Written Answers of 23 June 1994

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what advice and instructions have been issued from his Department concerning the granting of legal aid to those pursuing claims concerning Creutzfeldt Jakob disease.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  None.

  Civil Enforcement Agents
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 335, when he expects to be able to publish his analysis of the responses received to the consultation paper on the organisation and management of civil enforcement agents.

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The consultation exercise raised a wide range of difficult issues. The Lord Chancellor is continuing to give consideration to these, and is not in a position to say when an announcement will be made.

DEFENCE

  D-day Commemoration
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 May,Official Report, column 127, what arrangements were made for the funding of the national commemoration of the 50th anniversary of D-day.

  Mr. Hanley
  The expected additional cost to the MOD of the commemoration of D-day is between £3,000,000 and £4,000,000. This covers expenditure on the military events organised by the MOD. Parliamentary approval to this expenditure is being sought in the 1994–95 supply estimates for defence: operational and support costs vote, class I, vote 1. Pending that approval, urgent expenditure of £1,000,000 on new services is being covered by a repayable advance from the contingencies fund.

  Troop Location
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future location of units returning from Germany and Hong Kong; and if he will now announce the location for the second additional infantry battalion announced on 3 February 1993,Official Report, column 321.

  Mr. Hanley
  A number of options have been considered for permanent barracks required for three Army units returning from Germany in 1995, for one of the battalions returning from Hong Kong, and for the Gurkhas. I am pleased to announce that I have decided that the following locations will be retained by the Army as permanent baracks:246

  i. The Gurkhas, currently in Church Crookham near Aldershot, will move to Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright around the end of the year. Until that time Pirbright will house the Black Watch, returning in July from Hong Kong.

  ii. The Army Apprentice College, Chepstow will be converted into a permanent infantry barracks and will be the home for the 1st Battalion the Royal Welch Fusiliers from December 1995.

  iii. 14 Signals Regiment, returning from Germany, will be housed permanently in RAF Brawdy from December 1995. Until then, RAF Brawdy will be used as temporary accommodation for the 1st Battalion the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

  iv. 16 Regiment Royal Artillery (Air Defence), returning from Germany, is to be located at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Woolwich by November 1995. Woolwich is the historic home of the Royal Artillery.

  v. 39 Regiment Royal Artillery, returning from Germany, is to be located at Albermarle Barracks, Ouston from November 1995.

  I am still considering possible locations for another permanent infantry barracks to cater for the second of the two additional infantry battalions announced on 3 February 1993, Official Report, column 320. I hope to be able to make a further announcement very soon.

  Britannia
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to make an announcement about the future of Her Majesty's yacht Britannia.

  Mr. Rifkind
  HM yacht Britannia was launched in 1953 and commissioned for service in January, 1954. In the 40 years since then she has' travelled over 1 million miles and has served as royal residence and a setting for official entertainment by the Queen and members of the royal family during state and other visits overseas and in home waters, and has also been used for the promotion of British commercial interests overseas. She was originally designed to have the additional function of serving as a hospital ship in time of war, but has never served in this capacity and it is no longer practicable for her to do so. Her outstanding contribution over the years reflects the great care and professionalism which the Royal Navy, and in particular her successive ship's companies, have devoted to her.

  The yacht last underwent a major refit in 1987. A further refit at an estimated cost of some £17 million would be necessary in 1996–97 but would only prolong her life for a further five years. In view of her age, even after the refit she would be difficult to maintain and expensive to run. It has therefore been decided to decommission Britannia in 1997.

  The Government will now consider the question of whether to replace Britannia. The Queen has made it known that in the light of changes in the pattern of royal visits since the yacht was built, she does not consider a royal yacht to be necessary in future solely for the purposes of royal travel. None the less, in view of the success of Britannia in her representational role during state visits, and on other state occasions, and of the part played by the royal yacht in trade promotion, the Government believe it right to consider, without commitment, whether there should be a replacement at some future point, together with other options for meeting the tasks presently fulfilled by Britannia.

  The Government will be seeking Her Majesty's views on what should happen to Britannia after 1997. We shall

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  seek to find a way of enabling her to continue to serve a useful purpose, even though she will no longer go to sea. A further statement will be made in due course.

  Territorial Army (Germany)
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether any decision has been taken on the future of the continental Territorial Army in Germany.

  Mr. Hanley
  The continental Territorial Army, CTA, which is some 160-strong, was formed in Germany in 1984. At that time, when there was still a real threat from the Warsaw pact and Soviet Union, there was seen to be clear advantage in recruiting reserve forces from among those with useful skills who could be immediately available on mobilisation in the area they are likely to serve. The requirement for Territorial Army units based in Germany has now been reviewed following the changes in the security environment that have resulted from the end of the cold war. It has been decided that there is no longer a need to base TA units in Germany and the CTA will be disbanded with effect from 30 November 1994. Any individual who wishes to continue to serve will be given the opportunity to do so in a United Kingdom-based unit. I should like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to all the volunteers who have served with the CTA since its formation.

  Maintenance Group Defence Agency
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the key management targets of the Maintenance Group Defence Agency for the financial year 1994–95.

  Mr. Hanley
  The Maintenance Group Defence Agency's key management targets for 1994–95 concentrate on three principal objectives:

  (a) The effective performance of the Group;

  (b) The economic use of resources;

  (c) The introduction of management initiatives.

  The group's targets are:

  (1) To achieve at least 98 per cent. of the specified aerosystems maintenance task to standard and on time;

  (2) To achieve the Joint Service Publication of 336 Defence Supply Manual speed-of-issue and pipeline targets for at least 95 per cent. of the Depot Supply task;

  (3) To keep within the Group's allocated budget;

  (4) To reduce the cost per unit of output by 2–5 per cent.;

  (5) To complete the implementation of the Warehouse and Transport Management System by 31 March 1995.

  Navy Training and Recruitment
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about possible defence agency status for the Royal Navy's training and recruiting organisation.

  Mr. Hanley
  I have decided that the Royal Navy's flag officer training and recruiting organisation, FOTR, should be considered as a candidate for defence agency status under the next steps initiative. FOTR currently employs 5,400 staff and has some 15 major training schools across the country. Of those 3,900 are service personnel who rotate between front-line operational appointments and the FOTR organisation, thus providing current knowledge, experience and expertise; the remaining 1,500 are civilians.
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  A "prior options" study of FOTR's organisation is being undertaken.

  Comments and contributions from those with an interest in the organisation would be welcome and should be sent, by 8 August, to:

  Head of Naval Personnel Finance & Systems

  2SL/CNH

  Victory Building

  HM Naval Base

  Portsmouth PO1 3LS

  VIP and Communications Flying
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of RAF VIP and communications flying.

  Mr. Rifkind
  Following the efficiency scrutiny undertaken last year, it has been decided that the Queen's flight, currently based at RAF Benson, will move to RAF Northolt to join the other RAF communications aircraft of No. 32 Squadron. Rationalisation into a single collocated unit, which will be known as 32 (The Royal) Squadron, will enable the RAF to continue to provide a flexible and cost-effective service to the royal family and the other VIP customers. The high standards associated with the Queen's Flight will be fully maintained. The new arrangements will include a new centralised tasking and monitoring organisation to ensure best use of all the assets available.

  The bulk of the use made by the royal family of the Queen's flight is for national, ceremonial and other public duties where the cost falls to the MOD. Private use of the Queen's flight at MOD expense has been restricted to the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen Mother, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Such use has been minimal. However, Her Majesty has indicated a wish in future that the MOD should be reimbursed for this use, and arrangements are being made accordingly.

  Long-range VIP flying will for the time being continue to be undertaken by the RAF's VC10 fleet. However, the possibility of using an RAF Tristar remains under consideration.

  Otterburn Training Area
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make details available of proposals for the development of the Otterburn training area.

  Mr. Hanley
  New developments within the Otterburn training area are required for training with AS 90 and MLRS—multiple-launch rocket system—equipments on their return from Germany under the Government's "Options for Change" programme.

  Last year independent environmental consultants, RPS Clouston Ltd., were commissioned to consider proposals by my Department for Otterburn. Using their material, and advice provided informally by the Northumberland National Park Authority, the proposals have undergone a detailed scrutiny within my Department and have been significantly refined. I am now satisfied that these revised proposals are for the minimum development necessary to meet the Army's operational training requirements.

  These development proposals are, of course, subject to planning approval, and as a first step in the public consultation process my Department will shortly be making arrangements for consultants to undertake a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. When

  249
  this assessment has been completed and after careful consideration of any views put forward by the statutory bodies and other relevant parties, it is out intention to lodge a notice of proposed development with the Northumberland National Park Authority.

  Because there are sensitive issues involved my Department will enter into an early dialogue with the Northumberland national park and Countryside Commission authorities to examine the issues in detail and recommend how a balance might be achieved between the requirements of national park policies and the Army's need for effective training.

  Aircraft Collisions
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal actions were taken against his Department following the collisions between civil and military aircraft over Norfolk on(a) 9 August 1974 and (b) 29 February 1984; and what were the outcomes of the actions.

  Mr. Hanley
  My Department no longer holds records which might relate to the legal and claims aspects of either of these accidents.

  Hawk Jets
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps have been taken to monitor the use by Indonesia of British Hawk jets.

  Mr. Aitken
  The United Kingdom could not monitor the use of these aircraft on a regular basis. But the Government have made clear their concerns and have received an assurance from the Indonesian Government that the Hawks will not be used against civilians. Staff from the British embassy in Indonesia regularly visit East Timor, as do representatives of various human rights organisations. We have no reports from these visitors of Hawk sightings there, either in the air or on the ground.

  Flight Recorders
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will reconsider his Department's policy on fitting flight recorders to military aircraft.

  Mr. Aitken
  My Department's policy on fitting recorders to military aircraft remains that all new aircraft types shall be fitted with accident data recorders. The technical difficulties and costs in fitting ADRs to older aircraft types are such that this could be undertaken only as part of a major upgrade programme.

  Mr. Paul Martin
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what grounds Mr. Paul Martin was suspended from work; when he hopes to announce the results of his Department's inquiry; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Aitken
  Mr. Paul Martin was suspended from work, under departmental disciplinary regulations, pending the outcome of inquiries into the security implications of allegations of improper behaviour reported by a national newspaper. It is not the practice to announce the results of internal inquiries of this nature and I do not, therefore, intend to make a statement.

  Tornado
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what proportion of the RAF Tornado GR1/1A fleet will be equipped with thermal imaging airborne laser designator equipment; and what is the expected resultant increase in the requirement for night flying training by RAF Tornado aircraft.

  Mr. Hanley
  It is not our practice to release operational information such as that concerning the number of TIALD-equipped aircraft. There are no plans to increase night flying training in order to practice TIALD operations at night, since it should be possible to practice these within the current Tornado GR1 night flying training programme.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current annual requirement for live delivery of the JP233 weapon in the continuation training syllabus of combat-ready Tornado GR1 aircrew; and where the live firing is carried out.

  Mr. Hanley
  There is no annual requirement for live delivery of the JP233 weapon in the continuation training syllabus of combat-ready Tornado GR1 aircrew. Live firing is not carried out during training.

  Air Misses
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many confidential incident reporting system—CONDOR—reports have been received in each year since 1979 in which military pilots have reported narrowly avoiding hitting the ground.

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 15 December 1993,Official Report, column 749.

  Rapier Missile Launcher
  Mr Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the operational function of the ground-to-air Rapier missile launcher that was stationed in the village of Great Stukely, Cambridgeshire, on 16 May; whether the right hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Major) was informed of its presence; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Hanley
  The Rapier missile launcher was stationed in Great Stukely, Cambridgeshire, on 16 May 1994 as part of a routine airfield defence training exercise. The office of the Prime Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Huntingdon, was consulted prior to the deployment.

TREASURY

  Football Clubs (Taxation)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many Football Association Premier League clubs are under examination by the special compliance office of the Inland Revenue; if he will identify the clubs; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) how much was recovered by the Inland Revenue from FA Premier League clubs following investigations in each of the last three financial years; and if he will make a statement;
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  (3) what efforts are being made to recover unpaid taxes from FA Premier League clubs.

  Mr. Dorrell
  The Inland Revenue's special compliance office is conducting investigations into FA Premier League clubs. For reasons of confidentiality, to which football clubs are entitled as much as any other taxpayer, I am not able to provide details of these investigations or of any results which may have arisen from them.

  Special Compliance Office
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was received by the Inland Revenue following investigations by the special compliance office in each of the last three financial years.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Special compliance office investigations produced the following yield in the last three financial years:

  £ million

  1991–92

  330·6

  1992–93

  387·4

  1993–94

  348·3

  European Union (United Kingdom Contribution)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the United Kingdom's net contribution to the European Union in(a) the calendar year 1995 and (b) the current year; and what was the actual net contribution in 1993.

  Sir John Cope
  The Government's estimates of the United Kingdom's net contribution to EC institutions for the calendar years 1993 and to 1994 are set out in the "Statement on the 1994 Community Budget" (Cm 2486), which was published in March this year. Our estimates for the calendar year 1995 will be published in next year's statement.

  Alcohol (Illegal Imports)
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many seizures of illegally imported alcohol were made by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise service in the last year for which figures are available; what was the total volume of these seizures; and how these figures compare with previous years.

  Sir John Cope
  During the year to 31 March 1994 Customs and Excise seized 790,169 litres of alcoholic drink in 1,866 seizures. Before the completion of the single market on 1 January 1993 only seizures of spirits were separately recorded as numbers of seizures of other alcoholic drinks were insignificant. Seizures recorded in the previous two financial years were: 1992–93, including first three months of the single market, 88,858 litres in 1,561 seizures; 1991–92, 73,956 litres in 3,132 seizures.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Contracting Out
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which local authorities have approached his Department for their views on the contracting-out of 252
  trading standards and/or environmental health enforcement; what proposals were made by those authorities; and what position his Department took on such proposals.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  There have been no such approaches.

  Accountancy Firms
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and for the Department of Energy when it was a separate department and 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) Pannell Kerr Forster for (i) privatisation, (ii) market testing, (iii) management advice, (iv) accounting, (v) audit, (vi) consultancy and (vii) other services in (1) 1980 to 1983, (2) 1984 to 1987, (3) 1988 to 1991 and (4) 1992–93.

  Mr. Eggar
  My Department does not record centrally details of work undertaken in terms of its activity, and collection of this information would incur disproportionate costs.

  Unfair Consumer Contracts Directive
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether full compliance costs assessments have yet been undertaken in connection with the implementation of the European Commission's unfair consumer contracts directive; what are the results of such assessments to date; what benefits this legislation will bring to United Kingdom industry; and how it furthers the Government's deregulation initiative.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: A compliance cost assessment is in the course of preparation following responses to my Department's consultation paper published last October. To the extent that it may call for improved standards in the drafting of consumer contracts the unfair contract terms directive should assist the competitiveness of United Kingdom industry. Political agreement on the directive was reached before the launch of the Government's deregulation initiative, but consistent with that initiative the Government secured the deletion of certain provisions which appeared likely to prove onerous to industry.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes were(a) sought and (b) obtained to the early drafts of the EC unfair consumer contracts directive; and to what extent he now considers that the directive is helpful to United Kingdom industry.

  Mr. McLoughlin
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: The text of the unfair contract terms directive at the time of its adoption by the Council of Ministers broadly met the United Kingdom's negotiating objectives. In particular, we secured the deletion of potentially onerous provisions regarding the law relating to sale of goods, and agreement that the annex of potentially unfair terms should not be a blacklist. To the extent that it may call for improved standards in the drafting of consumer contracts the directive should assist the competitiveness of United Kingdom industry.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  War Pensions
  Mr. Moss
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to make further improvements to the war pensions scheme.

  Mr. Hague
  We have decided to introduce two improvements which will benefit two groups of war widows. First, from October, we will supplement to United Kingdom levels the pensions of New Zealand war widows resident in this country, who are British. They receive the lower New Zealand pension because their husbands served with the independent New Zealand forces, not with those of the United Kingdom.

  Secondly, and also from October, we will improve the financial position of some Northern Ireland war widows. They are the widows of members of the Ulster Defence Regiment who died in service between 1 April 1974 and 31 March 1980 and whose attributable pension from the Ministry of Defence is not as much as the special payments made to pre-1973 war widows. We will top up the MOD pension to the level of the pre-1973 payment.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his further letter of 12 April to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State's letter, reference POF(6) 3644/65, concerning a constituent.

  Mr. Burt
  I replied to the hon. Member today, and I am sorry for the delay.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Daylight Saving
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 May,Official Report, column 598, what plans he has for the adoption of daylight saving.

  Mr. Peter Lloyd
  Our policy on future summer time arrangements, including whether to move to central European time, remains under consideration.

  British National Party
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will refer the case of J. R. Edmonds of the BNP to the Court of Appeal in order that that court may impose a higher sentence in that case; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Maclean
  My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has no powers to do so. Sections 35 and 36 of the Criminal Justice Act give the Attorney-General the power to refer unduly lenient sentences passed for certain offences in the Crown court to the Court of Appeal. The power applies to offences that are triable only in the Crown court and to those triable either way which have been prescribed by order made by the Secretary of State. The Home Secretary has made such an order in respect of offences of indecent assault, making threats to kill and child cruelty.
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  I understand that Mr. Edmonds was convicted of violent disorder. This offence does not fall within the scope of the Attorney-General's powers.

  Police Negotiating Board
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the draft regulations which have been agreed at the police negotiating board and remain to be placed before the House and in each case the date when they were agreed at the PNB and the expected date when they will be placed before the House.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  None, but I will write to the hon. Member.

  Primates
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in establishing an EU register of primates held in breeding and research establishments.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The idea of a primate register has not so far been taken up by our EU partners. I understand, however, that a European primate resources network, EUPREN, is in the process of being established by primate breeding and research centres in a number of member states, with the object of improving both the quality of primate research and the welfare of the animals concerned. I gather that the network will be an appropriate forum for the exhange of information on the availability of suitable animals.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when the next survey of primates held in British laboratories is scheduled to take place;

  (2) what percentage of primates held in United Kingdom laboratories are captive bred.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  A survey in 1992 showed that approximately 80 per cent. of old world primates held in the United Kingdom laboratories were captive bred. In 1993 almost all old world primates imported for use in scientific procedures were captive bred. Most new world primates held here have been bred in United Kingdom.

  No decision has yet been taken on the need for another survey.

  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which species of primate are covered by the term "larger primate", as referred to in the 1992 annual report of the Animal Procedures Committee.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The term referred to old world primates, in particular macaques and baboons.

  Animal Experiments
  Sir Richard Body
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken by him to expedite the validation of the fixed dose method as a replacement for the LD50 test.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  Holders of project licences under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 are required to use the fixed dose procedure wherever this is acceptable to the relevant regulatory authority. In other cases licensees are encouraged to seek the agreement of the regulatory
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  authority to use the FDP rather than the LD50 test. We are considering a recommendation from the Animal Procedures Committee that action be taken to encourage acceptance of data from tests conducted to current OECD guideline methods; these include the FDP.

  Channel Islands
  Mr. John Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what complaints over the past five years have been received by his Department relating to the miscarriage of justice, defects in the legal system or failure to deal with crime promptly from(a) the Channel Islands and (b) Jersey.

  Mr. Maclean
  Letters are received each year from a few individuals in the Channel Islands or in the United Kingdom who are dissatisfied with some aspect of the criminal law or judicial system in the island in question or a court's decision in a particular case. No central record is kept of such letters, but the number of complainants is very small.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are currently being held in detention in police stations; what is the length of time of their detention in police stations and in total; and if he will present this information according to the nationality of the asylum seekers.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  The information now available, following the introduction of improved recording systems, shows that on 15 June 10 people who had at some stage claimed asylum were recorded centrally as detained in police stations under Immigration Act powers. The breakdown by nationality and total length of detention—all in police stations—was as follows:

  Detained

  2 Turkish

  5 days

  1 Turkish

  4 days

  1 Algerian

  3 days

  1 Algerian

  2 days

  1 Indian

  2 days

  1 Turkish

  1 day

  1 Brazilian

  1 day

  1 Russian

  detained on 15 June

  1 Algerian

  detained on 15 June

  Non-payment of Debt
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were found guilty of non-criminal offences related to the non-payment of community charge or council tax and imprisoned for each period of six months since April 1990; what was the length of their sentences; and what was the average amount of the debt unpaid for the non-payment of which they had been found guilty.

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information is given in the table. No information is available centrally regarding the amount of debt unpaid.
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  Receptions into prison service establishments in England and Wales for non-payment of community charge, April 1990 to March 1994

  Six month period

  Number received

  Average sentence length (days)

  April 1990 to September 1990

  1

  30

  October 1990 to March 1991

  9

  29

  April 1991 to September 1991

  50

  27

  October 1991 to March 1992

  119

  27

  April 1992 to September 1992

  270

  31

  October 1992 to March 19931

  434

  30

  April 1993 to September 19931

  582

  31

  October 1993 to March 1994

  620

  32

  1Provisional figures.

  Police Car Sirens
  Sir Terence Higgins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the instructions issued to officers of the Metropolitan police regarding the use of police car sirens.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  I understand from the Commissioner that guidance on the use of sirens is presently under review and that specific instructions are expected to be issued shortly. I shall place a copy of these in the Library when they are available.

  Doncaster Prison
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the performance targets for(a) the number of assaults on staff and (b) the number of assaults on prisoners set out in the contract to run Doncaster prison; and what the penalty will be if these targets are exceeded.

  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 Ms Joan Ruddock, dated 23 June 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the performance targets for the number of assaults on staff and prisoners at Doncaster prison.
  The contract does not include targets for the number of assaults. There are, however, the following performance measures:
  Assaults on staff—no more than 77 in the first year of operation.
  Assaults on prisoners—no more than 148 in the first year of operation.
  It is the intention of the Prison Service to reduce the figures after a review of performance at the end of the first year.
  If these figures are exceeded, the contractor will have failed to deliver the contracted service and a financial remedy will be imposed against the contract.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Rough Sleepers and Beggars
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Lord President of the Council 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.
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  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council Office is housed within buildings for which the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, respectively, have overall security responsibility. I accordingly refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the similar questions he addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Disabled People
  Sir Harold Walker
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what is the number and percentage of registered disabled persons employed by the House of Commons; and what would be the number and proportion equivalent to the statutory quota.

  Mr. Beith
  I have been asked to reply, on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

  Of a total of 1,404 staff employed by the House of Commons Commission 16 are registered disabled persons; this represents 1·1 per cent. of the work force. The statutory quota, 3 per cent., for the current complement would be 42.

  Upper Waiting Hall (Exhibitions)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee, pursuant to his answer of 3 May,Official Report, column 404, regarding applications for exhibitions of a parliamentary nature in the Upper Waiting Hall, on what criteria the Committee decides to exempt applications from ballot.

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  In order to be considered for exemption from the ballot for exhibitions to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall a proposed exhibition must have a clear and direct connection with Parliament.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 23 June.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 23 June.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning, I presided at a meeting of the Cabinet and had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. This afternoon, I shall be travelling to Corfu for the European Council.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Prime Minister which Departments do not send out a ministerial reply to letters from hon. Members.

  The Prime Minister
  It is for Ministers in each Department to decide the best way in which to reply to correspondence from hon. Members. Where the correspondence covers operational matters dealt with by an executive agency, the Minister may decide that it would be more appropriate and helpful for a reply to be sent by the agency chief executive, who has the detailed knowledge which the hon. Member is seeking, as well as the necessary 258
  delegated authority to take appropriate action. It is open to an hon. Member who is dissatisfied with a reply from an agency chief executive to raise the matter with the responsible Minister.

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Government Finance
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what alterations he will make in future financial years to lessen the effect of the south-east area cost adjustment on the comparative position of the south-west of England.

  Mr. Curry
  The area cost adjustment will be discussed with the local authority associations during the summer. The Government will be giving particular attention to the way that the adjustment tapers within the south-east region outside London. We will also give careful consideration to any new evidence which is brought forward on other aspects of the adjustment. We will announce our proposals for the 1995–96 local government finance settlement later in the year.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the criteria used to assess the suitability of data sources for use in standard spending assessment calculations.

  Mr. Curry
  The data sources used in the calculation of standard spending assessments are generally those which are compiled on a consistent basis across all relevant authorities, are judged to be reliable, are not affected by individual authorities' own decisions, and are as up to date as possible.

  There is a continuing dialogue with the local authority associations about data sources which are capable of producing indicators relevant to, or indicative of, the variations in the need for local authority spending.

  Farm Shops
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 26 May,Official Report, columns 240–41, if he will make a statement about the Government's planning policy towards applications for farm shops in the green belt.

  Mr. Baldry
  Advice on development control matters within green belts is contained in planning policy guidance note 2. Paragraph 13 of that document states that approval should not be given, except in very special circumstances, for the construction of new buildings or for the change of use of existing buildings for purposes other than uses appropriate to a rural area.

  It is for local planning authorities to take this advice into account, together with all other material planning considerations, including my answer of 26 May, Official Report, column 240, in making planning decisions concerning farm shops in green belts.

  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave in the Official Report on 26 April 1993, column 318, for a reference to those circumstances where a planning application for a farm shop may not be necessary.

  Radioactive Waste
  Mr. Liew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has received from non-governmental organisations this year on environmental risks of(a) nuclear facility decommissioning and (b) the storage and processing of high-level radioactive waste.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Department received a copy of a report. "Consequence Analysis of a Catastrophic Failure of Highly Active Waste Tanks Serving THORP and Magnox Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plants at Sellafield", by Mr. Peter Taylor. The report was passed to the Health and Safety Executive, which regulates radioactive waste storage arrangements at nuclear licensed sites.

  Cement Kilns
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assurances he proposes to provide to constituents in Rutland, Stamford, Ribble Valley and elsewhere about the protection of the environment during the burning of substitute fuel in cement kilns.

  Mr. Atkins
  Current authorisations of cement kilns provide for certain substitute fuels to be used in trial burning subject to the agreement of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. While each case will be considered on its merits, HMIP, using experience gained, will be requiring trials to be conducted on the following basis. No more such trials will be approved than are necessary to allow HMIP to determine what constitutes best available techniques not entailing excessive costs—BATNEEC—for operations by the cement manufacturing industry in these circumstances.

  Before a trial commences, satisfactory baseline data on the normal operation of the cement manufacture will need to be provided to HMIP. These data will have to cover all of the aspects in the following paragraphs, in partiular including full details of the kiln and its operating characteristics, and of the emissions to the environment during normal operation.

  Trials will be run in accordance with a schedule of conditions to be agreed in advance with HMIP. This schedule will be placed on the public register. Operators will be required to make on-going reports on the progress of all trials and in particular to clear with HMIP any reasons for slippage in the progress of any trial. HMIP's agreement will be needed to any proposals to use substitute fuels for longer periods than agreed in the trial schedule. Operators will be expected to discontinue any trial in the event of developments which might adversely affect the environment. For monitoring purposes, HMIP will impose an enhanced and stricter regime to meet the particular circumstances of the trials.

  Only substitute fuel that can meet a suitable specification, agreed in advance with HMIP and covering, for example, chlorine, polychlorinated biphenyls, sulphur and heavy metals content, will be allowed to be used in the trials. All deliveries of the substitute fuel will be required to meet the agreed specification. Storage to an agreed standard and with adequate control systems will be needed for the substitute fuel. This may call, for example, for tank level indicators, suitable bunding of containment, instrumentation for controlling and measuring the flow of the substitute fuel, appropriate emergency cut-outs and other features.
  260
  HMIP will insist on being satisfied in advance of relevant aspects of the trial operations. Details of kiln operating characteristics covering, for example, temperatures in the kiln, percentage recycled electrostatic precipitator dust, oxygen concentration, fuel rate, trip history and feed rate, will need to be supplied to HMIP. Information on the EP make, number of zones, electrical details for each bank, temperature and carbon monoxide concentration will also be required.

  The trials will be principally concerned with the testing and monitoring of releases. Continuous monitors for particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and oxygen, calibrated to the satisfaction of HMIP, will have to be installed before trials commence. Where emissions, for example, of hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride and total organic carbon are concerned, it may be necessary for operators to hire or import continuous monitors or to use recognised test methods, all in agreement with HMIP. Other testing as specified by HMIP will be needed on the kiln feed, EP dusts, and clinker. The operator will be expected to undertake adequate local area monitoring. Operators will be required to make on-going returns of trial monitoring data to HMIP which, in accordance, with the requirements of the legislation, will enter them on the public register. HMIP will carry out independent testing to verify the results of the trials.

  On completion of the agreed trials schedule, operators will be required to revert to routine manufacture not using substitute fuel. If, following completion of the trials, an operator wishes to use substitute fuels on a permanent basis he will have to apply for a variation of the existing authorisation. In this circumstance, the operator will have to provide HMIP with an assessment of the outcome of the trials to justify his proposals. If the proposed variation amounts to a "substantial change" to the process, the application will have to be advertised and be subject to consultation with statutory consultees and the public. The outcome of individual applications cannot be anticipated, but policy in principle will be to require appropriate improvements to the plant, in order to guard against adverse effects on the environment from the burning of substitute fuel.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Yemen
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the United Kingdom ambassador to the Yemen made in his meeting with the chairman of the Presidential Council in Sanaa.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In his meeting with President Saleh on 8 June, the British ambassador urged the President to comply with the terms of United Nations Security Council resolution 924; in particular to agree to an immediate cease fire to allow dialogue to take place.

  Western Sahara
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress being made in the United Nations voter identification programme for the referendum in the Western Sahara.
  261
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Nations identification commission announced on 1 June that it had completed the preliminary analysis of applications for registration received so far, and was launching the identification and registration process both in Western Sahara and in the refugee camps in the Tindouf area.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what safeguards are being put in place by the United Nations to prevent Moroccan citizens from wrongly taking part in the Western Sahara referendum.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Only those individuals identified and registered by the United Nations identification commission will be eligible to vote in the referendum. One of the duties of MINURSO will be to ensure the proper conduct of the referendum.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what stipulations have been made by the United Nations about residence and other qualifications to take part in the Western Sahara referendum.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Security Council resolution 907 of 29 March 1994 endorses the criteria for eligibility to participate in the referendum proposed by the United Nations Secretary-General in his report to the Security Council of 28 July 1993—document 2/26185, available in the House of Commons Library.

  North Korea
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if Her Majesty's Government will agree to the Russian proposal for an international conference to discuss the Korean crisis; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Russian proposal to hold a conference to discuss the security of the Korean peninsula is one of a number of responses to the situation currently being considered.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on the United Nations proposed sanctions on North Korea.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In the Security Council we are consulting other member states on the timing, tactics and substance of council action, including the imposition of sanctions. We shall continue to consult the other states in the region.

  Somalia
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the use of DNA examinations in Somalia for proposed entrants to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Somalis applying for entry clearance as dependants of those settled in the United Kingdom are eligible for DNA testing in the same way as other nationals. DNA tests will be offered free of charge, under the Government-sponsored scheme, to first-time 262
  applicants where the entry clearance officer has doubts about the claimed relationship at the time of the application. In 1993, 19 DNA tests were conducted in Addis Ababa on Somalis applying to join family in the United Kingdom for settlement, and seven in Nairobi.

  The British embassy in Mogadishu is temporarily closed.

  Pakistan
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan in its capacity as a member of the Commonwealth to repeal discriminatory laws against women and offer equal opportunities for women in all fields.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We regularly urge the Government of Pakistan to ensure the protection of the human rights of all Pakistanis. The United Kingdom aid programme in Pakistan promotes the status of women, which is one of ODA's seven priority objectives.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan in relation to the ending of child labour and for a free and compulsory education system.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The Government of Pakistan are aware of our expectation that they will meet their obligations as a signatory to the UN convention on the rights of the child, and enforce their own Bonded Labour Systems (Abolition) Act. The, United Kingdom's aid programme in Pakistan includes assistance for children's education.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan on the ending of discrimination on the basis of religion, with particular reference to the law requiring indication of religion on the national identity card.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We have frequently urged the Government of Pakistan to protect the constitutional rights of religious minorities. There is no current requirement in Pakistan for religious affiliation to be indicated on national identity cards.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan about equal rights for religious minorities in Pakistan.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We have frequently urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure that the rights of religious minorities are protected, as the country's constitution requires.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to Pakistan in relation to reports of recent human rights violations in Karachi; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We regularly urge the relevant Pakistani authorities to safeguard human rights. On 11 May Her Majesty's deputy high commissioner in Karachi, along with other EU representatives, discussed the situation there with the Chief Minister of Sindh.

  Visitors' Entry Clearance
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if it is the practice for Ministers to write personally to hon. Members regarding the refusal of visitors' entry clearance; and if he will ensure that all correspondence from hon. Members to Ministers receive a ministerial reply.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Ministers reply personally to all Members on questions of policy affecting the entry clearance operation at our posts overseas but not on individual cases. Usually officials in the migration and visa correspondence unit write direct to hon. Members on factual inquiries about most visa cases.

  These arrangements were described in my letter of 7 July 1993 to all hon. Members. It enclosed a guidance booklet "Representations by Members of Parliament in Visa and Immigration Cases". I am sending the hon. Member another copy of each.

  Whaling
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what effect the enlargement of the EU will have on the whaling industries.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Of the four applicant states, only Norway has a whaling industry. As part of its terms of accession to the European Union, Norway agreed that its policy on whales will fully respect the European Community's existing legislation.

  Angola
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on progress being made in peace talks in Angola.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The talks continue, but agreement has still not been reached on the issue of UNITA's participation in Government. The Angolan Government broadly accepted compromise proposals from the mediators about which posts should be given to UNITA. But UNITA has not yet accepted them. We have urged UNITA to respond positively.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the current military situation in Angola.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Since February, there has been a rise in military activity by both the Government of Angola and UNITA forces. There is particularly heavy fighting around the cities of Kuito and Malanje, and Huambo has been bombed. This has resulted in an indefinite suspension of humanitarian relief flights. We have expressed concern to both parties and urged them to respect United Nations Security Council calls for all offensive military operations to cease.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent representations he has made to the military authorities in Nigeria about the need to restore democratic Government; and what response he has had.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The presidency of the European Union made representations to the Nigerian Foreign 264
  Minister on 20 May, urging the military to take concrete steps towards a restoration of democratic civilian rule. The Foreign Minister gave assurances of the military's commitment to the national constitutional conference, due to begin on 27 June, and to hand over power.

  Somalia
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports have been made by the United Nation's special envoy to Somalia about whether progress is being made in respect of a constitutional conference on the future of Somalia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The Secretary-General's special representative reports regularly to the Secretary General on the political, humanitarian and military situation in Somalia. These updates form the basis of the Secretary-General's reports to the Security Council. The last such report was on 24 May. The Secretary General's special advisers also brief Security Council members and troop contributors on developments.

  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest situation in Somalia.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Security Council resolution 923 of 31 May urged all parties to pursue negotiations aimed at achieving national reconciliation. We welcome the agreement signed on 18 June in Kismayo on reconciliation in the Lower Juba region. The international community are concerned at the continued delays in convening a national conference and hope that Somalis will build on the progress made in Kismayo to facilitate a national settlement.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Football Clubs
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will make it his policy to set up an independent regulator for Football Association Premier and Football League clubs in England.

  Mr. Sproat
  No. It is a matter for the football authorities.

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will instigate an inquiry into the rules governing the financial arrangements of Football Association Premier League clubs.

  Mr. Sproat
  No.

EDUCATION

  OFSTED Training
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many men and how many women aged(a)30 to 40 years, (b)40 to 50 years, (c)50 to 60 years and (d) over 60 years were (i) accepted and (ii) rejected for Ofsted training as team inspectors; and how many in each category were not successful;

  (2) how many courses have been organised by Ofsted for the purpose of training potential team inspectors;
  265
  (3) how many applicants for Ofsted training as team inspectors have (a) been accepted and (b) rejected; and what criteria were used in making these decisions;

  (4) if he will publish information concerning the employment categories of those undertaking Ofsted training for potential team inspectors; how many in each category were (a) accepted for training and (b) unsuccessful in being approved as potential team inspectors;

  (5) how many people undertaking Ofsted training courses for potential team inspectors have been (a) accepted and (b) rejected; what criteria were used for making these decisions; and what information has been given to unsuccessful trainees about their failure.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  These are matters for Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools, who heads the new independent Office for Standards in Education. I have asked Professor Sutherland to write to the hon. Member.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many of his Department's booklets entitled "Special Educational Needs—A Guide for Parents", were printed; to whom they were circulated; and what was the overall cost.

  Mr. Forth
  The booklet "Special Educational Needs—A Guide for Parents" was printed and distributed as follows:
  Printing
  The following numbers of the Guide have been printed:

  Language

  Initial print run

  Reprint

  Total

  English

  400,000

  100,000

  500,000

  Bengali

  5,000

  3,000

  8,000

  Chinese

  5,000

  1,000

  6,000

  Greek

  3,000

  1,000

  4,000

  Gujerati

  5,000

  1,000

  6,000

  Hindi

  5,000

  1,000

  6,000

  Punjabi

  5,000

  1,000

  6,000

  Turkish

  3,000

  1,000

  4,000

  Urdu

  7,000

  3,000

  10,000

  Vietnamese

  3,000

  1,000

  4,000

  Distribution

  The initial print run of English language Guides was delivered as follows:

  Recipient

  Quantity per recipient

  LEAs

  1,000

  Regional and district health authorities

  300

  Family Health Service Associations

  300

  Community Health Councils

  300

  Social services departments

  10

  All schools

  5

  NHS Trusts

  5

  Regional Library HQs

  5

  Miscellaneous (1,289 addresses)

  1

  Cost

  The overall cost of designing and printing the initial 400,000 copies of the Guide and the production of the Guide in 9 ethnic languages was £144,500.

  The Guide was distributed alongside: the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs; Circular 6/94: "The Organisation of Special Educational
  266
  Provision"; a response card for further orders; and a covering letter. The total initial distribution cost for all these documents was £75,000.

  Foreign Languages
  Mrs. Curve
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many candidates sat GCSE in a modern foreign language in 1993; and in what languages.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The number of candidates in England who sat GCSE in a modern language in 1993 was 402,700. The languages, in order of popularity, were French, German, Spanish, Urdu, Italian, Bengali, Russian, Chinese, Panjabi, Gujarati, modern Greek, Arabic, Turkish, Japanese, modern Hebrew, Portuguese, Hindi, Polish and other languages not listed individually. The other languages include Irish, Esperanto and Ukranian.

  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many candidates sat A-level in a modern foreign language in 1993; in what languages; and what were the figures five years earlier.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The number of candidates in England who sat GCE A-level in a modern foreign language in 1993 was 38,570 of which 26,170 were from schools. The languages, in order of popularity, were French, German, Spanish, Urdu, Italian, Chinese, Russian, Japanese, modern Greek, Panjabi, Bengali, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish, modern Hebrew, Dutch, Hindi and Danish.

  No comparable figure is available for 1988, although 19,000 school leavers in 1987–88 sat a GCE A-level in a modern foreign language in that year.

  Student Loans
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) how many students who graduated in(a) 1989, (b) 1990, (c) 1991, (d) 1992 and (e) 1993 are still in debt to the Student Loans Company; and if he will make a statement:

  (2) how many students applied for student loans in (a) 1991, (b) 1992 and (c) 1993; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Boswell
  This is a matter for the Student Loans Company. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Student Grants
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the average grant received by students in(a) 1991, (b) 1992 and (c) 1993; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Boswell
  The average maintenance grants, excluding any payment for fees, received by mandatory award holders in England and Wales in the academic years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 are set out in the table. Since 1990–91 students have also had access to student loans.

  Average maintenance grants to holders of mandatory, awards England and Wales: 1990–91 to 1992–93

  Academic year

  1990–91 £

  1991–92 £

  11992–93 £

  Average maintenance grant

  Local authority element

  1,478

  1,541

  1,610

  Assessed contributions2

  1,025

  990

  940

  267

  Academic year

  1990–91 £

  1991–92 £

  11992–93 £

  Total

  2,503

  2,531

  2,550

  1Provisional.

  2Assessed contributions from parents, spouses and students themselves assuming full payment of parental contributions including notional assessments in respect of students for whom only fees are paid.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Repetitive Strain Injury
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will discuss with the RSI group in north Staffordshire a research proposal to increase awareness and understanding of RSI.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council, which receives its funding from the Office of Science and Technology within my Department.

  I understand that the MRC is not currently supporting any research specifically into repetitive strain injury, but officials from the council are always willing to discuss and consider scientifically based, sound proposals. The prospects for funding of research into RSI will therefore depend on the nature and quality of any applications received.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the quality of the shipping communications to and from St. Helena.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The issue of shipping communications links with St. Helena is a matter which is regularly under review with the St. Helena Government. Transport communications are clearly very limited, but there has been difficulty in identifying a cost-efficient means of strengthening it.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs if he will make a statement on progress in the acquisition of a shuttle ship for St. Helena.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development has decided that the search for a shuttle ship between St. Helena and Ascension Island should be discontinued for the time being. This decision, which was reached with great reluctance, followed an exhaustive four-year search, conducted with the assistance of specialist maritime consultants, which failed to identify a suitable vessel available at a cost that was not disproportionately expensive.

  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the wind electricity generation project for St. Helena.
  268
  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 24 February, at column 397.

  We have asked the project consultants to carry out a survey of the world market for smaller-rated wind turbine generators and to report on their suitability for installation in St. Helena.

  East Africa
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his assessment of the droughts and famines in each of the affected countries of east Africa; and how the Overseas Development Administration and the European Union are reacting to these needs.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The World Food Programme estimates that up to 20 million people will be at risk from droughts and famine in 1994. Over 2.8 million tonnes of food aid will be needed. Britain has responded promptly. Since January, we have committed nearly 130,000 tonnes of food, including 46,500 tonnes announced by my noble Friend Baroness Chalker, the Minister for Overseas Development, on 22 June and £15 million of non-food emergency assistance. Figures for individual countries are as follows:

  Food Aid (Metric Tonnes)

  Needs

  United Kingdom

  EC1

  Eritrea

  190,000

  14,475

  —

  Ethiopia

  955,000

  45,000

  264,000

  Kenya

  719,000

  20,000

  26,000

  Somalia

  343,000

  —

  800

  Sudan

  575,000

  40,000

  80,000

  Tanzania

  27,000

  10,100

  —

  Uganda

  24,000

  68

  —

  Totals

  2,833,000

  129,643

  370,800

  1Excluding bilateral pledges from member states.

  Arms Sales
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the means to ensure independence of decisions on British overseas aid from sales of arms.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  British aid funds are not linked to the sale of arms. All bilateral project proposals are subject to economic, financial, technical and environmental appraisal before they are approved, to ensure that they meet the needs and priorities of recipient countries.

  Albania
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what view Her Majesty's Government have about Greece vetoing a proposed EC loan to Albania; whether he will ensure that Her Majesty's Government support such assistance to Albania; if he will discuss the issue with representatives of the Greek Government; and if he will make a statement;

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress there has been on removing the Greek Government's blockage on European Union aid to Albania.
  269
  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  We support the Commission proposal for macro-economic assistance to Albania in the form of a 35 mecu grant. We regret the delay in agreeing the Commission proposal and hope that the terms of this assistance will be agreed soon.

  Brazil
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what environmental conditions are attached by the European Union or any of its specialist agencies in assistance given to Brazil for the development of the Greater Carajas project; and whether those conditions have been fulfilled to date.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  EC assistance to the Greater Carajas project has been limited to a European Coal and Steel Community loan, since repaid, of 257 million ecu—£201 million—in 1982. This loan covered approximately 7 per cent. of the project's cost. There were no environmental conditions attached to the ECSC loan. The Carajas region is expected to benefit from environmental monitoring and protection measures under the pilot programme to conserve the Brazilian tropical rainforest which is being supported by the EC, the United Kingdom and other donors.

  The Carajas project was discussed by the EC Development Council in November 1989. These and other discussions contributed to an EC resolution on Environment and Development that was adopted in 1992. The terms of that resolution are reflected in the legal framework for all EC aid to Latin America and in the 1992 co-operation agreement with Brazil.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he is making in the World bank negotiations with Brazil that any assistance to Brazil should be conditional upon the fulfilling of promises about the demarcation of land in the Amazon rain forest for indigenous peoples;

  (2) whether the Brazilian Government have fulfilled the conditions regarding the demarcation of indigenous areas of first their World bank loan in 1982 which assisted with the development of Carajas projects.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  The United Kingdom is not a party to negotiations between the World bank and Brazil on proposed lending. Bank staff are satisfied that all the conditions of the 1982 loan have been fully met.

  Rwanda
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action has been taken by the European Union to co-ordinate the humanitarian response to the needs of Rwanda.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Since the start of the crisis European Community humanitarian assistance 1.0 the region totals about £15.2 million, in addition to substantial amounts provided bilaterally by member states. Further support is being considered. Following a decision of the European Development Council a Troika mission will assess the situation by visiting neighbouring countries in early July.

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Parry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much Her Majesty's Government have allocated to overseas development in Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Lennox-Boyd
  Britain provided more than £65 million in aid to Bangladesh in the financial year 1992–93, the last year for which figures are available.

  Our aid programme supports the development of Bangladesh's natural resources, its physical infrastructure and its human resources through health and family planning, education and training. We promote good government through our assistance with economic reform, and with projects to improve the efficiency and accountability of the civil service, parliament and the judiciary.

  The establishment of a new aid management office in Dhaka in October 1992 has allowed us to focus our aid more effectively on Bangladesh's development priorities.

WALES

  Housing (Disabled People)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to encourage public sector landlords to provide disabled people with personal housing plans; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I expect publicly funded housing bodies dealing with disabled people fully to address their housing needs.

  Birds
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list, by estate, those occasions on which birds belonging to protected species have been found(a) shot, (b) poisoned or (c) otherwise illegally killed in each of the past five years; and what were the number of (i) prosecutions and (ii) convictions which have resulted.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The number of birds of protected species poisoned in Wales in each of the last five years is:

  Year

  Number of birds poisoned

  1989

  12

  1990

  2

  1991

  3

  1992

  7

  1993

  7

  No information on poisonings is held by estate and none of the other information sought is held centrally.

  Consultants (Merit Awards)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number and total cost of merit awards currently made to consultants for each health authority in Wales.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Responsibility for funding the cost of existing and new awards was devolved to health authorities in 1991–92. Information on the number and total cost of merit awards currently made to consultants for each health authority in Wales is not held centrally.

  Rural Primary Schools
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many rural primary schools with a pupil attendance of 30 or less there were in Wales in(a) 1973, (b) 1983 and (c) 1993; and if he will make a statement.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  The information requested is not available prior to 1976 and rural schools cannot be identified separately. Comparable data for the number of primary schools in Wales with up to 25 pupils on roll for 1976, 1985 and 1993 are given in the following table. Data on schools with up to 30 pupils are not readily available.

  Number of schools

  January 1976

  January 1985

  January 1993

  Number of pupils on roll

  Up to 25

  106

  114

  61

  26 or more

  1,853

  1,682

  1,636

  TOTAL

  1,959

  1,796

  1,697

  Source: Schools Census Returns.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy that in cases other than a major incident, as encompassed in "Welsh Affairs Circular (93)69", no chief ambulance officer or his staff shall release information to the press following a 999 call requiring the attendance of an ambulance at a serious road accident.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There are no central guidelines for the release of information, by chief ambulance officers, to the media in the event of a 999 call to a serious road accident. The national health service has an overriding responsibility to respect the confidential nature of the relationship with its patients and should not disclose personal information without the patient's consent, other than in the most exceptional of circumstances.

  Infertility
  Mr. John Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to clarify the position regarding the provision of fertility services in West Glamorgan.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The provision of fertility services is a matter for West Glamorgan health authority, which will take into account need, competing demands and available resources.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what provision is made for infertility investigation in Mid-Glamorgan health authority.

  (2) what is the provision for infertility treatment in Mid-Glamorgan health authority.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The provision for infertility investigation and treatment is a matter for Mid Glamorgan health authority, which will take into account need, competing demands and available resources.

  Mr. Rogers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice Mid-Glamorgan health authority has sought from his Department as to the most cost-effective and cost-efficient means of providing for infertility investigation and treatment in its area.
  272
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  None.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice the South Glamorgan health authority has sought from her Department as to the most cost-effective and cost-efficient means of providing for infertility investigation and treatment in its area.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  None.

  Mr. John Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what are the differences in duration of fertility treatment between West Glamorgan area health authority area and South Glamorgan area health authority area;

  (2) what waiting lists are maintained in each of the area health authority area in Wales for fertility treatment.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  This information is not held centrally.

  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what provision is made for infertility treatment by the South Glamorgan health authority;

  (2) what provision is made for infertility investigation as regards the South Glamorgan health authority.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The provision for infertility investigation and treatment is a matter for South Glamorgan health authority which will take into account need, competing demands and available resources.

  Road Schemes
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which road schemes have been authorised in the last 10 years which had a negative net present value; and which road schemes in the last 10 years have been rejected at the public inquiry stage or beyond because they had a negative net present value.

  Sir Wyn Roberts
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

  Social Services
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for developing the inspection of social services in Wales.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In June 1993, I published a consultation document "Inspecting Social Services in Wales". This set out proposals for applying three key principles of the citizens charter—that inspectors should be independent of the services they inspect, that lay people should be involved in inspections, and that inspection reports should be accessible to the public.

  I intend that during 1994 there should be clear and demonstrable progress, both nationally and locally, towards the wider implementation of the citizens charter principles.

  The social services inspectorate for Wales has already made considerable progress. For some years its inspection reports have been available to the public. A small group is being established to advise on the social services inspectorate's inspection work; half its membership will represent service users, carers and wider lay interests, and half will be drawn from local authorities and providers of services in the independent sector. Since February 1994, inspection teams have begun to include lay assessors; inspection reports will take full account of their views and observations.
  273
  I propose to issue shortly, for a brief consultation, draft guidance on how the same principles should be applied to the work of "arms-length" inspection units in local authority special services departments.

  The new guidance will give local authority chief executives the important role of commissioning independent annual reports on the work of inspection units. These reports will focus on whether units apply the same standards to both local authority and independent provision, and on how effectively local authorities respond when improvements are shown to be needed.

  The guidance will call for a change in the composition of advisory committees for inspection units. By the end of 1994 the numbers of lay people unconnected with the authority should be increased so that they form a majority on advisory committees.

  I intend, too, that during 1994 we will begin to see lay people involved in social services inspections, and their

  Table 1

  List of staff by grade in institutions of further education at 1 October 1992

  College

  Principal

  Vice-principal

  Head of department

  Principal lecturer

  Senior lecturer

  Lecturer

  Belfast Institute

  1

  5

  21

  21

  134

  286

  Omagh

  1

  1

  4

  —

  7

  54

  Newtownabbey

  1

  1

  3

  —

  11

  73

  Ballymoney

  1

  —

  2

  —

  3

  14

  Antrim

  1

  —

  4

  —

  3

  23

  Ballymena

  1

  1

  5

  —

  9

  82

  Larne

  1

  —

  3

  —

  2

  32

  Hotel and Catering

  1

  —

  1

  —

  1

  16

  Coleraine

  1

  1

  4

  —

  3

  44

  Magherafelt

  1

  —

  3

  —

  2

  35

  Armagh

  1

  1

  4

  —

  6

  54

  Newry/Kilkeel

  1

  1

  5

  —

  10

  69

  Lurgan

  1

  —

  3

  —

  4

  39

  Portadown

  1

  1

  4

  1

  10

  71

  Banbridge

  1

  —

  2

  —

  3

  22

  East Tyrone

  1

  1

  4

  —

  3

  55

  North Down

  1

  2

  4

  1

  17

  81

  Lisburn

  1

  1

  3

  —

  10

  50

  Down

  1

  1

  4

  —

  7

  43

  Newcastle

  1

  —

  2

  —

  2

  18

  Castlereagh

  1

  1

  4

  —

  11

  50

  North-West

  1

  2

  8

  4

  38

  79

  Fermanagh

  1

  1

  3

  —

  7

  52

  Limavady

  1

  1

  4

  —

  2

  24

  Table 2

  List of staff by grade in institutions of further education at 1 October 1993

  College

  Principal

  Vice-principal

  Head of department

  Principal lecturer

  Senior lecturer

  Lecturer

  Belfast Institute

  1

  6

  19

  22

  132

  299

  Omagh

  1

  1

  4

  —

  5

  53

  Newtownabbey

  1

  1

  3

  —

  11

  76

  Ballymoney

  1

  —

  1

  —

  3

  15

  Antrim

  1

  —

  4

  —

  5

  23

  Ballymena

  1

  1

  5

  —

  11

  64

  Larne

  1

  —

  3

  —

  2

  31

  Hotel and Catering

  1

  —

  1

  —

  2

  19

  Coleraine

  1

  1

  4

  —

  5

  45

  Magherafelt

  1

  —

  3

  —

  3

  30

  Armagh

  1

  1

  4

  —

  6

  48

  Newry/Kilkeel

  1

  1

  5

  —

  9

  70

  Lurgan

  1

  —

  3

  —

  4

  44

  Portadown

  1

  1

  4

  1

  9

  72

  Banbridge

  1

  —

  1

  —

  3

  23

  East Tyrone

  1

  1

  3

  —

  8

  46

  North Down

  1

  2

  4

  1

  24

  75

  Lisburn

  1

  —

  3

  —

  9

  51

  Down

  —

  1

  4

  —

  6

  47

  Newcastle

  1

  —

  2

  —

  4

  20

  274
  views reflected in inspection reports. It will not be possible to include lay people in every inspection, but there must be substantial lay involvement on a regular and continuing basis.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Further and Higher Education
  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list, by grade, the numbers of full-time academic staff funded by the further education budget for each further education college on 1 October in each year since 1989; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The tables list the information requested for 1992 and 1993. The figures for years prior to this are not readily available.
  275

  College

  Principal

  Vice-principal

  Head of department

  Principal lecturer

  Senior lecturer

  Lecturer

  Castlereagh

  1

  1

  4

  —

  9

  55

  North-West

  1

  2

  8

  4

  37

  94

  Fermanagh

  1

  1

  3

  —

  7

  47

  Limavady

  1

  1

  4

  —

  5

  25

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional resources have been made available to(a) the North Eastern, (b) the Southern and (c) the South Eastern education and library boards in order to assist with the amalgamation of further education colleges in their respective areas; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The additional resources for administrative costs incurred by the board are as follows:

  Board

  1993–94 £

  1994–95 £

  (a) North-Eastern Education and Library Board

  52,000

  45,000

  (b) Southern Education and Library Board

  17,000

  10,000

  (c) South-Eastern Education and Library Board

  17,000

  10,000

  In addition the Department of Education will adjust the boards' indicative allocation for premature retirement redundancy lump sums. These payments will not therefore be a charge on the boards' block grant.

  College of further education

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Belfast Institute

  —

  —

  —

  6

  North West Institute

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Omagh

  —

  —

  —

  3

  Fermanagh

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Limavady

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ballymena

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Antrim

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Coleraine

  —

  1

  1

  —

  Newtownabbey

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Ballymoney

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Magherafelt

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Larne

  —

  2

  —

  —

  Newcastle

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Castlereagh

  2

  —

  —

  —

  North Down and Ards

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lisburn

  3

  1

  —

  —

  Down

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Portadown

  —

  —

  —

  —

  East Tyrone

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Banbridge

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Armagh

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Newry/Kilkeel

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Lurgan

  —

  3

  —

  —

  Total

  10

  8

  3

  9

  Note:

  Lecturers in the Youth Training Programme have not been included.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have been made to the
  276
  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what study his Department has made of the differential growth rates across colleges of further education; what measures he has taken or intends to take in order to reform the method of funding further education colleges in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  There has been no such study; nor are there any immediate plans for a new funding methodology. Measures have been taken to eradicate as far as possible historical imbalances in the allocation of resources to the education and library boards for further education.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by college, the number of redundancies, both voluntary and compulsory that have taken place in Northern Ireland during the following academic years between 1988–89 and 1992–93; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  Details are available only for further education lecturers who have been awarded premature retirement pensions on the grounds of redundancy since 1990:

  Belfast institute during the past two years from applicants wishing to undertake full-time higher education courses; and if he will make a statement.
  277
  Mr. Ancram
  The Belfast institute does not maintain an annual record of applications for higher education courses. The institute estimates that the applications received in each of the academic years 1992–93 and 1993–94 would be approximately 1,200 to 1,500.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what resources were specifically allocated in order to fund general national vocational qualifications in schools and further education colleges in Northern Ireland during 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The resources allocated to fund GNVQs in Northern Ireland are related to the phased introduction of specific areas of study which were delivered mainly through the futher education sector. The additional funding allocated to further education in each of the academic years was:

  Year

  £

  1992–93

  30,000

  1993–94

  71,000

  Colleges could also draw, in 1993–94, on resources under the further education programme. £157,400 was allocated to the education and library boards to support curriculum development for specific vocational areas and £558,000 was allocated for staff development, where GNVQ was among the identified priorities.

  Funding of £65,000 for 1994–95 is expected to be allocated to phase III of the GNVQ pilot when it is introduced in September 1994.

  No specific additional funds have been provided to schools for GNVQ. Under local management of schools, schools wishing to develop new courses must do so from within their allocated budget. Those schools participating with colleges benefit from staff and curriculum development, resource materials and teaching time provided by the colleges.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by individual school and further education college the total budget allocated to each participating institution to fund GNVQs during(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94 and (c) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  Funding for GNVQs has been provided specifically for the pilot phases, which are being delivered mainly through the further education sector. Schools participating with the colleges benefit from staff and curriculum development, resource materials and teaching time provided by the colleges.

  A list of schools and further education colleges with their budgets is as follows:

  £

  1992–93

  Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education (St. Patrick's High School participated in the pilot of Manufacturing)

  13,000

  North West Institute of Further and Higher Education (Thornhill College, Foyle and Londonderry College and St. Mary's School participated in the pilot of Business; St. Mary's High in Health and Social Care)

  13,000

  Castlereagh College of Further Education (Lagan College participated in the pilot of Business)

  4,000

  278

  £

  Total allocation

  30,000

  1993–94

  Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education

  30,000

  North West Institute of Further and Higher Education

  28,000

  Castlereagh College of Further Education (Ashfield Boys and Girls High School participated in the pilot of Manufacturing)

  3,500

  Newcastle College of Further Education (St. Malachy's High School Castlewellan participated in the pilot of Manufacturing)

  3,500

  Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College

  6,000

  Total allocation

  71,000

  Funding of £65,000 for 1994–95 is expected to be allocated by my Department when it is known which courses will be taken up by the colleges and schools in September 1994.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of temporary teachers paid on a daily rate who were employed by each college for periods longer than 26 weeks during each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows for each academic year:

  College of Further Education

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993 to date

  Belfast Institute

  20

  9

  4

  North West Institute

  4

  3

  1

  Omagh

  2

  4

  2

  Fermanagh

  3

  1

  —

  Limavady

  —

  —

  —

  Ballymena

  9

  4

  2

  Antrim

  2

  —

  —

  Coleraine

  1

  —

  —

  Newtownabbey

  2

  2

  3

  Ballymoney

  2

  —

  —

  Magherafelt

  1

  1

  —

  NI Hotel and Catering College

  —

  1

  —

  Larne

  —

  —

  —

  Newcastle

  2

  1

  1

  Castlereagh

  2

  3

  3

  North Down and Ards

  9

  16

  5

  Lisburn

  —

  —

  —

  Down

  —

  —

  —

  Portadown

  7

  5

  3

  East Tyrone

  1

  —

  —

  Banbridge

  —

  1

  —

  Armagh

  —

  1

  —

  Newry/Kilkeel

  3

  3

  2

  Lurgan

  —

  1

  1

  Total

  70

  56

  27

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans his Department has to permit the Belfast Institute to provide full-time higher level courses in catering; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  I have discussed this issue with a delegation from the college led by the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Rev. Martin Smyth) and have agreed to consider it further when evidence of demand for such courses is provided.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the average unit of resource funding
  279
  per further education student in Northern Ireland for each of the past five years; what was the average unit of resource funding for each trainee in a training centre for the same period; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  It is only possible to calculate the average unit of resource funding per full-time equivalent further education student in Northern Ireland on an equitable basis since 1991. Capital costs and student grants are not included. Figures beyond 1992–93 are not yet available:

  £

  1991–92

  2,224

  1992–93

  2,311

  I have been advised by the chief executive of the Training and Employment Agency that the average unit of resources funding for a trainee in a training centre, including capital costs and excluding the training allowances paid to individuals is:

  £

  1989–90

  4,902

  1990–91

  5,418

  1991–92

  5,826

  College

  Type of case

  Result

  Compensation

  1990

  1. Lisburn

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  2. Lisburn

  Fair employment tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  3. Newtownabbey

  Industrial tribunal

  Agreed settlement before hearing

  Yes

  4. North Antrim

  Industrial tribunal

  Agreed settlement before hearing

  Yes

  1991

  1 Portadown

  Fair employment tribunal

  Settled before tribunal hearing

  Yes

  2 Portadown

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  3 Lisburn

  Industrial tribunal

  Case dismissed by tribunal

  —

  4. North Down

  Fair employment tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  5. Antrim

  Industrial tribunal

  Case settled by written agreement

  —

  6. North Antrim

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  7. Coleraine

  Industrial tribunal

  Agreement before tribunal hearing

  Yes

  8 Omagh

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  9 Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Applicant won case

  Yes

  10 Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  With drawn by applicant

  —

  11 Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Applicant won case

  Yes

  1992

  1 East Tyrone

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  2 Lurgan

  Industrial tribunal

  Settled by agreement with parties

  Yes

  3 Portadown

  Fair employment tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  4 Lurgan

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  5 East Tyrone

  Industrial tribunal

  Hearing held pending decision on another case

  —

  6 Newcastle

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing - waiting decision on another case

  —

  7 Lisburn

  Industrial tribunal

  Case dismissed by tribunal

  —

  280

  £

  1992–93

  6,716

  1993–94

  5,499

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what additional resources have been made available to the Belfast education and library board in order to assist with the amalgamation of further education colleges; if he will provide a breakdown of these additional resources in relation to their specific purpose; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  An additional £40,000 was provided in 1990–91 to support the secondment of our senior lecturers.

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by college and by individual case the number of industrial tribunal and fair employment tribunal applications lodged against further education colleges for each year since 1989; how many cases have been upheld against the further education colleges and how many cases have resulted in a settlement which has involved payments being made by an education and library board; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The following information has been provided by the education and library boards:
  281

  College

  Type of case

  Result

  Compensation

  8. Lisburn

  Industrial tribunal

  Case dismissed by tribunal

  —

  9. Lisburn

  Industrial tribunal

  Case dismissed by tribunal

  —

  10 Newcastle

  Fair employment tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  11 Newcatle

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  12 Newcatle

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  13 Newcatle

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  14 Newcatle

  Fair employment tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  15 Newcatle

  Fair employment tribunal

  Result awaited

  —

  16 North Down

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  17 Ballymena

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  18 North West Institute

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  19. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  20. Belfast Institute

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  21. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  22. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  23. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Settled before hearing

  Yes

  1993

  1. East Tyrone

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  2. North Down

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  3. Newtownabbey

  Fair employment tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  4. Omagh

  Fair employment tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  5. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  6. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  7. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  8. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  9. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Withdrawn by applicant

  —

  1994

  1. Newry

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  2. Newry

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  3. Newry

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  4. Newry

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  5. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  6. Belfast Institute

  Industrial tribunal

  Ongoing

  —

  Mr. Stott
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to make a public response to the report of the review group led by Noel Stewart; what additional resources his Department will make available to further education colleges in Northern Ireland in order to fund investment in accommodation and equipment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Ancram
  The Government responded to the report of the review group in their statement of 9 February 1993. There are no plans for any further statements. Funding for the further education sector is determined in the light of available resources and relative priorities for expenditure.

  School Pupils
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils are at each(a) primary and (b) secondary and higher level schools in (i) the controlled sector, (ii) the maintained sector and (iii) the integrated sector in the constituency of Newry and Armagh.

  Mr. Ancram
  The 1993–94 enrolment figures are as follows:—
  283

  Numbers

  (a) (i) Controlled primary schools

  Aghavilly, Milford

  77

  Annaghmore, Portadown

  88

  Armstrong, Armagh

  376

  Bessbrook, Newry

  98

  Cabra, Tandragee, Portadown

  24

  Clare, Tandragee, Craigavon

  62

  Collone, Armagh

  123

  Cormtamlet, Altnamachin

  35

  Darkley, Armagh

  128

  Derryhale, Portadown

  63

  Drumhillery, Middletown

  55

  Drumsallen, Killylea

  54

  Foley, Tassagh

  85

  Hamiltonsbawn, Armagh

  112

  Hardy Memorial, Richill

  451

  Keady, Armagh

  46

  Killylea, Armagh

  76

  Kingsmills, Whitecross

  34

  Lisdrumchor, Glenanne

  27

  Lisnadill, Armagh

  81

  Markethill Primary, Armagh

  223

  Mountnorris, Armagh

  69

  Mullaghglass, Newry

  73

  Mullavilly, Tandragee

  82

  Newry Model, Newry

  36

  Newtownhamilton, Newry

  106

  Poyntzpass, Newry

  64

  Tandragee, Tandragee

  308

  The Cope, Loughgall

  123

  Tullyroan, Dungannon

  45

  Windsor Hill, Newry

  198

  Numbers

  (ii) Maintained Primary Schools

  Anamar, Crossmaglen, Newry

  75

  Armagh Christian Bros, Armagh

  451

  Carrickrovaddy, Newtownhamilton

  39

  Clady (St. Michael's), Armagh

  39

  Clay, Keady, Armagh

  60

  Clonalig, Newry

  151

  Cloughoge, Newry

  310

  Collegeland, Dungannon

  32

  Drelincourt Infants, Armagh

  39

  Dromintee, Killeavy

  137

  Glassdrummond, Middletown

  82

  Jonesborough, Newry

  127

  Killeen, Newry

  114

  Lissummon, Newry

  29

  Loughgall

  31

  Middletown Boys', Armagh

  56

  Mount St. Catherine's, Armagh

  429

  Newtownhamilton (St. Michael's)

  103

  Our Lady's, Keady

  40

  St. Brigid's, Crossmaglen

  139

  St. Brigid's, Belleeks

  77

  St. Clare's, Keady

  204

  St. Clare's Convent, Newry

  609

  St. Colman's Abbey, Newry

  686

  St. Colman's-Saval, Newry

  109

  St. Colmcille's, Armagh

  30

  St. James', Markethill

  52

  St. James', Tandragee

  54

  St. Jarlath's, Blackwaterstown

  128

  St. Joseph's, Convent, Newry

  447

  St. Joseph's, Armagh

  137

  St. Joseph's, Poyntzpass, Newry

  81

  St. Joseph's, Killeavy

  195

  St. Joseph's, Bessbrook, Newry

  355

  St. Lawrence's, Belleeks

  46

  St. Louis' Convent, Middletown

  46

  St. Malachy's, Ballymoughan

  64

  St. Malachy's, Chapel Lane, Armagh

  213

  St. Malachy's, Camlough, Newry

  242

  St. Malachy's, Carnagat, Newry

  466

  284

  Numbers

  St. Mary's Boys', Keady, Armagh

  191

  St. Mary's, Tassagh, Armagh

  77

  St. Mary's, Jerrettspass, Newry

  50

  St. Mary's, Mullaghbawn, Newry

  198

  St. Mochua's, Keady, Armagh

  109

  St. Oliver Plunkett, Forkhill

  92

  St. Oliver Plunkett, Kilmore

  97

  St. Patrick's Boys' Newry

  335

  St. Patrick's, Crossmaglen, Newry

  295

  St. Patrick's, Armagh

  550

  St. Patrick's, Cullyhanna, Newry

  247

  St. Colman's Saval, Newry

  109

  St. Peter's, Bessbrook

  255

  Tullyheron, Mountnorris

  54

  Tullymore, Armagh

  58

  Tullysaran, Armagh

  77

  (iii) Integrated Primary Schools

  Saints and Scholars, Armagh

  26

  (b) Secondary schools

  Numbers

  (i) Controlled secondary

  Armagh Secondary School

  574

  Markethill High

  456

  Newry High

  569

  Newtownhamilton High

  99

  Tandragee Junior High

  316

  (ii) Maintained secondary schools

  St. Brigid's High, Armagh

  209

  St. Catherine's College, Armagh

  956

  St. Joseph's Boys' High, Newry

  391

  St. Joseph's High, Crossmaglen

  600

  St. Mary's Girls' High, Newry

  574

  St. Patrick's High, Keady

  902

  St. Paul's High, Newry

  1,325

  (iii) There are no integrated secondary schools in this area.

  There are no sixth form colleges in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils attend each secondary and higher level college in(a) the maintained sector, (b) the controlled sector and (c) the integrated sector in the constituency of Strangford.

  Mr. Ancram
  The 1993–94 enrolment figures are as follows:

  Numbers

  Maintained Secondary Schools

  St. Columba's High School, Portaferry

  363

  Controlled Secondary and Grammar Schools

  Comber High School, Newtownards

  460

  Donaghadee High School

  294

  Glastry High School, Ballyhalbert

  554

  Movilla High School, Newtownards

  752

  Regent House Grammar School, Newtownards

  1,428

  Scrabo High School, Newtownards

  364

  Integrated Secondary Schools

  Lagan College, Castlereagh

  849

  There are no 6th Form Colleges in Northern Ireland.

  School Pupils
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils attend each primary school in(a) the maintained sector, (b) the controlled sector and (c) the integrated sector in the constituency of Strangford.

  Mr. Ancram
  The 1993–94 enrolment figures are as follows:

  Number

  (a) Maintained Primary Schools

  St. Anne's, Donaghadee

  38

  St. Finian's, Newtownards

  190

  St. Mary's, Comber

  33

  St. Mary's, Ballygowan

  66

  St. Mary's, Kircubbin

  225

  St. Mary's, Portaferry

  313

  St. Patrick's, Portaferry

  89

  (b) Controlled Primary Schools

  Abbey, Newtownards

  523

  Alexander Dickson, Ballygowan

  213

  Andrews Memorial, Comber

  511

  Ballykeigle, Comber

  66

  Ballyvester, Donaghadee

  89

  Ballywalter, Newtownards

  141

  Belvoir Park, Belfast

  276

  Branfel, Belfast

  290

  Cairnshill, Newtownbreda

  430

  Carrickmannon, Ballygowan

  75

  Carrowdore, Newtownards

  136

  Castle Gardens, Newtownards

  441

  Comber, Newtownards

  399

  Cottown, Bangor

  28

  Donaghadee

  435

  Greyabbey, Newtownards

  71

  Killinchy, Comber

  223

  Kircubbin, Newtownards

  58

  Kirkistown, Cloughey

  51

  Leadhill, Belfast

  187

  Londonderry Model, Newtownards

  292

  Loughries, Newtownards

  93

  Millisle, Newtownards

  171

  Moneyrea, Newtownards

  134

  Newtownards Model, Newtownards

  365

  Newtownbreda, Belfast

  225

  O'Neill Memorial, Belfast

  41

  Portavogie

  148

  Portaferry

  44

  Regent House Prep Department

  172

  Victoria, Ballyhalbert

  100

  Victoria, Newtownards

  556

  West Winds, Newtownards

  194

  There are no integrated primary schools in the constituency of Strangford.

  Birds (Illegal Killing)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list, by estate, those occasions on which birds belonging to protected species have been found(a) shot, (b) poisoned or (c) otherwise illegally killed in each of the past five years; and what is the number of (i) prosecutions and (ii) convictions which have resulted.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  Records are not kept by estate of those occasions on which birds belonging to protected species have been found(a) shot (b) poisoned or (c) otherwise illegally killed.
  286
  The figures set out in the table list by year for Northern Ireland as a whole (i) the numbers of birds which the Department knows to have been shot, poisoned or illegally killed; (ii) prosecutions and (iii) convictions.

  Birds

  Prosecutions

  Convictions

  Shot

  Birds Poisoned

  Otherwise illegally killed

  1989

  5

  8

  Nil

  5

  5

  1990

  Nil

  Nil

  Nil

  —

  —

  1991

  Nil

  1

  3

  1

  1

  1992

  1

  2

  Nil

  1

  1

  1993

  Nil

  3

  Nil

  1

  1

  Building Regulations
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to introduce new building regulations or amend existing building regulations, to promote the development of barrier-free housing in terms of(a) new build and (b) renovated or modernised properties; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment intends, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales to consult on a range of building regulation provisions which could be applied to the design of new dwellings for the benefit of disabled people.

  Northern Ireland maintains its own building regulations and I will bring forward proposals, once the new requirements for England and Wales are known.

  There are no plans to consider the applications of such requirements to existing dwellings subject to renovation or modernisation.

  Disability
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to encourage public sector landlords to provide disabled people with personal housing plans; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  The administration of public sector housing, including assessment of need, is the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. For special needs groups, the Housing Executive co-operates with the relevant health and social services area board to determine the most suitable accommodation and care, including the design or adaptation of dwellings, to meet the pecific needs of the disabled occupant.

  The Housing Executive also provides a range of services to disabled people and carries out approximately 7,400 major and minor adaptations per year.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of Northern Ireland's housing stock is constructed or adapted to meet the needs of physically disabled people at the latest date for which information is available; if he will break this information down into categories of housing tenure; what plans he has to enhance the availability of such housing stock; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Tim Smith
  The information is not available in the form requested. I have, however, been advised by the chief
  287
  executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive that the 1991 house condition survey indicates that 80 per cent. of tenures in the owner-occupied, Housing Executive and housing association sectors provided at least level access to one entrance while for the private rented sector the figure is 63 per cent., and 30 per cent. of all tenures provide both level access and all facilities on the same level.

  Since 1985 all new Housing Executive and housing association properties have been built to mobility standard on the ground floor to facilitate elderly and disabled people.

  The Executive and housing associations normally carry out around 7,500 major and minor adaptations to dwellings each year. The Executive also expects to provide assistance to the private sector through approximately 3,000 applications for disabled facilities grants and minor works grants each year.

  Public Houses
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many licensed public houses there have been in Northern Ireland for each of the last 10 years.

  Mr. Ancram
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1984

  1,845

  1985

  1,832

  1986

  1,783

  1987

  1,735

  1988

  1,733

  1989

  1,700

  1990

  1,684

  1991

  1,695

  1992

  1,665

  1993

  1,643

  Consultants (Merit Awards)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number and total cost of merit awards currently made to consultants for each health authority in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Ancram
  The number of distinction and meritorious service awards currently made to consultants in Northern Ireland is:

  Rank

  Number of officers

  CB1

  CB2

  CB3

  Constable

  6,232

  5,575

  454

  203

  Sergeant

  1,408

  1,261

  123

  24

  Inspector

  489

  427

  45

  17

  Chief Inspector

  164

  140

  22

  2

  Superintendent

  123

  103

  17

  3

  Chief Superintendent

  42

  34

  7

  1

  Paramilitary Groups
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the number of persons suspected of being loyalist paramilitary members and those suspected of being republican paramilitary members who were arrested in each police sub-division between July
  288

  Number

  A+

  8

  A

  27

  B

  60

  C

  137

  Total

  232

  The total cost of distinction and meritorious service awards made to consultants in the 1992–93 financial year is as follows:

  1992–93 £

  Eastern Health and Social Services Board

  1,856,823

  Northern Health and Social Services Board

  267,694

  Southern Health and Social Services Board

  254,089

  Western Health and Social Services Board

  243,289

  Total

  2,621,895

  Community Services
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent by each district council in Northern Ireland on community services in 1993–94; and how much was spent per head of population in each district.

  Mr. Ancram
  As the 1993–94 accounts of the district councils have not been finalised, the information is not available at present.

  Royal Ulster Constabulary
  Mr. A. Cecil Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total number of persons serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, as at 1 May in the ranks of(a) constable, (b) sergeant, (c) inspector, (d) chief inspector, (e) superintendent and (f) chief superintendent; and if he will give the numbers in each rank who are believed to be CB1 (Protestant origin), CB2 (Roman Catholic) and CB3 (other).

  Sir John Wheeler
  The number of persons serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary by rank and perceived community background is collated annually. The following statistics relate to 31 December 1993.

  1992 and May 1993; how many in each category were subsequently charged; and what were the figures in each case for the period July 1993 to May 1994.

  Sir John Wheeler
  The available information is for the whole of Northern Ireland and is as follows:
  289

  Date

  Total arrests

  Suspect loyalists charged

  Suspect republicans charged

  1 July 1992 to 31 May 1993

  1,531

  208

  233

  1 July 1993 to 31 May 1994

  1,638

  149

  132

  A breakdown by police sub-division, and information on how many of the individuals arrested were suspected members of loyalist or republican groups, is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  United Nations 50th Anniversary
  Sir James Kilfedder
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what arrangements he is proposing to make to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations in Northern Ireland.

  Sir John Wheeler
  None at present.

SCOTLAND

  Rent Registration Service
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of rents asked for by the landlords and the level of rents determined by the rent officers in the most recent year for which figures are available.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I assume that the hon. Member is seeking information on the total sum of rents claimed by landlords and the total sum of rents determined by the rent registration service. In the case of rents determined for housing benefit subsidy, it was estimated on the basis of a 90 per cent. sample of cases recorded for 1993, that the total sum of rents referred to the rent registration service was around £145 million and the total sum of rents determined was around £131 million. Similar information relating to the determination of fair rents is not available.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to exclude cartels of private landlords from submitting tenders under market testing of the rent registration service.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  If market testing takes place, each bid will be considered on its merits to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. The Secretary of State would need to be satisfied that this had been addressed so that any risk of bias on the part of a potential contractor is eliminated. Otherwise the particular bid would be excluded from the tender evaluation process.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to safeguard(a) private sector tenants and (b) the public purse from rents being raised following a successful bid for running the rent registration service being accepted from an organisation other than the current service provided by civil servants.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  All the existing legislation which applies to the determination of rents by rent officers would continue to apply to any rent registration service providers that might be appointed. This 290
  would include provision for appeals to rent assessment committees on fair rents and the existing powers of the courts.

  Road Schemes
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which road schemes have been authorised in the last 10 years which had a negative net present value; and which road schemes in the last 10 years have been rejected at the public inquiry stage or beyond, because they had a negative net present value.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The roads directorate records show that in the last 10 years three road schemes authorised between 1985 and 1988 had an estimated small negative net present value. These schemes are listed below:

  (1) A75 Dumfries Bypass

  (2) A90 (A94) Parkford—Balnabreich

  (3) A90 (A94) Upper North Water Bridge—Oatyhill.

  Post-evaluation studies on outturn costs and benefits have been completed on the first two schemes which show a significant positive net present value.

  There have been no road schemes in the last 10 years which have been rejected at the public inquiry stage or beyond, because they had a negative net present value.

  Betting and Gaming
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will bring forward proposals to allow payment of prizes from amusement-with-prizes machines to be made in cash, rather than replayable tokens.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This matter is under review.

  Scottish Enterprise
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the levels of investment by Scottish Enterprise, including its offshoots, and each local enterprise company in each parliamentary constituency in Scotland since 1990; if he will also give details of legally committed and planned expenditure by each on the same basis; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information sought by the hon. Member is not available on a parliamentary constituency basis.

  Strathclyde Police
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in relation to policing in the 'K' divisions of Strathclyde police following local government reform; if it will be possible for this police division to remain as an operational unit in the event that the new local authorities' areas dissect its boundaries; what decision-making mechanisms will determine whether the division will remain as an operational unit; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The policing of particular divisions of police forces is an operational matter for which the relevant chief constable is responsible. Decisions relating to the divisional boundaries within forces following local government reform will be a matter for chief constables and police authorities.
  291
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will undertake a feasibility study into the need for an operational police station within the Gleniffer division of Strathclyde regional council; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The need for operational police stations and their locations are matters for the police authority and the chief constable to decide.

  Warrant Sales
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to abolish warrant sales as a means of collecting debt; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Warrant sales act as an ultimate sanction within a range of remedies available to the creditor for recovery of all types of debt. The system of warrant sales was reformed by the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987. These reforms removed the most resented and harsh aspects of the procedure. The Government have no plans at present for further major reform of these arrangements.

  Paper Industry
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what economic initiatives he is supporting which will encourage the development of paper processing and treatment as an industry; and if he will make a statement on the importance of the paper and board industry to Scotland in general, and Renfrewshire in particular.

  Mr. Stewart
  The paper industry in Scotland has access to a wide range of advice and assistance from the Scottish Office and the enterprise network. Advice is available on, for example, exports, technology and best management practice; and regional selective financial assistance may be available for capital investment projects in assisted areas such as Renfrewshire.

  The latest census of employment shows that, in 1991, the paper and board industry in Scotland employed 12,450 people, of whom 270 were employed in Renfrewshire. The industry makes an important contribution to the Scottish economy.

  Physiotherapy
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average waiting time for physiotherapy services in each of Scotland's health board areas.

  Mr. Stewart
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Voter Registration
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made in obtaining information on how many British citizens living overseas are registered for voting in each constituency in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I refer the hon. Member to the information I gave in answer to his question on 3 February 1994. My understanding is that information is intended to be published by OPCS in the late summer.

  Gateside School, Paisley
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has available on the provision of special needs education at Gateside school, Paisley; how many pupils attend the school; what is the current catchment area of the school; what proportion of children are transported to the school because they do not reside within its vicinity; how much the school cost to run in the most recent year for which figures are available; what was the annual cost per pupil in the same financial year; how many(a) teaching, (b) specialist, (c) auxiliary, (d) administrative and (e) manual staff are employed at the school; how many posts are currently unfilled; what is the reason for each unfilled post; what are the grades and designations of the unfilled posts; where is the nearest alternative school providing similar educational services to a similar age group; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas Hamilton
  Strathclyde regional council education authority has responsibility for Gateside school which provides for pre-five children with hearing impairment. In September 1993, the latest date for which figures are available, the school roll was 19 and two full-time teachers were employed. All children attended on a part-time basis, the full-time equivalent being 14. The total budgeted running cost for 1993–94 was £101,000 which equates to a budget cost per pupil of £7,210. The other information requested is not held centrally.

  The Government's policy is that parents in Scotland of children with special educational needs should have a choice of educational provision for their child, including special schools such as Gateside: It is, of course, for each education authority to support and arrange such provision for children in their area with special educational needs.

  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what funding is made available by his Department to Gateside school for deaf children in Paisley; how funding arrangements will change in future years; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Office does not fund Gateside school directly. The level of expenditure incurred in respect of the school is a matter for the education authority, Strathclyde regional council, which receives support for its expenditure on education services through aggregate external finance. There are no plans to change the existing arrangements.

  Police Salaries
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the salary range of each rank of police officer in Scotland.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The current salaries of police officers, by rank, are as follows:

  Incremental salary point1 with effect from 1 September 1993 £

  Annual salary with effect from 1 September 1993 £

  Chief Constable

  Population band up to

  400,0002

  57,720

  56,313

  293

  Incremental salary point1 with effect from 1 September 1993 £

  Annual salary with effect from 1 September 1993 £

  400,000–500,000

  59,184

  57,738

  500,000–750,000

  61,632

  60,129

  750,000–1,250,000

  64,074

  62,511

  1,250,000–2,000,000

  68,964

  67,281

  over 2,000,000

  73,368

  71,580

  Deputy Chief Constable

  Population band up to

  400,000

  50,850

  49,605

  400,000–500,000

  50,850

  49,605

  500,000–750,000

  50,850

  49,605

  750,000–1,250,000

  51,258

  50,010

  1,250,000–2,000,000

  55,170

  53,826

  over 2,000,000

  58,695

  57,264

  Assistant Chief Constable

  48,426

  47,241

  Chief Superintendent

  On promotion

  —

  40,071

  After 1 year

  —

  40,644

  2 years

  —

  41,556

  3 years

  —

  42,549

  Off-scale point

  —

  42,696

  Superintendent

  On promotion

  —

  36,042

  After 1 year

  —

  36,960

  2 years

  —

  37,875

  3 years

  —

  39,135

  Off-scale point

  —

  39,177

  Chief Inspector

  On promotion

  —

  26,496

  After 1 year

  —

  27,237

  2 years

  —

  27,978

  3 years

  —

  28,722

  4 years

  —

  29,472

  Inspector

  On promotion

  —

  23,337

  After 1 year

  —

  24,066

  2 years

  —

  25,005

  3 years

  —

  25,749

  4 years

  —

  26,496

  Sergeant

  On promotion

  —

  20,343

  After 1 year

  —

  21,267

  2 years

  —

  22,014

  3 years

  —

  22,743

  4 years

  —

  23,337

  Constable

  On appointment

  —

  12,744

  After 1 year

  —

  13,626

  2 years3

  —

  16,044

  3 years

  —

  16,422

  4 years

  —

  16,965

  5 years

  —

  17,547

  6 years

  —

  18,105

  7 years

  —

  18,666

  8 years

  —

  19,218

  12 years

  —

  20,343

  15 years

  —

  21,267

  1Payable to chief police officers with a minimum of 3 years' completed service in their rank

  Chief constables Who were in post on this population band at the time of the agreement on the 1984 pay review received a personal salary of supplement of £500 (pensionable) while they remained in their present
  294
  posts; this is increased to £954 with effect from 1 September 1993.

  3Entry point for those aged 22 or over, who will move to the next point after 3 years' service.

  Lace Manufacturing
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what economic initiatives he is supporting to encourage the development of the lace manufacturing industry in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the importance of this industry to Scotland in general, and Renfrewshire in particular.

  Mr. Stewart
  The lace industry in Scotland has access to a wide range of advice and assistance from the Scottish Office and the enterprise network. The industry has derived particular benefit from the Scottish Lace Guild, which was established in 1991 with assistance from Scottish Enterprise and Enterprise Ayrshire.

  The latest census of employment shows that, in 1991, the lace industry in Scotland employed 490 people, all of whom were employed in Ayrshire. The industry makes a useful contribution to the economy of that area; I am not aware that the industry has a significant presence in Renfrewshire.

  Emergency Services
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to bring forward legislation to deal more effectively with hoax calls to the emergency services; if he intends to take any additional action within his current range of powers to deal with this menace; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to bring forward further legislation in respect of such calls, the making of which is already an offence. Means of dealing with this problem are kept under review, and there is evidence that the frequency of hoax calls is diminishing.

  Regional and European Elections
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what individual amounts are payable to(a) returning officers, (b) deputy returning officers, (c) presiding officers at polling stations, (d) polling clerks, (e) supervisors at election counts, (f) counting clerks and (g) other grades for their duties relating to both the regional council and European elections in 1994; if he will publish a table showing the amount paid or due to be paid in respect of each of these elections to each returning officer and deputy returning officer in Scotland; what costs returning officers and deputy returning officers are required to meet from these payments; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no locus with regard to the payments made to returning officers and their staffs at regional elections. Such payments are the responsibility of the authorities concerned.

  With regard to the 1994 European parliamentary elections, the amounts payable to returning officers and their staffs are contained in The European Parliamentary Elections (Returning Officers' Charges) Order 1994 (SI 1994/1379) which came into force on 1 June 1994. The

  295
  costs to be met by returning officers in running the elections are also set out in this order. Details of the information needed to calculate amounts payable to individual returning officers have not yet been forwarded to the Scottish Office Home and Health Department by the returning officers concerned.

  Cervical Smear Tests
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a table showing the average time that patients wait for the results of cervical smear tests in each health board area.

  Mr. Stewart
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 11 February 1994 at columns 417–18, and the replies that I gave the hon. Member for Cunninghame, South (Mr. Donohoe), Official Report, 21 January, column 759, 3 February, column 929, and 4 February, column 962.

  School Meals
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children received free school meals in each year since 1990; how the rules governing eligibility to free school meals have been amended over that period; and if he will make a statement.

  Wait (in days) for First Attendance at Consultant Outpatient Clinic1

  Wait (in days) for 'booked' Inpatient or Day Case Treatment5

  Inpatients

  Day Cases

  Area of Residence

  Mean

  Median2

  Mean

  Median2

  Mean

  Median2

  Argyll and Clyde

  84

  78

  92

  53

  73

  49

  Ayreshire and Arran

  46

  32

  73

  39

  84

  73

  Borders

  39

  29

  92

  37

  159

  66

  Dumfries and Galloway

  59

  50

  49

  38

  41

  34

  Fife

  57

  51

  92

  35

  82

  47

  Forth Valley

  49

  38

  64

  34

  35

  24

  Grampian

  73

  54

  44

  36

  36

  30

  Greater Glasgow

  74

  68

  82

  38

  58

  38

  Highland

  85

  98

  76

  40

  11

  14

  Lanarkshire

  81

  55

  92

  55

  62

  48

  Lothian

  47

  42

  134

  50

  131

  61

  Orkney

  4—

  4—

  24

  21

  4—

  4—

  Shetland

  29

  29

  11

  6

  4—

  4—

  Tayside

  77

  72

  59

  42

  60

  33

  Western Isles

  50

  26

  33

  22

  4—

  4—

  Scotland3

  66

  56

  86

  42

  69

  39

  1Includes patients who did not attend their outpatient appointment.

  2The number of days within which 50 per cent. of patients had waited for treatment.

  3Includes patients resident outwith Scotland and cases where the patient's address was not recorded.

  4In areas where there is no specialist in urology some patients requiring urological treatment may be treated within the specialty of general surgery.

  5Provisional information.

  All information relates to the three months ending 31 December 1993.

  Housing (Disabled People)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of Scotland's housing stock is constructed or adapted to meet the needs of physically disabled people at the latest date for which information is available; if he will break this information down into categories of housing tenure; what plans he has to enhance the availability of such housing stock; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  On 31 March 1993, there were 23,184 public authority and housing association
  296
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested, taken from annual school meals census returns, is as follows:

  Pupils receiving free school meals

  Numbers

  1990

  99,303

  1991

  101,915

  1992

  107,186

  1993

  107,709

  There have been no changes in the entitlement to free meals since 1990.

  Urology Services
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average waiting time for urology services in each of Scotland's health board areas.

  Mr. Stewart
  The information is shown in the table:

  dwellings built or adapted for physically disabled people, 2·6 per cent. of the public sector stock. Information on private sector provision is not available centrally.

  The draft housing and community care circular, issued for comment in February, restates the Government's guidelines on housing for physically disabled people. A letter seeking views on the topics to be covered in a consultation paper on the extension of access requirements in the building regulations to new dwellings has recently been issued to outside bodies.

  Slingshots and Catapults
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to ban the sale of slingshots and catapults; and if he will make a statement.
  297
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to introduce legislation to ban the sale of slingshots and catapults. The sale of a range of dangerous items which have no apparent legitimate use is allready banned under the Offensive Weapons Order 1988. Catapults are sold for legitimate use by anglers and farmers.

  Health Service, Central Legal Office
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will publish Laurence Peterken's review of the Scottish health service central legal office;

  (2) what was the remit of Laurence Peterken's review of the Scottish health service central legal office; and what investigations he has carried out.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 20 June 1994]: Mr. Laurence Peterken has been appointed as special projects director reporting to the chief executive of the management executive. His remit is to undertake an organisational and functional review of the divisions which comprise the Common Services Agency. In reviewing the central legal office his fact-finding included interviews with NHS trusts, boards, private solicitors, and senior management of the CSA and CLO. His findings and recommendations in respect of the central legal office have been reported to the chief executive.

  Any decision on the future of the central legal office will be a matter for my noble and learned Friend the Minister of State. It is not the practice to publish advice given to Ministers.

  Nursing Homes, Lanarkshire
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many staff are employed in the inspection of private nursing homes in the Lanarkshire health board area;

  (2) how many licensed private nursing homes there are in the Lanarkshire health board area;

  (3) on how many occasions each of the licensed private nursing homes in the Lanarkshire health board area has been inspected since it was opened.

  Mr. Stewart
  [holding answer 21 June 1994]: An assistant chief area nursing officer is employed exclusively on nursing home inspection duties and has access to a full administrative service and other medical, pharmaceutical and additional specialist nursing input, as required.

  There are 50 registered nursing homes within the Lanarkshire health board area, all of which are inspected at least twice annually.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the effect on the council tax's single person discount when responsibility for water and sewerage charges is taken away from local government under the Government's proposals.

  Sir Hector Monro
  The restructuring of water and sewerage services will not affect the availability of council tax discount for single adult households.

HEALTH

  Appointments
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many and what proportion of(a) chairmen, (b) chief executives and (c) board members of (i) regional health authorities, (ii) district health authorities and (iii) NHS trusts are women.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The latest information available centrally is given in the table.

  Chairman and non-executive appointees

  Number of women appointed

  Women as a percentage of total appointees

  Regional health authorities

  Chairmen

  1

  12·5

  Non-executive members

  19

  47·5

  District health authorities

  Chairmen

  26

  24·1

  Non-executive members

  228

  38·4

  NHS Trusts

  Chairmen

  104

  26·0

  Non-executive directors

  795

  40·4

  Information about the number of female chief executives employed is not available centrally.

  London Implementation Group
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the NHS budget for the area covered by the London Implementation Group for(a) 1991–92, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94 and (d) 1994–95.

  Mr. Sackville
  Residents of London benefit from spending from the total national health service budget by the Department of Health, regional health authorities, district health authorities and family health services authorities. It is not possible to apportion Department of Health and regional health authority spending geographically and consequently it is not possible to give a figure for the NHS budget for this area.

  NHS Budget
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the NHS budget for England in(a) 1991–92, (b) 1992–93, (c) 1993–94 and (d) 1994–95.

  Mr. Sackville
  Gross national health service spending for England is shown in the table for the years requested.

  £million

  1991–92

  26,809

  1992–93

  29,387

  11993–94

  30,520

  21994–95

  31,970

  1Estimated outturn.

  2Current provision.

  Mental Health
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she will introduce a system of performance management for mental health review tribunals, including
  299
  a mechanism for the feedback to tribunal members concerning the outcome for patients they have discharged from their sections under the Mental Health Act 1983.

  Mr. Bowis
  The work of mental health review tribunal members in England is monitored by the eight regional chairmen of the tribunals. This was described in the tribunal's annual report for 1993, a copy of which is available in the Library. Regional chairmen have agreed that it would be useful for members to know more about the outcome for patients whom they discharge and the Department is commissioning research into this and into decision making by tribunals.

  Health Campaigns
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the number of staff employed, and number of inquiries received, in connection with her Department's campaign on(a) "Keep Warm, Keep Well" and (b) Health Service and Professional Recruitment.

  Mr. Sackville
  Four departmental staff are responsible for the "Keep Warm, Keep Well" campaign, among their wider duties, including its policy and publicity aspects. There were 31,775 requests for the 1993–94 information booklet. A "winter warmth" freephone helpline is run on the Department's behalf by the Help the Aged and is manned by 5·94 staff—whole time equivalent. The helpline received 24,574 inquiries in the period 14 October 1993 to 31 March 1994.

  During 1993 the health service's professions recruitment campaign generated 11,538 requests for information. A nursing officer co-ordinates the campaign drawing on advice from departmental colleagues as required.

  "Making London Better"
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff are employed in the clearing house referred to in paragraph 4·46 of the departmental report to assist staff displaced as a result of the changes brought about by "Making London Better"; what is the total budget of the clearing house; and how many requests for assistance it has received.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The clearing house employs five staff and the total budget for 1994–95 is £212,000. To date the clearing house has received 425 requests for assistance from individuals displaced as a result of service changes in London. Additionally, the clearing house deals with an estimated 70 inquiries per day relating to the clearing house scheme.

  Obstetric Cholestasis
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has on the number of still births that arise as a result of the condition known as obstetric cholestasis both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

  Mr. Sackville
  Between 1986 and 1992 there were no cases of stillbirths registered in England and Wales with obstetric cholestasis or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy mentioned as a cause on the certificate.

  Information relating to Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and Learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
  300
  The causes of stillbirths are not collected centrally by the World Health Organisation. Individual countries abroad will need to be consulted for information about stillbirths attributed to ICP.

  Disabled People (Employment)
  Sir Harold Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give the level of compliance of each health authority in England and Wales with the requirements of the statutory quota scheme for the employment of disabled persons.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The latest figures were published in the April 1993 Employment Gazette, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Clinical Standards
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information sources are currently available to purchasers to enable them to assess clinical effectiveness.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  There are various sources of information on clinical effectiveness currently available, including "Effective Health Care" bulletins, high quality clinical guidelines, the health outcomes clearing house, the Cochrane database and the results of clinical audit. Copies of the bulletins and guidelines are available in the Library.

  Paediatric Cardiac Surgery
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information is available on the clinical performance and effectiveness of different treatment centres in relation to paediatric cardiac surgery.

  Mr. Sackville
  The information currently available centrally is from routinely collected data such as the annual hospital episode statistics prepared by the Government Statistical Service, copies of which are available in the Library. The Department is considering a recently received application for funding of a pilot study for clinical audit of paediatric and adult surgical procedures in cardiothoracic centres.

  General Practitioners (Suicides)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioners committed suicide in(a) 1973, (b) 1983 and (c) 1993; and if she will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information is not available centrally.

  Clinical Effectiveness
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will identify those elements of the NHS executive dataset health service indicators which relate to measurement of clinical effectiveness.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The health service indicators dataset contains over 500 indicators covering a wide range of national health service activities. Many of the indicators are related to clinical effectiveness, for example, indicators relating to "The Health of the Nation", outcomes, mortality and hospital activity can be used in conjunction
  301
  with other relevant sources of information to examine the question of clinical effectiveness. Copies of the health service indicators are available in the Library.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information is available on the clinical performance and effectiveness of different treatment centres in relation to the most common cancers.

  Mr. Sackville
  In contracting for cancer services health authorities will wish to assess the performance of hospitals and other providers of cancer services. Comparative data are not available centrally.

  The recently published consultative document entitled "A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services" recommends that cancer registration and careful monitoring of treatment and outcomes is essential. Copies of the document will be placed in the Library.

  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measurements currently exist to audit the clinical performance of GPs; how these are implemented and with what consequences; and what further measures are proposed.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  As independent practitioners, general practitioners review their own performance through the process of clinical audit. Our view is that audit priorities are best determined locally by individual GP practices, in the light of local requirements. To assist this, we have made funds available through family health services authorities in each year since 1991 to enable all practices to participate in clinical audit.

  Public Bodies
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many members there are of(a) special health authorities, (b) trusts boards, (c) district health authorities, (d) family health service authorities and (e) regional health authorities.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information is shown in the table.

  Table (a) Number of children's homes

  Local Authority

  Voluntary

  Private

  Total

  (i) Wales1

  53

  5

  n/a

  58

  (ii) Scotland2

  116

  37

  n/a

  153

  (iii) England3

  950

  170

  180

  1,300

  (iv) Northern Ireland4

  21

  13

  n/a

  34

  1From "Activities of Social Services Departments: Year ended :11 March 1992" published by the Welsh Office. The number of private homes is not available.

  2From Statistical Bulletins SWKJSC/1994/1 "Services for Children 1991 and 1992" published by the Scottish Office. Figures relate to 1 992, the number of voluntary homes includes private homes.

  3From "Choosing with Care" (The Warner Report) published by the Department of Health. Figures relate to 1992.

  4Unpublished data from Health and Social Service Boards at 31 March 1993.

  Table (b) Total number of inspectors

  Local Authority

  SSI

  (i) Wales

  n/a

  8

  (ii) Scotland

  84

  20

  (iii) England1

  1,139

  98

  (iv) Northern Ireland

  n/a

  n/a

  1Figures for local authority inspectors in England relate to staff in 106 local authorities out of 109 which responded to a survey for "Raising the Standard"—the second annual report of the Chief Inspector, Social Services Inspectorate. The figure for the Social Service Inspectorate (SSI) is also taken from this report.

  302

  Chairman

  Non-executives

  Special health authorities

  11

  179

  National health service trusts

  419

  2,057

  District health authorities

  112

  560

  Family health services authorities

  90

  810

  Regional health authorities

  8

  40

  Care Charges
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance her Department has issued on charging users or their carers for(a) domiciliary care, (b) day care, or (c) respite care provided by local authorities.

  Mr. Bowis
  Guidance about charging for nonresidential social services for adults—LAC(94)1—was sent to local social services authorities in January. A further more detailed advice note was subsequently issued.

  The Department has also issued the "Charging for Residential Accommodation Guide".

  Copies of these documents are available in the Library.

  Children's Homes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) children's homes and (b) inspectors of children's homes there are in (i) Wales, (ii) Scotland, (iii) England, (iv) Northern Ireland and (v) the United Kingdom as a whole; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  The number of children's homes in each country is shown in table(a). The total for the United Kingdom is not given because the available figures relate to different years.

  The number of inspectors of children's homes is not routinely collected centrally. However, the total number of inspectors in each country in 1992–93 is shown in table (b). They do not all have specific responsibilities for the inspection of children's homes.

  Residential Homes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) registered nursing homes and (b) inspectors of registered nursing homes there are in (i) Wales, (ii) Scotland, (iii) Northern Ireland, (iv) England and (v) the United Kingdom as a whole; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  On 31 March 1993 there were:380 registered nursing homes in Wales;

  437 in Scotland

  245 in Northern Ireland; and

  5,190 in England; This gives a total of

  303

  6,252 in the United Kingdom as a whole.

  The figures for Scotland and England include all institutions registered under the Nursing Homes Registration (Scotland) Act 1938 and the Registered Homes Act 1984 respectively. This includes private hospitals as well as nursing homes.
  There are no centrally available figures for the numbers of nursing home inspectors for England and Scotland but there were 17 in Wales and 21·5—whole-time equivalents—in Northern Ireland on 31 March 1993.

  Prostheses
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list all hip prostheses currently purchased by the NHS together with their (i) volume and (ii) value for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of full-time equivalent staff employed in(a) 1989 and (b) 1993 in each health authority in England.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The information for 1989 will be placed in the Library. The information for 1993 is not yet available.

  Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding her Department provides for research into Creutzfeldt Jakob disease; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department and the Scottish Office fund research carried out at the United Kingdom Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease surveillance centre in Edinburgh. The unit will receive a total of £179,000 from the Department of Health in the current financial year.

  Dentistry
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of children aged under 16 years are registered with a dentist in each family health service authority.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  This information is not available in the form requested.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will restore free dental examinations for all patients;

  (2) what plans she has to raise the proportion of dental treatment costs paid by patients.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The level of patient charges is always kept under review.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate she has made of the amount which will be raised by dental charges in the current year; what amount is raised from dental check-ups; and how much would be raised by increasing to 100 per cent. the proportion of charges paid by patients.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  The 1994 estimates anticipate income from patient charges in the general dental services in 304
  England at £398 million, net of refunds. We estimate that about £60 million of this total will be derived from charges for dental examinations. Assuming no change in the volume of national health service dental treatment or the curent maximum charge level, raising the proportional charge to 100 per cent. would raise between £90 and £100 million in additional charge income in a full year, at current prices.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average cost to the patient of a course of dental treatment.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  We estimate that the average cost to a patient who paid the full national health service charge was £19.78, and to a patient who received partial remission from NHS charges £14·10.

  Administration Budgets
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 14 June,Official Report, column 380, regarding NHS budgets, if she will detail on what the total administrative budget, excluding staffing costs, was expended in each year since 1989.

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department's administrative budget, excluding staff, covers a wide range of essential costs, including buildings—rent, maintenance, fuel and utilities, security, cleaning and other office services; meetings of expert advisory committees and working groups, conferences, seminars and publications; payments to other Government Departments, for example, to the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys for collection of statistics; consultancy, and staff training and travel.

  Abortion
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 24 May,Official Report, column 126, regarding legal abortions in respect of women living in the Channel Islands, how many women have had legal abortions otherwise than in England in each year since 1990.

  Mr. Sackville
  In 1990, 1991 and 1992 there is no record of legal abortions in either Scotland or Wales to women usually resident in the Channel Islands.

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she plans to introduce legislation to merge district health authorities and family health service authorities.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  We intend to introduce legislation to enable the merger of district health authorities and family health services authorities as soon as parliamentary time allows.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she plans to introduce legislation to abolish regional health authorities.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 24 March at column 416.

  Multiple Sclerosis
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has undertaken into the effectiveness of the drug Beta Interferon in treating multiple sclerosis.
  305
  Mr. Bowis
  The Department is currently discussing this matter with interested parties, including the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid from my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

  NHS Internal Market
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to increase the degree of private sector involvement as providers of services in the national health service internal market.

  Mr. Sackville
  The extent to which national health service purchasers contract with the private sector is a matter for local decision. National health service purchasers are expected to purchase healthcare as efficiently and effectively as possible—from the public or private sector—to ensure good quality and best value for money.

  Hospital Performance
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ensure that league tables measuring comparative hospital performance are weighted to take account of the make-up of the local communities which they serve.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  None.

  Functions Analysis Groups
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she received the reports of the functions analysis groups; and if she will place copies of them in the Library.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Final reports from the 12 functions groups were received on 31 March. A summary of the groups' findings will be made available in due course.

  Hospital Performance
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she intends to publish her Department's guide to hospital performance.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  I refer, the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Scarborough (Mr. Sykes) on 24 May at column 121.

  Liposuction Surgery
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations she has received alleging negligence during liposuction surgery.

  Mr. Sackville
  [pursuant to his reply, 18 May 1994, c. 517]: I regret that my previous reply was incorrect. It should read as follows:
  "None. Complaints of medical negligence are the responsibility of health authorities and trusts who are liable by law for the negligence of their staff in the course of their national health service employment."

TRANSPORT

  Rail Salaries
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will now list the salaries for 1994–95 for(a) the chairman of British Rail and (b) the chairman of Railtrack; and if he will express the salaries as a percentage of the 1993–94 salaries.

  Mr. Freeman
  Their 1994–95 salary rates have not yet been determined.

  Roadworthiness Checks
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by location the roadside checks carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate in the last financial year and the number of vehicles checked; and if he will list the number of immediate prohibitions, delayed prohibitions and defect notices issued at each roadside check.

  Mr. Key
  The table gives a breakdown by region. It is not practical to give a breakdown by location.

  Region

  Vehicles and trailers examined

  Immediate prohibitions

  Delayed prohibitions

  Defect notices

  North East

  28,763

  1,951

  1,657

  3,527

  North West

  38,264

  2,197

  2,021

  8,622

  West Midlands

  25,499

  1,107

  1,019

  899

  East

  29,506

  1,932

  1,781

  3,315

  South Wales

  13,994

  676

  998

  524

  South West

  28,283

  1,776

  1,857

  1,942

  South East

  25,292

  1,214

  1,479

  2,695

  Scotland

  29,047

  1,885

  1,726

  797

  Small Bus Permits
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many spot checks were carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate on operators of minibuses covered by small bus permits in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Key
  This information is not available.

  Vehicle Registration Office
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 21 February,Official Report, column 83, what account was taken in the vehicle registration office review of the needs of disabled people.

  Mr. Key
  The review of DVLA's vehicle registration office network took account of the interests and requirements of all the networks' customers including disabled people. Their specific interests were presented to the review team by the representative of the Council for the Disabled.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 21 February,Official Report, column 80, if he will update the estimated cost to date of the review of the vehicle registration office and the budget set aside for the review.

  Mr. Key
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on Tuesday 14 June 1994, at column 520.

  DVLA Management Structure
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 7 March,Official Report, column 4, how DVLA's senior structure was reviewed and revised in order further to improve the management of the organisation; if he will list the improvements resulting from the changes; and what was the cost of reviewing and revising the structure.

  Mr. Key
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer on 3 May 1994,Official Report, column 468. The agency's senior structure was reorganised into functional groups responsible for operations, strategic planning and development, and support services. The new structure is more focused, has sharpened decision making and reduced costs. The fees and expenses paid to Price Waterhouse were the only significant direct cost of the review.

  Highways Agency
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the total cost to the Department of providing hospitality for those civil servants moving to the Highways Agency on 30 April.

  Mr. Key
  The launch of the Highways Agency was marked by modest functions for about 2,560 staff in London and the regions at a total cost of approximately £7,000. The functions catered for staff who joined the agency on 1 April and those who transferred to the new Government regional offices.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 29 April,Official Report, column 390, if he will supply similar information on prohibition notices for heavy goods vehicles in 1992–93.

  Mr. Key
  The table categorises prohibitions issued by defect.

  Defect category

  Number time occurred

  Seat belts

  15

  Smoke emission

  841

  Road wheels and hubs

  2,195

  Size and type of tyres

  147

  Condition of tyres

  4,982

  Bumper bars

  253

  Spare wheel/carrier

  20

  Vehicle/trailer coupling

  333

  Trailer emergency brake

  53

  Trailer landing legs

  11

  Wings and wheel arches

  349

  Cab security

  116

  Cab doors

  53

  Cab floor and steps

  163

  Driving seat

  75

  Security of body

  299

  Condition of body

  470

  Mirrors

  92

  View to front

  90

  Glass or other transparent material

  191

  Windscreen wipers and washers

  240

  Speedometer

  1

  Audible warning

  40

  Driving controls

  143

  Tachograph

  35

  Play at steering wheel

  79

  308

  Defect category

  Number of time occured

  Steering wheel

  38

  Steering column

  146

  Brake pressure/vacuum warning

  41

  Build up of pressure/vacuum

  102

  Lever operating mechanical brakes

  128

  Service brake pedal

  45

  Service brake operation

  164

  Hand operated brake control valves

  156

  Condition of chassis

  751

  Electrical wiring and equipment

  181

  Engine and transmission mountings

  56

  Oil leaks

  2,864

  Fuel tanks and systems

  1,379

  Exhaust systems

  972

  Suspension pins and bushes

  1,246

  Suspension spring units and linkages

  2.154

  Attachment of sprint units, linkages and sub-frames

  2,158

  Shock absorbers

  219

  Axles, stub axles and wheel bearings

  293

  Steering linkage

  1,669

  Steering gear

  289

  Power steering

  412

  Transmission

  841

  Mechanical brake components

  1,715

  Brake actuators

  2,734

  Braking systems and components

  6,046

  Rear markings

  20

  Front position lamps

  445

  Rear position lamps

  908

  Reflectors

  99

  Direction indicators

  776

  Aim of headlamps

  437

  Headlamps

  1,165

  Stop lamps

  1,486

  Trailer parking brake

  405

  Service brake performance

  2,644

  Secondary brake performance

  1,105

  Parking brake performance

  1,570

  Transport Research Laboratory
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 7 March,Official Report, column 3, regarding the appointment of a temporary financial director in the Transport Research Laboratory, who took the decision to make the appointment.

  Mr. Key
  In line with the terms of the framework document for the Transport Research Laboratory the decision to appoint a temporary financial director was made by the principal establishment and finance officer of the Department, in consultation with the chief executive of the Transport Research Laboratory.

  Spofforth Bypass
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was North Yorkshire county council's estimate for building the Spofforth bypass in 1988; and what has been their subsequent estimates for each of the last six years.

  Mr. Key
  North Yorkshire county council first submitted an estimate for Spofforth bypass to my Department in 1988 for the financial year 1989–90. This was for the sum of £1.199 million. Subsequent estimates are as follows:
  309

  £ million

  1990–91

  1·920

  1991–92

  2·035

  1992–93

  1·976

  1993–94

  3·394

  1994–95

  3·220

  Coach Safety
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 20 May,Official Report, column 596, if he will make it his policy to make an assessment of the safety benefits of anti-crush zones in place of rear seats of coaches.

  Mr. Key
  No.

  Road Pricing Schemes
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he has sought evidence from Spain as to the effects of road pricing schemes.

  Mr. Key
  The Green Paper, "Paying for Better Motorways", Cm 2200, reviewed the experience of tolling in a number of countries, including Spain. We found no cases which would provide a reliable indication of the likely effects of tolling in this country. In Spain, tolled roads were planned and constructed as such, and average toll levels are around lop per mile for cars, well in excess of the highest illustrative figure of 1·5p per mile quoted in the Green Paper for tolling the existing motorway net work in Great Britain.

  Marine Safety
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the results of the survey on port reception facilities by the Marine Safety Agency will be published; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The survey on port reception facilities being undertaken by the Marine Safety Agency is in two parts; a survey questionnaire and an independent research project to assess the quality of the facilities provided. The results of the research project will be published when it is completed in September 1994.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many and what proportion of ships entering United Kingdom ports request the use of oily waste reception facilities and other reception facilities; and how many, and what proportion, actually use them.

  Mr. Norris
  The Marine Safety Agency does not maintain statistics of the number of ships requesting and using oily waste and other reception facilities at United Kingdom ports and this information could only be provided at disproportionate cost. The research currently being undertaken to assess the quality of facilities provided in United Kingdom ports will, however, identify whether any specific restrictions are placed on the use of the facilities provided. Results of the research project will be published when it is completed in September 1994.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the charges imposed by each port for the use of oily waste reception facilities.
  310
  Mr. Norris
  The Marine Safety Agency is currently undertaking a comprehensive survey to assess the quality of reception facilities provided in United Kingdom ports. The survey will indicate the level of charges for the use of oily waste reception facilities and the extent to which they are integrated into harbour fees. Consideration will be given as to what useful information might be published when the results of the survey have been evaluated.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those ports which require pre-sorting of waste before ships can use oily waste reception facilities.

  Mr. Norris
  The nature of oily waste reception facilities is such that pre-sorting is not necessary.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies his Department has done of the cost-effectiveness for potential users of port waste facilities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department commissioned research into the provision of reception facilities in United Kingdom ports in September 1991. This survey on oily waste and garbage reception facilities, undertaken by Liverpool university, concluded that at the ports visited facilities existed or could be made available to meet the requirements of MARPOL. There was no evidence of a policy of overcharging, but the arrangements for small amounts of garbage were not considered adequate. The research currently being undertaken by the Marine Safety Agency into port reception facilities will provide a comprehensive picture of the current situation.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Scotch Whisky
  Dr. Hampson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what impact the recent GATT agreement will have on the Scotch whisky industry.

  Mr. Soames
  I am delighted that exports of Scotch whisky are at record levels.

  The tariff cuts we obtained in the GAIT agreement will help the industry to build on this fine achievement.

  Agricultural Tenancies
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent discussions she has had with the National Farmers Union regarding changes in agricultural tenancies.

  Mr. Jack
  My right hon. Friend has frequent contact with the National Farmers Union on various matters. I am pleased to say that we are in complete agreement on the need for reform of agricultural tenancy law.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment she has made of the effect of enlargement of the European Community on the common agricultural policy.

  Mr. Jack
  Accession by Austria, Sweden, Finland and Norway is unlikely to have major implications for the CAP.
  311
  But the further enlargement of the Union to include the countries of central and eastern Europe would, I believe, require fundamental changes to the present CAP.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals she has for further reform of the CAP.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I am pressing for further reforms to the common agricultural policy, both in the beef sector and in those sectors not reformed in 1992, particularly sugar, wine, olive oil and fruit and vegetables.

  Reform is necessary to reduce costs and to bring these sectors closer to the market.

  In the longer term, I shall press for support prices to be further reduced so as to bring supply and demand into better balance and so make supply controls, such as quotas and set-aside, redundant.

  Horticulture Industry
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps can be taken to strengthen the horticulture industry.

  Mr. Jack
  Our best growers set the example by responding to the needs of the market and focusing on quality, price, service and attention to detail.

  Whales
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement about the latest developments at the International Whaling Commission.

  Mr. Jack
  The satisfactory outcome of the latest IWC meeting in Mexico, including the establishment of the southern ocean whale sanctuary, is detailed in my reply of 15 June, c.575–77.

  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment Her Majesty's Government have made of the conflicting evidence presented at the international whaling conference in Mexico of the number of blue whales(a) in the northern hemisphere and (b) in the southern hemisphere; and what action she is taking to urge the international community to protect the species.

  Mr. Jack
  I am not aware of any conflicting evidence on the current number of blue whales which was presented to this year's IWC. Abundance estimate of whales are primarily based on sighting surveys, and surveys are in hand to provide revised estimates of blue whale numbers throughout their range. Blue whales remain fully protected.

  Animal Health
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment she has made of the adequacy of animal health controls.

  Mr. Soames
  We take the threat of animal disease very seriously and constantly reassess the adequacy of our animal health controls.

  We are not complacent and have taken those steps we consider necessary to safeguard our high animal health status.

  Bacon
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what initiatives she has taken to promote British bacon.

  Mr. Jack
  The Meat and Livestock Commission has prime responsibility for promotion of British bacon, but the Ministry also plays a part through its pig assurance scheme which provides the farm assurance element of the British charter quality bacon scheme.

  Food Production
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she last met the Food and Drink Federation to discuss the importance of food production to the United Kingdom economy.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  My ministerial colleagues and I have frequent discussions with the federation on topics of concern to an industry which makes such a valuable contribution to the United Kingdom economy.

  Fisheries Council
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what matters were discussed at the last EC Fisheries Council; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) on 14 June,Official Report, columns 441–43, on the outcome of the 10 June Council of Fisheries Ministers.

  Milk Marque
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what- representations she has had in the last month on the future of Milk Marque.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I and my Department have received various representations. I and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales approved the milk marketing board's reorganisation scheme, and modifications on 16 June.

  Animal Transportation
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps she is taking to improve conditions for the transport of animals.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations she has received to press for the limitation of journeys for live animals to eight hours; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave earlier to hon. Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Dr. Jones).

  EC Agricultural Expenditure
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest estimate for EC spending on agriculture in 1995; and if she will express the total as a sum per day in pound sterling.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  In the 1995 EC preliminary draft budget, CAP expenditure has been set at the level of the agriculture guideline of 36,994 mecu, £28,477 million.
  313
  This equates to £78 million per day.

  Agriculture Promotion
  Mr. Richards
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps she is taking to ensure that British agriculture is widely promoted.

  Mr. Jack
  The Ministry devotes considerable effort to the support and promotion of the agricultural industry, as the departmental report, a copy of which is deposited in the Library, and our regular news releases, make clear. We support Food From Britain to the tune of £5 million per annum and provide the statutory framework for the Meat and Livestock Commission and other industry bodies which carry out promotional work. We have launched the continental challenge this year to help United Kingdom suppliers find markets with European retailers. MAFF Ministers are making promotional visits this year to Brazil, Colombia, the Czech Republic, India, Poland, the Slovak Republic and the USA. Our new marketing development scheme, launched on 15 June, could be used to help set up new promotional initiatives.

  Agricultural Development Advisory Service
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many ADAS consultancy posts are to be cut during 1994–95.

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  This is a matter delegated to ADAS under its framework document.

  I am informed by the chief executive of ADAS that in order to achieve 63 per cent. of cost recovery for chargeable advisory services in 1994–95, ADAS expects to need to shed some 325 posts, found in approximately equal numbers from among administrative and consultancy positions.

  Of the 160 consultancy staff posts to be cut, ADAS expects 75 staff to be made compulsorily redundant at the end of June, following a voluntary early retirement and severance scheme.

  Fishing Rights
  Mrs. Gorman
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what she is doing to preserve British fishing rights.

  Mr. Jack
  The common fisheries policy, which was established in 1983, took good account of United Kingdom interests in all the major stocks around our shores. We also, at that time, reduced the access rights of other member states in our coastal waters by nearly three quarters. Since then, the Government have continued to protect British fishing interests. More recently, the United Kingdom has led the successful opposition to the European Commission's "blank cheque" proposals for future access by Spanish and Portuguese fishing vessels to the waters of other member states, and we ensured that detailed rules must be drawn up within a tight framework of safeguards which have been agreed by the Council. These rules protect our quota shares and require that there shall be no increase in fishing effort in areas subject to the Spanish and Portuguese accession treaty. For other areas, including the North sea, any proposals for access would have to be for non-quota species only and take account of track record. The outcome of the negotiations on Norwegian accession 314
  to the common fisheries policy also protects the interests of British fishermen, with relative stability assured and no reduction in United Kingdom fishing opportunities. Indeed, we have increased fishing possibilities for cod at North Norway.

  Fisheries
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the effect of enlargement of the EU on the British fishing industry.

  Mr. Jack
  In my reply of 22 March to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Ives (Mr. Harris),Official Report, columns 120–22. I set out the fisheries implications for the United Kingdom and the other member states of the European Union, of Norwegian Accession. Swedish quotas in the North sea will be consolidated at the average for the period 1989 to 1993, while the arrangements for Swedish and Finnish market access will be the same as for Norway.

  Protected Birds
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will list, by estate, those occasions on which birds belonging to protected species have been found(a) shot, (b) poisoned or (c) otherwise illegally killed in each of the past five years; and how many (i) prosecutions and (ii) convictions have resulted.

  Mr. Soames
  Cases reported to this Ministry of protected birds killed by poisoning are given in the table on a county basis as details of the estates on which poisoned birds have been found are not readily available. The location where a poisoned bird is found is not necessarily the same place as where it consumed the, poison. This Ministry does not collect information on protected bird species that have been illegally shot or otherwise illegally killed.

  Information held centrally by the Home Office on prosecutions and convictions for illegal activities cannot separately identify the killing of protected birds from other illegal activities against them because the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 does not separately identify an offence of killing wild birds from the offence of injuring or taking them.

  Details of illegal poisoning incidents reported to MAFF involving protected bird species from 1989–93

  County

  Year

  Number and species involved

  Avon

  1991

  1 buzzard

  1992

  1 crow

  Bedfordshire

  1993

  1 red kite

  Buckinghamshire

  1992

  10 feral pigeons

  Cambridge

  1989

  2 chaffinches

  1990

  1 buzzard

  1991

  1 crow

  1993

  Several rooks

  Cheshire

  1992

  4 magpies

  1993

  Numerous crows and magpies

  1 crow, 2 jackdaws, 4 magpies

  Cornwall

  1990

  3 buzzards

  1991

  1 red kite

  1992

  1 buzzard, 1 gull, several crows

  315

  County

  Year

  Number and species involved

  Cumbria

  1989

  2 buzzards

  1 buzzard

  1 buzzard, 2 crows

  2 buzzards, several crows

  1990

  2 buzzards

  1 buzzard

  2 buzzrds

  1 crow

  1 crow

  1991

  2 buzzards

  1 buzzard

  1992

  1 buzzard

  1 buzzard, several crows

  1 buzzard

  1993

  1 rook

  Derbyshire

  1989

  1 kestrel

  1 goshawk

  1990

  1 sparrowhawk

  Devon

  1989

  1 buzzard

  1990

  8 feral pigeons

  1991

  1 buzzard

  1992

  2 peregrines

  1993

  1 buzzard

  Dorset

  1989

  1 buzzard

  1992

  2 buzzards, 1 peregrine

  Durham

  1993

  1 buzzard

  East Sussex

  1989

  46 feral pigeons, 2 black-headed gulls

  3 crows

  1990

  Several feral pigeons

  1993

  Several feral pigeons

  Essex

  1990

  8 black-headed gulls

  1993

  2 magpies

  1 magpie

  Greater London

  1993

  20–30 feral pigeons

  60 feral pigeons

  Hampshire

  1989

  1 buzzard

  1993

  1 little owl

  Hereford and Worcester

  1989

  c. 300 mallard and pheasants

  1 red kite

  1990

  1 sparrowhawk

  1 buzzard

  1 buzzard

  Several pheasants

  19 crows, 1 jackdaw, 1 pheasant,1 woodpigeon, 2 greenfinch

  1991

  11 pheasants, 3 jays, many woodpigeon

  2 crows

  1 buzzard

  Several house sparrows

  Humberside

  1990

  17 rooks

  1992

  8 rooks, 9 feral pigeons

  1993

  12 mallard

  Kent

  1990

  Blackbirds, robins and starlings

  1991

  2 rooks, 1 magpie

  1 kestrel

  Lancashire

  1989

  2 magpies

  1990

  1 hen harrier

  1 kestrel

  1991

  1 red-tailed hawk (falconer's bird)

  1 magpie, 1 rook

  1992

  48 rooks, 1 pheasant

  1993

  1 buzzard, 1 rook

  316

  County

  Year

  Number and species involved

  Lincolnshire

  1989

  1 tawny owl, 1 crow

  4 blackbirds, 4 house sparrows

  1990

  1 crow, 1 rook, 5 magpies

  1991

  2 magpies

  More than 25 feral pigeons

  20 gulls

  1992

  91 brent geese, 1 pheasant

  Norfolk

  1989

  Several house sparrows, feral pigeons and blackbird

  1991

  20+ feral pigeons

  1992

  c. 30 pheasants, 1 robin

  Several feral pigeons, 1 robin

  1993

  1 hen harrier

  Northumberland

  1992

  9 rooks, 1 crow, 1 magpie,1 chaffinch

  1 goshawk

  North Yorkshire

  1989

  18 mallard, 1 moorhen

  1 crow

  1990

  2 crows

  3 rooks

  1991

  1 hen harrier

  1 rook

  1992

  2 kestrels, several crows

  1993

  4 feral pigeon, 1 woodpigeon,

  1 rook, 2 jackdaws,

  1 yellowhammer

  Nottinghamshire

  1990

  1 sparrowhawk

  30 pheasants

  1992

  1 buzzard

  1993

  5 magpies, 1 crow

  Oxfordshire

  1990

  1 red kite

  1993

  1 sparrowhawk

  Shropshire

  1989

  1 buzzard

  Several feral pigeons, 1 blackbird

  Several crows, jackdaws and rooks

  Several rooks

  1990

  2 buzzard

  1 buzzard

  Several rooks and woodpigeon

  2 crows

  1 magpie

  1991

  1 magpie

  Numerous rooks and jackdaws

  Numerous magpies and 2 jackdaws

  1992

  1 magpie

  South Yorkshire

  1990

  3 kestrels, 1 sparrowhawk

  Staffordshire

  1991

  1 magpie

  Several starlings

  1992

  1 buzzard

  Somerset

  1989

  1 buzzard

  1991

  2 buzzards

  Suffolk

  1989

  1 sparrowhawk

  1990

  4 mallard

  Surrey

  1991

  1 magpie

  Tyne and Wear

  1989

  Several gulls and crows

  1991

  Several house sparrows

  1993

  Many house sparrows, blackbirds, starlings

  Warwickshire

  1990

  2 buzzards

  1 jackdaw, 3 rooks

  1991

  1 buzzard, 1 crow

  West Midlands

  1992

  1 buzzard

  West Sussex

  1992

  1 magpie

  317

  County

  Year

  Number and species involved

  West Yorkshire

  1991

  1 magpie

  Wiltshire

  1990

  1 buzzard

  1991

  1 buzzard

  1993

  2 buzzards

  Agricultural Tenancies
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the representations she has received over the last 18 months on the subject of the proposed reform in agricultural tenancy law were in favour of a statutory minimum period; how many were in favour of complete contractual freedom; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  Since 1 January 1993, my right hon. Friend has received 187 representations via hon. Members and 26 addressed to her direct. Of these the vast majority were broadly supportive of the Government's proposals, with only 23 favouring a statutory minimum term. We are keen to introduce legislation as soon as parliamentary time is available.

  Horses (Exports)
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans she has to change the minimum values for horses being exported abroad.

  Mr. Soames
  The Animal Health Act 1981, and orders made under the Act, require a minimum valuation to be provided for certain categories of equines before a welfare export licence is issued. There are exemptions for thoroughbred horses certified by the Jockey Club and other horses intended for breeding, riding, exhibition, jumping and polo are also exempted. I have no plans to change these arrangements.

  Rabies
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many prosecutions for breaches of the Rabies Order 1974, as amended, there were in(a) 1991, (b) 1992 and (c) 1993; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  The number of prosecutions in Great Britain for breaches of the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and Other Mammals) Order 1974, as amended, in the last three years is as follows:

  Number

  1991

  64

  1992

  45

  1993

  24

  These figures are compiled from the returns given to the Department by local authorities, which are responsible for enforcing the order.

EMPLOYMENT

  Acquired Rights Directive
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what estimate he has made of the legal and consequential costs involved in the various proceedings initiated against the United Kingdom by the EC Commission in relation to the application of the acquired rights directive.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The disbursements incurred on behalf of the United Kingdom in connection with the proceedings in the European Court of Justice concerning the acquired rights directive—case C-382/92—and the collective redundancies directive—case C-383–92—were about £9,200. This consists of counsel's fees, VAT, travelling and hotel accommodation. This figure does not include the costs of staff in the Treasury Solicitor's Department or the Employment Department's legal advisers who provided legal services and advised within the normal course of their duties. No assessment has been made of any wider legal or consequential costs.

  Labour Statistics
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what percentage of(a) men and (b) women aged between 55 and 65 years are currently in paid full-time employment.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Latest estimates from the winter 1993–94 labour force survey for Great Britain show that 50 per cent. of males and 15 per cent. of females aged 55 to 64 worked full-time as employees or self-employed.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the latest information he has on levels of economic inactivity in the Doncaster and Mexborough areas; and what were the comparable figures(a) 12 months and (b) 24 months ago.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The available estimates from the labour force survey of economic inactivity levels refer to the Doncaster local authority district area, and are given in the following table. No information from the LFS for local authority districts available prior to spring 1992.

  Number of Economically Inactive Persons in Doncaster:

  Quarter

  Economically Inactive Persons

  Spring 1992

  97,000

  Winter 1992–93

  97,000

  Winter 1993–94

  97,000

  1Persons not employed or unemployed according to the International Labour Organisation definitions.

  Source: Labour Force Survey (not seasonally adjusted).

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list for the Doncaster and Mexborough area the current number of(a) males and (b) females who are in receipt of unemployment benefit, and who have been unemployed for (i) longer than six months, (ii) longer than 12 months, (iii) longer than two years and (iv) three years and over.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information requested is given in the following table:
  319

  Unadjusted claimant unemployment by duration (April 1994)

  Doncaster and Mexborough1

  Male

  Female

  Over 6 months

  14,642

  3,015

  Over 12 months

  10,007

  1,660

  Over 2 Years

  5,977

  927

  Over 3 Years

  3,738

  577

  1Figures are totals for the Doncaster and the Rotherham and Mexborough travel-to-work areas combined.

  Barnsley and Doncaster Training and Enterprise Council
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many jobs have been created by the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC in(a) manufacturing and (b) services industries since its inception.

  Miss Widdecombe
  Jobs are created by employers, and it is not possible to give a precise total for the numbers of cases where a training and enterprise council has assisted job creation in some way. The mission statement of Barnsley and Doncaster TEC is: "To work for local prosperity by creating through partnerships, a climate in our community were greater value is given to education, training and enterprise".

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to redraw the boundaries of the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  I have no plans to redraw the boundaries of the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if she will list those organisations which had contracts with the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC in 1993–94, but will not have a contract with the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  There is only one organisation which had a contract with Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council 1993–94 which does not have a contract with the TEC in 1994–95. This organisation is Barony college in Scotland. The reason for not contracting this year is because the trainee has now completed his training.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what regulations, codes of practice, and/or guidelines govern the party political activity of senior paid employees including chief executives and directors of the Barnsley and Doncaster TEC; how these differ from those which govern principal and chief officers of the local authorities: and if he will make a statement.

  Miss Widdecombe
  The training and enterprise council operating agreement precludes TECs from using any of their funds for party political purposes. TECs are private companies and it is for each TEC to decide what, if any, regulations should govern party political activity by senior paid employees. In addition, civil service staff who are seconded to TECs are subject to the same regulations as all other civil servants.

  Fit-for-work Awards
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list each employer who has received a fit-for-work award in each of the past five years and the percentage of their work forces who were registered as disabled people at the time of the award.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The last fit-for-work awards were made in 1990. I have arranged for a list of the award winners in 1989 and 1990 to be placed in the Library.

  Following consultation on the 1990 Document, "Employment and Training for People with Disabilities", and advice from the National Advisory Council on Employment of people with disabilities, the then Secretary of State for Employment announced his decision to end the award scheme in 1991.

  The percentage of registered disabled people employed by winners was not verified as part of the award process. These awards were intended to help promote positive policies in all aspects of the employment of disabled people, whether registered or not.

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to ensure that following the market testing of the distribution of Health and Safety Executive publications the Government have been successful in achieving their objectives of value for money.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Following the change in the arrangements for the distribution of their publication in October 1993, the Health and Safety Executive is monitoring closely the performance of both contractors to ensure an effective and efficient service which provides value for money.

  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has now taken to evaluate the market testing of the distribution of Health and Safety Executive publications.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  It is too early to evaluate fully the market test of the distibution of Health and Safety Executive publications. The new arrangements became effective on 4 October 1993 for a three-year period. The HSE is monitoring closely the performance of both contractors. An interim evaluation will take place after the first full year of the new operation and a full evaluation will take place at the end of the second year.

  Disabled People (Employment)
  Sir Harold Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what level of financial support is currently given by his Department to Remploy ; and what the figure was in each of the last 15 years.

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Sir Harold Walker, dated 21 June 1994:

  321
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question regarding the level of financial support which is currently given to Remploy by the Employment Service and the figures for the past 15 years.
  In the current financial year Remploy will be receiving a total of £92,082,000.
  The figures for the past 15 years are as follows:

  £000s

  1979–80

  31,008

  1980–81

  42,123

  1981–82

  45,684

  1982–83

  49,100

  1983–84

  51,903

  1984–85

  56,570

  1985–86

  59,290

  1986–87

  57,144

  1987–88

  57,996

  1988–89

  62,714

  1989–90

  67,013

  1990–91

  72,167

  1991–92

  75,346

  1992–93

  83,995

  1993–94

  89,199

  I hope this is helpful.

  Employment Schemes
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what was the total cost of the job creation programme in each year it was in existence; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (2) what was the total cost of the wider opportunities training programme in each year of its existence from 1985 to 1988; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (3) what was the total cost of the voluntary projects programme for each year of its existence from 1987 to 1988; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (4) what was the total cost of the job splitting scheme in each year it was in existence from 1983 to 1987; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (5) what was the total cost of the temporary employment subsidy for each year it was in existence, from 1975 to 1979; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (6) what was the total cost of the new job training scheme in each year of its existence from 1987 to 1988; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (7) what was the total cost of the job release scheme in each year it was in existence from 1977 to 1986; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (8) what was the total cost of the training for work programme for each year of its existence from 1993; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme An each of those years;
  322
  (9) what was the total cost of the old job training scheme in each year of its existence, from 1985 to 1988; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (10) what was the total cost of the job share programme in each year it was in existence from 1987 to 1991; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (11) what was the total cost of the short-term working compensation scheme for each year it was in existence, from 1978 to 1979; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of the years it was in existence;

  (12) what was the total cost of the temporary short-time working compensation scheme for each year it was in existence from 1979 to 1984; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years.

  Mr. David Hunt
  As the information is contained in a number of tables, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy in the Library.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what was the total cost of the employment action programme in each year of its existence, from 1991 to 1993; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (2) what was the total cost of the community programme in each year of its existence, from 1982 to 1988; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years;

  (3) what was the total cost of the employment training programme in each year of its existence, from 1988 to 1993; and how many individuals were assisted by the scheme in each of those years.

  Mr. David Hunt
  As the information is contained in a number of tables, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy in the Library.

  Careers and Occupational Information Centre
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many officials have been suspended from duty as a result of the internal inquiry into the operation of the careers and occupational information centre.

  Miss Widdecombe
  I can confirm that two officials in the Careers and Occupational Information Centre have been suspended from duty pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

  International Labour Conference
  Dr. Fox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has for publishing the White Paper on the instruments adopted at the 80th session of the International Labour Conference 1993.

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have today published the White Paper entitled "International Labour Conference".

  FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL, 13th AND 14th JUNE
  FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL, 13th AND 14th JUNE
  RWANDA: PER CAPITA INCOME
  RWANDA: PER CAPITA INCOME
  TURKEY: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
  TURKEY: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
  OTTERBURN TRAINING AREA
  OTTERBURN TRAINING AREA
  THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT
  THE QUEEN'S FLIGHT
  "BRITANNIA"
  "BRITANNIA"
  ARMY UNITS' FUTURE ACCOMMODATION
  ARMY UNITS' FUTURE ACCOMMODATION
  INCAPACITY FOR WORK TEST: ASSESSMENT
  INCAPACITY FOR WORK TEST: ASSESSMENT
  WAR WIDOWS: PENSION IMPROVEMENTS
  WAR WIDOWS: PENSION IMPROVEMENTS
  CHILD BENEFIT: ENTITLEMENT
  CHILD BENEFIT: ENTITLEMENT
  SHEEP SCAB
  SHEEP SCAB