Written Answers of 21 June 1994

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Carpets
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what was the cost to the Palace of Westminster of the new carpet which was put down during the spring recess in the Cloisters offices and other places; why it was necessary to replace the existing carpet; how long it had been there; what was the cost of replacement; what happened to the old carpet; and if he will make a statement on carpet replacement in the Palace of Westminster and on the estate.

  Mr. Ray Powell
  The programme of planned maintenance and replacement of carpets in the Palace of Westminster is the responsibility of the Director of Works and is determined by their condition and the need to maintain adequate standards of safety. The replacement of the carpet in the Cloisters was two years overdue. Expenditure for the carpet replacement programme is included in the annual and 10-year rolling programmes of works which are considered by the Accommodation and Works Committee and the Finance and Services Committee before being submitted for approval by the Commission.

EDUCATION

  Museums Schools Services
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether OFSTED, the Office of Standards in Education, will continue to publish thrice-yearly reports on museums schools services as formerly issued by Her Majesty's inspectorate of schools.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This is a matter for Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools, who heads the new independent Office of Standards in Education. I have asked Professor Sutherland to write to the hon. Member.

  Fees and Awards
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether spouses of European Economic Area nationals living and working in the United Kingdom who are not themselves nationals of a member state are entitled to home fee status under the provisions of the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1983.

  Mr. Boswell
  No. The regulations do, however, extend home fees status to EC nationals and EEA migrant workers, and the children of both, living in the EEA for three years immediately prior to the start of a course. Dependants of EEA nationals living and working in the United Kingdom, who are not themselves EEA nationals,66
  can qualify for home fee status by a period of three years residence in the United Kingdom immediately prior to the start of a course.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department has taken to ensure that the children of Turkish workers legally employed in the United Kingdom are admitted to courses of general education, apprenticeship and vocational training under the same educational entry qualifications as children of nationals of the European Union member states; and that they benefit from the advantages provided for under national legislation in this area as required by Association Council decision 1180, article 10 of the Turkey/EC association agreement and additional protocol; and that such children are not required to pay overseas student fees.

  Mr. Boswell
  None. However, the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1983 provide home fee status to anyone, regardless of nationality, attending further and higher education institutions if they have been resident within the United Kingdom for three years immediately prior to the start of the course, other than for the purpose of receiving full-time education. The children of Turkish workers legally employed in the United Kingdom for such a period therefore automatically receive entitlement to home fee status.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education which local education authorities have been written to on an individual basis by his Department about the nature and content of information being provided by the local education authority to parents on the question of grant-maintained status.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department has written within the last 20 months to the following local education authorities about the nature and content of information that they have circulated to parents and governors on the question of grant-maintained status:

  Avon

  Lancashire

  Barnet

  Leicestershire

  Berkshire

  Lewisham

  Birmingham

  Liverpool

  Bolton

  Merton

  Bradford

  Newcastle

  Cleveland

  Northamptonshire

  Cornwall

  Northumberland

  Cumbria

  North Tyneside

  Derbyshire

  North Yorkshire

  Durham

  Nottinghamshire

  East Sussex

  Salford

  Essex

  Sheffield

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  Somerset

  Havering

  Staffordshire

  Humberside

  Surrey

  Kent

  Wiltshire

  Knowsley

  Wirral

  Lambeth

  Several have been written to on more than one occasion.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many ballots for grant-maintained status, and in respect of which schools, have been declared void as a consequence of misleading information being circulated to parents.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  One ballot for grant-maintained status has been declared void on the grounds that voting in
  67
  the ballot is likely to have been influenced to a significant extent by misleading information. The school in question is Christ Church middle school in Staffordshire.

  Ballots may be voided on these grounds under section 31 of the Education Act 1993, which came into effect for ballots initiated on or after 1 January 1994.

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the outcome of the complaints about his Department's advertising campaign on grant-maintained schools.

  Mr. Patten
  The Advertising Standards Authority last week published its conclusions that these advertisements were not misleading and that they in no way breached the authority's code of practice.

  I understand that the Comptroller and Auditor General has also examined the advertising as part of his normal audit and found that the Department had followed all the established conventions about Government publicity, that Ministers had agreed the detailed content of the advertisements and that they had been properly briefed on the conventions.

  The Department's campaign has therefore now been given a clean bill of health on all counts.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Drug Addiction
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many children were identified as drug addicts in each year since 1979, by drug of addiction.

  Mr. Maclean
  Information for 1988 to 1992 on children notified as drug addicts is in the table. Information for 1987 is not readily available and information for earlier years is not available on a comparable basis.

  All drug addicts aged under 21 notified to the Home Office during the year by type of drug to which addiction was reported12 and year

  United Kingdom

  Number of persons

  1988

  Age group

  Type of drug

  Under 16

  16

  17

  18–20

  Total under 21

  Heroin

  10

  52

  152

  1,214

  1,428

  Methadone

  0

  3

  8

  113

  124

  Dipipanone

  0

  1

  2

  29

  32

  Cocaine

  0

  4

  19

  103

  126

  Morphine

  0

  2

  3

  44

  49

  Pethidine

  0

  0

  0

  4

  4

  Dextromoramide

  0

  0

  2

  13

  15

  Levorphanol

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydrocodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Oxycodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Phenazocine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Piritramide

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydromorphone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Opium

  0

  0

  0

  2

  2

  All addicts

  10

  56

  169

  1,312

  1,547

  of which

  0

  3

  23

  458

  484

  renotified

  1As an addict can be reported as addicted to more than one notifiable drug the figures for individual drugs cannot be added together to produce totals.

  2At time of last notification in the year.

  68

  All drug addicts aged under 21 notified to the Home Office during the year by type of drug to which addiction was reported12 and year

  United Kingdom

  Number of persons

  1989

  Age group

  Type of drug

  Under 16

  16

  17

  18–20

  Total under 21

  Heroin

  9

  32

  119

  1,153

  1,313

  Methadone

  1

  4

  8

  89

  102

  Dipipanone

  0

  0

  2

  25

  27

  Cocaine

  3

  4

  18

  96

  121

  Morphine

  1

  0

  2

  45

  48

  Pethidine

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Dextromoramide

  0

  0

  0

  13

  13

  Levorphanol

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydrocodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Oxycodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Phenazocine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Piritramide

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydromorphone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Opium

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  All addicts

  13

  36

  135

  1,259

  1,443

  of which;

  0

  6

  24

  431

  461

  renotified

  1As an addict can be reported as addicted to more than one notifiable drug the figures for individual drugs cannot be added together to produce totals.

  2At time of last notification in the year.

  All drug addicts aged under 21 notified to the Home Office during the year by type of drug to which addiction was reported12 and year

  United Kingdom

  Number of persons

  1990

  Age group

  Type of drug

  Under 16

  16

  17

  18–20

  Total under 21

  Heroin

  8

  33

  133

  1,280

  1,454

  Methadone

  2

  7

  19

  250

  278

  Dipipanone

  1

  0

  1

  26

  28

  Cocaine

  2

  3

  26

  148

  179

  Morphine

  0

  3

  1

  31

  35

  Pethidine

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Dextromoramide

  0

  0

  1

  11

  12

  Levorphanol

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydrocodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Oxycodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Phenazocine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Piritramide

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydromorphone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Opium

  0

  0

  2

  14

  16

  All addicts

  11

  39

  163

  1,482

  1,695

  of which;

  1

  8

  19

  489

  517

  renotified

  1As an addict can be reported as addicted to more than one notifiable drug the figures for individual drugs cannot be added together to produce totals.

  2At time of last notification in the year.

  All drug addicts aged under 21 notified to the Home Office during the year by type of drug to which addiction was reported12 and year—continued

  United Kingdom

  Number of persons

  1991

  Age group

  Type of drug

  Under 16

  16

  17

  18–20

  Total under 21

  Heroin

  13

  43

  129

  1,235

  1,420

  Methadone

  5

  7

  30

  406

  448

  Dipipanone

  0

  0

  2

  30

  32

  69

  1991

  Age group

  Type of drug

  Under 16

  16

  17

  18–20

  Total under 21

  Cocaine

  2

  7

  13

  155

  177

  Morphine

  0

  1

  4

  27

  32

  Pethidine

  0

  0

  0

  4

  4

  Dextromoramide

  0

  0

  2

  7

  9

  Levorphanol

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydrocodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Oxycodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Phenazocine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Piritramide

  o

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydromorphone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Opium

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  All addicts

  16

  50

  155

  1,534

  1,755

  of which;

  3

  2

  26

  499

  530

  renotified

  1As an addict can be reported as addicted to more than one notifiable drug the figures for individual drugs cannot be added together to produce totals.

  2At time of last notification in the year.

  All drug addicts aged under 21 notified to the Home Office during the year by type of drug to which addiction was reported12 and year—continued

  United Kingdom

  Number of persons

  1992

  Age group

  Type of drug

  Under 16

  16

  17

  18–20

  Total under 21

  Heroin

  12

  66

  174

  1,544

  1,796

  Methadone

  2

  20

  53

  501

  576

  Dipipanone

  1

  1

  5

  20

  27

  Cocaine

  1

  4

  34

  187

  226

  Morphine

  0

  1

  3

  14

  18

  Pethidine

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Dextromoramide

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  Levorphanol

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydrocodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Oxycodone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Phenazocine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Piritramide

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Hydromorphone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Opium

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1

  All addicts

  14

  82

  229

  1,900

  2,225

  of which;

  0

  5

  28

  494

  527

  renotified

  1As an addict can be reported as addicted to more than one notifiable drug the figures for individual drugs cannot be added together to produce totals.

  2At time of last notification in the year.

  Number of persons cautioned and prosecuted for offences of begging and sleeping out under the Vagrancy Act 1824 by area 1988 to 1992

  Begging

  Sleeping out

  Area/Year

  Cautions

  Prosecutions

  Cautions

  Prosecutions

  Metropolitan Police District

  1988

  156

  500

  10

  12

  1989

  207

  1,251

  —

  12

  1990

  297

  1,447

  1

  12

  1991

  457

  1,486

  —

  5

  1992

  848

  1,029

  1

  5

  70
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individual general practitioners provided notification of drug addiction in each year since 1979.

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer the hon. Lady to the reply that my hon. Friend the Member for Fylde (Mr. Jack), then the Minister of State, Home Office gave her on 12 February 1993,Official Report, column 827. The figure given in that reply, which related to 1991, was obtained during a special study undertaken for another purpose, and information relating to the number of individual general practitioners who have provided notifications for each year since 1979 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the total number of individuals notified as drug addicts in each year since 1979, by drug of addiction.

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information is published in tables 1 and 2 of the following Home Office statistical bulletins—issue 7/90, "Statistics of the Misuse of Drugs: Addicts Notified to the Home Office, United Kingdom, 1989", and issue 15/93, "Statistics of Drug Addicts Notified to the Home Office, United Kingdom, 1992". Copies of these publications are in the Library. These provide information on new addicts annually since 1979. Information on renotified addicts is only available from 1987.

  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the number of doctors in each year since 1979 who may prescribe diamorphine for drug addiction purposes.

  Mr. Maclean
  Ninety doctors are currently licensed by the Home Office to prescribe diamorphine for the treatment of drug addiction. Details of the numbers licensed in previous years is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many rough sleepers have been(a) arrested, (b) cautioned and (c) prosecuted for begging in the Metropolitan police area for each of the last five years, and in 1994 to date.

  Mr. Maclean
  Information is not collected centrally on the residential status of persons arrested, cautioned and brought before the magistrates courts in England and Wales.

  The table shows the number of persons cautioned and prosecuted for offences of begging and sleeping out by area from 1988 to 1992. Data for 1993 onwards are not yet available. Arrests data are not collected centrally for these specific offences.
  71

  Begging

  Sleeping out

  Area/Year

  Cautions

  Prosecutions

  Cautions

  Prosecutions

  City of London

  1988

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1989

  5

  5

  —

  —

  1990

  6

  3

  —

  1

  1991

  9

  11

  —

  —

  1992

  5

  5

  —

  —

  England and Wales

  1988

  164

  573

  13

  17

  1989

  220

  1,402

  —

  24

  1990

  325

  1,640

  4

  29

  1991

  540

  1,839

  8

  20

  1992

  1,016

  1,425

  2

  14

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines are given to the Metropolitan police for dealing with beggars; what changes he has made to them recently; and what proposals he has for changing them.

  Mr. Maclean
  None. This is an operational matter for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions are given to security staff in his departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Maclean
  As a measure of protective security, staff are instructed to keep the perimeters of buildings clear. No specific instructions are given to the security staff about those sleeping rough or begging. No problems have been experienced in either category within the past three months.

  Firearms
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many crimes involving guns there have been in each year since and including 1979.

  Mr. Maclean
  Figures of notifiable offences recorded by the police in which firearms were reported to have been used are published annually in "Criminal Statistics, England and Wales", copies of which can be found in the Library—lastest edition, 1992, Cm 2410, table 3.1. Figures for 1993 are not yet available.

  Police Staffing
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding his plans to make chief constables responsible for their own establishments; if he will continue to give substantive answers to questions from hon. Members regarding police staffing; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  The representations which we have received about the proposed changes to the police funding system have favoured dispensing with central controls on police force establishments.

  One of the changes, which is proposed by the Police and Magistrates' Courts Bill, is that the Home Secretary will no
  72
  longer be responsible for approving police force establishment. The present system of detailed monthly returns will, therefore, no longer be needed for that purpose. Consequently, I propose to discontinue that requirement on police forces as from April 1995.

  Certain items of information will be needed for financial planning purposes, and we are at present considering the minimum level of data which will be sought from forces. This is unlikely to be asked for more frequently than twice a year.

  Under the proposed new arrangements, the number and mix of staff in police forces will be the responsibility of local police authorities. Home Office Ministers will continue to give substantive replies to questions from hon. Members about staffing numbers based on the latest available data.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) serving police officers, (b) civilian staff assisting the police and (c) crimes there were in the latest available three years for each police authority in Wales, for Wales as a whole and for England; and what was the ratio of crimes to police officers in each case.

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is in the table:

  Notifiable offences recorded by the police and police and civilian strength

  Police force area

  Serving police officers

  Civilian staff

  Recorded Offences

  offences per police officer

  1991

  Dyfed-Powys

  944

  270·0

  25,970

  28

  Gwent

  995

  332·0

  38,673

  39

  North Wales

  1,343

  476·0

  44,418

  33

  South Wales

  3,142

  1,162·0

  161,977

  52

  Wales

  6,424

  2,240·0

  271,038

  42

  England

  118,642

  49,714·0

  5,005,135

  42

  1992

  Dyfed-Powys

  960

  292·0

  28,539

  30

  Gwent

  1,000

  347·0

  40,961

  41

  North Wales

  1,356

  505·0

  49,204

  36

  South Wales

  3,164

  1,194·0

  168,554

  53

  Wales

  6,480

  2,338·0

  287,258

  44

  England

  119,399

  51,898·0

  5,304,459

  44

  1993

  Dyfed-Powys

  966

  303·0

  24,743

  26

  Gwent

  989

  348·5

  400,008

  40

  North Wales

  1,341

  511·5

  48,102

  36

  South Wales

  3,142

  1,286·5

  166,165

  53

  Wales

  6,438

  2,449·5

  279,018

  43

  England

  119,100

  52,722·5

  5,251,340

  44

  Criminal Justice
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he will publish the 1993 report on race and the criminal justice system under the Criminal Justice Act 1991;

  (2) when he will publish the 1993 report on costs of the criminal justice system under the Criminal Justice Act 1991;

  (3) when he will publish the 1993 report on gender and the criminal justice system under the Criminal Justice Act 1991.

  Mr. Maclean
  My right hon. and learned Friend's responsibility under section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 is in each year to publish information as he considers expedient to assist persons engaged in the administration of criminal justice to avoid discrimination—whether on the basis of race, gender or any other improper grounds—and to enable them to be aware of the financial implications of their decisions. Information about race and gender issues was published in 1992, and information on costs in 1993. This year we have published a paper on gender; and a larger publication dealing with race will be published in July.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department is doing to ensure that its treatment of asylum seekers does not breach article 5 of the European convention on human rights and article 9 of the international covenant on civil and political rights.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I am satisfied that the proper detention of people in accordance with the Immigration Act 1971 does not breach the United Kingdom's obligations under those articles.

  Special Police Protection
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for reviewing the funding arrangements for police protection of special households; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The introduction of cash limits on police funding from April 1995 will necessitate the use of a new formula for allocating funding to police forces. This formula is currently under construction. Special account will need to be taken, within the formula, of security issues, including the need to protect special households. The enactment of clause 15 of the Police and Magistrates' Courts Bill will ensure that no payments will be made under the new arrangements until Parliament has approved a report setting out the considerations behind the grant allocation.

  Betting and Gaming
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to relax the present advertising restrictions for bingo halls to allow advertising(a) in newspapers, (b) on the radio, (c) on television, (d) on bill boards and (e) through local signage, other than that presently permitted to a certain distance from the halls themselves;
  74
  (2) what plans he has to abolish the requirement for 24-hour advance membership of bingo halls.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  I understand that these matters are the subject of discussions between the Bingo Association of Great Britain and the Gaming Board for Great Britain. I will await the outcome of those discussions before considering proposals for relaxation of the restrictions.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will bring forward proposals to allow payment of prizes up to the current £6 limit from amusement-with-prizes machines to be made in cash, rather than replayable tokens, in England and Wales.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  This matter is under review.

  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to relax the restrictions on siting amusement-with-prizes machines in betting shops, pubs, casinos and private clubs; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  We are reviewing current policy on siting of amusement-with-prizes machines in betting shops. The outcome of the review will be made known once a decision is reached. Changes to primary legislation would be required.

  These machines are already sited widely in public houses and other premises. Casinos and members' clubs are eligible for two jackpot gaming machines.

  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the suitability of the present £6 limit for amusement-with-prizes machines in relation to the level of prize payments from society lottery scratch cards; and what plans he has to increase the pay-out limit.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Amusement-with-prizes machines are intended to provide amusement as opposed to a form of gambling for significant amounts of money and are not analogous to society lottery scratch cards. The limits for machines are, however, kept under review.

  Parking Enforcement
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Metropolitan police have taken to ensure that there will be a single telephone number for inquiries regarding clamped or towed-away cars after the contract for this service expires in September 1994 ; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I understand that the Metropolitan police and the Parking Committee for London, which acts as a co-ordinating body for the new parking enforcement work of the London boroughs, have discussed the unification of the boroughs' computerised public inquiry service, dealing with vehicle removals and clamping, and the similar inquiry service provided by the police.

  It is expected that a single system, with one inquiry point for motorists whose vehicles have been clamped or removed in London, will be provided by October 1994. Meanwhile, from 4 July 1994, arrangements involving the exchange of computer terminals will make it possible for the inquiry centre which is telephoned first to provide a full service to all callers.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to the Metropolitan police for the protection of General Pinochet during his recent visit; and if he will call for reports from other police forces.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Banks) on 17 March,Official Report, column 781.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what immigration procedures were adopted in respect of the recent visit to Britain of General Pinochet.

  Date

  Location

  (a) Connected with the affairs of Northern Ireland

  14 December 1993

  Railway line near Woking station

  Small device exploded on railway line. Slight damage to line. No injuries.

  16 December 1993

  Railway line near Brookwood and Farnborough stations

  Two devices discovered. Disrupted by controlled explosion.

  20 December 1993

  King Edward Buildings, Sorting Office, London, ECI

  Postal device discovered. Made safe. No damage no injuries

  Travellers Tavern, Elizabeth Street, Victoria, London, SW1

  Six devices discovered in a holdall. No injuries. At least one ignited. Minor damage.

  Mount Pleasant Sorting Office, Rosebury Avenue, London, EC1

  Package ignited. No injuries. Minor damage.

  Northfields Tube Station, Ealing, London, W13

  Small device ignited in a litter bin. No significant damage. No injuries.

  27 January 1994

  C&A, Oxford Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited; little damage.

  Mothercare, Oxford Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited; little damage.

  Silverdale Travel Goods, Oxford Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited; some damage.

  28 January 1994

  C&A, Oxford Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited; little damage.

  Mothercare, Oxford Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device made safe.

  29 January 1994

  Nightingales, Oxford Street, London, W1

  One incendiary device ignited and another made safe; little damage.

  18 February 1994

  Record shop, 157 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2

  Incendiary device discovered and made safe.

  19 February 1994

  Record Shop, 157 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2

  Very small high explosive device exploded; minor damage. Incendiary device made safe on previous day

  Top Shop, Oxford Circus, London, W1

  Two incendiary devices ignited; little damage.

  Hennes, Oxford Circus, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited; little damage.

  Newsagents, Great Cumberland Place, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited destroying shop.

  Burtons, New Oxford Street, London, WC1

  Incendiary device ignited; little damage.

  Burtons, Regent Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device ignited and very small HE device detonated; little damage.

  Liberty's, Regent Street, London W1

  Incendiary device ignited; little damage.

  Mister Byrite, Oxford Circus, London, W1

  Incendiary device made safe.

  22 February 1994

  Mr. Handy, Edgware Road, London, W2

  Incendiary device made safe (left over from above series).

  9 March 1994

  Heathrow Airport, London

  Four mortars launched from a car parked at the Excelsior Hotel, landing on or near the northern runway. None exploded and there was no damage.

  76
  Mr. Charles Wardle
  General Pinochet was admitted to the United Kingdom as a visitor in accordance with the immigration rules.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Corby (Mr. Powell) of 21 January,Official Report, columns 909–18, if he will list the incidents of terrorist activity in Great Britain since 4 November attributable to groups (a) connected with Northern Ireland and (b) not connected with Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  As previously, the list classifies acts of terrorism according to the definitions in section 14(2) of the Prevention of Terrorism (Temporary Provisions) Act 1989.
  77

  Date

  Location

  11 March 1994

  Heathrow Airport, London

  Four mortars launched from waste ground, landing on an aircraft parking area near Terminal Four. None exploded and there was no damage.

  13 March 1994

  Heathrow Airport, London

  Five mortars launched from waste ground, landing in the vicinity of Terminal Four. None exploded and there was no damage.

  15 March 1994

  Railway line near Sevenoaks, Kent

  Explosive device discovered. Believed to be left over from the series of attacks in December but had failed to detonate.

  21 March 1994

  Railway line, Orpington, Kent

  Timer of explosive device discovered. Believed to be left over from series of attacks in December but had failed to detonate.

  12 May 1994

  MGM cinema, Oxford Street, London, W1

  Incendiary device found. Device had mal-functioned and is believed to have been one of a series of devices planted in West End cinemas in 1991.

  6 June 1994

  Sevenoaks railway station, Kent

  Device made safe in controlled explosion.

  10 June 1994

  Liberty's, Oxford Street, London, WI

  Two incendiary devices discovered and made safe.

  11 June 1994

  Mr. Byrite's, Oxford Street, London, WI

  Incendiary device ignited causing little damage. A further device had failed to detonate.

  13 June 1994

  Railway line, one mile from Stevenage station

  Device exploded on embankment by railway line. Little damage.

  (b) Other acts of terrorism

  4 November 1993

  Turkish Embassy, Belgrave Square, London

  Petrol bombs thrown. Minor damage. No injuries.

  Turkish Airlines Office, London

  Petrol bombs thrown. No injuries.

  London Islamic Turkish Association Centre, London, N16

  Petrol bombs thrown. Extensive fire damage. No injuries.

  British Telecom Office (wrongly identified as T C Zjraat Bank), London, EC2

  Bricks and Petrol bombs thrown Minor injuries to five BT employees.

  Sabanci Turkish Bank, London, EC2

  Petrol bombs thrown. Minor damage. Member of public injured.

  Rural Crime
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations his Department has received on the number of volunteer foot patrols, backed by local police forces, which are operating in response to the increase in rural crime; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Following my announcement at the national neighbourhood watch conference in December, there has been considerable interest in the idea of volunteer foot patrols. Helpful discussions have been taking place with the police on this matter. It is essential that any patrolling should be supported by the local police and carefully monitored. Some examples of good practice already exist for voluntary patrolling. In respect of rural crime prevention, I have been delighted with the enthusiasm with which both police and public have greeted the parish constables initiative. There are now more than 60 schemes in operation around the country.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines or instructions currently exist for the treatment and medical care of prisoners with epilepsy.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Elliot Morley, dated 21 June 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the guidelines or instructions which currently exist for the treatment and medical care of prisoners with epilepsy.
  At reception every prisoner is asked if they suffer from fits or epilepsy. If they do, enquiries are made about the nature of the treatment they are receiving. Further investigation may be required to see whether there is supportive evidence, as found in an electroencephalogram, or whether other conditions which can mimic epilepsy can be excluded from the diagnosis.
  The prison doctor would then decide whether working conditions which could prove dangerous to a epilepsy sufferer,

  79
  such as working with machinery at heights or driving, should preclude a sufferer from working in these conditions. Medical instructions are issued accordingly.
  The training of all doctors and nurses includes the treatment and management of epilepsy. The induction training of all prison officers, includes training specifically aimed at the recognition of the symptoms of an epileptic episode, together with training in the appropriate first aid response.
  In our plans for continuing medical education of prison health care staff, the management of epilepsy is to be given high priority.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have died as a result of epilepsy in each prison service establishment in each year since 1984.

  Establishment

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Birmingham

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Brixton

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Coldingley

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Kingston

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Leeds

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Maidstone

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Parkhurst

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  Stafford

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Wandsworth

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Prisoners
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of prisoners were held in establishments where prisoners were unlocked for a total of at least 12 hours on weekdays, on the last day of each month since April 1992.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 14 June 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 21 June 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent question about what percentage of prisoners are held in establishments where prisoners were unlocked for a total of at least 12 hours on weekdays on the last day of each month since April 1992.
  This information has only been collected since June 1993. The available information is as follows:

  Month

  Percentage of prisoners held in establishments where prisoners were unlocked for 12 hours or more on weekdays Per cent.

  1993

  June

  22

  July

  22

  August

  23

  September

  23

  October

  23

  November

  24

  December

  24

  1994

  January

  26

  February

  27

  80
  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Elliot Morley, dated 21 June 1994:
  The Home Secretary had asked me to reply to your recent Question about the numbers of prisoners who have died as a result of epilepsy in each Prison Service establishment in each year since 1984.
  The attached table gives details of the number of those prisoners whose death has been medically attributed to epilepsy or effects related to that medical condition. The most recent death in custody which was certified to be epilepsy-related occurred in 1992.

  Month

  Percentage of prisoners held in establishments where prisoners were unlocked for 12 hours or more on weekdays Per cent.

  March

  29

  April

  31

  May

  32

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average number of hours per week which prisoners spend in purposeful activity, at the latest available date.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 14 June 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 21 June 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the average number of hours per week which prisoners spend in purposeful activity, at the latest available date.
  In May 1994, prisoners spent an average of 26.06 hours per week in purposeful activity.

  Prison Catering
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the cost of the facility provided by ARA caterers in each of the prisons where they are operating; and what are the comparable costs of catering provided by public employees compared with contractors.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  [holding answer 26 May 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
  81
  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Alun Michael, dated 21 June 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the cost of the facility provided by ARA caterers in each of the prisons where they are operating and about the comparable costs of catering provided by public employees compared with contractors.
  ARA provide a contracted catering service at Woodhill and Bullingdon. The costs of these contracts are not disclosed for reasons of commercial confidentiality. Group 4, who subcontract to ARA, provide a service at Wolds Remand Prison, the cost of which is included in the operating fee payable to the contractor.
  The average costs of contractors to provide catering in the eight establishments (apart from Wolds) where catering is contracted out is £552 per inmate place per year. Costs are not available on a comparable basis for establishments where the service is provided by public employees, that is, prison officers and/or civilians, but the average staff cost in such establishments is £369 per inmate place per year. This excludes all overhead costs, at establishment and national level, including administration, supply and training. These costs do not include food, for which both contractors and public sector caterers are given the same minimum allowance.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Royal Parks
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what restrictions on the use and unfurling of banners in Hyde park have been imposed in respect of the March for Jesus on 25 June; and for what reasons.

  Mr. Sproat
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Royal Parks Agency under its chief executive, Mr. David Welch. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from David Welch to Mr. Jack Straw, dated 15 June 1994:
  The Secretary of State for National Heritage has asked me to reply to your question about what restrictions have been imposed on the use and unfurling of banners at the March for Jesus in Hyde Park on 25 June.
  We have asked the organisers that the majority of banners are furled on entering the Park and placards are deposited at convenient points, to be collected by their owners at the end of the event. The organisers have agreed, as they did on each of the previous occasions they have used the Park.
  This is a standard condition that applies to all rallies and other assemblies in the Royal Parks including, for instance, the miners' rally in Hyde Park in October 1992. It is intended to reduce the risk to those taking part from large numbers of often quite excited people waving wooden poles around. It also prevents a lot of litter, as most placards are rather flimsy and are abandoned in the park at the end of the rally.
  We have agreed that that they may display a selection of international flags at the entrance to the Park. We have allowed them to bring the main banner with the title of the rally into the Park, and also individual church or geographical banners to help people identify the location of their group.

  Naval Firing Range, Dodman Point
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage whether his Department has been consulted by the Ministry of Defence over the possible siting of a naval firing range off Dodman point in Cornwall; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: My Department has not been consulted on this matter. I know,
  82
  however, that, in making his decision, my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces will take into account the possible implications for the local tourism and leisure sectors upon which the Cornwall economy so much depends.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Illegal Radio Operators
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the fees charged to short-wave radio users for detection of sources of interference from illegal radio operators, total revenue from such fees in the most recent convenient year, and the extent to which such fees cover the cost of such detection.

  Mr. Heseltine
  No separate fee is charged for the detection of illegal radio operation. The cost of this work is covered in the licence fees charged to licensed users. Details of current licence fees for all categories of licensed users are in the Wireless Telegraphy (Licence Charges) (Amendment) Regulations 1994, No. 659, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Telecommunications
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Telecommunications Council on 30 May.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Council confirmed in principle the common position on the draft open network provision —ONP—voice telephony directive that it had adopted on 30 June 1993, following the failure of the conciliation procedure with the European Parliament, adopting none of the amendments to the common position proposed by the European Parliament. There was no general agreement on the two proposed decisions on trans-European networks for integrated services digital networks—TEN-ISDN —which will be considered further by the Committee of Permanent Representatives—COREPER. The Council adopted conclusions on the Commission's fourth annual report on the implementation of Euro-ISDN and a resolution on the co-ordination of activity on interchange of data between Administrations—IDA. A number of problems remained unresolved on the proposed decision on IDA, particularly on costs, finance, the list of projects and the committee structure. The decision was referred back to COREPER for further discussion.

  Commissioner Bangemann reported orally on the work of his group of "prominent persons" on information infrastructure. The report of the group will be published shortly and will emphasise the importance of increased competition in telecommunications as well as the need for market-led investment from private sources, rather than new Community funding. The report will be presented to the European Council in Corfu on 24–26 June, possibly with specific recommendations from the Commission.

  The Council agreed conclusions setting out the next steps on standards for advanced television and invited the Commission to draft an article on conditional access for pay television to be included in a draft directive on standards. The text of a draft Council resolution on development of digital broadcasting was agreed. The Commission made brief presentations on the Green Paper on mobile and personal communications and the draft

  83
  directives on mutual recognition of telecommunications and satellite licences. There was a short debate on postal services; the Commission noted that further work was needed on the development of a European terminal dues system which should ideally be completed in advance of the forthcoming Universal Postal Union conference in Seoul in the autumn. The Commission undertook to use its good offices to assist in this process and also reaffirmed its commitment to produce proposals on universal service, reserved services and technical standards in line with the February 1994 Council resolution.

  No formal votes were taken at the Council.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Duncan-Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made in establishing the Coal Authority.

  Mr. Eggar
  I intend to appoint Sir David White as chairman of the Coal Authority, subject to Parliament's enacting the Coal Industry Bill. In the meantime, Sir David will advise my Department on the establishment of the authority and its policy. Sir David will give up his current appointment as a part-time member of British Coal.

  The Government gave a commitment in their coal review White Paper that the headquarters of the Coal Authority would be located in Nottinghamshire. I am now able to announce the initial accommodation arrangements being made for the authority pending its own consideration of longer-term arrangements. The authority's headquarters will be located at 200 Lichfield lane, Berry Hill, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, which British Coal Opencast will also continue to use for the time being. The Authority will additionally take over British Coal's abandoned mine plans facility at Bretby in Staffordshire, and co-locate certain associated functions.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent discussions he has had on the future of the Coal Research Establishment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  The future of the Coal Research Establishment is a matter for British Coal.

  British Coal announced on 15 June that a new company, CRE Group Ltd., comprising CRE's technical and consultancy services together with CRE's laboratory-scale research and development activities, will be offered for sale later in the year. CRE's large-scale R and D activities will be retained within British Coal.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what meetings, hospitality or protection was offered to General Pinochet during his recent visit to Britain.

  Mr. Sainsbury
  My Department offered no meetings, hospitality or protection.

  Fire Service
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what consultations he has had with(a) his colleagues in other Government Departments, (b) the fire service and (c) the Fire Brigades Union on the scrutiny report on the fire service; and when he intends to make an announcement regarding the report;
  84
  (2) what decisions he has made regarding the scrutiny report on the deregulation of the fire service.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  The fire safety review team has completed its work and its report has been submitted to the Government. Ministers are now considering the report and the question of its publication. No decisions have been taken on it, nor have any consultations begun with interested parties outside Government. But the Government have made it consistently clear that they are committed to full consultation with interested parties before any changes in the existing arrangements are made.

  Lloyd's
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will seek to amend the Lloyd's Act 1982 so that members of Lloyd's have a right to sue the committee of Lloyd's.

  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  I have no plans to do so.

  Toxic Waste
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the commitments to restrict trade in toxic wastes made under the Basle convention will be allowable under the Uruguay round world trade accords.

  Mr. Needham
  The United Kingdom's ability to discharge its obligations under the Basle convention will not be affected by the results of the Uruguay round.

  Metric Conversion
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what timetable exists for the completion of metric conversion;

  (2) when the exercise on (a) metric conversion and (b) metric conversion with regard to distance measurement is expected to be completed.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Government intend to bring forward legislation to implement the units of measurement directive before the summer recess. This legislation will include dates for converting to metric where conversion is required. However, it will allow the continued use of the mile, yard, foot and inch for road traffic signs, distance and speed measurement as permitted by the directive.

  Post Office
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action will be taken in any change of status of the Post Office to protect the current facility for posting articles for the blind.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  The Government are well aware of the importance of the free postage facility currently offered by the Royal Mail for articles for the blind. The Green Paper on the Post Office, which is due to be published shortly, will, therefore, make it clear that, under any option, the Royal Mail will be required to continue to offer this valued service.

  Tour Operators
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to increase the regulations of tour operator companies in order to protect the finances and holidays of their customers; and if he will make a statement.
  85
  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: I have no such plans. Customer pre-payments for package holidays are already protected by the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992.

EMPLOYMENT

  Voluntary Unemployment
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people in the London area are currently considered by the Government to be voluntarily unemployed; and by how much this figure has increased over the last 15 years.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what instructions are given to security staff in his departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  No problems have been reported with either category in the past three months.

  Industrial Tribunals
  Mr. Caborn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on his Department's policy regarding the eligibility of disabled people to become members of industrial tribunals; what records are kept of the number of disabled people who are members of industrial tribunals; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  We welcome applications for appointment from all sections of the community, including disabled people, and the information published by the Department on the appointment arrangements makes this clear. Records are not kept of the numbers of lay members who are disabled.

PRIME MINISTER

  Developing Nations
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the assistance that his Government provide to developing nations.

  The Prime Minister
  With the sixth largest aid programme, we make a substantial contribution to the international effort to promote sustainable economic and social development in developing countries.

  MI6 (Cleaners)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about cleaners working at MI6.

  The Prime Minister
  The contract which has been let for office cleaning services at the new security intelligence service headquarters at Vauxhall cross provides for a more flexible service at a substantial saving to public funds.
  86
  I regret that staff have had to be made redundant, but the procedures followed were fair and complied fully with the requirements of both domestic and European employment legislation. The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations do not apply in this case.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Prime Minister what criteria are used to assess how many special advisers are attached to each Government Department; what are the criteria of evaluation which are applied when determining appropriate grades and salaries; how these posts are advertised; what interviewing and staff selection procedures are applied in choosing the most suitable candidate for each post; and if he will make a statement.

  The Prime Minister
  Special adviser appointments are made personally by Ministers, subject to my approval. There is normally a limit of one political adviser for each Cabinet Minister. There is no formal limit on the numbers of expert special advisers, which are subject to need. Salaries are negotiated individually in relation to the special adviser's previous earnings, and are confidential. Selection procedures are a matter for the appointing Minister.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Prime Minister what was his estimated annual cost in 1992 –93 for work by his Office in preparation for Prime Minister's Question Time.

  The Prime Minister
  It is not feasible to separate fully the costs involved.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Prime Minister how many written questions were answered by his Office in each of the last three years; and what was the average cost per question.

  The Prime Minister
  Since I became Prime Minister I have answered more than 2,500 written questions. It is not feasible to separate fully the costs involved.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 19 May,Official Report, column 956, what is his estimate of the timing of the ending of the criminal investigation over Lockerbie.

  The Prime Minister
  The timing of the end of the criminal investigation would be a matter for my noble and learned Friend the Lord Advocate, but the investigation will naturally remain open while the arrest warrants for those accused of the bombing remain in force.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the validity of the alleged claim made in a trial in Beirut concerning the assassination of a Jordanian diplomat by Youssef Chaabane that he blew up Pan Am 103 over Lockerbie.

  The Prime Minister
  We remain in contact with the Lebanese authorities on this matter. Our present understanding is that Chaabane mentioned the destruction of Pan Am 103 only in claiming that, in the face of
  87
  interrogation to which he had been subjected on other charges, he would have been willing to confess to anything, even the Lockerbie bombing.

  Job Seeker's Allowance
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Prime Minister, if further details are available about the job seeker's allowance announced in the Budget statement of 30 November by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

  The Prime Minister
  Full details of the Government's proposals for job seeker's allowance will be set out in a White Paper to be presented jointly by my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Employment and the Secretary of State for Social Security in the autumn. Subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation, the new allowance will be introduced in April 1996.

  Job seeker's allowance will be delivered from jobcentres of the Employment Service of the Employment Department.

  Employment Service staff will be responsible for advice and help on getting back to work and for the application of labour market tests such as availability for work. Financial aspects of the benefit, including calculation and payment, will be the responsibility of staff of the Benefits Agency of the Department of Social Security, located so far as possible in the same offices.

  These arrangements will provide a comprehensive approach to getting unemployed people back to work including a full range of advice on employment and training and on the range of benefits available to those in work. This will be a significant step towards one-stop delivery of services to people seeking work.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Income Support
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many decisions, disallowances and warning letters were issued in respect of actively seeking employment since April 1990; how many income support and unemployment benefit claimants have (i) successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully claimed income support under the hardship rules, showing those whose claim was in doubt due to(a) not actively seeking work, (b) refusing suitable employment and (c) availability for work; and if he will make a statement about the introduction of the job-seeker's allowance in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ancram
  The information which is available shows that, from September 1991 to April 1994, 44 adjudication officer decisions were made on actively seeking work. Information about the numbers of disallowances or warning letters for not actively seeking work and claims to income support under the hardship rules is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has announced plans to replace unemployment benefit and income support for unemployed people with a new job-seeker's allowance in Great Britain in April 1996. The new benefit will be introduced in Northern Ireland according to the same timetable.

  Civil Servants (Outside Appointments)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many job offers were reported by staff in his Department under the requirements of the rules on the acceptance of outside appointments in each of the last 10 years by(a) staff of grade 3 and above, (b) staff below grade 3, (c) staff in sections concerned with procurement or contract work, under section 15 of the rules of 1 February 1993 and (d) staff in other sections, under section 14; and how many of these reports were followed by an application to join the company concerned.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The number of job offers reported by the staff of the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments under the requirements of the rules on the acceptance of outside appointments in each of the last 10 years in categories(a)—(d) is as follows:

  Number

  (a) 1988

  2

  1991

  1

  1992

  1

  (b) 1986

  1

  1989

  2

  1991

  2

  1993

  1

  (c) Nil

  (d) Nil

  All these reports were followed by an application to join the company concerned.

  Enzootic Bovine Leukosis
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current number of cattle aged 30 months or under with enzootic bovine leukosis.

  Mr. Ancram
  None. Enzootic bovine leukosis has never been recorded in Northern Ireland.

  Union Flag (Public Buildings)
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) whether a flag pole has been provided at the college of further education in Armagh city; whether a Union flag has been supplied to these premises; whether the college board of governors has been given advice about the recognised days on which the Union flag is to be flown at public buildings; why the Union flag was not flown at these premises on the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) whether a flag pole has been provided at the library of the Southern area education board at Market house, English street, Armagh city; whether a Union flag has been supplied to these premises; whether advice has been given about the recognised days on which the Union flag is flown at public buildings; why the Union flag was not flown on the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen at these premises; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  A flag-pole and Union flag have been provided at Armagh college of further education and at the library of the Southern area education board at Market house, English street, Armagh. The requirement to fly the Union flag, on prescribed dates, applies to central Government buildings only.

  Community Work Forces
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) at what locations in the Strangford constituency there are community work forces; within what district each of these work forces operates; how many trainees each of these work forces is authorised to employ; what is the estimated contribution of public funds in the present financial year to each of these community work forces; and if he will make a statement about the Respects of the community work force network in Strangford constituency;

  (2) if he will list the names and locations of each community work force in Northern Ireland, together with the number of trainees authorised for each of these work forces.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  Responsibility for the subject matter in question has been delegated to the Training and Employment Agency under its chief executive, Mr. J. S. Crozier. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from J. S. Crozier to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 20 June 1994:
  PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS Nos. 966 AND 967: 16 JUNE 1994
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to reply to your questions about Community Workforces in Northern Ireland and within your constituency of Strangford. I have taken your questions to refer to Community workshops which are involved in the delivery of the Youth Training Programme.
  I have attached a list of the names and addresses of all Community Workshops in Northern Ireland along with their current level of occupancy. The Agency does not set an upper limit in regard to the number of trainees. The limit is determined only by the numbers of trainees the workshop can recruit and its capacity to teach them in accordance with the requirements of the programme.
  There is one Community Workshop within your constituency:

  Name

  Location

  Current Occupancy

  North Down Training Organisation

  Balloo Avenue, Bangor

  72

  You also requested details of the estimated contribution of public funds in the present financial year. However, as North Down Training Organisation operates as an independent concern under a Contract of Service with the Training and Employment Agency, I am unable to disclose the financial information
  requested because I am advised that do so would be a breach of confidence.As regards future prospects, the Agency, subject to the necessary approvals, hopes to introduce an integrated training programme in 1995 to deliver both Youth and Adult training. It would be open to all interested training organisations to bid for contracts under the proposed new Jobskills programme.I hope that you find this helpful.

  YTP Community Workshops in Northern Ireland

  Community workshops Name address and telephone number

  Current occupancy

  BELFAST REGION

  Belfast Central Training Ltd.

  121 Donegall Street

  74

  Belfast, BT1 2FJ

  Telephone: 324973

  Chatham House Training & Development Agency

  Chatham House

  28–30 Library Street

  75

  Belfast, BT1 2JB

  Telephone: 238520

  Colinbrook Training Organisation

  Pembroke Loop Road

  Poleglass

  52

  Dunmurry, BT7 0QL

  Telephone: 625551/2

  90

  Community workshops Name address and telephone number

  Current occupancy

  Crumlin Road Opportunities Ltd.

  Ewarts Industrial Estate

  Crumlin Road

  58

  Belfast, BT14 7EA

  Telephone: 753798/755984

  East Side Training Ltd.

  Linenhall Works

  174 Castlereagh Road

  53

  Belfast, BT5 5GX

  Telephone: 450868

  Glenand Training Agency

  Kennedy Way Industrial Estate

  Blackstaff Road

  66

  Belfast, BT11 9DT

  Telephone: 301483

  Key-Tec Training Services Ltd.

  Brookfield Industrial Estate

  983 Crumlin Road

  52

  Belfast, BT14 7EA

  Telephone: 751293

  Limestone Youth Training Project

  Jennymount Industrial Estate

  North Derby Street

  22

  Belfast, BT15 3HN

  Telephone: 756658

  Loughview Training Services

  Old Church Road

  101

  Newtownabbey, BT36 7LU

  Telephone: 866576

  Quest ITEC

  Howard House

  Brunswick Street

  135

  Belfast, BT2 7GE

  Telephone: 238009

  Scala Community Workshop

  129 Springfield Road

  69

  Belfast, BT12 7AF

  Telephone: 246262/245520

  Shankill Community Projects

  Brown Square

  Paters Hill

  56

  Belfast, BT13 2GP

  Telephone: 329931

  Ulidia Training Services

  276–280 Newtownards Road

  79

  Belfast, BT4 1HE

  Telephone: 731030

  Workforce Training Services

  Peter Pan Complex

  90–120 Springfield Road

  130

  Belfast, BT12 7AJ

  Telephone: 247016

  SOUTH EAST REGION

  Clanrye Employment & Training Services

  The Abbey

  Abbey Yard

  3

  Newry, BT34 2EG

  Telephone: (0693) 67121

  North Down Training Organisation

  12 Balloo Avenue

  72

  Bangor, BT18 2QT

  Telephone: (0247) 270945

  Orchard Training Services Ltd.

  63A Park Road

  64

  Portadown BT62 1DS

  Telephone: (0762) 331573

  Southern Group Enterprises

  Unit 22 Greenbank Industrial Estate

  Warrenpoint Road

  2

  Newry, BT34 2PF

  Telephone: (0693) 66924/66925

  WESTERN REGION

  Cookstown Community Training Services Ltd.

  45A James Street

  38

  Cookstown, BT80 8AA

  Telephone: (06487) 61145

  91

  Community workshops Name address and telephone number

  Current occupancy

  CTS Ltd.

  51 Dungannon Road

  52

  Coatisland, BT71 4HP

  Telephone: (08687) 48512

  Derry Youth & Community Workshop

  6 Society Street

  63

  Londonderry, BT46 6PJ

  Telephone: (0504) 268891

  Erne Youth & Community Workshop Ltd.

  Tempo Road

  65

  Enniskillen, BT74 6HR

  Telephone: (0365) 26916

  Maydown ITEC

  c/o Maydown YTP

  Waterside

  32

  Londonderry

  Telephone: (0504) 311005

  Maydown Youth Training Project

  Ebrington Business Centre

  Ebrington Gardens

  71

  Waterside

  Londonderry, BT47 1AA

  Telephone: (0504) 311005

  Omagh Youth & Community Workshop

  1 Castle Street

  34

  Omagh, BT78 1DD

  Telephone: (0662) 246535

  Shantallow Training Services

  118–119 Duncreggan Road

  Pennybum Pass

  63

  Londonderry, BT48 0AB

  Telephone: (0504) 269810

  Strabane Training Services Ltd.

  Ballycolman Industrial Estate

  66

  Strabane, BT62 9AQ

  Telephone: (0504) 382435/382568

  NORTH EAST REGION

  Antrim Placement & Training Services

  Enkalon Business Centre

  25 Randalstown Road

  43

  Antrim, BT41 4LD

  Telephone: (08494) 60932

  Bann Area Training Services Ltd.

  1 Beresford Place

  130

  Coleraine, BT52 1HB

  Telephone: (0265) 52984/53764

  B C W Training Ltd.

  Unit 18

  Leyland Industrial Estate

  21

  Ballycastle, BT54 6EZ

  Telephone: (02657) 62902

  Seven Towers Training Services Ltd.

  2–4 Railway Street

  6

  Ballymena, BT42 2AB

  Telephone: (0256) 44003

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Home Bank (Dredging)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his consultations in relation to sand dredging from Home bank off the Norfolk coast.

  Mr. Jack
  I am aware of no such location. In relation to the National Rivers Authority's application to remove sand from the Race bank, discussions have taken place with 92
  local fishermen and their representatives. Our position was stated on 20 May in response to the hon. Member for Glandford and Scunthorpe (Mr. Morley), Official Report, col. 609.

  Enzootic Bovine Leukosis
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current number of cattle aged 30 months or under with enzootic bovine leukosis.

  Mr. Soames
  As at 15 June 1994 the number of cattle under 30 months of age which were confirmed as reacting positively to the test for enzootic bovine leukosis in England was three. All were from the same herd.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cattle born after July 1988 were reported by farmers to the MAFF veterinary officers as having BSE; and what percentage were accepted by them as possible BSE cases in 1992 and 1993.

  Mr. Soames
  Information about the age of cattle which are reported to the Ministry as suspect BSE cases, but which are not placed under movement restrictions after being examined by Ministry veterinary officers, is not held centrally. The information requested could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  In 1992 and 1993, 2,756 and 8,393 cattle born after 18 July 1988 were placed under movement restrictions, and of these 1,574 and 6,337 were subsequently confirmed by laboratory examination as suffering from BSE. The figures for the two years are not directly comparable, that the number of cattle in the population which were born after 18 July 1988 was greater in 1993 than in 1992.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in what EU countries other than the United Kingdom BSE has been found in cattle.

  Mr. Soames
  France, Denmark, Germany, Republic of Ireland, and Portugal have reported one or more cases of BSE.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what amount of money was paid to farmers as compensation for cases of BSE in cattle in each year from 1988; and what amount has been paid so far in the current year.

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Compensation £

  1988

  527,142

  1989

  2,826,788

  1990

  9,114,743

  1991

  16,329,348

  1992

  29,211,593

  1993

  38,054,040

  19941

  9,189,290

  Total

  105,252,944

  1As at 31 March 1994

  93
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of cattle accepted as possible BSE cases by MAFF veterinary officers were confirmed histologically to suffer from BSE in each year from 1988 to 1993 and so far in the current year.

  Mr. Soames
  Of those cattle reported to the Ministry as suspect BSE cases and subsequently placed under movement restrictions, the following percentages have been confirmed on post-mortem examination in each year since the disease was made notifiable:

  Year

  Per cent.

  1988

  91·9

  1989

  88·5

  1990

  85·2

  1991

  86·2

  1992

  85·0

  1993

  83·7

  11994

  81·2

  1The 1994 figure is up to 10 June and is affected by the seasonal variation in the diagnostic rate. The percentage of cases which are confirmed on laboratory examination decreases in the spring due to the higher incidence of other seasonal neurological disorders, including listeriosis and metabolic diseases, which cannot always be differentiated from BSE on clinical grounds.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which EU countries operate a system of whole herd slaughter for BSE; and what proposals she has to introduce it to Britain.

  Mr. Soames
  The following EU member states operate or intend to operate such a policy as far as this Ministry is aware:France, Denmark, Germany, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Netherlands (initial cases only), Spain (initial cases only).
  In some cases herd slaughter is encouraged rather than enforced, and may be industry-funded.

  There are no plans to introduce a herd slaughter policy in this country as such a measure is not scientifically justified. All the measures introduced in this country since BSE was identified have been endorsed by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee.

  Beta-Agonists
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if she will make a statement on her policy towards imports of meat treated with beta-agonists;

  (2) if she will make a statement on her policy in respect of beta-agonists.

  Mr. Soames
  My policy in respect of beta-agonists remains unchanged from that set out in my reply to the hon. Member on 26 October 1993,Official Report, column 562–63.

  Surveillance remains on-going and all the samples of home-produced and imported meat taken in Great Britain during 1993 and to date in 1994, and tested for the presence of beta-agonists, have proved to be negative.
  94
  Summary results of statutory surveillance are published each year in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's annual report, and of non-statutory surveillance by the steering group on chemical aspects of food surveillance as periodic food surveillance papers. In addition, the results of both sampling programmes are published quarterly in the Medicines Act veterinary information service newsletter, published by the VMD. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what instructions are given to security staff in her departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Jack
  Security staff have responsibilities for protecting the security of their buildings and its occupants. They have written guidance on allowing the entry of authorised persons. If anyone was deemed to be causing an obstruction to entry or exit or blocking an emergency fire exit, appropriate action would be taken, with the assistance of the police if necessary. There have been no reported problems caused by those sleeping rough in doorways or by beggars.

  Calves (Exports)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long is provided for local veterinary inspectors to examine calves for export; what guidelines she has laid down for the number that can be adequately inspected in an hour; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  The Ministry makes no stipulation on the time that such an examination should take. We uphold high veterinary standards in this country and our certifying veterinarians are expected to be rigorous in checking that the animal health conditions of the importing country are fully met before signing an export certificate. The time taken by a veterinary inspector for an examination also depends on the level of organisation of and degree of assistance provided by the exporter.

  Goosanders
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences have been granted for the killing of goosanders in each of the last two years; in what regions these licences have been granted; and for what reasons.

  Mr. Soames
  Since January 1992 seven licences have been issued for the killing of goosanders. In all cases they were issued to prevent fish predation. The details are as follows:
  95

  Number of licences

  County

  Region

  January-December 1992

  January-December 1993

  January-May 1994

  Cumbria

  Northern

  0

  2

  0

  Hereford and Worcestershire

  South Mercia

  0

  2

  0

  North Yorkshire

  North East

  0

  2

  0

  Lancashire

  Northern

  0

  1

  0

  Sea Defence
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food which authorities are responsible for each aspect of flooding, sea defence and drainage; and what plans she has to revise these arrangements.

  Mr. Jack
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is responsible for flood and coastal defence policy in England. Under the relevant legislation, the authorities with operational powers are:the National Rivers Authority, which can undertake measures to reduce the risks of flooding from designated "main rivers" and the sea and which is required to exercise a general supervision over all matters relating to flood defence in England and Wales.
  Internal Drainage Boards, which can carry out measures to alleviate flooding in specified districts with special drainage needs, other than on "main rivers";
  local authorities, which can carry out flood defence works outside drainage board districts on watercourses other than "main rivers", as well as works to protect the land against coastal erosion.
  It is envisaged that the proposed Environment Agency will assume the powers of the National Rivers Authority, but apart from this there are no plans to change these arrangements. Further information is given in the joint MAFF/Welsh Office publication "Strategy for Flood and Coastal Defence in England and Wales", which was published last October when copies were placed in the Library of the House.

  Yare Barrier, Norfolk
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether her Department will review the funding criteria of the National Rivers Authority following the decision by the National Rivers Authority not to support the proposed Yare barrier in Norfolk on cost grounds.

  Mr. Jack
  To attract grant aid such works have to be technically sound, environmentally acceptable and economically worth while. I understand that the NRA's Norfolk and Suffolk local flood defence committee has confirmed its intention to promote a comprehensive river bank strengthening scheme for Broadland, but has concluded at this stage that the additional benefits generated by a Yare barrier would not justify the additional costs involved, although the option will be kept under review. There is nothing in this particular decision which leads me to believe that a review of the funding criteria is necessary.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Consultants
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr. Milburn) of 19 April,Official Report, column 492, what
  96
  the nature of the contracts with ACT Ltd. in 1990–91, 1992–93 and 1993–94 was; what was being requested and what was the value of the contracts.

  The Attorney-General
  The work undertaken by ACT Ltd. in the years in question related to support services for the Serious Fraud Office's central computer system as follows:

  Year

  Value £

  Description of Work

  1990–91

  32,796

  (1) Support for upgrading system

  (2) Supply of temporary system administrator

  1992–93

  17,907

  30 days system support

  1993–94

  1,621

  Specific assistance to in-house team

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in each year since the instigation of the Crown Prosecution Service.

  The Attorney-General
  The number of defendants whose case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in magistrates' courts since 1987 was as follows:

  Number

  1987–88

  108,900

  1988–89

  120,714

  1989–90

  140,313

  1990–91

  151,236

  1991–92

  174,411

  1992–93

  193,774

  1993–94

  168,707

  These figures include proceedings dropped at court as well as those discontinued by way of notice under section 23 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985. The figures comprise all cases dealt with by the CPS areas, but do not include the specialised casework handled by the headquarters of the service.

  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Attorney-General how many cases were(a) received by the Crown Prosecution Service from the police, (b) completed in the magistrates court, (c) discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service before or at the magistrates court hearing, (d) committed to the Crown court by the magistrates court or (e) otherwise disposed in each Crown Prosecution Service region for the year April 1993 to April 1994.

  The Attorney-General
  The table shows the number of defendants' cases dealt with by the 13 areas of the Crown Prosecution Service during the year ending March 1994. The figures do not include the specialised casework undertaken by the headquarters of the service.

  The number received comprises all those forwarded to the CPS by the police during the year, and the number

  97
  finalised comprises all those completed during the year. Both totals include non-criminal proceedings, such as forfeiture proceedings under section 3 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959, and cases forwarded to the CPS by the police for pre-charge advice; the number of these is specified.

  Cases completed in magistrates' courts comprise all defendants whose cases proceeded to either trial or guilty plea.

  Magistrates' Courts Cases 1993–94

  CPS Area

  Received

  Finalised

  of which: Advice only

  Completed in Magistrates' Court

  Discontinued

  Committed to Crown Court

  Other disposals

  Other proceedings

  North

  101,284

  101,576

  4,094

  68,212

  13,769

  7,246

  6,773

  1,476

  Yorkshire

  82,460

  80,857

  3,652

  52,925

  11,860

  7,844

  3,832

  750

  Mersey/Lancashire

  90,333

  89,546

  3,014

  62,982

  8,971

  8,815

  4,851

  913

  Humber

  73,500

  71,386

  7,268

  46,360

  7,988

  5,673

  2,226

  1,871

  North West

  126,665

  123,766

  3,388

  87,454

  11,681

  9,002

  6,177

  6,064

  East Midlands

  89,898

  88,417

  6,608

  58,080

  10,962

  6,097

  5,118

  1,552

  Wales

  103,183

  111,736

  6,298

  69,190

  11,119

  5,764

  17,111

  2,254

  Midlands

  115,623

  117,330

  5,443

  74,001

  13,503

  8,426

  13,755

  2,202

  Anglia

  114,784

  112,429

  9,468

  76,544

  9,831

  6,787

  7,735

  2,064

  Severn/Thames

  96,695

  97,602

  4,934

  65,642

  11,422

  4,875

  8,825

  1,904

  South West

  75,873

  75,002

  2,884

  52,581

  8,714

  5,003

  4,912

  908

  London

  276,913

  274,524

  9,892

  150,954

  36,208

  19,217

  53,968

  4,284

  South East

  112,085

  110,068

  5,203

  76,128

  12,679

  7,800

  7,404

  855

  Total Areas

  1,459,296

  1,454,239

  72,146

  941,053

  168,707

  102,549

  142,687

  27,097

  Notes:

  Other disposals comprise committal hearings in which the defendant was discharged, cases where the defendant was bound over to keep the peace, instances where the defendant cannot be found, and other cases where the prosecution cannot proceed (e.g. through the death of the defendant).

  Other proceedings comprise non-criminal proceedings, such as forfeiture hearings under Section 3 of the Obscene Publications Act.

  Mr. Bates
  To ask the Attorney-General when he expects the Director of Public Prosecutions to publish the revised code for Crown prosecutors.

  The Attorney-General
  The review of the code for Crown Prosecutors, which I announced in House on the 14 December 1993,Official Report, column 1049, is now complete. The revised code is set out in full in the annual report of the Crown Prosecution Service, which was laid before Parliament at 11 am today and then published. Copies of the code have been printed and are now available for distribution. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  The fundamental principles of the code have not changed, but the new code is substantially shorter and has been rewritten in straightforward English. The requirement for a realistic prospect of conviction has been clarified and the public interest factors in favour of a prosecution have been brought out more clearly.

  I welcome the revised code and commend it to all prosecuting authorities.

  Mr. Bates
  To ask the Attorney-General when he expects to lay before Parliament and to publish the annual report of the Crown Prosecution Service for the year 1993–94.

  The Attorney-General
  The annual report for the Crown Prosecution Service was laid before Parliament at 11 am today and then published.

  Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
  98
  Discontinuances are inclusive of proceedings dropped in court as well as those which were the subject of a notice under section 23 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.

  Cases committed comprise all those committed for trial in the Crown court during the period.

  Other disposals comprise the remaining completed cases: committal hearings in which the defendant was discharged, defendants bound over to keep the peace without a trial having taken place, and cases in which the prosecution could not proceed, for example because the defendant had died or could not be traced.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Attorney-General what instructions are given to security staff in his departmental offices in London for dealing with(a)those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each group in the last three months.

  The Attorney-General
  No such problems have been experienced in the last three months. Security staff are required to ensure that access to departmental offices is unobstructed. No specific instructions have been given for dealing with those sleeping rough or beggars.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Cyprus
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what previous diplomatic service the present United Kingdom high commissioner to Cyprus has had in(a) Greece and (b) Turkey.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The present British high commissioner to Cyprus, Mr. David Madden, has previously served as first secretary and head of chancery, Athens, from 1981–1984. He has not held a diplomatic post in Turkey.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many persons have served in Cyprus as high commissioner since June
  99
  1974; and how many of these high commissioners had previously held diplomatic posts in (a) Greece and (b) Turkey.

  Mr. Goodlad
  There have been seven British high commissioners to Cyprus since June 1974, including the present incumbent. Two previously held diplomatic posts in Greece and one in Turkey.

  Italy
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the position of the Italian Government concerning revision of its borders with Austria and the former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The Italian Government have made it clear that they have no plans to seek the revision of Italy's borders with any neighbouring state.

  Burma
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the use of forced labour in the construction of a railroad in southern Burma; and what representations he has made to the Government of Burma about this abuse of human rights.

  Mr. Goodlad
  We are aware of the reported use of forced labour by the Burmese Government in the construction of a railway extension between Ye and Tavoy in southern Burma. We are working, within international forums, to bring pressure on the military regime in Burma to improve its human rights record and to end the use of forced labour.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has urged the Indonesian Government to investigate the reported killing of civilians by the security forces in Aceh between 1989 and 1991; and what was the response.

  Mr. Goodlad
  My predecessor, the Earl of Caithness, expressed our concern about the killings and human rights abuses in Aceh when he visited Jakarta in early May 1991; and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised the issue with the Indonesian Foreign Minister later the same month. On both occasions, the Indonesians took careful note of our views.

  Mr. Warwick Reid
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what were each of the official positions in the Hong Kong Government of Mr. Warwick Reid up to 1991.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Mr. Warwick Reid was appointed by the Hong Kong Government as a Crown counsel in the prosecutions division of the Legal Department on 8 March 1975 and was promoted to senior Crown counsel in April 1977. He was promoted to deputy principal Crown counsel in April 1980. From April 1981 to January 1982, he was assistant to the Attorney-General. He returned to the prosecutions division in February 1982. He was promoted 100
  in March 1983 to principal Crown counsel. From then until his arrest in October 1989, he held the position of deputy Crown prosecutor in charge of the commercial crime unit of the prosecutions division. Mr. Reid was dismissed on 22 January 1990.

  Brazil
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Government of Brazil fulfilled their promise of 29 July 1993 to the XI session of the working group on indigenous populations that the physical demarcation of the Awa Guaja reserve and the Krikati reserve would be accomplished in 1993.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The Brazilian authorities have informed our embassy in Brasilia that Government anthropologists have identified and marked out the limits of the Awa Guaja and Krikati reserves. Their findings have now to be submitted for legal process.

  Genocide
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of accusations of genocide by one country in respect of another; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Kingdom is a party to the United Nations convention on the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide. It takes seriously all accusations of genocide by one country in respect of another.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the British embassy in Santiago, Chile was advised that General Pinochet wished to visit Britain.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The British embassy in Santiago were not notified of the visit. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office was advised by the Chilean embassy in London on 8 June.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings or hospitality was offered by Her Majesty's Government to General Pinochet during his recent visit to the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  This was a private visit. No meetings or hospitality were offered.

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Authority Housing
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce initiatives or schemes designed to pass local authority housing stock to private sector interests; how many members of his Department are engaged in preparing policy papers on this matter; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir George Young
  My Department already has a programme of large-scale voluntary transfers of council
  101
  housing to housing associations. To date, 31 local authorities have transferred 142,000 properties through LSVT. Subject to tenant support, 12 more will transfer about 50,000 properties by the end of 1994–95. I am keen to expand the programme to bring to metropolitan and inner-city areas the benefits of transfer which we have seen in shire districts. The Department is jointly funding a study with five local authorities—Camden, Enfield, Sheffield, Manchester and Middlesbrough—and the Housing Corporation, which aims to identify options for the future ownership and management of housing in urban areas. This is due to report in the autumn. A group of four staff work predominantly on LSVTs, and a wide range of others are involved where appropriate.

  Environmental Agencies
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will introduce legislation to pave the way for the creation of the Environment Agency for England and Wales and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

  Mr. Atkins
  It remains the Government's policy to introduce legislation to establish the environment agencies when parliamentary time allows.

  Integrated Regional Offices
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which Department will be responsible for the new integrated regional offices.

  Sir George Young
  The Government offices for the regions are accountable to the Departments of the Environment, Employment, Trade and Industry and Transport, jointly or separately, as appropriate, for the programmes or functions that they deliver or oversee.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the officials appointed to co-ordinate the new integrated regional offices with contact addresses.

  Sir George Young
  The information requested is as follows:

  Government office for the North East

  Regional Director:

  Pamela Denham

  Contact address:

  Stanegate House

  2 Groat Market

  Newcastle Upon Tyne

  NE1 1YN

  Government office for the North West

  Regional Director:

  Marianne Neville Rolfe

  Contact address:

  2010 Sunley Tower

  Piccadilly Plaza

  Manchester

  M1 4BA

  Government office for Merseyside

  Regional Director:

  John Stoker

  Contact address:

  Room 404

  Graeme House

  Derby Square

  Liverpool

  L2 7SU

  Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside

  Regional Director:

  Jeremy Walker

  Contact address:

  7th Floor East Wing

  City House

  Leeds

  102

  LS1 4JD

  Government office for the West Midlands

  Regional Director:

  David Ritchie

  Contact address:

  77 Paradise Circus

  Queensway

  Birmingham

  B1 2DT

  Government office for the East Midlands

  Regional Director:

  Mark Lanyon

  Contact address:

  Level 5

  Cranbrook House

  Cranbrook Street

  Nottingham

  NG1 1EY

  Government office for the Eastern Region

  Regional Director:

  John Turner

  Contact address:

  Heron House

  49–53 Goldington Road

  Bedford

  MK40 3LL

  Government office for the South West

  Regional Director:

  Brian Leonard

  Contact address:

  4th Floor

  The Pithay

  Bristol

  BS1 2NQ

  Government office for the South East

  Regional Director:

  Gillian Ashmore

  Contact address:

  Charles House

  375 Kensington High Street

  London

  W14 8QH

  Government office for London

  Regional Director:

  Robin Young

  Contact address:

  Room P2/023

  2 Marsham Street

  London

  SW1P 3EB

  Fire Safety
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give the reasons for his Department's decision not to implement the recommendations of the Efficiency Unit's scrutiny of the management of the Government's civil estate on provision of advice to Government Departments on fire safety and fire precautions; and if he will explain why it is intended to stop the provision of such advice.

  Mr. Baldry
  No such decision has been taken. We envisage that, in line with the efficiency scrutiny's recommendation, written guidance will be promulgated via the advice unit of the proposed new property agency. The decision to withdraw some fire branch services will not stop Departments obtaining appropriate advice on fire protection for particular buildings or on staff training, whether by using in-house resources or available commercial services.

  Acid Rain
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he plans to make to the petition handed to him by his Norwegian counterpart in Oslo on 14 June, from Norwegian citizens urging Her Majesty's Government to cut acid rain deposits over Scandinavia arising from discharges in the United Kingdom.
  103
  Mr. Atkins
  In Oslo on 14 June, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State signed the second United Nations Commission for Europe sulphur protocol, which commits the United Kingdom to reducing emissions of sulphur dioxide by 80 per cent. compared with 1980 levels by 2010. This will not only deal substantially with problems of acidification in the United Kingdom but will also bring about significant improvements for our European neighbours.

  While he was in Oslo, my right hon. Friend met representatives of the Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature, to receive their petition, and of Councillors Against Acid Rain. He explained the significant reductions in sulphur emissions which the United Kingdom has already achieved and the new obligations to achieve further reductions which we have accepted.

  Red Squirrels
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if she will list by county the current estimate of the red squirrel population; what were the comparable figures(a) five years and (b) 10 years ago; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  Red squirrel population figures have never been compiled by county. The latest population estimates for Great Britain are: Scotland 121,000; England 30,000 and Wales 9,000. There are no comparable figures for five or 10 years ago.

  Support for the remaining populations of red squirrels include full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and measures to restrict the spread of grey squirrels. English Nature's species recovery programme, which aims to achieve long-term sustainable survival of endangered species, includes red squirrels.

  Accountancy Firms
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department or agencies for which it is responsible to(a) Coopers and Lybrand, (b) KPMG Peat Marwick, (c) Ernst and Young, (d) Price Waterhouse, (e) Arthur Andersen, (f) Touche Ross, (g) Grant Thornton, (h) Robson Rhodes and (i) Pannel Kerr Forster for (i) privatisation, (ii) market testing, (iii) management advice, (iv) accounting, (v) audit, (vi) consultancy and (vii) any other services in 1980 to 1983, 1984 to 1987, 1988 to 1991 and 1992 to 1993.

  Mr. Baldry
  The information requested is not held centrally by my Department and is obtainable only at disproportionate cost.

  Sea Defences
  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what evidence his Department has as to whether sand and gravel extraction is damaging natural sea defences and increasing the vulnerability of the coastal areas to flooding;

  (2) how many extraction licences have been granted for areas off the Norfolk coast, and for each licence (a) to whom the licence has been issued, (b) the location of the site, (c) the licence fee and (d) the quantity permitted to be extracted.
  104
  Mr. Baldry
  We have no evidence to indicate that sand and gravel extraction is damaging natural sea defences and increasing the vulnerability of the coastal areas to flooding. Licences for marine dredging are issued by the Crown Estate Commissioners. Applications are referred by the Crown Estate to consultants for professional advice on whether the proposed dredging would have an adverse effect upon coastal protection. If the advice demonstrates unavoidable risk of coastal erosion, the application will be rejected without further consideration.

  I understand that the Crown Estate Commissioners have issued 15 licences for dredging off the Norfolk Coast as follows:

  Area

  Company

  Area 107

  East Coast Aggregates Ltd.

  Area 202

  ARC Marine Ltd.

  Area 212

  ARC Marine Ltd.

  Area 228

  Volker Dredging Ltd.

  Area 240

  Civil and Marine Ltd.

  Area 242

  ARC Marine Ltd.

  Area 251

  East Coast Aggregates Ltd.

  Area 254

  United Marine Dredging Ltd.

  Area 296

  United Marine Dredging Ltd.

  Area 319

  East Coast Aggregates Ltd.

  Area 328

  ARC Marine Ltd.

  Area 328

  Civil and Marine Ltd.

  Area 328

  Civil and Marine Ltd.

  Area 360

  South Coast Shipping Co. Ltd.

  Area 361

  ARC Marine Ltd.

  The total extraction allowed under these licences is 10·85 million tonnes. I will send the hon. Member information about the location of the sites. Information about licence fees is treated as commercial in confidence.

  Mr. Rendel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from Norfolk residents concerned that new building will not be possible in areas of Norfolk because of flooding risk.

  Mr. Baldry
  We have received a number of representations about the designation of flood risk areas by North Norfolk district council in the consultation draft of the local plan.

  Development, Leigh-on-Sea
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will overrule the planning inspectorate and order an appeal held in public into the proposed development at Marine parade, Leigh-on-Sea, about which the right hon. Member for Southend, West has been in correspondence with him.

  Mr. Baldry
  No. I am satisfied that the planning merits of the proposal can be considered adequately on the basis of written representations and a site visit. The inspector will take the strength of local feeling about the proposals fully into account in reaching a decision.

  Packaging
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce provisions to establish legally enforceable targets for the avoidance, minimisation and recycling of packaging waste.

  Mr. Atkins
  We believe that the approach which underlies our producer responsibility initiative for
  105
  packaging waste will enable industry to devise the most cost-effective and flexible means of securing our environmental objectives, including the recovery of between 50 and 75 per cent. of all packaging waste by the year 2000. We are awaiting further advice from industry on how the plan which it has drawn up can best be implemented.

  We will consider legislating to meet our objectives if industry can demonstrate that a purely voluntary approach will not succeed or if it is necessary to fulfil our obligations under the proposed EC directive on packaging and packaging waste.

  Incineration
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the chemical composition of material which it is planned to burn in an industrial process is taken into account when Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution considers whether to grant an authorisation for the burning of the material.

  Mr. Atkins
  The chemical composition of the material is taken into account when HMIP considers whether to grant an authorisation for the burning of the material.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to ensure that the burning of hazardous wastes will be subject to the same emission standards wherever it takes place.

  Mr. Atkins
  HMIP has confirmed that it will control the burning of hazardous wastes in processes subject to its control, in such a way as to ensure uniform protection for the environment.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances HMIP may authorise the burning of hazardous waste other than in an incinerator designed for the purpose.

  Mr. Atkins
  HMIP may authorise the burning of hazardous waste, other than in an incinerator designed for the purpose, provided that emissions from the burning will not adversely affect the environment.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution may authorise the burning of a substance whose chemical composition is unknown.

  Mr. Atkins
  HMIP will not authorise the burning of a substance whose chemical composition is unknown.

  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether hazardous wastes burnt in cement kilns are subject to the same emission standards as wastes burnt in an incinerator.

  Mr. Atkins
  Emission standards for cement kilns burning waste will be based on environmental protection and BATNEEC—best available techniques not entailing excessive cost. Precautions will be taken to guard against increase in environmental impact, compared with the use of conventional fuels.

  Industrial Processes
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how long a trial may continue before authorisation of an industrial process is either granted or withheld.
  106
  Mr. Atkins
  The justification for, and the details and length of any trial, are provided by the operator, and must be to the satisfaction of HMIP. Any trial must comply with the criteria laid down by HMIP and be of sufficient duration to provide adequate monitoring information, in order to enable HMIP fully to assess the environmental impact.

  Recycling
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to encourage the markets for recycled products from waste packaging materials.

  Mr. Atkins
  Action to stimulate markets for recycled materials is a key element of the producer responsibility challenge to the packaging industries. If those industries are to achieve their target of recovering 58 per cent. of used packaging by the year 2000 in the most cost-effective way, they will need to ensure not only that used packaging is collected but that there are markets for the recycled material, and that buyer specifications do not unreasonably restrict these markets.

  Environment Land Management
  Mr. Burns
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the future administration of the countryside stewardship scheme and the hedgerow incentive scheme.

  Mr. Gummer
  I congratulate the Countryside Commission on its development and administration of the countryside stewardship scheme and the hedgerow incentive scheme, which have broken new ground in environmental land management. I acknowledge the valuable support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, English Nature and English Heritage in carrying forward the schemes with my Department. I have endorsed the commission's proposal to bring the schemes together so as to enable best use of staff time and to streamline their delivery to farmers and other landowners.

  The countryside stewardship scheme will complete its pilot phase on 31 March 1996. Thereafter and with her agreement, I intend to transfer responsibility for this scheme and the hedgerow incentive scheme from the Countryside Commission to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

  The Government intends to legislate, when parliamentary time permits, to confer on the Minister the necessary powers to enable her to make payments under the hedgerow incentive scheme and those parts of countryside stewardship which are covered neither by the EC agri-environment regulation nor by the powers that the Minister already exercises under the farm and conservation grant scheme. The Government also intend such legislation to confer a statutory advisory role on the Secretary of State for the Environment, the Countryside Commission, English Nature and English Heritage in relation to the development of all of the Ministry of Agriculture's environmental land management schemes.

  The Government value the contribution which farmers, landowners and many local organisations have made to the development and implementation of the two schemes, and we shall continue to build on this partnership.

  The Government intend, in the light of the pilot phase, to consider the future role of countryside stewardship. We also intend to consider ways of better integrating and

  107
  focusing all environmental land management schemes. We shall consult publicly on any proposals to change significantly current arrangements for countryside steward-ship or other environmental land management schemes.

  The Government place a high value on the skills and experience of the staff currently running the countryside stewardship and hedgerow incentive schemes. The staff needed to run the schemes after the countryside stewardship pilot phase has ended will be invited to transfer to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

  Inner Cities
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish the inner cities research programme report "Assessing the Impact of Urban Policy"; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir George Young
  The inner cities research programme report "Assessing the Impact of Urban Policy" is being published today by HMSO. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  The report is a substantial and wide-ranging analysis, covering the policies and programmes of several Government Departments and agencies over the period 1979 –80 to 1990 –91. It concludes that, across the 57 urban priority areas there was, over that period, a relative improvement in their social and economic fortunes, and that the gap between these 57 areas and other areas narrowed in the 1980s, notwithstanding some deterioration in the core areas facing the most intractable problems. It further concludes that across the whole set of targeted places and in the smaller areas within some of the conurbations, public resources appear to have made an impact on improving inner-city areas.

  The report draws five policy conclusions about how the delivery of Government programmes might be further improved and about how local authorities and communities might be more effectively involved in regeneration. These recommendations have been addressed by the major reforms which the Secretary of State for the Environment announced in November 1993, and which were implemented in April 1994 after the report was completed.

  These reforms include the establishment of Government offices for the regions, bringing together the regional offices of the Department of the Environment, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Employment and the Department of Transport to make Government more responsive and accessible to local communities and employers; and the single regeneration budget, worth some £1 ·4 billion in 1994 –95, which combines 20 programmes from five Government Departments to support locally devised measures to encourage regeneration, economic development and industrial competitiveness.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what facilities, and at what cost, were borne by the Central Office of Information on the recent visit to Britain of General Pinochet.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Central Office of Information provided no facilities during the recent visit to Britain of General Pinochet.

  Disabled People (Employment)
  Sir Harold Walker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the level of compliance of each Government Department with the requirements of the quota for the employment of disabled persons.

  Mr. David Davis
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Warley, West (Mr. Spellar) on 9 May 1994,Official Report, column 63.

  I also refer the hon. Member to table 1 of "Independent 22", published by the Cabinet Office, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. This lists the numbers and percentages of civil servants registered as disabled in major Government Departments and agencies.

SCOTLAND

  Deer Culling
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the currently approved methods of deer culling; and what plans he has to approve further methods.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The only currently approved method of deer culling is by shooting, using an approved firearm as defined in sections 23(2) and 23A of the Deer (Scotland) Act 1959, as amended, and the Deer (Firearms etc.) (Scotland) Order 1985. I have no plans at present to approve any further methods.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions are given to security staff in his departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Ian Lang
  There have been no incidents of anyone sleeping rough outside my Department's London office and no instructions have been issued. The number of reported incidents involving beggars in the immediate vicinity is nil.

  Air Routes
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what criteria he applies in determining which air routes to designate as public service obligation routes;

  (2) what financial support he offers to public service obligation air routes;

  (3) which air routes he has designated as public service obligation routes.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Central Government support for air services is considered only where the services cross regional or islands council boundaries; cross water; are essential to the life of a remote community; and where there is no prospect of services becoming commercially viable.

  EU regulation 2408/92 requires public service obligations to be imposed on air services supported by public funds. A PSO has been imposed on the air service between Glasgow, Tiree and Barra. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State provides financial support of £115,000 per annum for the service.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the purpose of the meeting about Pan Am 103 and Lockerbie, between George Esson, then chief constable of the Dumfries and Galloway police, and Janet Reno, Attorney-General of the United States; and what was the outcome.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 11 May,Official Report, column 164. The meeting was of a courtesy nature and had no specific outcome.

  Orthopaedics
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current waiting list and waiting time for each orthopaedic speciality in the Ayrshire and Arran health board area.

  Mr. Allan Stewart
  [holding answer 20 June 1994 ]: At 31 December 1993 there were 842 patients on in-patient and day case orthopaedic surgery waiting lists in the Ayrshire and Arran health board area. Half those orthopaedic surgery patients who were treated and discharged from hospitals in the Ayrshire and Arran health board area during the quarter ending 31 December 1993 had waited less than 47 days before being admitted.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  President Mengistu Haile Mariam
  Mr. Wilkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy toward the request of the transitional Government of Ethiopia for the extradition of ex-President Mengistu Haile Mariam from Zimbabwe.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  This is a matter for the two Governments concerned.

TREASURY

  Brewing Industry
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what consultations he has had about the introduction of a sliding scale of duty for small brewers producing less than 200 barrels per week.

  South Yorkshire staff in post

  Regional Executive Office/Towns

  1 June 1992 Total staff

  1 June 1993 Total staff

  1 June 1994 Total staff

  Alfreton

  79

  71

  69

  Barnsley

  216

  162

  161

  Boston

  87

  83

  75

  Bradford

  989

  884

  821

  Chesterfield

  126

  117

  112

  Derby

  304

  282

  274

  Dewsbury

  83

  76

  72

  Doncaster

  165

  148

  144

  Gainsborough

  46

  40

  38

  Grantham

  76

  70

  69

  Halifax

  124

  115

  118

  Huddersfield

  167

  151

  153

  Leeds

  768

  683

  662

  Lincoln

  144

  125

  125

  Louth

  43

  40

  37

  Mansfield

  85

  73

  68

  110
  Sir John Cope
  We have received representations from many small brewers and had meetings with their trade body, the Small Independent Brewers Association. There are no current plans to introduce sliding scales of excise duties on the beer produced by smaller brewers, partly because, under the general agreement on tariffs and trade, the lowest rate available to any United Kingdom producer would also have to be made available to all producers outside the European Union.

  Tax Office Staff, South Yorkshire
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many staff there were at each tax office in South Yorkshire(a) at the latest date, (b) 12 months ago and (c) 24 months ago; and if he will make a statement on the causes of changes in the numbers employed at each office.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The numbers of staff in post at the relevant dates are shown in the table.

  This table compares the staff-in-post position for all offices—excluding the Valuation Office, which has agency status—within the geographical boundary of Inland Revenue South Yorkshire executive office. Because of the large number of locations involved, some summarising has been necessary. It has not been practicable to look at reasons behind the changes in numbers of staff on an office-by-office basis.

  During these two years, part of Inland Revenue London head office has been transferred to Nottingham. Three offices set up in Nottingham and Barnsley during 1991 –92 to deal with expected claims for repayment of composite rate tax have been closed—this work has now been concentrated into just five offices outside SYEO. Following the closures of these offices, PAYE work was moved from other offices in SYEO to Barnsley to provide work for otherwise surplus staff. Almost all trust work has been brought together into two large offices, one in Nottingham. SYEO has carried out an efficiency scrutiny of typing and secretarial services resulting in a reduction in the number of posts. The remaining posts have been reorganised into a separate service unit.

  Also over the two years, a number of procedural changes in tax office work, including for example the simplification of PAYE end of year work, have contributed to further changes in staff numbers.
  111

  Regional Executive Office/Towns

  1 June 1992 Total staff

  1 June 1993 Total staff

  1 June 1994 Total staff

  Melton Mowbray

  51

  46

  42

  Newark

  66

  56

  55

  Nottingham

  596

  527

  518

  Pontefract

  68

  59

  61

  Retford

  45

  40

  40

  Rotherham

  80

  75

  73

  Sheffield

  489

  767

  757

  Shipley

  190

  182

  164

  Spalding

  60

  53

  52

  Wakefield

  77

  77

  70

  Accounts Office Shipley

  1,138

  1,163

  1,064

  Other Executive Offices/Head Office

  631

  1,117

  1,260

  Grand Total

  6,993

  7,282

  7,154

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Lands Tribunal
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the present salary of the president of the Lands Tribunal; and what it was(a) five and (b) 10 years ago.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The office of president of the Lands Tribunal in Northern Ireland is a group 5 post within the senior salary review body structure, with a salary of £82,641. Five years ago the salary was £53,400, while in 1984 it was £33,733.

  Civil Servants (Outside Appointments)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many job offers were reported by staff in his Department under the requirements of the rules on the acceptance of outside appointments in each of the last 10 years by(a) staff of grade 3 and above, (b) staff below grade 3, (c) staff in sections concerned with procurement or contract work, under section 15 of the rules of 1 February 1993 and (d) staff in other sections, under section 14; and how many of these reports were followed by an application to join the company concerned.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested in respect of staff of grade 3 and above could not be collected in the time available. For staff below grade 3, there is no requirement for the Department to collect information on job offers made to staff. Records are not, therefore, kept and no information is available. No offers have been reported from staff who work in sections concerned with procurement or contracts.

  Public Consultation
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in what circumstances it is his Department's practice, when issuing a public consultation document, to inform those consulted that their responses will be made public unless they explicitly ask for them to be kept confidential; and if he will arrange for his Department to do so in all cases in future.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is now the usual practice of the Lord Chancellor's Department, when issuing a public 112
  consultation document, to inform those consulted that their responses may be made public unless they request confidential treatment. The Department will continue that practice.

  Small Claims Courts
  Sir Anthony Durant
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the amount of each increase in the small claims court limit and the date on which it came into effect for each year since 1973.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I list the small claims limits in the county courts since 1973 and the dates they came into effect:

  Date

  Limit £

  October 1973

  75

  October 1974

  100

  July 1978

  200

  October 1981

  500

  July 1991

  1,000

  Sir Anthony Durant
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the average sum awarded by small claims courts for each year since 1985.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This information is not routinely gathered by my Department.

  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many cases in each year since 1991 have been referred out of the small claims court procedure to the county courts under the safeguards contained in order 19, rule 3 of the county court rules.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Solicitors' Firms (Franchises)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the names of all the solicitors' firms which have so far applied to the Legal Aid Board for a franchise.
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  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The names of individual firms of solicitors which have applied to the Legal Aid Board for a franchise is a matter of confidence between those firms and the board.

  Spending Review
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he has determined a date on which he will publish the findings of his Department's fundamental review of its spending.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 26 May 1994,Official Report, column 329. The fundamental review is being conducted internally and its findings will not be published. Any resulting change in policy will, however, be announced in the usual way in due course.

  Class Actions
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress his Department has made on drawing up new rules for the bringing of class actions; and when he expects to publish them.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The findings of the Department's fundamental review of expenditure, which includes a review of multi-party actions, are scheduled to be presented to the Lord Chancellor later this month. Any action which the Lord Chancellor decides to take as a result of the review's conclusions will, however, be preceded by public consultation in the usual way.

  Personal Injury Claims
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the average cost per case of a plaintiff's disbursements for the provision of all witnesses and reports in personal injury claims where proceedings were commenced in county courts for each year since 1990.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department whether the £112·50 maximum for the payment of expert witnesses as set out in the consultation paper on small personal injury claims is the total sum available for the payment of all expert witnesses involved in a small personal injury case or the maximum allowable for the payment of each individual expert witness.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is proposed that the sum of £112.50 should be the maximum recoverable for the expenses of each individual expert witness. It must be borne in mind, however, that the actual figure allowed for each expert and the number of such experts deemed necessary remain in the discretion of the district judge.

  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the organisations responding to the consultation document on small personal injury claims.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  A list of major organisations which responded to the consultation paper is given.114

  Action for Victims of Medical Accidents

  Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union

  Association of British Insurers

  Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

  Automobile Association

  British Legal Association

  British Medical Association

  Bus and Coach Council

  Forum of Insurance Lawyers

  General Council of the Bar

  Institute of Consumer Affairs

  Institute of Legal Executives

  Institute of Professional Managers and Specialists

  Law Society

  Lloyd's of London

  Medical Defence Union

  Medical Protection Society

  Motor Accident Solicitors' Society

  Motor Insurers' Bureau

  National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux

  National Consumer Council

  National Union of Mineworkers

  Police Federation

  Royal Automobile Club

  Royal College of General Practitioners

  Trades Union Council

  Insurance Firms
  Mr. Peter Atkinson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many complaints his Department received concerning the conduct of lawyers acting on behalf of insurance firms in the settlement of claims for each year since 1990.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Solicitors are members of an independent and self-regulating profession, and the Lord Chancellor is not responsible for their professional conduct. The Law Society has responsibility to ensure that solicitors observe proper standards, and in 1986 established the Solicitors Complaints Bureau to handle complaints against its members. My Department has no record of such complaints.

HEALTH

  Out-patient Waiting Times
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients were seen as out-patients in 1991–92 and what was the average time between referral and being seen.

  Mr. Sackville
  The total number of all out-patient attendances in 1991–92 was 36·9 million. Of these 8,035,959 in 1991–92 were for a first appointment. No information is available centrally on time between referral and appointment.

  Substance Abuse (Children)
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of deaths of children in each year since 1979 from substance abuse and from use of controlled drugs, by drug.

  Mr. Bowis
  Information on the number of deaths associated with the abuse of volatile substances and the number of deaths from the use of controlled drugs is shown in the tables. Data for the latter are not readily available for years prior to 1989.
  115

  Number of Deaths of Children (aged under 20) associated with the Abuse of Volatile Substances—Great Britain1

  Number

  1980

  24

  1981

  33

  1982

  39

  1983

  58

  1984

  64

  1985

  88

  1986

  71

  1987

  79

  1988

  96

  1989

  71

  1990

  116

  1991

  77

  1These figures were supplied by St. George's Hospital Medical School.

  Number of deaths (whether an accident, suicide or undetermined) of Children (aged under 20) associated with controlled drugs, by drug—Great Britain 2

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  Amphetamine

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Barbiturates

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Benzodiazepines

  7

  2

  3

  10

  Buprenorphine

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Cannabis

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Cocaine

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Codeine

  1

  1

  2

  0

  Dextromoramide

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Dextroproxyphene

  30

  13

  28

  19

  Diethylproprion

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Dihydrocodeine

  2

  2

  3

  2

  Dipipanone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Heroin

  3

  1

  2

  2

  LSD

  —

  —

  1

  2

  MDMA

  1

  —

  4

  0

  Meprobromate

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Methadone

  4

  6

  8

  20

  Methaqualone

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Morphine

  0

  4

  1

  5

  Opiates

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Pentazocine

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Pethidine

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Phentermine

  —

  0

  0

  0

  All deaths associated with controlled drugs

  47

  30

  54

  51

  2This table shows the number of deaths where a controlled drug (listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971) was mentioned in the records of deaths assigned to accidental and other poisoning by solid or liquid substances. Where two or more drugs are mentioned together the death is recorded against each drug but only once in the total.

  —Indicates not published.

  We are spending £5 million a year on campaigns to raise awareness of the dangers of drug and solvent misuse. This includes a £2·6 million national television and press campaign which ran from January to March 1994 to encourage and help parents to talk to their children about drugs and solvents. We have produced information leaflets to help parents with this, as well as leaflets with factual information for young people.

  Vehicle Emissions
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the number of deaths per year in England and Wales which are causally linked with emissions from diesel-powered road vehicles.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instructions are given to security staff in her departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department has not issued formal instructions to security staff in London for dealing with those sleeping rough in the doorways or begging in the vicinity of departmental offices. These incidents are dealt with on an individual basis depending on the circumstances and with consideration for the situation of the person involved. No incidents of this nature have been reported by security staff in the last three months.

  Obstetric Cholestasis
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what epidemiological studies funded by her Department have been undertaken into obstetric cholestasis.

  Mr. Sackville: None.

  Private Patients
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what value has been attributed by her Department to income from private patients in the years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1996–97.

  Mr. Sackville
  Private patient activity is determined locally. No estimate of private patient income has been made centrally.

  Child Minders
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answers of 25 March,Official Report, column 683 and 25 April, Official Report, column 59, what conclusions she has reached on whether further clarification of her Department's guidance on behaviour and sanctions by child minders if minded children misbehave is required; and if she will make a statement on the role of physical punishment in the child care environment.

  Mr. Bowis
  We are currently consulting interested parties on this issue.

  Mentally Ill People
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects the report on homicides prepared by the confidential inquiry into homicides and suicides by mentally ill people to be completed; and when it will be published.

  Mr. Bowis
  The first report has been now completed but it has not yet been received by Ministers.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether the remit of the inquiry into homicides by mentally ill people could be extended so as to include those who have been in active psychiatric care within the previous five years instead of within the previous year only;
  117
  (2) whether the present remit of the inquiry into homicides by mentally ill people includes those who should have received psychiatric care during the previous year but who discharged themselves from hospital or failed to keep out-patient appointments.

  Mr. Bowis
  The remit of the confidential inquiry is sufficiently wide to cover patients under the care of specialist psychiatric services who discharged themselves from hospital or failed to keep out-patient appointments within the year prior to their involvement in a homicide. As the inquiry relies on information received from clinical staff responsible for the care of the psychiatric patient prior to the homicide, it would be impracticable to extend its remit to cover a five-year period.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of Stale for Health if she will make a statement about the compatibility of the imposition of charges for attendance at local authority day centres by mentally ill people and the care programme approach.

  Mr. Bowis
  The introduction of the care programme approach from April 1991 did not affect the discretionary powers of local authorities to make reasonable charges for day centre attendance by mentally ill people. It is for individual local authorities to decide whether and to what extent to make such charges and to ensure that their

  £ million

  1988–89 outturn

  1989–90 outturn

  1990–91 outturn

  1991–92 outturn

  1992–93 outturn

  1993–94 estimated outturn

  Departmental administration

  Non-staffing costs

  77

  79

  100

  112

  133

  122

  VAT refunds on contracted-out services

  0

  -2

  -1

  -2

  -1

  -1

  NHS Estates Agency

  Non-staffing costs

  0

  0

  0

  4

  3

  5

  NHS Pensions Agency

  Non-staffing costs

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  12

  Youth Treatment Service

  Non-staffing costs

  1

  1

  2

  2

  1

  2

  Medicines Control Agency

  Non-staffing costs

  3

  2

  3

  3

  3

  0

  Total

  81

  80

  105

  118

  140

  139

  Notes:

  1. Figures may not add exactly due to rounding effects.

  2. The 1993–94 figures given are the estimates which were current at the time the Departmental Report was published.

  Infertility
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what percentage of district health authorities have a comprehensive contract for infertility services.

  Mr. Sackville
  The national health service executive does not collect information on contracts agreed between district health authorities and hospitals for individual treatments or services.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what provision is made for(a) infertility treatment and (b) infertility investigation in the North Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire health authorities;
  118
  arrangements for making charges are fully compatible with the principles of the care programme approach, including the requirement for the care plan to be agreed with the mentally ill person. Any charges must take into account the person's ability to pay and are subject to an appeals procedure.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the members of the inquiry into the murder of an occupational therapist at the Edith Morgan unit, Torbay, by a patient in that unit in 1993.

  Mr. Bowis
  The members of the inquiry team are: Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC, chairman of the Mental Health Act Commission, Miss Helen Hally, director of nursing practice at Riverside mental health national health service trust, and Professor Elaine Murphy, professor of old age psychiatry at the United medical and dental school at Guy's and St. Thomas's hospitals.

  Departmental Running Costs
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will itemise the other expenditure in her Department's running costs shown in page 25 of table 12 in the departmental report 1994–95.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is shown in the table:

  (2) what advice the Nottinghamshire and Nottingham health authorities have sought from her Department as to the most cost-effective and cost-efficient means of providing for infertility investigation and treatment.

  Mr. Sackville
  For the information requested about infertility investigation and treatment in North Nottinghamshire and Nottinghamshire the hon. Member may wish to contact Sir David White, chairman of Nottinghamshire health authority, and Mr. A. Tolhurst, chairman of North Nottinghamshire health authority. I am not aware of requests for advice on this matter from either of the health authorities.

  The national health service provides a wide range of treatments for subfertility and I refer the hon. Member to

  119
  the reply, that I gave the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Burden) on 18 May, Official Report, column 520.

  Rural Community Hospitals
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the names and locations of rural community hospitals in England.

  Mr. Sackville
  Central returns of hospital activity data do not contain the classification "rural community hospital".

  Accident and Emergency Services, Barking and Havering
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the names of those who responded to consultation on proposals by Barking and Havering health authority for changes to accident and emergency services.

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for Barking and Havering health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman, Mr. Bryan Littlewood, for details.

  Infant Mortality
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the figures for infant mortality by district health authority for each of the last two years for which statistics are available.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information can be found in table 1 of the DH3 Monitors 93/1 and 92/1 for the last two years for which statistics are available, published by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, copies of which are available in the Library.

  NHS Trusts (Capital Investment)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list, by trust, the amount of capital investment planned for 1994–95, and the amount of capital investment, by trust, for 1993–94.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information for 1993–94 will be available later in the year when the accounts of trusts are audited. Trusts develop plans for capital expenditure in the current and future years within the overall constraints of their external financing limit and any necessary approval from the national health service executive for major capital schemes. Disclosure of planned capital expenditure may in some circumstances be commercially sensitive and it is therefore for individual trusts to determine the extent to which plans are disclosed.

  Wythenshawe Hospital Development Scheme
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 19 April,Official Report, columns 474–75, what progress has been made on the revision of the Wythenshawe hospital development scheme.

  Mr. Sackville
  The South Manchester University national health service trust is continuing to develop proposals for the redevelopment of Wythenshawe hospital. This will have to await the outcome of a clinical review of 120
  hospital services in south Manchester. This is being conducted by Professor Sir Herbert Duthie, provost of Cardiff medical school, who will report back to the North West regional health authority as soon as possible.

TRANSPORT

  Road Construction
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department or agencies take when placing contracts or inviting bids for the construction of roads, in order to ensure value for money and competition.

  Mr. Key
  Since 1 April, responsibility for managing, maintaining and improving the national road network in England now lies with the Highways Agency. As the information requested by the hon. Member relates to the agency which is responsible, I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Chris Smith, dated 21 June 1994.
  You put down a Parliamentary Question for answer by the Secretary of State concerning the measures taken to ensure value for money and competition when inviting bids or placing contracts for road construction work.
  As your Question deals with operational matters for which the Highways Agency is now responsible, as promised by the Minister, Robert Key, I am replying.
  To ensure value for money, the Highways Agency relies principally on inviting competitive bids for work to be carried out in accordance with a detailed design and specification.
  We are required by EC Directives (now enacted in domestic legislation) to advertise all public works contracts with an estimated value in excess of ECU 5 million (currently about £3·7 million). The Agency goes further by voluntarily advertising all contracts with an estimated value in excess of £1 million. This is in order to seek out the widest possible market competition and to maximise competitive opportunities for the industry.
  Contracts are awarded either on the basis of the lowest price, or the most economically advantageous bid after taking into account other factors such as the time taken to complete the work, or the likely future maintenance costs of the form of construction chosen by individual bidders.
  The Agency is continually looking at ways of improving value for money and increasing numbers of contracts, mainly for new roads, are being invited on a "design and build" basis. This encourages contractors to draw on their particular skills and experience in putting forward innovative construction proposals which offer greater "buildability" and better value for money for the taxpayer.
  The Department of Transport is also exploring more radical ways of achieving better value for money for the taxpayer and has recently invited expressions of interest to design, build, finance and operate new roads.

  Road Construction Companies
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the largest 10 contracts he or agencies of his Department have placed with contractors for the construction of roads, in each year from 1991–92, together with the value of those contracts in cash terms.

  Mr. Key
  Since 1 April, responsibility for managing maintaining and improving the national road network in England now lies with the Highways Agency. As the information requested by the hon. Member relates to operational matters of the Highways Agency, I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
  121
  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Chris Smith, dated 21 June 1994:

  Highest 10 contracts awarded in 1991–92

  Scheme

  Winning tender

  Award price £

  Date of award

  M20 Junctions 5–8 improvement

  Balfour Beatty Ltd.

  68,804,939

  4 July 1991

  John Laing

  M5 Widening Junctions 6–8

  Construction Ltd.

  59,368,900

  6 June 1991

  Tarmac Construction

  M1-A1 Link, Contracts 2 and 3 East of Naseby

  Ltd.

  35,617,820

  19 November 1991

  Tarmac Construction

  A30 Okehampton-Launceston

  Ltd.

  26,809,215

  29 August 1991

  Norwest Holst

  A20 Courtwood-Dover, Contract 3

  Construction Ltd.

  21,684,567

  14 May 1991

  AF Budge

  A41 Kings Langley Bypass, Contract 3

  (Contractors) Ltd.

  19,967,881

  19 June 1991

  Amey Construction

  A41 Berkhamsted Bypass, Contract 4B

  Ltd

  18,139,479

  11 December 1991

  Tarmac Construction

  M1-A1 Link, Thrapston-Brampton, Contract 9

  Ltd.

  16,364,732

  9 October 1991

  Costain Civil

  A23 Warninglid Flyover to Sayers Common

  Engineering Ltd.

  15,685,563

  9 October 1991

  Birse Construction

  A20 Folkestone-Courtwood Contract 2 (Viaduct)

  Ltd.

  11,550,041

  5 December 1991

  Highest 10 contracts awarded in 1993–94

  Scheme

  Winning tenderer

  Award price £ million

  Date of award

  A13 Thames Avenue—Wennington

  Balfour Beatty Ltd

  71,273,666

  9 February 1994

  M65 Blackburn Southern Bypass, Contract 1

  Tarmac Construction Ltd

  65,861,695

  4 February 1994

  A1 Walshford—Dishforth, North of Wetherby

  Alfred McAlpine Construction Ltd/Amec Civil Engineering joint venture

  53,795,508

  8 April 1993

  M25 Between Junction 7 (Merstham) and Junction 8 (Reigate)

  John Laing Construction Ltd

  45,979,928

  25 January 1994

  A4/A46 Batheaston—Swainswick Bypass

  Amey Construction Ltd

  44,953,293

  11 February 1994

  A249 Between Bobbing and North of Iwade, Kent

  Amec Civil Engineering Ltd

  35,721,035

  25 January 1994

  A417 Brockworth Bypass, East of Gloucester

  Wimpey Construction Ltd

  35,142,010

  2 December 1993

  M25 Widening Between Junctions 10 and 11

  John Mowlem Construction Ltd

  35,097,353

  23 December 1993

  A12 Hackney Wick to Redbridge Roundabout Contract 4

  Norwest Hoist Construction Ltd

  31,558,185

  27 July 1993

  A50 Blythe Bridge—Contract 1B

  Christiani/Kier joint venture

  28,414,397

  21 January 1994

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Transport what instructions are given to security staff in his departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Norris
  Security staff are advised to deal with any incident in an appropriate manner and to draw attention to local welfare facilities if that may help. My Department has no record of any problems in the last three months.
  122 You put down a Parliamentary Question for answer by the Secretary of State for Transport asking him to list the 10 largest contracts by value for the construction of roads awarded in each year from 1991–92.As the information you asked for concerns operational matters for which the Highways Agency is now responsible, as promised by the Minister, Robert Key, I am replying to your Questions.The information requested is set out in the attached tables.

  Seat Belts
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent, North (Ms Walley)Official Report, 25 February, column 464, if he has now received the report on the technical and cost implications of seat belts in minibuses and coaches; if he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Key
  I now have the report to hand and hope to be able to make an announcement shortly. Copies of the relevant papers will then be deposited in the Library.

  Marine Safety
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to extend port state control inspections in the light of the Donaldson report; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  We believe that port state control can operate effectively only if co-ordinated on a regional basis. Lord Donaldson also recognised this in recommending that we build upon the success of the Paris memorandum of understanding by adopting a system of self-targeting and enhancing the deterrent effect of port state inspections. The Secretary of State made it clear in his statement of 17 May that we would pursue Lord Donaldson's recommendations with our European partners. He raised the issue at the Transport Council on 13 June and we intend to take every opportunity to develop these proposals further in discussion with our colleagues in the Paris MOU and the EU.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what discussions he has had with the Foreign Secretary in respect of defective Russian and Baltic ships; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  Department of Transport and Foreign and Commonwealth officials have worked together in responding to the problems that have arisen in respect of ships from the Russian Federation and the Baltic states. Officials from both Departments have discussed the problems with diplomatic representatives of the states concerned emphasising the need for effective action in respect of defective ships flying their flags.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) Russian and (b) Baltic State ships the

  Staff in post

  Number of staff at grade

  Office

  4

  5

  6

  71

  SEO

  SURV

  HEO

  EO

  AO

  AA

  Others2

  Spring Place

  1

  3

  9

  32

  2

  18

  20

  21·5

  27

  8

  13

  London District

  —

  —

  1

  7

  —

  10

  1

  1

  7

  1

  2

  South and South West District

  —

  —

  1

  5

  —

  15

  1

  2

  5

  2

  4·5

  North East and East District

  —

  —

  1

  9

  —

  15·5

  1

  2

  6

  —

  9·5

  North West and Wales District

  —

  —

  1

  5

  —

  12

  1

  2

  7

  3

  5

  West of Scotland and Northern Ireland District

  —

  —

  1

  5

  —

  15

  1

  1

  3

  3

  4

  East of Scotland District

  —

  —

  1

  6

  —

  11

  1

  1

  5·5

  2

  3

  1Includes Principal Surveyors.

  2Includes personal secretaries, typists, casuals, messengers.

  HEADQUARTERS

  Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton, Hants

  S015 1EG

  Tel: 0703 329100

  LONDON DISTRICT

  District Marine Office

  District Chief Surveyor

  Central Court, lb Knoll Rise, Orpington,

  Kent BR6 OJA

  Tel: 0689 890400

  District Sub-Office

  59 Deneside, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 2HL

  Tel: 0493 851421

  SOUTH AND SOUTH WEST DISTRICT

  District Marine Office

  District Chief Surveyor

  124
  Marine Safety Agency has detained in British ports since 1 April on account of (i) unseaworthiness or (ii) serious defects.

  Mr. Norris
  The number of Russian-registered and Baltic states-registered ships detained by the Marine Safety Agency as unsafe or for non-compliance with merchant shipping regulations between 1 April and 10 June 1994 is given in the table:

  Russian

  Baltic States

  Unsafe

  1

  Nil

  Non-compliance with merchant shipping regulations

  5

  1

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff there are in each grade at each Marine Safety Agency office; and what is the address of each office.

  Mr. Norris
  Robin Bradley, the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency will send a reply to the hon. Member.

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 17 March 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Transport about the number of staff there are in each grade at each marine safety agency office, and the address of each office.
  Please find attached a table showing the number of staff in post for Headquarters and each marine district by grade and a list of addresses for each office.

  Spring Place, 105 Commercial Road, Southampton,

  Hants. 5015 lEG

  Tel: 0703 329329

  District Sub-Offices

  Imperial Buildings, Bar Road, Falmouth,

  Cornwall TR11 4NW

  Tel: 0326 312761

  Phoenix House, Notte Street, Plymouth,

  Devon PL1 2HF

  Tel: 0752 266211

  NORTH EAST AND EAST District

  District Marine Office

  District Chief Surveyor

  Government Buildings, Broadway West, Gosforth,

  Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE3 2JL

  Tel: 091 285 7171

  125

  District Sub-Offices

  Ground and 3rd Floors, 12–16 Woodlands Road,

  Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS 1 3BE

  Tel: 0642 246034

  Crosskill House, Mill Lane, Beverley,

  Humberside HU17 9JB

  Tel: 0482 866606

  NORTH WEST AND WEST DISTRICT

  District Marine Office

  District Chief Surveyor

  2nd Floor, Graeme House, Derby Square, Liverpool,

  Merseyside L2 75Q.

  Tel. 051 471 1142.

  District Sub-offices

  3rd Floor, Oxford House, The Hayes, Cardiff, South

  Glamorgan CF1 2TD.

  Tel: 0222 229556.

  Customs House, Clayton Street, Avonmouth, Bristol,

  Avon BS1 1DX.

  Tel. 0272 822931.

  Crown Buildings, Nantucket Avenue, Milford Haven, SA73 2DD.

  Tel. 0646 693272.

  WEST OF SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND DISTRICT

  District Marine Office

  Chief Surveyor

  6000 Academy Park, Gower Street, Glasgow GS1 1TR.

  Tel. 041 427 9400.

  District Sub-office

  Customs Home, Queens Square, Belfast BT1 3ET

  Tel. 0232 234466.

  EAST OF SCOTLAND DISTRICT

  District Marine Office

  District Surveyor,

  Blaikies Quay, Aberdeen AB9 2AZ.

  Tel. 0224 574122.

  District Sub-offices

  1 John's Place, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 7EL.

  Tel. 031 554 5488.

  The Port Administration Building, Selta Ness, Graven

  Mossbank, Shetland ZE2 9QR.

  Tel. 0806 242 090.

  REGISTER OF SHIPPING AND SEAMEN

  Unit 12. Cheviot Close, Parc Ty Glas, Llanishen, Cardiff

  CF4 5FU.

  Tel. 0222 747333.

  Air Traffic Control
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those countries in which the air traffic control service has been privatised.

  Mr. Norris
  I know of none whose air traffic control service has been fully privatised in the sense that it is wholly or predominantly owned by shareholders or by organisations outside Government. But I understand that Switzerland's air traffic control service—SwissControl—is only partly owned by the Swiss Government. Over the past few years, greater commercialisation has been the trend throughout the world, and, for example, in Germany and New Zealand ATC provision has been removed from the machinery of Government and established in some form of corporate body.

  Coastal Shipping
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to increase use of coastal shipping.

  Mr. Norris
  The choice of transport mode for freight is rightly a commercial decision. However, in July 1991 my Department held a "Roads to Water" seminar to raise awareness of the potential of coastal shipping and inland water transport among freight users.

  Following this meeting, two studies were commissioned, one to determine current traffic patterns in the short sea and coastal sectors and to identify the potential for shifting freight from roads to water; the other to consider the interaction between the planning system and the provision and/or retention of waterside freight facilities.

  Executive summaries of both studies have been sent to the hon. Member: copies have also been placed in the Library.

  Transport Supplementary Grant, North Yorkshire
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the transport supplementary grant settlement for North Yorkshire in each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Key
  Transport supplementary grant for North Yorkshire in each of the last 10 years have been provided as follows:

  Transport Supplementary Grant (net)

  Year

  £ million

  1985–86

  3·482

  1986–87

  3·562

  1987–88

  3·552

  1988–89

  1·925

  1989–90

  2·653

  1990–91

  3·444

  1991–92

  6·157

  1992–93

  6·452

  1993–94

  9·645

  1994–95

  4·298

  Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 22 March,Official Report, column 145, about the right of local residents to object to the granting of an operator's licence following deregulation, at what point in that process the right will be exercisable.

  Mr. Key
  The Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill contains no provisions for changing the timing of local residents' exercise of their right to object to the grant of an operator's licence.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. Redmond) of 28 February,Official Report, column 563, about goods vehicle operators, how he plans to ensure that members of the public know (a) the location and (b) the function of their local traffic office.

  Mr. Key
  The address and telephone number of the local traffic area office is given in British Telecom telephone directories under "Department of Transport". The address is also given in the statutory advertisements made by applicants for goods vehicle operator licences.
  127
  The function of the traffic area offices is set out in the "Traffic Area Network Annual Report" available from the Traffic Area Co-ordination Division, Department of Transport, Room P2/028, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3EB. A summary is also published in a "Code of Practice for the Traffic Area Offices", available from each traffic area office.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to market-test the processing of applications for goods and public service vehicle operator licensing; and how he intends to ensure that no unfair advantage is given to certain operators and that the rights of local residents are maintained.

  Mr. Key
  As part of the Government's "Competing for Quality" programme, we will be considering the feasibility of market-testing or contracting-out the routine processing of applications for operator licences. Contracting out would not affect the requirement for impartiality or the rights of local residents.

  Area Budgets
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each traffic area office the budget for running costs this financial year and the budget for the previous financial year.

  Mr. Key
  The budget figures are as follows:

  Traffic area office

  Budget 1993–94 (£)

  Budget 1994–95 (£)

  North Eastern

  1,413,651

  1,277,630

  North Western

  1,579,452

  1,534,090

  West Midland

  1,179,320

  1,102,719

  Eastern

  1,453,827

  1,421,599

  South Wales

  731,113

  656,340

  Western

  1,245,515

  1,406,395

  South Eastern and Metropolitan

  1,406,395

  1,369,381

  Scottish

  1,505,043

  1,150,732

  Total

  10,514,316

  9,668,418

  Driving Standards Agency
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer on 22 February,Official Report, column 116, whether work on the future of the chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency includes the future of the agency; and what considerations underlay the award to him of a bonus for this work.

  Mr. Key
  I have nothing to add to the answer given on 22 February.

  Transport Research Laboratory
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 7 March,Official Report, column 4, regarding the hiring of a temporary accountant for the Transport Research Laboratory, who was absent between 5 May 1993 and 27 August 1993, and why.

  Mr. Key
  During the period 5 May 1993 to 27 August 1993 an existing member of the Transport Research Laboratory staff studying for accountancy qualifications was absent on study leave. In the interim, a fully qualified 128
  accountant was hired to cover the period of absence and to assist in the preparation of the first set of commercial accounts for the Transport Research Laboratory. The Transport Research Laboratory did not have the requisite expertise to complete this work in-house.

  Trust Ports
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give full details of all European regional development fund moneys paid to trust ports in each of the last three years.

  Mr. Norris
  This information is not immediately available. It is being gathered and I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the implications for the payment of European regional development fund funds to(a) trust ports, (b) former trust ports now privatised and (c) trust ports eligible for compulsory privatisation under the Ports Act 1991.

  Mr. Norris
  Under the present rules, there are no special implications for trust or former trust ports. It is open to them to bid for ERDF funds in the same way as all ports. Their bids, as with all ERDF bids, would be assessed by the appropriate regional committee.

  Travel Costs
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for the last financial year the total costs of travel and subsistence for each of the chief executives in his Department and his permanent under-secretary.

  Mr. Norris
  Executive agency chief executives incurred the following costs for travel and subsistence in the last financial year:

  £

  Driving Standards Agency

  4,384·47

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

  8,286·00

  DVOIT

  3,563·67

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  3,288·67

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  4,833·00

  Transport Research Laboratory

  4,565·54

  The permanent under-secretary incurred costs of £6,113·05 for travel and subsistence in the last financial year.

  Traffic Area Offices
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether agency status for the traffic area offices has been postponed.

  Mr. Key
  Yes.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he intends to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the traffic commissioner in the north-west traffic area office next year.

  Mr. Key
  My right hon. Friend will consider in due course what arrangements to make for a replacement.
  129
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the outcome of the review undertaken of the grading of public inquiry clerks in the traffic area offices; whether his officials will discuss the review with the appropriate trade unions; and if he will place a copy of the review in the Library.

  Mr. Key
  The Department's internal review concluded that the main duties of the public inquiry clerk clearly fall within the guidelines for the current grading of the post as administrative officer. An element of the duties could be attributed to the executive officer grade but the percentage was insufficient to justify regrading the post.

  I would be happy for officials to discuss the results of the review with the Departmental trade unions. A copy of the report will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the parliamentary constituencies covered by each traffic area office.

  Mr. Key
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Coastguard Agency
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff there are in each grade at each Coastguard Agency office; and what is the address of each office.

  Mr. Norris
  The tables give details of all the coastguard regional offices, maritime rescue co-ordination centres and maritime rescue sub-centres.

  In addition, there are 90 sector offices—housing one, or, at the most, two, sector officers. These staff have been included in the relevant MRCC and MRSC figures.

  North and East Scotland Regional Office

  Staff Complement

  Marine House, Blaikies Quay,

  1xRegional Controller

  Aberdeen AB 1 2PB

  1xDeputy Regional Controller

  1xEO 1x1·5xAO

  0·5xTypist

  MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE

  Marine House, Blaikies Quay,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Aberdeen AB1 2PB

  2xStation Officer

  8xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  15xWatch Officer

  Maritime Rescue Sub Centres

  Cromwell Road, Kirkwall, Orkney

  1xDistrict Controller

  KW15 1LN

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  8xWatch Officer

  The Knab, Knab Road, Lerwick,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Shetland ZEI OAX

  2xStation Officer

  2xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  8xWatch Officer

  Fifeness, Crail, Fife KY10 3xN

  1xDistrict Controller

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  8xWatch Officer

  130

  West of Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Office

  Staff Complement

  Navy Building, Eldon Street,

  1xRegional Controller

  Renfrewshire PA16 7QY

  1xDeputy Regional Controller

  1xEO 1xl·5xAO

  0·5xTypist

  MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE

  Navy Building, Eldon Street,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Renfrewshire PA16 7QY

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  10xWatch Officer

  Maritime Rescue Sub Centres

  Bregenz House, Quay Street, Bangor,

  1xDistrict Controller

  County Down BT20 5E

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  9xWatch Officer

  Boswell House, Argyll Square, Oban,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Argyllshire PA34 4BD

  2xStation Officer

  3xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  8xWatch Officer

  Battery Point, Stornoway, Isle of

  1xDistrict Controller

  Lewis PA87 2RT

  2xStation Officer

  3xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  8xWatch Officer

  South West Regional Office

  Staff Complement

  Imperial Building, Bar Road,

  1xRegional Controller

  Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4NW

  1xDeputy Regional Controller

  1xEO 1·5xAO

  0·5xAA 0·5xTypist

  0·5xMessenger

  MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE

  Pendennis Point, Castle Drive,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4WZ

  3xStation Officer

  5xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  12xWatch Officer

  Maritime Rescue Sub Centres

  Kings Quay, Brixham,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Devon TQ5 9TW

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  10xWatch Officer

  Customs House Quay, Weymouth,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Dorset DT4 8BE

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  10xWatch Officer

  Western Regional Office

  Staff Complement

  164–166 Overland Road, Mumbles,

  1xRegional Controller

  Swansea SA3 4EU

  1xDeputy Regional Controller

  1xEO 1xl·5xAO

  0·5xAA

  MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE

  Tutt Head, Mumbles, Swansea SA3

  1xDistrict Controller

  4EX

  2xStation Officer

  7xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  l4xWatch Officer

  131

  Staff Complement

  Maritime Rescue Sub Centres

  Gorsewood Drive, Hakin, Milford

  1xDistrict Controller

  Haven SA73 3ER

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  9xWatch Officer

  Prince of Wales Road, Holyhead,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Anglesey, Gwynedd LL65 1ET

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  8xWatch Officer

  Hall Road West, Crosby, Liverpool

  1xDistrict Controller

  L23 8SY

  2xStation Officer

  5xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  10xWatch Officer

  Eastern Regional Office

  Staff Complement

  Fifth Floor, Havenbridge House,

  1xRegional Controller

  Great Yarmouth NR30 1HZ

  1xDeputy Regional Controller

  1xEO 1x1·5xAO

  0·5xTypist

  MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE

  Fourth Floor, Havenbridge House,

  1xDistrict Controller

  Great Yarmouth NR30 1HZ

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  5xSenior Watch Officer

  10xWatch Officer

  Maritime Rescue Sub Centres

  Lime Kiln Lane, Bridlington, North

  1xDistrict Controller

  Humberside YO15 2LX

  2xStation Officer

  5xSector Officer

  5xSenior Watch Officer

  9xWatch Officer

  Priory Grounds, North Shields, Tyne

  1xDistrict Controller

  and Wear NE30 4DA

  2xStation Officer

  4xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  9xWatch Officer

  South Eastern Regional Office

  Staff Complement

  Langdon Battery, Swingate, Dover

  1xRegional Controller

  CT15 5NA

  1xDeputy Regional Controller

  1xEO 1·5xAO

  1xTypist

  MARITIME RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE

  Langdon Battery, Swingate, Dover

  1xDistrict Controller

  CT15 5NA

  6xStation Officer

  3xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  17xWatch Officer

  Maritime Rescue Sub Centres

  East Terrace, Walton-on-Naze, Essex

  1xDistrict Controller

  CO14 8PY

  2xStation Officer

  5xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  9xWatch Officer

  Whytecroft House, 44A Marine

  1xDistrict Controller

  Parade West, Lee on Solent,

  2xStation Officer

  Hampshire PO13 9WR

  6xSector Officer

  4xSenior Watch Officer

  14xWatch Officer

  132

  Training Centre

  Staff Complement

  Steamer Point, Highcliffe,

  1xInspector

  Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4JQ

  1xDistrict Controller

  5xStation Officer

  1xSector Officer

  1xEO 1xAA

  0·5xTypist

  Headquarters

  Spring Place, 105, Commercial Road,

  1xChief Executive (G4)

  Southampton SO15 1EG

  4xDirectors (1xG5, 3xG6)

  3xInspector

  4xDistrict Controller

  2xSector Officer

  6xG7

  3xSEO

  1xSSO

  8xHEO

  13xEO

  12xAO

  5.5xAA

  3xSecretary

  1xSupport Manager 3

  6xManager

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many staff at grade 7 and above were employed in each executive agency in his Department in each year since 1989 and at the latest available date.

  Mr. Norris
  The information, which is expressed as the number of posts, is as follows:

  The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency was established in 1990 and the figures are:

  Number

  1990–91

  60·5

  1991–92

  57·5

  1992–93

  43·0

  1993–94

  38·5

  Current

  34·5

  The Drivers, Vehicles and Operators Information Technology Centre was established as an Agency in 1992 and privatised on 17 December 1993. The figures are:

  Number

  1992–93

  13·7

  1993–94

  12·0

  The Driving Standards Agency was established in 1990 and the figures are:

  Number

  1990–91

  11

  1991–92

  12

  1992–93

  12

  1993–94

  11

  Current

  12

  The Vehicle Components Agency was established in 1990 and the figures are:
  133

  Year

  Number

  1990–91

  6

  1991–92

  6

  1992–93

  6

  1993–94

  7

  Current

  7

  The Vehicle Inspectorate was established in 1989 but figures for 1989–90 and 1990–91 could only be made available at disproportionate cost. The subsequent figures are:

  Year

  Number

  1991–92

  31

  1992–93

  29

  1993–94

  28

  Current

  27

  The Transport Research Laboratory was established in 1992 and the figures are:

  Year

  Number

  1992–93

  111·4

  1993–94

  104·8

  Current

  104·8

  The Highways Agency, the Coastguard Agency and the Marine Safety Agency were all established on 1 April 1994 and the current figures are 347, 17 and 70 respectively.

  Bull Bars
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what research he has undertaken into the(a) extent of bull bar attachments to on-road vehicles, (b) their use and (c) any danger they pose to pedestrians;

  (2) if he will ban the use of bull bars on on-road vehicles; and if he will make a statement;

  (3) what is his assessment of the danger of bull bars attached to on-road vehicles.

  Mr. Key
  No research has been undertaken into the extent of the fitment and use of bull bars to road vehicles. However, estimates suggest that about 2 per cent. of new vehicles are being fitted with them.

  Impact tests using an instrumented child-size headform on a bull bar have shown that the severity of an impact on a bull bar appears significantly more severe than on a flexible bonnet. We have therefore taken steps to identify accidents where a pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle fitted with a bull bar with a view to determining whether bull bars are causing increased injuries. We do not expect to see results from this exercise before the end of 1994. It would not be sensible to legislate before considering those results.

  Staff Surplus, Eastcote
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will consult with trade unions over the staff surplus situation at Eastcote.

  Mr. Norris
  My officials are in touch with the relevant trade unions and will be meeting representatives shortly to discuss the staffing position at Eastcote.

  Port Facilities
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to improve port facilities.

  Mr. Norris
  The Government's policies towards the commercial ports have created the conditions which enable ports to take full advantage of commercial opportunities and improve their service to the consumer and user. It is for each port to decide what improvement in its port facilities is necessary.

  Airlines Information Manual
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the travel information manual used by British and international airlines.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 17 June 1994]: The travel information manual is published monthly in the Netherlands by a consortium of airlines. I am arranging for a recent edition to be placed in the Library.

  Rail Safety
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fires have occurred on(a) British Rail and (b) Network SouthEast in each month since 1991 and each year since April 1984; and how many of these occurred (i) on rolling stock, (ii) at stations, (iii) on tracks in tunnels, (iv) on open tracks, (v) on escalators, (vi) on lifts and (vii) in other locations.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information is not available in the format requested. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate maintains records of railway accidents and casualties. Its records do not differentiate between railway regions.

  Railway fire statistics other than fires on trains have only been collated since 1989 and a monthly breakdown is not possible.

  Details of railway fires are given in chapter 5 of the "Annual Report on Railway Safety in Great Britain" for each year. Copies are available in the House Library.

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give(a) the total number of passenger fatalities, (b) the total number of serious injuries to passengers and (c) the total number of minor injuries to passengers on (i) British Rail and (ii) Network SouthEast for each month since 1991 and each year since 1984, giving for each of the categories the number which occurred in (1) train accidents, (2) accidents through the movement of railway vehicles, (3) accidents on railway premises and (4) trespassers and suicide.

  Mr. Freeman
  The information is not available in the format requested. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate maintains records of railway accidents and casualties. Its records do not readily differentiate between railway operators, or regions. Statistics are provided on a yearly cycle and it is not possible to give a breakdown by month.

  The table gives the available information.
  135

  Passenger Accidents 1984–1992–93

  Train accidents

  Movement accidents

  Non movement accidents

  Year

  Fatals

  Serious injuries

  Minor injuries

  Fatals

  Serious injuries

  Minor injuries

  Fatals

  Serious injuries

  Minor injuries

  1984

  18

  28

  358

  21

  52

  2,348

  0

  35

  3,438

  1985

  0

  31

  230

  31

  42

  2,341

  2

  51

  3,467

  1986

  8

  44

  298

  23

  70

  2,273

  1

  55

  3,522

  1987

  3

  13

  297

  36

  80

  2,609

  29

  84

  3,566

  1988

  34

  75

  540

  34

  102

  2,619

  1

  132

  3,903

  1989

  6

  39

  272

  25

  97

  2,601

  2

  132

  4,297

  1990

  0

  13

  144

  37

  107

  2,551

  2

  104

  3,543

  1991–921

  2

  18

  289

  53

  73

  2,181

  3

  101

  3,318

  1992–93

  0

  3

  63

  26

  79

  2,335

  2

  156

  3,727

  1From 1991 statistics have been collated and produced in financial years (April—March).

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many notifiable train accidents have occurred on(a) British Rail and (b) Network SouthEast in each month since 1991 and in each year since 1984; and how many of these were the result of (i) collisions with buffer stops, (ii) derailments of passenger trains, (iii) derailments of non-passenger trains, (iv) running into obstructions, (v) fires on trains and (vi) other accidents.

  Train accidents 1984–1992–93

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  Year

  Total number of train accidents1

  Buffer stop collisions

  Passenger train derailment

  Non passenger train derailment

  Running into obstructions

  Fires on trains

  Other accidents including other collisions

  1984

  1,359

  55

  33

  197

  471

  168

  435

  1985

  1,240

  60

  30

  199

  440

  191

  320

  1986

  1,171

  55

  34

  158

  451

  174

  299

  1987

  1,164

  53

  20

  172

  390

  191

  338

  1988

  1,258

  58

  16

  187

  457

  221

  319

  1989

  1,368

  62

  23

  154

  481

  271

  377

  1990

  1,230

  41

  23

  154

  458

  228

  326

  1991–922

  918

  28

  13

  119

  328

  213

  217

  1992–93

  1,092

  23

  11

  164

  520

  187

  187

  1The total number of train accidents is made up of Columns B to G.

  2From 1991 statistics have been collated and produced in financial years (April—March).

  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give the total number of(a) staff and contractor fatalities, (b) serious injuries to staff and contractors and (c) minor injuries to staff and contractors on (i) British Rail and (ii) Network SouthEast for each month since 1991 and each year since 1984, giving for each of the categories the number which occurred in (1) train accidents, (2) accidents through the movement of railway vehicles (3) accidents on railway premises and (4) trespassers and suicide.

  Staff and contractors accidents 1984–1992–93

  Train accidents

  Movement accidents

  Non movement accidents

  Year

  Fatals

  Serious injuries

  Minor injuries

  Fatals

  Serious injuries

  Minor injuries

  Fatals

  Serious injuries

  Minor injuries

  1984

  6

  8

  60

  14

  15

  58

  5

  104

  2,426

  1985

  0

  9

  79

  16

  37

  59

  9

  120

  2,413

  1986

  5

  23

  114

  8

  25

  55

  3

  127

  2,564

  1987

  1

  5

  60

  11

  34

  50

  4

  199

  2,562

  1988

  2

  6

  62

  11

  36

  49

  3

  231

  2,911

  1989

  6

  18

  53

  8

  28

  35

  4

  231

  2,770

  1990

  1

  6

  67

  19

  48

  68

  2

  252

  2,916

  1991–19921

  2

  6

  59

  9

  39

  65

  6

  233

  3,102

  1992–1993

  1

  5

  69

  5

  34

  106

  5

  245

  3,173

  1Since 1991 statistics have been collated and produced in financial years (April—March).

  136
  Mr. Freeman
  The information is not available in the format requested. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate maintains records of railway accidents and casualties. Its records do not differentiate between railway regions. Statistics are provided on a yearly cycle and it is not possible to give a breakdown by month.

  Train accident statistics have been broken down into separate railway operators only since 1988. The table therefore lists all train operator accidents until 1988 and British Rail-only accidents from then on.

  Mr. Roger Freeman
  The information is not available in the format requested. The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate maintains records of railway accidents and casualties. Its records do not differentiate between railway operators' and contractors' staff, nor do they readily differentiate between railway operators. Statistics are provided on a yearly cycle and it is not possible to give a breakdown by month.

  The table gives all the available information.
  137

  Trespassers and suicides1

  Year

  Killed

  Major injuries

  Minor injuries

  1984

  339

  79

  49

  1985

  318

  90

  38

  1986

  325

  93

  27

  1987

  317

  82

  19

  1988

  334

  85

  44

  1989

  293

  72

  20

  1990

  285

  96

  27

  1991–92

  242

  69

  23

  1992–93

  244

  72

  17

  1Does not distinguish between employee/contractor or member of the public.

  National Air Traffic Services
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what specific steps he will take to ensure that in the event of the privatisation of the National Air Traffic Services—NATS—any non-air traffic control regulatory powers remaining with the Civil Aviation Authority do not present a conflict of interest between the CAA's need to reduce costs to itself through contracted-in air traffic services from NATS, and its continuing regulatory responsibilities regarding equipment, procedures and airspace design.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: The detailed regulatory arrangements for NATS, in the event of privatisation, are currently under consideration. The privatised body would be subject to both safety and economic regulation and we will endeavour to ensure that there is no conflict of interest between the two. The prime purpose of air traffic control is to ensure the safe and expeditious movement of aircraft—this will not change in the event of privatisation.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he will take to separate air traffic control service provision and regulation by giving consideration to the desirability of transferring the Civil Aviation Authority's air traffic services regulatory function, at present within the remit of the safety regulation group's air traffic services standards department, to the Department of Transport or the Health and Safety Executive or to another independent organisation.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: Our proposal to privatise the national air traffic services is intended, inter alia, to separate air traffic control service provision from the Civil Aviation Authority's regulatory functions. We have no plans to transfer the safety regulation of air traffic services from the Civil Aviation Authority to any other body.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration has been given to the maximum number of shares to be held by any single organisation or airline in a privatised National Air Traffic Services.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: I shall be considering this issue in the light of the public consultation currently taking place.

  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account was taken in preparing his consultation paper on the privatisation of the National Air 138
  Traffic Services of any international experience in the privatisation of air traffic control; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: As far as I am aware, there are no fully privatised air traffic control systems in the usual sense of the word. But over the past few years, greater commercialisation has been the trend throughout the world, and ATC provision has been removed from the machinery of Government and established in some form of corporate body, for example in Portugal, Germany and New Zealand. The decision to go to consultation on the proposal to privatise the National Air Traffic Services was taken in the light of this knowledge, and the proposal itself is a logical extension of the trend towards commercialisation.

  Ml (Delays)
  Mr. Janner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of delays on the M1 during the past 12 months.

  Mr. Key
  As this is an operational matter for the Highways Agency, the chief executive will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Greville Janner, dated 20 June 1994:
  You recently put down a Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the cost of delays on the MI during the past 12 months. As this falls within the Highways Agency's area of responsibility, I have been asked to reply to your question.
  We do not have a precise figure for the cost of delays on the MI. There has been no pressing need to obtain one since maintenance works are an essential and continuing task and driven by the commitment to keep the network in a reasonable state of repair. However, a rough estimate of delay costs for the past 12 months is £70M, which represents just over 10 per cent. of the figure for the motorway network as a whole.
  In recent years, delay cost figures have increasingly reflected the growing use of incentive (lane rental) contracts which are completed approximately 30 per cent. faster than conventional ones and therefore have a significant effect on reducing disruption. The even greater use of lane rental now (it is currently used for every scheme unless there are technical reasons why it cannot be) is expected to have yet further influence on minimising delays. We know that since the introduction of lane rental in 1984, the saving to road users has been in excess of £120M.
  While we do not routinely measure delays at roadworks, we do use a system called 'QUADRO' (QUeues And Delays at ROad works) which estimates the cost of delays and accidents at individual scheme sites. This is used extensively to optimise traffic management arrangements at roadworks.
  Considerable effort is made to keep delays on the network to a minimum. Apart from lane rental, some of the measures that have been taken include combining essential maintenance work with motorway widening schemes, together with the greater use of night-time and weekend working, mobile lane closures, narrow lanes and tidal flow systems. And we are constantly reviewing the scope for adding further initiatives to the list.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Income Support
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many income support and unemployment benefit claimants have(a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully claimed income support under the hardship rules for each region, for Great Britain as a whole and for each

  139
  quarter since April 1990, showing those whose claim was in doubt due to their (i) not actively seeking work, (ii) refusing suitable employment and (iii) availability for work.

  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 the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Ms Clare Short, dated 20 June 1994:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for details of payments made by way of Income Support under the hardship rules.
  I have attached information which relates to the period from June 1993. Information prior to this date is already available in the Library (Official Report Vol. 196 Col. 634: Vol. 199 Col. 81: Vol. 208 Cols. 239–240 and Vol. 229 Cols. 1017–1018).
  The number of customers who have successfully or unsuccessfully applied for a hardship payment because they have refused suitable employment are included in the number of customers whose claim is in doubt because of their availability for employment. I regret it is not possible to break this figure down.
  The information provided has been obtained from the Benefits Agency Management Information Statistics. The figures are based on the Benefits Agency's Territorial structure, which has been in force since 1991.
  This information will, in future, be placed on a quarterly basis in the Library. I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Territory

  June 1993

  Sept. 1993

  Dec. 1993

  March 1994

  Actively seeking work—hardship applications

  Scotland and Northern

  A

  21

  52

  10

  113

  R

  84

  18

  16

  30

  Wales and Central

  A

  47

  69

  86

  97

  R

  37

  78

  96

  149

  Southern

  A

  78

  122

  55

  62

  R

  40

  155

  47

  79

  National totals

  A

  146

  243

  151

  272

  R

  161

  155

  159

  258

  Territory

  June 1993

  Sept. 1993

  Dec. 1993

  March 1994

  Availability for work—hardship applications

  Scotland and Northern

  A

  86

  193

  76

  97

  R

  92

  82

  82

  32

  Wales and Central

  A

  93

  124

  136

  197

  R

  73

  79

  95

  113

  Southern

  A

  440

  485

  533

  340

  R

  600

  711

  667

  602

  National totals

  A

  619

  802

  745

  643

  R

  765

  872

  844

  747

  A=Awards.

  R=Refusal.

  Benefits Office, Lewisham and Brixton
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce play facilities in Lewisham and Brixton district benefit office.

  Mr. Burt
  The provision of play facilities within benefit offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
  140
  Letter from Michael Bichard to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 20 June 1994:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what plans there are to introduce play facilities in Lewisham and Brixton Offices.
  The Benefits Agency is committed to improving the facilities for customers who visit our offices; public areas of offices are being upgraded as funds allow. Managers have the freedom to decide how best to improve facilities for their customers within the available resources.
  In the last three years four of the five locations in South Circular District, including Lewisham and Brixton, have been refurbished to provide better facilities for customers. The improvements have taken account of customers' preferences by providing increased privacy, more comfortable seating, carpets, improved facilities for the disabled, a mother and baby room and a television.
  A project team has been set up to look at further ways to make improvements including, where space permits, providing designated play areas. There are a number of issues to consider but management hope that within the next twelve to eighteen months they will be able to provide play facilities.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Social Fund
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what checks are made to ensure that claimants, who are signing on as unemployed, do not overpay their(a) crisis loans or (b) social fund loans.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 20 June 1994:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what checks are made to ensure that unemployed customers do not overpay their loans from the Social Fund (SF).
  I should explain that there are two categories of checks which are made to avoid unemployed customers overpaying their loans; these are automated and clerical.
  The automated checks are made via the Social Fund Computer System (SFCS), which replaced microcomputer equipment nearing the end of its potential life and is now fully operational. There are a range of in-built features in SFCS to prevent the over recovery of loans. At every stage of the recovery process case controls ensure that the correct recovery procedure is adhered to. When a date is entered for the commencement of deductions, a date for the cessation of those deductions is automatically set. If this is not done, daily reminders are generated.
  In addition to these automated checks there are also locally prescribed clerical checks to keep the system up to date and prevent incorrect levels of recovery. The recovery procedure confirms that the system is operating efficiently and compares the records held on the benefit sections with those on the system. Any discrepancy would be rectified as a result of this procedure.
  If, in spite of these procedures an overpayment is made, a refund will be made or, where there is another loan to be repaid, the amount overpaid will be offset against this loan.
  I am aware that in some Districts there have been problems where unemployed customers have had deductions made by the Employment Services (ES) and, despite the Benefits Agency being notified by the ES that deductions have ceased, they have continued resulting in an overpayment. The chances of this happening in future will be greatly reduced by a major change to the system, planned for April 1995, which is to automate the interface between SFCS and the Income Support Computer System.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide details of the procedure by
  141
  which the social fund budget is allocated to each district; whether such procedure takes into account the demographic constitution of the area; how such procedure affects the allocation; and how a significant number of refugees affects the budget allocation for an area.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Robert Wareing, dated 20 June 1994:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for information concerning the procedures by which the Social Fund budget is allocated to individual Benefits Agency Districts.
  There are three main factors which are taken into account in deciding annual allocations to Districts. These are:
  the previous year's budget for the particular District:
  the value of awards made by individual Districts in the previous year, plus an estimated value for any application refused on priority grounds; and
  the District's share of the national income Support caseload, weighted by client group.
  The combination of these three factors help to ensure that budgets reflect the individual circumstances of each District. Ministers decided that for 1994–95 all District budgets for grants and loans should be increased by 2% and this increase added to the underlying baseline budgets set previously by reference to the factors mentioned above.
  District Managers are asked to plan their budgets for the year ahead, and are encouraged to consider the possibility of unforeseen expenditure, such as an increase in applications from particular groups of customers. Aside from these local contingency arrangements, there are also national procedures to help Districts facing excessive budgetary pressures which could not have been anticipated by Managers' earlier planning.
  Since the Fund was introduced in 1988, these national contingency procedures have been used to provide additional help to Districts on a number of occasions.
  The most recent example of this was extra funding made available to the North Wales Coast District to help victims of flooding. Additional allocations have also been made to assist with a local increase in applications caused by, for example, an influx of refugees from other countries to individual Districts. Such allocations are based upon information provided by Districts.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what provision exists so that applicants for the disability living allowance who have had their application rejected are informed of their right to appeal;

  (2) what steps are taken to ensure the appropriate competence of adjudication officers who assess claimants for the disability living allowance.

  Mr. Scott
  The administration of disability living allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 20 June 1994:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Questions on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) asking about (i) information given to customers on the right to appeal, and (ii) the steps taken to ensure the appropriate level of competence of Adjudication Officers.
  I should first of all explain that when notification of the decision of an Adjudication Officer is sent out to a customer, an
  142
  information sheet accompanies it. Amongst other information, reference to a right of review is made, in the event of disallowance of an initial claim to DLA. Similarly, following an unsuccesful review of a contested decision on a claim customers are advised of their entitlement to an appeal. I have enclosed for your attention copies of the pertinent narratives detailing the information given to customers.
  Adjudication officers are independent of the Department and make decisions based on evidence and the law. Monitoring is carried out by the Central Adjudication Service (CAS) on behalf of the Chief Adjudication Officer. Accuracy figures are routinely collected and published and Adjudication Officers are given ongoing support and training to ensure that decision making is informed and consistent.
  In addition to the monitoring performed by CAS the Disability Living Allowance Unit (DLAU) has an Adjudication Checking and Advice Team (ACAT) which also acts as a monitor. Customer complaints, difficulties and suggestions together with staff suggestions, the results of monitoring and other quality initiatives to lift service are fed into training as a matter of course.
  The DLAU are in the process of reviewing the role of ACAT. The team is to be increased in size and its remit extended to address issues raised both internally and externally.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many letters he has received on the subject of beggars in the last three months.

  Mr. Burt
  Statistics are not kept on the numbers of letters concerning beggars.

  Incomes
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current take-up rate of income support by those potentially eligible to claim in the 55 to 65-year age group for(a) men and (b) women.

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the precise form requested. Estimates of the take-up of income support are available for pensioners and non-pensioner family types and can be found in "Income Related Benefits —Estimates of Take-up in 1990 and 1991" published earlier this year, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will give the projected average income for single pensioners(a) male and (b) female between 1994 and 2000; and what estimate he has made of average income for full-time employment in the same time period.

  Mr. Hague
  The information is not available.

  Availability-for-work Rules
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list changes made in the availability-for-work rules for each year since 1979; and how many claimants were so affected.

  Mr. Burt
  There has been no major change since 1979 to the long-standing basic condition that all those claiming benefits for unemployment must be immediately available for work. Various concessions to the availability rules and changes in the groups who are exempt from satisfying this condition have been made. These, excluding minor and textual changes, are as follows:
  143

  Availability-for-work Rules

    Changes to the availability for work rules in unemployment benefit legislation
    1982
    A person undertaking duties in an emergency deemed to be available, (SI 1982–96).
    A person attending workcamps deemed to be available for a maximum of 14 days, (51 1982–96).
    A person engaged in providing a service deemed to be available if ready to accept employment or attend an interview at not less than 24 hours notice, (SI 1982–96).
    1988
    Availability may be deemed in the period between a doubt arising on availability and a decision by the adjudication officer in cases where Unemployment Benefit is already in payment, (SI 1988/689).
    1989
    Onus of proof placed on the claimant to show he has reasonable prospects of obtaining employment given his stated restrictions on his availability, (SI 1989/1324).
    1993
    A person providing a service as a "volunteer" deemed to be available if ready to accept employment or attend an interview at not less than 48 hours notice, (SI 1993/1754).

    Changes to exemptions from the requirement to be available for employment as a condition of entitlement to Supplementary Benefit/Income Support
    1980
    Start of regulated scheme, (previously Supplementary Benefits Commission had wide powers and issued written guidance to local officers), (SI 1980/1586).
    1981
    Men over 60 but below pension age who would otherwise be entitled to the long-term rate of normal requirements exempted, (SI 1981/1526.
    1982
    People who worked part-time by reason of some disease or disablement were exempted, (SI 1982/907).
    A person remanded in custody or committed in custody for trial or to be sentenced exempted, (SI 1982/907).
    The exemption for those in specified circumstances in relevant education (for example where the claimant had the care of a dependent child or where there was no parent and nobody acting in the place of a parent) was extended to 19 year olds in non advanced education, (SI 1982/907).
    1983
    All men over 60 exempted, (SI 1983/463).
    Those caring for a member of the assessment unit who was temporarily sick with no alternative means of care exempted, (SI 1983/1000).
    1987
    An exemption extended to those in relevant education living away from parents or a guardian who were unable to support him financially, (SI 1987/358).
    1988
    Introduction of Income Support, (SI 1987/1967).
    Removal of discretion to exempt those whose circumstances were "analogous" to those prescribed as being exempt, (SI 1987/1967).
    A member of a couple looking after children while the other partner is temporarily abroad exempted, (SI 1988/1228).
    1990
    Students within the definition of "deaf' for educational grant purposes exempt, (SI 1990/1657).
    Exemption extended to people accompanying children abroad for medical treatment, (SI 1990/547).
    1991
    A carer became exempt in the eight weeks after ceasing to meet the exemption criteria (e.g. after the death of the person for whom they were caring), (SI 1991/1559).
    1991
    Exemption extended to those living in residential care and nursing homes engaged in some employment, (SI 1991/1559).

  Severe Disablement Allowance
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of severe disablement allowance receive an increase of benefit for(a) an adult dependant and (b) child dependants; and what is the average number of children per claimant.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is in the table.

  Number

  Number of Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) beneficiaries receiving an adult dependency increase

  4,000

  Number of SDA beneficiaries receiving a child dependency increase (CDI)

  2,000

  Average number of children per SDA beneficiary receiving one or more CDIs

  1·6

  Source: 1 per cent. sample of claimants in Great Britain as at 4 April 1992, rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Housing and Council Tax Benefits
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average amount of housing benefit payable to people in full-time work;

  (2) what is the average amount of council tax benefit payable to people in full-time work.

  Mr. Hague
  In Great Britain, in May 1992, the latest date for which information is available, the average weekly amount of housing benefit for cases without income support, where there was earned income, was £25·02. Information for council tax benefit is not available.
  Data source:The May 1992 Housing Benefit Management Information System annual one per cent. sample of cases.Notes:

  1. Claimants in receipt of Income Support cannot be in full time work, so have been excluded.

  2. Information on the number of hours worked is not collected, the information therefore includes any case where either a claimant and/or partner receives earnings.

  3. The information refers to benefit units, these may be a single person or a couple.

  4. As the information is from a sample taken at a specific point it cannot be taken to represent the whole year.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average amount of council tax benefit payable to people who also receive(a) unemployment benefit, (b) invalidity benefit and (c) severe disablement allowance;

  (2) what is the average amount of housing benefit payable to people who also receive (i) unemployment benefit, (ii) invalidity benefit and (iii) severe disablement allowance.

  Mr. Hague
  In Great Britain, in May 1992, the latest date for which information is available, the average amount of housing benefit payable to persons in receipt of unemployment benefit, invalidity benefit and severe disablement allowance was £34·25, £25·43 and £32·18 respectively. Information for council tax benefit is not available.
  Data Source:The Housing Benefit Management Information System annual 1 per cent. sample and the Income Support Annual Statistical Enquiry of May 1992.Notes:

  1. The information refers to benefit units, these may be a single

  145
  person or a couple.

  2. Cases selected include those where either the claimant or the partner were in receipt of any of the benefits.

  3. Some cases may fall into more than one category; eg a claimant may receive Unemployment Benefit and the partner Invalidity Benefit.

  4. The information excludes all cases where Housing Benefit entitlement is less than 50 pence per week.

  5. As the information is from a sample taken at a specific point it cannot be taken to represent the whole year.

  6. The information for Unemployment Benefit uses a different analysis from that published in Social Security Statistics.

  Severe Disablement Allowance
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people now receive severe disablement allowance; and how many receive age allowances(a) at the higher rate, (b) at the middle rate and (c) at the lower rate.

  Mr. Scott
  As at 4 April 1992, the latest year for which actual figures are available, there were 302,0001 recipients of severe disablement allowance. The numbers entitled to the higher, middle and lower rate age allowances were 204,0001, 52,0001 and 45,0001 respectively. We estimate that as at April 1993 there were 313,0002 recipients of severe disablement allowance.
  Sources:1One per cent. sample of claimants for Great Britain rounded to the nearest thousand.2Social Security Departmental Report published in March 1994.

  Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema (PD D12) by Area Directorate

  Area

  Claims received

  Disallowed on employment grounds

  Disallowed on medical grounds

  Assessed at 14 per cent. or over disabled

  (a)

  (b)

  (c)

  South

  Anglia

  24

  4

  4

  3

  Chilterns

  22

  5

  3

  0

  South East

  446

  28

  299

  31

  West Country

  146

  8

  41

  4

  Wales and Central England

  East Midlands

  5,292

  103

  3,722

  444

  Greater Manchester

  312

  13

  216

  27

  Lancashire and Cumbria

  2,160

  110

  1,350

  119

  Merseyside

  472

  21

  324

  34

  Midlands South West

  623

  26

  440

  47

  Wales

  8,614

  525

  5,362

  1,134

  West Mercia

  3,516

  174

  2,239

  316

  Scotland and North

  East Scotland

  2,354

  78

  1,831

  84

  Glasgow

  232

  12

  92

  8

  North and West Yorkshire

  2,498

  80

  1,738

  327

  North, Central and West Scotland

  1,862

  79

  1,471

  49

  South Yorkshire and Humberside

  6,261

  139

  4,304

  655

  Tyne Tees

  6,873

  133

  5,510

  514

  Grand Total

  41,707

  1,538

  28,946

  3,796

  (a) Claims disallowed where the customer had not worked underground in a coal mine for a period of at least 20 years.

  (b) Claims disallowed on medical advice include—customers with insufficient lung function loss; those where category 1 pneumoconiosis has not been diagnosed, and those where chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema has not been diagnosed.

  (c) Claims assessed at 14 per cent. or more will result in an award of benefit.

  Footnote: Not all claims received would have been decided by 12 June 1994.

  Based on a 100 per cent. count and subject to amendment.

  State Pensions
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate he has for the number of(a) men and (b) women reaching retirement age in (i) 2000, (ii) 2005, (iii) 2010 and (iv) 2020 who will not qualify for a full basic state pension.

  Mr. Hague
  The data held are insufficient to allow reliable estimates to be made in the form requested.

  At present, approximately 90 per cent. of men reaching state pension age have underlying entitlement to a full category A basic retirement pension based on their own contributions. This proportion is not expected to alter significantly in the future. The equivalent position for women is that approximately 20 per cent. currently have underlying entitlement to a full category A retirement pension. By 2020, this proportion is expected to increase to between half and two thirds.

  Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claims have been received since 13 September 1993 for industrial injuries disablement benefit for chronic bronchitis and emphysema; how many claims were successful; how many claimants were refused benefit because of failing(a) the breathing capacity test and (b) the category 1 pneumoconiosis test; and if he will break down the figures by social security district.

  Mr. Scott
  The information is not available in the form requested. The table gives the information by Benefits Agency area directorate as at 12 June 1994—not all the claims received would have been decided by that date:

  Compensation Recovery Unit
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make a statement on the circumstances in which the compensation recovery unit will take money away from asbestosis victims who have successfully pursued their claims in the civil courts;

  (2) in what circumstances (a) the mining industry and (b) other industries are liable to compensation recovery unit deductions where victims of industrial disease have successfully made claims for compensation;

  (3) what are the circumstances in which terminally ill people face recovery of court awards from the compensation recovery unit; and what diseases are covered by the rules.

  Mr. Scott
  Under the provisions of the compensation recovery scheme, an amount equivalent to the value of relevant benefits paid in consequence of asbestosis or other disease, accident or injury should be deducted if the compensation award exceeds £2,500.

  The scheme applies to all types of industry and the provisions make no distinction between claims made in the civil courts and out-of-court settlements, nor between types of disease.

  Compensation claims from people who are terminally ill may also be affected, but the legislation prescribes certain exempt cases, including payments made under the terms of the pneumoconiosis compensation scheme operated by agreement between British Coal and the mining unions.

  D. Gale
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action has been taken to ensure that the decisions of the Independent Tribunal Service with reference to the appeal of D. Gale (NR158681C) are communicated promptly to the local offices.

  Mr. Burt
  This is a matter for the president of the Independent Tribunal Service, his honour Judge Thorpe. He will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Personal Pensions
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his best estimate of the cost of the one per cent. addition currently paid to the holders of appropriate personal pensions aged 30 years or over in a full year.

  Mr. Hague
  The cost was estimated to be around £165 million for a full year in the financial memorandum accompanying the Social Security Act 1993, which introduced this measure. There is as yet no evidence to suggest that this estimate needs to be revised.

  Severe Hardship Payments
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many 16 and 17-year-olds applied for severe hardship payments; and how many were granted for each quarter since 1988.

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the form requested. Such information as is available is in the table. More than one application may be made by the same individual until a job or youth training place is secured.
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  Applications for severe hardship payments

  Total number of applications

  Successful

  September 1988 to November 1988

  1,688

  1,139

  December 1988 to February 1989

  2,370

  1,465

  March 1989 to May 1989

  4,506

  2,963

  June 1989 to August 1989

  5,362

  3,556

  September 1989 to November 1989

  4,278

  2,877

  December 1989 to February 1990

  5,448

  3,721

  March 1990 to May 1990

  6,827

  4,663

  June 1990 to August 1990

  7,470

  5,326

  September 1990 to November 1990

  7,023

  5,240

  December 1990 to February 1991

  8,722

  6,574

  March 1991 to May 1991

  12,478

  9,665

  June 1991 to August 1991

  15,112

  12,210

  September 1991 to November 1991

  16,478

  13,231

  December 1991 to February 1992

  19,697

  16,537

  March 1992 to May 1992

  24,197

  19,959

  June 1992 to August 1992

  28,114

  23,085

  September 1992 to November 1992

  26,966

  21,551

  December 1992 to February 1993

  31,135

  25,715

  March 1993 to May 1993

  37,351

  31,700

  June 1993 to August 1993

  37,256

  32,415

  September 1993 to November 1993

  31,491

  27,557

  December 1993 to February 1994

  34,397

  30,395

  Source: Severe Hardship Claims Unit database.

  Home Responsibilities Protection
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the number of(a) men and (b) women currently earning less than the lower earnings limit; and, of these, how many are covered by the home responsibilities protection scheme.

  Mr. Hague
  It is estimated that 0·9 million men and 2·3 million women earn less than the lower earnings limit in any week. The number of these covered by the home responsibilities protection scheme is not known but those who satisfy the normal conditions for caring have access to the scheme.

DEFENCE

  Armed Forces (Young People)
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many young people under the age of 18 years are currently serving in Her Majesty's forces.

  Mr. Hanley
  As at 1 July 1993, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 3,334 young people under the age of 18 serving in the armed forces.

  "Front Line First"
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the implications of his "Front Line First" policy for(a) 24 Air Mobile Brigade and (b) the Army garrison at Colchester.

  Mr. Hanley
  As we have said previously, we hope to make an announcement about the broad outcome of the "Front Line First" studies before the summer recess.

  My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that as part of the additional front-line manpower for the Army announced in December last year we intend to make available an additional battery of 83 men for the 24 Airmobile Brigade Artillery regiment.

  Defence Exports
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on defence exports.

  Mr. Aitken
  I am pleased to report that 1993 was another record year, with British defence equipment manufacturers winning export orders worth £6,600 million. This maintains the United Kingdom's position as the world's second largest supplier of defence equipment.

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of Slate for Defence what estimate he has made of the contribution of defence industries to British exports; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  1993 was another record year for British defence equipment manufacturers who won export orders worth £6,600 million. This represents 5·45 per cent. of total British exports in 1993.

  Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with his French counterpart in respect of the deployment of military forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  Mr. Rifkind
  I have regular discussions with my French counterpart on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

  Trident
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the most up-to-date estimates of the capital cost of completing the Trident missile programme and maintaining it thereafter.

  Mr. Aitken
  At the end of December 1993, some £7 billion had been spent on the Trident programme out of a total of some £9.9 billion, with future estimated capital expenditure expressed at current economic conditions. Operating costs over the lifetime of Trident are expected to amount to some £6 billion on the same basis. The latter figure includes the costs of manpower, submarine refits, transport, stores, an appropriate element of the costs of the Clyde submarine base and the atomic weapons establishment and the eventual decommissioning of the submarines.

  Hercules (Replacement)
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the replacement of the Hercules.

  Mr. Aitken
  We plan to replace or refurbish about half the Hercules fleet on a rolling basis by the end of the century. The balance of the Hercules fleet will be considered later, alongside the possible replacement of other RAF transport aircraft.

  Peace Dividend
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made as to the extent of to which the peace dividend has now been exhausted.

  Mr. Hanley
  "Peace dividend" is not a term that my Department uses, because peace itself is a dividend from a150
  continuous investment of national and international resources. In the face of continuing uncertainty in the strategic setting, the Government's security and defence policies aim both to meet existing and future challenges in the most effective way possible, and to make a suitable contribution to peace and stability worldwide, with the purpose of maintaining the freedom and territorial integrity of the United Kingdom and its dependent territories and its ability to pursue legitimate interests at home and abroad. The proportion of national resources which will be required to meet these goals cannot be predicted absolutely. On present plans, defence expenditure is expected to be about 2·9 per cent. of gross domestic product in 1996–97.

  Defence Costs Study
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what closures of Ministry of Defence sites in the midlands the defence costs study is considering.

  Mr. Aitken
  A number of recommendations have emerged from the defence costs study for the rationalisation of various defence sites throughout the country. These are still under consideration by Ministers. Until final decisions are taken it would be premature for me to comment on the detail of the options under consideration.

  Procurement
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he intends to conduct a review of his Department's procurement plans.

  Mr. Aitken
  My Department's procurement plans are kept under review to ensure that they will continue to sustain cost-effectively the military capabilities that our policies require.

  Contractorisation
  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress of the contractorisation programme in the armed services.

  Mr. Aitken
  Following the issue in 1991 of the Government's White Paper, "Competing for Quality", we have a programme to pursue market-testing opportunities worth £1·2 billion in the four years from April 1992 across the whole range of defence activities. The aim of the programme is to test the efficiency of in-house services and functions against competition from industry, thereby maximising value for money for the defence budget and the taxpayer. The recent defence costs study will inevitably have a significant impact on the scale of our future "Competing for Quality" programme, and decisions on the contents of the programme will be taken in the light of the outcome of the study.

  Hydrographical Surveys
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of hydrographic surveys is undertaken by the Royal Navy's marine surveying section.

  Mr. Hanley
  About two thirds of the civil programme of nautical charting hydrographic surveys in national waters is carried out by Royal Navy personnel embarked in
  151
  ships of the Hydrographic Surveying Squadron or in chartered vessels. The Navy has only limited involvement in hydrographic surveys outside national waters.

  Contracts
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of United Kingdom defence contracts have been awarded to United Kingdom companies in the past 12 months.

  Mr. Aitken
  United Kingdom-based companies have been awarded some 90 per cent., by value, of the direct contracts placed by my Department in the last 12 months.

  Ten Tors Competition
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the manning levels of the Regular Army and the Territorial Army in the 10 tors competition held on Saturday 14 May on Dartmoor.

  Mr. Hanley
  A total of 74 Regular Army personnel and 289 members of the Territorial Army took part in the 10 tors competition on 14 May.

  Merchant Vessels
  Mr. Kilfoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many merchant vessels are currently available to the United Kingdom for defence purposes.

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Oldham, Central and Royton (Mr. Davies) earlier today.

  Territorial Army
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the deployment of formed Territorial Army units to the Falklands or other overseas theatres.

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence announced on 19 April at column 508 our intention to deploy a Territorial Army platoon in support of the Regular Army in the Falkland Islands from July to November this year, and a Territorial Army company as part of the Falkland Islands garrison from March to July next year. We shall consider further

  Permanent United Kingdom-based civilian staff—full-time equivalent numbers by grade equivalence

  Total administration group

  Scientists/engineers

  Other staff

  Total

  9,660·0

  3,237·5

  4,333·0

  2,089·5

  Non-industrial Total

  8,235·5

  3,237·5

  4,333·0

  665·0

  Grade 1

  1·0

  0·0

  1·0

  0·0

  Grade 2

  2·0

  1·0

  1·0

  0·0

  Grade 3

  12·0

  6·0

  6·0

  0·0

  Grade 4

  8·0

  4·0

  4·0

  0·0

  Grade 5

  80·0

  36·0

  38·0

  6·0

  Grade 6

  181·5

  55·0

  125·5

  1·0

  Grade 7

  672·0

  134·0

  516·0

  22·0

  SEO and equivalent

  1,563·5

  287·0

  1,242·5

  34·0

  HEO and equivalent

  2,099·0

  467·0

  1,553·0

  79·0

  EO and equivalent

  1,667·0

  745·5

  803·5

  118·0

  AO and equivalent

  1,330·5

  1,110·5

  42·5

  177·5

  AA and equivalent

  615·0

  391·5

  0·0

  223·5

  Other—

  industrials on temporary promotion

  4·0

  —

  —

  4·0

  152
  developments in the light of this trial. The 40 TA personnel deploying next month are drawn from across the Province, and come from 4/5 Royal Irish Rangers and 152 Ambulance Regiment RLC.

  Defence Procurement Executive
  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will publish the list kept by the Defence Procurement Executive of approved persons or companies in the United Kingdom to whom surplus military equipment may be disposed.

  Mr. Aitken
  More than 4,000 companies and individuals encompassing more than 250 commodity types are currently registered on the Directorate of Sales (Disposals) trade lists. The information is commercial in confidence and can be released only with permission of the tenderers concerned.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the countries to which surplus military equipment has been disposed by the Defence Procurement Executive in the last five years for which information is available.

  Mr. Aitken
  The information requested could not be provided without disproportionate effort. However, overseas sales of surplus military equipment by the Ministry of Defence are subject to the same defence and foreign policy considerations as all other exports of defence equipment.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what criteria are used for the disposal of surplus military equipment by the Defence Procurement Executive.

  Mr. Aitken
  Surplus military equipment is sold by the Directorate of Sales (Disposals) to the best financial advantage of the Ministry of Defence, in compliance with Government policies and control procedures.

  Mr. Menzies Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many persons and at what grades or ranks work in the Defence Procurement Executive.

  Mr. Aitken
  The available information, relating to staff working in Chief of Defence Procurement's budget area at 1 April 1994, is as follows:
  153

  Total administration group

  Scientists/engineers

  Other staff

  Industrial total

  1,424·5

  —

  —

  1,424·5

  Apprentices

  173·0

  —

  —

  173·0

  Basic craftsmen

  22·0

  —

  —

  22·0

  Senior craftsmen

  608·5

  —

  —

  608·5

  Industrial Technician

  45·0

  —

  —

  45·0

  Fire Service

  47·0

  —

  —

  47·0

  Other Non-craft

  529·0

  —

  —

  529·0

  United Kingdom regular service personnel

  Total

  1,224

  —

  —

  —

  Officers

  840

  —

  —

  —

  Other ranks

  384

  —

  —

  —

  Royal Air Force
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what he expects the level of manpower in the Royal Air Force to be in 1999.

  Mr. Hanley
  Detailed manpower requirements in five years' time will depend on a number of factors, including changing commitments, developments in technology and the progress of management initiatives such as market testing. The Royal Air Force estimates, however, that once restructuring following the "Options for Change" review has been completed, its broad requirement for manpower will be 64,500, which assumes 4,500 in initial training. The precise number in initial training will depend upon recruiting and outflow at the time.

  These figures reflect decisions already taken. They do not take account of any changes in manpower which may arise as a result of the defence costs study.

  Chinook Helicopters
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals his Department has to fit flight data recorders or cockpit voice recorders to Chinook helicopters; and what would be the costs involved in purchasing and fitting flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorder equipment.

  Mr. Aitken
  A programme to fit a health and usage monitoring system which incorporates an accident data recorder and a cockpit voice recorder is planned to start in 1997. We expect to issue, next year, an invitation to tender for the supply of this equipment, at which time industry will be asked to provide costed proposals.

  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proposals his Department has to fit ground proximity warning systems to Chinook helicopters:; and what would be the cost of fitting and purchasing such equipment.

  Mr. Aitken
  There are no current proposals or costings available to equip Chinook with a ground proximity warning system. All RAF Chinooks are, however, fitted with radar altimeters.

  General Pinochet
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what meetings were held by Ministers, serving officers and officials with General Pinochet during his recent visit to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
  154
  Mr. Aitken
  None.

  Officers (Cooks)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin)Official Report, column 534, what is the annual cost for each service of providing cooks for serving officers.

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

  Peacekeeping Operations
  Mr. Legg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he next expects to visit Brussels to meet his NATO counterparts in order to discuss future peacekeeping operations.

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence plans to visit Brussels to speak to his NATO counterparts at the Defence Planning Committee meeting in December. The agenda for that meeting has not yet been decided.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under which section of the Official Secrets Act 1989 he withholds data on energy efficiency within his responsibility.

  Mr. Hanley
  It is not my Department's policy to withhold data on energy efficiency. Because of the major organisational changes in the Department in recent years, however, it was not possible to provide full sets of figures in time for the first two editions of the Department of the Environment White Paper, "This Common Inheritance". The 1994 edition will, however, have details for each year of the current Government campaign, for each of the three services, and we hope to be able to give complete data in the subsequent edition.

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what instructions are given to security staff in his departmental offices in London for dealing with(a) those sleeping rough in departmental doorways and (b) beggars in the vicinity; and how many problems have been experienced with each category in the last three months.

  Mr. Hanley
  No specific instructions are issued to security staff in my Department's London buildings for
  155
  dealing with those sleeping rough and beggars, but in the light of the continuing terrorist threat it is our policy to ensure that perimeters of buildings are kept clear at all times. Records are not maintained of specific incidents, but it is the policy of my Department's security staff to seek the assistance of the police where there is a problem.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 26 January,Official Report, column 306, what was the conclusion of the discussions on the 1980s United States plans to update their offensive chemical capability; and what were the factors behind reaching this conclusion.

  Mr. Hanley
  Throughout the discussions in question, the United Kingdom placed the highest priority on the negotiation of a verifiable and comprehensive worldwide ban on chemical weapons. However, faced with the Soviet Union's formidable offensive capability in chemical warfare and its persistent refusal to accept adequate verification measures to permit such a ban, the United Kingdom supported the USA's moves to modernise its limited retaliatory chemical capability. This modernisation was adopted by NATO as a force goal but was subsequently cancelled by the United States in 1991. As was stated at the time, this underlined to the Soviet Union the benefits of an early agreement on a negotiated ban.

  This ban is now in sight in the form of the chemical weapons convention which opened for signature in January 1993.

  Suez
  Mr. Etherington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the campaign, gallantry or other medals available to ex-service people who served during the Suez emergency in Egypt.

  Mr. Hanley
  One day's service in the Suez emergency in Egypt between 31 October 1956 and 22 December 1956 qualified for the award of the clasp "Near East" to the Naval General Service Medal or the General Service Medal 1918 Army and RAF. Between the above dates, naval personnel serving in ships engaged in operations off the Egyptian coast, and aircrew who completed one sortie over the operational land area in Egypt, also qualified for the clasp "Near East".

  Service personnel who served during that emergency could also be considered for awards in respect of gallant and distinguished services. A list of those personnel granted awards was published in the London Gazette supplement of 13 June 1957.

WALES

  Church Repairs
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action has been taken to fulfil his departmental commitment to discuss with Church authorities in Wales the need for repair grants arising from damage caused by atmospheric polluters.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Cadw has held discussions with Church authorities in Wales about support for general repairs to cathedrals. In my reply of 16 March to the hon.156
  Member for Clwyd, North-West (Mr. Richards), Official Report, column 698, I announced that over the next three financial years £675,000 will be set aside towards the restoration costs faced by Welsh cathedrals. This is additional to and separate from existing support for repairs to historic religious buildings, which totalled £557,331 in 1993–94.

  Dentists
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what was the number of salaried dentists employed in each family health services authority area on 24 March, together with the number of community dentists employed within the same areas;

  (2) what was the number of (a) general dental practitioners practising, (b) general dental practitioners' practices, (c) community dental practitioners and (d) salaried dental practitioners for each family health services authority area for each year since 1984; and if he will also explain these figures per 1,000 of the population resident in each FHSA area.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The available information relating to general dental practitioners and community dental staff is given in the table. Information relating to community dental staff is collected annually as at 30 September. Therefore, no information relating to 24 March is available centrally.

  The table also gives the number of salaried dentists in post at 30 September 1993 and 30 April 1994 respectively. No salaried dentists were employed prior to 1993. The table includes one dentist, in Powys, who was not in post on 24 March 1994.

  No information is held centrally on the number of general dental practitioners' practices.

  Family Health Service Authority Area Clwyd

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  84

  21·2

  1985

  87

  21·9

  1986

  87

  21·8

  1987

  97

  24·1

  1988

  99

  24·4

  1989

  108

  26·4

  1990

  111

  27·1

  1991

  105

  25·4

  1992

  102

  24·6

  1993

  114

  27·5

  1994

  119

  28.7

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  13·8

  3·5

  1985

  13·1

  3·3

  1986

  13·3

  3·3

  1987

  12·9

  3·2

  1988

  13·4

  3·3

  1989

  10·9

  2·7

  1990

  12·2

  3·0

  1991

  11·8

  2·9

  1992

  10·6

  2·6

  1993

  10·4

  2·5

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  157

  Family Health Service Authority Area Dyfed

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  77

  23·1

  1985

  80

  24·0

  1986

  83

  24·7

  1987

  89

  26·2

  1988

  91

  264

  1989

  96

  27·6

  1990

  98

  28·1

  1991

  101

  28·9

  1992

  105

  29·9

  1993

  104

  29·6

  1994

  104

  29·6

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  15·4

  4·6

  1985

  14·6

  4·4

  1986

  15·3

  4·5

  1987

  13·6

  4·0

  1988

  16·2

  4·7

  1989

  14·2

  4·1

  1990

  14·2

  4·1

  1991

  13·7

  3·9

  1992

  12·5

  3·6

  1993

  12·6

  3·6

  Salaried dental practitioners

  1993

  1

  0·3

  1994

  1

  0·3

  Family Health Service Authority Area Gwent

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  107

  24·4

  1985

  109

  24·8

  1986

  107

  24·2

  1987

  114

  25·8

  1988

  116

  26·1

  1989

  123

  27·6

  1990

  125

  28·0

  1991

  139

  31·0

  1992

  135

  30·0

  1993

  135

  30·0

  1994

  142

  31·6

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  20·0

  4·6

  1985

  19·0

  4·3

  1986

  18·2

  4·1

  1987

  20·7

  4·7

  1988

  18·3

  4·1

  1989

  16·4

  3·7

  1990

  16·3

  3·6

  1991

  15·7

  3·5

  1992

  15·5

  3·4

  1993

  14·1

  3·1

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  Family Health Service Authority Area Gwynedd

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  62

  26·7

  1985

  65

  27·9

  1986

  65

  27·8

  1987

  66

  28·1

  1988

  63

  26·5

  1989

  66

  27·6

  158

  Number

  1Rate

  1990

  69

  28·8

  1991

  65

  27·2

  1992

  66

  27·5

  1993

  67

  27·9

  1994

  66

  27·5

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  13·8

  5·9

  1985

  13·1

  5·6

  1986

  12·6

  5·4

  1987

  10·2

  4·3

  1988

  9·6

  4·0

  1989

  8·9

  3·7

  1990

  9·1

  3·8

  1991

  8·8

  3·7

  1992

  9·5

  4·0

  1993

  8·3

  3·5

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  1

  0·4

  1994

  2

  0·8

  Family Health Service Authority Area Mid Glamorgan

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  118

  22·1

  1985

  119

  22·3

  1986

  121

  22·6

  1987

  130

  24·3

  1988

  131

  24·4

  1989

  135

  25·1

  1990

  134

  24·8

  1991

  123

  22·7

  1992

  133

  24·5

  1993

  126

  23·2

  1994

  122

  22·5

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  18·7

  3·5

  1985

  17·7

  3·3

  1986

  17·7

  3·3

  1987

  19·5

  3·6

  1988

  20·9

  3·9

  1989

  18·9

  3·5

  1990

  18·9

  3·5

  1991

  18·3

  3·4

  1992

  16·9

  3·1

  1993

  9·0

  1·7

  Salaried dental practitioners3

  1993

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  Family Health Service Authority Area Powys

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  25

  22·6

  1985

  30

  27·0

  1986

  32

  28·5

  1987

  34

  30·1

  1988

  35

  30·6

  1989

  34

  29·2

  1990

  34

  29·1

  1991

  36

  30·4

  1992

  35

  29·4

  1993

  34

  28·5

  1994

  32

  26·8

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  8·3

  7·5

  1985

  7·9

  7·1

  159

  Number

  1Rate

  1986

  8·0

  7·1

  1987

  7·9

  7·0

  1988

  7·0

  6·1

  1989

  6·2

  5·3

  1990

  7·0

  6·0

  1991

  7·0

  5·9

  1992

  7·0

  5·9

  1993

  5·0

  4·2

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  —

  —

  1994

  1

  0·8

  Family Health Service Authority Area South Glamorgan

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  125

  31·7

  1985

  129

  32·7

  1986

  125

  31·6

  1987

  127

  31·9

  1988

  130

  32·3

  1989

  132

  32·8

  1990

  131

  32·3

  1991

  129

  31·6

  1992

  127

  30·9

  1993

  133

  32·4

  1994

  135

  32·9

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  15·5

  3·9

  1985

  14·7

  3·7

  1986

  13·8

  3·5

  1987

  9·8

  2·5

  1988

  16·7

  4·2

  1989

  16·8

  4·2

  1990

  16·2

  4·0

  1991

  15·4

  3·8

  1992

  16·2

  3·9

  1993

  15·5

  3·8

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  Family Health Service Authority Area West Glamorgan

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  116

  31·6

  1985

  123

  33·5

  1986

  120

  32·7

  1987

  123

  33·5

  1988

  133

  36·1

  1989

  133

  36·1

  1990

  135

  36·5

  1991

  134

  36·1

  1992

  128

  34·5

  1993

  130

  35·0

  1994

  138

  37·2

  Community dental practitioners2

  1984

  13·7

  3·7

  1985

  13·0

  3·5

  1986

  11·8

  3·2

  1987

  11·8

  3·2

  1988

  11·8

  3·2

  1989

  11·5

  3·1

  1990

  12·3

  3·3

  1991

  11·9

  3·2

  1992

  11·8

  3·2

  1993

  11·8

  3·2

  160

  Number

  1Rate

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  Family Health Service Authority Area Wales

  Number

  1Rate

  General dental practitioners2

  1984

  714

  25·4

  1985

  742

  26·4

  1986

  740

  26·2

  1987

  780

  27·5

  1988

  798

  28·8

  1989

  827

  28·8

  1990

  837

  29·1

  1991

  832

  28·8

  1992

  831

  28·7

  1993

  843

  29·1

  1994

  858

  29·6

  Community dental practitioners3

  1984

  119·3

  4·3

  1985

  113·1

  4·0

  1986

  110·7

  3·9

  1987

  106·4

  3·8

  1988

  113·9

  4·0

  1989

  103·8

  3·6

  1990

  106·2

  3·7

  1991

  102·6

  3·5

  1992

  100·0

  3·5

  1993

  86·6

  3·0

  Salaried dental practitioners4

  1993

  2

  0·1

  1994

  4

  0·1

  1Per 100,000 resident population.

  2General Dental Practitioners (head count) treating NHS patients at 30 September except for 1994 when figures are at 30 April.

  3Staff in the community dental service (whole-time equivalents) at 30 September.

  4Staff in post (head count) at 30 September 1993 and 30 April 1994.

  Medical and Surgical Negligence
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what funds his Department has available for statutory or non-statutory contingent liabilities for claims of medical or surgical negligence when liability may be split between two NHS hospital trusts.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The excess costs above £30,000 of successful claims arising from clinical negligence are met from a pool, administered by the Welsh Office, which has a present provision of £3,000,000.

  Where liability is split between NHS trusts, it is a matter for local determination how the first £30,000 of such a claim is met.

  Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many staff are employed by the Royal Commission on ancient and historical monuments (Wales); and what is their average annual salary.
  161
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments (Wales) has 34·5 full-time equivalent staff in post. Their average annual salary is £23,555.

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidance that he issues to GP fundholding practices on the insurance cover that they should carry for claims of negligence made for the placing of inappropriate contracts.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There is no intention to issue guidance to GP fundholders on the insurance cover that they should carry. All general practitioners are responsible for making their own arrangements to cover insurance risks.

  A-level Results
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on A-level results achieved in(a) Welsh colleges and (b) Welsh secondary school sixth forms in 1993.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Information on A-level pass rates is not immediately available by type of institution, but it will be possible to provide it before the end of the year.

  As soon as the data are to hand, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many schools in Wales asked for grant-maintained status in(a) 1993 and (b)
  162
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  Seven schools applied for grant-maintained status in 1993. There have been no applications in 1994 to date.

  Cwmcarn Grant-maintained School
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when Cwmcarn grant-maintained school applied to establish a sixth form; and what was the result of this application.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I have not received an application from the school to establish a sixth form. I understand, however, that the school is currently consulting on proposals for a change of character as required by section 96 of the Education Act 1993.

  National Health Service Trusts
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has received on the number of employees in each NHS trust who would lose their jobs following the implementation of the current pay award.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  It is impossible to say to what extent any speculative figures for job losses in the trusts are directly attributable to the cost of pay awards.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had regarding the payment of salary to the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency by any other method other than pay-as-you-earn.

  Mr. Redwood
  None.

  POLICE: NEW PAY ARRANGEMENTS
  POLICE: NEW PAY ARRANGEMENTS
  MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, LONDON
  MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, LONDON
  PSYCHIATRISTS: TRAINING PACKAGE
  PSYCHIATRISTS: TRAINING PACKAGE
  DOMESTIC WORKERS
  DOMESTIC WORKERS
  RELIGIOUS REGISTRATIONS IN PRISONS
  RELIGIOUS REGISTRATIONS IN PRISONS
  RAF TRANSPORT FLEET: REPLACEMENT
  RAF TRANSPORT FLEET: REPLACEMENT
  RAF HERCULES AIRCRAFT FLEET
  RAF HERCULES AIRCRAFT FLEET
  COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP AND HEDGEROW INCENTIVE SCHEMES
  COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP AND HEDGEROW INCENTIVE SCHEMES