C. J. Yelloly

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the immigration appellate authorities, Immigration Appeal Tribunal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: The president of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal is Mr. George Farmer. The two vice presidents are Mrs. J. Chatwani and Professor D. Jackson. There are also nine part-time legal members whose names are:

  I. Kinnell, QC

  R. E. Maddison

  Mrs. R. Mannion

  Professor D. S. Pearl

  W. B. Scott

  M. Shrimpton

  Mrs. M. Simon

  M. Simons

  C. Whitaker

  There are 27 lay members of the tribunal. Their names are:

  Mrs. J. M. Abrahams

  M. R. Beale

  The Honourable Mrs. L. Bonham Carter

  G. J. Brown

  V. R. Cadogan, JP

  Mrs. A. J. F. Cross De Chavannes, JP

  C. A. N. Edinboro

  B. Edmond

  Major D. Francombe

  D. M. Froome

  Mrs. J. H. M. Goodchild

  J. L. S. Harrison

  Mrs. S. I. Hewitt

  R. E. Hunte

  M. James

  A. G. Jeevanjee

  A. K. Khandwala

  N. Kumar

  Miss P. G. Liverman

  A. A. Lloyd, JP

  The Countess of Mar

  Mrs. M. Padfield

  Miss S. S. Ramsumair

  Mrs. M. Roe

  P. Rogers

  A. Smith

  Mrs. A. Weitzman

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department who are the members currently appointed to the Pensions Appeal Tribunal.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  [holding answer 3 February 1994]: There are 62 members of the Pensions Appeal Tribunal. The president is Mr. J. R. T. Holt. The deputy president is Mr. J. A. Davidson and the legal members are Mr. A. M. Sage, Mr. J. Frankland, Mr. R. J. Godfrey, Mr. C. B. Robson, Mr. F. H. Warriner and Mr. J. Westcott.

  There are also 28 medical members whose names are:

  C. A. C. Charlton

  J. C. M. Currie

  D. Davies

  A. E. Dormer

  R. F. Fletcher

  A. C. Fraser

  G. Freeman

  M. Grundy

  916

  M. Hamilton, OBE

  P. J. D Heaf

  A. R. Horler

  A. G. Horsburgh

  M. S. Hughes

  D. Longson

  P. R. K. Medley

  J. E. Mitchell

  B. J. Muir

  A. Paton

  J. Potter

  R. Pracey

  Robertson

  Sir William Slack, KCVO

  D. R. Smith

  I. V. O. Smith

  T. B. Stretton

  W. C. Walker

  J. P. Williams

  P. M. Yeoman

  There are also 26 service members whose names are:

  D. F. G. Bentley

  Ms C. E. Birtwistle

  D. I. Cadman, CBE

  M. B. Chesterfield

  A. W. Colvin

  R. Dales

  P. Deering, JP

  R. S. Elliott

  Lt. Col. Epplestone, JP

  D. F. Field

  Mrs. J. M. Finlay

  Miss B. I. Forbes-Adam

  Mrs. J. L. Ford

  B. L. Glynn J. Heath

  N. Howlett

  C. F. Jebens

  C. Jewitt

  R. W. Jones

  P. G. Kibble

  Miss S. M. Lamont

  Miss E. Rhodie

  R. E. Saunders

  D. Seaman

  Sir Leslie Townsend, KCVO CBE

  A. D. Welsh

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage who are the members currently appointed to the board of the museum of London.

  Mr. Sproat
  The members of the board of trustees of the Museum of London are:

  Peter Revell-Smith, Esq (Chairman)

  Colin Amery, Esq

  Mrs. Averil Burgess

  Sir Ashley Bramall, DL

  Dr. Alan Clinton

  Peter Draw, Esq OBE

  Norman H. Harding, Esq

  Lady Amabel Lindsay

  Dr. Geoffrey Howard Martin, CBE DPhil

  Ian D. McNeil, Esq

  Sheriff Anthony Moss

  Mrs. Dawn Muirhead

  Keith Wells, Esq

  Michael Wheeler, Esq

  Professor John J. Wilkes, BA FSA

  Gordon Wixley, Esq

  C. D. Woodward, Esq OBE

  917
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage who are the members currently appointed to the board of the Tate gallery.

  Mr. Sproat
  The members of the board of trustees of the Tate gallery are:

  Dennis Stevenson, Esq CBE (Chairman)

  The Countess of Airlie, CVO

  The Hon. Janet de Botton

  Michael Craig-Martin, Esq

  Richard Deacon, Esq

  Bamber Gascoigne, Esq FRSL

  David Gordon, Esq

  Christopher LeBrun, Esq

  Sir Richard Carew Pole

  Mrs. Paula F. Ridley, JP MA

  David Verey, Esq

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage who are the members currently appointed to the board of the Sir John Soane's museum.

  Mr. Sproat
  The members of the board of trustees of the Sir John Soane's museum are:

  His Grace the Duke of Grafton (Chairman)

  Sir Walter F. Bodmer, Kt FRS FRC Path

  Ms Bridget Cherry, FSA

  Edward Cullinan, CBE RA

  Richard Griffiths, Esq

  Ronald W. Lightbown, Esq MA FSA FRAS

  Alderman Sir Francis McWilliams, Kt BSc FEng FICE

  Sir Philip Powell, KT RA ARA FRIBA

  T. Russell-Cobb, Esq

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage who are the members currently appointed to the Museums and Galleries Commission.

  Mr. Sproat
  The members of the Museums and Galleries Commission are:

  Graham Greene, Esq CBE (Chairman)

  The Marchioness of Anglesey

  Dr. Frank Atkinson, OBE

  Jack Baer, Esq

  The Baroness Brigstocke

  The Viscountess Cobham

  Frederick W. Dunning, Esq OBE BSc FGS FMA

  Richard Foster, Esq

  Professor W. John Last, CBE MA Hon FMA

  Professor David Michie, RSA RGI FRSA

  Lord (Raymond) O'Neill

  Right Hon. Lord Rees, QC

  Robert Smith, Esq

  Dame Margaret Weston

  Royal Parks
  Mr. Cormack
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what future plans he has for the royal parks.

  Mr. Sproat
  The royal parks are one of London's finest assets and give pleasure to millions. The Government are committed to maintaining and improving these important open spaces so that they attain the highest standards of excellence.

  I have now considered the second report on the role and management of the royal parks from an independent review group, chaired by Dame Jennifer Jenkins. The group's first report considered Hyde park and Kensington gardens; this time its attention was focused on the four remaining parks in central London; St. James's park, Green park, Regent's park and Primrose hill. The group once again examined a wide range of issues and consulted many individuals and organisations. The conclusions of its report were discussed at a one-day conference.
  918
  The group's recommendations highlight the opportunities we now have to enhance the quality of the parks, and to provide for changing demands and pressures, but in doing so we must not lose sight of the fundamental purpose of the parks as places where hundreds of people can enjoy themselves in the open air. We are looking positively at the proposals in the group's report, although it is clear that some of them would involve significant changes and significant expenditure: for example, to landscape, traffic and parking. In this answer I shall describe the action we have already taken, and my proposals for taking matters forward. There will have to be detailed consultations with interested parties, including the royal household, Westminster city council, and the Crown Estate Commission, before some proposals can be implemented; some will require further study to determine whether practical solutions are possible; and the availability of financial resources will play a major part in determining the extent and timing and implementation of others.

  A central theme of the Jenkins group was that the pedestrian should have priority within the parks and that the impact of traffic on the atmosphere of the parks, particularly St. James's and Green parks, should be significantly reduced.

  The group highlighted the area in front of Buckingham palace—which, it should be explained, is part of St. James's park—as a prime example of the conflict between pedestrians and traffic. It recommended the creation of a pedestrian place between the palace and the Queen Victoria memorial. I am pleased to say that during the course of the last year consultants have looked at traffic and pedestrian access throughout the royal parks, and have already produced proposals for achieving this recommendation. Further detailed studies have been commissioned and when these are completed consultation will take place with all concerned.

  A programme of other traffic management measures is also being developed, including additional pedestrian crossings and traffic calming methods.

  On a related theme, the Jenkins group recommended that car parking should be banned from Horse Guards parade, returning the area to uncluttered open space, thus restoring one of the important vistas of St. James's park. Such a proposal will obviously require consultation with several Government Departments and other bodies. Alternative solutions to providing the necessary car parking, and the other consequential problems, would have to be found. The Royal Parks Agency is examining ways in which these problems might be resolved.

  For Regent's park, the Jenkins group's main theme was the need to view the park, villas and surrounding terraces as "an integral piece of urban design", reflecting its original conception. Many bodies now have management responsibilities within the area, and I accept the group's recommendation that there should ideally be a co-ordinated management strategy for the area as a whole. In this respect the important planning function of local authorities should not be overlooked. In the first stages I propose to consult colleagues in the Department of the Environment to see how the proposal can be taken forward. I also agree that a consultative mechanism between the park management and local residents and amenity groups, who value and take an interest in the park, should be developed.

  The group has put forward several proposals to improve the image of the parks to the visitor, including the

  919
  introduction of suitably sited display boards, explaining features such as the heritage and wildlife of the parks, and leaflets for self-guided trails. The general signing and maps on the parks also need improvement. I welcome these ideas, together with the suggestion for increasing the parks' role in more formal education by the provision of information centres and facilities for schools. The Royal Parks Agency's design consultant has in fact already designed new map boards, and these will be installed shortly. The first leaflets have already been produced.

  The group has recognised the role of royal parks in the image of London for visitors from this country and abroad, and this is reflected in its proposal for a circular walk linking all six central parks—the royal parks promenade. A leaflet showing the route and noting the important features along the way will be produced. I welcome this proposal, as does Westminster city council, which undoubtedly will have an important role to play in taking it forward. Parts of the route, such as the link through Park square and Crescent gardens, and that through Paddington, will need to be considered carefully, and several organisations will need to be consulted, if the proposal is to come to fruition.

  The full cost of implementing the recommendations is not yet known as further studies are required, and we will have to consider the position of the royal parks along with other demands on the Department of National Heritage budget. The specific recommendations made in the report, to increase funding to the parks through the retention of all additional income, a special contribution from Government, to cover the cost of policing and staging national celebrations, and a contribution from the Crown Estate, will require further detailed research and discussion within the Government. Until these discussions are complete I cannot say whether the proposals in the report can, or will be, met.

  I am pleased to say that considerable progress has been made towards meeting the recommendations in the group's first report on Hyde park and Kensington gardens. For example, the group felt that the Speakers' corner and Marble arch area had deteriorated, and suggested a competition for ideas to improve the area. The competition has been organised and was announced in January. in July a works management contractor was appointed and this contractor has completed a survey of all buildings and structures and drawn up a planned maintenance programme. This is the first step in reversing the deterioration in the fabric of the parks highlighted by the group. Traffic consultants have reported on traffic management within the parks and extensive consultation with local authorities and other interested parties is now taking place. The appointment of landscape architects, the establishment of the royal parks as an executive agency, and the policing of Hyde park by the Royal Parks constabulary, have been successfully completed.

  The comprehensive coverage given to every aspect of the parks by the Jenkins group and the general support and constructive comment that its reports have generated have persuaded me that a review of the remaining royal parks should be carried out. I have therefore invited Dame Jennifer Jenkins to chair a group to review Greenwich, Bushey and Richmond parks. The timetable for this review is longer than that for the previous reviews; starting in March, the group's report is expected in the first half of 1995. This will allow the Royal Parks Agency time to assimilate and take action of the proposals in the first two reports.
  920
  I am most grateful for the contribution and time Dame Jennifer, and her group, have already given, and look forward to the next report.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Export Promoter Initiative
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff were seconded to his Department under the export promoter initiative on 1 April 1993, 1 October 1993 and currently; how many enterprises had been advised by such staff by each date; and how many export group visits had been organised by such staff by each date.

  Mr. Needham
  Total number of staff seconded to the Department under the export promoter initiative by April 1 1993 = eight; October 1 1993 = 41; currently 68.

  Total number of enterprises contacted by export promoters by April 1 1993 = 54; October 1 1993 = 2,357; currently 5,467.

  Export group visits include seminars organised by export promoters, trade fairs or export missions led by export promoters or accompanying Ministers: by April 1 1993 = nil; October 1 1993 = 120; currently = 195.

  Approximate total number of enterprises which attended above events = 5,040.

  Wind Turbines
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies have been conducted since 1984 by his energy technology support unit on public attitudes to wind farm or wind generator cluster development in the United Kingdom; and what use he has made of any comparative studies conducted abroad.

  Mr. Eggar
  The following eight studies have been conducted since 1984 by the Energy Technology Support Unit on public attitudes to wind farms or wind generator cluster development. Results of relevant work conducted abroad are also noted.

  Public Attitude Survey at Delabole (two studies)

  Mynddy Cemmaes Windfarm Impact Assessment

  Cemmaes Wind Farm Impact Study

  The Visual Impact of Windfarms; Lessons from the United Kingdom NFFO

  Evaluation of Local Community Reaction to a Single Wind Turbine

  Public reaction to a 1 MW Wind Turbine Generator

  Survey of Public Attitudes towards Three Wind Turbines.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, what safety arrangements are made for the long-term storage of liquid high level radioactive waste in tanks at Sellafield.

  Mr. Eggar
  This is a matter for British Nuclear Fuels plc subject to the Health and Safety Executive's nuclear installations inspectorate's views as to safety.

  Colombian Coal
  Mr. Keith Hill
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what steps he has taken to verify that coal imported into the United Kingdom from Colombia has not been mined by child labour;
  921
  (2) if he will deposit in the Library the documentation he has received certifying that coal imported into the United Kingdom from Colombia is not produced with child labour;

  (3) what assurances he has received directly or via PowerGen or National Power on the safety conditions in coal mines in Colombia exporting coal to the United Kingdom and on whether child labour is employed;

  (4) what reports of inspections of coal mines in Colombia exporting coal to the United Kingdom have been published; and if he will give the details of publication;

  (5) when was the last occasion on which he discussed the issue of Colombian coal and child labour with (a) officials of PowerGen and (b) officials of National Power;

  (6) what checks have been made by his Department to confirm that no coal being mined by child labour in Colombia is being delivered to stores in that country that are used for exports of coal to the United Kingdom;

  (7) if he will deposit in the Library the correspondence which has taken place between his Department and PowerGen and National Power on the issue of the importation of coal from mines in Colombia using child labour;

  (8) if he will list the dates and locations of inspections which have been carried out by or on behalf of his Department of coal mines in Colombia exporting coal to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Cunninghame, North (Mr. Wilson) on 9 February,Official Report, column 314. Since then, I have met Dr. Pretelt, the president of Carbocol, who assured me that Colombian labour law, and mining law, prohibits women and under-18s from going underground, and that no Colombian coal for export is mined by children.

  Energy
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the results of the research on the development and demonstration of energy technologies, undertaken by the energy technology support unit, will be published; and whether that appraisal will cover both the energy supply and the efficient use of energy.

  Mr. Eggar
  The Energy Technology Support Unit expects to publish its appraisal report, which will cover both energy supply and energy efficiency, within the next few weeks. My Department will publish a summary of the appraisal as an energy paper. This will not discuss energy efficiency technologies, since they are now a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.

  Small Companies (Audit)
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the effective date for commencement of the abolition of the small companies audit requirement has been fixed.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  I shall be making a statement shortly on this and other details of the relaxation of the audit requirement for small companies.
  922

  Korea
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has made to the Korean Government regarding the increase in the tariff on textile imports; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Needham
  I have written to the Korean Ministers for Finance, and for Trade, Industry and Energy expressing the dismay of the United Kingdom Government regarding this action and pointing out that this is not the action we expect of a major trading nation.

  We are discussing options for action with our European partners and the Commission. Member states agree that robust and early action is necessary and at the request of member states the Commission is evaluating ways of responding.

  Ferranti
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what he now expects to be the future of Ferranti; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  The receivers are discussing with a number of companies the possibility of selling the businesses which make up Ferranti International plc.

  The Independent
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the possible transfer of The Independent newspaper.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I have received an application for my consent to acquire a controllong interest in Newspaper Publishing, owner of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday. The application relates to an offer made by a consortium consisting of Mirror Group Newspapers, the Espresso group and Promotora de Informaciones, in agreement with Mr. Andreas Whittam Smith, Mr. Adrian O'Neil and Mr. Matthew Symonds. It seeks my consent without an inquiry by the Monopolies and Mergers Commission under section 58(3)(a) of the Fair Trading Act 1973. This section gives me discretion to consent to a newspaper transfer without a Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry where I am satisfied that the newspaper concerned is not economic as a going concern and as a separate newspaper and that, if the paper is to continue, the case is one of urgency. I am inviting comments from interested parties by 3 March on whether I should give my consent without a Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry. I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses a note describing the main features of the proposed transaction and explaining how the newspaper merger provisions of the Act apply to this case.

  I expect to make a further statement to the House announcing my decision following the period of public consultation.

  Atomic Energy Authority
  Mr. Robert Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what decisions he has made about the future of the Atomic Energy Authority.

  Mr. Eggar
  The consultation study I announced on 1 April was completed in the summer of 1993. Since then
  923
  I have held discussions with my colleagues and with AEA management and staff representatives about the way ahead. I have concluded that the business activities in the AEA's new commercial division are capable of privatisation and that privatisation represents the logical next step in the AEA's on-going commercial development. Decisions on the form of privatisation will be taken in due course, but there is no presumption that this should follow the present structure. The decisions taken will be based on performance in the market place and the extent to which the various options would meet customer requirements, enhance competition, help to improve United Kingdom competitiveness and maximise the return to the taxpayer. Legislation for privatisation will be brought forward in due course.

  Ownership of, and responsibility for, the safe management of the AEA's nuclear liabilities, as well as certain other functions more appropriate to government,

  £thousands, 1992–93 prices

  Executive non-departmental public bodies

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  11994–95

  11995–96

  outturn

  outturn

  outturn

  estimates

  plans

  plans

  British Hallmarking Council

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Advisory Committees on Telecommunications for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

  211

  221

  112

  129

  129

  129

  Area Transport Users' Consultative Committees

  645

  620

  582

  1,052

  Not known2

  Central Transport Consultative Committee

  274

  555

  506

  Domestic Coal Consumers' Council

  127

  158

  121

  121

  75

  62

  Gas Consumers' Council

  2,562

  2,527

  2,767

  2,828

  2,525

  2,517

  London Regional Passengers' Committee

  301

  436

  280

  316

  -(2)

  -(2)

  National Consumer Council

  2,457

  2,657

  2,930

  2,818

  2,303

  2,123

  Post Office Users' National Council

  455

  458

  448

  694

  576

  599

  Post Office Users' Councils for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

  120

  122

  275

  Design Council

  7,245

  7,732

  7,287

  7,446

  6,705

  3,590

  English Industrial Estates Corporation (EIEC)

  18,550

  0

  6,000

  19,370

  Not known3

  Hearing Aid Council

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Monopolies and Mergers Commission

  6,330

  6,400

  5,540

  7,070

  6,870

  7,290

  National Enterprise Board (NEB)4

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)4

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Policyholders' Protection Board

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  The Simpler Trade Procedures Board

  734

  876

  869

  848

  845

  930

  United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1 Planned figures are subject to change in annual PES negotiations.

  2 After 31 March 1994 the Central Transport Consultative Committee and the area Transport Users' Consultative Committees sponsorship will be the responsibility of the Office of the Rail Regulator. Sponsorship of the London Regional Passengers' Committee passes similarly to the Department of Transport.

  3 English Partnerships will take over the work of English Industrial Estates Corporation on 1 April 1994.

  4 Following the privatisation in 1992, the National Enterprise Board and National Research Development Corporation Boards' continue to carry out certain residuary functions.

  924
  will remain in the public sector but contracts for decommissioning and radioactive waste management work will increasingly be put out to competition. I will be exploring how best to organise these activities in the longer term and will make further announcements when I am in a position to do so.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a table showing, in 1992–93 prices, the gross public spending for each year since 1990–91 and the projected expenditure for each year to 1995–96 for each executive non-departmental public body sponsored by his Department, as listed in "Public Bodies 1993".

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 15 February 1994]: The following table shows the amount of grant or grant-in-aid received by executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by my Department:
  925

HEALTH

  Hospital Beds
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many acute beds, intensive therapy unit beds and private beds there were by region in each of the last five years;

  (2) if she will give the number of intensive therapy unit beds by region in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested will be placed in the Library. Intensive therapy beds are also included in the acute beds total. Private beds are those in private acute hospitals with operating theatres and are those in other private hospitals, nursing homes and clinics registered under section 23 of the Registered Homes Act 1984.

  Palliative Care
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she is taking to monitor the implementation of Department of Health circular EL(93)14 dealing with funding arrangements for specialist palliative care needs in nursing homes;

  (2) if she will list the health authorities which have formally drawn up procedures to provide nursing home-owners with information about the specialist palliative care needs of individual service users; and how the health authority will ensure that such needs are met in accordance with Department of Health circular EL(93)14;

  (3) what is her assessment of the progress of implementing Department of Health circular EL(93)14 relating to funding arrangements for specialist palliative care needs in nursing homes; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  As circular EL(93)14 makes clear, where a person in a nursing home requires specialist palliative care, the provision of any such care which is additional to general nursing care is the responsibility of the appropriate health authority. Copies of the circular are available in the Library.

  Arrangements for this need to be agreed locally between health and local authorities in order to deliver responsive care to patients. The Department does not formally monitor the detail of such agreements.

  Last September's national community care monitoring exercise showed that collaboration between health and social services authorities is generally improving, although there is scope for some further clarification of local arrangements. Since then, as a precondition of local authorities' community care special transitional grant, we have again required them to submit evidence that they have reached agreement with health authorities over their respective responsibilities for continuing care.

  Health Service Expenditure
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the level of net and gross hospital and community health service capital and net and gross national health service capital expenditure for each year since 1973–74 expressed in 1993–94 prices, adjusted by(a) the gross domestic product deflator and (b) changes in input unit costs.
  926
  Mr. Sackville
  The precise information is not available in the format requested. Hospital and community health service gross current expenditure figures will be placed in the Library from 1976–77, the first year for which these figures are available. Expenditure estimates adjusted for input unit costs are not yet available at 1993–94 prices.

  Market Testing
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance she has issued on market testing for clinical services to ensure the quality of services in the clinical setting;

  (2) what assessment she has made as to the extent to which recommended Government guidelines for market testing were complied with in respect of the tendering process for awarding a private contract for the pathology services for the North Hertfordshire trust.

  Mr. Sackville
  The document "Market Testing in the National Health Service (Revised Guidance)", which set out the principles and methods to achieve quality in any service being market tested, was issued in June 1993. Copies of the document are available in the Library. The market testing of pathology services in the North Hertfordshire trust was already in train at that time. Chief executives are responsible for the proper conduct of market testing exercises in their trusts.

  Electro-convulsive Therapy
  Mrs. Golding
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans she has for banning the use of electro convulsive therapy on children;

  (2) how many children received electro-convulsive therapy in the last year for which figures are available;

  (3) how many hospitals currently use electro-convulsive therapy as part of their programme for treating mentally disturbed children.

  Mr. Bowis
  Treatment in any particular case is a matter for local clinical decision by the medical practitioner or practitioners involved who are familiar with the particular case and complexities of the condition. Information on the use of electro-convulsive therapy is collected not on a hospital basis but by hospital episode. According to the latest unpublished figures available, no patient under the age of 15 received ECT in 1991–92. An unpublished survey in 1992 by the child and adolescent psychiatry section of the Royal College of Psychiatrists recorded that ECT was used very rarely on those under 18 and only where patients were very ill.

  Pathology Services
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice she received from the independent assessors nominated by the Royal College of Pathologists on awarding the private contract for pathology services for the North Hertfordshire trust; and what action was taken as a result of that advice.

  Mr. Sackville
  The advice of the assessors nominated by the Royal College of Pathologists was given in confidence to the North Hertfordshire trust. We understand that the trust has found the advice valuable in its discussions on the detail of the service to be provided under contract.
  927
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on her review of pathology services; when her report is due to be published; and what is the implication for her review of a decision to award a contract for pathology services to a private company before it is completed.

  Mr. Sackville
  The strategic review of pathology services is due to report to the Department in June. The Department will then consider the content of strategic guidelines for the national health service on the maintenance and development of high quality, cost-effective clinical services responsive to the needs of patients and users. The review is not intended to delay progress on local initiatives.

  Psychiatric Wards
  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she proposes to take to ensure that women who are admitted to psychiatric hospital are guaranteed the choice to be treated on a women-only ward if they so wish.

  Mr. Bowis
  The patients charter requires health authorities to provide services which respect patients' privacy, dignity and religious and cultural beliefs. In line with this the "Mental Health Key Area Handbook" advises health authorities that one of women's particular concerns is the choice of a single-sex ward or single-sex area.

  Ms Jowell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many incidents of serious assault have been reported by women who are patients in mixed psychiatric wards for each year since 1989.

  Mr. Bowls
  Health authorities are responsible for ensuring there is secure accommodation for all patients and incidents should be monitored locally.

  Hospital Catering
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and which hospital trusts operate two standards of catering for patients, one of which requires a payment by the patient.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Hearing Aids (Children)
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which agency is responsible for monitoring the provision and maintenance of hearing aids for(a) pre-school children, (b) children at school and (c) young people aged 16 years and above who are in full-time education; and what plans there are to change the present arrangement;

  (2) which agency monitors the provision of insurance on hearing aids for children and young people; and what plans there are to change the present arrangement;

  (3) if she will list the conditions under which children and young people are entitled to be provided with the most appropriate hearing aid whether or not this is part of the national health service range of hearing aids.

  Mr. Bowis
  Hearing aids are available under the national health service for anyone who needs one. It is for the clinician concerned to decide which aid is most 928
  appropriate in each case, whether it is from the standard range or purchased by hearing aid centres from a commercial source. As hearing aids are provided on loan there is no requirement for the patient, or in the case of a child under 16, the child's parent to insure the device. We have no plans to change these arrangements.

  Hospitals
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list by region(a) the hospitals that have closed since 1990 and (b) the hospitals that have opened since 1990.

  Mr. Sackville
  Decisions on opening or closing facilities are for local management. The Department requires formal notification only where proposed closures are contested by the community health councils.

  NHS Buildings
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will undertake and publish a survey of the state of maintenance of buildings and plant of NHS hospitals in England, in order to identify any shortfalls leading to danger to patients.

  Mr. Sackville
  No. Since the removal of Crown immunity from the national health service in 1991, all NHS bodies are required to meet their statutory duties to make safe any hazardous buildings or plant.

  Smear Tests
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many women in each region were found to have been misdiagnosed as a result of the improper administration of pre-cancer smear tests in 1993.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she has taken to ensure that no further problems arise in the cervical smear testing system.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  In 1993 there were a few isolated instances where women were recalled for further tests because of inadequacies within the screening programme. These were addressed locally. The chief medical officer has recently announced a package of initatives to strengthen quality within the programme and copies of press release 94/37 detailing these are available in the Library.

  Suicide
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list by region the number of suicides for each year since 1990; and if she will publish the available data on their employment status.

  Mr. Bowis
  The number of suicides, including undetermined deaths, in each region for the years 1990 to 1992 are shown in the table. Information on employment status at the time of death is not routinely recorded on death certificates.

  Year

  Region

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Northern

  345

  341

  362

  Yorkshire

  432

  428

  437

  Trent

  515

  520

  526

  929

  Year

  Region

  1990

  1991

  1992

  East Anglian

  261

  251

  245

  North West Thames

  403

  445

  401

  North East Thames

  445

  443

  379

  South East Thames

  493

  466

  474

  South West Thames

  326

  325

  349

  Wessex

  346

  359

  350

  Oxford

  293

  264

  284

  South Western

  416

  389

  419

  West Midlands

  584

  533

  555

  Mersey

  250

  244

  216

  North Western

  485

  559

  544

  England

  5,594

  5,567

  5,541

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many applications have been received for section 64 funding from April 1994; how many have already been processed; and how many have been refused.

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave her on 8 February at col.197.

  School Catering
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the application of the Welfare Food Amendment Regulations 1992 to schools catering for under-fives.

  Mr. Sackville
  The policy intention was that the 1992 amendment regulations should simply delete references in the Welfare Food Regulations 1988 to the Nurseries and Childminders Regulation Act 1948, insert appropriate references to the Children Act 1989 and incorporate other changes to harmonise with the 1989 Act. There was no intention to change any entitlement under the regulations. However, we have received legal advice that the unintended effect of the amendment regulations was to remove the possibility of schools running classes for under-fives from participating in the welfare food scheme. This means that an estimated £3·3 million including £0·52 million in Scotland and £0·18 million in Wales paid between April 1992 and April 1994 will have been paid on a basis which is incorrect on the strict interpretation of the law. In addition, a number of schools have been registered under the scheme without statutory authority. We intend to continue registering new applicants and making payments on an extra-statutory basis to ensure that schools may participate in the welfare food scheme so as to provide free milk to children under five in line with the policy intention. Appropriate statutory authority will be obtained as soon as possible. The total amount to be paid on this basis, initially estimated at a cost of £150,000 per month in England, £22,000 in Scotland and £13,000 in Wales will be reported in notes to the relevant Departments' appropriation accounts for 1993–94. There is no possibility of any child losing entitlement under the welfare food scheme as a result of the above arrangements.

  District Health Authorities
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population covered by the Winchester district health authority live in the county of Hampshire.
  930
  Mr. Sackville
  The latest population estimates relate to mid-1992. At that time 99·9 per cent. of the population covered by the winchester district health authority lived in the county of Hampshire.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what was the total annual budget of the Winchester district health authority;

  (2) what was the total annual budget of the Basingstoke and North Hampshire district health authority;

  (3) what was the total annual budget of the Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire district health authority;

  (4) what was the total annual budget of the Southampton and South West Hampshire district health authority.

  Mr. Sackville
  Revenue expenditure in 1992–93 of those authorities was:

  Authority name

  Total revenue expenditure (£)

  Portsmouth and South East Hampshire DHA

  177,799,025

  Southampton and South West Hampshire DHA

  149,568,600

  Winchester DHA

  70,717,287

  Basingstoke and North Hampshire DHA

  74,965,717

  Source: Annual accounts of health authorities (England) 1992–93.

  Notes: The figures are provisional.

  The figures shown include an amount for capital charges.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population covered by the Basingstoke and North Hampshire district health authority live in the county of Hampshire.

  Mr. Sackville
  The latest population estimates relate to mid-1992. At that time 99·9 per cent. of the population covered by the Basingstoke and North Hampshire district health authority lived in the county of Hampshire. Following enlargement of the authority on 1 April 1993 this proportion was still 99·9 per cent.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population covered by the Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire district health authority live in the county of Hampshire.

  Mr. Sackville
  The whole of the population covered by the Portsmouth and South East Hampshire district health authority lives in the county of Hampshire.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the population covered by the Southampton and South West Hampshire district health authority live in the county of Hampshire.

  Mr. Sackville
  The latest population estimates relate to mid-1992. At that time 99·9 per cent. of the population covered by the Southampton and South West Hampshire district health authority lived in the county of Hampshire.

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total sum of the budgets of those general practitioner fundholders who practice in the county of Hampshire.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Regional health authorities are responsible for managing the general practitioner
  931
  fundholding scheme in their areas and only regional information is available centrally. For local information the hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. Alastair Service, chairman of the Wessex regional health authority.

  Family Health Services, Hampshire
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total budget for Hampshire family health services authority in the financial year 1993–94.

  Mr. Sackville
  Budgets are not set for family health services authorities as most elements of expenditure are demand-led and funded accordingly. Budgets for FHSA cash-limited expenditure are issued by regional health authorities and are not recorded centrally.

  Wessex RHA
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the percentage of population covered by Wessex regional health authority who live in the county of Hampshire.

  Mr. Sackville
  The latest population estimates relate to mid-1992. At that time 48·1 per cent. of the population covered by Wessex regional health authority lived in the county of Hampshire. Following enlargement of the authority on 1 April 1993 this proportion became 50·5 per cent.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total annual budget for Wessex regional health authority for 1993–94.

  Mr. Sackville
  The current cash limit for the Wessex region in 1993–94 is £1,328,000,000.

  Personal Social Services
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the English local authorities which currently have a policy of charging for personal social services other than residential care; and if she will specify which authorities charge for(a) day care, (b) home care and (c) other services.

  Mr. Bowis
  Local authorities are not required to inform the Department of their policies for charging for day and domiciliary services.

  Bed Bureaux
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities had bed bureaux in(a) 1990 and (b) 1994; and if she will list them.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This is a matter for individual health authorities. The information is not available centrally.

  Meningitis
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the cost has been thus far of the national publicity campaign on meningitis.

  Mr. Sackville
  The figure is £55,318.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the national publicity campaign on meningitis and septicaemia planned for February is going ahead.
  932
  Mr. Sackville
  Yes. The chief medical officer wrote to all doctors on 3 February with an example of the new public information leaflet on meningitis and septicaemia. Further copies of the leaflet have been sent to all general practitioners to be made available to the public. Leaflets will also be issued in April to college students and there will be a further wider student distribution in September. Supplies of leaflets have also been provided for the National Meningitis Trust and Meningitis Research. Further steps are under consideration. Copies of the leaflet will be placed in the Library.

  Private Treatment
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice or guidance has been issued regarding hospital staff advising patients to pay for private treatment because health authority contracts have been completed or because the waiting lists are long.

  Mr. Sackville
  None. The national health service will remain available to all on the basis of clinical need, not the ability to pay.

  Stanley Royd Hospital
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will seek a report from the mental health task force regarding the steps that are being taken to close Stanley Royd hospital, Wakefield; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  Wakefield was one of 20 district health authorities visited recently by the mental health task force to see how purchasers and providers were approaching the replacement of the large hospitals and to draw out good practice.

  The task force will issue an overview report shortly. The reprovision of the facilities at Stanley Royd is being monitored by the task force along with all the other long-stay mental illness hospitals.

  Wakefield health authority and the Pontefract and Wakefield community trust are working closely with other local organisations to develop a range of residential facilities, day care, community units for the elderly and acute facilities which will enable the residents of Stanley Royd hospital to be cared for within the community and for the hospital to close in 1995. There was full consultation on the reprovision of mental illness services last year.

  Family Health Services Authorities
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff have been employed by FHSAs for every year since their creation(a) in total and (b) by region.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  [holding answer 31 January 1994]: The numbers of staff employed are shown in the table.

  Family Health Service Authorities (FHSA) Staff by Region as at 30 September 1990–92

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Northern

  320

  370

  420

  Yorkshire

  420

  450

  440

  Trent

  420

  520

  620

  East Anglia

  220

  280

  280

  North West Thames

  280

  540

  570

  North East Thames

  380

  580

  600

  South East Thames

  390

  340

  500

  933

  1990

  1991

  1992

  South West Thames

  390

  420

  450

  Wessex

  280

  320

  330

  Oxford

  310

  270

  290

  South Western

  310

  340

  370

  West Midlands

  720

  640

  670

  Mersey

  190

  340

  320

  North Western

  510

  520

  610

  Total

  5,130

  5,930

  6,470

  Source of Data:

  1. For 1990 the Department of Health Non Medical Workforce Census.

  2. For 1991 and 1992 the Department of Health Non Medical Workforce Census and KM49 return.

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest 10 whole time equivalents (wte)

  2. Totals may not add due to the effect of rounding.

EDUCATION

  National Curriculum Council
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the capital cost of fitting out, furnishing and decorating the premises in York formerly used by the National Curriculum Council.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  These costs were incurred in 1989–90 at the time the National Curriculum Council moved into the premises. The costs are not identifiable from the National Curriculum Council's published accounts but the Department's records indicate that they amounted to some £0·5 million.

  Further Education Funding Council
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total annual budget of the Further Education Funding Council for the financial year 1993–94.

  Mr. Boswell
  The Further Education Funding Council's total grant for 1993–94, including recurrent and capital grant, is £2·701 billion. This includes £24·9 million for the council's own running costs.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of the Further Education Funding Council's budget supports institutions in Hampshire.

  Mr. Boswell
  The Further Education Funding Council's recurrent funding allocations to institutions for 1993–94 covered the period 1 April 1993 to 31 July 1994 and amounted to £3·201 billion. Allocations to institutions in Hampshire amounted to £100 million or about 3·1 per cent. of the total.

  Grant-maintained Schools, Hampshire
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the total budget for each grant-maintained(a) primary school and (b) secondary school in Hampshire for the year 1993–94.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Total budgets for grant-maintained schools in Hampshire for the year 1993–94 are as follows:934

  Total budget

  £

  (a) Primary Schools

  Abbotswood GM Middle School

  1,063,488

  Ashley Junior School

  412,452

  Blackfteld Junior School

  708,049

  Calmore GM Middle School

  680,246

  Front Lawn Middle School

  538,515

  Hordle CE Primary School

  321,215

  Lyndhurst Middle School

  1248,715

  Mill Rythe County Infant School

  1111,572

  The Priory School

  449,363

  St. Joseph's RC Primary School

  725,609

  St. Paul's RC Primary School

  446,334

  St. Peter's CE Junior School

  1131,535

  St. Peter's RC Primary School

  392,168

  (b) Secondary Schools

  All Hallows RC School

  2,621,982

  Applemore School

  1,188,404

  The Arnewood School

  2,594,778

  Bay House GM School

  3,345,885

  Bohunt School

  2,414,511

  The Burgate School

  1,674,107

  Cams Hill School

  1689,689

  City of Portsmouth Boy's School

  2,284,162

  Crofton School

  2,732,703

  Hardley School

  1,982,987

  Oaklands RC Comprehensive School

  1,444,983

  Purbrook Park School

  859,604

  Ringwood School

  1,807,935

  St. Edmund's Catholic School

  1671,235

  St. George Catholic School

  774,246

  Testbourne Community School

  849,834

  Testwood School

  2,065,880

  Note: The amount shown for total budget includes Annual Maintenance Grant, Special Purpose Grants for Restructuring, Development, Premises, VAT, Transitional Grants and Capital Grants payable to the schools in 1993–94.

  1 Became GM on 1 January 1994 hence AMG amount included is provisional.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education on what evidence Her Majesty's Government have come to the conclusions that equal benefits can be obtained from nursery education and other forms of pre-five-year-old provision; if he will list the sources which he has considered and which evidence(a) supports and (b) does not support his conclusions; and what are his reasons for considering that the evidence in (a) above is of greater weight than that in (b) above.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Evidence on the educational benefits of nursery education and other forms of pre-school provision comes from a wide variety of sources. A summary commissioned in 1985 by the then Secretary of State was published in 1988 in "Children Under Five: Educational Research and Evidence" by Margaret Clark. The findings of these and subsequent investigations are not conclusive, but overall the evidence suggests that good quality pre-school education can benefit children wherever it takes place.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations he has received concerning the changing of the spending formula in section 11.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I have been asked to reply.
  935
  We have received many representations from local authorities and associations, teacher unions, ethnic minority communities and other interested parties about the reductions in section 11 funding which we regret it has been necessary to make. Among these, there has been widespread support for the approach, which we have announced we are adopting from 1994–95, of paying grant in the form of an annual budget to each grant recipient, instead of as a fixed percentage of actual costs.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list all television advertising, newspaper advertising, radio advertising and other promotional campaigns with a budgeted cost in excess of £10,000 conducted by(a) the Law Officers' Departments and (b) his agencies (i) in the current financial year and (ii) planned for 1994–95, showing for each one the objectives and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of the advertising.

  The Attorney-General
  During the current financial year the Crown Prosecution Service launched a regional public awareness campaign. The objective of the campaign is to inform the public about its role and responsibilities, as recommended by the Home Affairs Select Committee. The effectiveness of the campaign will be measured against the amount of editorial coverage in newspapers, radio and television. There have been no other advertising or promotional campaigns in the Law Officers Departments, including the Government Property Lawyers Agency, in the current year. No campaigns costing over £10,000 are at present planned for 1994–95.

  Matrix Churchill
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 17 December,Official Report, column 981, whether any of the Treasury Solicitor's staff engaged in assisting the Scott inquiry exercised any function in respect of, or were directly or indirectly party to, the advice offered to Government witnesses, or related witness statements in the Matrix Churchill case.

  The Attorney-General
  No. The two members of the Treasury Solicitor's staff who are assisting the inquiry, Mr. Christopher Muttukumaru and Ms Helen Duffy, had no involvement in the Matrix Churchill case either when serving in the Treasury Solicitor's Department or, in the case of Mr. Muttukumaru, when seconded to my Department between December 1988 and September 1991.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 17 December,Official Report, column 981, whether any of the Treasury Solicitor's staff engaged in assisting the Scott inquiry exercised any function in respect of, or were directly or indirectly party to, the giving of advice, or the receiving of information in connection with the Treasury Solicitor's shareholding in International Military Services Ltd.

  The Attorney-General
  No.
  936

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Attorney-General how many visits abroad the Solicitor-General made during 1993; and what was(a) the cost to public funds and (b) the purpose of each visit.

  The Attorney-General
  The Solicitor-General made one visit abroad during 1993. The cost to public funds was £467·51. The purpose of the visit was to discuss bilateral legal issues with the French Minister of Justice.

  Treasury Solicitors
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Attorney-General whether it is usual for Treasury Solicitors to suggest amendments to witness statements of Government service employees giving evidence on behalf of the Government; what internal guidance on the giving of such advice or suggestions exists; and if he will place a copy of such advice in the Library.

  The Attorney-General
  Advice provided by the Treasury Solicitor's Department to its clients may include advice in relation to witness statements. No internal guidance exists on this subject.

  Mr. Gordon Foxley
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Attorney-General what action the Director of Public Prosecutions has taken to inquire into the circumstances in which the convicted Mr. Gordon Foxley has remained on bail and unsentenced for three months.

  The Attorney-General
  The granting of bail is a matter for the court. However, I understand that following his convictions on 3 November 1993 the court granted Mr. Gordon Foxley conditional bail pending sentence.

  On 7 February 1994 the judge adjourned sentence to a date to be fixed due to Mr. Foxley's medical condition.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT

  EC Overseas Development Council
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what decisions have been taken by the Overseas Development Council of the European Community under the new powers provided by article 130 and 130A of the treaty on European Union.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The powers of the Development Council are not affected by articles 130 and 130A of the treaty on European Union, both of which refer to the internal policy of the Community.

  Malaysia
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list the value of Overseas Development Administration support for the Malaysian water supply projects undertaken by Biwater for each year since 1985 and the percentage this represents for the year involved of(a) water and sewerage project beneficiaries and (b) total Overseas Development Administration-aided projects;

  (2) what projects undertaken by the Biwater group of companies have had Overseas Development

  937
  Administration assistance since 1983; and if he will list the value, location and nature of the projects involved, the tendering process involved for each, and the percentage of Overseas Development Administration assistance each has represented for each year involved.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answers 8 February 1994]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) on 14 February, column 568. Of the projects listed in that reply, the Cairo Wastewater project was won after competitive tendering, and the two ATP projects for Malaysia and Sri Lanka were negotiated contracts.

  The table below gives the percentage of the gross United Kingdom aid programme these three projects represented for each year involved:

  Financial year

  Expenditure (£m)

  Percentage of aid programme

  (of which Malaysia)

  (of which Malaysia)

  1986–87

  48·610

  (48·610)

  3·82

  (3·82)

  1987–88

  5·425

  (5·425)

  0·41

  (0·41)

  1988–89

  3·145

  (1·944)

  0·21

  (0·13)

  1989–90

  4·232

  (3·475)

  0·27

  (0·22)

  1990–91

  0·169

  0

  0·01

  0

  1991–92

  0·002

  0

  0·0001

  0

  1992–93

  0·637

  0

  0·03

  0

  1993–94

  0·702

  0

  0·04

  0

  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 8 February,Official Report, column 136, what was the date of the first letter after 27 June 1988 from Her Majesty's Government to the offer of civil aid for the Pergau project to the Malaysian Government.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  [holding answer 14 February 1994]: On 10 November 1988 Her Majesty's Government indicated in a letter to the Malaysian Government that they were prepared to consider aid and trade provision support for the Pergau project, subject to appraisal. The formal written offer of support was sent to the Malaysian Government on 17 April 1989.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Stationary Cars
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he will give instructions that stationary cars that are parked in the precincts of the House of Commons are not, while they are parked, to be left with their engines running.

  Mr. Michael M. Martin
  This is a matter for the Serjeant at Arms, who I understand is taking action to ensure the co-operation of all drivers in keeping the exhaust emissions from their vehicles to the minimum while they are within the precincts.

  Blackawton Bitter
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chairman of the Catering Committee how many gallons of Blackawton bitter brewed in South Hams has been supplied to the House in the last 28 days; and how much of it has been consumed.
  938
  Mr. Colin Shepherd
  I shall ask the Director of Catering Services to reply to the hon. Member.

  Electrical Appliances
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what is the estimated cost of labelling each electrical appliance on the parliamentary estate with a portcullis and an appliance number on a non-destructible tag; what are the reasons for labelling each of these appliances; and how many such appliances there are.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  These are matters for the Director of Works.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Bosnian Muslim Seventh Brigade
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the activities of the Bosnian Muslim Seventh Brigade; and if he can list the countries from which its participants come.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The brigade is believed to be near Vitez in central Bosnia. We understand that it mainly consists of Bosnians displaced by the war. There are foreign volunteers, but it is not possible to give precise information about their countries of origin.

  South Africa
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs; pursuant to the answer of 26 January,Official Report, column 308, whether the Government are now in a position to give advice and assistance to South Africa on the creation of a multi-racial peacekeeping force; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We are helping the national peacekeeping force by providing the co-ordinator of the Commonwealth peacekeeping assistance group together with six military advisers and four police officers. Their role will be to advise on, and monitor, curriculum and training methods.

  Morocco
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken by Her Majesty's representative in Morocco to inquire of the whereabouts of the missing Sahrawi people; and if he will give a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We regularly take up human rights issues with the Moroccan Government, both bilaterally and with our European partners. They are aware of the importance we attach to respect for human rights. A clause requiring a satisfactory human rights performance will be an important element of the new agreement which the European Union plans to negotiate with Morocco.

  Yugoslavia
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the number of regular Croatian forces engaged in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  939
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Nations estimated on 31 January that between 3,000 and 5,000 Croatian Army troops were deployed in Bosnia. The United Nations Secretary General has been requested to report further to the Security Council on 17 February.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the conclusion of the UNPROFOR report concerning the artillery attack on the bread queue in Sarajevo on 21 August 1992 in respect of responsibility for the attack.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We understand that the United Nations was unable to draw any conclusions from its investigation into this incident.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those(a) British aid workers and (b) British military personnel who have been killed in Bosnia-Herzegovina to date; and if he will indicate which of the factions are thought to be responsible in each case.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg

  (A)

  Mr. Gulam Soobiah

  Mrs. Christine Wincutt

  Mr. Paul Goodall

  (B)

  Lance Corporal Wayne Edwards

  It is impossible to determine with certainty who was responsible for these tragic deaths.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estimate of the number of regular Serbian forces engaged in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We have seen no evidence that regular Serbian troops are engaged in Bosnia. But we believe that Belgrade continues to give support to the Bosnian Serbs by recruiting personnel and providing equipment.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made to establish responsibility for the murder of the British aid worker, Paul Goodall, in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Bosnian Government are actively investigating the case and are providing us with progress reports.

  Caribbean Countries
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what study he has made of the effect on the Caribbean economies of a collapse in their banana exports and the possibility of the illegal drugs trade filling the vacuum.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Some countries, particularly in the eastern Caribbean, are heavily dependent for foreign earnings upon their banana exports. A sudden decrease in exports would be damaging to those countries. This is one of the factors we have always borne in mind in determining our policy towards the Caribbean and towards trade in bananas.

  There are problems in parts of the Caribbean related to trade in illegal drugs and we have given what assistance we can to eradicate these. We will continue to do so in the future.
  940
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what advice his officials have given Caribbean Commonwealth Governments on the introduction of election expense laws and the threat to their democracies from illegal drug money;

  (2) what steps he has taken following the correspondence from the hon. Member for Isle of Wight on the lack of rules about election expenses in the constitutional or electoral laws of Commonwealth states in the Caribbean.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  No advice has been given to Caribbean Commonwealth Governments on the introduction of election expense laws since none has been sought. At least one of the countries concerned, Barbados, already has such legislation in place.

  The laundering of illegal drugs profits represents a serious threat to the financial and economic stability of the Caribbean. We attach much importance to removing the profits from drug trafficking, and continue to urge dependent territories and independent Caribbean countries to pass legislation to trace, freeze and confiscate these profits.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met Dame Eugenia Charles of Dominica; and if he discussed her views on the drug trade in the Caribbean and the collapse of the banana exports.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs last met Dame Eugenia Charles in September 1992. More recently she paid calls on myself and my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development during a short visit to London from 4 to 10 February. On both occasions we discussed at length various issues relevant to Dominica's banana industry.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what conclusions he has drawn from the lack of a limit on election expenses in the laws of the Commonwealth countries in the Caribbean and the effect of drugs dealing money on their parliamentary elections.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Each of the Commonwealth Caribbean countries is independent and it is therefore for each of them to determine its own laws, including those relating to election expenses.

  Although the drugs trade represents a serious threat to the economic and political stability of the Caribbean, we have no substantive evidence that drugs money is being used in parliamentary elections. We continue to give assistance to deal with the illegal drugs trade and to promote sound principles of good and democratic government in the region.

  Poland
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Polish Government in order to secure the reestablishment of direct flights between London and Warsaw; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We remain concerned at the suspension of air services between Britain and Poland and want to see the situation resolved as soon as possible.
  941
  There have been a number of contacts with the Polish Government at official and ministerial level in an attempt to resolve the current difficulties. I hope there will be an early resumption of services.

  We are anxious to secure a settlement which will be in the interests both of the airlines involved and the travelling public, and be consistent with the principles which govern aviation in the European Union.

  Hong Kong
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list the names mentioned in telegram 152 from Hong Kong to his Department dated 17 January 1985 and the teleletters from BHCM to his Department dated 18 and 23 January 1985 in connection with an arrangement made in Hong Kong between Sir John Bremridge, deputy governor of Hong Kong and Chooi Mon Sui, a representative of the Malaysian Government on 17 January 1985; and if he will place those telexes and telegrams in the Library;

  (2) if he will list the names mentioned in telegrams 781 and 794 from his Department to Hong Kong dated 16 August 1983 and telegram 246 from his Department to Hong Kong dated 18 August 1983 in connection with the murder of Jalil Ibrahim in Hong Kong; and if he will place those telegrams in the Library;

  (3) if he will list the names mentioned in (a) telegrams 313 BHCM to his Department and 1214 Hong Kong to his Department dated 16 August 1983, (b) telegrams 1220 Hong Kong to his Department and 315 BHCM to his Department dated 17 August 1983, (c) telegrams 1225 Hong Kong to his Department and 321 BHCM to his Department dated 18 August 1983 and (d) telegram 246 BHCM to his Department dated 19 August 1983 in connection with the murder of Jalil Ibrahim in Hong Kong on 18 July 1983; and if he will place those telegrams in the Library;

  (4) if he will list the names mentioned in telegram 322 BHCM to his Department dated 17 August 1983 and telegram 328 BHCM to his Department dated 22 August 1983 in connection with the murder of Jalil Ibrahim in Hong Kong on 18 July 1983; and if he will place those telegrams in the Library;

  (5) if he will list the names mentioned in the telegram to his predecessor on 17 January 1985 from the deputy political adviser in Hong Kong; and if he will place that telegram in the Library.

  Mr. Goodlad
  No. It would not be in the public interest to disclose the contents of classified documents concerning the international relations of the United Kingdom.

  Russia (Jews)
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to President Yeltsin about the plight of Jews wishing to emigrate from Russia; what reply he has received; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hurd
  We regularly raise with the Russian authorities the plight of Jews who have been refused permission to emigrate from Russia. A commission has been set up by President Yeltsin to review outstanding cases of Jews and others refused permission to leave. As 942
  far as we are aware, in all the cases reviewed so far the applicants have been given permission to leave the country.

  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has received(a) on behalf of the Begun family of Mosow and (b) from Jews being refused exit visas for emigration from the former Soviet Union.

  Mr. Hurd
  We have received a number of representations on behalf of the Begun family and other Jews who are unable to emigrate from Russia. We have raised their cases with the Russian authorities.

  GEC-Malaysia
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on how many occasions Tan Sri Arumugam, joint managing director, GEC-Malaysia has visited his Department in the past three years; and if he will list the occasions.

  Mr. Goodlad
  None.

  Russian Federation
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to acquire premises in London to be made available for the residence of the ambassador of the Russian Federation; and on what basis the title of the premises will be held.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The premises at 13 Kensington Palace gardens have been made available for the residence of the ambassador of the Russian Federation. 13 Kensington Palace gardens remains part of the Crown Estate, but, as a corporation sole, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has taken a lease of the premises from the Crown Estate Commissioners on the basis of powers under section 2 of the Commissioners of Works Act 1852 and section 122 of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980. My right hon. Friend the then Prime Minister signified her consent in 1986 to the exercise of these powers by the Foreign Secretary for the purpose of acquiring premises to be made available to the then Government of the USSR. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has granted a 99-year underlease of the premises to the Government of the Russian Federation.

  The premises at 14 Sofiskaya embankment in Moscow have been made available for the residence of Her Majesy's ambassador on a concurrent 99-year lease.

WALES

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish for the last convenient date the names of the members of non-departmental public bodies in Wales, noting the political balance for each body based on political affiliations on appointment.

  Mr. Redwood
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) on 14 February, column 648–50.
  943
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to place in the Library a copy of the curriculum vitae of each person he appoints to a quango, trust or similar public body in Wales; and if he will take steps to ensure such curricula vitae record membership or active support for political parties.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 7 February 1994]: No.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the curriculum vitae of each person appointed to a position on a quango or other similar public body in Wales for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 7 February 1994]: I already make available, in the Library of the House, a list of all those currently appointed by me to NDPBs in Wales. The list shows the current members of each body, giving for each person their name, occupation, place of residence, the period of their appointments, the remuneration receivable in respect of their appointment and an estimate of the time commitment involved.

  I also publish a press notice, at the time when each appointment is made, giving a brief note on the background of the people concerned.

  The list is published quarterly: the current version relates to the situation at 1 December 1993.

  Numbers of United Kingdom students who successfully completed an Initial Teacher Training course, where the subject of study was Welsh, at higher education institutions in Wales1

  Academic year

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Colleges of Higher Education

  Cardiff Institute of Higher Education

  0

  0

  0

  0

  11

  University of Wales

  Aberystwyth

  7

  4

  8

  9

  12

  Bangor

  9

  5

  5

  14

  11

  Swansea

  N/a

  N/a

  3

  10

  7

  1 Information supplied by the higher education institutions between October 1993 and February 1994.

  n/a=Not available.

  Regional Funding
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications under objective 3 for European funding for retraining have been submitted on behalf of areas of Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Applications under objective 3 for European funding for Great Britain are submitted to the Department of Employment. Until the negotiations on the objective 3 plan to use European social fund resources throughout Great Britain have been concluded, it is not possible for the Department of Employment to approve any application for 1994.

  Selar Grasslands (Opencast Mine)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he has received from the Countryside Council for Wales regarding an application to establish an opencast mine on the Selar grasslands site of special scientific interest; and if he will make a statement.
  944
  Information is not available in a similar form for each of the last five years, and could be gathered only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proposals he has to determine and publish the political affiliations of persons appointed to quangos in Wales;

  (2) if he will list the chairperson of each quango, trust or similar appointed public body in Wales; and what information he currently has as to the political affiliation of such persons.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 7 February 1994]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths) on 14 February, column 648–50.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many students have qualified to teach Welsh at secondary school level at each of the relevant colleges in Wales for each year since 1988.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The numbers of students who completed an initial teacher training course where the subject of study was Welsh are given in the following table. Details relating to courses completed at University College Swansea in the years prior to 1990–91 are not available.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The Countryside Council for Wales has requested the Secretary of State to call in for his own decision the planning applications for an opencast site including the Selar farm grasslands site of special scientific interest. This request is now being considered.

  Pharmacists
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met leaders of the pharmaceutical profession in Wales.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has not yet met any leaders of the pharmaceutical profession in Wales.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many pharmacists in Wales operate retail outlets.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There are 712 pharmacies in Wales where the pharmacist is contracted with the NHS to provide pharmaceutical services. There are, in addition,
  945
  some pharmacies which do not provide pharmaceutical services under the NHS, but the Welsh Office has no record of their numbers.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many general practitioners practices operate their own pharmacies.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 24 May 1993, columns 467–68.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his policies concerning pharmaceutical services in the national health service.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Our aim is to ensure that the public are provided with reasonable access to the full range of pharmaceutical services, and to take account of the cost to the taxpayer of providing pharmaceutical services.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many local pharmaceutical committees he has met.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has not yet met any local pharmaceutical committees in Wales.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many pharmaceutical centres there are in the hospitals of Wales.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There are 40 hospitals in Wales with their own pharmacy departments.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to assist existing retail pharmacies in Wales to remain open and profitable.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 26 May 1993, column 639.

  Wepre Pharmacy, Deeside
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit the Wepre pharmacy, Deeside, Clwyd.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has no plans to do so.

  Further Education
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those who responded to the consultation paper of the Further Education Funding Council for Wales on the funding of further education.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  This is a matter for the Further Education Funding Council for Wales. I have asked the chief executive of the funding council to let the hon. Gentleman have the information he requires.

  Cadw
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales who are the members currently appointed to Cadw.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Cadw, Welsh Historic Monuments, has an advisory committee whose role is to advise on the agency's policy, strategy and performance. The membership of the committee is as follows:
  946
  Mr. George Craig (Chairman)

  Principal Establishment Officer, Welsh Office

  Mr. Thomas Lloyd

  Chairman, Historic Buildings Council for Wales (ex-officio)

  Professor Glanmor Williams

  Chairman, Ancient Monuments Board for Wales (ex-officio)

  Mr. Tony Lewis

  Chairman, Wales Tourist Board (ex-officio)

  Mr. Clifford Evans

  President, Wallace Evans and Partners

  Road Tolls
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he proposes to charge tolls on the proposed third River Dee crossing and Deeside relief road; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I am aware of no such proposals. This is a matter for Clwyd county council as the responsible local highway authority.

  Speech Therapy
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will clarify the legislative basis on which his Department made the statement in a letter of 21 January to the chairman of Gwynedd education committee, that the primary responsibility for the provision of speech therapy services lies with health authorities; in which guidelines these responsibilities are placed on health authorities; and what steps he takes to monitor health authority performance of such responsibilities.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The general provision of speech therapy services is the responsibility of health authorities under the National Health Service Act 1977. The level of provision is a matter for health authorities to determine in the light of local need, competing demands and resources available. The performance of health authorities is monitored during the annual review process.

  In the case of a child who has a statement of special educational needs, his/her local education authority must secure any special educational provision which is required to meet those needs and is specified in the statement. Where such special educational provision includes speech therapy, this must be provided in accordance with the statement.

  Learner Drivers
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what dates he consulted the Welsh Language Board on the issue of allowing the use of the letter D as a symbol for learner drivers in Wales; on what date he received a response from the board; and when he expects to be in a position to make a statement on this matter.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  My officials have had frequent informal discussions with officials of the Welsh Language Board since I announced last November that this matter is being reviewed. We will announce our conclusions as soon as possible.

  School Children
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will review the recent reports which have been compiled on the average attainment levels in Welsh school children between the ages of 11 and 13 years whose first language is English; and if he will make a statement.
  947
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Pupil attainment arising from the 1992 pilot assessment exercise for end of key stage 3–14-year-olds—assessment in mathematics and science has been reviewed. A review of the attainments resulting from the 1993 tests for 14-year-olds was not possible because of the boycott by teachers. The outcome from this summer's statutory assessment for seven and 14-year-olds and the voluntary pilot exercise for 11-year-olds will provide information on pupil attainment in English, Welsh, mathematics and science.

  School Governors
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what is the total estimated cost of the survey of school governors currently being undertaken by Touche Ross management consultants on behalf of the Welsh Office; how many forms have been sent out; and for what purpose the information is being sought;

  (2) when he intends to publish the information gathered through the survey of school governors undertaken by his Department; and whether each subsection and possible answer will be comprehensively included in the publication;

  (3) if he will make it his policy that no disciplinary action will be taken against any school governor in Wales who refuses to fill in the survey of school governors questionnaire.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The cost of the survey of school governors in Wales is in the region of £40,000. Some 26,000 forms have been distributed to governing bodies in Wales. The survey will provide information on the background, experience, and work load of governors and will be of help to both the Welsh Office Education Department and local education authorities.

  The results of the survey should be available in the summer. The exact form in which the results will be published has yet to be decided.

  There is no question of any sanction whatsoever being taken against schools or governors who do not participate in the survey. Clearly the value of the survey is increased if as many governors as possible participate.

  Porthmadog Bypass
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated date of commencing work on the Porthmadog bypass on the A487 trunk road; and what is the target date for opening this road.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The scheme is shown in the 1993 supplement to "Roads in Wales" as unlikely to begin before April 1999. It will take about two years to complete. My right hon. Friend is reviewing strategic road needs in Wales and is considering the scope for bringing forward the more important improvements.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to increase annual payments to farmers in the existing environmentally sensitive areas in Wales; and what plans he has to deregulate the amount of capital grant available for conservation works in the environmentally sensitive areas.

  Mr. Redwood
  I will be announcing the revised scheme arrangements and payment rates for the Cambrian 948
  mountains extension and Lleyn peninsula ESAs shortly. Payment rates in these ESAs will be reviewed in 1996. The Cambrian mountains original ESA was revised in 1992 and will be subject to a payment review later this year. These payment reviews will include an assessment of the capital grant arrangements.

  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects the proposed new environmentally sensitive areas in Wales to be launched; when the first agreements will start; when the first payments will be made; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  The new ESA schemes in Preseli and the Clwydian range will be open for application shortly. The first payments to farmers will be made six months after the signing of the first management agreements.

  Planning Policy Guidance
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received on planning policy guidance note 6: "Town Centres and Retail Developments"; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Three.

  School Playing Fields
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will announce his decisions concerning the sale of school playing fields.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  As I have already indicated, the consultation exercise has been completed and I hope to announce the outcome in the near future.

  Countryside Council for Wales
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to increase funding, in grant-in-aid, for the Countryside Council for Wales for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The Countryside Council for Wales grant in aid for 1994–95 is £.20·635 million, which represents a 4 per cent. increase on last year's provision.

  Green Barriers and Belts
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to announce his policies concerning green barriers and green belts.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently considering the advice of the Assembly of Welsh Counties on strategic planning guidance in Wales, including that on green barriers and belts.

  Wrexham to Bidston Railway Line
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the chairman of British Rail concerning the long-term future of the Wrexham to Bidston railway line; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  None.

SCOTLAND

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all television advertising, newspaper advertising, radio advertising and other promotional campaigns with a budgeted cost in excess of £10,000 conducted by(a) his Department and (b) his agencies (i) in the current financial year and (ii) planned for 1994–95, showing for each the objectives and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of the advertising.

  Mr. Lang
  The details are:

  1993–94

  Children's Panel Recruitment
  Press (£80,000): Objectives—to attract caring, responsible adults, particularly men, from all socio-economic groups to apply to become panel members. Effectiveness measure—by number of responses received.

  Electoral Registration
  Television/Press (£46,000): Objectives—to advise adults over 18 years and those who will come of age to complete the Electoral Registration Forms, and to encourage voters, particularly I8-year-olds and those who have moved home, to check for their names on the draft Electoral Registers. Effectiveness measure—by number of registrations in the annual autumn canvas.

  Further and Higher Education Charter
  Press, radio, outdoor posters (£86,000): Objectives—to raise awareness of the Charter and to promote its take-up among students, particularly in the 16–20 year-old age group. Effectiveness measure—demand for copies; research on response to be undertaken later this year.

  Accessibility to the Scottish Office
  Press (£150,000): Objectives—to promote easy accessibility by members of the public to The Scottish Office through an enquiry telephone line. Effectiveness measure—pre- and post-campaign qualitative research into awareness of The Scottish Office and new telephone number.

  Teacher Recruitment
  Press (£27,000): Objectives—to promote teaching as a profession, to recruit graduates and post-graduates, particularly in shortage subjects. Effectiveness measure—by response through a freepost coupon.

  Drugs and Solvent Misuse
  Television, booklet (Scottish element £130,000): Objectives—to encourage parents to discuss the dangers of drugs and solvents with their children and to publicise a confidential helpline and advice booklet. Effectiveness measure—precampaign qualitative research, number of responses to helpline and booklets issued.

  Fire Prevention
  Television (£125,000): Objectives—to alert householders to the dangers of failing to maintain smoke alarms. Effectiveness measure—qualitative research to assess awareness of the commercial and response triggered to be carried out when campaign ends.

  Organ Donors
  Television (63,000): Objectives—to urge carriers of the donor card to advise their families of their wish to donate. Effectiveness measure—research undertaken with the Scottish transplant community.

  Road Safety
  Television (£250,000): Objectives—to reduce child pedestrian road casualties by encouraging children to be more responsible and more safety-conscious. Effectiveness measure—qualitative research into campaign awareness.

  Right to Buy
  950
  Television, Press (£300,000): Objectives—to inform public sector tenants of the house purchase schemes available. Effectiveness measure—response for information booklet triggered by freephone number and coupon.

  National Continence Week
  Press, Bus interiors (£11,000): Objectives-to publicise National Continence Week and to encourage those suffering from incontinence to contact the helpline. Effectiveness measure—response to the telephone helpline.

  Offshore Europe exhibition
  Exhibition stand (£35,000): Objectives—to promote Government schemes of financial assistance and advice available to existing and potential exporters to stimulate and support business growth in Scotland. Effectiveness measure—number of visitors to the stand and resultant follow-up enquiries.

  Europartenariat Scotland
  Exhibition stand (£40,000): Objectives—to assist in business transactions between Scottish companies and visiting international representatives, and to promote Government assistance to Scottish companies. Effectiveness measure—number of visitors to the stand and resultant follow-up enquiries.
  Details of the advertising campaign programme for my Department for 1994–95 have not yet been finalised.

  Agencies

  HISTORIC SCOTLAND

  Promotion of Properties
  Television, Bus Sides, printed material (£260,000): Objectives—to increase the number of visitors to Historic Scotland's properties and to increase the income raised from visitors and from the hiring out of properties for functions, events and filming. Effectiveness measure—achievement of targets set within the overall advertising and marketing strategy.

  Details of the advertising initiatives for 1994–95 have not yet been finalised.

  Wind Turbines
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many planning applications for wind turbines have been(a) accepted and (b) rejected since 1984; and how many wind turbines are currently in operation in Scotland.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Staff
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the total number of staff employed by his office and the total amount of public spending administered by his office for the latest date available; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lang
  Details of staff employed and public expenditure administered by my Departments are contained in my 1993 departmental report, "Serving Scotland's Needs" Cm 2214, a copy of which is available in the Library. My departmental report for 1994 will be published shortly.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the number of staff employed and public spending administered by his office on each of three functions which would currently not be administered by the Secretary of State for Wales within Wales for the latest convenient date available; what is the total of each of these figures; and what proportion these figures are of the total staff employed and total public spending administered by the Scottish Office.
  951
  Mr. Lang
  This information is not held centrally by my Department and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many visits abroad the Solicitor-General for Scotland made during 1993; and what was (a) the cost to public funds and (b) the purpose of each visit.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Solicitor- General for Scotland made two visits abroad during 1993. The first was to Cyprus for the Xth Commonwealth law conference from 3 to 8 May and the second was to Switzerland on 22 June for an informal meeting of the European Ministers of Justice. The cost to public funds was £1,936·15 for the Xth Commonwealth law conference and £739·00 for the informal meeting of European Ministers of Justice.

  Rents
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each Scottish local authority (a) the current average weekly rent and (b) the rent change in monetary and percentage terms for each of the last 10 years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the tables.

  Average Standard Local Authority Rent 1993–94

  £ per dwelling

  per week

  Berwickshire

  23·60

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  21·09

  Roxburgh

  27·62

  Tweeddale

  22·44

  Clackmannan

  25·23

  Falkirk

  22·90

  Stirling

  29·14

  Annandale and Eskdale

  28·10

  Nithsdale

  25·66

  Stewartry

  28·40

  Wigtown

  29·34

  Annual average rent increase

  £ per dwelling per week

  Authorities

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Berwickshire

  1·20

  1·02

  0·63

  0·95

  1·52

  1·10

  1·09

  2·01

  1·44

  1·11

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  2³22

  (0·08)

  0·00

  0·74

  0·70

  0·96

  0·93

  2·35

  1·39

  0·86

  Roxburgh

  1·02

  1·28

  1·67

  0·48

  1·22

  1·71

  0·93

  3·23

  2·22

  1·44

  Tweeddale

  (0·05)

  0·06

  1·35

  0·44

  1·13

  (0·20)

  1·43

  2·33

  1·73

  2·88

  Clackmannan

  0·96

  0·46

  1·20

  1·47

  1·91

  2·64

  2·28

  1·77

  1·86

  0·44

  Falkirk

  0·51

  0·93

  0·93

  1·35

  1·36

  1·79

  1·93

  0·84

  1·47

  1·62

  Stirling

  0·01

  2·26

  2·08

  1·44

  1·03

  2·37

  2·21

  2·52

  2·11

  3·84

  Annandale and Eskdale

  1·22

  0·95

  1·37

  1·26

  1·61

  1·25

  2·61

  2·21

  1·82

  2·10

  Nithsdale

  0·90

  0·98

  1·66

  0·72

  1·59

  1·52

  1·79

  2·39

  2·06

  2·46

  Stewartry

  1·31

  0·13

  1·36

  1·00

  1·61

  1·45

  1·24

  3·77

  2·36

  1·51

  Wigtown

  2·19

  1·62

  0·90

  0·01

  0·87

  0·85

  0·48

  4·57

  3·60

  2·26

  Dunfermline

  0·49

  0·00

  1·30

  1·25

  1·94

  1·29

  1·56

  2·04

  1·36

  2·02

  Kirkcaldy

  1·15

  0·99

  1·25

  1·47

  1·69

  1·65

  1·95

  1·76

  2·10

  1·74

  North East Fife

  (0·05)

  1·14

  2·05

  1·20

  1·09

  2·63

  0·29

  2·26

  0·18

  0·98

  Aberdeen

  0·98

  2·32

  1·34

  2·14

  1·27

  1·95

  1·57

  1·32

  (0·20)

  0·95

  Banff and Buchan

  1·17

  1·37

  1·18

  0·63

  1·66

  1·70

  1·04

  1·16

  0·92

  1·08

  Gordon

  0·50

  1·73

  1·27

  0·20

  0·95

  ·65

  1·33

  4·26

  1·40

  2·34

  Kincardine and Deeside

  1·28

  1·21

  0·84

  0·49

  0·70

  0·03

  2·05

  1·84

  2·66

  4·01

  Moray

  1·29

  1·94

  0·45

  1·63

  1·59

  2·16

  1·35

  0·01

  1·50

  2·12

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  1·04

  0·94

  1·85

  (0·02)

  1·59

  (0·13)

  (0·85)

  2·94

  3·26

  4·67

  Caithness

  2·08

  0·90

  1·04

  1·15

  1·71

  1·52

  1·75

  2·38

  2·40

  2·53

  Inverness

  0·74

  1·91

  0·83

  1·94

  1·95

  2·35

  1·33

  2·77

  2·70

  2·03

  Lochaber

  0·92

  0·70

  1·31

  1·74

  1·11

  1·95

  2·08

  2·52

  2·82

  3·33

  952

  £ per dwelling per week

  Dunfermline

  24·91

  Kirkcaldy

  26·22

  North East Fife

  24·50

  Aberdeen

  21·55

  Banff and Buchan

  23·17

  Gordon

  27·05

  Kincardine and Deeside

  25·63

  Moray

  24·40

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  26·80

  Caithness

  27·13

  Inverness

  29·09

  Lochaber

  29·83

  Nairn

  27·22

  Ross and Cromarty

  30·99

  Skye and Lochalsh

  31·77

  Sutherland

  30·09

  East Lothian

  22·99

  Edinburgh

  32·13

  Midlothian

  18·13

  West Lothian

  21·27

  Argyll and Bute

  29·36

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  28·60

  Clydebank

  28·06

  Clydesdale

  23·58

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  25·63

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  24·35

  Cunninghame

  24·31

  Dumbarton

  29·90

  East Kilbride

  25·18

  Eastwood

  21·73

  Glasgow

  30·78

  Hamilton

  25·39

  Inverclyde

  25·94

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  20·83

  Kyle and Carrick

  26·28

  Monklands

  25·66

  Motherwell

  23·43

  Renfrew

  24·41

  Strathkelvin

  25·11

  Angus

  18·88

  Dundee

  32·06

  Perth and Kinross

  22·94

  Orkney Islands

  27·60

  Shetland Islands

  29·76

  Western Isles

  33·38

  953

  Authorities

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Nairn

  0·92

  1·38

  1·15

  1·11

  1·63

  1·86

  0·06

  4·61

  2·96

  0·31

  Ross and Cromarty

  1·24

  0·74

  1·99

  1·13

  1·65

  2·09

  1·70

  3·79

  3·54

  2·36

  Skye and Lochalsh

  1·94

  1·89

  1·97

  0·24

  0·93

  1·14

  2·21

  3·60

  4·71

  2·04

  Sutherland

  1·06

  0·97

  1·37

  0·26

  1·37

  1·46

  2·43

  3·25

  4·53

  2·62

  East Lothian

  0·86

  1·29

  0·97

  1·35

  1·57

  1·60

  2·11

  2·13

  0·52

  0·36

  Edinburgh

  1·25

  (0·18)

  0·03

  1·84

  1·93

  4·12

  3·52

  4·31

  1·43

  1·60

  Midlothian

  0·87

  1·07

  0·92

  0·96

  1·01

  1·09

  0·00

  0·11

  0·21

  2·00

  West Lothian

  0·50

  0·80

  0·85

  0·90

  1·40

  1·80

  1·02

  1·07

  0·92

  1·55

  Argyll and Bute

  (0·15)

  2·03

  (0·01

  0·49

  1·56

  1·74

  2·35

  1·92

  2·88

  3·09

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  0·58

  0·72

  2·06

  2·35

  1·40

  1·74

  2·12

  2·61

  3·23

  0·94

  Clydebank

  1·00

  2·15

  2·85

  2·02

  1·94

  3·75

  2·81

  1·56

  (0·51)

  1·46

  Clydesdale

  1·01

  1·45

  0·87

  0·83

  1·75

  1·74

  1·36

  2·18

  1·30

  1·41

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  0·49

  2·13

  2·01

  1·67

  1·50

  1·85

  1·35

  1·94

  0·91

  1·66

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  0·50

  0·72

  1·04

  1·46

  1·06

  1·66

  1·36

  2·60

  2·26

  1·79

  Cunninghame

  1·00

  1·00

  1·65

  2·51

  1·78

  1·63

  1·93

  1·92

  1·85

  2·18

  Dumbarton

  0·81

  0·01

  2·29

  2·93

  3·46

  3·08

  2·85

  1·77

  2·21

  1·93

  East Kilbride

  1·01

  1·05

  2·06

  0·98

  0·93

  2·09

  2·06

  1·01

  1·74

  0·82

  Eastwood

  0·50

  0·48

  0·44

  0·50

  1·46

  1·19

  1·49

  1·51

  2·96

  0·67

  Glasgow

  0·01

  1·02

  1·96

  2·02

  2·55

  3·98

  2·86

  2·78

  1·85

  2·13

  Hamilton

  0·70

  0·92

  1·85

  2·06

  0·79

  2·25

  1·47

  1·68

  2·20

  2·15

  Inverclyde

  0·77

  2·21

  1·11

  0·92

  1·05

  2·48

  2·32

  2·27

  2·49

  2·01

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  0·51

  1·01

  1·83

  1·43

  0·63

  1·74

  1·29

  1·88

  0·07

  1·38

  Kyle and Carrick

  0·81

  1·76

  1·19

  1·01

  1·27

  0·91

  2·17

  1·49

  1·00

  5·06

  Monklands

  0·00

  2·02

  2·35

  1·82

  1·45

  1·83

  1·47

  2·56

  0·86

  2·00

  Motherwell

  1·00

  1·35

  1·20

  1·64

  0·93

  2·26

  1·31

  1·11

  1·33

  2·40

  Renfrew

  0·48

  1·00

  1·69

  1·49

  0·92

  2·81

  1·97

  1·98

  1·77

  1·96

  Strathkelvin

  0·88

  1·05

  2·57

  1·12

  1·93

  0·88

  1·33

  1·87

  1·55

  2·23

  Angus

  0·97

  0·96

  1·11

  0·80

  (0·10)

  1·28

  1·04

  1·07

  (0·11)

  1·11

  Dundee

  0·73

  1·02

  1·81

  1·98

  3·50

  4·08

  4·06

  2·96

  2·23

  1·62

  Perth and Kinross

  0·00

  1·16

  1·00

  0·95

  0·75

  1·21

  2·33

  1·61

  2·34

  0·82

  Orkney Islands

  0·88

  2·16

  1·33

  1·50

  1·07

  3·34

  2·21

  3·00

  2·38

  (0·40)

  Shetland Islands

  (0·05)

  2·91

  1·53

  0·96

  2·28

  0·87

  1·61

  4·34

  3·87

  0·87

  Western Isles

  1·84

  0·59

  1·02

  1·03

  1·44

  0·75

  2·75

  6·57

  1·85

  2·49

  Note: Rent reductions shown in brackets.

  Annual average rent increase (expressed as a percentage increase on previous year)

  Authorities

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Berwickshire

  10·4

  8·0

  4·6

  6·6

  9·9

  6·5

  6·1

  10·5

  6·9

  4·9

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  20·2

  (0·6)

  0·0

  5·6

  5·1

  6·6

  6·0

  14·3

  7·4

  4·3

  Roxburgh

  8·2

  9·5

  11·3

  2·9

  7·2

  9·4

  4·7

  15·6

  9·3

  5·5

  Tweeddale

  (0·4)

  0·6

  11·9

  3·5

  8·6

  (1·4)

  10·2

  15·0

  9·7

  14·7

  Clackmannan

  9·4

  4·1

  10·3

  11·5

  13·3

  16·3

  12·1

  8·4

  8·1

  1·8

  Falkirk

  5·0

  8·7

  8·0

  10·8

  9·8

  11·7

  11·3

  4·4

  7·4

  7·6

  Stirling

  0·1

  24·3

  18·0

  10·6

  6·8

  14·7

  12·0

  12·2

  9·1

  15·2

  Annandale and Eskdale

  10·5

  7·3

  9·9

  8·3

  9·7

  6·9

  13·5

  10·1

  7·5

  8·1

  Nithsdale

  9·4

  9·3

  14·4

  5·5

  11·5

  9·8

  10·5

  12·8

  9·8

  10·6

  Stewartry

  10·3

  0·9

  9·6

  6·5

  9·8

  8·0

  6·4

  18·2

  9·6

  5·6

  Wigtown

  18·2

  11·4

  5·7

  0·1

  5·2

  4·8

  2·6

  24·2

  15·3

  8·4

  Dunfermline

  4·2

  0·0

  10·7

  9·3

  13·2

  7·8

  8·7

  10·5

  6·3

  8·8

  Kirkcaldy

  11·0

  8·6

  9·9

  10·6

  11·1

  9·7

  10·4

  8·5

  9·4

  7·1

  North East Fife

  (0·4)

  8·9

  14·8

  7·6

  6·4

  14·5

  1·4

  10·7

  0·8

  4·2

  Aberdeen

  12·3

  26·0

  12·0

  17·0

  8·7

  12·2

  8·8

  6·8

  (1·0)

  4·6

  Banff and Buchan

  10·4

  11·0

  8·6

  4·2

  10·7

  9·8

  5·5

  5·8

  4·4

  4·9

  Gordon

  4·4

  14·5

  9·4

  1·4

  6·3

  10·3

  7·5

  22·4

  6·0

  9·5

  Kincardine and Deeside

  12·1

  10·3

  6·4

  3·5

  4·9

  0·2

  13·6

  10·8

  14·0

  18·5

  Moray

  12·4

  16·7

  3·3

  11·6

  10·1

  12·5

  7·0

  0·1

  7·2

  9·5

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  9·0

  7·5

  13·7

  (0·2)

  10·4

  (0·8)

  (5·0)

  18·4

  17·3

  21·1

  Caithness

  21·5

  7·6

  8·2

  8·4

  11·5

  9·2

  9·7

  12·0

  10·8

  10·3

  Inverness

  7·0

  17·0

  6·3

  13·9

  12·2

  13·1

  6·6

  12·8

  11·1

  7·5

  Lochaber

  8·1

  5·7

  10·1

  12·2

  6·9

  11·4

  10·9

  11·9

  11·9

  12·6

  Nairn

  8·2

  11·4

  8·5

  7·5

  10·3

  10·7

  0·3

  23·9

  12·4

  1·2

  Ross and Cromarty

  11·6

  6·2

  15·7

  7·7

  10·4

  11·9

  8·7

  17·8

  14·1

  8·3

  Skye and Lochalsh

  17·5

  14·6

  13·2

  1·4

  5·4

  6·3

  11·5

  16·8

  18·9

  6·9

  Sutherland

  9·9

  8·2

  10·7

  1·8

  9·5

  9·2

  14·1

  16·5

  19·8

  9·5

  East Lothian

  8·4

  11·6

  7·8

  10·1

  10·7

  9·8

  11·8

  10·6

  2·4

  1·6

  Edinburgh

  10·2

  (1·3)

  0·3

  13·7

  12·7

  24·0

  16·6

  17·4

  4·9

  5·2

  Midlothian

  8·8

  9·9

  7·8

  7·5

  7·4

  7·4

  0·0

  0·7

  1·3

  12·4

  West Lothian

  4·8

  7·2

  7·2

  7·1

  10·3

  12·0

  6·1

  6·0

  4·9

  7·8

  Argyll and Bute

  (1·1)

  15·3

  0·0

  3·2

  9·9

  10·0

  12·3

  9·0

  12·3

  11·8

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  5·3

  6·3

  16·9

  16·5

  8·4

  9·7

  10·7

  11·9

  13·2

  3·4

  Clydebank

  11·1

  21·5

  23·4

  13·4

  11·4

  19·7

  12·3

  6·1

  (1·9)

  5·5

  Clydesdale

  10·5

  13·5

  7·1

  6·3

  12·7

  11·2

  7·9

  11·7

  6·2

  6·3

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  4·9

  20·0

  15·8

  11·3

  9·2

  10·3

  6·8

  9·2

  3·9

  6·9

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  5·1

  6·9

  9·4

  12·0

  7·8

  11·3

  8·3

  14·7

  11·1

  7·9

  954 955

  Authorities

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Cunninghame

  0·1

  0·0

  18·6

  23·9

  13·7

  11·0

  11·8

  10·5

  9·1

  9·9

  Dumbarton

  9·5

  0·1

  24·4

  25·1

  23·7

  17·0

  13·5

  7·4

  8·6

  6·9

  East Kilbride

  8·8

  8·5

  15·3

  6·3

  5·6

  12·0

  10·5

  4·7

  7·7

  3·4

  Eastwood

  4·7

  4·4

  3·8

  4·2

  11·7

  8·5

  9·9

  9·1

  16·4

  3·2

  Glasgow

  0·1

  10·6

  18·4

  16·0

  17·4

  23·1

  13·5

  11·6

  6·9

  7·4

  Hamilton

  7·5

  9·2

  16·8

  16·1

  5·3

  14·4

  8·2

  8·7

  10·4

  9·2

  Inverclyde

  9·3

  24·4

  9·8

  7·4

  7·8

  17·2

  13·8

  11·8

  11·6

  8·4

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  5·6

  10·5

  17·2

  11·5

  4·6

  12·0

  7·9

  10·8

  0·3

  7·1

  Kyle and Carrick

  8·5

  16·9

  9·8

  7·6

  8·8

  5·8

  13·1

  7·9

  4·9

  23·9

  Monklands

  0·0

  21·7

  20·8

  13·3

  9·3

  10·8

  7·8

  12·6

  3·8

  8·4

  Motherwell

  11·3

  13·6

  10·6

  13·2

  6·6

  15·0

  7·6

  6·0

  6·7

  11·4

  Renfrew

  5·8

  11·3

  17·2

  13·0

  7·1

  20·2

  11·8

  10·6

  8·6

  8·7

  Strathkelvin

  9·1

  9·9

  22·1

  7·9

  12·6

  5·1

  7·3

  9·6

  7·3

  9·8

  Angus

  9·0

  8·2

  8·8

  5·8

  (0·7)

  8·8

  6·6

  6·4

  (0·6)

  6·3

  Dundee

  9·1

  11·6

  18·4

  17·0

  25·8

  23·8

  19·1

  11·7

  7·9

  5·3

  Perth and Kinross

  0·0

  10·7

  8·4

  7·3

  5·4

  8·3

  14·7

  8·8

  11·8

  3·7

  Orkney Islands

  8·7

  19·7

  10·1

  10·4

  6·7

  19·6

  10·8

  13·3

  9·3

  (1·4)

  Shetland Islands

  (0·5)

  27·7

  11·4

  6·4

  14·3

  4·8

  8·4

  21·0

  15·5

  3·0

  Western Isles

  14·1

  4·0

  6·6

  6·2

  8·2

  4·0

  13·9

  29·3

  6·4

  8·1

  Note: Rent reductions shown in brackets

  Cornton Vale Prison
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to close Cornton Vale prison.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  There are no plans to close Cornton Vale prison.

  Assisted Places
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much the Scottish Office has spent on the operation of the assisted places scheme in each year since 1981; how many pupils have been covered by the scheme in each year since 1981; and what overspend occurred on the budget allocated in each of these years.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information for school years 1981–82 to 1992–93 is as follows:

  School sessions

  Total cost (£)

  Number of assisted pupils

  1981–82

  799,023

  790

  1982–83

  1,718,485

  1,450

  1983–84

  2,454,386

  1,900

  1984–85

  3,298,461

  2,265

  1985–86

  4,217,234

  2,620

  1986–87

  4,861,150

  2,626

  1987–88

  5,310,061

  2,680

  1988–89

  5,758,542

  2,695

  1989–90

  6,681,213

  2,841

  1990–91

  7,641,895

  2,861

  1991–92

  18,716,185

  12,916

  1992–93

  19,811,185

  13,043

  1993–94

  110,099,167

  13,024

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  11991–92

  11992–93

  11993–94

  School

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Aberlour

  —

  —

  5

  17,501

  8

  27,331

  7

  27,865

  10

  35,082

  11

  35,870

  Albyn

  16

  31,116

  20

  41,376

  23

  51,747

  20

  55,279

  18

  52,377

  17

  55,571

  Ardvreck

  —

  —

  1

  2,777

  2

  5,785

  3

  9,180

  3

  12,017

  5

  21,819

  Beaconhurst

  —

  —

  3

  3,756

  6

  11,676

  6

  18,589

  10

  30,475

  11

  34,588

  Belhaven

  —

  —

  4

  11,989

  3

  8,484

  3

  9,798

  2

  7,921

  1

  4,862

  Belmont

  18

  36,917

  21

  46,918

  20

  49,083

  23

  60,329

  23

  68,170

  26

  76,102

  Blairmore

  —

  —

  2

  5,948

  5

  15,058

  4

  11,202

  3

  5,931

  School closed

  Butterstone

  —

  —

  2

  6,348

  4

  12,624

  5

  18,283

  2

  8,297

  3

  13,433

  Cargilfield

  —

  —

  3

  10,425

  4

  17,547

  4

  19,128

  4

  19,557

  4

  18,002

  Cliftonhall

  —

  —

  6

  11,312

  7

  18,637

  7

  22,755

  8

  28,546

  6

  24,437

  Craigclowan

  —

  —

  6

  10,839

  9

  16,225

  9

  20,000

  9

  22,000

  12

  25,256

  Craigholme

  31

  51,317

  39

  67,548

  39

  85,924

  37

  96,643

  38

  109,527

  44

  128,506

  Crawfordton

  —

  —

  8

  13,420

  6

  19,219

  6

  22,456

  6

  25,225

  5

  22,238

  Croftinloan

  —

  —

  4

  13,350

  4

  15,278

  5

  16,359

  6

  20,500

  6

  20,471

  956
  1Provisional—Final claims to be submitted.

  The Assisted Places Scheme in Scotland is cash limited and there were no overspends in budget provision for the scheme in financial years 1981–82 to 1992–93.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what level of fees was charged by each institution covered by the assisted places scheme in Scotland in the current academic year.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Fees charged to the assisted places scheme by each school vary according to the income levels of individual parents whose children benefit under the scheme.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what safeguards are available to the Scottish Office to ensure that schools covered by the assisted places scheme meet recognised educational standards.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Before a school can participate in the assisted places scheme in Scotland it requires to satisfy certain criteria, including certain standards of achievement, breadth of curriculum and teachers' qualifications. The schools are also subject to inspection by Her Majesty's inspectors of schools.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the schools in Scotland which had pupils under the assisted places scheme for each academic year since 1989; how many pupils have been supported at each institution in each year; and how much it has cost the Scottish Office to provide this support in each year.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the table.
  957

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  11991–92

  11992–93

  11993–94

  School

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Number of assisted pupils

  Amount paid £

  Daniel Stewart and Melville Coll, and Mary Erskine

  542

  1,089,782

  291

  647,807

  274

  686,814

  276

  766,689

  282

  840,210

  296

  883,974

  Dollar

  63

  115,546

  63

  130,54

  68

  145,185

  59

  150,044

  71

  182,827

  72

  203,044

  Drumley Home

  —

  —

  6

  12,828

  5

  15,116

  3

  10,049

  3

  10,79

  2

  9,259

  Edinburgh Academy

  43

  113,014

  46

  134,944

  48

  166,508

  50

  191,777

  52

  209,884

  56

  227,475

  Fernhill

  40

  63,937

  28

  46,687

  29

  55,159

  30

  63,846

  34

  79,573

  34

  84,084

  Fettes

  26

  101,191

  32

  134,472

  32

  151,61

  33

  174,548

  40

  199,763

  39

  209,031

  Fort Augustus Abbey

  38

  107,45

  34

  105,345

  33

  134,983

  34

  170,4

  28

  139,717

  School closed

  George Heriots

  226

  427,484

  237

  486,666

  236

  531,754

  247

  596,848

  247

  656,167

  256

  689,744

  George Watsons

  Included in DSME

  240

  506,852

  243

  575,268

  238

  639,74

  245

  717,925

  236

  681,386

  Glasgow Academy

  41

  74,168

  42

  89,605

  37

  107,175

  89

  301,839

  98

  346,458

  99

  346,172

  Glenalmond

  36

  143,697

  34

  145,745

  30

  166,502

  33

  190,588

  33

  215,022

  38

  241,406

  Gordonstoun

  23

  91,513

  24

  108,155

  26

  124,412

  29

  144,094

  28

  160,425

  28

  170,862

  Hamilton College

  —

  —

  11

  12,591

  12

  15,725

  14

  22,101

  15

  27,653

  14

  25,036

  High School of Dundee

  164

  330,043

  174

  387,281

  182

  454,337

  180

  462,132

  197

  552,324

  193

  580,250

  High School of Glasgow

  46

  87,364

  40

  71,268

  38

  82,074

  39

  102,007

  45

  127,101

  49

  136,969

  Hutchesons Grammar

  143

  223,351

  135

  255,370

  135

  301,004

  138

  356,361

  152

  415,271

  146

  436,454

  Keil

  60

  129,698

  71

  152,685

  66

  174,156

  67

  198,819

  66

  223,879

  64

  229,599

  Kelvinside

  54

  121,290

  58

  137,390

  58

  161,317

  67

  213,982

  80

  266,852

  85

  304,930

  Kilgraston

  57

  114,354

  52

  120,21

  51

  142,624

  53

  164,519

  59

  185,757

  51

  193,287

  Kilquhanity

  19

  39,002

  18

  41,146

  18

  41,398

  18

  46,218

  20

  50,548

  20

  54,729

  Lathallan

  —

  —

  6

  16,874

  5

  17,536

  5

  19,869

  6

  25,72

  6

  27,102

  Laurel Bank

  63

  151,674

  59

  160,687

  54

  161,490

  53

  173,919

  53

  167,453

  58

  202,029

  Lomond

  42

  97,986

  43

  105,236

  39

  101,807

  44

  133,431

  49

  158,944

  56

  183,036

  Loretto

  24

  94,012

  29

  118,549

  31

  139,628

  33

  159,046

  35

  186,283

  33

  198,181

  Merchiston Castle

  50

  180,744

  56

  218,085

  60

  249,586

  62

  281,393

  65

  315,586

  65

  319,636

  Morrisons Academy

  166

  295,408

  177

  339,309

  164

  347,79

  172

  416,876

  162

  434,381

  157

  432,788

  New Park

  —

  —.

  3

  7,888

  3

  10,017

  3

  10,944

  4

  14

  5

  18,25

  Oxenfoord Castle

  —

  —

  5

  11,987

  11

  25,838

  13

  38,622

  12

  41,626

  School closed

  Park Lodge

  —

  —

  1

  1,809

  —

  —

  1

  2,598

  1

  621

  —

  —

  Park School

  63

  147,616

  61

  152,808

  72

  192,881

  68

  217,964

  68

  238,977

  67

  244,675

  Rannoch

  26

  77,343

  27

  101,463

  28

  119,766

  30

  139,248

  31

  158,770

  35

  173,990

  Robert Gordons

  61

  94,486

  58

  116,513

  63

  128,557

  64

  150,951

  63

  169,147

  65

  183,112

  Rudolf Steiner

  60

  110,877

  61

  127,413

  56

  136,397

  57

  159,714

  59

  179,42

  57

  182,188

  St Aloysius

  139

  259,995

  154

  295,9

  160

  330,424

  166

  380,134

  165

  433,125

  170

  443,938

  St Columbas

  36

  80,870

  40

  95,467

  32

  83,327

  42

  115,778

  39

  121,144

  36

  122,860

  St Dennis and Cranley

  25

  56,241

  28

  76,908

  30

  91,509

  28

  99,836

  31

  120,775

  29

  122,162

  St. Georges

  18

  37,227

  17

  40,371

  20

  52,13

  25

  64,959

  29

  85,210

  31

  92,536

  St. Leonards

  23

  63,324

  24

  75,795

  31

  113,765

  35

  131,000

  37

  147,826

  36

  168,406

  St. Margarets (Aberdeen)

  13

  24,235

  18

  33,545

  19

  41,987

  22

  42,501

  22

  53,678

  20

  56,823

  St. Margarets (Edinburgh)

  59

  121,628

  65

  154,491

  68

  182,386

  70

  213,688

  72

  241,22

  66

  245,883

  St. Marys

  —

  —

  2

  6,030

  4

  9,936

  1

  21

  2

  7,602

  2

  7,652

  Strathallan

  35

  136,72

  41

  187,165

  42

  215,432

  42

  243,000

  46

  272,640

  47

  287,146

  Wellington

  43

  84,849

  49

  108,121

  48

  129,636

  44

  144,149

  55

  183,265

  54

  197,928

  Westbourne

  63

  151,073

  57

  137,705

  60

  172,304

  Amalgamated with Glasgow Academy

  1Provisional figures.

  Mr.Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the annual cost to the Scottish Office of publicising and administering the operation of the assisted places scheme.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The estimated cost to the Scottish Office of administering the assisted places scheme in 1993–94 financial year is £44,000. This total includes the cost of producing the "Brief Guide for Parents" advice booklet for 1993–94 school session of £655.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment the Scottish Office has made of the assisted places scheme.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The aim of the assisted places scheme is to widen the range of educational opportunity for children by allowing them to attend independent schools which would normally be beyond the reach of their parents' financial circumstances. The Scottish Office carries out regular audit and monitoring procedures to ensure that the scheme meets the criteria set for it.

  In November 1992, published results from an independent survey commissioned jointly by the Scottish Office Education Department and the Scottish Council of Independent Schools confirmed that the main policy objectives of the scheme were being achieved.

  Secondary Schools
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average yearly cost of educating a pupil in each of the secondary schools in the Ayr division of Strathclyde regional council.
  958
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the table:

  Strathclyde Region Air Division

  Running cost per pupil (£)

  Ardrossan Academy

  2,307

  Arran High School

  3,160

  Auchenharvie Academy

  2,974

  Auchinleck Academy

  2,562

  Ayr Academy

  2,986

  Belmont Academy

  2,225

  Carrick Academy

  2,887

  Cumnock Academy

  2,593

  Doon Academy

  3,628

  Garnock Academy

  2,409

  Girvan Academy

  2,409

  Grange Academy

  2,561

  Greenwood Academy

  2,356

  Irvine Royal Academy

  ..

  James Hamilton Academy

  3,247

  Kilmarnock Academy

  2,236

  Kilwinning Academy

  2,387

  Kyle Academy

  2,430

  Largs Academy

  2,430

  Loudoun Academy

  2,388

  Mainholm Academy

  3,531

  Marr College

  2,263

  Prestick Academy

  2,469

  Queen Margaret Academy

  2,905

  St. Andrew's Academy

  2,801

  St. Conval's High School

  4,240

  St. Joseph's Academy

  2,848

  St. Michael's Academy

  2,512

  Stewarton Academy

  2,430

  .. No entry.

  Notes

  The figures given are derived by dividing the total budgeted running cost by the school roll, where the school roll is the number of pupils on the roll

  959
  at the time of the annual school census in September 1992, including pupils of any special unit, and the total budgeted school running costs are as specified by the School Board regulations in respect of the period 1 April 1993 to 31 March 1994.

  No entry is given for Irvine Royal Academy because of special circumstances following a local rationalisation.

  Shipping (Tariff Rebates)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list for each year from 1986–87 the amount paid under the tariff rebate subsidy scheme to each shipping company operating within the scheme;

  (2) if he will list for each year from 1986–87 the shipping operators who did not reach the capping level for subventions under the tariff rebate subsidy scheme and the amount of shortfall in each case;

  (3) if he will list for each year from 1986–87 the shipping operators who reached a capping level for subvention payments under the tariff rebate subsidy scheme.

  Mr. Lang
  Individual bulk shipping operators' TRS allocations are treated as being commercially confidential.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in any year since 1986–87, any shortfall in the

  Establishment

  Design capacity

  Cells in use

  Cells in use without access to night sanitation

  Prisoner population

  Aberdeen

  152

  147

  —

  143

  Barlinnie

  935

  833

  829

  995

  Castle Huntly

  144

  124

  —

  74

  Cornton Vale

  217

  183

  —

  156

  Dumfries

  146

  146

  146

  134

  Dungavel

  147

  128

  —

  74

  Edinburgh

  527

  527

  378

  640

  Friarton

  57

  57

  —

  73

  Glenochil

  496

  348

  —

  336

  Glenochil YOI

  179

  154

  —

  141

  Greenock

  179

  179

  4

  230

  Inverness

  87

  80

  —

  100

  Longriggend

  185

  185

  —

  197

  Low Moss

  400

  400

  —

  330

  Noranside

  137

  137

  —

  127

  Penninghame

  82

  82

  —

  61

  Perth

  453

  435

  410

  454

  Peterhead

  272

  210

  200

  207

  Polmont

  418

  340

  324

  378

  Shotts

  533

  190

  —

  474

  Totals

  5,746

  5,185

  2,291(44%)

  5,324

  The difference between "Design Capacity" and "Cells in Use" reflects the fact that a number of cells are not available because of redecoration or damage repair work, refurbishment (including in some cases, to provide night sanitation) or for other policy reasons (eg being retained in the event of an emergency).

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing, in 1992–93 prices, the gross public spending each year from 1990–91 and the

  Health Body

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  (£000)

  (£000)

  (£000)

  (£000)4

  Common Services Agency

  128,141

  142,535

  157,829

  160,709

  Health Boards

  3,210,418

  3,492,667

  3,767,893

  3,799,638

  Health Education Board for Scotland1

  —

  5,525

  6,422

  6,411

  Mental Welfare Commission

  776

  828

  900

  872

  960
  amount of payments to a shipping operator under the tariff rebate subsidy scheme has been reallocated to another participating operator.

  Mr. Lang
  Yes.

  Prison Cells
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give for each prison in Scotland the total number of cells, the number of cells without sanitation and the number of prisoners presently held.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 15 February 1994]: Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Scottish Prison Service under its chief executive, Mr. E. W. Frizzell. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from E. W. Frizzell to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 15 February 1994:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about prisoner accommodation and prisoner numbers.
  The latest available information—reflecting the position as at Friday 4 February—is set out in the table below:

  projected expenditure for each year of the national health service bodies (Scotland) as listed in "Public Bodies 1993."

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 15 February 1994]: The information is set out in the table. The figures have been adjusted to 1992–93 prices using the GDP deflator and have been taken from NHS (Scotland) summarised accounts.
  961

  Health Body

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  (£000)

  (£000)

  (£000)

  (£000)4

  NHS Trusts2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Scottish Council for Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education

  2,298

  2,357

  2,303

  4,126

  Scottish Hospital Trust3

  —

  —

  —

  State Hospital, Carstairs

  12,260

  13,303

  16,178

  17,394

  1 The Health Education Board for Scotland was part of the Common Services Agency in 1990–91

  2 NHS Trusts are funded by Health Boards.

  3 The Scottish Hospital Trust is not Government funded.

  4 Estimate.

  Equipment Thefts
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a list of the equipment stolen from his Department in the last three years for which information is available; and what was the approximate value of each item.

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 16 February 1994]: A variety of minor items are periodically reported missing. The following more substantial items have been formally recorded since 1990 as losses to the Scottish Office which are attributable to theft.

  Year and Item

  Approximate value £

  1990

  Furniture

  1,595

  1991

  Video equipment

  749

  1992

  Video equipment

  359

  Motor car

  2,650

  Computer equipment

  3,500

  Nursing staff employed by the NHS in Scotland: at 30 September

  Whole time equivalent

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  11993

  Qualified2

  35,589·8

  36,224·8

  36,258·6

  36,449·9

  36,304·2

  35,992·1

  Unqualified3

  17,395·6

  17,325·0

  16,911·1

  17,071·3

  17,374·3

  17,347·9

  In training4

  10,797·5

  10,906·3

  10,516·1

  9,981·7

  9,376·4

  8,677·4

  1Provisional.

  2Includes both registered and enrolled nurses.

  3Includes auxiliaries, assistants and nursery nurses.

  4Includes students and pupil nurses, qualified nurses undergoing further training and, from 1992 onwards, Project 2000 students.

  Limb Defects
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what consideration was given during the recent investigaton of the incidence of limb defects within the Ayrshire and Arran health board area undertaken by the health board, to the incidence of brain tumours occurring within the Ayrshire and Arran, and Dumfries and Galloway health board areas.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 14 February 1994]: The investigation took account of a 1992 review of brain tumours in the health board area during the period 1975–90 and concluded that there was no evidence of a common factor linking cases of brain tumour with cases of upper limb reduction defect. Both studies related exclusively to the Ayrshire and Arran health board area.
  962

  NHS Trusts
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many hospital trusts have been approved in the Lothian health board area; and if he will list all the individuals he has appointed to these trusts with any relevant details of their experience available to him.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 14 February 1994]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Greenock and Port Glasgow (Dr. Godman) on 7 February 1994, Official Report, column 53. All those appointed have skills or experience relevant to the strategic management of major service providing bodies.

  Nurses
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total number of(a) whole-time equivalent registered nurses, (b) whole-time equivalent unregistered nurses and (c) whole-time equivalent nurses in training in Scotland for each year from 1988 onwards.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 14 February 1994]: The information is set out in the table.

EMPLOYMENT

  Foreign Nationals
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to improve the working conditions of foreign nationals brought into the country as personal servants on restricted entry conditions.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In general, conditions of work are a matter for negotiation and agreement between employers and their employees, without Government intervention. This applies whatever the nationalities of the parties. Domestic workers from overseas have the same employment protection rights as resident United Kingdom employees. The criteria under which these workers are admitted to the United Kingdom are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, but I understand that overseas domestic
  963
  workers receive a leaflet explaining their rights in the United Kingdom and where to get help before they enter the country.

  Hampshire TEC
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total budget of Hampshire training and enterprise council for the year 1993–94.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The total sum of money available to the Hampshire training and enterprise council, for the performance of its contract with the Secretary of State in the year 1993–94, is £39,197,414.

  Restart
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many restart interviews have so far been conducted; what numbers were referred to each menu option; what numbers actually took up their referral; what numbers were referred to the unemployment benefit service for non-attendance at an interview; what numbers were referred to the unemployment benefit service for non-availability; what numbers were referred to the unemployment benefit service for the refusal of suitable employment; and if he will express the numbers also as a percentage.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Frank Field, dated 17 February 1994:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about how many Restart interviews have so far been conducted; what numbers were referred to each menu option and how many took up their referral; how many were sanctioned for non-attendance at interview, non-availability and refusal of suitable employment; and if the numbers can also be expressed as a percentage.
  Unfortunately the information you request is not available in the level of detail you require. The reason for this is that following a review of data collected by the Employment Service (ES) we decided that the amounts of information collected about the Restart programme could be reduced, lessening the burden throughout the organisation and producing savings in administration costs. Consequently we do not now collect information on the numbers of referrals made to each menu option. Also, information about the number of Restart clients who actually took up their referral is not available separately for each menu option, but is shown "as total starts on Employment Department (ED) programmes".
  The information we have available for the current year is shown in the attached table.
  These figures reflect only the direct results of Restart. We do not know how many people subsequently take up a job or a place on an employment or training programme as a result of the guidance given to them at their interview.
  Sign-offs, as a direct result of Client Adviser action, include: entering full-time education, starting training (not an ED programme), Youth Training, as a result of benefit disallowed, for pension purposes (no need to sign for NI credits), or those covered by home responsibilities protection (no need to sign for NI credits).
  They do not include sign-offs for: found work cases, for fraud intervention, failed to sign, clients transferring their claim to another office, or any other reasons not listed above.
  Starts on Employment Department programmes include Jobclub, Restart Course, Jobplan Workshop, Job Review
  964
  Workshop, Training for Work, Learning for Work, Community Action, Work Trials, Business Start-Up Scheme and Job Interview Guarantee.
  Similarly, we do not now collect information about the numbers of people invited to Restart interviews who were subsequently referred to adjudication authorities because of a doubt raised at their interview about their entitlement to benefit. Consequently I am unable to provide the number you requested in the final part of your question or to indicate the percentage of claims this represents. However, information about the total number of adjudication officers' decisions irrespective of source of referral is collected on a regional basis and is summarised quarterly. A copy of each summary entitled "Analysis of Adjudication Officers' Decisions" is placed in the Library of the House.
  I hope this is helpful.

  1993–94 Operational Year: (to end of December 1993 rounded to 100s)

  Number of Restart Interviews

  2,400,000

  Outcomes

  Outcomes as percentage of Interviews

  Started work

  27,800

  1·1

  Took up other benefit

  45,000

  1·9

  Signed off as a direct result of Client Adviser action

  55,700

  2·3

  Starts on Employment Department Programmes

  526,500

  21·9

ENVIRONMENT

  Biodiversity Action Plan
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his definition of the satisfactory progress referred to in paragraph 8(2) of the United Kingdom biodiversity action plan.

  Mr. Atkins
  Satisfactory progress will have been made when we judge there to be reasonable safeguards in support of our concerns that donor countries should retain the right to determine their financial contribitions under the biodiversity convention.

  Government Car Service
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of his Department regarding motor vehicles belonging to the Government car service being left with their engines running when parked; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  GCS drivers are instructed to keep the running of their vehicles' engines while parked to a minimum consistent with passenger and security requirements.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his policy on giving preference to British-made cars in purchasing official and ministerial cars.

  Mr. Baldry
  The Department's official and ministerial vehicles are purchased through call-off contract arrangements which comply with EC and GATT requirements. The current vehicles are sourced from three United Kingdom-based car manufacturers. The procurement policy is kept under review.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the rules and regulations relating to the use of Government cars.
  965
  Mr. Baldry
  I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville) on 28 January,Official Report, column 415, to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett).

  Condensing Boiler Grant
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the future of the Energy Saving Trust's condensing boiler grant scheme following the Director General of Ofgas's decision on the E-factor.

  Mr. Atkins
  The future of the condensing boiler grant scheme is a matter for the Energy Saving Trust Ltd. and British Gas plc, and its continued funding through the E-factor is a matter for the Director General of Gas Supply.

  Climate Change Convention
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what papers or proposals were submitted by the United Kingdom delegation to the intergovernmental negotiating committee for a framework convention on climate change at its meeting in Geneva that began on 7 February.

  Mr. Atkins
  The United Kingdom submitted the climate change programme as its report under article 12 of the framework convention on climate change, making it the first country to do so.

  Ultraviolet Radiation
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will issue daily bulletins on levels of ultraviolet radiation from National Radiological Protection Board monitoring stations in the United Kingdom, and issue guidance to the public if levels become enhanced due to thinning of the ozone layer.

  Mr. Atkins
  The National Radiological Protection Board restarted its weekly bulletins on levels of ultraviolet radiation in the United Kingdom on 8 February 1994. UV levels are so low during this period of the year that NRPB sees no need for more frequent bulletins. My Department issues weekly bulletins on the levels of ozone over the United Kingdom and copies are placed in the Library of the House. Guidance to the public on avoiding excessive exposure to solar UV radiation is available from the Health Education Authority and the NRPB.

  Women's Aid Refuges
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the women's aid refuges funded directly or indirectly by his Department that have been closed in each region since 1990.

  Sir George Young
  My Department funds some women's aid refuges indirectly through the Housing Corporation. I am not aware of any refuges supported in this way which have closed since 1990.
  966

  Incinerators
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what are the sulphur dioxide emission limits for power stations and incinerators of different types: and what is the frequency of monitoring undertaken of emissions of sulphur dioxide from them;

  (2) if he will list the different types of incinerator according to the severity of their regulatory regimes and the criteria used for distinguishing each category.

  Mr. Atkins
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has issued statutory guidance, PG notes, to local authorities on the emission limits and monitoring frequency they should specify in individual authorisations for processes subject to air pollution control under part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The chief inspector of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution has issued guidance, IPR notes, to his inspectors covering emission limits and monitoring frequency for processes subject to integrated pollution control under the 1990 Act. The following guidance notes relate to power stations and incinerators and are all in the Library of the House:

  PG1/3(91) boilers and furnaces 20–50MW net rated thermal input

  PG1/4(91) gas turbines 20–50MW net rated thermal input

  PG5/1(92) clinical waste incineration processes under 1 tonne an hour

  PG5/3(91) animal carcase incineration processes under 1 tonne an house

  PG5/4(91) general waste incineration processes under I tonne an house

  PG5/5(91) sewage sludge incineration processes under 1 tonne an house

  IPR1/1 combustion processes with an aggregate net rated thermal input of 50MW or more

  IPR1/2 gas turbines with an aggregate net rated thermal input of 50MW or more

  IPR5/1 merchant and in-house chemical waste incineration

  IPR5/2 clinical waste incineration

  IPR5/3 municipal waste incineration

  IPR5/4 animal carcase incineration

  IPR5/11 sewage sludge incineration

  IPR1/2 is under review and I am placing a copy of the latest consultation draft of proposed revisions in the Library. The Secretary of State has directed the chief inspector of HMIP to include in authorisations for new large combustion plant conditions which give effect to the emission limits contained in Council directive 88/609/EEC on the limitation of emissions of certain pollutants into the air from large combustion plants.

  Almost all incinerators are controlled under part I of the Environmental Protection Act. The Environmental Protection (Prescribed Processes and Substances) Regulations 1991, SI472, as amended, lay down the criteria for determining whether an incinerator falls to integrated pollution control or air pollution control. A waste disposal licence under part I of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 is required for some aspects of an incineration process falling under air pollution control, as provided by the Disposal of Controlled Waste (Exceptions) Regulations 1991, SI 508, and for incinerators exempt from air pollution control. For incinerators not subject to integrated pollution control, any discharges to controlled waters require the consent of the National Rivers Authority under the Water Resources Act 1991.

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the substances which are safe for disposal in land.
  967
  Mr. Atkins
  The Department's Waste Management Paper No. 26 gives guidance on the suitability of different types of waste for landfilling. A copy is available in the Library. The Department is currently reviewing policy in this area, taking account of the best practicable environmental option for the disposal of particular waste types, and will be issuing revised guidance in due course.

  Dangerous Materials
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what differences there are between the regulations governing the transport of dangerous and hazardous materials and dangerous and hazardous wastes.

  Mr. Atkins
  The various modal—road, rail, air and sea—regulations referring to the transport of dangerous goods are intended to ensure that dangerous goods are classified, packaged, labelled and transported safely during national and international journeys. Waste products are classified under their appropriate class of dangerous goods as set out in the UN classification system.

  The 1980 special waste regulations provide a national tracking procedure, based on consignment notes, for the movement of the most harmful wastes and are intended to ensure proper disposal. In addition all who handle waste are subject to a statutory duty of care.

  Council Tax
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of appeals against council tax(a) received, (b) conceded, (c) rejected and (d) outstanding by valuation district since the introduction of the tax.

  Mr. Baldry
  I am placing in the Library a table which sets out, by valuation office region, and by billing authority, the number of proposals to alter the valuation list which were received by the end of the initial appeal period on 30 November 1993, the number settled by 31 January 1994, and the number outstanding. Details of the number of settlements in each area which were reached by agreement and the number of proposals which were withdrawn are not collected centrally.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is(a) the number of appeals received month by month since April 1993, (b) the total number of appeals allowed, (c) the total number of appeals rejected, (d) the total number of appeals outstanding and (e) the estimated time needed to clear the outstanding appeals in respect of council tax valuations in Doncaster.

  Mr. Baldry
  The numbers of proposals to alter the council tax valuation list received in respect of dwellings in the Doncaster billing authority area in 1993–94 are as follows:

  Number

  April

  1,025

  May

  230

  June

  93

  July

  73

  August

  55

  September

  77

  October

  88

  November

  320

  December

  10

  968

  Number

  January

  20

  1,991

  A total of 517 cases have been resolved by agreement and 87 have been withdrawn. The remaining 1,387 are unresolved. Those which are not settled by agreement or are not withdrawn will need to be decided by the local valuation tribunal.

  As I announced on 11 January, nationally we expect four out of five appeals to be dealt with before the end of 1994 and the remainder to be settled as rapidly as possible thereafter.

  Homelessness (Code of Guidance)
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidance to local authorities concerning the housing provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, issued as a supplement to the current edition of the homelessness code of guidance for local authorities.

  Sir George Young
  I have placed in the Library of the House today a copy of the supplement to the homelessness code of guidance to local authorities which has been issued by my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales under section 71 of the Housing Act 1985. The supplement explains local authorities' responsibilities towards asylum seekers who apply to them for assistance under the homelessness legislation, in the light of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993. The supplement also clarifies the duties of local authorities which receive applications under the homelessness legislation from persons who have entered the United Kingdom illegally, following the Court of Appeal's judgment in the case of R v. Secretary of State for the Environment ex parte the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Copies of the supplement are being sent to all local housing authorities in England and Wales and to the main organisations which responded to last year's consultation about a draft of this supplement.

  Sulphur Dioxide Emissions
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many times, and at which sites, the World Health Organisation one-hour air quality guideline for sulphur dioxide was breached in the United Kingdom in(a) 1990, (b) 1991, (c) 1992 and (d) 1993; and what evaluation his Department has undertaken of the potential effect of regulations to ban the sale of high sulphur solid fuel and to control the sale of unauthorised fuels in smoke control areas, to reduce levels of sulphur dioxide to meet World Health Organisation one-hour guidelines.

  Mr. Atkins
  The potential effect of regulations to ban the sale of high sulphur solid fuels and to control the sale of unauthorised fuels in smoke control areas has been considered against the statutory air quality standards for smoke and sulphur dioxide under the EC directive 80/779/EEC, and provisions of the Clean Air Act 1993. Since 1990, only one site in the United Kingdom has breached the directive's limit value for sulphur dioxide. Over the same period, exceedances of the lower World
  969
  Health Organisation one-hour guideline, which is a management indicator, not a statutory limit, were as follows:

  Number of hours >122 parts per billion

  Site

  1990

  1991

  1992

  11993

  Stevenage

  1

  1

  Central London

  1

  Cromwell Road, London

  26

  15

  16

  8

  Bridge Place, London

  2

  6

  15

  7

  Ladybower, Derbyshire

  7

  12

  12

  Belfast, East

  173

  271

  213

  146

  Bircotes, Nottinghamshire

  27

  15

  Featherstone, W. Yorkshire

  8

  18

  Rugeley, Staffordshire

  28

  34

  Barnsley

  75

  166

  213

  Sunderland

  5

  1

  Bloomsbury, London

  9

  11

  Edinburgh

  4

  Cardiff

  2

  1

  Belfast, Centre

  53

  73

  Birmingham

  5

  6

  Newcastle

  6

  1

  Leeds

  8

  Bristol

  1

  Liverpool

  19

  1Provisional data.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list(a) basic credit approvals, (b) supplementary credit approvals and (c) capital grants for housing, transport, education, personal social services, other services, protective services and urban programmes for each authority and for England for each year from 1990–91 to 1994–95.

  Mr. Baldry
  Basic credit approvals, supplementary credit approvals and capital grants are issued by a number of Government Departments. The total amounts of credit approvals and capital grants for the various services for local authorities in England are published annually by HM Treasury at the conclusion of each public expenditure survey. Outturn information for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94 and the latest plans for 1994–95 will be published at the end of this month in the public expenditure statistical supplement to the "Financial Statement and Budget Report 1994–95".

  My Department issues basic credit approvals to most local authorities in England and those for 1990–91 to 1994–95 are set out in documents which are available in the Library of the House of Commons. In addition, the Department of Transport issues basic credit approvals to passenger transport authorities and the Home Office to joint fire and civil defence authorities.

  Information about the supplementary credit approvals issued by my Department to individual authorities for the years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 is also available in the Library.

  Information for individual authorities about supplementary credit approvals issued by other Departments and about capital grants is not held centrally and could be collated only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the allocation within Liverpool's standard spending assessment, on a per capita basis, for 970
  children at risk, during the next financial year; what is the allocation for the City of Birmingham; on what basis this formula operates; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 16 February 1994]: The children's personal social service element for 1994–95 for Liverpool is £55 per head of resident population, that for Birmingham is £62. The formula uses a "client-group" approach where the client group is the estimated number of children at risk. Cost adjustments are made to reflect the increased costs associated with social conditions and differences in the costs of provision between areas. The formula for the children's PSS element, along with the formulae for other SSA elements, has been revised in the light of the SSA review. It is set out fully in the local government finance report, approved by the House on 3 February.

  Energy Saving Grants
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Director General of Gas Supply on his views on funding for energy saving grants; and what assessment he has made of whether the reduction or abolition of these grant schemes would affect the Government's environmental target following the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

  Mr. Atkins
  I have not met the Director-General of Gas Supply, as the funding of energy-saving expenditure through the E factor is a matter for her and British Gas plc. The Government are fully committed to the Energy Saving Trust, and the target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2000.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the criteria by which an individual may be classified as homeless.

  Sir George Young
  The criteria for determining whether a person is homeless for the purposes of part III of the Housing Act 1985 are set out in section 58 of that Act.

  National Rivers Authority
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total budget of the Southern region of the National Rivers Authority for the financial year 1993–94.

  Mr. Atkins
  The total budget for the southern region of the National Rivers Authority for the financial year 1993–94 was £45,372,000.

  Housing Expenditure, Hampshire
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total expenditure in Hampshire by the Housing Corporation in the financial year 1993–94.

  Sir George Young
  The Housing Corporation's latest forecast is that in 1993–94 its total expenditure in Hampshire will be £46,990,974.

  Local Government Finance, Essex
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what housing capital receipts are held by each district council in Essex as at 31 March 1993.
  971
  Mr. Baldry
  Information on total usable capital receipts held at 31 March 1993 is given in the tables. No comparable information is available for housing receipts alone, since local authorities are not required to account separately for such receipts.

  £1000

  Basildon

  88

  Braintree

  889

  Brentwood

  582

  Castle Point

  12

  Chelmsford

  15

  Colchester

  2,118

  Epping Forest

  5,749

  Harlow

  1,730

  Maldon

  425

  Rochford

  417

  Southend-on-Sea

  6,425

  Tendring

  2,066

  Thurrock

  nil

  Uttlesford

  1,513

  Source: Local authority returns.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the financial reserves held by each district council in Essex as at 31 March 1993.

  Mr. Baldry
  The latest available information as returned by local authorities is as follows:

  Estimated reserves as at 31 March 1993

  District Council

  (£000s)

  Basildon

  3,101

  Braintree

  3,591

  Brentwood

  6,349

  Castle Point

  -2,693

  Chelmsford

  4,227

  Colchester

  5,925

  Epping Forest

  5,500

  Harlow

  3,476

  Maldon

  1,145

  Rochford

  1,768

  Southend-on-Sea

  11,520

  Tendring

  2,843

  Thurrock

  10,654

  Uttlesford

  1,448

  Planning Inquiries
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take concerning his powers to recover from local planning authorities the costs of inspectors he appoints to hold their development plan inquiries.

  Mr. Curry
  The statutory provisions for local plan inquiries were originally introduced by the Town and Country Planning Act 1968. It has always been our practice to charge local planning authorities for the provision of planning inspectors to hold development plan inquiries for them. Questions have recently arisen over the legal basis for this practice. We have considered this issue very carefully, and decided that we should put the matter beyond doubt, by introducing early legislation providing powers for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to recover from local planning authorities the cost of supplying planning inspectors to hold such inquiries. Such legislation would be retrospective in order to validate payments already made and to secure fair treatment of all 972
  local planning authorities, irrespective of the timing of their local plan inquiries. The legislation would extend to Scotland.

  We share the concerns of local authorities about the high level of costs associated with local plan preparation, in which the local plan inquiry is just one stage. We therefore commissioned research to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of development plan inquiries, taking into account the costs involved. We published die executive summary of the research findings and recommendations in November 1993 and invited comments from those likely to have an interest. We will be publishing the final report shortly, together with our own reaction to the recommendations in the report.

  We are anxious to achieve full local plan coverage, as required by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as soon as possible. We therefore look forward to discussing proposals for improving the process with representatives of the local authorities and others, with a view to identifying the best way forward.

  Consultancies
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the value of consultancy contracts awarded by his Department each year since 1979, both in current prices and at constant 1994 prices.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 10 February 1994]: The information requested is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Local Social Services
  Mr. Wilshire
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list in rank order those local authorities that have budgeted to spend on social services less than the standard spending assessment for social services during 1993–94, showing their standard spending assessment for social services, their budget figure for spending on social services, the amount of the planned underspend and the percentage that the planned spending is below the standard spending assessment for social services;

  (2) if he will list in rank order those local authorities whose actual spending on social services was less than their standard spending assessment for social services during 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 showing their standard spending assessment for social services, their actual spending on social services, the sum underspent and the percentage that actual spending is below the standard spending assessment.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 15 February 1994]: I have placed in the Library tables showing the requested information. It is for each local authority to determine its spending priorities between services in the light of local circumstances.

  Birds of Prey (Protection)
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of current legislation protecting British birds of prey; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 16 February 1994]: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 British birds of

  973
  prey are protected against taking, killing, injuring or removal from the wild in any other way, except under licence. I am satisfied that this legislation is required and appropriate. Many birds of prey, both native and non-native, are also subject to the registration and ringing requirements of section 7 and schedule 4 to the Act if held in captivity. A consultation paper was issued by the Department last April inviting comments on possible changes to these requirements. Consultation on detailed proposals affecting registration and ringing of certain hawks and other species should begin very shortly.

  Equipment Thefts
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish a list of the equipment stolen from his Department in the last three years for which information is available; and what was the approximate value of each item.

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 16 February 1994]: During the period 1 April 1991 to the 31 January 1994 there were 85 reported thefts of equipment. The total estimated value of these stolen items was £117,256·24.

PRIME MINISTER

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Prime Minister what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on providing in full the information sought by hon. Members in parliamentary questions.

  The Prime Minister
  Except for matters which are confidential or on which successive Governments have refused to answer questions upon grounds of public policy, or when a reply is not given on grounds of disproportionate cost, answers should give the information sought and should be accurate and truthful and not misleading.

  Ministerial Functions (Wales)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will transfer the functions of the Home Secretary in Wales to the Secretary of State for Wales.

  The Prime Minister
  I have no plans to do so.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish a list of all functions of Government whose administration in respect of Wales is vested in Ministers other than the Secretary of State for Wales; which Minister is responsible in each case; and what total amount of public spending is attributable to each of those functions in Wales.

  The Prime Minister
  The responsibilities of each Minister of the Government are set out in the list of "Ministerial Responsibilities", of which all Members have a copy. Where responsibility for matters in Wales does not lie with the Secretary of State for Wales, Ministers in charge of other Departments exercise their responsibilities in respect of England and Wales, or the United Kingdom, as appropriate.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 17 February.
  974
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 17 February.

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

  Russia
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Russia.

  The Prime Minister
  I visited Russia from 14 to 16 February as part of the regular practice of bilateral summits established by the partnership treaty which President Yeltsin and I signed in 1992. The Foreign Secretary accompanied me.

  In Moscow I had talks with President Yeltsin and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin, and met a number of other Ministers, including Foreign Minister Kozyrev and Defence Minister Grachev. I talked to a cross-section of the newly elected parliamentarians. I also met British and Russian business men. I visited the city of Nizhny Novgorod, and announced new know-how fund projects.

  President Yeltsin and I signed an agreement on the detargeting of nuclear missiles. We also agreed to hold military exercises, focused on peace-keeping, in the United Kingdom and Russia. My right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary and the Russian Foreign Minister signed agreements on double taxation and on cultural exchanges.

  President Yeltsin and I agreed that we should build on the partnership between our two countries which is now based on shared democratic values. President Yeltsin has accepted my invitation to visit the United Kingdom this year. I have separately invited Prime Minister Chernomyrdin. I shall be recommending to Her Majesty the Queen that she should take up President Yeltsin's invitation to visit Russia.

  An important purpose of my visit was to give practical and polital support to reform. President Yeltsin and Prime Minister Chernomyrdin assured me that economic reform would continue. But they did not underestimate the scale of the task which they face. It was clear that difficult decisions lie ahead.

  I discussed a range of international issues with President Yeltsin, including Bosnia. These discussions underlined how important it is to maintain a close political dialogue with Russia. I told President Yeltsin that I would support closer political consultation between the Group of Seven and Russia.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who are the members currently appointed to the citizens charter panel of advisers.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The members currently appointed to the citizens charter panel of advisers are Sir James Blyth, chairman, Sir Christopher Bland, Angela Heylin, the Right Hon. the Baroness Perry of Southwark, Dr. Madsen Pine, Nick Rawlings, Christopher Swan and Lady Wilcox.
  975

  Open Government
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Treasury on the implications of the recent report of the Committee on Public Accounts for open government; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Government will be responding to the Public Accounts Committee report in due course.

  Duchy Council
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many meetings of(a) the Duchy Council and (b) the Trustees of the Benevolent Fund were held in each year since 1987.

  Mr. Waldegrave

  Date

  (a)

  1988

  2 meetings (January and May)

  1989

  3 meetings (January, May and October)

  1990

  3 meetings (January, May and October)

  1991

  3 meetings (January, May and October)

  1992

  2 meetings (January and May)

  1993

  3 meetings (February, May and November)

  In addition to formal meetings of the full Council there were additional meetings with individual members of the council

  (b)

  The benevolent fund was constitued as a charity in September 1993 and the trustees have met once since then. Prior to that date advice on donations has been given at council meetings as above.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the venues of meetings of the Duchy Council held since 1987.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Council meets in the Duchy of Lancaster office.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how much members of the Duchy Council are paid; and how much each has received for travel and expenses for each year since 1987 or from the date of their appointment, if later.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Members of the Duchy Council receive no remuneration as council members.

  The total paid to council members for expenses incurred in visiting estates or attending meetings since 1987 has been:

  Year

  £

  1988

  1,174

  1989

  573

  1990

  337

  1991

  699

  1992

  1,228

  1993

  649

  Records of individual payments have not been maintained and it would entail disproportionate cost to research these items.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster after what period of time minutes of the meetings of the Duchy Council are made public.
  976
  Mr. Waldegrave
  Minutes of meetings of the Duchy Council are not made public.

  Duchy Affairs
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many hours per week he allocates to Duchy affairs.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  I spend approximately 5 per cent. of my time on Duchy affairs.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support Appeals
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many appeals against decisions of child support officers have been registered by the Independent Tribunal Service; and how many have been heard, broken down by area.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is the responsibility of its chief executive, Ros Hepplewhite. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Donald Dewar, dated 17 February 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Paliamentary Questions asking about the number of appeals against Child Support assessments.
  I understand from the Independent Tribunal Service that, to the end of January 1994, a total of 611 appeals had been lodged. Of these, 82 cases had been heard by the Child Support Appeal Tribunal. I attach a breakdown of these figures below:

  Number

  Midlands

  11

  North East

  17

  North West

  8

  Scotland

  14

  South East

  26

  Wales and South West

  6

  I hope you find this reply useful.

  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average time taken by the Child Support Agency to perform reviews when the client disagrees with the original child support officer's decision, broken down by area CSAC;

  (2) how many parents with care have applied to the Child Support Agency pursuant to (a)section 4 and (b)section 6 of the Child Support Act 1991;

  (3) of the child maintenance assessments completed to date by the Child Support Agency what proportion are (a)nil or (b)minimum assessments, and what proportion are interim assessments;

  (4) what is the average time being taken by the Child Support Agency to perform reviews of assessments following a change of circumstances broken down by area CSAC.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is the responsibility of its chief executive, Ros Hepplewhite. She will write to the hon. Member.
  977
  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Donald Dewar, dated 17 February 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the Child Support Agency's operations.
  In the period 5 April 1993 to 31 December 1993, the Agency issued 711,000 maintenance application forms. Of these, 686,000 were issued in cases where the parent with care was in receipt of income support, family credit, or disability working allowance, and 25,000 were issued in cases where the parent with care was not receiving benefit.
  In the period from 5 April 1993 to 31 December 1993, the Agency completed 121,600 maintenance assessments, of which 41,000 were interim assessments, and 28,800 were nil assessments, or assessments where the absent parent is liable to pay the minimum amount of £2·20.
  You have also asked for a breakdown of the time taken to perform a review where there has been a change of circumstances, and where a client disagrees with the original child support officer's decision. During the first months of the Agency's operations, the volume of work in these areas was relatively low. Although volumes have risen in recent months, it is too early for reliable information to be available.
  I hope you find this reply useful.

  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will instruct the Child Support Agency not to telephone its clients at work without prior consent.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for Ros Hepplewhite, the chief executive. She will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Ros Hepplewhite to Mr. Paul Channon dated 16 February 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency telephoning clients at work.
  Normally, the Agency will only telephone a client at work without prior consent where there has been no response to written correspondence and all other methods of communication have failed.
  We are very aware of the sensitive nature of our work and I can assure you that staff who deal directly with the public are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to handle such calls with sensitivity and tact.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Case Papers
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the practice in the Benefits Agency about destroying case papers; and if he will issue guidance requiring that case papers should not be destroyed while active inquiries into a case are going on.

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my right hon. Friend.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Paul Channon, dated 16 February 1994:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the practice within the Benefits Agency (BA) for destroying casepapers.
  The BA policy on destruction of documents requires all Incoms Support (IS) cases to be examined at certain times and unnecessary documents to be destroyed. This policy represents an attempt to balance the needs of customers against the administrative expense of keeping all the documents indefinitely. There is no legal basis to the policy as the Agency, like other public bodies, is only legally required to retain samples of cases to conform with the Public Records Act.
  978
  New working methods, particularly computerisation, led to the need to review the Benefits Agency's document retention policy and a study was commissioned to consider the retention and storage of documents; the outcome of this study was to issue new guidance to all BA District Offices at the end of January 1994. This guidance reaffirms that IS casepapers are retained, as before, for a minimum of 18 months after the claim becomes dormant. It also provides clear and specific instructions to staff that casepapers should not be destroyed while active enquiries into the case are ongoing.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the average value of benefit to those in receipt of invalidity benefit in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney and Wales.

  Mr.Scott
  On 4 April 1992, the latest date for which information is available, the average weekly amount of invalidity benefit for recipients in Wales was £75·431. Information for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney is not available.

  Note:1 Based on a per cent. sample of claimants in Great Britain.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has made of the number of existing recipients of invalidity benefit in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney who will be disqualified under the new capacity test.

  Mr. Scott
  Numbers cannot be reliably estimated at this stage, but our current estimate is that around 200,000 of the people who initially transfer to incapacity benefit from invalidity benefit may fail to satisfy the test within the first two years. This estimate has not been broken down by district.

  Laryngectomy
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consideration he has given to recognising those who suffer from laryngectomy as having a disability; if he will assess sufferers' special heating requirements; if he will treat them as disabled people for purposes of VAT heating relief; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Burt
  The disability living allowance advisory board is currently considering including in the "Disability Handbook" specific guidance on the care and mobility needs of people who have had a laryngectomy. Such people may be entitled to receive any of the wide range of social security benefits, including disability living allowance and attendance allowance, which are available, subject to individual circumstances. Details of the extra help in respect of VAT on domestic fuel were given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Gainsborough and Horncastle (Mr. Leigh) on 30 November 1993 at columns 437–438.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Sea Fish Industry Authority.

  Mr. Jack
  The members currently appointed to the Sea Fish Industry Authority are as follows:

  Mr. Eric Davey (Deputy Chairman)

  Mr. Cecil Thomas Finn MBE

  979

  Mr. John Kelly

  Mr. Duncan Maclnnes JP

  Mr. Ian McFadden OBE

  Mr. Andrew Pepper

  Ms Elizabeth Stevenson

  Mr. David Vickers

  Mr. Colin Warwick

  Mr. Frank Ledwidge OBE FCA

  Professor Mike Haines

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Apple and Pear Research Council.

  Mr. Jack
  Members currently appointed to the Apple and Pear Research Council are:

  Professor Sir C. R. W. Spedding, CBE, Chairman

  Mr. A Burbridge

  Mrs. C. Clive

  Professor D. M. Conning, OBE

  Dr. O. Doubleday

  Mr. A. Jackson

  Mr. B. D. Neame, CBE

  Mr. C. Rose

  Mr. N. Stangroom

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Dairy Produce Quota Tribunal.

  Mr. Jack
  The following were appointed as members of the Dairy Produce Quota Tribunal in 1991:

  Lord Grantchester (chairman)

  Sir Michael Kerry (deputy chairman)

  Mrs. J. Bell

  Mr. B. Boot

  Mr. A. D. Drummond

  Mr. J. M. Evans

  Mr. T. M. Evans

  Mr. W. E. Evans

  Mr. R. Harris

  Mr. H. Humphreys-Jones

  Mr. J. Jenkin

  Mr. T. H. Jones

  Mr. J. Lethbridge

  Mr. C. Muddiman

  Mr. J. Nelson

  Mr. P. Phillips

  Mr. J. Richards

  Mr. A. Webb

  Mr. B. Youngman

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the National Food Survey Committee.

  Mr. Jack
  The current membership of National Food Survey Committee is listed in the table:

  Mr. R. E. Mordue

  Dr. W. H. B. Denner

  Dr. P. J. Lund

  Mr. R. U. Redpath

  Dr. J. J. Wiseman

  Dr. J. A. Beaumont

  Dr. C. Bolton-Smith

  Professor A. D. Chesher

  Professor C. Ritson

  Dr. R. G. Whitehead

  Dr. L. Yeomans

  The membership list is published annually in the report "National Food Survey", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Committee on Agricultural Valuation.
  980
  Mr. Jack
  The members of the Committee on Agricultural Valuation are:

  Mr. J. R. Mathias (chairman)

  Mr. C. H. Arkell

  Mr. F. Grounds

  Mr. T. Hammett

  Mr. J. H. Harris

  Mr. H. B. Knight

  Mr. K. R. McDiarmid

  Mr. J. A. Pallister

  Mr. T. W. Sale

  Mr. T. G. Shearman

  Mr. R. V. Stone

  Mr. R. Thomas

  Mr. G. T. Williams

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Board of Horticulture Research International.

  Mr. Jack
  They are:

  Mr. Terry Pryce (chairman)

  Mrs. Valerie Boakes

  Professor Donald Boulter

  Dr. Peter Bunyan

  Professor James Callow

  Professor Timothy Flowers

  Mr. Michael Holmes

  Mr. Anthony Mitchell

  Dr. Richard Pugh

  Miss Sally Smith

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Plant Varieties and Seeds Tribunal.

  Mr. Jack
  The current chairmen and members of panels of the plant varieties and seeds tribunal are as follows:

  CHAIRMEN

  England and Wales—Mr. D. E. M. Young QC

  Scotland—Mr. W. C. Galbraith QC

  Northern Ireland—Mr. J. D. McSparran QC

  PANEL MEMBERS

  General Agriculture

  Professor G. R. Dickson

  Mr. C. J. Beynon

  Mr. J. R. Gill

  Dr R. C. F. Macer

  Mrs. S. Ward

  General Horticulture

  Professor G. R. Dixon

  Mr D. J. Fuller

  Professor H. J. Gooding

  Apples and Pears

  Mr. B. F. Self

  Cereals

  Professor D. Gareth Jones

  Professor J. C. Holmes

  Dr. R. T. Plumb

  Chrysanthemums

  Dr. K. E. Cockshull

  Forest Seeds

  Mr. A. T. Wood

  Forestry

  Dr. P. S. Savill

  French Beans

  Dr. J. Smartt
  981
  Fruit

  Mr. B. F. Self

  Dr. C. J. Wright

  Glasshouse Crops

  Dr. J. G Atherton

  Mr. D. J. Harrison

  Grasses and Legumes

  Dr. J. S Brockman

  Dr. D. Wilman

  Professor D. Wilson

  Narcissus

  Dr. A. R. Rees

  Peas

  Dr. P. D. Hebblethwaite

  Mrs. C. M. Knott

  Potatoes

  Mr. P. M. Harris

  Dr. P. D. Jenkins

  Mr. P. H. Lamin

  Roses

  Mr. J. A. Steele

  Seed Industry

  Mr. N. Bark

  Mr. D. F. R. George

  Dr. P. R. Dawson

  Mr. C. R. Alderton

  Dr. R. M. Eckersall

  Trees. Shrubs and Ornamentals

  Dr. P. G. Alderson

  Mr. J. Fraser

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to each of the regional panels.

  Mr. Jack
  The present members of the Department's nine regional panels are as follows:

  ANGLIA REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. J. Wallace

  Members

  Mr. P. Allenson

  Mr. D. Barker

  Mr. A. Bowes

  Miss C. Chivers

  Mrs. W. Long

  Miss M. Macrae

  Mr. D. Moore

  Mr. R. Paynter

  Mr. J. Shropshire

  Mrs. M. Skinner

  Mr. M. Thomasin-Foster

  Mr. R. Torrance

  EAST MIDLANDS REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. W. S. Hemington

  Members

  Mr. P. Atkinson

  Mr. R. Bealby

  Mrs. P. Broadhurst

  Dr. J. Carmichael

  Hon. D. Legh

  Mr. C. Matts

  Dr. J. Owen

  Mrs. P. Perkins

  Mr. R. Southgate

  Mr. J. Taylor

  Mr. R. Thomas

  Mr. R. Watts

  982
  NORTH EAST REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. P. Coverdale

  Members

  Mr. D. Avery

  Mrs.J. Bell

  Mrs. B. Binns

  Mr. T. Bromfield

  Mr. J. Cooke

  Mrs. A. Cowan

  Mr. D. Howard

  Mr. J. Howard

  Mr. M. Pollard

  Mr. J. Stephenson

  Professor R. Ward

  Mr. S. Wharton

  NORTHERN REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. A. Jackson

  Members

  Mr. J. Carr

  Mr. R. Grove-White

  Mr. J. Howson

  Mr. P. Lansdale

  Miss C. Ridley

  Mr. A. Sanderson

  Dr. R. Smith

  Mrs. M. Storer

  Mr. A. Walling

  Mr. A. Wannop

  Mr. A. Watson

  Mr. B. Webster

  Mr. G. Wilson

  NORTH MERCIA REGION

  Chairman

  Mrs. A. Williams

  Members

  Mr. A. Ayres

  Mr. B. Boot

  Mr. T. Bulmer

  Mr. J. Frost

  Mr. P. Gray

  Mr. F. Gribble

  Mr. J. Hunter

  Mr. N. Moore

  Mr. T. Prince

  Mr. D. Roberts

  Mr. W. Snelson

  SOUTH EAST REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. D. Browning

  Members

  Mr. C. Boswell

  Mr. D. Brazier

  Mr. G. Butler

  Mr. J. Jenkinson

  Mr. R. Jones

  Mr. P. Lowater

  Mr. M. Lowry

  Mr. D. Monnington

  Mr. H. Oliver-Bellasis

  Mr. A. Redsell

  Hon. L. Sandys

  Dr. P. Sharma

  Mrs. E. Stanton

  SOUTH MERCIA REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. D. Harper

  Members

  Mr. C. Briscoe

  983

  Mrs. J. Goodman

  Mr. C. Harvey

  Dr. D. Lambton

  Mr. R. Law

  Mr. J. Marsden

  Mrs. E. Morgan

  Mr. G. Revill

  Mr. D. Smith

  Mr. R. Vines

  Mr. A. Webb

  SOUTH WEST REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. P. Lethbridge

  Members

  Mrs. R. Berry

  Mrs. G. Cobley

  Mr. R. Hanbury-Tenison

  Mr. D. Hills

  Mr. R. Holland

  Mrs. M. Horrell

  Mr. J. Jordan

  Mrs. D. Lavery

  Mr. A. May

  Mrs. A. Petch

  Mr. V. Turton

  Mr. J. Whetman

  WESSEX REGION

  Chairman

  Mr. R. Lawton

  Members

  Mrs. J. Banks

  Mr. R. Bernays

  Ms H. Browning

  Mr. E. Cameron

  Mrs. L. Cook

  Mr. P. Feilden

  Mr. J. Hughes

  Mr. R. Martin

  Mrs. A. Streatfield

  Mr. G. Trehane

  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food who are the members currently appointed to the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes.

  Mr. Soames
  The membership of the Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes is listed in the table:

  Professor Derek Burke, CBE, BSc, PhD, HonLLD (Chairman)

  Professor G. E. Adams, BSc, PhD, DSc, FACR

  Professor A. T. Atkinson, BSc, PhD

  Dr. A. C. Baird-Parker, OBE, BSc, PhD

  Professor E. Cocking, BSc, PhD, DSc, FIBiol, FRS

  Professor H. M. Dick, MD, FIBiol, FRCP, FRCPath, FRSE

  Dr. Michael J. Gasson, PSc, PhD

  Professor W. P. T. James, MA, MD, DSc, FRCP, FRCP (Edin), FRSE

  Professor V. Marks, DM, FRCP, FRCPath

  Mrs. H. Millar, MA, FRSA

  Professor B. E. Moseley, MSc, PhD

  Rev. J. Polkinghorne, MA, PhD, ScD, FRS

  Professor P. Richmond, BSc, PhD, DSc, CPhys, FInstP

  Dr. P. J. Rodgers, MA, DPhil

  Professor J. E. Smith, BSc, MSc, PhD, DSc, FIBiol, FRSE

  Professor D. A. T. Southgate, BSc, PhD, MIBiol

  Professor R. Walker, BSc, PhD, FRSD, CChem, FIFST

  Professor H. F. Woods, BSc, BM, BCh, MRCP, DPhil, FFPM, FRCP

  Hens
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list the grants made available for the 25 projects currently receiving funding from her 984
  Department in order to carry out research into the welfare problems associated with laying hens in intensive systems, naming the project and giving the amount of funding for each; what grants have been awarded to Horizon Farms by her Department over the last five years; and what was the size of each grant.

  Mr. Soames
  Projects funded by this Department and of relevance to laying hens in intensive systems address the following topics:

  Subject

  1993–94 costs

  £000

  Effects of handling methods, production systems and nutrition on bone strength and bird damage in laying hens

  197

  Effects of battery cage design on bird condition, feather loss and bone damage

  195

  Welfare aspects of current husbandry practices for caged hens

  17

  Bird welfare in non-cage systems

  233

  The principles underlying motivation, cognition and learning in poultry

  46

  The application of motivation, cognitive and learning principles to behavioural and environmental questions relating to poultry

  84

  Improvement of welfare in poultry husbandry systems, housing and transport by understanding environmental and behavioural interactions

  138

  Electrophysiological, neuro-anatomical and behavioural studies into the perception of pain, injury and stress by poultry

  177

  The physiological principles causing the elicitation, assessment and reduction of fear and distress in poultry

  104

  Causation and consequences of stress related behaviours in poultry

  126

  Skeletal integrity in laying hens

  100

  The preslaughter transportation of poultry by road

  66

  Avian welfare during handling

  31

  Depopulation of laying hens

  36

  Survey of broken bones in end of lay battery hens

  35

  Depopulation of alternative laying systems

  37

  Trauma in end of lay hens

  27

  Destructive pecking and cannibalism in laying hens

  29

  Behavioural assessment of hens in improved battery cages

  18

  Causes of broken bones and trauma in end of lay hens

  18

  Mechanised handling of laying hens

  96

  Hen injury in alternative egg laying systems

  16

  In the last five years Horizon Farms has received only one grant from this Department. In November 1993 it was awarded £298,750 by the EC Commission under EC regulation 866/90 together with £59,750 from this Department towards the cost of a new egg grading and packing plant near Corby

  Agricultural Assistance
  Mr. Alexander
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list her Department's current proposals for the assistance of British agriculture in the next 12 months.

  Mr. Jack
  British agriculture is supported by the mechanisms of the common agricultural policy. In the forthcoming negotiations to set CAP prices for 1994–95, my right hon. Friend will press for a settlement which takes full account of British farmers' interests.

  British farming will in addition continue to benefit from the wide range of Ministry grant and subsidy schemes and

  985
  from schemes to encourage effective marketing of agricultural products, as well as from our continuing drive to remove unnecessary regulation. Information on all these departmental activities is available in the House Library.

  Farms
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what statistics she has showing net investment from retained income categorised by farm business size for(a) 1981–82 and (b) 1991–92; and what other data are published by her Ministry relating investment to farm business size.

  Mr. Jack
  Information on net investment in agricultural assets is collected annually from a sample of farms in the farm business survey. The net investment, including both investment from retained profits and new funds introduced, is shown as the difference between cash income and cash flow from the farming business. Estimates of these measures for 1990–91 and 1991–92 are published by type and economic size of farm in appendix 1 of "Farm Incomes in the United Kingdom 1991–92". The following table shows the averages for 1991–92 by farm business size group. Figures for 1981–82 are not available on a comparable basis.

  Estimated Average Net investment (1) (£'000 per farm)

  Farm size group

  Average of all types of farm

  Small

  4·2

  Medium

  9·7

  Large

  27·6

  (1) Net investment represents investment net of sales of assets using both retained profits and funds introduced from outside the farming business.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information she has relating farm size to participation in environmental schemes operated by her Ministry.

  Mr. Jack
  Farms of a wide range of sizes participate in our environmental schemes. For example, the average size of farms participating in those environmentally sensitive area schemes in which we require the whole farm to be entered into agreement currently ranges from 33 hectares in West Penwith to 487 hectares in the North Peak. I would also refer the hon. Gentleman to the environmentally sensitive area reports of monitoring 1991 and 1992, available in the Library of the House.

  Poultry
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on relative welfare standards for poultry in the United Kingdom and eastern Europe.

  Mr. Soames
  No information is available on welfare standards for poultry in eastern Europe. However, Slovenia has become a contracting party to the Council of Europe convention on the protection of animals kept for farming purposes, which contains general principles for safeguarding the welfare of such animals. Other eastern European countries may attend the meetings of the standing committee set up under the convention but have yet to become contracting parties to the convention.
  986

  Nuclear Waste (Dumping at Sea)
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to her answer of 30 November,Official Report, column 494, whether Her Majesty's Government have yet reached a decision on whether to accept the recent London convention decision to introduce a permanent ban on the disposal of radioactive waste at sea; and if she will make a statement.

  Mrs. Gillian Shepherd
  The United Kingdom will accept the formal ban on dumping low and intermediate-level radioactive waste at sea, which was adopted at the consultative meeting of the London convention in November 1993. We are already committed to a moratorium on sea dumping until 2008 under the OSPAR convention, and we have not carried out any dumping since 1983.

  The United Kingdom's firm view is that decisions on disposal of waste should be taken on scientific and economic grounds. At the meeting of the London convention, the UK therefore argued against an indefinite ban, in view of the scientific and economic arguments in favour of sea dumping for certain categories of radioactive waste.

  The scientific evidence shows that dumping at sea, carried out under controlled conditions, causes no harm to the marine environment and poses no threat to human health. This has been confirmed by careful monitoring over many years and studies have shown it to be the best practicable environmental option for the disposal of certain types of radioactive waste.

  Nevertheless, the United Kingdom recognises that the weight of international opinion on this matter means that such dumping is not, in any event, a practical proposition. We have, therefore, decided to accept the ban.

  We shall continue our own programmes of monitoring and research, and will contribute actively to the scientific re-evaluation to be carried out under the convention after 25 years. The United Kingdom will be ready to reopen discussions in the convention at any time should the weight of opinion change in favour of accepting the scientific conclusions.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made in changing the Milk Marketing Board into Milk Marque; and when a decision is expected.

  Mr. Jack
  The Milk Marketing Board submitted amendments to its reorganisation scheme on 9 February. We shall be issuing a further consultation document as soon as we are in a position to do so. If the reorganisation scheme were to be approved the existing milk marketing scheme would come to an end on 1 November 1994.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects to make a decision on the schemes of reorganisation for the Milk Marketing Board; what are the outstanding issues relating to the scheme of reorganisation; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  The Ministry issued a press release on 24 January which set out the position reached in discussions on the Milk Marketing Board's reorganisation scheme. On
  987
  9 February the MMB submitted amendments to its scheme, on the basis of which the Ministry and the Welsh Office are preparing a further consultation document. It will be necessary to allow interested organisations a period of four weeks in which to respond, following which my right hon. Friends the Minister and the Secretary of State for Wales will consider the board's application having regard to all the circumstances, as required under the provisions of the Agriculture Act 1993. The timing of their eventual decision cannot be predicted with certainty but is unlikely to be before the end of April.

  Kew Gardens
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many living and preserved plant collections at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are currently fully documented on computer; and when is the planned completion date for the capture of data from existing holdings of preserved plants.

  Mr. Gillian Shephard
  The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew estimates that some 200,000 of its living and preserved plant accessions are now documented on computer. There is currently no overall project or completion date for computerising information from its vast numbers of preserved plant specimens but emphasis is placed on the parts of the collection where active collaborative research programmes are being undertaken.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Residential Nursing Care
  Mrs. Bridget Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about the financial interests of families whose elderly relatives have moved into residential nursing care.

  Mr. Ancram
  The only representation my noble Friend has received about this matter concerned the disposal of a small farmholding by a family to meet the nursing home costs of an elderly father.

  Security
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in the Province.

  Mr. Molyneaux
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the security situation in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons were charged with terrorist-related offences in Northern Ireland last year.

  Sir John Wheeler
  Since I answered a similar question on 20 January 1994 there have been three deaths, all of civilians, as a result of terrorist attacks in Northern Ireland. In addition, there have been 27 separate shooting attacks and 28 bombings and mortar attacks, all of which were intended to kill or maim, and many of which have resulted in horrific injuries to both civilians and security forces.

  I resolutely condemn violence from whichever source it comes, whether from so-called loyalists or the provisional IRA. I can assure the House that the security forces will
  988
  continue to pursue those responsible for these atrocities with unrelenting determination. Evidence of their continuing success is the fact that over 50 people have been charged already this year with terrorist-type offences. In 1993, 368 people were charged with serious terrorist offences, 196 firearms and 60 rocket or mortar launchers were recovered, some 6,561 kg of explosives were neutralised and 3,944 kg of unprimed explosives were also found.

  Investment
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about the level of future investment in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  In the course of my duties I receive representations from many parties within and outside Northern Ireland on the subject of future investment in the Province. They include Members of this House, local elected representatives, trade and industry associations, trade unions, voluntary and charitable institutions, professional and technical consultants and academics.

  Joint Declaration
  Mr. Dykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about developments in security acceptance of the British-Irish joint declaration.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress on the Downing street declaration.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave the hon. Members for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), for Billericay (Mrs. Gorman) and for Neath (Mr. Hain).

  Inter-party Talks
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent meetings that have been held with representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland and on his new framework of ideas for a polital settlement.

  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recent meetings that have been held with representatives of the political parties in Northern Ireland and on discussions he has had with the Irish Government.

  Mr. Enright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the talks he has had with the parties in Northern Ireland and the Irish Government relating to Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make proposals for political development.

  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress towards the resumption of constitutional talks and his most recent discussions with the Northern Ireland parties and the Government of the Republic of Ireland on this process.

  Mr. Ancram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche).
  989
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects his political initiative on Northern Ireland's future to lead to further negotiations.

  Mr. Ancram
  The talks process has been continuing in recent months in the form of bilateral discussions with three of the four main constitutional parties in Northern Ireland and discussions with the Irish Government. My right hon. and learned Friend is meeting the leaders of the three parties concerned and discussing ideas with them for giving direction to further bilateral discussions, across all three strands. Contacts will therefore continue, in the form of bilateral meetings, for the immediate future. Our objective is to return to multilateral talks covering all three key sets of relationships and involving the two Governments and the four main constitutional parties.

  Electoral System
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he last had discussions with the chief electoral officer for Northern Ireland to discuss changes to the electoral system.

  Mr. Ancram
  My predecessor, the hon. Member for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley), met the chief electoral officer for Northern Ireland on 3 February last year. After that meeting my hon. Friend wrote to Northern Ireland's main political parties concerning electoral matters which had been raised at the meetings on 15 December 1992 and 5 January 1993 with the parties.

  Owner-occupation
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the level of owner-occupation in Northern Ireland.

  Mr.Tim Smith
  By the end of December 1992 the total number of owner-occupied properties was 363,500 or 66 per cent. of total occupied stock. Nearly 57,000 owner-occupiers have bought their houses from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive under its sales scheme while a further 12,400 have entered home-ownership through the co-ownership scheme operated by the Northern Ireland Co-ownership Housing Association.

  Health Care
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he next intends to discuss with representatives of the health service in Northern Ireland matters relating to the organisation of health care.

  Mr. Ancram
  My noble Friend Baroness Denton is taking forward a review of the way in which the Government's new purchasing arrangements for health and personnel social services are carried out in Northern Ireland. This review should be completed by the end of May 1994.

  As part of the review there is consultation with a wide range of health and social services representatives.

  Cross-border Co-operation
  Mr. Cyril D. Townsend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on cross-border security co-operation between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.
  990
  Sir John Wheeler
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan).

  Fine Defaulters
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he intends to take to provide an alternative to a prison sentence for fine defaulters in Northern Ireland.

  Sir John Wheeler
  I have already announced my intention to introduce legislation to reinforce the requirement on courts to ascertain and take account of offenders' means when imposing fines. I believe that this will help to reduce the extent of fine default in Northern Ireland.

  I am also looking at measures to reduce the use of imprisonment when fine default does occur. Various alternatives are under consideration, but I shall wish to be satisfied that they are likely to prove both practical and cost-effective.

  It remains the Government's view, however, that it is necessary for imprisonment to be retained as the ultimate sanction for fine default.

  Peace Representations
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received about the future prospects of peace in Northern Ireland from residents of Great Britain.

  Mr. Ancram
  The Government continue to receive a great number of letters and a number of petitions from individuals interested in the prospects for peace in Northern Ireland. In the period since the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach signed their joint declaration on 15 December last year, my right hon. and learned Friend and the Prime Minister have received almost 700 letters from residents of Great Britain on this issue. The vast majority of this correspondence expresses a heartfelt desire for peace in Northern Ireland, and a hope that the joint declaration can pave the way for that peace.

  Devolved Government
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on devolved government and a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  The Government hope that the political talks involving the main constitutional parties in Northern Ireland and the two Governments will continue. Issues such as devolved government for Northern Ireland, and a Bill of Rights, fall within the remit of those talks described in my predecessor's statement of 26 March 1991.

  Intergovernmental Council
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the next meeting of the intergovernmental council is to be held; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  There are no plans at present to hold a meeting at ministerial level under the auspices of the Anglo-Irish intergovernmental council, although a working group of officials dealing with education and culture is due to meet before the summer.
  991

  Health and Social Services
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who are the members currently appointed to each of the health and social services boards.

  Mr. Ancram
  The current members of each of the four health and social services boards are as follows:

  EASTERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

  Chairman:

  N. G. D. Ferguson

  Non-executive members:

  J. C. Morton

  D. J. McGuiness

  Mrs. G. M. Loughran

  Professor R. W. Stout

  P. J. McLachlan

  one vacancy

  Executive members:

  P.Kinder—Chief Executive

  Miss A. Paisley—Director of Finance

  Ms A. Lynch—Director of Planning

  E. McCullough—Director of Operations

  R. Moore—Director of Social Services

  Vacant—Director of Public Health

  NORTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

  Chairman:

  R. J. Hanna

  Non-Executive members:

  Lady J. Brett

  D. J. Clement

  J. D. McMullan

  M. A O'Connor

  Mrs. N. P. O'Loan

  Mrs. A. V. Smyth

  Executive members:

  D. D. Smyth—General Manager

  Miss S. Irwin—Director of Social Services

  Dr. J. D. Watson—Director of Public Health

  A. Hamilton—Director of Finance

  Miss E. McNair—Director of Quality Assurance and Nursing Services

  S. MacDonnell—Director of Planning and Information

  SOUTHERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

  Chairman:

  J. D. Thompson

  Non-Executive Members:

  Mrs. G. Donaghy

  W. F. Gillespie

  Mrs. J. Power

  A. J. Quinn

  J. Ryan

  S. R. P. Wright

  Executive Members:

  Dr. P. Kilbane—Chief Executive

  R. Blair—Director of Social Services

  B. P. Cunningham—Director of Finance and Information

  M. Doris—Director of Planning

  Dr. A. M. Telford—Director of Public Health

  F. A. Rice—Director of Human Resources and Nursing

  WESTERN HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BOARD

  Chairman:

  R. G. Toland

  Non-Executive Members:

  Mrs. M. R. Cooper

  W. S. Donaghy

  A. Jackson

  P. J. Kelly

  Mrs. C. R. Lavery

  Mrs. A. F. Mark

  992
  Executive Members:

  T. J. Frawley—General Manager

  Dr. D. Burke—Director of Social Care

  S. Cuddy—Director of Finance and Information

  Dr. W. McConnell—Director of Public Health (Acting Director of Health Care)

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many visits abroad each Minister of State made during 1993; and what was(a) the cost to public funds and (b) the purpose of each visit.

  Sir John Wheeler
  Ministers of State at the Northern Ireland made nine visits abroad at a total cost of just under £27,900.

  The visits were:

  (a) Mr. Mates

  Meeting with EC Commissioner in Brussels.

  An Intergovernmental Conference meeting in Dublin with other Ministers.

  (b) Sir John Wheeler

  Meeting in Dublin.

  (c) Mr. Atkins

  A transport and air exhibition in Hamburg.

  A rugby international in Dublin.

  A North South environmental and housing conference in Dublin.

  Le Bourget air show in Paris.

  Anuga Food Festival in Cologne.

  A cross border trade conference in Dublin.

  Driver Safety
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the review into new driver safety will be extended to Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  I welcome the Secretary of State for Transport's proposals for ensuring the safety of newly qualified drivers. These proposals are already being considered by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland in consultation with the Department of Transport with a view to their possible introduction in Northern Ireland.

  Cars (Anti-theft Devices)
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will launch a public awareness campaign in order to encourage motorists to fit anti-theft devices to their vehicles.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Government have taken a number of initiatives against car crime in Northern Ireland in recent years.

  In 1991 the Northern Ireland Office launched a crime prevention campaign titled "Stopping Crime Starts With You". A key part of the campaign was the distribution of a free handbook providing advice on, inter alia, how to safeguard motor vehicles.

  The Northern Ireland Office has also recently given its support to a new car-crime initiative in Northern Ireland known as "Sold Secure—The Partnership Against Car Theft", which I was pleased to help launch at the Northern Ireland motor show on 14 February. The initiative offers motorists an opportunity to obtain advice on a range of car

  993
  security products which have been tested against strict criteria. The initiative is supported by the RUC and the local motor retail industry. A free leaflet is available of participating retailers.

  Religious Education
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on religious education in Northern Ireland schools.

  Mr. Ancram
  All schools are required to provide religious education for all pupils of compulsory school age. In schools under the control of the education and library boards, such education must be undenominational and based on the holy scriptures. In voluntary schools religious education is under the control of the school managers. A compulsory core syllabus, entirely Christian in content, has been approved by all the main churches in Northern Ireland and is being introduced into all grant-aided schools on a phased basis.

  Emergency Provisions
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements he has made to review the operation of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991.

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  Mr. John Rowe QC has accepted my invitation to prepare a report on the operation in 1993 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991. As with previous reviews, the intention is that the report should enable both Houses of Parliament to discharge effectively their responsibility to scrutinise the operation of the Act on the occasion of the annual debates on the Continuance Order, and to determine whether any of the Acts temporary provisions could be allowed to lapse on 15 June 1994.

  I have asked Mr. Rowe to submit his report in sufficient time to facilitate the Houses' consideration of the Act.

  Paramilitaries
  Mr. A. Cecil Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many loyalist paramilitaries have been apprehended in each of the last three years;

  (2) how many republican paramilitaries have been apprehended in each of the last three years.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The number of persons arrested in Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act and the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act is as follows:

  Number

  1991

  1,788

  1992

  1,846

  1993

  11,671

  1 Figures for arrests under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions)Act are only available up to 30 June 1993

  Information on how many of these individuals were members of loyalist or republican groups is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The number of persons thought to be members of loyalist or republican groups who were charged with terrorist offences during each of these years is as follows:
  994

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Loyalist

  152

  191

  230

  Republican

  239

  214

  137

  Note:

  Statistics on charges are kept according to the most serious offence with which an individual has been charged.

  It the same individual is arrested or charged on more than one occasion, he/she will be added to the statistics each time.

TRANSPORT

  Bicycle Loan Scheme
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the introduction by his department of a bicycle loans scheme for the central Department.

  Mr. Key
  Advances of salary towards the purchase of bicycles were made available in the central department on 4 January 1994. Advances, to a maximum of £350, are available to all permanent staff with over two months' service. The bicycle must be used during the journey between home and office. Advances are also available to staff in all our agencies.

  44-tonne Lorries
  Mr. Cryer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what safeguards he is introducing to ensure that lorries of 44 gross tonnes are travelling to or from rail heads when in commercial use; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  The higher weight limit will apply only to vehicles carrying containers or swap-bodies—loading units—to or from railheads in combined road/rail operations. No conventional road vehicles will be able to operate legitimately at 44 tonnes. In order to operate at 44 tonnes, documentary evidence will have to be carried in the vehicle to show that the loading unit has travelled, or is destined for travel, by rail.

DEFENCE

  Advertising
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all television advertising, newspaper advertising, radio advertising and other promotional campaigns with a budgeted cost in excess of £10,000 conducted by the Ministry of Defence and his agencies(a) in the current financial year and (b) planned for 1994–95, showing for each the objectives and mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness of the advertising.

  Mr. Hanley
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Steam Ships
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of marine engineering artificers currently serving in the Royal Navy are qualified to operate(a) gas turbine and (b) steam propulsion; how many steam ships are in service in the Royal Navy; and if he will make a statement.
  995
  Mr. Hanley
  Records readily available do not show the proportion of marine engineering artificers qualified to operate gas turbine or steam propulsion systems. Records of general service marine engineering artificers serving on the trained strength in the surface fleet, however, show that 44 per cent. are qualified to operate gas turbine machinery and 26 per cent. are qualified to operate steam main propulsion machinery. Those qualified to operate steam main propulsion machinery would require further training to qualify them to operate gas turbine machinery. The Royal Navy currently operates four steam-propelled surface ships.

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Approximate cost £

  February 5–7

  Bosnia

  To visit British Forces

  6,820

  April 5–9

  Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania and Bulgaria Bilaterals

  10,128

  May

  13–15

  Germany

  To visit British Forces

  4,647

  19

  Rome

  WEU Ministerial Meeting

  869

  July

  26

  Luxembourg

  WEU Ministerial Meeting

  1,727

  28–30

  Germany

  To visit British Forces

  3,910

  September

  13–16

  Italy, Bosnia and Croatia

  To visit British Forces

  7,283

  20–29

  Belize

  Visit British Forces and meet Prime Minister and members of Belizean government

  5,417

  Visit West Indies Guard ship on deployment and discussions with US

  US/Florida

  officials

  US/Washington

  Meetings with members of US administration

  October

  12–14

  Hungary

  Bilaterals

  5,625

  November

  15–18

  Gibraltar

  To visit British Forces and meet Chief Minister

  Cyprus

  Visit British Forces

  Sardinia

  RAF Briefing

  15,098

  Note:

  Figures are based on the cost of the Royal Air Force and civil flights involved. Accommodation is normally provided free by Her Majesty's ambassador or high commissioner, or other Government representative, or by the host Government.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits abroad the Minister of State for the Defence Procurement made during 1993; and what was(a) the cost to public funds and (b) the purpose of each visit.

  Overseas visits made by Minister (DP) in 1993

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Approximate cost £

  5–12 January 1993

  Kuwait Saudi Arabia

  17,850

  12–15 February 1993

  Abu Dhabi

  2,400

  17–19 February 1993

  Germany

  Anglo/German Seminar

  5,150

  5 Apr 1993

  Germany

  1,500

  28 Jun 1993

  Netherlands

  1,450

  16 September 1993

  Poland

  Representing HMG at reinterment of General Sikorski

  See note 3

  8 October 1993

  Kuwait

  3,150

  6–7 November 1993

  Dubai

  2,600

  18 November 1993

  Germany

  2,450

  996

  Overseas Visits
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many visits abroad the Minister of State for the Armed Forces made during 1993; and what was(a) the cost to public funds and (b) the purpose of each visit.

  Mr. Hanley
  During 1993, my predecessor—until 27 May—and subsequently I undertook 10 official overseas visits. The cost and purpose of each were as follows:

  Mr. Aitken
  The Minister of State for Defence Procurement has made 11 official visits abroad in 1993. The cost to public funds and the purpose of each visit were as follows:
  997

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Approximate cost £

  15–17 December 1993

  Saudi Arabia

  3,150

  20–22 December 1993

  Bosnia

  Visit to British Troops in Bosnia

  8,950

  Note:

  1 The purpose of these visits unless otherwise stated was to promote defence exports or to discuss defence procurement issues.

  2 Figures are based on the cost of the Royal Air Force and/or civil flights involved. Accommodation normally provided by HM ambassador or high commissioner, or other Government representative, or by host t

  3 Accompanying HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. Negligible additional cost to public funds.

  Radioactive Samples
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when radioactive samples have been sent by scheduled airline flights after British nuclear tests since 1964; if he will list the number of occasions and by what carriers such samples were sent; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  Air transport of radioactive materials by scheduled carrier is a routine practice, conducted under the well-established international regulations of the International Air Transport Association. Since 1964, there have been 21 occasions when radioactive samples were sent by scheduled British airline flights after British nuclear tests in the United States of America. On each occasion the samples were accompanied by staff from the Atomic Weapons Establishment.

  Ferranti
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's involvement in the future of Ferranti; and when he now expects this to be resolved.

  Mr. Aitken
  Officials of my Department continue to have regular meetings with the receivers of Ferranti International to discuss our current and future business with the company.

  I understand that the receivers have been having discussions with prospective purchasers of all or parts of the company. Which bid or bids to accept will be a matter for the receivers. Bids will then be considered under competition legislation, and my Department will be consulted in the normal way. I am unable to say how long this process may take, but I naturally hope that a satisfactory outcome will be achieved without undue delay.

  Britannia Naval College (Dogs)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the dogs kept at Britannia naval college, Dartmouth, are used for purposes other than security; and what are the number for each of those purposes.

  Mr. Hanley
  All dogs owned by my Department at Britannia royal naval college are used for security purposes only. A number of privately owned dogs are, however, separately accommodated at the college at no cost to public funds.

  GEC-Malaysia
  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions Tan Sri Arumugam, joint managing director, GEC-Malaysia has visited his Department in the past three years; and if he will list the occasions.
  998
  Mr. Aitken
  Mr. Arumugam has visited my Department on three occasions over the past three years, twice in 1992 and once in 1993.

  Malaysia (Bank Loans)
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what compensation has been offered to United Kingdom banks which provided the Malaysian Government with loans at concessionary rates under the terms of the memorandum of understanding of 27 September 1988.

  Mr. Aitken
  All defence purchases by Malaysia under the 1988 MOU have been made on a cash basis. The need for finance at concessionary interest rates has not arisen.

  Reserve Forces
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans to complete his review of the Reserve Forces Act 1982; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  I will shortly be writing to hon. Members concerning the responses received during the consultation period, but we are unlikely to be in a position to announce final proposals until later in the year.

  Minesweeping Awards
  Dr. Blackburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will define the criterion for the award of the minesweeping 1945–51 clasp to the naval general service medal—1915–62; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  The criterion for the award of the minesweeping 1945–51 clasp to the naval general service medal—NGSM—was defined in 1952 as "for minesweeping service afloat" in a number of qualifying areas between 3 September 1945 and a variety of terminal dates appropriate to the areas. The time qualification was defined as being six months—180 days. Time spent in home, Atlantic and Mediterranean waters between 9 May 1945 and 2 September 1945 could also be counted towards the qualifying period of six months.

  The transfer of the Royal Navy's medal issuing task from Bath to Gosport in the 1970s appears to have resulted in the loss of records associated with the criterion for the issue of this clasp to the NGSM. Consequently, a new interpretation evolved, possibly based on the stricter criterion for the award of the bomb and mine clearance clasp to the NGSM for service ashore which was authorised at the same time as the minesweeping clasp: it became the practice to issue the minesweeping clasp only to claimants who could be proved to have carried out 180 days of actual minesweeping and, although it was in some cases possible to determine eligibility by reference to payment of minesweeping allowance, this did not cover minesweeping activities in far eastern waters.
  999
  The interpretation of the criterion used in recent years has been challenged by disappointed minesweeping veterans and a comprehensive investigation into their complaints has therefore been undertaken. It has proved impossible to establish how the criterion came to be redefined as requiring 180 days of actual minesweeping and it has now been decided to revert to the original 1952 criterion of six months—180 days—of minesweeping service afloat in the prescribed qualifying areas between
  1000
  the appropriate dates. Minesweeping service afloat is taken to mean service, in any capacity, aboard a vessel commissioned for mine counter-measure duties.

  Any naval minesweeping veteran who has not previously received this award but believes he is eligible should write to the Ministry of Defence, HMS Centurion—NPP(Acs)—Grange road, Gosport, Hants., P013 9X A. Awards will also be issued posthumously, once eligibility is confirmed, in response to applications from next of kin.