Written Answers of 22 November 1994

HOME DEPARTMENT

  West Midlands Police
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the chief constables of West Midlands police and West Mercia police regarding the implications of the Frankley area coming under the jurisdiction of West Midlands police rather than West Mercia; and what plans he has to increase West Midlands police resources to cover the Frankley area.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Boundary changes in the west midlands have been the subject of correspondence between officials at the Home Office and West Midlands police. The police funding formula for 1995–96 will assess the need for policing partly on the basis of resident population. The formula will also take account of the Frankley boundary changes. The funding level for West Midlands police in 1995–96 will be issued shortly after the Budget statement.

  Timberwolf Crossbreed Dogs
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to amend the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to include timberwolf crossbreed dogs in its provisions; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  None. Wolves and wolf hybrids are already listed on the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to government.

  Mr. Howard
  In line with guidance on charging under the code of practice on access to government information produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, the Home Office has developed the following arrangements for charging for information under the code of practice.

  A charge is not normally made for the work involved in meeting straightforward requests from most inquirers for information, providing it takes less than an hour. A charge is made for dealing with more complex requests which take more than one hour. This is calculated at an hourly rate of £20, reflecting average staff costs.
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  In addition, a charge may be made for photocopying, supplying a video or tape, for disk or computer runs and for postage. There are no standard charges for these but a charge would not normally be made for costs amounting to less than £10.

  No charge is normally made for answering inquiries from journalists. However, journalists may be charged if the cost of providing information to them exceeds the current limit for a parliamentary question.

  As regards charging by the Department's agencies, the Prison Service and the United Kingdom Passport Agency have adopted a similar approach to the Home Office. The Forensic Science Service and the Fire Service college charge on a full-cost recovery basis.

  The arrangements in the Home Office for charging for information are set out in "Departmental Procedures on Open Government". A copy of these has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Speed Limits
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to make full use of new technology to enhance enforcement of speed limits.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The enforcement of speed limits is an operational matter for chief officers of police.

  Local Government Finance
  Sir Ivan Lawrence
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the response to the current bidding round under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Howard
  There has already been an enthusiastic response to the current section 11 bidding round, and the available funds look set to be significantly oversubscribed. I have therefore decided, in view of the importance of the work funded under this scheme, to double the funding available in the first two years covered by the current bidding round, bringing to £30 million the central funding available in respect of each of 1995–96 and 1996–97.

  The additional funding will be provided jointly by the Home Office, the Department of the Environment and the Department for Education and has been made possible by adjustments to spending priorities.

  The deadline for applications and revised applications will be extended until 30 December and local authorities and others who are eligible to apply are being informed.

  New Prisons
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many companies and consortia have submitted tenders to construct and manage the new prisons planned at(a) Fazakerley and (b) Bridgend; and if he will identify the companies and consortia and indicate when the contracts are likely to be awarded.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.
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  Letter from Derek Lewes to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 22 November 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the companies and consortia which have tendered for the contracts for new prisons at Fazakerley and Bridgend.
  Five companies submitted tenders to design, construct, manage and finance new prisons at both Fazakerley and Bridgend. They are Group 4 Tarmac Ltd, United Kingdom Detention Services Ltd, Premier Prison Service Ltd, Securicor Seifert Atkins Consortium and Secure Care Services Ltd. I expect contracts to be awarded by the end of March 1995.

  Remand Prisoners, Hull
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many young people are at present on remand at Hull prison; what are their ages; and what is the nature of the alleged offences for which they are being prosecuted.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewes to Mr. Kevin McNamara, dated 22 November 1994:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of young people on remand at Hull prison.
  On 17 November this year nine young prisoners were being held in the separate young offenders' wing at Hull, of whom five were on remand and three were convicted and awaiting sentence. Eight of these prisoners were aged 16 years and one was aged 15 years. The offences with which they were charged are burglary, robbery, criminal damage and taking and driving away a motor vehicle.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Research
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent assessment he has made of the distribution of public investment in research between civil and military projects.

  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  The "Forward Look of Government funded Science, Engineering and Technology", published in April 1994, and available in the House of Commons Library, sets out for scrutiny the current balance of public expenditure on civil and defence research, and changes in this balance during the period 1986–87 to 1996–97.

ENVIRONMENT

  Playing Fields and Open Space
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what circulars or directives he has issued to local authorities concerning the retention of playing fields and public open spaces in urban areas.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  National planning policy for open spaces and playing fields in urban areas is set out in planning policy guidance note 17, PPG 17, "Sport and Recreation", published in September 1993, and in planning policy guidance note 3, PPG 3 "Housing", published in March 1992.

  Negative Equity
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the number of households with negative equity in each of the last two years.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Estimates of the number of households affected by negative equity are calculated on a quarterly basis. Based on Department of the Environment house price data, around 644,000 households were affected by negative equity in the third quarter of 1994, compared with around 801,000 in the same quarter last year.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to government.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, my Department has developed its own scheme of charges for information under the code of practice on access to government information. Generally, no charge will be made for processing a request for information unless it would cost more than £50 to fulfil in terms of additional work. Where a charge is liable, it will cover the whole cost of the work done, including the first £50. My Department made available last July an explanatory leaflet on its charging arrangements. A copy was placed in the Library of the House. A revised leaflet confirming that the arrangements also applied to my Department's agencies was issued earlier this month and a copy placed in the Library.

  Timberwolf Crossbreed Dogs
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to list timberwolf crossbreeds under the provisions of the Dangerous Animals Act 1976; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  Wolves and wolf hybrids are already listed on the schedule to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. A licence is required to keep any animal of a species listed on the schedule.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many timberwolf crossbreed dogs there are in England.

  Mr. Atkins
  The information is not held centrally since licensing under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 is the responsibility of district councils in England.

  Flue Gas Desulphurisation
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what powers are available to Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to require electricity generating plant fitted with flue gas desulphurisation to be operated in preference to more polluting plant;

  (2) what assumptions are now made by his Department about (a) the total electricity generating capacity fitted with flue gas desulphurisation, (b) the average load factor of plant fitted with FGD and (c) which plant will be so fitted;
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  (3) what assumptions were made by his Department about (a) the total electricity generating capacity fitted with flue gas desulphurisation and (b) the average load factor of plant fitted with FGD, in calculating the United Kingdom's ability to meet the terms of (i) the EC large combustion plants directive during negotiations on the directive and (ii) the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe sulphur protocol during negotiations on the protocol.

  Mr. Atkins
  The United Kingdom's programme and national plan for the implementation of the EC large combustion plants directive, published in 1990, assumed the fitting of FGD to 8GW of generating capacity. At present, 4 GW of FGD are operating or under construction at Drax power station and 2 GW at Ratcliffe. The 1993 emissions inventory under the LCPD showed that National Power and PowerGen together emitted less than 80 per cent. of their national plan allocation of sulphur dioxide emissions for that year.

  In negotiating and assessing the feasibility of the agreed reduction target of 80 per cent. by 2010, against 1980 figures, under the UNECE sulphur protocol, the Government took account of a variety of possible abatement options, including the fitting of FGD. The Government will be consulting in due course on the national strategy required to give effect to the sulphur protocol. That strategy will reflect assessment at the time of the most cost-effective measures to deliver our environmental targets, and will take into account such developments as the industry's significant investment in cleaner combined cycle gas turbines to replace older plant.

  Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution is currently in discussion with the generators both about the operation of their FGD-equipped plant in the context of each company's overall generating operations and more generally about improvement programmes for all of the companies' stations. Decisions on those questions will be taken in the light of an assessment of what constitutes BATNEEC—"best available techniques not entailing excessive costs".

  Packaging
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what discussions his Department has had with the food packaging industry as to a possible levy on packaging; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) what plans he has to introduce a packaging levy on produce that generates waste; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Atkins
  The Government have no plans to introduce a statutory levy to finance the recovery of value from packaging waste. However, after extensive consultation with the packaging industry and users of packaging, the Government have announced that they are prepared to respond to requests from industry to legislate at the earliest opportunity. They propose to create a statutory framework within which industry-led schemes may operate in order to achieve increased recovery and recycling of packaging waste.

  Recycling
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assistance his Department gives to help the disposal of recycled material.
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  Mr. Atkins
  The creation of markets for recycled materials is primarily a matter for industry. The Government's producer responsibility initiative provides incentives to this end by requiring companies to bear the extra cost of making greater productive use of waste. However, the Government also play their part—for example, through the implementation of departmental "green housekeeping" strategies; through a current review of British standards with a view to removing discrimination against the use of recycled materials; and through direct support to industry research into new uses for recycled materials.

  Housing Safety
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will publish the consultation paper on licensing of houses in multiple occupation announced by the then Minister for Housing, Inner Cities and Construction, the right hon. Member for Ealing, Acton, (Sir G. Young) 8 July,Official Report, column 327; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Curry
  I have today placed copies of my Department's publication "Houses in Multiple Occupation—A consultation Paper on the Case for Licensing" in the Library. It has also been circulated to all local authorities in England and to other interested parties. Additional copies can be obtained from my Department. The period for comments will close on 18 February 1995.

  I share the widespread concern about the poor conditions and fire risks in some houses in multiple occupation. However, I have an open mind about whether licensing of all HMOs is the most effective way forward, and before contemplating legislation we need to consider the cost implications for both landlords and tenants and be convinced that licensing is both essential and practical. Alternatives to full-scale licensing, including the tightening of existing fire safety regulations for HMOs, are also considered in the consultation paper.

  The issue of hostels in resort areas catering mainly for benefit recipients is covered largely as a separate issue in the paper. They are already subject to additional planning controls but it is for consideration whether these powers should be replaced by an HMO licensing system which would also cover these hostels.

  Countryside Stewardship Scheme
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much has been paid or will be paid to landowners and occupiers under the countryside stewardship scheme for(a) linear access and (b) open access in each year from 1991–92 to 1994–95.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Total commitments for annual access payments agreed as a consequence of agreements are given in the table below. Payments are made annually in arrears.

  Financial year when payments to be made

  Commitments for Open access (£ cumulative)

  Linear Access (£cumulative)

  1991–92

  —

  n/a

  1992–93

  337,250

  —

  1993–94

  575,200

  32,267

  1994–95

  646,250

  62,954

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  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was or will be the total cost of all operations, except payments to landowners and occupiers, under the countryside stewardship scheme in each of the years 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95; and, in each of the four years, how much of this was connected with the additional public access component of the scheme.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer Monday 21 November 1994]: The total management cost of the scheme including administration, provision of advice and monitoring and evaluation, but excluding payments to agreement holders for each of the financial years 1991–92, 1992–93 and 1993–94 was £1 million, £1.8 million and £2.15 million respectively. The projected cost on the same basis for 1994–95 is £2.1 million. The cost of managing the access element is not accounted for separately because many of the costs incurred are an integral part of overall scheme management.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much of the land which was subject to additional access payments under the countryside stewardship scheme took the form of linear access and how much took the form of open access in each of the years 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer Monday 21 November 1994]: The information requested is given in the table below. Linear access payments were not available in 1991–92. Payments are made annually in arrears. Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available as some contracts remain under offer.

  Financial Year

  Amount of land subject to open access payments (hectares) agreed in that financial year

  Length of linear routes subject to access payments (km) agreed in that financial year

  1991–92

  6,745

  n/a

  1992–93

  4,759

  188.6

  1993–94

  1,421

  155

  1994–95

  n/a

  n/a

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many of the successful applications made under the countryside stewardship scheme involved additional payments for access in each year since 1991–92.

  Mr. Atkins
  [holding answer Monday 21 November 1994]: The information requested is given in the table below. Payments are made annually in arrears. Figures for contracts for 1994–95 are not yet available as some remain under offer.

  Financial Year

  Number of Countryside Stewardship contracts entered into which involved payments for access

  1991–92

  320

  1992–93

  373

  1993–94

  197

  1994–95

  n/a

  AIDS HIV
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when his Department will publish the research it has jointly funded with the Department of Health on the housing aspects of AIDS and HIV infection.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  [holding answer Monday 21 November 1994]: I hope to publish the results of the research shortly.

  Directorships
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many officials in his Department have to his knowledge had over the past 10 years directorships in public limited companies while at the same time continuing in post in the civil service.

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  [holding answer Monday 21 November 1994]: Some 30 serving officials have held company directorships over the past 10 years as part of the Government's programmes for developing senior staff through contact between Whitehall and business. Records are not kept of which directorships are of public limited companies.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Fees
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Lord President of the Council in how many cases of employees of right hon. and hon. Members paid via the Fees Office the employer has failed to deposit a contract of employment at the Fees Office.

  Mr. Newton
  There are currently 312 employees of right hon. and hon. Members who do not have a contract of employment lodged with the Fees Office—that figure includes part-time and other staff who are not required to have a contract.

  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many right hon. and hon. Members take advantage of the payroll giving scheme by deduction from their parliamentary salaries.

  Mr. Newton
  There are 43 Members who have authorised deductions from their parliamentary salaries under the payroll giving scheme.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Nuclear Energy Research
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the individual Overseas Development Administration contributions to the nature and locations of each of the 23 Overseas Development Administration-funded research projects into nuclear energy to which he refers in his answer of 2 November,Official Report, column 1182.

  Mr. Baldry
  A list of those projects, with 1992 calendar year expenditure figures, has been placed in the House of Commons Library.

TREASURY

  Public Borrowing
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what definition he currently uses for public borrowing.

  Mr. Nelson
  The Government's fiscal policy objective is expressed in terms of the public sector borrowing requirement. Forecasts of the PSBR are presented twice yearly, and outturns are published monthly.

  The Government also look at other measures of fiscal stance, including the current balance and the general Government financial deficit, the measure which is used to compare budget deficits throughout the EU.

  VAT (Sports Clubs)
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of payments made to sports clubs since 1 April for value added tax refunds.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Payments of £47 million had been made to non-profit making organisations supplying sporting services by the end of September 1994.

  Economy
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the overall effects on the non-oil United Kingdom economy of sterling leaving the European exchange rate mechanism in 1992.

  Mr. Aitken
  It is not possible to assess the precise effects of sterling's departure from the ERM, but during sterling's membership of the ERM inflation fell sharply and the economy began to recover from recession. The Government's policies of securing sustainable growth based on low inflation have built on this foundation, and the economy is now showing strong well-balanced growth, falling unemployment, the lowest inflation for 27 years and a better balance of payments.

  Vehicle Excise Duty
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make it his policy to graduate vehicle excise duty for cars, based on the certified fuel efficiency of a car when new.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will announce any decisions on vehicle excise duty, as with other taxes, in his Budget next week.

  Document (Disclosure)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what inquiries he has made about unauthorised disclosure of a Treasury document on 16 November.

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  I assume that the hon. Member is alluding to the "confidential Treasury papers" mentioned in The Daily Telegraph article of 16 November on the financing of the European Community budget. There was no unauthorised disclosure of any such document. The figure of about £800 million for the increase in the United Kingdom net contribution to the end of the century, quoted in the article, was provided as a normal response to a routine inquiry by an official Treasury press officer. It was wholly consistent with
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  everything that Treasury Ministers have ever said on the subject.

  There has never been any secret that the United Kingdom's net contribution to the Community budget is going to rise in cash terms between now and the end of the century, whether or not the Edinburgh settlement is ratified. Growth is shown in the figures in table 11.1 of the Treasury's last departmental report. The trend is, however, obscured by the large annual variations in our net contribution, which make the precise figures for any one year difficult to predict.

  Our latest estimate is that the increase in the underlying level of the United Kingdom public sector net contribution—that is, after smoothing out the annual fluctuations—will be about £850 million between 1995 and 1999, from about £2,700 million in 1995 to about £3,550 million in 1999.

  This growth is nominal—that is, not real, terms—and results mainly from the effects of (i) inflation, and (ii) real GNP growth. On the assumption that annual inflation and GNP growth will each be 2 ½ per cent. a year on average over this period, the existing own resources ceiling—1.20 per cent. of GNP—would have allowed an increase in own resources of about 22 per cent. in nominal terms between 1995 and 1999, implying an increase of around £600 million in our net contribution. The effect of the Edinburgh future financing settlement, and the EC (Finance) Bill, will be to increase nominal growth in the own resources ceiling to about 29 per cent. over this period.

  The cost in cash terms to the United Kingdom of the change resulting from the Edinburgh settlement and the EC (Finance) Bill is estimated to be 175 million in 1995–96 and 1250 million in 1999–2000.

  Those figures still look large because they are presented in cash terms for consistency with the rest of our public expenditure arithmetic. But the real scale of the Edinburgh settlement can be seen in the fact that it increased the own resources ceiling, over seven years, by only 7/10.000ths of Community GNP.

  Milk Quotas
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer why he agreed to back date to 1991 Italy's milk quota increase which was agreed in December 1993 to take effect in 1993–94.

  Mr. Heathcoat Amory
  [holding answer 21 November 1994): I have nothing to add to the reply that my right hon. and learned Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Southport (Mr. Banks), 25 October 1994, Official Report, columns 510–11.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Child Support
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the proportion of child support cases involving absent parents who are self-employed for which a maintenance assessment is(a) calculated and (b) paid regularly for at least three months;

  (2) what is the proportion of child support cases involving absent parents who are paying income tax under

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  PAYE for which a maintenance assessment is (a) calculated and (b) paid regularly for at least three months.

  Mr. Burt
  There is no business need for the CSA to collect such specific information on the number of absent parents who are self-employed or paying income tax under PAYE, and those details could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the rules under which the Child Support Agency operates in respect of employees of that agency representing their own partners at tribunal hearings, where the former spouse of the partner is seeking redress under the appeal process; and if he will make a statement.

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

  Letter from Ann Chant to Mr. David Blunkett, dated 21 November 1994:
  I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency's rules about members of staff representing their own partners at tribunal hearings.
  Under the terms of their employment, all employees of the Agency are bound to comply with the Department of Social Security Staff Rules. Under these rules, employees are required to obtain permission from a member of senior management before they can represent a person in the course of an appeal at a tribunal hearing or application concerning any matter for which the Department is responsible. Permission would be granted only where the representation would not be open to misunderstanding on the part of the public and there is no conflict of interests within the Agency.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Hague
  No charge is made for simple requests for information, where the information can be collected within half a day or less. For more detailed requests which would take more than half a day to process, a charge may be made to recover the actual cost of collecting the information in staff time, photocopying costs and so on. The charges are based on the hourly rate for the grade of staff engaged in retrieving the information.

  The Department has always, and continues, to provide information free of charge on benefit entitlements and the standards and availability of services.

  Social Fund
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a further allocation of funds to the discretionary social fund budget.

  Mr. Roger Evans
  As a result of the improved recoveries of social fund loans, I am pleased to announce that a further £13 million, funded from these additional recoveries, will be made available to the Benefits Agency's district offices on 23 November 1994.

  The whole of the additional allocation will be devoted to social fund loans. We believe that social fund loans offer excellent value for money. They enable us to target available resources on those in most need and to recycle funds to help more applicants.

  Since the scheme started, we have been able to make £1.2 billion worth of loans for an outlay of only £280
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  million. This expansion of the social fund loans budget will ensure that more people receive help and that the fund continues to play a valuable role in complementing mainstream social security provision.

  Details of individual district allocations have been placed in the Library.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Dystonia
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many persons in Northern Ireland suffer from(a) dystonia and (b) the form of dystonia known as spasmodic torticollis.

  Mr. Moss
  This information is not available.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to government.

  Sir John Wheeler
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, the Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Departments and agencies have developed the following schemes for charging for information under the code of practice on access to government information:

  Department/Agency

  Scheme

  Agriculture

  First five hours free. Charges above that on ready reckoner basis.

  Economic Development including Training and Employment Agency

  First five hours free. In excess of five hours £20 per hour for the full number of hours taken.

  Education

  First five hours free. £20 per hour after that.

  Environment including Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency

  Requests costing under £100 free. Full additional cost after that.

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland

  Rate Collection Agency

  Finance and Personnel including Valuation and Lands Agency

  First five hours free. Charges above that will be determined by Accountant.

  Health and Social Services including Child Support Agency

  First five hours free; above that, marginal cost.

  Social Security Agency

  Northern Ireland Office including Compensation Agency

  First five hours free. £20 per hour or part thereof after that.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Copyright Tribunal
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what changes he proposes to make to the procedures of the copyright tribunal.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Earlier this year, my Department consulted users of the copyright tribunal on how far they were satisfied with its performance and on how its proceedings might be improved. Around 40 per cent. of those consulted responded and, of those, the overwhelming majority considered that the tribunal proceedings were fair, flexible, unintimidating and thorough. However, concerns were expressed as to the cost and speed of the proceedings and some suggestions for improvement in these and other respects were made. My Department is currently analysing those suggestions, and will consult tribunal users further on any changes which appear desirable.

  Net Book Agreement
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the net book agreement.

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The net book agreement is a voluntary agreement between publishers. It was considered by the restrictive practices court in 1962. The court declared that the restrictions in it were not contrary to the public interest and the agreement was permitted to continue. The Director General of Fair Trading announced in August that he would be asking the court to consider the agreement again.

  Post Office
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to alter the arrangements governing the borrowing by the Post Office; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Eggar
  I am considering whether any changes in the arrangements governing the relationship with the Post Office may be possible. However, I have no immediate plans to change the current arrangements governing borrowing.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he next expects to meet the chairman of the Post Office to discuss proposals for the commercial freedom of the Post Office; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Heseltine
  I have regular meetings with the chairman of the Post Office.

  British Coal
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if it is his intention that the final price received for British Coal's regional packages and former collieries should match the bids made by the preferred buyers.

  Mr. Eggar
  The precise amounts bid for regional coal companies and care and maintenance collieries are commercially confidential and subject to further discussions with bidders. Proceeds will be announced when the sales are completed.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list for each occasion involving travel abroad at public expense mentioned in his answer of 2 November,Official Report, columns 1131–32, (i) the Minister whose spouse attended, (ii) the location abroad, (iii) the purpose of the Minister's visit and the activities taken part in by the spouse and (iv) the total cost of each trip.

  Mr. Heseltine
  The occasions on which DTI Minister's spouses travelled abroad at public expense during the past year are listed. Ministerial trips were undertaken for trade promotion and trade relations purposes. All accompanying spouses were involved in the official programmes as well as undertaking separate engagements.

  Minister

  Country

  Cost for Minister and Spouse £

  Mrs. Hamilton accompanied Mr. Hamilton, Minister for Corporate Affairs

  Romania

  2,004.20

  Lady Ferrers accompanied Earl Ferrers, Minister for Small Firms and Consumer Affairs

  Singapore/Australia/New Zealand

  12,037.08

  Mrs. Taylor accompanied Mr. Taylor, PUSS for Trade and Technology

  Germany

  726.68

  Mrs. Eggar accompanied Mr. Eggar, Minister for Industry and Energy

  South America

  11,319.38

  Mrs. Heseltine accompanied Mr. Heseltine, President of the Board of Trade

  Australia/ Japan

  12,010.00

  Mrs Heseltine accompanied Mr. Heseltine, President of the Board of Trade

  South Africa

  7,900.00

  Internet
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make available departmental publications on Internet; and if he will state the Internet address of such documents.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The Broadband Communications Command Paper published today is the first Command paper to be made available on Internet. The Internet address is URL:http://www.open.gov.uk/dti/broadband__comms.htm.

  The CCTA recently announced an initiative on the wider use of Internet in Government. Departmental officials are in discussion with a number of institutions to establish how effective Internet would be for the distribution of departmental information.

  Nuclear Installations (Former Soviet Union)
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what contribution is being made by Her Majesty's Government towards the cleaning up, and making safe, of nuclear installations in the former Soviet Union; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  At the Economic Summit in Munich, 1992, G7 heads of Government endorsed a multilateral programme of action to help improve the safety of Soviet-designed nuclear reactors in central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. For the latter, the Government's main contribution to this international effort is being channelled through the European Union's technology assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States programme, to which we contribute around 16 per cent. of the total budget. Over the past four years, around 280 million ECU has been allocated by the EC for nuclear safety related projects in the FSU. Priorities are set in consultation with recipient countries. So far, the main emphasis has been on reactor safety, although a number of projects relating to waste management and clean-up operations have either been carried out or are under-way.

  The United Kingdom has also contributed 11.5 mecu to the European bank for reconstruction and development—managed nuclear safety account, which was established last year to fund urgent safety upgrades at the higher risk reactors.

  On a bilateral basis, the Government have supported a range of technical assistance projects in the FSU including a number under the know-how fund. Russia, Ukraine, Belarus Kazakhstan and Lithuania have been amongst the beneficiary countries. Projects include help to Ukraine for land remediation and measurement of radioactive contamination post-Chernobyl; DTI-funded collaboration on RBMK reactor safety between the Atomic Energy Authority and Russia's Research and Development Institute of Power Engineering; and training seminars on radioactive waste management regulation, the safeguarding of nuclear materials and nuclear site inspection techniques.

  At the Naples Summit in July, G7 Governments pledged support for an action plan to ensure early closure of the remaining units at Chernobyl within the framework of an energy sector strategy for Ukraine. The Government will make a contribution through the EU, which has pledged up to 100 mecu of grant finance for technical assistance through the TACIS programme and up to 400 million ECU thorough EURATOM loans. The Government will decide their bilateral contribution when detailed arrangements have been agreed with Ukraine.

  British Coal
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what advice has been given to the unsuccessful bidders for British Coal's regional packages about the need to keep their financing in place to enable them to make a further bid.

  Mr. Eggar
  Discussions with bidders are commercially confidential.

  British Telecom
  Mr. William Ross
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade in each of the last five years(a) how many
  78
  people were employed full-time by British Telecom, (b) how many of these have been disabled, by number and as a percentage of the work force, (c) how many existing staff have become registered disabled, (d) how many disabled persons were recruited by number and as a percentage of all recruits, (e) how many disabled persons took early voluntary redundancy terms and (f) what is the current percentage of disabled employees of British Telecom.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  These are matters for British Telecom.

  British Gas
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he plans to take to maintain the levels of research carried out by British Gas; and if he will investigate the effect on research of the proposed closure of the engineering research station at Killingworth.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  That is a matter for the board of British Gas.

  Multimedia
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for further work on multimedia.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I have been asked to take responsibility for co-ordinating the DTI's interests in broadband communications and multimedia for the information society. I aim to encourage the public and private sectors to exploit the technology available and to take full advantage of the opportunities emerging. By spreading the benefits to businesses and households, we can boost our international competitiveness and improve the quality of life in the United Kingdom.

  In taking this forward, I want to be able to draw on the best expert opinion from the private sector. My new role will require me to get to grips with the powerful technological and commercial changes now affecting the media, communications, information technology, and publishing industries. I have therefore asked a number of senior figures from those industries to join a group which will advise me on such matters. The group also includes individuals with experience in education and health-care, since these are two of the most important application areas for multimedia.

  I see the group as a collection of expert individuals rather than a representative body. I envisage it acting both as a source of ideas and as a sounding-board for some of our own thinking.

  The members of this Multimedia Industry Advisory Group are:

  Mr. Hayden Abbott

  Managing Director, Sony Professional Products,

  Europe

  Professor John Arbuthnott

  Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Strathclyde

  Mr. Mark Burrell

  Group Strategy Director, Pearson

  Mr. David Clementi

  Group Chief Executive, Kleinwort Benson

  79

  Mr. Don Cruickshank

  Director General, Office of Telecommunications

  Mr. Robert Devereux

  Chairman, Virgin Communications

  Mr. David Elstein

  Director of Programming, BSkyB

  Mr. John Greetham, CBE

  Chairman, Yorkshire Regional Health Authority

  Dr. Peter Home

  Managing Director, Apricot Computers

  Mr. Peter Job

  Chief Executive, Reuters

  Mr. Tim Jones

  Chief Executive, Mondex

  Mr. Nick Kane

  Group Managing Director, Videotron

  Mr. Robert Phillis

  Chairman, BBC Worldwide

  Mr. Giles Pugh

  Director, Corporate Strategy, W H Smith

  Dr. Alan Rudge, OBE

  Managing Director, Development and Procurement, BT.

  Lord Astor, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of National Heritage, and Robert Hughes MP, Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science have agreed to join the group. The membership of the group may be altered from time to time.

  Separately, I will be receiving advice on multimedia and information highways from Mr. Peter Bonfield and Mr. Peter Davies, who were members of the High-Level Group formed by European Commissioner Martin Bangemann at the end of last year. I will also continue to benefit from the views of the many other individuals and organisations with which the DTI has contacts.

  Within the DTI, a multimedia steering group has been established to bring together the wide range of multimedia interests inside the Department. This is chaired by Alistair Macdonald, the Deputy Secretary in charge of the DTI's industry command. Mr. Macdonald will be assisted by a new multimedia unit in telecommunications division of the DTI.

  These various initiatives are referred to in the command paper, "Creating the Superhighways of the Future: Developing Broadband Communications in the United Kingdom", published today.

  Optical Fibres
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the Government will respond to the Trade and Industry Select Committee report on optical fibres.

  Mr. Heseltine
  In the Command Paper, "Creating the Superhighways of the Future: Developing Broadband Communications in the United Kingdom", published today, I have set out the Government's vision for creating information super-highways in the United Kingdom. We need to build on the substantial investment in telecommunications networks and infrastructure which has been made by the private sector in recent years. Greater emphasis is now required in this country on developing a wide range of applications to be used on the super-highways. The opportunities—particularly in multimedia—are vast, and they need to be better appreciated if the United Kingdom is to gain maximum advantage.

  The Command Paper incorporates the Government's response to the Trade and Industry Select Committee report on optical fibre networks and copies are available in the Libraries of both Houses and on the Internet.

  Thanks to privatisation and deregulation, the United Kingdom is already a world leader in these new information infrastructures, which gives us an excellent platform to build on the earlier liberalisation of the telecommunications sector. The Government want to see the development of competitive and commercially successful broadband communications networks to bring new opportunities and benefits to business, individuals, and users of public services.

  Competition in telecommunications since 1991 has been the engine of rapid progress in both infrastructure and telecommunications services. Industry has responded to the challenge and has innovated to deliver new technologies and services. Customers now enjoy not only considerably more choice but significantly lower prices and better quality services.

  In the future, the success of the digital super-highway will be even more customer driven. The winners will be the companies that deliver services and products that customers want, at a price they will pay.

  The Government remain committed to the regulatory framework established in 1991. That framework has already provided an important foundation for substantial investment in infrastructure, leading to the creation of truly interactive broadband communications networks. As competition grows and technology advances, the broad regulatory framework is expected to evolve. The existing policy on national public telecommunications operators providing and conveying entertainment services over their national networks remains as set out in the 1991 telecommunications White Paper, and will not be reviewed prematurely.

  The Government want to encourage all operators, including national PTOs like British Telecom and Mercury, to gain experience in offering a full range of new interactive services. All operators may do this by applying for new local delivery operator franchises, and the Government hope that this opportunity will be taken up. The intention is to seek to allow national PTOs who acquire such franchises to test new technologies alongside their existing services, making use of the same infrastructure where possible.
  81
  Investment in the development of information super-highways, both in terms of infrastructure and the services and applications they will carry, will be led by the private sector. The Government are, nevertheless, committed to being more proactive and innovative in offering public services by these means. The command paper underlines the importance for education and healthcare of developing interactive broadband technologies. As an important beginning, the Command Paper published today is the first ever to be made available electronically on the Internet. In the future, the Government will make an increasingly wide rang of information available in a similar fashion.

  It will be vital to match the emerging broadband technologies with the content being developed for the super-highways. My Department will be encouraging the growing convergence of telecommunications, information technology and broadcasting. Building the super-highways and exploiting the whole range of multimedia services that they can deliver is essential for both the economic and cultural development of the United Kingdom into the next century. To drive this work forward, I have asked my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Technology to take responsibility for co-ordinating the DTI's multimedia interests for the information society.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans he has for transferring all British Coal land and property to the Coal Authority; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if it is his intention to create British Coal Property plc;

  (3) if he will ensure that the disposal of British Coal land which has job creation potential is transferred to local authorities for regeneration use.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: The various options for the future of British Coal's non-operational property portfolio are being considered by British Coal in consultation with the Government. No decisions have been taken.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade during how many of the overseas visits made by Ministers in his Department between 1 January and 30 June those Ministers participated in fund-raising activities for the Conservative party; and if he will list the Ministers and the countries in which those activities took place.

  Mr. Heseltine
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Between 1 January and 30 June 1994, Ministers in my Department made 28 overseas visits in their official capacity. Fundraising activities for the Conservative party are not part of our official duties.

  Offshore Oil and Gas Licences
  Mr. Brandreth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he will announce the blocks to be offered in the 16th round of offshore oil and gas licensing on the United Kingdom continental shelf.

  Mr. Charles Wardle
  [pursuant to his reply, 21 November 1994]: I have decided to offer 164 blocks for
  82
  licensing, an optimum number to enable companies to consider all options in a wide range of different areas.

  I expect applicants to be committed to the future of the United Kingdom continental shelf by being competitive, innovative and continuing to cut costs.

  The largest proportion of the blocks—over 60—are to the west of the Shetlands, where I want to encourage companies to build on the impetus of the Foinaven announcement earlier this month. This area has the potential for further significant discoveries and to develop into an exciting new oil province.

  Following that announcement and the success of the "fast-track" 15th round in August, I intend to "fast-track" applications for west of Shetlands blocks so that those can be awarded in advance of the other areas and work can start in the summer of 1995.

  The objective of this round, as of previous rounds, is to encourage exploration—particularly in new areas where there has been little drilling to date—and to continue the development of our oil and gas resources well into the next century.

  I want the present momentum to be maintained, so I am calling for nominations from companies for the next round, the 17th, which will cover frontier areas to the far west of Britain where there has been little exploration so far.

  Blocks offered in the 16th round include relatively new basins such as Cardigan bay and the East Irish sea, and in the English channel, as well as on the fringes of the more established areas of the North sea. The range of blocks offered illustrates the diversity of opportunities available on the UKCS.

  A number of the blocks are in areas where there are particular environmental concerns. Special conditions will be attached to the award of licences in those areas in order to safeguard the environment. Those conditions have been agreed following consultation with the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, and also cover restrictions to protect the interests of other users of the sea such as fishing, transport and defence.

  We have conducted a wide-ranging consultation exercise on the 329 blocks which were nominated, involving other Government Departments, local authorities and environmental groups. In all, over 100 organisations have advised us.

  It is vital that oil and gas exploration activities take account of environment concerns. In July, the Minister for Industry and Energy launched a joint initiative between JNCC and the United Kingdom Offshore Operators Association. UKOOA is making a major contribution to the funding of a series of United Kingdom coastal directories and regional reports setting out the environmental resources of each coastal area. I expect companies applying for blocks in sensitive areas to demonstrate that they have taken the draft reports into account when preparing their applications and environmental management systems.

  I am committed to protecting the environment, but this does not mean that there are "no go areas" where oil and gas activity is excluded for ever. As information on environmental resources improves and oil and gas technology develops, there may be increased scope for exploring areas in sensitive areas while still protecting the environment. The main factor in determining the selection

  83
  of blocks in the 16th round is that of perceived prospectivity.

  Applications for the 16th round are required by noon on 22 March, while nominations for the 17th round are required by 8 March 1995. Except for the west of Shetlands blocks, I expect to announce licence awards for the 16th round during the summer, and the blocks nominated under the 17th round shortly after the March deadline.

  I will publish tomorrow in the London Gazette and on Friday in the Edinburgh Gazette and the Belfast Gazette, a formal announcement giving the detailed financial terms for the 16th round, including the format of applications, the information required and the basis on which awards will be made. I will place in the Libraries of both Houses copies of that announcement.

HEALTH

  Homicides Inquiry
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether discussions have taken place between the confidential inquiry into homicides by mentally ill people and her Department to ensure that professionals in the health and social services are better informed about the inquiry's work.

  Mr. Bowis
  Yes.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy that her Department or the confidential inquiry into homicides by mentally ill people should summarise and publish annually the findings and recommendations of independent inquiries into homicides by people with a psychiatric illness.

  Mr. Bowis
  No. Decisions about the publication of the findings and recommendations of an independent inquiry into a homicide by a mentally ill person are taken by the health authority or social services authority which commissioned the inquiry. Departmental guidance in circular HSG(94)27, copies of which are available in the Library, makes it clear that an undertaking should be given at the start of the inquiry that its main findings will be made available to interested parties.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the questionnaire sent to consultant psychiatrists by the confidential inquiry into homicides by mentally ill people.

  Mr. Bowis
  I understand that the questionannaire will be included in the confidential inquiry's substantive report on homicides and suicides, to be published in 1995.

  Blood Transfusion Centres
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration she has given to(a) transportation time and motorway congestion, (b) the future for local blood transfusion centres donor registries and (c) the working relationship between blood transfusion centres and local hospitals and community groups of blood donors when restructuring the blood transfusion centres.

  Mr. Sackville
  Those matters are the responsibility of the National Blood Authority, which was set up to manage the blood service. I understand that all these 84
  issues were carefully considered by officials at the National Blood Authority in the process of drawing up their proposals.

  Orthodontic Treatment
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health are the waiting times for specialist orthodontic treatment in west Oxfordshire.

  Mr. Malone
  Information on waiting times by specialty, district health authority and national health service trust is given in "Hospital Waiting List Statistics: England", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Private Patient Facilities
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much income has been generated by NHS hospitals, private patient facilities in each of the last five years, by region.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer to the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Bristol, South (Ms Primarolc,) on 31 January,Official Report, columns 533–34, for the latest available information.

  NHS Travel Costs
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total travel costs for NHS staff between Leeds and London in 1993–94.

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Darlington (Mr Milburn) on 21 July,Official Report, column 608.

  Regional Headquarters
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her estimate of the total employment cost of relocating regional headquarter staff to Durham.

  Mr. Malone
  Relocation costs, excess travel expenses and additional redundancy costs resulting from the relocation of the regional headquarters to Durham are estimated to total £694,875 over 10 years. The relocation is expected to yield an annual saving on staff business travel of approximately £90,000 per year. In addition, the running costs of accommodation will be reduced by £438,000 per year, compared with the current two sites, and the reduction in staff numbers to around 135 will save £4.7 million a year in employment costs.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the capital expenditure on the northern regional headquarters in Newcastle in each of the last five financial years.

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. John Greetham CBE, chairman of Northern and Yorkshire regional health authority, for details.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was(a) the total cost of relocating staff to Quarry house, Leeds and (b) the total cost of relocation.

  Mr. Sackville
  The total cost of relocating national health service executive and NHS Estates staff to Leeds was £11.76 million. The total cost of relocation was £74.02 million.
  85
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the estimated employment costs of reducing 200 jobs at Quarry house, Leeds.

  Mr. Sackville
  Costs will depend on the level of staff turnover over the next two and a half years and on the number and characteristics—age, grade, length of service—of staff who volunteer to take early retirement or early severance. They will be more than offset by the resulting savings.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate her Department has made of the likely costs of the new regional head office in Durham; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Malone
  The precise cost of a new office in Durham for Northern and Yorkshire regional health authority is currently under negotiation. The regional health authority expects this to be more than offset by the sale of the existing headquarters building in Harrogate.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the charging policy of her Department and the agencies for which she is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Sackville
  No charge has been made so far for requests under the code of practice. Where a charge is made, this will be currently based on the formula of one hour free and £20 per hour thereafter. People will be given an estimate before work begins. They can ask for this to be reviewed. They can also complain about charges to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. We have aimed to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of taxpayers and the interests of people seeking information under the code of practice.

  The Medical Devices Agency, NHS Estates and the NHS Pensions Agency have the same policy. The Medicines Control Agency is currently considering its arrangements for charging.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to make public the recent report by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Air Pollution Episodes; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  A report covering the work of the Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants and the advisory group on the medical aspects of air pollutions episodes is to be published in December.

  Salmonella
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the incidence of salmonella in each county in the latest year for which figures are available.

  Mr. Sackville
  Information is not available in the form requested.

  For information on the number of cases of reported salmonellosis by national health service region in England and Wales for 1992 and 1993, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, Central (Mr. Cousins) on 25 April, Official Report columns, 61–64.
  86
  In 1992 there were 31,355 cases of human salmonellosis confirmed by the Public Health Laboratory Service and in 1993, 30,653. This represents a decrease of over 2 per cent. Figures to September 1994 compared to the same period in 1993 show a further decrease of nearly 3 per cent. Figures for 1993 and 1994 are provisional.

  Deaths
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures she has on the numbers of deaths from suicide and undetermined injury in each county among(a) men and (b) women in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Bowis
  This information will be placed in the Library.

  Tranquillisers
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what figures are available on the incidence of tranquilliser prescribing among(a) men, and (b) women in each county in each of the past 10 years.

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Herbal Remedies
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health upon what basis she established her policy that herbal remedies are manufactured other than by an industrial process; upon what legal arguments she reached the conclusion that such a policy would protect the continued availability of herbal remedies; what assessment she has made of legal protection which would prevent future court decisions, both domestic and European, or future European directives from establishing a definition for the term industrial process which threatened the continued availability of such products; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Sackville
  European Community legislation requires herbal medicines to be licensed if they are industrially produced. Certain herbal medicines, which are currently exempt from product licensing requirements under section 12 of the Medicines Act 1968, are produced by a number of traditional processes. While courts of law are independent bodies, whose decisions cannot be fully predicted, we have concluded that the traditional processes in question fall outside the meaning of "industrially produced". The position of herbal medicines in the United Kingdom is therefore safeguarded under EC law.

  We will continue to work with other EC member states and the European Commission to ensure that herbal medicines remain available to the many people in the Community who use them and to maintain existing public health safeguards.

  Patient Lists
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the number of patients removed from general practitioners' lists in 1992–93 and 1993–94, by family health service authority.

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. member to the reply I gave him on 3 November,Official Report, column 1269.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statistical information her Department maintains
  87
  about the reasons for patients being removed from general practitioners' lists.

  Mr. Malone
  We maintain statistical information under the following headings:

  Patients who opt to register with another doctor

  Bulk transfers on resignation or death of doctor

  Patients who die or emigrate

  Patients removed at request of doctor

  Other causes

  Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultation she has had with the World Health Organisation concerning the acceptance or rejection of the term Munchausen's syndrome by proxy to refer to induced illness, fabricated illness stories in children, non-accidental injury to children or suffocation of children by parents.

  Mr. Bowis
  None.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations she has had in relation to medical research work carried out in Cardiff and Leeds studying information provided by the British paediatric surveillance unit on the epidemiology of induced illness and fabricated illness stories of children; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department is contributing to the funding of this study of incidence and outcome of Munchausen syndrome by proxy which is due for completion in September 1995.

  Health Authorities (Staff)
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many managers and administrative staff were employed by each regional health authority in 1993–94.

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table. Figures given here for Northern, Yorkshire and South Western regional health authorities differ from those given in the Official Report, 24 October, column 452. A processing error, now corrected, affected the earlier figures.

  Administrative and clerical staff and general and senior managers within regional health authority headquarters or headquarters units—30 September 1993

  Whole-time equivalents

  Administrative and Clerical

  General and Senior Managers

  Northern

  210

  60

  Yorkshire

  380

  190

  Trent

  300

  90

  East Anglian

  480

  70

  North West Thames

  380

  1—

  North East Thames

  320

  170

  South East Thames

  310

  110

  South West Thames

  410

  110

  Wessex

  260

  120

  Oxford

  500

  150

  South Western

  490

  70

  West Midlands

  340

  70

  Mersey

  300

  60

  North Western

  650

  130

  Total

  5,330

  1,400

  1 An estimated 90 managers in North West Thames RHA HQ are employed on administrative and clerical terms and conditions, and are therefore classified as administrative and clerical staff.

  Note:

  1 Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  Teaching and Research
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will announce the outcome of her Department's analysis of hospital costs associated with teaching and research; and how she intends to bring about the separation of the research element of service increment for teaching and research recommended in the Culyer report.

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  A statistical analysis of hospital costs found that national health service spending in association with teaching and research is higher than the service increment for teaching and research. The excess costs which SIFTR does not cover are in general indirectly funded through contracts for health care.

  To address this, in 1995–96, as an interim measure, the SIFTR allocation will be increased by £40 million in 1995–96 by transferring funds from the purchasers of hospitals receiving SIFI'R. I have also said that I will look sympathetically at ring-fencing more money in subsequent financial years to help build up the new funding system for research.

  For 1995–96, the whole SIFTR amount will be allocated on the same principles as in 1994–95. The increased allocation will enable hospitals receiving SIFTR to reduce their contract prices for health care, while overall levels of activity remain the same. That will help put teaching and research hospitals on a level playing field with other hospitals and help purchasers make sound decisions about the use of their funds.

  The analysis of hospitals costs did not find a convincing basis for separating the NHS costs associated with teaching and research by statistical methods. Previous studies have suggested the research element is about 25 per cent. From 1995–96, the NHS costs associated with teaching and research in England will nationally be attributed 75 per cent. to teaching and 25 per cent. to research.

  The separation of the research element of SIFTR helps prepare the way for an improved system for supporting research in the NHS. When the Culyer report was published in September, I welcomed the proposal for a single funding stream for research—one of Culyer's key recommendations. This means that it would be possible to target more precisely the money available for research to support high-quality projects.

  We are working in partnership with the universities, the research councils, charities and other organisations which support research in the NHS to take this forward. Work is in hand on the future arrangements for allocating funds and contracting for NHS support and facilities for undergraduate teaching.

  Family Health Services Appeals Unit
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the family health services appeals unit.

  Mr. Malone
  Arrangements are to be made for a special health authority to be created to undertake the functions of the family health services appeals unit. Further details of the unit's location and new members will be announced in due course.

PRIME MINISTER

  Christmas Expenditure
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Prime Minister how much public money will be spent on entertaining, Christmas decorations and other festive activities this Christmas season by his Office and Government agencies answerable to his Office; and of this sum how much will be spent in his private office and official residences including No.10 Downing street and Chequers.

  The Prime Minister
  Disaggregated information of this nature is not available. However, entertainment figures for my office are included in the running costs figures which appear in the Government's Expenditure Plans 1994–95 to 1996–97 for the Cabinet Office (Cmd. 2518), a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Prime Minister how many official Christmas cards he intends to send in 1994; how much these cards will cost(a) to buy, (b) to post and (c) in staff time to sign, address and place in envelopes; and if he will place in the Library a sample copy of the official Christmas card he intends to send this year.

  The Prime Minister
  The information as requested can be provided only at disproportionate cost. It is not my intention to place a sample Christmas card in the Library.

  A1-Yamamah Military Sales Agreement
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will examine the allegations made in a document, a copy of which has been sent to him, on the use to which commissions paid in respect to the Al-Yamamah military sales agreement with Saudi Arabia were put.

  The Prime Minister
  I have nothing further to add to the letter I sent to the hon. Member on 15 November, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent evidence he has received on Libya's responsibility for the Lockerbie crime; and if he will now seek to remove United Nations sanctions against Libya.

  The Prime Minister
  We have received no recent evidence on Libya's involvement in the Lockerbie bombing. My right hon. and learned Friend, the Lord Advocate, continues to believe that the evidence supports the charges against the two accused, who are Libyan nationals. In order for sanctions against Libya to be lifted, the Libyan Government must first comply in full with the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 22 November.

  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 22 November.

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

  Cabinet Committees
  Sir Norman Fowler
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish an updated list of the ministerial Committees of the Cabinet.

  The Prime Minister
  An updated list of the ministerial committees of the cabinet, giving their composition and terms of reference, is given below. Copies of this list are available in the Library of the House.

  Ministerial Committee on Economic and Domestic Policy (EDP)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Minister without Portfolio

  Other Ministers are invited to attend for items in which they have a departmental interest.

  Terms of reference
  "To consider strategic issues relating to the Government's economic and domestic policies"

  Ministerial Committee on Science and Technology (EDS)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Education

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  The Chief Scientific Adviser is in attendance. The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To review science and technology policy".

  Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy (OPD)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Attorney General

  The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Lord Privy Seal also receive papers and may be invited to attend as necessary.

  The Chief of Defence Staff will attend as required, as will the Chiefs of Staff when necessary.

  Terms of reference
  "To keep under review the Government's Defence and Overseas policy."

  Ministerial Committee on Hong Kong and Other Dependent Territories (OPDK)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Lord President of the Council

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  91

  Others, including the Attorney General, the Governor of Hong Kong and the British Ambassador in Peking may be invited to attend as appropriate. The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of Reference
  "To keep under review the implementation of the agreement with the Chinese on the future of Hong Kong and the implications of that agreement for the Government of Hong Kong and the wellbeing of its people; and to keep under review as necessary the Government's policy towards other Dependent Territories."

  Ministerial Committee on Nuclear Defence Policy (OPDN)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Terms of Reference
  "To keep under review the Government's policy on nuclear defence."

  Ministerial Committee on Northern Ireland (NI)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Lord Privy Seal

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Attorney General

  Other Ministers are invited to attend as the nature of the business requires.

  Terms of Reference
  "To oversee the Government's policy on Northern Ireland issues and relations with the Republic of Ireland on these matters."

  Ministerial Committee on the Intelligence Services (IS)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Secretary of State for Defence

  The Lord President of the Council and the Attorney General may be invited to attend as appropriate.

  Terms of Reference
  "To keep under review policy on the security and intelligence services."

  Ministerial Committee on the Environment (EDE)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Lord Privy Seal

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To consider questions of environmental policy"

  Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (EDH)

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (chairman)

  Lord Chancellor

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Education

  92

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Lord Privy Seal

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Minister without Portfolio

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  The Attorney General, the Lord Advocate and the Captain of the Gentlemen at Arms also receive papers and are invited to attend as necessary.

  Terms of Reference
  "To consider home and social policy issues"

  Ministerial Committee on Industrial, Commercial and Consumer Affairs (EDI)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Lord Privy Seal

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Minister without Portfolio

  The Attorney General also receives papers and may be invited to attend as necessary.

  Terms of Reference
  "To consider industrial, commercial, and consumer issues including questions of competition and deregulation"

  Ministerial Committee on Local Government (EDL)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Education

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Lord Privy Seal

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Minister without Portfolio

  Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration)

  Terms of reference
  "To consider issues affecting local government, including the annual allocation of resources"

  Ministerial Committee on Regeneration (EDR)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Chairman)

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Education

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Minister without Portfolio

  Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Minister for Local Government, Housing, and Urban Regeneration)

  The Secretaries of State for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are invited to attend as appropriate.

  Terms of Reference
  "To consider regeneration policies and their coordination".
  93
  Ministerial Committee on Public Expenditure (EDX)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Exchequer (chairman)

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of Reference
  "To consider the allocation of the public expenditure control totals and make recommendations to the Cabinet"

  Ministerial Committee on the Queen's Speeches and Future Legislation (FLG)

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (chairman)

  Lord Chancellor

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Lord Privy Seal

  Minister without Portfolio

  Attorney General

  Lord Advocate

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Financial Secretary, Treasury

  Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms

  The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs may be invited to attend or be represented for discussion of The Queen's Speeches.

  Terms of reference
  "To prepare and submit to the Cabinet drafts of the Queen's Speeches to Parliament, and proposals for the Government's legislative programme for each Session of Parliament".

  Ministerial Committee on Legislation (LG)

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (chairman)

  Lord Chancellor

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Lord Privy Seal

  Attorney General

  Lord Advocate

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Financial Secretary, Treasury

  Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms

  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland also receives papers and is invited to attend as necessary.

  Terms of reference
  "To examine all draft Bills; to consider the Parliamentary handling of Government Bills, European Community documents and Private Members' business, and such other related matters as may be necessary; and to keep under review the Government's policy in relation to issues of Parliamentary procedures".

  Ministerial Sub-committee on Health Strategy (EDH(H))

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (chairman)

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Education

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Paymaster General

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage

  94
  The Chief Medical Officer is in attendance. The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of the Government's health strategy, to coordinate the Government's policies on United Kingdom-wide issues affecting health, and report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs"

  Ministerial Sub-committee on Public Sector Pay (EDI (P))

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Education

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science

  The Lord Chancellor also receives papers and may be invited to attend as necessary. The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To coordinate the handling of pay issues in the public sector, and report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Industrial, Commercial and Consumer Affairs"

  Ministerial Sub-committee on European Questions (OPD(E)

  Composition

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister without Portfolio

  Attorney General

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  The Lord Advocate also receives papers. He and other Ministers will be invited to attend as the nature of the business requires.

  The United Kingdom's Permanent Representatives to the European Union is also in attendance.

  Terms of reference
  "To consider questions relating to the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy"

  Ministerial Sub-committee on Terrorism (OPD(T))

  Composition

  Secretary of State for the Home Department (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Attorney General

  Terms of reference
  "To keep under review the arrangements for countering terrorism and for dealing with terrorist incidents and their consequences and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee of Defence and Overseas Policy".

  Ministerial Sub-committee on Drug Misuse (EDH(D))

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (chairman)

  Solicitor General

  95

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Paymaster General

  Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence

  Minister of State, Scottish Office

  Minister of State, Department for Education

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office

  Others, including the Minister for Overseas Development and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State from the Departments of the Environment and Employment, may be invited to attend as appropriate and receive all papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To coordinate the Government's national and international policies for tackling drugs misuse, and report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs"

  Ministerial Sub-committee on Women's Issues (EDH (W))

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Education

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Paymaster General

  Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Minister for Construction and Planning)

  Minister of State, Scottish Office

  Minister of State, Department of Employment

  Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office

  The Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, and Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, also receive papers and may be invited to attend as necessary. The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To review and develop the Government's policy and strategy on issues of special concern to women: to oversee their implementation; and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs".

  Ministerial Sub-committee on London (EDL(L))

  Composition

  Secretary of State for the Environment (chairman)

  Minister without Portfolio

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Financial Secretary, Treasury

  Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Minister for Industry and Energy)

  Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration)

  Minister of State, Department of Health (Minister for Health)

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Minister for Transport in London)

  Terms of reference
  "To coordinate the Government's policies on London"

  Ministerial Group on Sanctions Against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Gen 27)

  Composition

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (chairman) Paymaster General

  Minister of State, Treasury

  Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Minister for Trade)

  Minister of State for Defence Procurement, Ministry of Defence

  Minister of State, Department of Transport

  96
  Terms of Reference
  "To keep under review the implementation of the sanctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia imposed under United Nations Security Council Resolutions 757, 787 and 820, and to report to the Ministerial Committee on Overseas and Defence Policy as necessary."

  Ministerial Group on Competitiveness (GEN 29)

  Composition

  President of the Board of Trade (chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  State for Education

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Representatives of other Departments may be invited to attend as necessary. The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of Reference
  "To keep issues affecting the United Kingdom's competitiveness under review; and to update, in whole or part, as appropriate, from time to time the White Paper on Competitiveness for consideration by the Ministerial Committee on Economic and Domestic Policy."

  Ministerial Group on Card Technology (GEN 34)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (chairman)

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Employment

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of Reference
  "To consider the developing technology of card systems, and the potential demand for such systems from Government Departments, to ensure a co-ordinated approach across the Government taking account of the impact on the individual citizen".

  Hillsborough Castle
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister if he, or the Cabinet Secretary, was consulted and gave prior approval to the making available of Hillsborough castle for an event organised by the Conservative Political Centre on 4 November.

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Advice from officials is confidential. The use of Hillsborough castle for this event was in accordance with the conventions governing the use of ministerial residences.

  Student Maintenance Awards
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the latest available figure for the total assessed parental contribution to student maintenance awards.

  Mr. Boswell
  The total assessed parental contribution to mandatory awards made by local education authorities in England and Wales for the academic year 1992–93 was £208 million in respect of partial maintenance grants and £392 million in respect of nil maintenance grants.

  Access Funds
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will publish the results of the monitoring returns from higher education institutions on their use of discretionary access funds in 1993–94.

  Mr. Boswell
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so. However, if the hon. Member has particular questions about the returns, I shall see whether we can answer them.

  Student Loans Company
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what guidelines her Department issues to institutions of higher education regarding their responsibility to notify the Students Loans Company Ltd. of students who have ceased attendance on a course;

  (2) what provisions exist for notifying the Student Loans Company of the circumstances of students who have temporarily withdrawn or deferred attendance on a higher education course but who have not permanently ceased to attend.

  Mr. Boswell
  Under the Education (Student Loans) (No.2) Regulations 1993, higher education institutions have a duty to notify the Student Loans Company promptly if a borrower ceases to be an eligible student before the end of his course. The guidelines issued to institutions state that when considering whether a student has ceased to attend a course, an institution should have regard to any internal regulations governing attendance. Institutions therefore have discretion to decide when a student has permanently ceased to attend.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what action she is taking to ensure the ongoing educational value of section 11 activity now that much of the funding is contained within the single regeneration budget.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend will continue to monitor, through Ofsted, the standard of educational provision in all maintained schools, including provision for those pupils for whom English is not their first language. Additional support for the latter category through section 11 and single regeneration budget grants is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, respectively.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what moneys are allocated within grants for education support and training to provide for the needs of those teaching bilingual pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds; and what monitoring is planned on how it is spent.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The size of the grants for education support and training—GEST—programme for 1995–96, and the grants within it, will be considered in the light of decisions on education standard spending generally following the unified budget on 29 November. The GEST programme will include a new grant to provide in-service training for mainstream teachers of bilingual pupils from minority ethnic backgrounds. LEAs will be required to report by 30 June 1996 on the training provided under this activity. In addition, Ofsted will be invited to inspect a sample of courses and report to the Department.

  Higher Education Review
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what are the terms of reference of her Department's review of higher education.

  Mr. Boswell
  The review of higher education is part of the normal programme of reviews which the Department undertakes from time to time. It has no formal terms of reference, but will begin by looking at the aims and purposes of higher education with a view to determining its appropriate size and shape at the turn of the century and beyond. Later on, the review will address the appropriate funding and student support arrangements.

  Officials wrote last week to invite views on the first of those matters from organisations with an interest in the development of higher education. I am arranging for the text of the letter and the list of bodies formally consulted to be placed in the Library.

  Funding Bids
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what input she has had with regard to the bidding guidance issued for single regeneration budget bids concerning existing educational initiatives.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The bidding guidance for the single regeneration budget, which was issued in April, took account of advice from the Department. Education figures prominently among the objectives.

  Further Education
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will publish a table showing the number of students in each local education authority in England undertaking courses of further education(a) aged 16 to 18 years and (b) 19 years and over; and what proportion of each of these age groups was not in receipt of any discretionary award.

  Mr. Boswell
  The number of students in each LEA in England who are undertaking further education(a) aged 16 to 18 years and (b) 19 years and over and the estimated proportion of each of these age groups who do not receive an award under section 2 of the Education Act 1962, are shown in the following table.

  Numbers of FE students by home LEA showing proportion of students not receiving grants under section 2 of the 1962 Education Act(England 1992–93)

  Total numbers of FE students by

  FE students not in receipt of section 2 discretionary awards

  LEA of domicile

  Percentage of age group

  LEA

  Aged 16–18

  Aged 19+

  Aged 16–18

  Aged 19+

  Corporation of London

  24

  147

  96

  99

  Camden

  1,051

  7,494

  100

  100

  Greenwich

  1,812

  2,751

  76

  93

  Hackney

  2,228

  4,325

  69

  98

  Hammersmith

  1,093

  3,712

  68

  97

  Islington

  1,224

  3,487

  47

  98

  Kensington

  694

  6,346

  100

  98

  Lambeth

  2,493

  6,811

  100

  99

  Lewisham

  2,157

  4,690

  85

  100

  Southwark

  2,082

  4,393

  98

  99

  Tower Hamlets

  2,583

  3,981

  100

  98

  Wandsworth

  2,245

  5,794

  48

  100

  Westminster

  1,028

  3,897

  100

  100

  99

  Numbers of students by home LEA showing proportion of students not receiving grants under section 2 of the 1962 Education Act (England 1992–93)

  Total numbers of FE students by

  FE students not in receipt of section 2 discretionary awards

  LEA of domicile

  Percentage of age group

  LEA

  Aged 16–18

  Aged 19+

  Aged 16–18

  Aged 19+

  Barking

  1,344

  1,657

  71

  97

  Barnet

  2,736

  12,827

  85

  97

  Bexley

  2,258

  2,247

  90

  86

  Brent

  2,519

  7,642

  99

  98

  Bromley

  2,228

  2,768

  91

  98

  Croydon

  2,893

  4,271

  72

  98

  Ealing

  3,894

  5,942

  93

  95

  Enfield

  2,695

  9,830

  91

  98

  Haringey

  2,052

  7,338

  100

  100

  Harrow

  3,628

  8,749

  100

  100

  Havering

  2,724

  3,215

  65

  93

  Hillingdon

  2,379

  3,842

  100

  100

  Hounslow

  2,041

  3,282

  76

  100

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,123

  1,868

  84

  99

  Merton

  1,584

  3,041

  75

  96

  Newham

  2,738

  6,119

  100

  100

  Redbridge

  2,207

  4,257

  100

  99

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,154

  12,901

  86

  100

  Sutton

  1,684

  9,227

  84

  98

  Waltham Forest

  2,065

  4,733

  83

  94

  Birmingham

  10,133

  22,910

  100

  92

  Coventry

  3,381

  7,820

  83

  98

  Dudley

  4,752

  12,614

  72

  99

  Sandwell

  3,221

  5,931

  97

  95

  Solihull

  2,240

  5,434

  100

  95

  Walsall

  2,569

  5,238

  63

  89

  Wolverhampton

  2,716

  6,878

  100

  100

  Knowsley

  1,965

  3,581

  40

  85

  Liverpool

  3,954

  14,704

  79

  93

  St Helens

  2,231

  5,803

  57

  96

  Sefton

  3,411

  8,690

  84

  99

  Wirral

  3,068

  11,676

  80

  95

  Bolton

  2,723

  4,257

  61

  88

  Bury

  2,715

  3,095

  62

  82

  Manchester

  3,787

  9,922

  56

  87

  Oldham

  2,313

  2,460

  70

  87

  Rochdale

  2,903

  4,776

  71

  76

  Salford

  1,633

  7,030

  83

  97

  Stockport

  2,200

  4,159

  64

  81

  Tameside

  2,350

  6,446

  82

  95

  Trafford

  2,760

  9,393

  76

  97

  Wigan

  4,541

  6,715

  46

  97

  Barnsley

  3,372

  4,961

  32

  65

  Doncaster

  2,827

  12,114

  72

  94

  Rotherham

  2,954

  11,039

  62

  95

  Sheffield

  6,806

  21,729

  79

  97

  Bradford

  4,786

  21,092

  100

  95

  Calderdale

  2,148

  4,103

  95

  97

  Kirklees

  4,931

  15,486

  43

  94

  Leeds

  7,530

  19,318

  98

  91

  Wakefield

  3,313

  9,803

  29

  99

  Gateshead

  2.107

  4,515

  97

  97

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,079

  4,428

  77

  93

  North Tyneside

  1,726

  3,456

  68

  85

  South Tyneside

  2,325

  3,660

  100

  95

  Sunderland

  4,290

  7,076

  100

  100

  Avon

  9,994

  28,355

  72

  94

  Bedfordshire

  5,980

  13,260

  93

  92

  Berkshire

  8,060

  23,794

  99

  99

  Bucking hamshire

  6,627

  9,960

  96

  98

  Cambridgeshire

  7,234

  12,063

  100

  97

  Cheshire

  11,094

  29,702

  90

  91

  100

  Numbers of FE students by home LEA showing proportion of students not receiving grants under section 2 of the 1962 Education Act (England 1992–93)

  Total numbers of FE students by

  FE students not in receipt of section 2 discretionary awards

  LEA of domicile

  Percentage of age group

  LEA

  Aged 16–18

  Aged 19+

  Aged 16–18

  Aged 19+

  Cleveland

  6,743

  16,134

  84

  98

  Cornwall and IoS

  6,040

  4,919

  71

  85

  Cumbria

  5,117

  8,794

  82

  100

  Derbyshire

  12,438

  20,284

  33

  93

  Devon

  11,989

  16,421

  100

  68

  Dorset

  7,131

  9,763

  78

  84

  Durham

  6,803

  15,031

  100

  89

  East Sussex

  5,922

  22,689

  63

  94

  Essex

  15,906

  24,038

  64

  91

  Gloucestershire

  6,495

  19,123

  80

  95

  Hampshire

  18,111

  30,650

  100

  94

  Hereford and Worcester

  7,597

  23,326

  100

  98

  Hertfordshire

  11,032

  40,626

  98

  99

  Humberside

  9,856

  21,461

  72

  87

  Isle of Wight

  1,467

  4,268

  85

  95

  Kent

  15,611

  14,574

  59

  78

  Lancashire

  21,166

  60,468

  100

  86

  Leicestershire

  8,313

  17,532

  80

  79

  Lincolnshire

  7,255

  8,579

  94

  87

  Norfolk

  7,460

  8,537

  77

  86

  North Yorkshire

  7,617

  22,480

  59

  89

  Northamptonshire

  6,689

  17,099

  100

  98

  Northumberland

  2,419

  3,666

  69

  72

  Nottinghamshire

  11,265

  42,538

  87

  89

  Oxfordshire

  6,282

  13,752

  100

  98

  Shropshire

  5,178

  15,328

  92

  96

  Somerset

  6,708

  13,801

  88

  93

  Staffordshire

  12,731

  27,327

  87

  98

  Suffolk

  6,270

  18,242

  90

  96

  Surrey

  8,710

  10,137

  95

  92

  Warwickshire

  6,479

  16,441

  100

  100

  West Sussex

  6,458

  7,602

  71

  81

  Wiltshire

  7,932

  22,567

  85

  96

  Student Loans Scheme
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when she now expects total levels of borrowing and repayments under the student loans scheme to be brought into balance.

  Mr. Boswell
  It has been understood from the outset that repayments will never equal loan outgoings. That would assume no deferment of repayments or cancellation of debt, as concessions allowed under the scheme, and no default.

  The loans scheme produced public expenditure savings, when compared with previous policies, in the first full financial year of its operation. On present estimates, the effect of the loan scheme will be to produce public expenditure savings again as from the academic year 2001–02 and annually thereafter.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a statement on the charging policy of her Department and the agencies for which she is responsible in respect of inquires under the code of practice on access to Government.
  101
  Mr. Forth
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, the Department for Education and the Teachers Pensions Agency are operating the following scheme of charges for information under the code of practice on access to government information:

  no charge for requests estimated to take up to three hours work

  a flat rate of £50 for requests estimated to need from three to eight hours work

  a flat rate of £150 for requests estimated to take from eight to 13 hours work

  any request requiring more than 13 hours work to be charged at a further £20 for every additional hour worked.

  No charge is made for information which was previously provided free or for the categories of information listed in paragraph 71 of the OPSS guidance on the interpretation of the code.

  School Performance Tables
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will place in the Library copies of the school performance tables, grant-maintained schools, further and higher education charters, educational provision for under fives and updated parents charter surveys referred to in her answer of 25 October,Official Report, column 525.

  Mr. Forth
  I will arrange for copies of the titles listed by the hon. Member to be placed in the Library where available, along with a summary of the updated parents charters pre and post-campaign public opinion surveys.

EMPLOYMENT

  Training
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the amount spent in each of his Department's regions on training in each of the last 10 years; and what that figure represents per unemployed person.

  Mr. Paice
  The information requested is not available at a regional level.

  Industrial Tribunals
  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what plans he has for restructuring the composition of industrial tribunals;

  (2) what discussions or consultations he has had (a) within and (b) outside his Department about the size and composition of industrial tribunals.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Employment announced on 29 April that she had asked officials to review the operation of the industrial tribunals. Ministers are considering the recommendations arising from the review, and hope to make an announcement shortly.

  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans or proposals he has for restructuring or otherwise altering the system of expense allowances available to members of industrial tribunals.
  102
  Mr. Oppenheim
  None.

  Occupational Accidents
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he has taken to monitor the effects on both the numbers and the levels of occupational accident compensation awards of the decision of the Association of British Insurers to recommend a standard maximum of £10 million cover as announced on 5 September; what representations he has received on this matter and from whom; and what discussions about this matter he has had or is planning to have with the ABI.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Officials from the Department recently met representatives of the Association of British Insurers to discuss the implications of the decision by the United Kingdom insurance market to cease issuing policies on an unlimited liability basis from 1 January 1995. I understand that policies will normally provide cover of at least £10 million per event, and that higher levels of cover will still be available for those employers who need it. Officials will continue to keep in contact with the insurance industry to monitor developments.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to encourage the Association of British Insurers to establish a parallel scheme for occupational accidents to that already in operation under the auspices of the Motors' Insurers Bureau for motor accidents where the party liable for injury is either uninsured or inadequately insured.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I have no plans to encourage the establishment of such a scheme.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what total resources have been provided to each TEC in(a) the current year and (b) the last year; and how much has been allocated for next year.

  Mr. Paice
  Total 1993–94 and 1994–95 budgets for each training and enterprise council are shown in the following table. Budgets for 1995–96 will be negotiated with TECs after the outcome of the public expenditure survey is known.

  TEC Budgets—1993–94 and 1994–95

  1993–94 Total

  1994–95 Total

  Hampshire

  37,183,108

  35,514,386

  Heart of England

  12,889,535

  13,328,501

  Isle of Wight

  4,794,027

  4,547,500

  Kent

  41,172,116

  37,302,093

  Milton Keynes and N. Bucks

  10,737,441

  10,536,159

  Surrey

  15,177,344

  14,716,308

  Sussex

  28,518,637

  28,400,387

  Thames Valley Enterprise

  29,216,940

  31,902,455

  Aztec

  15,757,575

  13,926,782

  Centec

  31,301,452

  28,362,483

  Cilntec

  29,243,921

  24,776,751

  London East

  47,730,672

  42,697,819

  North London

  23,954,675

  22,538,039

  North West London

  14,816,505

  13,547,054

  Solotec

  24,119,939

  20,718,815

  South Thames

  47,259,640

  41,801,662

  West London

  21,708,398

  20,393,169

  Bedfordshire

  14,373,960

  14,885,900

  Cambstec

  8,659,944

  10,234,756

  Essex

  37,650,059

  36,135,275

  103

  TEC Budgets—1993–94 and 1994–95

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Total

  Total

  Greater Peterborough

  12,009,480

  12,651,573

  Hertfordshire

  27,975,122

  27,596,617

  Norfolk and Waveney

  27,480,024

  27,008,834

  Suffolk

  18,153,786

  20,133,763

  Avon

  34,261,426

  32,835,172

  Devon and Cornwall

  63,142,291

  52,270,158

  Dorset

  20,714,700

  17,865,216

  Gloucestershire

  16,491,120

  14,640,405

  Somerset

  15,355,040

  14,522,239

  Wiltshire

  17,216,049

  14,747,808

  Birmingham

  51,892,786

  41,561,980

  Central England

  12,900,634

  12,352,083

  Coventry and Warwickshire

  32,875,066

  29,881,193

  Dudley

  13,965,570

  12,122,013

  Hawtec

  14,656,120

  13,614,301

  Sandwell

  14,521,215

  14,035,745

  Shropshire

  16,037,663

  13,827,392

  Staffordshire

  40,036,710

  33,065,880

  Walsall

  11,487,834

  9,371,849

  Wolverhampton

  13,592,895

  11,677,769

  Greater Nottingham

  25,639,731

  22,420,148

  Leicester

  28,836,939

  25,268,893

  Lincolnshire

  28,458,098

  25,756,946

  North Derbyshire

  12,922,903

  11,905,576

  North Nottinghamshire

  18,739,393

  18,002,803

  Northamptonshire

  15,535,089

  14,453,531

  Southern Derbyshire

  20,496,766

  18,680,189

  Barnsley and Doncaster

  33,008,794

  27,576,617

  Bradford and District

  23,766,641

  19,207,246

  Calderdale and Kirklees

  30,746,002

  23,311,143

  Humberside

  42,395,837

  37,282,628

  Leeds

  27,475,716

  22,408,167

  North Yorkshire

  20,211,490

  17,959,338

  Rotherham

  15,112,558

  12,371,627

  Sheffield

  30,897,859

  25,346,791

  Wakefield

  15,392,939

  12,719,996

  Bolton and Bury

  16,895,173

  15,311,817

  Cumbria

  20,332,946

  19,129,895

  Eltec (East Lancs)

  23,182,628

  20,941,866

  Lawtec (Lancs West)

  33,693,134

  30,759,096

  Manchester

  45,995,812

  41,373,910

  Metrotec Ltd (Wigan)

  13,010,667

  12,411,609

  Normidtec

  17,627,457

  15,907,805

  Oldham

  10,595,828

  9,620,658

  Rochdale

  11,087,880

  10,335,677

  South and East Cheshire

  16,118,001

  14,857,176

  Stockport/High Peak

  12,822,480

  11,515,242

  Cewtec

  26,452,409

  22,854,525

  Merseyside

  68,487,846

  53,286,232

  Qualitec

  12,714,419

  9,375,979

  County Durham

  36,032,589

  29,223,002

  Northumberland

  18,084,128

  15,133,832

  Sunderland City

  24,225,705

  20,024,174

  Teesside

  40,997,285

  34,502,405

  Tyneside

  52,458,903

  45,189,731

  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) which training and enterprise councils assist childminders undertaking the national vocational qualification course in child care and education at(a) level 2 and (b) level 3;

  (2) what guidance is issued by his Department to training and enterprise councils about grant aid for childminders undertaking the national vocational qualification course in child care and education at level 2 and level 3;
  104
  (3) if he will list, by training and enterprise council, the amount of funding allocated to childminders undertaking the national vocational qualification course in child care and education.

  Mr. Paice
  The Employment Department does not fund training and enterprise councils specifically for training childminders, but TECs may provide childcare training through Government-funded training programmes. No information is held centrally on which TECs choose to do so.

  Gas (Safety)
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he expects an interim British Standard, in the absence of European Union standards, to be introduced for carbon monoxide detectors in respect of domestic gas appliances.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  A draft British standard is currently being developed. This is being considered for possible adoption as a European standard. Discussions will take place between the Health and Safety Executive, the British Standards Institution and United Kingdom manufacturers to consider whether an interim British standard is desirable.

  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many Health and Safety Executive enforcement officers have as their specific responsibility the enforcement of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  There are approximately 150 inspectors in the Health and Safety Executive whose duties include enforcement of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994.

  Construction Industry
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, when he will introduce the regulations covering health and safety conditions in the construction industry.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I hope to announce the final content and timetable for these regulations shortly.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what assessment he has made of the effect on construction costs of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Taking into account both quantifiable and unquantifiable benefits, it is estimated that there will be a net benefit of around £580 million per year.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the need for additional training in the construction industry to enable people to fulfil the responsibilities of the new health and safety supervisors; and what estimate he has made of the cost of that training.

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The assessment of the effect of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations has shown that there will be training needs of those likely to fulfil the role of planning supervisor. It is estimated that there will be a one-off cost of up to £150 million in the first year and up to £7.5 million per year thereafter.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to government.

  Miss Widdecombe
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structures across the range of bodies implementing the code, the Employment Department group has developed a number of schemes of charges for information under the code of practice on access to Government information. I will write to the hon. Member shortly with details.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Western Sahara
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on support for self-determination of western Saharans.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We fully support the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his staff to bring about an early referendum on the future of western Sahara.

  Ukraine
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Our policy is to promote Ukraine's development as a stable, independent, democratic, market-orientated, non-nuclear weapons state of undisputed territorial integrity, having good relations with its neighbours and the west, and playing a full part in the international community.

  Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list those developing countries that are signatories of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

  Mr. David Davis
  There are 165 states party to the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. A list of these has been placed in the Library.

  V-4 Group
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy on whether applications for EU membership from the V-4 group of central European nations would be considered by the Union simultaneously.

  Mr. David Davis
  The Copenhagen European council—June 1993—agreed that associated countries of central and eastern Europe that so desired shall join the European Union when they are ready to assume the obligations of membership. We expect applications for European Union membership to be considered on their merits. So far, only Poland and Hungary have formally applied to join the European Union.

  Panama
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy towards Panama; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. David Davis
  We have excellent diplomatic and trade relations with Panama which we aim to develop. We will support President Perez Balladares's policies to consolidate democracy and to tackle social and economic problems.

  Turks and Caicos Islands
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to promote inward investment to the Turks and Caicos islands; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  Inward investment in the Turks and Caicos islands is the responsibility of a newly created statutory body, TCInvest, whose chief executive officer has just been appointed. It is hoped that TCInvest, which has been supported by the United Nations development programme as well as by Her Majesty's Government, will be the catalyst in attracting substantial private and corporate investment into the territory.

  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to promote economic self-sufficiency in the Turks and Caicos islands; over what time-scale; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Baldry
  In October 1994, Her Majesty's Government and the Turks and Caicos islands Government signed a country policy plan. The country policy plan is designed to set a number of objectives for the TCIG to meet in terms of economic management, good government practice and administrative reforms. It is linked to an aid programme funded by Her Majesty's Government.

  Part of the country policy plan deals with the need to set reasonable economic targets. Combining these targets with inward investment and an expanding service and offshore finance industry based on sound regulation, should produce substantial progress towards economic self-reliance over the three-year period of the country policy plan.

  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what changes he plans to the present powers and the role of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos islands.

  Mr. Baldry
  There are no changes planned to the present powers and role of the Governor of the Turks and Caicos islands.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response Her Majesty's Government's ambassador to the United Nations made to the resolution A/C.1/49/L.25 of 2 November on a step-by-step reduction of the threat from nuclear weapons tabled by Brazil and eight other nations at the UN General Assembly.

  Mr. David Davis
  Her Majesty's ambassador to the United Kingdom delegation to the conference on disarmament joined other European Union and western states in voting against the resolution.
  107
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will arrange for publication in the Official Report of a copy of the letter on Pakistan's nuclear weapons status, sent to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent, referred to in his answer of 3 November 1994, Official Report, column 1383.

  Mr. David Davis
  The text of the letter is as follows:"You ask about Pakistan's nuclear weapons programme. We have no independent evidence that Pakistan possesses a nuclear weapons capability. We share the concerns of others on this matter however, and continue to lobby Pakistan and India to engage in dialogue on regional security which we hope will enable both countries to allay international concern by acceding to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty as non-nuclear weapons states."

  Syria
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the Government's policy regarding the export of military equipment to Syria.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We observe the arms embargo imposed by the European Union on Syria.

  Plutonium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish in the Official Report a copy of the letter on the Foreign Affairs Council paper on plutonium sent to the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent, referred to in his answer of 3 November 1994, Official Report, column 1383.

  Mr. David Davis
  Yes, the text of the letter was as follows:There has already been extensive consultation between government departments and with European and other partners over the issues of Nuclear Smuggling. Work on the report to be presented to the Foreign Affairs Council is now well advanced. The Foreign Affairs Council is, of course, an inter governmental body and we have no specific plans to consult non-governmental organisations on the question of nuclear smuggling in preparing our contribution to the report. However, while we know of no non-governmental bodies working specifically on this issue, we would naturally consider any views that were put to us.
  It has been agreed that the Foreign Affairs Council will present its report to the European Council to be held in Essen in December. The Council's conclusion will be deposited in the Library.

  Applications for Residence
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many outstanding applications for leave to reside in the United Kingdom there are at each of the British high commissions and embassies overseas.

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Member to my written answer to him of 17 October in which I said that I would arrange for the information required to be placed in the Library of the House shortly, in view of its length. I can now confirm that the information requested has indeed been placed in the Library of the House.

  Asil Nadir
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had, and with whom, as to the possible extradition of Asil Nadir.

  Mr. David Davis
  I have had no recent discussions about the possible extradition of Asil Nadir.

  Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the United Kingdom voted at the United Nations on resolution A/C.1/49/L22 of 1 November calling for a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty; and what discussions the British ambassador had with his counterparts from the signatory nations.

  Mr. David Davis
  The United Kingdom co-sponsored the resolution, which was passed by consensus. 'The British ambassador was in close contact throughout with his counterparts, including the sponsors of the resolution.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Government policy as to the future of Gibraltar airport after 1997.

  Mr. David Davis
  The policy of Her Majesty's Government on Gibraltar airport remains unchanged. Once the 1987 airport agreement is implemented, the European Community single market in air transport will apply to Gibraltar.

  Burma
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the EC is following a common policy towards human rights in Burma; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Goodlad
  Yes. The situation in Burma remains of great concern to the European Union.

  Together with our European Union partners we continue to press the ruling military regime in Burma, the state law and order restoration council—SLORC—to improve its human rights record and institute democratic and economic reforms. Progress in these areas will help the resumption of normal relations between the European union and Burma.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans there are to hold a conference to try and make progress on an agreement over the Cyprus situation.

  Mr. David Davis
  The focus of the international community's efforts to resolve the Cyprus dispute is the UN Secretary-General's good offices mission. He currently has no plans to hold an international conference.

  Drugs
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will put in the Library written and oral warnings relating to controlled drug delivery channels transiting the United Kingdom's airports received by his Department from September to December 1988.

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No such warnings were received.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies
  109
  for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Baldry
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, my Department has adopted the following policy on charging for information under the code of practice on access to government information.

  Straightforward inquiries made to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office under the code of practice may attract a flat rate fee of £15. If extensive work which would not otherwise be done is necessary to provide the information required, a higher charge would be made, but an estimate of the cost would be given before any work was undertaken. Practically all enquiries received by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Overseas Development Administration are made without reference to the code and continue to be answered free of charge.

  In cases where the Overseas Development Administration—including the Natural Resources Institute—make a charge, it did so on the basis of an individual assessment, in which cases an estimate of the cost would be provided in advance.

  Departmental Wine Expenditure
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much each Government Department consumed in wine purchases made as a result of recommendations from the Government Hospitality Fund Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The Government hospitality fund provides official ministerial hospitality centrally for all Ministers irrespective of Departmental portfolio. Purchases of wine are made in response to the needs of official ministerial hospitality as a whole and not on behalf of Departments. Stocks are issued as necessary for each function. There is no relationship between the Government Hospitality Fund Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine and Departments.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total wine bill for Foreign Office events(a) in the United kingdom and (b) abroad in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Goodlad
  This information is not available and cannot be extracted without disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average price of a bottle of wine purchased on the recommendation of the Government Hospitality Fund Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The average price of a bottle of wine purchased on the recommendation of the Government Hospitality Fund Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine as at 31 July 1994 was £5.93.

  Government Hospitality Fund
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the annual budget and staffing levels of the Government hospitality fund.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The Government hospitality fund employs 24 staff. The operational budget to cover the cost 110
  of guest of government visits and ministerial hospitality is £1.5 million.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the members of the Government Hospitality Fund Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine are selected; and by whom.

  Mr. Goodlad
  All members of the Government Hospitality Fund Advisory Committee for the Purchase of Wine are masters of wine—a qualification to which only 160 people world wide are entitled.

  New members would be expected to have similar qualifications and to be senior and respected doyens of the wine trade.

  When a vacancy occurs potential new members are identified from the small number of those qualified by other members of the committee and a recommendation for appointment is made to the Minister by the Secretary of the GHF.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of expenditure incurred by the Government hospitality fund for each of the last five years.

  Mr. Goodlad
  The expenditure incurred by the Government hospitality fund falls broadly into two headings: hospitality, being the cost of all official lunches, dinners and receptions hosted by Ministers anywhere in the United Kingdom, and visits, being the cost of all state and guest of government visits made to the United Kingdom. The cost of visits in 1993–94 rose as a consequence of visits made by Ministers from the new nations emerging in the former Soviet Union.

  Year

  Hospitality £

  Visits £

  Total £

  1989–90

  437,635

  652,761

  1,090,396

  1990–91

  363,825

  593,862

  957,687

  1991–92

  321,527

  718,410

  1,039,937

  1992–93

  428,125

  635,168

  1,063,293

  1993–94

  395,545

  1,014,795

  1,410,340

  Consular Fees
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to increase any of the consular fees.

  Mr. Baldry
  An Order in Council—the Consular Fees Order 1994—was made on 2 November which provides for increases of around 50 per cent. in certain consular fees with effect from 24 November 1994. Passport—save for emergency passports—and visa fees are not included. It is Government policy that the cost of consular services should be borne by the users as far as possible.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Sports Clubs
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what consideration he has given to the awarding of charitable status to voluntary sports clubs as part of his review of sport for the 21st century.

  Mr. Sproat
  The granting of charitable status is a matter for the Charity Commissioners and was not
  111
  therefore covered by my review. However, my Department was closely involved in the preparation of a Sports Council leaflet last year, which stresses the benefits of charitable status for voluntary sports clubs and offers advice on achieving this status.

  Quangos
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage which quangos his Department has abolished since 1979.

  Mr. Dorrell
  My Department, which was established in April 1992, has not yet abolished any public bodies.

  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many quangos his Department was responsible for(a) on 1992 and (b) in the latest year for which a number is available.

  Mr. Dorrell
  My Department was established in 1992 and took on responsibility for 53 non-departmental public bodies and four public corporations. Channel 4 became a public corporation on 1 January 1993 and the Millennium Commission was created earlier this year. The Department is therefore now responsible for 54 NDPBs and five public corporations.

  Internet
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National heritage (1) how many people in his Department are working on the Internet pilot information service.

  (2) what kind of official information he contemplates will be available to citizens through the pilot information project over the Internet;

  (3) what discussions his Department has had with the private sector in relation to the Internet pilot information service;

  (4) what studies his Department has conducted into the Internet pilot information service.

  Mr. Dorrell
  I am aware of the Internet pilot information service. My staff are monitoring its development with interest, and considering using it to disseminate information, such as press notices and public inquiry points. They are also exploring the issues surrounding information provision on the Internet with a number of organisations, both private and public sector. A broad cross-section of people from across the Department contribute to this work, but it does not constitute the main work of any of them.

  Sports Council Funds
  Ms Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what funds have been made available from the Sports Council to the English karate board of control since 1991; and what assessment he has made as to the adequacy of accounting for these funds.

  Mr. Sproat
  The Sports Council provides grant aid to karate in England through the English Karate Governing Body. The EKGB was established in 1991 by merger of the two then governing bodies—the English Karate Council and the English Karate Board. Since its inception, the EKGB has received the following grant aid:

  1991–92: £6,900 for international competition

  1992–93: £5,000 for administration and equipment costs

  1993–94: £90,000 based on its four year development plan.

  112
  The EKGB has so far received £45,000 of the grant towards its development plan, and an additional grant of £40,000 towards the cost of staging the European championships.

  Each grant has been subject to conditions which are consistent with the requirements of the financial memorandum between my Department and the Sports Council, which governs the terms of Government grant in aid. These conditions include the provision by the EKGB of audited accounts and balance sheets and certified statements of income and expenditure. Payment of further instalments of the EKGB's planned 1994–95 grant will continue to be dependent on its compliance with the grant conditions.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) during how many of the overseas visits made by Ministers in his Department between 1 January and 30 June those Ministers participated in fund-raising activities for the Conservative party; and if he will list the Ministers and the countries in which those activities took place;

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: Between 1 January and 30 June, Ministers in my Department made seven overseas visits in their official capacity. Fundraising activities for the Conservative party are not part of our official duties.

  Arts Sponsorship, Wales
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will set up an inquiry into the grant from his Department under the business sponsorship of the arts scheme to the Welsh Rock and Folk Music Council, matching the grant from the Pengwyn Pinc Cyf Company and the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority, S4C; what consultation with the chairman of S4C and the director of the Association of Business Sponsorship of the Arts he has had concerning this grant; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: In response to recent media reports, and having consulted my Department, the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts, which administers the business sponsorship incentive scheme on my behalf, is undertaking an urgent review of the circumstances in which an award was made to the Welsh Rock and Folk Music Council. I will consider what further action my Department might take in the light of the outcome of that review. I will also be taking account of the findings of an inquiry that is being conducted by S4C.

SCOTLAND

  Boundary Commission
  Mr. David Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the names for the 72 Scottish parliamentary constituencies as proposed by the Boundary Commission and the names of the new local authority areas which each constituency will be part of from April 1996.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has not yet received the report from the Boundary
  113
  Commission for Scotland containing its final recommendations for parliamentary constituency boundaries in Scotland.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Lang
  My Department charges for information only in cases where a request received under the code of practice causes additional work which it would not have been necessary to undertake if the request had not been made. The charges are based on the actual cost of the extra work carried out but are levied only when the cost of such work exceeds £100. There is no charge where provision of information is necessary to the fair and accountable performance of the Department's functions. Most information is, therefore, provided free of charge. The agencies for which I am responsible operate similar schemes of charging to that of my Department.

  Disport Monkland
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from Strathclyde regional council concerning the reduction in funding for Disport Monkland; and if he will make a statement.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Following notification of approved urban programme expenditure of £25,900 for the Disport project in 1994–95, Strathclyde regional council submitted a written appeal on 27 September 1994. The council had sought £49,000 but the approved expenditure was reduced to reflect the extent to which the project was targeted on the residents of areas eligible for urban programme support. The points made in the letter of appeal were fully considered but the original decision was upheld.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Kynoch
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to fulfil the undertakings in "The Structure of Local Government: Shaping the Future—The New Councils" to consult on the future structure of lieutenancies in Scotland after 1 April 1996.

  Mr. Lang
  I intend to consult Lord-Lieutenants and other interested parties on the proposals for lieutenancies in Scotland after 1 April 1996 which are set out in a consultation paper being published today. Copies of the consultations document are available in the Library.

  Forestry Authority
  Mr. Kynoch
  : To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the review of the Forestry Authority.

  Mr. Lang
  I announced on 19 July,Official Report, column 185, that I was asking the director-general of the Forestry Commission to look at all aspects of the work carried out by the Forestry Authority with a view to improving the performance and efficiency of the organisation. This will involve a "prior options" study. I would welcome comments from interested parties. Those
  114
  should be sent to "The Director-General, Forestry Commission, 231 Corstorphine road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT", by 21 January 1995.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fisheries
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what fisheries protection cover operates in the North sea normally to assist British fishing vessels; what was in operation on the night of 10–11 November; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Jack
  British sea fishery limits adjacent to England and Wales are patrolled by vessels from the Royal Navy's fishery protection squadron. At any one time there will be between two and four vessels on task to this Ministry.

  On 10 to 11 November, four vessels were on patrol, in the North sea, the East English channel, the Bristol channel area and in the south-west approaches.

  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the number and scale of incidents between British fishing vessels and French vessels in each of the last five years in(a) the North sea and (b) other British waters; and what action the Government took in each case.

  Mr. Jack
  The Ministry does not keep comprehensive records of incidents involving gear disputes either between United Kingdom fishing vessels or between United Kingdom fishing vessels and those from other countries. Any action taken by the Ministry would depend on the particular circumstances of the incident.

  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement about the incident between the fishing vessel Breydon Warrior and a French trawler on the night of 10 to 11 November in the North sea when fishing gear was damaged;

  (2) if he will make a statement on what compensation is available to British fishing vessel owners who have fishing equipment damaged by French vessels; and what are the procedures for addressing compensation claims.

  Mr. Jack
  The Ministry has not received any detailed account of the incident from the owners of the Breydon Warrior. I understand, however, from local press reports and a summary report provided by the coastguard that the Breydon Warrior's fishing gear was lost following an incident involving a French trawler. Incidents of this sort are regrettable and the Ministry encourages those concerned to co-operate and to reach agreements aimed at minimising conflict between different methods of fishing. Compensation is normally a civil matter for resolution between the parties concerned but, if requested, the Ministry is prepared to advise on the procedures to be followed.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Waldegrave
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science,
  115
  which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, the charging arrangements developed by my Department can be summarised as follows:

  (i) there will continue to be no charge for the provision of information necessary to the fair and accountable performance of the Ministry's functions;

  (ii) a standard charge of £15 will be made for additional work needed to provide information over and above (i) in the case of simple requests, defined as those requiring less than two hours work at higher executive officer grade or below. This sum equates to about half the marginal cost of two hours work;

  (iii) an additional charge will be made, above the standard charge, for the provision of information in response to more complex requests. This will be calculated at marginal costs and will be related to the amount of time needed to complete the tasks.

  The Ministry has always made a great deal of information available to the public on all aspects of its policies and procedures. No charges have yet been raised by the Department or its executive agencies for information requested under the code of practice. That is not expected to change significantly in the future.

  A copy of MAFF's explanatory leaflet on charging for information provided under the code has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Milk
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what percentage milk production in the EU now exceeds consumption; and how the surplus is disposed of.

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: According to the European Court of Auditors' Report for 1993 surpluses of milk products amount to the equivalent of approximately 10 per cent. of Community consumption.

  Community intervention stocks of butter have been reduced from 1,283,303 tonnes in 1986 to 81,249 tonnes now. Over the same period, intervention stocks of skimmed milk powder have been reduced from 959,865 tonnes to 82,942 tonnes now.

  The Government have pressed successfully for reductions in support prices. For example, since 1989 the intervention price for butter has been reduced from 306.94 per 100 kg to 265.17 per 100 kg for 1994.

  There are several subsidised disposal schemes for surplus dairy products. For butter they include sales at a reduced price for the manufacture of bakery products, sugar confectionery and ice cream and the subsidised use of butter in the manufacture of concentrated butter for cooking. There are also subsidies for the use of skimmed milk in the manufacture of animal feed and for processing into casein and caseinates. In addition, subsidies are available for the consumption of milk and certain milk products in schools.

WALES

  Industrial and Commercial Projects
  Sir Wyn Roberts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list new industrial and commercial 116
  projects in Wales since May 1992, indicating the number of jobs promised and safeguarded and the kind of Government assistance given when appropriate.

  Mr. Redwood
  Information in the form requested is not available centrally. However, details of companies receiving regional selective assistance offers of £75,000 or more are published quarterly in the Employment Gazette, while summarised information relating to regional assistance is published each year in the Industrial Development Act 1982 annual reports. Summary information on all Welsh Office assistance is contained in the Department's annual reports—"The Government Expenditure Plans: A Report by the Welsh Office". Copies of those publications are available in the Library of the House.

  University Hospital of Wales
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will give the terms of reference of the post-implementation review into the £5 million expansion project of the adult cardiac surgery unit at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff; when he expects the review will be completed; if he will then place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  I expect the post-implementation review of the expansion of adult cardiac services at the University Hospital of Wales to report in January 1995. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the report in the Library of the House when it has been finalised. The terms of reference for the review are set cut as follows:

  Terms of reference
  In respect of the first year of full operation of the expanded capacity of specialist adult cardiac services at the University Hospital of Wales described in the Coopers and Lybrand, Deloitte and South Glamorgan Health Authority reports of June and July, 1991:

  A. Planning

  (i) to describe how the project was planned and implemented and explore any difficulties:

  (ii) to consider whether the project was implemented within the parameters identified in the 1991 reports and, in particular, to report on the effect of the expansion on the cardiac services unit and on other hospital services and any unforeseen external influences affecting the expansion, including new developments in clinical practice.

  B. Operational

  (i) to establish the effective capacity of the Unit;

  (ii) to identify any service developments—physical or operational—introduced in parallel with the expansion programme;

  (iii) to establish current quality levels and monitoring arrangements, taking into account quality standards obtaining in other comparable centres;

  (iv) to review and report on changes in waiting times pre and post-implementation.

  C. Lessons for the Future

  (i) to identify the lessons to be learnt from the planning and implementation process.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible
  117
  in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Redwood
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply given to the hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Davies) on 21 November 1994.

  National Blood Transfusion Service
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he is undertaking in relation to the future status and management of the National Blood Transfusion Service, Wales; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  The National Blood Transfusion Service Wales is currently preparing a report on the future management arrangements. The question of consultation will be considered when the report is received.

  Health Promotion Authority
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to transfer resources from the Health Promotion Authority for Wales to the health promotion units of the Welsh health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Redwood
  I will decide about any transfer of money once the present review of health promotion has been completed.

TRANSPORT

  Traffic Director
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the annual cost to public funds of the Traffic Director and his office.

  Mr. Norris
  Around £1.6 million for the current financial year.

  Smoky Vehicles Telephone Hotline
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the annual cost of promoting the smoky vehicle telephone hotline.

  Mr. Norris
  The cost of printing and distributing leaflets informing members of the public about how to report smoky vehicles through the telephone hotline has been £13,771 to date. The annual cost of operating the hotline is in the region of £5,500.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many calls have been made to date to the smoky vehicles hotline; how many resulted in action being taken against the operator concerned; and what has been the total cost to public funds to date of the hotline.

  Mr. Norris
  Since 1 April 1991, a total of 8,258 reports of excessively smoky vehicles have been received by the Vehicle Inspectorate.

  Action is taken in all cases where sufficient information is reported, about 75 per cent. Operators are asked to have their vehicle checked and are warned that continued use of an excessively smoky vehicle could be in contravention of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986.
  118
  Since 1 April 1991, the total cost of operating the hotline and of printing and distributing promotional leaflets has been in the region of £30,000.

  Tolls
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to submit any proposals for introducing or varying tolls for a road, bridge or tunnel to an environmental assessment.

  Mr. Watts
  Proposals for new tolled trunk roads, bridges and tunnels are already subject to environmental assessment. Variations in toll are covered by the relevant legislation.

  Learning to Drive
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration he is giving to the planned revisions to the driving test to establish appropriate links with the Department for Education and Department of Employment in order to incorporate learning to drive in the GNVQ programme.

  Mr. Norris
  We are currently discussing with the Department for Education how best to incorporate road safety, including aspects relating to new drivers, into the GNVQ programme.

  Cycling
  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what performance indicators are being used to measure the success of the blueprint for cycling set out in the June cycling statement.

  Mr. Norris
  The statement aims to create the conditions in which more people will choose to cycle. Increases in cycling will be monitored through the national travel survey and the national traffic census. We are considering with other organisations whether this could usefully be augmented by more detailed information on the characteristics of cycle journeys.

  Vehicle Emissions
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what extra resources he has given to the Vehicle Inspectorate to increase the number of vehicle smoke emission tests.

  Mr. Norris
  The level of resources devoted to emission checks has been steadily increased over the past few years. We have asked the Vehicle Inspectorate to use excessive smoke emission as one of the main indicators for targeting vehicles for roadside enforcement checks and to concentrate on emissions standards in its enforcement on private vehicles.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to study which categories of vehicles not designed to the latest standards justify retrofitting with catalysts or particulate traps.

  Mr. Norris
  Research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory on behalf of the Department has supported similar conclusions reached in the USA that retrofitting catalysts or particulate traps is not feasible on many types of vehicle. The environmental benefits are difficult to assess, and the costs, given their present state of the development are high. However, as the technology develops, especially that for controlling particulate
  119
  emissions, this is an area which I intend to keep under review.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to introduce an obligatory emissions test for all cars a year after registration, as part of the annual MOT test.

  Mr. Norris
  No. Such a measure would be unjustified. Most new cars are covered by manufacturers' warranties until they are two or three years old and excessive emissions should not be a problem.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will support more stringent standards being applied for the emissions element of the annual MOT test.

  Mr. Norris
  More stringent standards will be introduced into the MOT test for existing vehicles from 1996. However, it would be unreasonable to expect a vehicle to comply with more stringent in-service emissions levels than it was originally designed to meet.

  Used Tyres
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that used tyres are subjected to safety testing before re-sale;

  (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that suppliers of used tyres can be readily identified in cases of tyre failure.

  (3) what additional measures he is considering to protect motorists from the sale of unmarked, untested and potentially unsafe used tyres.

  Mr. Norris
  On 24 October, the Government went out to consultation on draft safety regulations to be made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 which will supplement that Act by making it an offence to sell or otherwise supply in the course of business any part-worn tyre that is defective. Enforcement against suppliers will be by trading standards officers at point of sale, and the onus will be on dealers to comply.

  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take measures to ensure that imported used tyres conform to the appropriate EU safety levels.

  Mr. Norris
  There are no EU standards for part-worn tyres.

  Seat Belts
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what advice his Department gives to users of lap style seat belts in order to promote their safe utilisation.

  Mr. Norris
  Our advice is contained in the departmental publication "Choosing Safety".

  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the figures, for the years since compulsory wearing of rear seat belts was introduced, for the rate of injury to passengers wearing lap style seat belts, where it has been shown that injury was occasioned or worsened by the seat belt.

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested is not available.

  Bus Lanes
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce more bus lanes and to ensure they are policed effectively.
  120
  Mr. Norris
  The implementation of bus lanes is a matter for the local highway authority, and their enforcement is a matter for the police. My Department has issued comprehensive advice to local authorities to encourage them to consider introducing more bus priority measures.

  Clean Fuels
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to co-operate with the oil industry and vehicle manufacturers to develop specifications for cleaner fuels.

  Mr. Norris
  Research on emissions, fuels and engine technologies—the EPEFE programme—is being undertaken by the European oil and motor industries in conjunction with the European Commission. This is looking extensively into the potential benefits that future vehicle and fuel technology can play in reducing vehicle pollution. It includes an examination of a range of different fuel types. The results, which are due in 1995, will provide an authoritative basis for European discussions for determining future EU fuel and engine requirements.

  Portland House
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what facilities for disabled access exist at Portland house; what measures he is taking to improve facilities for disabled access; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  Ramps suitable for wheelchairs are available at the Stag place entrance and at changes in floor levels within the building. Suitable parking facilities are also available.

  Blue Circle Industries
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial gain he estimates will accrue to Blue Circle Industries as a result of his decision to locate the intermediate station for the channel tunnel fast rail track at Ebbsfleet.

  Mr. Watts
  I have made no such estimates.

  Staff Dismissals
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each of the last five years the number of staff dismissed with regard to(a) reason for dismissal, (b) grade, (c) gender and (d) ethnic origin.

  Mr. Norris
  The numbers and grades of staff dismissed, and the reason for dismissal, over the past five years is set out below:

  Year

  Grade

  Inefficiency

  Misconduct

  1990

  AA

  —

  1

  AO

  —

  5

  TE

  1

  —

  DE

  1

  —

  BAND 4

  —

  1

  1991

  AA

  —

  11+1

  AO

  —

  13+1

  DE

  —

  3

  TE

  —

  1

  121

  Year

  Grade

  Inefficiency

  Misconduct

  1991

  SSO

  —

  1

  G7

  1

  —

  SH/SURV

  1

  —

  1992

  AA

  2

  5

  AO

  1

  2

  EO

  1

  1

  PTO

  1

  —

  DE

  —

  1

  SSO

  —

  1

  1993

  AA

  —

  3

  EO

  1

  —

  PTO

  2

  1

  HPTO

  1

  —

  BAND6

  —

  1

  CGWO

  1

  —

  DE

  —

  1

  AVE

  —

  1

  SEN.CRAFT

  1

  —

  1994

  AA

  3

  —

  AO 3

  1

  TYPIST

  —

  1

  DE

  —

  1

  1 Not recorded.

  The further information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Secret Files
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many(a) top secret and (b) secret files his Department holds.

  Mr. Norris
  The answers are:

  (a) 25

  (b) approximately 1,200

  Occupational Health
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the measures he is taking to implement the recommendations given in the occupational health notice received by his Department in respect of the Whitehall II study.

  Mr. Norris
  Occupational health notice 93/3 gave advice on approaches which Departments and agencies might address in dealing with sickness absence. The Department of Transport continues to be committed to the "Look After Your Heart" programme, to which it signed up to 1989. Smoking policy in the Department has recently been reviewed and revised. In addition, the Department has recently offered its staff a free medical examination in a nationwide health screening programme.

  Table 1

  Year

  HGV and PSV roadside spot checks

  Operator licensing fleet check

  Car and LGV spot checks

  Total

  1989–90

  16,296

  9,442

  1—

  25,738

  1990–91

  17,890

  9,671

  1—

  27,561

  1991–92

  21,762

  12,658

  5,680

  40,100

  1992–93

  29,127

  13,852

  5,341

  48,320

  1993–94

  27,919

  13,008

  10,309

  51,236

  1 This information can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Red Routes
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the cost of introducing the Archway road red route.

  Mr. Norris
  The cost of the eight mile red route pilot scheme was about £5 million.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total cost so far of introducing red routes in London.

  Mr. Norris
  About £16 million including works on the red route pilot scheme and preparation for the introduction of red routes elsewhere.

  Bypasses
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to introduce design standards for the construction of new bypasses that provide only for the traffic flows which will be diverted from the town or village bypassed, not for further large growth of traffic.

  Mr. Watts
  To achieve the planned environmental benefits, bypasses must be designed in accordance with the best available assessment of future traffic flows.

  Vehicle Spot Checks
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many spot checks have been carried out, how many heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles were inspected and how many defect and prohibition notices were issued in the north-west region in the last two years;

  (2) how many vehicle spot checks were carried out by the Vehicle Inspectorate in (a) the north-west region and (b) the Cheshire region in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Norris
  This is an operational matter for the Vehicle Inspectorate. The Chief Executive has written to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ron Oliver to Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody, dated 21 November 1994:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about vehicle spot checks in the North West region and in the county of Cheshire. Unfortunately the Inspectorate cannot provide data on a county by county basis because the Road Transport Enforcement division is organised into 23 area groups—these do not correspond with county boundaries. However, regional data is available.
  Table 1 gives a breakdown of the total number of roadworthiness spot checks of heavy goods (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) in the North West region. Vehicles are subject to spot checks at the roadside and, in the case of HGVs and PSVs, at operators' premises.
  123
  The hon. Lady asked a further question on the total number of spot checks carried out on HGVs and PSVs in the north west region, and the number of prohibition and defect notices issued. The information is summarised in table 2 below.

  Table 2

  Vehicle type and year

  Number of spot checks

  Number of prohibitions

  Number of defect notices

  HGVs

  1992–93

  36,889

  3,902

  7,376

  1993–94

  34,087

  3,634

  7,273

  PSVs

  1992–93

  6,090

  507

  1,289

  1993–94

  6,840

  658

  1,389

  I hope this information is sufficient, but if the hon. Lady has any further questions about the inspectorate's operations please contact me at the above address.

  Health and Safety Committees
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many health and safety committees there are(a) in each executive agency of his Department and (b) the Department as a whole.

  Mr. Norris
  A number of such committees exist; but my Department does not keep a central record of the safety committees in each executive agency or in the Department as a whole. Where requested, safety committees are established in accordance with legislative requirements.

  Cycling
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes there have been over the last 10 years regarding requirements to fit bicycle bells on push bicycles; and what are the current legal requirements.

  Mr. Norris
  None. It is not mandatory to fit bicycle bells at present, but we shall be reviewing the situation shortly when we update the relevant safety and construction and use regulations.

  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to adopt Sustrans national cycle network as part of the Government's sustainable transport policy; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  I recently attended the launch by Sustrans of its proposals for a network of recreational cycle routes. Routes of this kind will open up opportunities for people to use bicycles both for leisure and to keep fit—as well as for utility journeys. Sustrans has offered me a detailed presentation shortly; I shall then be able to see how its project could help our objectives.

  A1
  Mr. McWilliam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received, and from whom, to increase safety on the A1 southward from Blaydon bridge to the Washington service area.

  Mr. McWilliam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what expenditure his Department has incurred in testing and development on his Department's proposals 124
  to produce a new route for the Al between the Washington service area and Blaydon bridge.

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. John Mc William, dated 22 November 1994:
  You tabled two questions about the Al between Washington Service Area and Blaydon Bridge.
  As this is an operational matter relating to the Highways Agency I have been asked to reply.
  The Agency constantly monitors conditions on the A1 Trunk Road and improvement schemes are brought forward when necessary in conjunction with the Local Highways Authorities who act as our Agents.
  As part of these procedures our agents Gateshead MBC produced a safety report on the Al in their area. Subsequently a number of short and medium term schemes to improve safety have been completed. These are lane drop/merge signs, temporary warning signs, central safety fence, northbound third lane and a lighting scheme.
  For the longer term schemes under consideration are junction improvements the introduction of a sign gantry at the MetroCentre, the provision of a third lane southbound at Dunston and a queue detection variable message sign system over the route.
  Expenditure incurred to date on the proposed A1 Gateshead Bypass improvement scheme is £2.3 million. This figure includes the costs of working up all the route options taken to public consultation and the suggested alternatives including the Gateshead MBC proposal.

  Petrol
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the difference in benzene emissions between leaded petrol, premium unleaded petrol and super premium unleaded petrol; and what is the source of the figures.

  (2) if he will make a statement on the difference in the aromatics content of leaded petrol, premium unleaded petrol and super premium unleaded petrol; and what is the source of the figures.

  Mr. Norris
  Benzene in petrol is controlled at 5 per cent. maximum by EC directive and data from the Associated Octel Company show that United Kingdom fuels average some 2 per cent. to 3 per cent. with no significant trends between the various grades. The same data show that the average aromatic content of unleaded petrol in the United Kingdom is slightly higher than of leaded petrol although, in many cases, samples of leaded petrol may have a higher armomatic content than samples of unleaded petrol.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if his Department carries out independent analyses of the contents of leaded, unleaded and super premium unleaded petrol.

  Mr. Norris
  No.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport in what respects the contents of petrol supplied from refineries in different areas of the United Kingdom differ; and what statistics the Government maintain on the source and content of petrol.

  Mr. Norris
  Information regarding the content of petrol from different refineries is not available. The Government do not routinely maintain statistics on the source and content of petrol.

  Pilotage Act 1987
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he or his predecessors have exercised their powers under section 5(8) of the Pilotage Act 1987; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  Yes. The Pilotage Act (Cessation of Temporary Arbitration Arrangements) Order and Regulations 1991—SI 1991 No. 1959—was made under section 5(8) of the Pilotage Act 1987, to have effect from 1 October 1991.

  Benzene Emissions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement indicating what is the total annual weight and volume of benzene emissions from petrol-driven vehicles for the latest period for which statistics are available; and what percentage of total atmospheric benzene such emissions represents.

  Mr. Norris
  The latest available figures from 1991 show that benzene emissions from vehicle exhausts account for some 39,250 tonnes per year, or 78 per cent. of total atmospheric emissions. Evaporative emissions of benzene from petrol vehicles accounts for some 3,350 tonnes per year, or 7 per cent. of total atmospheric emissions.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Norris
  In line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, my Department has developed the following scheme of charges for information under the code of practice on access to Government information.

  Requests which require less than half a day's work to answer are dealt with free of charge. Where a request involves more extensive work, a charge is set based on the hourly rate for the grade of officer responding and the additional time dedicated to the response.

  Channel Tunnel
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to open a channel tunnel to Scotland route for piggy-back rail freight.

  Mr. Watts
  The development of piggy-back rail freight routes is a matter which potential operators are taking forward with Railtrack.

  Rail Industry
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to ensure that the structure and operation of the privatised rail industry leads to a much greater use of rail by passengers and freight;

  (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that sales of British Rail freight subsidiaries to the private sector take place on terms which create the most favourable prospects for increasing rail's share of the freight market.
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  Mr. Watts
  Open access to the rail network for passenger and freight services will enhance competitiveness. Freight facilities grant and track access grant will enhance the competitive position of rail freight over road where environmentally justified. The rail freight businesses will be privatised by means of competitive sale. Privately owned operating companies will have greater financial freedom, more incentive to improve efficiency and respond to passengers' and customers' needs, and greater opportunity to diversify into new markets.

  Transport Modes (Evaluation)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to broaden the role of the standing advisory committee on trunk road assessment to include the development of appropriate appraisal techniques to ensure consistency of evaluation methods as between the different transport modes.

  Mr. Watts
  The standing advisory committee on trunk road assessment's role is reviewed from time to time.

  Electric Vehicles
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to promote the development of electric power for public transport or fleet vehicles which operate in urban areas.

  Mr. Norris
  The Department is leading a collaborative programme of trials involving electricity and other popular alternative fuels as announced by my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) to my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 21 March,Official Report, column 9.

  Driving Tests (Accidents)
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will publish the information available to him regarding the numbers of accidents involving vehicles during the driving test giving details of vehicles written off, injuries to driving examiners and absence from work of driving examiners as a result of accidents while carrying out a driving test for the latest convenient period.

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested is not available.

  Urban Road Pricing
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to ensure that any revenue raised from urban road pricing schemes is used to finance the enhancement of public transport.

  Mr. Watts
  This is one of many issues which my right hon. Friend will consider before reaching any conclusions on urban road pricing.

  Post-privatisation Services
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure the continued availability of integrated travel information and timetables after the privatisation of rail and bus services.

  Mr. Watts
  Station operators are required by their station operators licence to provide impartial information about all services using their station. Passenger service operators will be required by their franchise agreements to
  127
  provide information about other operators services which interconnect with theirs.

  Railtrack is responsible for producing a working timetable and to secure the publication of a national timetable.

  The provision of bus timetables and travel information after the privatisation of London Transport's bus operating companies will remain the responsibility of London Transport. Outside London, local authorities have powers to provide co-ordinated timetables.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure the continued availability of through-tickets and travelcards after the privatisation of rail and bus services.

  Mr. Watts
  The continuation of through-ticketing after rail privatisation is ensured through provisions in section 4 of the Railways Act 1993. The Franchising Director will require franchisees to participate in multimodal travel schemes such as travelcard so long as he is satisfied that participation will result in no new net cost falling on his budget.

  The overall structure of fares and ticketing on London's buses will remain the responsibility of London Transport after privatisation, thus ensuring the continued availability of London travelcard. Outside London, bus operators are free to introduce multi-operator tickets so long as they do not amount to anti-competitive price fixing arrangements. Local authorities and passenger transport authorities also have powers to organise multi-operator travelcard.

  High Vehicle-occupancy Lanes
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies he has made of the desirability of high vehicle-occupancy lanes.

  Mr. Norris
  I have noted experience overseas, including the United States of America and the Netherlands. I am considering the scope for introducing a trial here.

  Catalysts
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to encourage European vehicle and catalyst manufacturers to pool their research on DeNOX—removal of nitrogen oxide—catalysts.

  Mr. Norris
  The development of the DeNOX catalyst, for controlling oxides of nitrogen from diesel engines and lean-burn petrol engines, is a major research project to which United Kingdom and European companies are devoting substantial resources. There are already a number of collaborative programmes between catalyst and vehicle manufacturers. The Government see no need, at present, to encourage further European collaboration.

  Driving Instructors
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what plans he has to improve the standard of light goods vehicle driving instructors; and if he will make a statement;

  (2) if he will now make it his policy to bring in a registration scheme for light goods vehicle instructors and driving schools similar to that governing car driving instructors; and if he will make a statement.
  128
  Mr. Norris
  The Government have no plans to introduce a statutory register of goods vehicle driving instructors. Industry bodies are, however, considering a voluntary scheme with the Driving Standards Agency, the official body with expertise in driver testing and training matters, offering a standards assurance service on a cost recovery basis. In addition, the agency published earlier this year a comprehensive manual for learning to drive all types of goods vehicles.

  Vehicle Registration Offices
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has to reduce the number of vehicle registration offices.

  Mr. Norris
  Fundamental changes to the way in which vehicles are registered and licensed locally by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's vehicle registration offices and the London enforcement office were announced by the DVLA's chief executive on 12 August. These changes mean that the current network would be gradually reduced and eventually closed by 1997. A DVLA press notice—No 23/94—was issued containing the details.

  Ports Office for Scotland
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what annual savings he expects to achieve for his Department if the proposal to close the Ports Office for Scotland and relocate its functions in London is implemented;

  (2) what is the estimated cost of implementing the proposal to close the Ports Office for Scotland in Edinburgh and relocating its functions and staff in London; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Norris
  If the closure takes place we would expect initial annual savings of at least £44,000. The savings could be larger in later years. The total associated costs will depend upon the net costs of redundancies that may result from the closure of the office and consequent changes.

  New Roads
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to confine expenditure on new roads to the construction of new bypasses for local traffic, and on the maintenance of existing roads.

  Mr. Watts
  Expenditure on trunk roads is targeted carefully on maintaining and upgrading the existing network. Urgently needed bypasses for towns and villages are a priority and form about a quarter of the programme. We also encourage local authorities through their investment programmes to provide relief for communities on the more important local roads.

  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been undertaken for or by his Department on the generation of additional traffic by the construction of new roads.

  Mr. Watts
  The Department commissioned its standing advisory committee on trunk road assessment to report on that issue. The report together with the Department's formal response, will be published in due cause.
  129
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to promote the use of natural gas-powered vehicles in urban areas.

  Mr. Norris
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Member for Salisbury (Mr. Key) to my hon. Friend the Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) on 21 March,Official Report, column 9.

  Air Filtration
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to study the case for requiring filtration of the air supply to vehicle interiors.

  Mr. Norris
  None. In terms of emissions from traffic, there is no evidence to show that filtration devices have any effect on the health of drivers or other vehicle occupants.

  Light-rail Systems
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to encourage the development of new light-rail systems in conurbations.

  Mr. Norris
  The Government have funded the Docklands light railway, the Greater Manchester metrolink and the South Yorkshire supertram and have given development funding to the Midland metro project. We are continuing our discussions with promoters of other light-rail schemes and we will consider funding these projects when resources allow.

  Public Transport
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to increase investment in public transport over the next 10 years.

  Mr. Watts
  Details of our plans for investment in all forms of transport will be announced as part of the unified Budget on 29 November.

  A417/A419 Link
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his plans to upgrade the A417/A419 link between Swindon and Gloucester.

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

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Simon Coombs, dated 22 November 1994:
  I am writing in response to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Transport about the A417/A419 trunk road between Swindon and Gloucester. This is a matter for which the Highways Agency is responsible.
  The A419/417 Swindon to Gloucester road has been named as one of the first four projects to be designed, built, financed and operated (DBFO) by the private sector. This will include the management of the road and the construction of the Latton Bypass, the Cirencester and Stratton Bypass and the north of Stratton to Nettleton Improvement. The Secretary of State announced on 9 November the names of the consortia who are to be invited to bid for the contract.
  On the same route there are three national trunk road schemes which will not initially form part of the DBFO contract: the Blunsdon Bypass, for which the Secretary of State is currently considering the response to public consultation and the next stage will be announcement of the preferred route: the Nettleton to Crickley Hill Improvement—our first task will be to appoint a
  130
  design agent to identify possible routes for an improved road: and Brockworth Bypass, which is under construction and should be completed in autumn 1995. The future progress of the Blunsdon Bypass and Nettleton to Crickley Hill schemes depends no the satisfactory completion of the statutory planning procedures and the continuing availability of funds. If and when these other schemes are completed, the relevant sections of the A419/417 trunk road could be added to the DBFO contract for operational and maintenance purposes.

  National Air Traffic Service
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he intends to proceed with the privatisation of the national air traffic services; and if he will make a statement.

  Dr. Mawhinney
  Following consultation earlier this year, the Government continue to favour privatisation of the National Air Traffic Services. Privatisation would provide a number of significant benefits to both National Air Traffic Service and its customers. It would offer the opportunity for improved standards of service and increased efficiency; it would expose National Air Traffic Service to commercial incentives and the prospect of increased competition—especially in the airports sector; it would free National Air Traffic Service's investment and management decisions from the constraints of Government ownership; and it would facilitate greater transparency in charges and the separation of regulation from service provision.

  A number of concerns were expressed by those who responded to the recent public consultation, and I wish these concerns to be properly considered before I put proposals before Parliament. I am today publishing a report on the outcome of the consultation, and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

DEFENCE

  RAF Runways
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the runways at those Royal Air Force stations scheduled for closure or which have been closed recently will be retained for training or relief landing purposes; and at how many former stations this facility has been retained.

  Mr. Soames
  Of this category of stations, only RAF Church Fenton will be needed for training or relief landing. In addition, four other former stations are currently used as relief landing grounds.

  Army Training Facilities
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had recently concerning training facilities for the Army.

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has regular consultation with planning authorities and other statutory bodies in connection with any development proposals for the Army's training facilities.

  On the more significant developments, independent consultants have been appointed to carry out environmental impact assessments during which the view of the local planning authorities, statutory bodies and interested parties are sought.

  VSEL
  Mr. Dover
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessments he has made of the effect on competition in warship building of a successful bid by GEC for VSEL.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department has, in the usual way, given and will continue to give views to the regulatory authorities on the competition and any other relevant aspects of the possible takeover on VSEL. These views are confidential.

  Horshoe Barracks
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of the Horshoe barracks in Shoeburyness.

  Mr. Soames
  This matter is still under consideration.

  Aircraft Carriers
  Mr. Eric Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of the Royal Navy's aircraft carriers.

  Mr. Freeman
  As we have previously made clear, the Royal Navy will maintain three Invincible class aircraft carriers, with two operational at any one time. In accordance with this long standing practice, HMS Ark Royal entered a state of extended readiness in September at Portsmouth.

  Defence Accounts Agency
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when a final decision will be made on the review of technology and staffing in the Defence Accounts Agency.

  Mr. Freeman
  I expect to take a decision on the Defence Accounts Agency mainframes rationalisation project, which will shortly be submitted for MOD and Treasury approval, early in the new year.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which consultants were commissioned to undertake the recent study into the feasibility of rationalising the Defence Accounts Agency's mainframe computers at Cheadle Hulme, Bath and Liverpool; what assessment they made of the suitability of each of those three locations; and which of those three locations, if any, they nominated as a preferred location for the concentration of computing facilities.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: The commissioning of this study is within the delegated responsibility of the agency's chief executive and I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from M. Dymond to Mr. Nicholas Winterton, dated 22 November 1994:
  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence which consultants were commissioned to undertake the recent study into the feasibility of rationalising the Defence Accounts Agency's Mainframe Computers at Cheadle Hulme, Bath and Liverpool; what assessment they made of the suitability of each of those locations' and which of those three locations, if any, they nominated as a preferred location for the concentration of computing facilities. As Chief Executive of the Defence Accounts Agency I have been asked to reply.
  The DAA Mainframes Rationalisation Project was undertaken mainly by an in-house team. Consultancy assistance was obtained
  132
  as required for specific elements of the project, such as communications network design and business risk assessment.
  There was no consultancy assessment of the suitability of the three locations as part of the Project and no nomination by consultants of a preferred location.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the role, structure, and current membership of the Defence Accounts Agency information technology board; and what information he has concerning the numbers of the members of the board who reside in or around(a) Bath, (b) Liverpool, or (c) Cheadle Hulme; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 21 November 1994]: This is a matter for the agency's chief executive and I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from M. Dymond to Mr. Nicholas Winterton, dated 22 November 1994:
  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the role, structure, and current membership of the Defence Accounts Agency's Information Technology Board; and what information he has concerning the numbers of members of that Board who reside in or around:

  (a) Bath

  (b) Liverpool or

  (c) Cheadle Hulme;

  and if he will make a statement. As Chief Executive of the Defence Accounts Agency I have been asked to reply.
  The DDA's IT Board sets its IT strategy, within MOD's corporate IT strategy, and oversees major IT plans and projects. The Board comprises myself as Chief Executive, my three operational Directors, and my Assistant Directors responsible for Finance and IT at the corporate level, together with a senior representative from the Ministry's central IT support organisation. Apart from one operational Director, based at Liverpool, and the central MOD representative, based at Swindon, all members of the Agency's IT Board are based at the Agency's Corporate headquarters in Bath.

  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has concerning the potential cost savings offered by the choice of(a) Cheadle Hulme, (b) Liverpool and (c) Bath for the location of Defence Accounts Agency computing facilities.

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 21 November 1994j: This is a matter for the agency's chief executive and I have asked him to reply. I understand he has already written to the hon. Member stating that on cost comparison the advantage lay narrowly with Bath.

  Letter from M. Dymond to Mr. Nicholas Winterton, dated 22 November 1994:
  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has concerning the potential costs and savings offered by the choice of:

  (a) Cheadle Hulme

  (b) Liverpool

  (c) Bath

  for the location of the Defence Accounts Agency's computing facilities. As Chief Executive of the Defence Accounts Agency I have been asked to reply.
  The DRA Mainframes Rationalisation Project has just completed its full study stage and will shortly be submitted for approval. Ultimately the decision on this major project rests with Ministers.
  The project team's assessment showed that compared with separate replacement of the computers the rationalisation approach would save some £3 million per annum. The comparison of costs made in the Agency's study narrowly favoured Bath. The other factors tended to favour either Bath or Cheadle Hulme, the collective balance of these other factors being narrowly with Cheadle Hulme.
  These differences were seen to be too marginal to support a recommendation for a specific choice of site by the study team. The

  133
  decision by the Agency's IT Board to seek approval for the Bath location was based on wider corporate and strategic implications, particularly the Department's IT strategies for Finance and Civilian Pay/Personnel.

  Support Helicopters
  Mr. Mark Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that Britain's need for support helicopters will meet requirements for the year 2000 and beyond.

  Mr. Freeman
  We plan to procure additional medium support helicopters to enhance significantly the RAF's current fleet. As stated in this year's statement on the Defence Estimates, only the Chinook and the Utility EH101 are capable of meeting our particular requirements. We are currently assessing price and performance data received for these helicopters.

  Indonesia
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice or support he has given to the Government of Indonesia in the last year.

  Mr. Freeman
  The Chief of the Defence Staff and the Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff have visited Indonesia during the last year to discuss defence matters. The United Kingdom also provides training for Indonesian students.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work is currently being carried out for Indonesia by the Defence Research Agency; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  This is a matter for the agency's chief executive and I have asked him to reply.

  Letter from Mr. John Chisholm to Mr. Derek Fatchett, dated 22 November 1994:
  In today's written answer the Minister of State for Defence Procurement informed you that I would be replying to your question concerning work being carried out for Indonesia by the Defence Research Agency.
  The Defence Research Agency is not currently undertaking any work for Indonesia.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will outline the training provided over the last 10 years in the United Kingdom or elsewhere in defence-related matters for Indonesia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  The United Kingdom has provided training assistance, including developmental and technical courses, for Indonesia over the past 10 years. Details of training, including the numbers involved, are not normally disclosed as they are regarded as confidential between the Governments concerned.

  Naval Replacement Programmes
  Mrs. Liddell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the replacement programmes for HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid.

  Mr. Freeman
  Invitations to tender for the design and build for the replacement of the assault ships HMS Fearless and HMS Intrepid were issued on 16 August 1994. All United Kingdom warship building yards that have expressed an interest have been invited to compete for this requirement. Tenders are due for return in March 1995 and, subject to a successful competition, we hope to place an order towards the end of next year.

  Service Housing
  Mrs. Adams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with local authorities concerning the transfer of MoD housing stock.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 17 November,Official Report, column 1.

  Warship Construction
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on maintaining a competitive market for warship construction within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department recognises the importance of a healthy and competitive defence industry. The Ministry's procurement policy is based on competition wherever practicable.

  Germany
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on military co-operation with the Federal Republic of Germany.

  Mr. Soames
  The United Kingdom attaches great importance to the strong defence links it enjoys with Germany. United Kingdom and German views are close on a range of important issues. We have regular defence contacts with Germany at all levels, and there is an extensive programme of exchanges between the British armed forces and the Bundeswehr. We have also recently exchanged staff officers between the two Ministries of Defence, and are involved in several collaborative equipment projects.

  Defence Cost Study
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the study groups established as part of the defence costs study will continue to meet.

  Mr. Freeman
  All the study teams set up as part of the defence costs study have submitted their final reports, which have been considered by Ministers and decisions taken on recommendations to be pursued. There is no requirement for the teams to continue to meet and they have been disbanded. The proposals being taken forward following the defence costs study are being pursued with vigour by the relevant budget holders. Central arrangements have also been established, with direct ministerial involvement, to oversee the implementation process.

  Defence Industries
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on supporting the actions of local authorities in assisting defence industries to adapt to reduced defence expenditure levels.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department is in close contact with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Employment, and we participate in local liaison groups which include representatives of local authorities and other Government Departments.

  Air Cadets
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy that any further cuts over those already agreed for the Air Cadets budget, with particular reference to cuts which, if implemented, would impact on the number of cadets, cadet activities, including flying and gliding, or the well-being of cadets, will require category 1X ministerial approval.

  Mr. Soames
  I can assure the hon. Member that any such measures would require ministerial approval.

  Overseas Suppliers
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if his Department monitors the observance of DEF 05/21 or equivalent NATO standards by his Department's suppliers from Europe and other overseas countries;

  (2) what procedures his Department follows to ensure that DEF 05/21 or equivalent NATO standards are observed by his Department's suppliers from Europe and other overseas countries.

  Mr. Freeman
  Defence standard 05/21 was superseded by NATO allied quality assurance publications—AQAPs—in 1985.

  My Department checks that contractors, wherever they are based, have appropriate quality assurance procedures in place before we place a contract. In other NATO countries, this may be done under the NATO mutual co-operation agreements; the defence ministry in the country in question is asked to confirm that the company does work to the appropriate standard and that the defence ministry will carry out contract surveillance on my Department's behalf on request. However, the terms of our contracts do allow us to send MOD representatives into suppliers premises—and those of sub-contractors—if we deem it necessary. Similar arrangements exist in memoranda of understanding with a number of countries outside NATO.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will set out the total cost of external consultancy fees incurred by his Department in market testing.

  Mr. Freeman
  The total cost of external consultancy fees incurred by the MOD in support of competing for quality activities during the period April 1992 to June 1994 is £3.5 million. Full details of costs incurred up to September 1994 are not yet available.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) all of his Department's activities which have been contractorised or market tested, (b) the date of contractorisation and market testing and (c) the overall costs.

  Mr. Freeman
  Details of individual contracts remain commercial-in-confidence. However, in the 30-month period since the onset of the competing for quality programme to September 1994, some 82 support activities worth of the order of £600 million were examined, embracing in excess of 13,500 posts. It is anticipated that this exercise will result in gross savings of approximately £104 million.

  European Union Legislation
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's efforts to set up a unit to monitor European Union legislation and its implications for his Department.

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has a wide range of responsibilities which are affected by a growing range of regulatory legislation. Much of this is driven by European Union directives, particularly on environmental and health and safety issues, and it is clear that we need early information about work in the European Commission and its implications. My Department is therefore setting up this month a co-ordinating unit to monitor such work, which will perform a similar function to the equivalent units in many other Government Departments.

  Dog Handlers
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those countries for which his Department provides specialist dog handler training.

  Mr. Soames
  During the financial year 1993–94 a total of 10 foreign and Commonwealth students attended the defence animal centre at Melton Mowbray for specialist dog handler training from the following countries:

  USA: 7 students

  Hong Kong: 2 students

  Guernsey Customs and Excise: 1 student

  Animal Testing
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any tests are carried out using animals at his Department's Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down—CBDE—under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, CBDE to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Graham Pearson to Mr. Derek Fatchett, dated 22 November 1994:
  Question 10, Order Paper Dated 17 November 1994

  1. Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence seeking if any tests are carried out using animals at his Department's Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment; and if he will make a statement has been passed to me to reply as Chief Executive of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment.

  2. The role of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment is to carry out work to ensure that the United Kingdom Armed Forces are provided with effective protective measures against the threat that chemical and biological weapons may be used against them.

  3. It is an essential but relatively small part of the work of CBDE that a small number of experiments with animals, mainly mice, rats and guinea-pigs are carried out in order to ensure that the protective measures provided to the Armed Forces are effective and are safe. No animals are used to practice surgery or in work to improve weapons or ammunition performance. It should be recognised that the total number of all animal experiments carried out at CBDE in any one year is less than one half of one per cent. of all the animal experiments conducted in the United Kingdom.

  4. The United Kingdom does not possess chemical or biological weapons and abandoned its capability relating to such weapons in the late 1950s. Consequently, there is absolutely no use of animals to develop or improve chemical or biological weapons. We have to recognise, however, that a number of countries do possess such weapons and it is essential that our Armed Forces are provided with adequate protection against their use and against the use of

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  biological weapons. There is evidence of proliferation around the world in the availability of such weapons and the recent hostilities in the Gulf have demonstrated the reality of that threat which our Armed Forces have to be prepared to face.

  5. Animal experiments are carried out at CBDE Porton Down only when careful consideration of alternatives to the use of animals has shown that there is no adequate substitute and where it is judged essential to use animals for this purpose. It is, important to recognise that there is no population suffering from chemical or biological warfare agents in the population at large and consequently the effectiveness of medical countermeasures cannot be evaluated, as can drugs developed against naturally occurring illness or disease, using human beings. It is consequently necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological weapons using an animal model for man.

  6. The experiments carried out at CBDE involving the use of animals fully meet the spirit and letter of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act of 1986. CBDE is a registered place under the Act and all animal experiments and all the staff involved in them are licensed by the Home Office. Unannounced visits are made by Home Office inspectors to satisfy themselves that the requirements of the Act are met.

  7. All work at CBDE is carefully controlled and monitored and is conducted by appropriately qualified personnel to the highest standards. It is vital that the protection provided for our Service personnel against the threat that they may be exposed to chemical or biological weapons should have been developed and tested to ensure safety and efficacy. Our role is to save the lives of the members of the British Armed Forces and this work is of continuing importance to the nation.

  Animals (Ceremonial Dress)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the items, with costs, of ceremonial dress for animals purchased in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Soames
  Items of ceremonial dress for animals include headpieces, reins and browbands. Many of these items are purchased locally by establishments under delegated financial arrangements. No central record is maintained of this expenditure and the information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Items of ceremonial dress for regimental mascots are not purchased from public funds.

  Counselling
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent on counselling for service and ex-service personnel in each year since 1979 in 1994 prices.

  Mr. Soames
  Information on the overall cost of counselling, which in its broadest sense takes many forms, is not held by my Department and could not be determined.

  Lobbying
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are his Department's rules in relation to lobby firms.

  Mr. Soames
  Firms and individuals are free to approach my Department with questions, information or opinions at any time. Defence policy and individual decisions are, however, developed in the light of the full range of relevant considerations.

  Army Base Repair Organisation
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who from Coopers and Lybrand visited the Army Base 138
  Repair Organisation Old Dalby site for the purposes of preparing the study to recommend its closure; when they visited; and for how long they visited.

  Mr. Freeman
  Coopers and Lybrand assisted the ABRO rationalisation study team with the investment appraisal element of the study; it was not part of the consultancy contract for it to make recommendations on any closures. During the study, the consultant accountant provided by Coopers and Lybrand made a familiarisation visit to Old Dalby on 26 May 1994 and visited as part of a larger team on 11 June 1994. The latter visit included a lengthy discussion with the ABRO Old Dalby accountant on the requirements for financial information. Once this liaison visit had been made, the detailed investment appraisal information from all workshops was received by fax at HQ ABRO Andover, where the study team was based. It is not departmental policy to release the names of individual consultants employed under contracts with consultancy firms.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the level of expenditure on the Army Base Repair Organisation in Old Dalby, Leicestershire, in each of the last five financial years; what further expenditure is planned; and what was the date and value of the final payment for the work on building No. 1.

  Mr. Freeman
  The level of expenditure at the Army Base Repair Organisation workshops at Old Dalby is given in the attached table. Some £600,000 further expenditure is planned for fire protection work, but this is dependent on the future of the workshop. The final payment on building No. 1 will be made in January 1995 at a value of £85,000. It should be noted that a new repair facility was opened at Old Dalby in 1992. This was originally required to meet a pre-options for change work load; the current and predicted work load is much lower.

  Expenditure at ABRO Old Dalby 1989–90 to 1993–94

  Financial Year

  Major Works £000

  Running Costs £000

  1989–90

  200

  18,377

  1990–91

  23,000

  10,162

  1991–92

  100

  10,202

  1992–93

  571

  12,118

  1993–94

  522

  12,312

  Lockheed
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list, by grade, those members of his Department who have left the Ministry of Defence in the last two years to join Lockheed.

  Mr. Freeman
  Applications were approved for the following: two Squadron Leaders, two Wing Commanders and one Air Vice-Marshal; of these the Air Vice-Marshal, at least, did not take up appointment.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list how many officials in his Department have visited the Lockheed base at Georgia, United States of America over the last 12 months.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department does not keep a central record of visits made to companies overseas.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the representations which he

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  has received and (b) the meetings which he has held with Market Access International regarding the Lockheed C130J.

  Mr. Freeman
  I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has neither received representations from Market Access International, nor met any of its personnel in connection with the Hercules rolling replacement programme.

  Asbestos
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names of suppliers of asbestos and asbestos products, to his Department, between 1964 and 1975.

  Mr. Freeman
  I regret that this information is not held centrally and cannot be provided except at disproportionate cost.

  Arms Sales
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent by his Department to promote the sale of arms to(a) Indonesia, (b) Nigeria, (c) Malaysia, (d) Saudi Arabia, (e) Jordan (f) the United Arab Emirates, (g) Qatar, (h) Oman and (i) Turkey, in each of the last five years.

  Mr. Freeman
  It is not possible to break down the cost of sales promotion in individual countries. The net cost of the Defence Export Services Organisation in 1993–94 was £16.02 million. Changes in accounting conventions make exact comparison with earlier years difficult.

  Hercules
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his Department's policy towards the replacement of the Hercules transport plane.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department's policy regarding the Hercules rolling replacement programme is to satisfy the Royal Air Force's operational needs in the most timely and cost-effective way possible.

  Private Firms (Charges)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what charges are made by his Department to private firms for(a) delivery of goods/supplies and (b) stockpiling of goods for sale by private companies.

  Mr. Freeman
  In general, surplus goods are collected from MOD establishments by private companies that have either purchased them outright or that are contracted to sell them on behalf of the MOD. The question of charges does not therefore arise. Exceptions to this general rule may arise from negotiations on particular contracts.

  Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd.
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what charge his Department makes to Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd. for(a) delivery of supplies (b) stockpiling of goods for sale to Leafield Logistics on Government premises.

  Mr. Freeman
  The contract with Leafield Logistics and Technical Services, in its profit-sharing arrangements,140
  encompasses any accumulation of stock and delivery and they are not the subject of a charge.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bidders Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd, beat to win the contract to dispose of Navy surplus spares in 1992.

  Mr. Freeman
  Sixteen.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost of the spares bought from his Department by Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd; and what is the total income gained by his Department from the sale of spares to Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd.

  Mr. Freeman
  No spares have been sold by my Department to Leafield Logisitcs and Technical Services Ltd. The contract with Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd. is based upon a profit-sharing arrangement.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's estimate of the net gains or losses, in terms of cost, to his Department, of awarding the contract to supply spares for Oberon submarines and Leader class frigates to Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd.

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department has gained considerable benefits from the contract with Leafield Logistics and Technical Services Ltd.

  They are described at paragraph 3.25 of the report by the Comptroller and Auditor General—disposal by sale of defence surplus equipment and stores, HC 557 dated 14 March 1993.

  Open Government
  Mr. Rooker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.

  Mr. Freeman
  In general, my Department's policy is to defray the marginal extra costs of answering inquiries under the code of practice on access to government information. No charge is made if these amount to less than £50. Above that sum charges may be imposed up to a maximum of £200. Agencies with their own budgetary arrangements for which my Department has responsibility generally follow this policy but have freedom to seek my Department's agreement to develop their own charging policies, within the spirit of the code, according to their own particular requirements. A copy of my Department's internal instructions in relation to the open government initiative—including charging policy—was placed in the library of the House when the code of practice came into force.

  King's Royal Horse Artillery
  Mr. Meale
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which hunts the King's Royal Horse Artillery has hunted with in 1992,1993 and to date in 1994; and if he will list the details and dates.
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  Mr. Soames
  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon.Member.

  Salisbury Plain
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to mitigate the environmental 142
  impact of increased military activity on the Salisbury Plain training area.

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. member to the publication "Army Training and the Natural and Human Environment on and around the Salisbury Plain Training Area", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. This publication explains fully the present position and sets out the measures being implemented by the Army in the light of the environmental impact assessment which was completed last month.

  CONSULAR FEES
  CONSULAR FEES
  LICENSING OF HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION: CONSULTATION PAPERS
  LICENSING OF HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION: CONSULTATION PAPERS
  PRISON HOME LEAVE AND TEMPORARY RELEASE SCHEMES
  PRISON HOME LEAVE AND TEMPORARY RELEASE SCHEMES