Written Answers of 14 December 1995

ENVIRONMENT

  British Coal Pumping Stations (Durham)
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on environmental problems caused by the closure of British Coal pumping stations in the City of Durham constituency. [5131]

  Mr. Clappison
  I understand that the mine pumping stations in the Durham area continue to be maintained by the Coal Authority.

  Metropolitan Wards
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the proposed average electorate of each ward in the review of metropolitan ward boundaries; [5629]

  (2) if he will make a statement on proposals in respect of ward boundaries in metropolitan areas; [5628]

  (3) what plans he has to reduce the number of councillors on metropolitan councils; [5631]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the effects of parliamentary constituency boundary proposals for changes to ward boundaries in metropolitan areas. [5627]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The timetable and procedure for periodic electoral reviews, including in metropolitan areas, are a matter for the Local Government Commission, within the time constraints set down in the Local Government Act 1992. The commission consulted earlier in the year about the general principles which it will follow during those reviews.

  Dioxins (Cheshire)
  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all sites in Cheshire notified to his Department as contaminated with dioxin. [5437]

  Mr. Clappison
  No sites have been notified to my Department as contaminated with dioxins.

  Mr. Hall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment(1)if he will make a statement on the threat to public health caused by dioxin-contaminated sits in Cheshire, and what action will be taken to clean up these sites; [5438]

  (2) what steps will be taken to protect public health in respect of sites in Cheshire that are contaminated with dioxin. [5439]

  Mr. Clappison
  I know of no sites in Cheshire which pose a risk to public health from dioxins.

  Coal Mines (Accidents)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many(a) fatal and (b) non-fatal industrial accidents there have been at each coal mine in England in 1995. [5519]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Information for individual mines is not produced. Statistics for the industry are published as an aggregate figure in the Health and Safety Commission's annual report. Those for the first quarter of 1995 are included in the 1994–95 statistics, which were published in the commission's annual report last month. Copies have been placed in the House Library.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been(a) the number of fatal coal mine accidents? and (b) the accident rate per 1,000 employees, in each year since 1979. [5520]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information is not available in the format requested for all years since 1979. Since 1984, the number of accidents have been recorded on a financial year basis. Information from April 1995 is not yet available. The table shows the number of fatal injuries and fatal accident rate per 1,000 employees from 1979.

  Year

  Fatal injuries

  Accident rate per 1,000 employees

  1979

  46

  0.19

  1980

  42

  0.17

  1981

  35

  0.15

  1982

  38

  0.17

  1983

  30

  0.15

  1984–85

  22

  0.13

  1985–86

  29

  0.18

  1986–87

  18

  0.14

  1987–88

  12

  0.11

  1988–89

  20

  0.23

  1989–90

  19

  0.27

  1990–91

  12

  0.19

  1991–92

  12

  0.23

  1992–93

  6

  0.12

  1993–94

  7

  0.27

  1994–95

  2

  0.16

  Non-native Animals
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all non-native species of birds, animals, fish and crustacean which(a) have established and (b) are suspected of having established a breeding population in the United Kingdom since 1945. [5552]

  Mr. Clappison
  [holding answer 13 December 1995]: The following species of bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian, and crustacea are thought to have been introduced since 1945 and are suspected of having established breeding populations. Introductions of all non-native freshwater fish species appear to have occurred before 1945. The Government's statutory scientific adviser, the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, indicates that other species are likely to have briefly established populations since 1945 but have now become extinct. Due to recording techniques and only the fleeting presence of some of these species, data are not readily available.
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  Birds

  Animals (note some do not have common names)

  Reptiles and amphibians

  Crustacea (note some do not have common names)

  Ruddy duck

  American mink

  Alpine newt

  North American

  Ring-necked

  Pere Davids

  African clawed

  signal crayfish

  Parakeet

  deer

  toad

  Turkish crayfish

  Bar-headed

  Sea anenonies

  Fire-bellied

  Noble crayfish

  goose

  and corals:

  toad

  Red swamp crayfish

  Muscovy

  Rhizogeton

  Metatrichoniscoides

  duck1

  nudum

  leydigi

  Snow goose

  Clavopsella

  (a woodlouse)

  Swan goose

  navis

  Asellus

  Barnacle goose1

  Anguillicola

  communis

  Red-crested

  crassus

  (a freshwater

  Pochard

  (nematode

  woodlouse)

  white-fronted

  worm)

  Gammarus

  goose1

  Bristle worms:

  tigrinus

  Lesser white-

  Goniadella

  (a shrimp)

  fronted

  gracilis

  Arcitalitrus

  goose1

  Hydroides

  dorrieni

  Night heron1M

  ezoensis

  Hydroides

  dianthus

  Janua

  brasiliensis

  Pileolaria

  berkeleyana

  Marenzelleria

  viridis

  Ammothea

  hilgendorfi

  (Sea spider

  Molluscs:

  Rapana venosa

  Crassostrea gigas

  Tiostrea lutaria

  Aulacomya ater

  Ensis americanus

  Styela clava

  (sea-squirt)

  1These species occur naturally in the United Kingdom as vagrants or regular winter visitors, but their breeding populations are thought to be due largely to escapes or releases from captivity i.e. they are not native breeding species.

  Opencast Mines
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list all the planning applications for opencast coal mining sites he has received; which companies made the applications; and what his decision has been in each case since 1990. [5884]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  This information is not held centrally. It is for mineral planning authorities in the first instance to decide whether planning permission should be granted for opencast coal mining. Statistics are published annually for the County Planning Officers Society by Durham county council.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5705]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Ninety-two per cent.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has made of the additional costs to be incurred by energy conservation authorities in producing reports required under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995; and from which departmental budget heading the required expenditure will be met. [6116]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  A total of £3 million has been transferred to the provision for rate support grant in 1996–97 and 1997–98 in respect of the new duty to produce energy conservation reports under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 in accordance with the new burdens procedure agreed with the local authority associations. The transfer has been made from this Department's energy efficiency expenditure programme.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he plans to stage the implementation of local government reorganisation to take account of the resources available. [6099]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) on 8 December,Official Report, columns 407–08.

  Local Government Pension Scheme
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to consult interested parties in England and Wales on proposed changes to the local government pension scheme; and if he will make a statement. [6557]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  A consultation paper is today being issued to local authorities in England and Wales, and to a wide range of other interested parties involved with local authority pensions, which takes forward our intentions to reduce central Government's involvement in the local government pension scheme and, at the same time, to increase the part played by local government in managing its pension responsibilities.

  Our proposals would mean that the LGPS remains a public service pension scheme and that local government pensions will continue to be provided within a statutory framework. The benefits provided by the scheme both now and in the future will continue to have full statutory security. At the same time, local authority employers would have more discretion within that framework to develop more flexible pension arrangements and to adopt new pension structures to meet local circumstances.

  Proposals are also put forward in the paper to reduce significantly the regulatory content of the current scheme regulations. Consultees are expressly invited to contribute to the Department's efforts to streamline the provision governing the LGPS, to weed out unnecessary and redundant requirements and to make the scheme's provisions more user friendly. Overall, this should mean less regulation and ultimately a reduced level of involvement by the Department in the operation of the scheme.
  725
  Representations on the proposals are requested by March 1996. Draft scheme regulations will be circulated for formal consultation in late 1996 and come into force in early 1997.

  Housing Capital Funding
  Sir Michael Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to make an announcement about the distribution of housing capital funding for 1996–97. [6790]

  Mr. Curry
  I am today announcing decisions about the distribution of capital funding for housing in 1996–97.

  Councils will receive housing investment programme allocations totalling over £1.2 billion for 1996–97. Under the competitive HIP process, we have again been able to direct funding to those councils that are best able to make use of them.

  Within the HIP programme, £943 million is for general purpose allocations, the housing "annual capital guidelines". As last year, these have been allocated 40 per cent. on the basis of a statistical assessment of local housing needs and 60 per cent. on a competitive basis related to performance.

  As part of the assessment of its programme, each local authority is required to submit a housing strategy statement, setting out a comprehensive framework for housing programmes for at least the next three years, covering not only the plans of the local authority but the contribution to be made by the private housing sector. The strategy is prepared in consultation with all those interested in the local housing scene, including the Housing Corporation, housing associations, tenants' groups and the private sector. Once again, there is a continuing improvement in the performance of the great majority of local authorities, with most of them now producing good quality housing strategies.

  In addition to these annual capital guidelines, £270 million has been allocated for private sector renewal and housing defects in the form of "specified capital grant". Once again, 40 per cent. of funding has been distributed on a statistical assessment of local needs, and 60 per cent. on a competitive basis.

  Since the competitive system was introduced in 1991, the performance of local housing authorities has improved considerably. As described in the housing White Paper published in June, local authorities have an important role as strategic enablers and the Government wish to encourage all authorities to produce good strategies and fulfil their functions effectively and efficiently. Therefore, I propose to change the system of annual capital guideline and specified capital grant allocations for 1997–98 to a fully competitive basis, under which 100 per cent. of the allocations locally will be decided competitively. The Department will be consulting representatives of the local authority associations on this proposal early next year.

  I am depositing tables in the Library of the House showing each authority's annual capital guideline and specified capital grant allocation for 1996–97. Together, these comprise the HIP allocations. In addition, I am depositing a list of the authorities whose performance is assessed as being well above the average for their region.

  Carbon Dioxide Emissions
  Sir Michael Grylls
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the United Kingdom's progress towards meeting its commitment under the climate change convention to take measures aimed at returning carbon dioxide emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. [6791]

  Mr. Gummer
  I have today published an update of the carbon dioxide chapter of the United Kingdom climate change programme. The document, entitled "Progress Report on Carbon Dioxide Emissions", sets out details of policy developments and progress since January 1994 on each of the measures in the programme aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

  The revised chapter reflects energy projections, published by the Department of Trade and Industry earlier this year, which indicate that carbon dioxide emissions will be 4 to 8 per cent. below 1990 levels by 2000. In the light of the latest evidence of man-made climate change and its effects, this is most welcome progress.

  This rate of progress puts us at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change and demonstrates once again the United Kingdom's determination not to promise more that it can deliver on its environmental commitments, but to do better if at all possible.

  We shall continue to put pressure on others to achieve real cuts, and to agree new commitments for reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the period beyond 2000.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many civil servants are currently employed in those areas of his Department for which tenders have been sought under the private finance initiative, and how many he expects to be employed after the completion of this process. [5047]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  No tenders have yet been sought for any PFI project. It is likely that about 25 IT staff out of the current total of 91 will be affected by any eventual local office county count system—LOCCS—contract. The LOCCS computer system is expected to save staff time equivalent to 600 posts; however, it does not follow that there will be a reduction in staff numbers of the same magnitude. Initiatives such as Lord Woolf s proposals for the civil courts will almost certainly require the redeployment of skilled staff to new tasks. It is also possible that about another 11 posts will be affected by plans to establish a probate record centre to take over routine records storage functions from the Court Service.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment he has made of the effects on job security of existing employees of his Department of the private finance initiative. [5046]

  Mr. Evans
  It is likely that the LOCCS project will affect about 25 IT staff. The Court Service has said that it will consult its trade union side on how any transfer of these staff to the successful bidder might be achieved,
  727
  and on what terms, and whether there are alternatives to permanent transfer. Any permanent transfer would be on broadly equivalent terms, and conditions of service. It is also possible that the proposed probate records centre project will affect about 11 staff. The trade union side will also be consulted on these proposals.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to extend the private finance initiative to the administration of the magistrates courts. [4865]

  Mr. Evans
  There are no plans to include the administrative functions of the magistrates courts in PFI schemes for the provision of accommodation. Nor are there plans to apply PFI to the provision of existing computer systems there. The Department intends to explore whether PFI might make a helpful contribution in the replacement of those systems by the new standard system which is currently under development.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department for what routine administration elements of Crown and county court work tenders have been invited under the private finance initiative; and if this includes aspects of the work of court ushers, clerks and bailiffs. [5049]

  Mr. Evans
  Administrative functions currently performed in the Crown court and the county courts would not be covered by the LOCCS contract.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to respond to the concerns about the private finance initiative project, contained in Lord Woolf's interim report on the future of the civil justice system, with special reference to the role of the private sector in running the information technology infrastructure of the system and his Department's ability to retain control of issues of policy. [4868]

  Mr. Evans
  Any contractor will have to satisfy the Lord Chancellor's Department that confidentiality will be protected. The Department will retain full control of its policies and strategies.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work.[5747]

  Mr. Evans
  Administrative costs incurred to date on the LOCCS procurement project amount to about £250,000. Expenditure of a further £300,000 is anticipated. As the scope of other PFI projects is still being defined and none has yet gone to procurement, it is too early to make meaningful estimates of the administrative costs to be incurred on them.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five financial years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PH. [5748]

  Mr. Evans
  Tentative initial forecasts of revenue expenditure under the LOCCS procurement project are: 1995–96 nil; 1996–97—£6 million; 1997–98—£8 million; 1988–99—£9 million; 1999–2000—£10 million; 2001–01—£10 million. As the scope of other PFI projects 728
  is still being defined and none has yet gone to procurement, it is too early to make meaningful estimates of the revenue expenditure to be incurred on them.

  Contracting Out
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when his Department will consult(a) the Lord Chief Justice, (b) the Vice-Chancellor, (c) the Master of the Rolls, (d) the president of the family division, and (e)other members of the senior judiciary under schedule 16 to the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 on his proposals to contract out court functions, and what considerations underlay his decision not to consult them before tenders were invited. [5048]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Neither the local office county court system project nor the probate records centre project is at the stage where it becomes possible to have formal consultation under the terms of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994.

  Court Listing
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what assessment his Department has made of the constitutional implications of transferring the management of court listing to the private sector. [4866]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  There are no plans to transfer the management of court listing to the private sector.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5701]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Department's general conditions of contract contain a clause informing suppliers that we shall make payment within agreed terms, or within 30 days of receipt of an invoice, where no such terms exist. The conditions also give advice on how to complain if the Department fails to make payment on time. Annual surveys of invoice payments are carried out, the latest of which showed that 93.8 per cent. of invoices were paid on time. The survey results, together with details of the Department's payment policies, are published in the annual report.

  Mental Incapacity Report
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Government's response to the Law Commission's report on mental incapacity will be published. [6115]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Government set up an interdepartmental working group, chaired by the Lord Chancellor's Department, to consider the Law Commission's report on mental incapacity. The group was asked to produce an initial report for consideration by Ministers by 1 September 1995 and has met this timetable. Ministers are now considering the report of the working
  729
  group, together with that of the Law Commission. The Government will make an announcement of their initial view on the Law Commission's report once Ministers have had the opportunity to consider the implications of the proposals.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5702]

  Mr. Howard
  The latest available figure is 92 per cent. as published in the Home Office annual report 1995.

  Ministerial Meetings (Immigration)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many meetings the hon. Member for Leeds, North-East (Mr. Kirkhope) has had, to date, with right hon. and hon. Members since he was appointed a Minister in the Home Office to discuss immigration, asylum and nationality matters; how many requests for such meetings he has refused; and how many such meetings are pending. [6036]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  Since my appointment on 17 October 1995, I have had 13 meetings with right hon. and hon. Members on immigration, asylum and nationality cases. Two are pending. In addition, I have had numerous other discussions with hon. Members on individual cases. Information on the number of requests for meetings that I have refused is not readily available.

  Charities (Police and Probation Services)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what reimbursement measures exist for charitable organisations in return for the work they carry out on behalf of statutory bodies with special reference to the police and probation services. [6042]

  Mr. Sackville
  It is for each police authority and the chief officer of police to determine whether, and how to, reimburse organisations which carry out work for the force. Under rule 41(a) of the Probation (Amendment) Rules 1994, probation services may make payments to voluntary organisations for the provision of a range of services. It is for chief probation officers to decide which organisations should be aided, having regard to local needs and priorities.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the arrangements for notifying the Benefits Agency if a country has undergone, or is undergoing, events likely to give rise to a well-founded form of persecution among its nationals are now in operation. [5938]
  730
  Miss Widdecombe
  The arrangements will come into operation when the regulations about which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security is consulting have come into force. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department envisages that he will notify the Benefits Agency if a country undergoes a fundamental change of circumstances such that people are not normally being returned to that country for the time being.

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is currently the average time a remand prisoner spends in custody while awaiting trial(a) in Durham and (b) in the United Kingdom. [5127]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter for England and Wales has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given. Information for Scotland and Northern Ireland are the responsibilities of the Secretaries of State for Scotland and for Northern Ireland respectively.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Gerry Steinberg, dated 14 December 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking, what is the average time a prisoner spends in custody whilst awaiting trial (a) in Durham and (b) in the United Kingdom.Information on the average time spent in custody for untried prisoners awaiting trial in Durham is not available. The available information on the estimated average time spent in custody for untried prisoners in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales in 1994 was given in a written reply to a Question from Mr. Jim Cunningham MP (Coventry South East) on 5 December (Co1.210).
  Ms Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the estimate of the additional annual costs incurred as a result of prisoners being held on remand beyond the statutory time limit. [1701]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Ms Janet Anderson, dated 14 December 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking for the estimate of the additional annual costs incurred as a result of prisoners being held on remand beyond the statutory time limit.The available information relates to Prison Service costs for additional time served by prisoners awaiting Crown Court trial beyond the statutory time limit. About seventy five per cent of such prisoners receive a custodial sentence so that no net additional period in prison occurs. Overall, the additional annual cost incurred by the Prison Service is approximately £5 million in the current year.A reliable estimate of the cost of holding prisoners on magistrates' court remand in excess of the custody time limit is not available.

  Visitors
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 28 November,Official Report, column 667, if he will

  731
  make it his policy to record the dates on which visitors to the United Kingdom leave the country. [3791]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  No. A comprehensive system which matches arrival and embarkation records would not be a cost-effective way to operate immigration control. A more targeted approach in co-operation with the police and other agencies has proved to be a more successful way to detect and deal with people here unlawfully.

  Asylum and Immigration Bill
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with(a) employers' organisations, (b) the civil service, (c) local government and (d) the health service on the costs of the implementation of the Asylum and Immigration Bill and the Social Security (Persons from Abroad) Amendment Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [6011]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The proposals in the Bill for preventing illegal employment were discussed with other Government Departments. A consultation document, including a compliance cost assessment, has been sent to employers' organisations, local government bodies, the National Association of Health Authorities and Trusts and other interested organisations. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has consulted widely about the proposed benefit changes through the Social Security Advisory Committee and with the local authorities' associations. My hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration has had discussions with the Association of London Government.

  Mr. Derek Lewis
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what formula was used in calculating the performance-related bonus paid to Mr. Derek Lewis during his employment as Director General of the Prison Service; [5632]

  (2) if the terms and conditions of employment of the post of Director General of the Prison Service will include a performance-related element; [5630]

  (3) how much was paid to Mr. Derek Lewis as a performance-related bonus during his employment as Director General of the Prison Service; and what percentage this figure was in relation to the salary he received. [5633]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Under the terms of his appointment, Mr. Lewis was entitled to a performance bonus of up to 35 per cent., of his salary, assessed on the basis of qualitative and quantitative measures reflecting performance against the Prison Service's key targets as set out in the agency's corporate and business plans. Such measures included reductions in escapes and assaults and an increase in purposeful activity for prisoners. For the period from his appointment on 6 January 1993 to 31 March 1993, a bonus of £8,280 was paid solely on the basis of his personal contribution to the Prison Service. For the 1993–94 financial year, when the Prison Service met or exceeded all of its key targets except one, Mr. Lewis received a bonus of £35,000 which represented 28 per cent. of his salary of £125,000. The precise formula used to assess Mr. Lewis's performance was personal to 732
  him and I have no plans to publish it. Mr. Lewis waived the bonus for 1994–95, despite meeting his targets, because of the escape from Whitemoor. The question of a bonus for the current year forms part of Mr. Lewis's legal action which is pending before the courts. My right hon. and learned Friend will make an announcement about the appointment of the director general when a substantive appointment is made.

  Doncaster Prison
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the maximum inmate population of Doncaster prison; and how many(a) sentenced and (b) remand prisoners under 18 years of age were held there in each month of 1995. [5517]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the temporary Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Richard Tilt to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 14 December 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about what was the maximum inmate population of Doncaster prison; and how many (a) sentenced and (b) remand prisoners under 18 years of age were held there in each month of 1995.
  The maximum inmate population (operational capacity) of Doncaster prison is currently 850 prisoners.
  The other information requested is given in the attached table. Records are only available from April 1995.

  Sentenced and remand prisoners under the age of eighteen held at Doncaster since April 1995

  Date

  Remand

  Sentenced

  Total

  April 1995

  54

  3

  57

  May

  64

  3

  67

  June

  58

  1

  59

  July

  67

  1

  68

  August

  94

  1

  95

  September

  78

  3

  81

  October

  89

  4

  93

  November

  55

  3

  58

  Second Passports
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has on the use of second passports purchased commercially in the United Kingdom. [5448]

  Mr. Kirkhope
  The national forgery section of the immigration service holds extensive information gathered over many years on "second passports". Its records include details of various companies offering such documents for sale and examples of some of those on offer. This information has been widely circulated within the immigration service to ensure that any attempted circumvention of the immigration control by use of these documents is quickly identified.

  When arriving in the United Kingdom, or when seeking entry through the channel tunnel, a person must produce, on request by the immigration officer, a valid national passport or other document satisfactorily establishing his identity and nationality. A person holding a document purchased commercially would not fulfil this requirement.

  Internet
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with his international counterparts about the possibility of joint action being taken to regulate the content of material disseminated via the Internet. [5470]

  Mr. Sackville
  None. The regulation of the Internet and other computer networks is a matter for my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

  However, the interdepartmental group on obscenity is currently considering the issue of pornographic material disseminated via the Internet, and it has arranged a conference with Internet service providers in the United Kingdom to discuss the possible measures which can be taken to control access to such material.

  National Lottery Charities Board
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the names of regional advisory panel members for the National Lottery Charities Board, identifying those who are elected councillors and their political affiliation. [5445]

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for the National Lottery Charities Board. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

TREASURY

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list all Departments for which forecasts of capital spending under the private finance initiative are available for(a) 1999–2000 and (b) 2000–2001. [5756]

  Mr. Jack
  Table 6.5 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" gives the estimated figures for the survey period.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the policy with regard to the disclosure of information on schemes under the private finance initiative and the extent to which issues of commercial confidentiality affect such disclosure. [5758]

  Mr. Jack
  The duty of Departments to account to Parliament for their spending is not changed by the private finance initiative. Disclosure while negotiations are still proceeding would usually weaken the Government's negotiating position. Nevertheless, the National Audit Office has access to documents relating to private finance initiative contracts, as it does for other contracts. In line with reporting arrangements for other contracts, information on private finance initiative schemes can be disclosed after a contract has been settled, except where there is a specific undertaking of commercial confidentiality on a particular matter.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department receives from other Departments information on all private finance initiative schemes. [5757]

  Mr. Jack
  The PFI is a decentralised initiative. Individual Secretaries of State have the responsibility for driving forward the initiative in their areas. As such, not 734
  every project will require direct Treasury approval and as a consequence we will not receive information centrally on every PFI project.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide for schemes so far agreed under the PFI the level of financing costs above the current cost of Government borrowing for the scheme with(a) the highest financing costs and (b) the lowest costs. [5727]

  Mr. Jack
  The information is not available in the form requested because it is a fundamental principle when considering schemes under the private finance initiative that what is assessed is the overall best value for money in providing a specified service, taking into account all aspects of design, building, finance and operation as a unified whole.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total annual cost to public funds of schemes to be funded by the private finance initiative at current prices for each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [5464]

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5726]

  Mr. Jack
  It is for individual Departments to estimate the revenue costs of the PFI projects in their sphere of the responsibility, and to take these costs into account in their expenditure plans. However, on the basis of assessments of four major Departments, total service payments in the current year and the next three years are expected to be, very broadly:

  1995–96: []

  1996–97: 130

  1997–98: 295

  1998–99: 460

  However, these are only indicative numbers. The precise size and timing of revenue payments depend on agreement to projects, many of which are currently under negotiation, and on the subsequent delivery and levels of use of specific services to specified standards. Central information is not available for the full 10 years requested.

  Departmental Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will publish the Treasury report on departmental fraud in all Government Departments for 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [6033]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Copies of the latest "Dear Accounting Officer" letter and accompanying analysis, which contain information on frauds reported by Departments for the financial year 194–95, were placed in the Library of the Houses on 11 December 1995. The documents are also available to the public.

  Draft EC Budget
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the organisations receiving subsidies for advancing the idea of Europe cited in budget item A–304 in the EC 1996 draft budget indicating the amounts they receive and the specific purpose behind the provision of funds. [5901]
  735
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The criteria for the types of project which will be eligible for funding from this budget line next year are set out in the commentary appended to line A–304 of the draft general budget of the European Communities, a copy of which is in the Library. Precisely how these funds are spent is a matter for the European Commission, to which questions about the detail of expenditure in 1996 and previous years should be addressed.

  European Community Directives
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the statement of the Secretary of State for the Environment of 21 November,Official Report, column 454, if he will make it his policy to review past legislation in respect of additional burdens imposed by regulation implementing European directives. [5074]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 11 December 1995]: It is the policy in the Departments of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that we do not "gold-plate" European directives by the addition of unnecessary burdens when implementing them in the United Kingdom. We will take every opportunity to look at existing legislation in the light of this policy.

  Inland Revenue (Referred Cases)
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions in each year since 1965, High Court judges have referred details of a case to the Inland Revenue. [5549]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 13 December 1995]: The Inland Revenue does not maintain such records.

  Air Quality Monitoring
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the additional resources to be made available to local authorities to implement air quality monitoring commitments made in the Environment Act 1995 following his 1995 Budget statement. [4943]

  Mr. Clappison
  I have been asked to reply.

  Phased implementations of local authorities' new duties in respect of air quality under the Environment Act 1995 will begin next year. The first phase will involve a representative number of local authorities in , England, Scotland and Wales. Criteria for selecting the authorities are being prepared by the local authority air quality management working group of central and local government officials set up by the Department of the Environment to assist with implementation of part IV of the Act. We will shortly announce the first phase authorities and will make funds available to cover necessary increased expenditure.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to publish the recent efficiency scrutiny on the TEC contract and management fee; and if she will make a statement. [6727]
  736
  Mr. Paice
  A copy of the report of the scrutiny team has been place in the Library.

  Although it is too early to comment on the detail of the report, I am very eager to reduce administrative burdens on TECs where these are shown to be unnecessary and the Department will be looking at its recommendations very carefully.

  Mr. Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress Aztec and Solotec are making in meeting the criteria for the award of a three-year licence. [6726]

  Mr. Paice
  I am pleased to announce the award of three-year licences to Aztec and the South London training and enterprise council, which have now completed the process of meeting the rigorous standards we set.

  International Labour Conference
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has for publishing the White Paper on the instruments adopted at the 81st session of the international labour conference 1994. [6652]

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I have today published the White Paper entitled "International Labour Conference."

  Access to Work
  Mr. Neil Hamilton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people have been assisted under the access to work programme; and if she will make a statement. [6932]

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  In 1994–95, the first year of operation, over 10,300 people were assisted under the access to work programme. In 1995–96, it is estimated that some 10,000 people have already received support.

  On present trends, planned provision for the programme in 1995–96—£13.4 million—will be exceeded to a significant extent. While I have been able to allocate additional funds to meet the demands made so far on the programme this year, it is necessary to implement the priority within the programme for unemployed people in order to keep expenditure within the resources available.

  I am therefore announcing that, with effect from 18 December, funding will be targeted on meeting existing commitments; to applications to renew arrangements which fully satisfy the programme's present rules and criteria and which would otherwise lapse; and to people with disabilities who have been unemployed for at least four weeks. The Government believe that this is the most equitable way of allocating the limited resources available.

  The Government recognise the importance of the programme to people with disabilities and to employers. The planned provision for the programme next year has therefore been maintained. Before reaching decisions on 1996–97, the Govnerment will publish the research they have commissioned on the first year, and enter into discussions with the organisations principally concerned on the operation of the programme next year.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what percentage of bills to her Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5706]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  A total of 6,419 invoices were sampled in four separate prompt payment exercises during 1994–95. The results showed that 6,387 of these invoices were paid within 30 days—95 per cent of the sample.

  Schools (Self-government)
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many responses she has received to the consultation paper on self-government for voluntary-aided schools from(a) voluntary-aided schools, (b) grant-aided maintained former voluntary-aided schools, (c) local authority associations, (d) local education authorities and (e) Church bodies. [5777]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The information requested is set out in the following table:

  Body

  Number of responses

  (a) Voluntary aided schools

  1,629

  (b) Former voluntary grant-maintained schools1

  16

  (c) Local authority associations2

  4

  (d) Local education authorities

  74

  (e) Church Bodies3

  68

  1 Includes former voluntary-controlled, as well as former voluntary-aided, GM schools.

  2Includes national and local associations.

  3 Includes national religious bodies and Church of England and Roman Catholic diocesan boards.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many responses she has received in respect of the consultation paper on self-government for voluntary-aided schools; how many of them were in favour of each of the options listed in the paper; and how many of them were in favour of the proposals. [5780]

  Mrs. Gillan
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received almost 2,000 responses to the Department's consultation paper on self-government for voluntary-aided schools. We are currently completing the analysis of these responses. A summary will be made available in due course, and a copy will be placed in the Library.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many grant-maintained schools were formerly(a) voluntary-aided schools (b) voluntary-aided Church schools; and in each case what proportion of the total number of voluntary-aided schools this represents. [5781]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Some 231 grant-maintained schools were formerly voluntary aided, and 204 of these were voluntary-aided Church schools. This means that some 738
  6 per cent. of all existing and former voluntary-aided schools and 5 per cent. of existing and former voluntary-aided Church schools have transferred to the grant maintained sector.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what progress has been made by her Department in taking forward proposals for the expansion of the assisted places scheme; and how much her Department estimates this will cost in the future financial years for which figures are available when this has been achieved. [5822]

  Mrs. Gillan
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave to the hon. Member for Ealing, North (Mr. Greenway) on 29 November,Official Report, columns 711–12 about arrangements for the expansion of the assisted places scheme. As to the cost of the expansion in future years, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 4 December, Official Report, column 117.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which independent sector schools charged(a) the highest and (b) the lowest level of fees to pupils covered by the assisted places scheme in the academic year 1994–95; and what charges were levied. [5826]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The school which charged the highest fee in academic year 1994–95 was Charterhouse, at £9,459 in respect of its sixth form assisted pupils. Salesian college, Farnborough charged the lowest fee at £2,604.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much her Department has spent on the operation of the assisted places scheme in each year since 1981; how many(a) pupils and (b) institutions were covered by the scheme; and what was the overspend on the budget allocated to the scheme. [5791]

  Mrs. Gillan
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett), on 24 October,Official Report, column 623, for the information about expenditure and the numbers of pupils covered by the scheme. The number of independent schools participating in the scheme for each academic year since 1981 is given in the following table:

  Assisted places scheme

  Academic year

  Number of participating schools

  1981–82

  220

  1982–83

  220

  1983–84

  223

  1984–85

  226

  1985–86

  226

  1986–87

  226

  1987–88

  226

  1988–89

  226

  1989–90

  278

  1990–91

  295

  1991–92

  295

  1992–93

  295

  1993–94

  295

  1994–95

  294

  The figures relate to England only.
  739
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many schools covered by the assisted places scheme received(a) more than £1 million, (b) over £750,000 (c) over £500,000 and (d) over £250,000 under the assisted places scheme for each academic year since 1981. [5819]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The information requested for each academic year since 1981 is not available and could be derived only at disproportionate cost. Information is available in respect of the academic year 1994–95; the number of participating schools in each category is(a) four, (b) 19, (c) 76 and (d)

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many independent sector schools have had(a) more than 25 per cent.,(b) more than 50 per cent. and (c) less than 5 per cent. of their rolls made up of pupils covered by the assisted places scheme. [5829]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The information requested is available in respect of the academic year 1994–95; the number of schools in each category is(a) 44, (b) 1 and (c)

  Discretionary Awards
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what evaluation has been made of the effect of the 1995–96 budget settlement on(a) discretionary awards and (b) the youth service;

  (2) what evaluation of the likely effect on (a) discretionary awards and (b) the youth service was made in calculating education standard spending assessments for 1996–97. [5831]

  Mr. Forth
  Spending on discretionary awards and the youth service in 1995–96 and in 1996–97 will depend on the decisions of individual local education authorities.

  Training (Social Fund Claims)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to reduce the amounts due to be paid to training providers in respect of training provided in 1994 and financed by the European social fund as a result of exchange rate fluctuations; what is the total amount to be held back; how many training providers will be affected; and if she will make a statement. [6147]

  Mr. Paice
  Because of fluctuations in the exchange rate, the Government have not yet received sufficient funds from the European Commission to pay 1994 European social fund final claims in full. Applicants will therefore receive 95 per cent. of the total eligible costs of their projects. No money is being held back. The final claims presented to the European Commission for 1994 have been paid in full in ecu; the shortfall for applicants results from the translation of ecu into sterling.

  Additional information is now being sought from applicants to enable the claim to be recalculated in a way which should provide more sterling to enable further payments to be made in due course. There were 1,512 applicant organisations in 1994.

  Employee Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the number and value of fraud cases excluded from the figures contained in his answer of 24 October,Official Report, column 612, because no perpetrators were found. [6088]

  Mr. Forth
  The number of cases excluded from the answer of the 24 October are as follows:

  Number of cases

  Amount involved

  Amount recovered

  1993–94

  DfEE

  4

  £13,244

  £ nil

  1994–95

  DfEE

  5

  £42,063

  £10.800

  1. Not all of the above cases were reported on the Treasury returns.

  2. The perpetrators of the above cases were not necessarily members of the Department or its agencies.

  3. There were no recorded cases involving the Employment Service or other agencies.

  School Admissions (Appeals)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many appeals were made by parents on the grounds of non-admission of their child to the school of their choice in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95; how many of these appeals went before a statutory committee; and of these how many were (i) rejected and (ii) found in parents' favour. [6150]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The available information is shown in the following table:

  Appeals by parents against non-admission of their children to maintained (including grant maintained) primary and secondary schools in England

  Academic year 1993–94

  Total appeals lodged1

  Appeals heard by a statutory committe2

  Appeals rejected

  Appeals found in parents' favour

  45.876

  32,188

  18.891

  13.255

  1 Includes appeals which were withdrawn by parents or settled to mutual satisfaction before reaching a statutory committee.

  2 Includes appeals heard by a statutory committee for which a decision was still to he made at the end of the academic year.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many three and four-year-olds in each local education authority attended(a) nursery schools, (b) nursery classes and (c) reception classes in primary school. [6189]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The available information on pupils aged three and four in maintained nursery and primary schools for each local education authority in England is shown in the following table:
  741

  Pupils aged 3 and 4 in maintained nursery and primary chools in England

  Position as at January 1995

  Nursery schools

  Primary schools

  Nursery classes

  Infant classes1

  Camden

  61

  955

  1,015

  Greenwich

  647

  2,635

  1,024

  Hackney

  149

  2,172

  1,587

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  554

  1,167

  568

  Islington

  319

  1,575

  1,466

  Kensington and Chelsea

  249

  608

  385

  Lambeth

  450

  2,011

  1,018

  Lewisham

  231

  2,431

  1,131

  Southwark

  535

  2,562

  2,120

  Tower Hamlets

  721

  2,635

  1,705

  Wandsworth

  216

  2,176

  1,624

  Westminster

  190

  993

  574

  Barking and Dagenham

  0

  2,054

  1,623

  Barnet

  575

  2,095

  2,205

  Bexley

  0

  1.442

  2,074

  Brent

  223

  2,377

  1,974

  Bromley

  0

  172

  2,385

  Croydon

  499

  1,512

  2,883

  Ealing

  454

  3,265

  2,426

  Enfield

  0

  1,663

  2,389

  Haringey

  223

  2,519

  1,848

  Harrow

  0

  1,009

  1,626

  Havering

  0

  495

  1,984

  Hillingdon

  120

  3,234

  87

  Hounslow

  0

  2,363

  1,725

  Kingston upon Thames

  242

  967

  1,038

  Merton

  0

  2,713

  983

  Newham

  959

  3,496

  1,280

  Redbridge

  0

  1,326

  1,397

  Richmond upon Thames

  68

  670

  1,114

  Sutton

  240

  1,727

  64

  Waltham Forest

  308

  2,405

  1,044

  Birmingham

  2,411

  8,538

  10,019

  Coventry

  141

  1,984

  2,788

  Dudley

  70

  2,992

  2,707

  Sandwell

  128

  4,537

  2,840

  Solihull

  0

  1,880

  1,949

  Walsall

  839

  3,557

  2,465

  Wolverhampton

  848

  3,050

  2,262

  Knowsley

  0

  3,003

  1,679

  Liverpool

  564

  5,698

  4,483

  St. Helens

  80

  1,605

  1,574

  Sefton

  318

  2,440

  2,507

  Wirral

  319

  1,954

  2,933

  Bolton

  491

  2,694

  2,618

  Bury

  159

  1,379

  1 ,595

  Manchester

  542

  7,039

  2,429

  Oldham

  0

  2,458

  2,236

  Rochdale

  912

  1,233

  2,112

  Salford

  1,075

  2,456

  2,264

  Stockport

  936

  1,146

  2,483

  Tameside

  281

  2,287

  2,135

  Trafford

  0

  2,526

  1,919

  Wigan

  190

  1,986

  2,732

  Barnsley

  181

  2,812

  1,101

  Doncaster

  0

  3,667

  2,817

  Rotherham

  403

  2,924

  1,160

  Sheffield

  851

  4,849

  2,438

  Bradford

  521

  5,965

  4,135

  Calderdale

  0

  1,946

  1,866

  Kirklees

  548

  3,890

  3,509

  Leeds

  77

  9,170

  5,730

  Wakefield

  481

  4,363

  1,770

  Gateshead

  73

  1,801

  1,653

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  622

  2,295

  2,289

  North Tyneside

  226

  2,468

  1,682

  South Tyneside

  454

  1,781

  1,388

  742

  Pupils aged 3 and 4 in maintained nursery and primary schools in England

  Position as at January 1995

  Nursery schools

  Primary schools

  Nursery classes

  Infant classes1

  Sunderland

  1,042

  2,405

  2,611

  Avon

  1,799

  3,434

  7,930

  Bedfordshire

  1,476

  3,744

  2,918

  Berkshire

  2,203

  4,657

  777

  Buckinghamshire

  571

  2,469

  3,100

  Cambridgeshire

  734

  1,497

  5,842

  Cheshire

  869

  4,614

  8,323

  Cleveland

  154

  9,368

  5,241

  Cornwall1

  111

  1,555

  3,617

  Cumbria

  817

  2,224

  4.066

  Derbyshire

  1,573

  8,132

  5,768

  Devon

  315

  2,697

  4,240

  Dorset

  0

  841

  5,000

  Durham

  2,618

  4,645

  5.112

  East Sussex

  258

  1,367

  5,186

  Essex

  300

  2,386

  8.694

  Gloucestershire

  0

  27

  4,616

  Hampshire

  339

  1,638

  13,645

  Hereford and Worcester

  0

  1,682

  1,953

  Hertfordshire

  1,743

  7,780

  5,374

  Humberside

  1,163

  8,080

  5,400

  Isle of Wight

  0

  175

  922

  Kent

  83

  2,125

  13,509

  Lancashire

  3,664

  4,466

  12,867

  Leicestershire

  51

  5,219

  4,762

  Lincolnshire

  531

  1,536

  4,912

  Norfolk

  404

  857

  5,646

  North Yorkshire

  373

  3,512

  5,362

  Northamptonshire

  616

  2,419

  5,478

  Northumberland

  128

  2,923

  2,498

  Nottinghamshire

  595

  13,169

  2.099

  Oxfordshire

  1,079

  2,148

  1,317

  Shropshire

  176

  1,844

  2,127

  Somerset

  0

  587

  3,901

  Staffordshire

  2,077

  4,976

  9,068

  Suffolk

  101

  2,977

  2,591

  Surrey

  428

  2,635

  7,078

  Warwickshire

  759

  1,425

  4,228

  West Sussex

  434

  811

  3,011

  Wiltshire

  0

  577

  3,388

  England2 3

  52,558

  303.462

  343.824

  1 Includes reception and other classes.

  2 Includes Isles of Scilly.

  3 Includes Corporation of London.

  Teachers' Pay
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the total cost(a) nationally and (b) to each local education authority of teachers' pay increases in (i)1994–95 and (ii) 1996–97. [5792]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The total estimated cost in England and Wales of the teachers' pay increase in 1994–95 was £309 million. The following table illustrates the cost of the award by updating the 1993–94 expenditure recorded by local education authorities in England and Wales for teaching staff salaries in nursery and primary, secondary and special schools by the 1994–95 teachers' pay award of 2.9 per cent. The 1993–94 expenditure figures are the latest available for LEA-maintained schools in England
  743
  and Wales. The figures in the table take no account of changes in teacher numbers or other factors that affect the teachers' pay bill.

  The School Teachers Review Body has not yet recommended a pay award for 1996–97.

  LEA expenditure on teachers' salaries

  £000

  Pre-primary and primary, secondary and special schools

  1993–94(actual)

  1994–95 increase (2.9per cent.)

  Corporation of London

  378

  11

  Camden

  37,774

  1,095

  Greenwich

  53,751

  1,559

  Hackney

  41,871

  1,214

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  25,087

  728

  Islington

  37,294

  1,082

  Kensington and Chelsea

  15,922

  462

  Lambeth

  39,698

  1,151

  Lewisham

  43,235

  1,254

  Southwark

  38,056

  1,104

  Tower Hamlets

  58,012

  1,682

  Wandsworth

  31,532

  914

  City of Westminster

  30,151

  874

  Barking

  34,487

  1,000

  Barnet

  55,491

  1,609

  Bexley

  40,962

  1,188

  Brent

  39,613

  1,149

  Bromley

  35,283

  1,023

  Croydon

  51,278

  1,487

  Ealing

  46,119

  1,337

  Enfield

  51,873

  1,504

  Haringey

  48,595

  1,409

  Harrow

  38,702

  1,122

  Havering

  41,677

  1,209

  Hillingdon

  26,648

  773

  Hounslow

  46,927

  1,361

  Kingston upon Thames

  21,879

  634

  Merton

  33,279

  965

  Newham

  54,533

  1,581

  Redbridge

  49,548

  1,437

  Richmond upon Thames

  25,724

  746

  Sutton

  22,531

  653

  Waltham Forest

  46,867

  1,359

  Birmingham

  211,785

  6,142

  Coventry

  69,840

  2,025

  Dudley

  55,540

  1,611

  Sandwell

  66,061

  1,916

  Solihull

  41,921

  1,216

  Walsall

  55,669

  1,614

  Wolverhampton

  53,635

  1,555

  Knowsley

  34,935

  1,013

  Liverpool

  104,939

  3,043

  St. Helens

  39,149

  1,135

  Sefton

  57,370

  1,664

  Wirral

  69,278

  2,009

  Bolton

  54,728

  1,587

  Bury

  33,505

  972

  Manchester

  91,541

  2,655

  Oldham

  56,483

  1,638

  Rochdale

  39,389

  1,142

  Salford

  47,64 I

  1,382

  Stockport

  53,551

  1,553

  Tameside

  39,501

  1,146

  Trafford

  36,262

  1,052

  Wigan

  66,655

  1,933

  Barnsley

  41,363

  1,200

  Doncaster

  62,198

  1,804

  Rotherham

  58,540

  1,698

  Sheffield

  92,046

  2,669

  Bradford

  109,072

  3,163

  Calderdale

  37,935

  1,100

  Kirklees

  81,076

  2,351

  744

  LEA expenditure on teachets' salaries

  £000

  Pre-primary and Primary, secondary and special schools

  1993–94 (actual)

  1994–95(2.9 per cent.)

  Leeds

  146,072

  4,236

  Wakefield

  63,131

  1,831

  Gateshead

  40,458

  1,173

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  53,518

  1,552

  North Tyneside

  40,501

  1,175

  South Tyneside

  31,493

  913

  Sunderland

  65,654

  1,904

  Isles of Scilly

  608

  18

  Avon

  177,289

  5,141

  Bedfordshire

  105,301

  3,054

  Berkshire

  135,540

  3,931

  Buckinghamshire

  112,209

  3,254

  Cambridgeshire

  103,041

  2,988

  Cheshire

  185,457

  5,378

  Cleveland

  124,442

  3,609

  Cornwall

  86,653

  2,513

  Cumbria

  88,947

  2,579

  Derbyshire

  168,175

  4,877

  Devon

  175,999

  5,104

  Dorset

  98,186

  2,847

  Durham

  120,743

  3,502

  East Sussex

  116,123

  3,368

  Essex

  211,358

  6,129

  Glouchestershire

  74,050

  2,147

  Hampshire

  256,960

  7,452

  Hereford and Worcester

  128,339

  3,722

  Hertfordshire

  186,227

  5,401

  Humberside

  177,122

  5,137

  Isle of Wight

  24,264

  704

  Kent

  227,895

  6,609

  Lancashire

  294,517

  8541

  Leicestershire

  185,004

  5,365

  Lincolnshire

  88,099

  2,555

  Norfolk

  124,807

  3,619

  North Yorkshire

  138,958

  4,030

  Northamptonshire

  109,086

  3,163

  Northumberland

  62,398

  1,810

  Nottinghamshire

  204,137

  5,920

  Oxfordshire

  105,430

  3,057

  Shropshire

  79,422

  2,303

  Somerset

  84,749

  2,458

  Staffordshire

  193,818

  5,621

  Suffolk

  130,118

  3,773

  Surrey

  143,690

  4,167

  Warwickshire

  90,965

  2,638

  West Sussex

  128,568

  3,728

  Wiltshire

  96,340

  2,794

  Clwyd

  79,496

  2,305

  Dyfed

  83,748

  2,429

  Gwent

  89,452

  2,594

  Gwynedd

  52,783

  1,531

  Mid Glamorgan

  126,517

  3,669

  South Glamorgan

  84,294

  2,445

  West Glamorgan

  79,266

  2,299

  Powys

  27,607

  801

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the national cost of a 2.5 per cent. increase in teachers pay in 1996–97. [5793]

  Mr. Squire
  The Department is still working on its hest estimate of the teachers' pay bill for 1996–97 for the School Teachers Review Body. On the basis of the estimated pay bill for 1995–96. the cost of a 2.5 per cent. increase in teachers' pay in 1996–97 in England and Wales would he approximately £280 million.

  Local Education Authority Expenditure
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the average amount of money spent by her Department on a pupil in a public sector school at(a) primary and (b) secondary level for each academic year since 1981. [5795]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The following table shows in both cash and 1993–94 prices, the net institutional expenditure per pupil in local education authority-maintained(a) pre-primary and primary and (b) secondary schools, in each financial year between 1981–82 and 1993–94, the latest year for which outturn figures are available. These figures are available only in financial years.

  National Unit Costs Pre-Primary and Secondary Schools

  Net Institutional Expenditure

  Pre-primary and Primary

  Secondary

  Year

  cash terms £

  1993–prices £

  Cash terms £

  1993–94 prices £

  1981–82

  621

  1,174

  865

  1,635

  1982–83

  682

  1,203

  942

  1,662

  1983–84

  732

  1,234

  1,014

  1,710

  1984–85

  767

  1,232

  1,086

  1,744

  1985–86

  817

  1,244

  1,177

  1,792

  1986–87

  905

  1,337

  1,340

  1,980

  1987–88

  1,006

  1,411

  1,517

  2,128

  1988–89

  1,101

  1,448

  1,692

  2,225

  1989–90

  1,210

  1,487

  1,852

  2,276

  1990–91

  1,339

  1,524

  2,015

  2,293

  1991–92

  1,468

  1,572

  2,147

  2,300

  1992–93

  1,583

  1,629

  2,256

  2,322

  1993–94

  1,630

  1,630

  2,245

  2,245

  City Technology Colleges
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many independent schools excluding city technology colleges are operating in the current academic year in England. [5825]

  Mrs. Gillan
  There are currently 2,272 independent schools registered by the Department, excluding city technology colleges.

  Conductive Education
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans there are to make conductive education available for children whose parents choose it. [5834]

  Mrs. Gillan
  Responsibility for providing for children with special educational needs rests with local education authorities. For those children whose needs cannot be met within the ordinary resources of a mainstream school, LEAs will maintain statements of SEN, drawn up in consultation with parents. Where a child's statement specifies conductive education, the LEA has a duty to secure its provision.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment has been made of the value and achievements of conductive education. [5816]
  746
  Mrs. Gillan
  The results of a Department-funded five-year research project undertaken by the university of Birmingham were published in 1993. These indicated that conductive education did not generally produce better results than other methods for teaching children with cerebral palsy.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many institutions provide conductive education for children with special educational needs; and how many children are currently receiving conductive therapy in each institution. [5811]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The Department does not collect this information.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Civil Service Year Book
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the civil service year hook for 1996 will be published. [6728]

  Mr. Willetts
  The civil service year book 1996 will he published by HMSO on Monday 18 December. This is the first time it has been available for the beginning of the calendar year. This publication updates and extends the range of information available about ministerial appointments, Government Departments and agencies. A CD-ROM version will also he published simultaneously, providing additional key statistics. Copies of both will be placed in the House Libraries.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many non-departmental public bodies are currently in existence; what percentages of appointments to these bodies are held by women and by members of ethnic minorities; and when the annual list of such bodies will be published. [6649]

  Mr. Willetts
  On I April 1995, there were 1,227 non-departmental public bodies—a fall of 118 or 8.8 per cent. since 1994, and of 940 or 43 per cent. since 1979. As of I September 1995, 30 per cent. of appointments to these bodies were held by women and 2.9 per cent. by members of the ethnic minorities: this compares with 23 per cent. and 2.0 per cent. respectively four years ago, when the Prime Minister announced the Government's determination to increase the representation of women and ethnic minorities in this area. Details can he found in "Public Bodies 1995" published today. Copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Civil Service Recruitment
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish the reports of the independent studies on marketing the civil service's fast stream recruitment scheme and the audit of the fast stream selection process which were announced earlier this year. [6878]

  Mr. Willetts
  The Government announced in January their intention to commission an external, expert review of the marketing of the fast stream recruitment scheme
  747
  and an independent audit of the selection process. Copies of the reports of both studies have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  The independent audit has investigated very thoroughly the current system of selection to the fast stream. Its general conclusions are that this is a well-administered and highly professional process and that all reasonable measures have been taken to develop a system which is fair and balanced. The report makes a number of recommendations which
  "represent suggestions for 'fine tuning' rather than radical change".
  Most of these have been accepted and action is in hand to implement them.

  The marketing study has identified a number of key actions needed if the attractiveness of the fast stream to potential recruits is to be strengthened and broadened. A programme of action has therefore been agreed, for introduction in the 1996 recruitment competition. The name of the revised scheme, will be the "fast stream development programme", retaining the "fast stream" brand identified by the marketing study as a valuable asset, but making clearer that entry is to a development programme of limited duration.

  The Government announced on 23 November their intention to transfer recruitment and assessment services to the private sector as a single viable business and in a way which will ensure that it retains its reputation for the provision of high quality recruitment services. The sale of RAS will include a contract for the fast stream recruitment process for future civil servants, specifying the services required, including any necessary changes stemming from the independent audit and marketing study.

  Fuller information about the revised scheme will be contained in the annual report on fast stream recruitment, due to be published in May 1996.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list those European capitals he has(a) visited and (b) plans to visit to discuss deregulation and
  give the total estimated cost to public funds of these visits. [5877]

  Mr. Freeman
  I have discussed deregulation with Ministers, EU Commissioners and business leaders in Paris, Bonn, Madrid, The Hague, Copenhagen, Stockolm, Helsinki and Brussels. I intend to have further discussions with Ministers of the remaining European Union countries. The travel costs associated with the visits already undertaken is estimated to be £9,790. Arrangements for further visits are yet to be made.

  Computers
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister in what way the Government are responding to the problem of non-recognition by computers of the year 2000 in respect of those computers used by(a) their own Departments and (b) large and small businesses; and if he will make a statement. [5530]
  748
  The Deputy Prime Minister
  CCTA, the Government centre for information systems, has been discussing this matter with other Government organisations and the IT industry, and will be assessing existing guidance, and what action or advice may be required on the part of Government, during the first quarter of 1996.

  Advice and help to large and small businesses are available through specialist publications, from the Computing Services and Software Association and from a number of private sector suppliers.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5715]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government's Metropolitan Telecommunications Service is already largely provided by the private sector, which owns much of the infrastructure. The Office of Public Service hopes to involve private finance further in the provision of software used by Government Departments. This could involve capital expenditure of some £1.5 million in 1996–97, but it is not yet clear what revenue expenditure would replace the capital expenditure programme.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5707]

  Mr. Willetts
  The Cabinet Office's performance in respect of the payment of invoices from its suppliers is published in the annual departmental report, Cm 2820. That report gave information in respect of 1994. The next report, due to he published in March 1996, will provide information relating to the payment of invoices during 1995.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much his Department has spent on official hospitality in the financial year to date; and what is the 1995–96 projected budget for official hospitality. [5585]

  Mr. Willetts
  Expenditure on official hospitality by the Cabinet Office, including the Office of Public Service, and its executive agencies, excluding HMSO—for the period I April 1995 to the end of November is £30,100. Expenditure by HMSO, which has a different accounting year, is £33,900. for the period 1 January to the end of November.

  The projected budget for official hospitality in the full financial year 1995–96 is £41,200. This excludes HMSO and COI. The latter does not separately identify hospitality within its budgeting system. as it is included as part of its overall budget for marketing and client relations. HMSO's projected budget for its financial year 1995 is £37,000.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  British Goods and Services
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what(a) proportion and (b) value in pounds sterling of the overseas aid budget has been tied to the purchase of British goods or services in each year since 1979–80. [5120]

  Mr. Hanley
  The information is as follows:

  Year

  Bilateral tied aid (£ million)

  Percentage of total bilateral aid

  1979

  525

  77

  1980

  489

  70

  1981

  563

  67

  1982

  471

  70

  1983

  460

  66

  1984

  477

  61

  1985

  523

  63

  1986

  598

  71

  1987

  529

  69

  1988

  692

  69

  1989

  787

  71

  1990

  740

  71

  1991

  933

  73

  1992

  650

  67

  1993

  703

  65

  1994

  557

  54

  1. Tying status data is only available for the United Kingdom's bilateral aid programme. No reliable data are available for the tying status of technical cooperation so all of this aid is reported to the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD as being tied and is included in the above figures.

  2. The DAC definition of tied aid means that procurement is restricted to a specified number of countries. Data on aid specifically tied to the procurement of British goods and services are unavailable.

  3. In addition, aid is given to multilateral agencies who also procure
  British goods and services.

  Natural Resources Institute
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress there has been in deciding the future ownership of the Natural Resources Institute. [6789]

  Mr. Hanky
  We have carefully considered indicative offers for the ownership of the Natural Resources Institute received by the closing date of 16 October. The Government's objective is a transfer of ownership which will continue to provide a centre of multidisciplinary expertise on the sustainable management of renewable natural resources for ODA and other customers, gives staff a fair future, and represents value for money for the taxpayer. My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development has decided to invite final offers by the end of January 1996 from:
  Cranfield university:A consortium of the university of Edinburgh, university of Greenwich, Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine and Wye College. university of London:Serco International Ltd. in association with the university of Wales.750

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5972]

  Mr. Newton
  No such surveys have been carried out for the Privy Council Office in the last three years.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Debates (Bilateral Agreements)
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Lord President of the Council in what circumstances it is his policy to accede to a request for a debate by an hon. Member on certain bilateral agreements or international treaties. [5410]

  Mr. Newton
  It is not possible to specify, in advance, the circumstances in which a request for a debate will he acceded to.

PRIME MINISTER

  Official Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 December. [4475]

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Thursday 14 December. [4476]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is in Paris signing the Dayton agreement on Bosnia.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will discuss with Chancellor Kohl the aspects of the Lockerbie issue pertaining to events at the Rhein-Main airport at Frankfurt in December 1988. and the desirability of a trial of two Libyan suspects at The Hague, under a Scottish judge, under Scottish rules of evidence.

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have been asked to reply.

  My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has no plans to do so.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Television Licence Fees
  Mr. Coe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will announce the television licence fees which will take effect from 1 April 1996. [3911]

  Mr. Sproat
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 November 1995, Official Report, c. 818]: After further detailed scrutiny, an administrative error has come to light regarding the rounding of the figure for the new colour television licence fee payable from 1 April 1996. As a result of this additional review, licence fee payers will now have to pay only £89.50 for a colour television licence rather than the £90 initially announced.

  This change will not affect the BBC's ability to provide its wide range of television and radio services. The BBC's own financial planning should already have anticipated the level of funding that it could expect in the financial year 1996–97.

  This announcement does not affect the new black and white television licence fee, which will be £30 from 1 April 1996. The necessary regulations will be laid before the House in due course.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Morocco
  Mr. Anthony Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action Her Majesty's Government are taking to encourage the Government of Morocco to release Jamaa Ait Bakrim. [5660]

  Mr. Hanley
  Our embassy in Rabat have been in contact with the Moroccan Ministry of Human Rights about this case. We understand that Mr. Bakrim is accused of proselytising and that his case has gone to appeal.

  Gibraltar
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's position on the future of Gibraltar. [6250]

  Mr. David Davis
  The then Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Watford (Mr. Garel-Jones) made clear the Government's position in the House on 6 December 1990,Official Report, columns 188-89. It has not changed.

  First, and most important, Britain stands by its commitment to the people of Gibraltar, enshrined in the 1969 constitution. The Government will not enter into arrangements under which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the sovereignty of another state against their freely and democratically expressed wishes.

  Secondly, we continue to recognise the validity of the treaty of Utrecht, which established British title to Gibraltar. Article X of that treaty gave Spain the right of "first refusal" if Gibraltar ceased to he British. Any constitutional change would have to he compatible with the treaty of Utrecht and sustainable in practice.
  752
  Independence would be an option for Gibraltar only if Spain agreed.

  Thirdly, Spain is Gibraltar's immediate neighbour. The Government recognise the importance of negotiations with Spain, including through the Brussels process, to overcome the existing differences over Gibraltar. Our ultimate goal is to achieve a lasting solution which is acceptable to all parties and mutually beneficial.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5704]

  Mr. Hanley
  Both wings of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are committed to the Confederation of British Industry prompt payment code, which requires all invoices to be paid within the agreed credit period or within 30 days of receipt where no credit period has been agreed. The following table shows the percentage of invoices paid on time by the diplomatic wing, the Overseas Development Administration and the executive agencies Wilton Park and the Natural Resources Institute.

  DW

  ODA

  WP

  NRI

  1994–95

  92

  87

  95

  96

  1995–961

  92

  91

  100

  93

  1April-November.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5754]

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 7 November 1995,offical Report,column 694.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5743]

  Mr. Hanley
  The FCO—diplomatic wing and the Overseas Development Administration—has incurred £38,870 identifiable staff costs and £20,257 consultancy costs in administering the PFI to date. The resources required to administer the PFI are kept under review.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995. indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned.
  753
  (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5986]

  Mr. Hanky
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given by the then Minister of State, my right hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad) on 27 October 1994,Official Report, columns 760–61, and by the then Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Baldry) on 20 March 1995, Official Report, columns 48–49. The opinion survey in question has been published in the House of Commons Library.

  As part of a survey on the effectiveness of its external communications survey, the Overseas Development Administration commissioned National Opinion Poll to conduct a public opinion survey which looked generally at the way the public viewed the aid programme. This cost £3,705 plus VAT and was carried out in mid-November 1995.

  EC Consular Service
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to promote a European consular service to represent European Union citizens in third countries at the next intergovernmental conference. [5903]

  Mr. David Davis
  None. However, under article 8c of the EC treaty as revised at Maastricht, every citizen of the Union is entitled to protection by the diplomatic or consular authorities of any member state on the same conditions as the nationals of that state. This right has been implemented by decisions of the Council agreed in principle on 20 November 1995.

TRANSPORT

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5978]

  Mr. Norris
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  Fishing Vessels (Registration)
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he is taking to change the regulation for registration of fishing vessels from other EC countries at British ports. [4153]
  754
  Mr. Norris
  The regulations were amended to take account of our treaty obligations by the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Regulations 1993.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5695]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for Dover (Mr. Shaw) on 18 July,Official Report, columns 1211–12.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5728]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Nottingham, South (Mr. Simpson) by the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Mr. Norris), on 9 May,Official Report, column 349.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI; [5729]

  (2) if he will provide for schemes so far agreed under the PFI the level of financing costs above the current cost of Government borrowing for the scheme with (a) the highest financing costs and (b) the lowest costs. [5730]

  Mr. Watts
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 6 December,Official Report column 277.

  Departmental Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the total number and cost of all forms of fraud affecting his Department and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies, as set out in the returns to Her Majesty's Treasury for departmental fraud for each year since 1990–91; and if he will make a statement. [6137]

  Mr. Norris
  The information is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  Amount £

  1990–91

  3

  17,378

  1991–92

  7

  36,771

  1992–93

  10

  3,822

  1993–94

  15

  10,410

  1994–95

  9

  1176,896

  1 This includes the sum of £174,440 which reflects the losses suffered as a result of two overnight raids on departmental premises by thieves.

  Humber Bridge
  Mr. Jessel
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was(a) the total cost to public funds of constructing the Humber bridge (i) in capital costs and (ii) in accumulated revenue losses, (b) the amount of revenue loss in each of the last five years, (c) the charge for each vehicle crossing in each year since construction and (d) the number of vehicles of different types of vehicle crossing in each year; who pays the losses in respect of the bridge currently; what powers exist to control who pays the losses and what options are available under present legislation; and what changes he plans. [6161]

  Mr. Watts
  The cost of constructing the Humber bridge was met out of loans from the Department of

  Class

  June 1981 to 31 December 1985 £

  1 January 1986 to 31 December 1987 £

  1 January 1988 6 August 1989 £

  7 August 1989 to present £

  1) Motorcycles

  0.50

  0.60

  0.70

  0.70

  2) Private cars and light vans

  1.00

  1.20

  1.50

  1.60

  3) Cars and light vans with trailers

  2.00

  2.40

  2.90

  2.90

  4) Heavy commercial vehicles class A–2 axles

  4.50

  5.20

  5.20

  6.50

  5) Class B–3 axles

  6.00

  6.60

  6.60

  8.70

  6) Class C–4 or more axles

  7.50

  8.00

  8.00

  10.90

  7) Light commercial vehicles and minibuses

  2.00

  2.40

  2.90

  Merged with class three

  8) Buses and coaches

  4.50

  5.20

  5.20

  Merged with class four

  The number of vehicles using the crossing in each of those classes is:

  Description

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Motor-cycles

  44,070

  44,554

  46,073

  47,514

  Cars and light vans

  4,493,922

  4,740,806

  4,958,937

  5,081,583

  Cars and light vans with trailers (includes mini buses and light comm.)

  169.393

  179,654

  182,789

  186,959

  Heavy comm. 2 axles (includes service buses and coaches)

  139,427

  141,291

  144,120

  143,305

  Heavy comm. 3 axles

  27,296

  27,922

  28,941

  30,538

  Heavy comm. 4+ axles

  229,108

  228,732

  253,623

  257,799

  Heavy comm. sub total

  395,831

  397,945

  426,684

  431,642

  Exempt vehicles

  118,023

  127,563

  141,134

  161.272

  Total

  5,221,239

  5,490,522

  5,755.617

  5,908,970

  Under the present legislation, any deficits may be met by a precept upon three of the local authorities of Humberside. The Humber Bridge (Debts) Bill currently before Parliament will enable the Secretary of State to write off and suspend parts of that debt and so lift the risk of a substantial burden falling upon local council tax payers.

  Trans-European Networks
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies and other initiatives have been or are planned to be undertaken as a result of receiving funding from the trans-European networks; and what is their start and finish date and estimated costs. [6035]

  Mr. Watts
  As I explained in my reply to the previous question by the hon. Member for North Cornwall on 27 November,Official Report, column 267, only the 1995 funds for TENs have so far been allocated, and 75 per cent. of these have been allocated to the priority projects identified by the Essen European Council.
  756
  Transport and the Public Works Loan Board: this initial cost to Public Funds was £151 million. By September 1991 that opening debt had risen by £288 million to £439 million through the capitalisation of interest charges that could not be met out of toll revenue. From February 1992, grants under the Appropriation Acts have been paid to meet a capital repayment to the PWLB and unmet interest charges on the Department's loans. By March 1996 these will have totalled £168 million. Capitalised interest and grant Payments therefore represent a total extra cost of £456 million. In the last five years the revenue shortfall that has resulted in a capitalisation of debt or grant Payment has been approximately £39 million Per annum.

  The charges for each class of vehicle since the bridge opened are as follows:

  TENs funds are allocated against total eligible expenditure incurred in the year for which the funds are granted, but are not subsequently broken down as between the individual elements of eligible expenditure. A project begun in 1994, but not completed until 1995 or later, may therefore receive 1995 funds for the expenditure incurred on it in 1995 and thereafter.

  For the United Kingdom projects on the Essen list, the details are as follows:

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  (part of the Paris-Brussels-KoIn-Amsterdam-London High Speed Train link project)Continuation of feasibility study work begun in 1989 Study work expected to he completed 1997 Total eligible expenditure relating to 1995 funding: £25.6 million
  2. West Coast Main Line upgrading
  Completion of feasibility studies: studies to confirm cost estimates and for specialised design 757 Feasibility studies start date April 1994; design studies start date January 1995 Feasibility studies completed April 1995; design studies to be completed post 1999 Total eligible expenditure relating to 1995 funding: £12 million
  Ireland-UK-Benelux road link
  Studies of possible ways to increase M6 and Mll capacity, and of possible upgrading of junctions on Newry-Dundalk section of A1 Northern Ireland Studies start date: 1995 Studies completion date: Early 1996 Total eligible study costs: £6 million
  In addition, a number of smaller, mostly traffic management schemes were allocated funds in respect of study work carried out in 1995. The details for the one UK scheme concerned are as follows:
  Scheme title: ERTICO (European Co-ordination of Radio Data Systems-Traffic Message Control)Feasibility study of elements needed to establish a sustainable national service.Study work started September 1995; expected completion December 1997 Total eligible expenditure relating to 1995 funding: £900,000

  Spanish and Dutch-owned Vessels
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many Spanish and Dutch-owned vessels are registered in British ports, by port. [6026]

  Mr. Norris
  I have asked the chief executive of the Marine Safety Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 14 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Question about Spanish and Dutch owned vessels registered in British ports.
  I regret the information you have requested is not available.

  Roads (Cancelled Contracts)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many contracts for future road building have been cancelled consequent on the Budget review of the roads programme; and what has been the cost to his Department of paying compensation for cancelled contracts. [5663]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Halynes to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 14 December 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts. has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport, how many contracts for future road building have been cancelled consequent on the Budget review of the roads programme; and what has been the cost to his Department of paying compensation for cancelled contracts.
  No construction contracts have been cancelled as a result of the review. Commissions with design agents on 138 schemes are now being terminated, but no compensation has been paid to date.

  M25
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) at what time on 5 or 6 December a decision was made not to allow any more traffic to join the M25; [5875]

  (2) what public information announcements were made, and at what time, about conditions on the Surrey sections of the M25 on 5 and 6 December; [5876]

  (3) at what time gritting lorries from (a) Kent county council and (b) Surrey county council began gritting their sections of the M25 on 5 December. [5874]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Nicholas Ainger, dated 14 December 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about conditions on the M25 during the 5 and 6 December.
  Following salting overnight on 4/5 December, Kent County Council undertook gritting on their section of the M25 at 2pm. 5pm and throughout the evening on 5 December. Surrey County Council began their early salting programme at 4am on 5 December. carried out some random gritting at 4.15pm to deal with specific problem areas and took the decision at Gpm to start their main gritting programme for their section of the M25 at 7pm. Unfortunately. by that time, the motorway had become too congested and inaccessible for the gritting to be undertaken.
  At 3.45pm on the 5 December, Variable Message Signs were activated on the M25 to show speed limits and messages such as "ice on carriageways" and "slow ice skid risk". Signs showing "long delays M25 east" were turned on from Junction 11. At the same time, AA Roadwatch were notified so that they could advise local radio. They were updated at regular intervals. On 6 December. "long delay" signs were activated as far back as Junctions 13 and 14 from approximately 7am. Once again the AA Roadwatch continuously updated their advice to local radio.
  The decision to close the Kent bound carriageway of the M25 between Junctions 6 and 5 was taken by the police at approximately 7.50am on the 6 December. The closure lasted for two and a half hours until about 10.30 am. This was necessary to remove abandoned vehicles and to allow gritters onto the motorway.

  MI
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when phase 1 of the M1, junctions 25 to 28 will he completed; [5661]

  (2) when phase 2 of the M1, junctions 25 to 28 will he completed.[5662]

  Mr. Watts
  I have asked the chief executive of the Highways Agency to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. Graham Allen, dated 14 December 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads. Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking the Secretary of State for Transport. when Phases I and 2 of M1 Junctions 25 to 28 will he completed.
  Following the recent review of the roads programme. we will he concentrating on enhancing the junctions on this length of the M1 to make good use of the existing motorway. In taking any junction improvements forward. we shall take into account the responses to the public consultation into the widening proposals in September 1994. It is not possible to say yet when this work will he completed. The second phase of the scheme. which is the proposed widening to dual 4 lanes, is now in the longer term programme and the consultancy for this work is being terminated. Work on all longer term schemes will he taken forward as the main programme is completed.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Attorney General if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future of PFI work. [5719]

  The Attorney-General
  As indicated in my answer of 7 November Official Report, columns 668, the Law Officers' Departments have not used the PFI for any project to date, and costs so far incurred have been minimal. It is not possible to predict what schemes might be approved under the PFI in future or, therefore, to forecast future administration costs.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5720]

  The Solicitor-General
  No schemes have so far been approved by the Law Officers'Departments under the PFI and it is not possible to predict what schemes might be approved in future or, therefore, to forecast future revenue expenditure.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Attorney-General what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5709]

  The Solicitor-General
  The Departments for which the Attorney-General is responsible make every effort to settle invoices promptly. In 1994–95, the Serious Fraud Office paid 74 per cent. of invoices in accordance with contract terms or, where there were no such terms, within 30 days. The Crown Prosecution Service paid 81.4 per cent. of witness expense claims within 10 days.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings.[5983]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service has carried out one survey of public opinion in the three years to December 1995. This was designed to examine public awareness of, and attitudes towards, the CPS. The details requested arc as follows:

  (i) date commissioned: March 1993

  (ii) cost: £2.200

  (iii) researcher: Office of Population Censuses and Surveys

  760

  (iv) number of people surveyed: about 1800 adults

  (v) location and time scale: throughout England and Wales: one month

  (vi) individuals/organisations given access: the Director of Public Prosecutions and her Management Board, CPS Press and Publicity, Policy Group.

DEFENCE

  Stores Losses
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the value of goods and equipment reported lost, stolen or missing by each Army command in each year since 1990; and what was the value of any such goods and equipment subsequently recovered as a result of investigations. [5328]

  Mr. Soames
  Total stores losses written off in Army budget areas were as follows:

  Value £ thousand

  1992–93

  Adjutant General

  11.5

  Quarter Master General

  922.1

  Assistant Chief of the General Staff

  331.3

  HQBAOR

  1.506.4

  CINC UK Land Forces

  1.386.6

  1993–94

  Adjutant General

  4.9

  Quarter Master General

  1.037.0

  UK Support Command (Germany)

  1,431.7

  CINC UK Land Forces

  1.724.1

  GOC Northern Ireland

  316.4

  1994–951

  Adjutant General

  3.0

  Quarter Master General

  1,199.0

  Land Command

  1,877.3

  GOC Northern Ireland

  562.8

  1 These figures do not include Germany for which returns arc not yet available.

  Figures for earlier years or for recoveries could not he broken down in this way without disproportionate cost. Where, however, recovery is made in the same year as the loss is recorded, the figures are net of recovery.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide for schemes so far agreed under the PFI the level of financing costs above the current cost of Government borrowing for the scheme with(a) the highest financing costs and (b) the lowest costs. [5718]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 7 November 1995,Official Report, column 666.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5716]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Warley. West (Mr. Spellar) on 22 November 1995.Official Report, column 175.
  761
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI.[5717]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I refer the hon. Member to the replies I gave him on 22 November 1995,Official Report, column 666, and 7 December 1995, Official Report, column 343.

  Porton Down
  Mr. Nick Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what methods, other than experimentation on animals, have been used at Porton Down and elsewhere to test antidotes to chemical weapons. [5872]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 14 December 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what methods other than experimentation on animals have been used at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE), Porton Down to test antidotes to chemical weapons has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes CBDE as one of its divisions.
  CBDE continues to develop and use a range of in-vitro test systems for the identification and evaluation of medical countermeasures against chemical warfare agents. These systems include cell and tissue cultures, synthetic membranes and in-vitro diffusion systems.
  The military acceptability of proposed medical counter measures is assessed in service volunteers.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the chemical defence establishment at Porton Down filmed its LSD experiments on service volunteers during(a) Operation Recount, (b) Operation Small Change and (c) tests in the establishment's medical facilities. [5934]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 14 December 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking if the Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down filmed the LSD experiments on service volunteers during a) Operation Recount, b) Operation Small Change and c) tests in the Establishment's medical facilities has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA). The Chemical Defence Establishment has undergone a number of changes since the 1960s and is now known as the Chemical & Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) which is a division of DERA.
  Information held at CBDE suggests that some of these trials which, as you know were conducted about thirty years ago at Porton Down, were filmed. Unfortunately, in the time allowed to answer your question it has not been possible to recover the films and confirm this. I will write to you as soon as it has been possible to do so.
  I am sorry I cannot be more positive on this occasion.

  762
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many animals were used in experiments to test antidotes to chemical weapons in each of the last five years at(a) the Porton Down establishment and (b) elsewhere. [5873]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Nick Ainger, dated 14 December 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking how many animals were used in experiments to test antidotes to chemical weapons in each of the last five years at a) Potion Down and b) elsewhere has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which includes CBDE as one of its divisions.
  The number of animals used at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down in research programmes with the aim of evaluating medical countermeasures against chemical warfare agents for the last five years is detailed below:

  1990: 8,106

  1991: 4,964

  1992: 2,822

  1993: 2,498

  1994: 1,597

  No work is done elsewhere in the MoD using animals to test antidotes to chemical weapons.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5989]

  Mr. Soames
  The information is as follows:

  Date

  Survey title

  Commissioned by

  Report due/done

  Sample size

  November 1992

  ACIO Research

  Army

  February 1993

  2.000

  December 1992

  Army Officer Creative Development Research

  Army

  February 1993

  49

  March 1993

  Recruitment Advertising Strategy Research

  RAF

  June 1993

  35

  May 1993

  Officer Advertising Creative Development Research

  Army

  June 1993

  72

  December 1993

  NECL Creative Development

  MOD

  January 1994

  10

  763

  Date

  Survey title

  Commissioned by

  Report due/done

  Sample size

  Research

  December 1993

  Soldier Slogan Research

  Army

  December 1993

  Not Known

  February 1994

  Advertising Strategy Development Research

  RN

  May 1994

  120

  March 1994

  University Finalists Survey

  MOD

  July 1994

  Not Known

  March 1994

  NELC Research

  MOD

  June 1994

  2,400

  May 1994

  Slogan Confirmation and Creative Development Research

  Army

  June 1994

  118

  June 1994

  Army Recruitment Targeting Research

  Army

  July 1994

  900

  June 1994

  Asians Language and Communication Survey

  RN

  July 1994

  3,000

  August 1994

  NELC tracking—Autumn 1994

  MOD

  November 1994

  4,800

  September 1994

  Army Recruiting Advertising Tracking

  Army

  November 1994

  2,000

  November 1994

  Potential Officers Career Literature

  RAF

  February 1995

  250

  December 1994

  Army Tracking Stage 2

  Army

  April 1995

  2,000

  January 1995

  Tne Recruitment of Ethnic Minorities into the Armed Forces the Armed Forces

  RAF

  September 1995

  5,000

  February 1995

  NELC Tracking—Spring 1995

  Army

  May 1995

  4,800

  February 1995

  Welbeck—2

  Army

  April 1995

  400

  February 1995

  MORI Undergraduate Study

  Army

  May 1995

  1,500

  March 1995

  Officers Commissions Research

  Army

  June 1995

  300

  March 1995

  Research into the effectiveness of RNPT Presentations and audience targeting strategy

  RN

  May 1995

  1,200

  April 1995

  New Reserves Forces Legislation

  MOD

  August 1995

  Not Known

  May 1995

  Soldiers Creative Advertising Development Research

  Army

  June 1995

  30

  764

  Date

  Survey title

  Commissioned by

  Report due/done

  Sample size

  June 1995

  Advertising Tracking—Summer 1995

  Army

  July 1995

  2,000

  July 1995

  Officer Advertising Creative Development Research

  Army

  August 1995

  45

  September 1995

  Advertising Tracking—October 1995

  Army

  October 1995

  2,000

  September 1995

  Recruitment Conversion Rates

  Army

  November 1995

  125

  October 1995

  Navy Advertising Strategy Review

  RN

  Novembet 1995

  50

  October 1995

  Soldier Recruitment Advertising Campaign

  Army

  November 1995

  336

  October 1995

  Advertising Tracking—November 1995

  Army

  November 1995

  2,000

  October 1995

  TA Recruitment Advertising—Communication Research

  Army

  December 1995

  300

  November 1995

  RAF Marketing Review Research

  RAF

  December 1995

  2,103

  The findings of the surveys arc used for internal management purposes and are not normally available outside my Department. The costs of each survey and the identity of the individual companies are commercial in confidence.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5708]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Most of my Department's hills arc paid by the Defence Accounts Agency. The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency pays its own. I have asked the chief executives to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter front John Chisholm to Mr. Clive Betts, dated 14 December 1995:
  You asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of hills to his Department are paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or within 30 days of receiving goods or services or presentation of a valid invoice. I am replying on behalf of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).
  DERA contracts do not generally specify payment dates. It is. however. DERA policy to pay within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice. In fact. assuming that the 30 day period is measured front the point at which a validated invoice is received by our hill paying section. then virtually all bi are settled within 9 days.
  I hope this information is helpful to you.

  765
  Letter from P. J. Trevelyan to Mr. Clive Betts, dated 14 December 1995:
  I am replying to your question to the Secretary of State for Defence about the percentage of bills to his Department which were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. This matter falls within my area of responsibility.
  Ministry of Defence contracts do not generally stipulate a payment date. Payment performance is calculated from the date of receipt of a valid bill in our Liverpool payment office, which pays the vast majority of MOD's contract bills.
  The last year for which figures are available ran from October 1994 to October 1995. During this time 99.99% of bills were paid within 30 days of receipt of a valid bill. The Liverpool payment office also measures its performance against the higher departmental standard of payment within 11 days; 97% of bills were paid within this period.

  Departmental Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total number and monetary amount of all cases of(a) employee and (b) non-employee fraud and corruption within the Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies; for each year from 1990–91 to 1994–95 and for 1995–96 to date; what was the total sum subsequently recovered for each year; and if he will make a statement on the breakdown of fraud and corruption between (i) employees and (i) contractors and other staff. [6014]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The levels and value of reported non-procurement fraud and theft involving employees within the Department, its agencies and non-departmental public bodies since 1992–93 are as follows:

  Year

  Number of cases

  Value £thousand

  Value recovered £ thousand

  1992–93

  53

  200.0

  37.8

  1993–94

  107

  521.0

  74.7

  1994–95

  199

  1,057.7

  128.7

  1995–961

  74

  330.6

  26.5

  1To date.

  The levels and value of reported non-procurement fraud and theft since 1992–93 involving non-employees are as follows:

  Year

  Number of cases

  Value £thousand

  Value recovered £ thousand

  1992–93

  1

  4.9

  0.0

  1993–94

  1

  49.9

  0.0

  1994–95

  8

  37.9

  0.0

  1995–961

  5

  8.7

  1.7

  1To date.

  This breakdown is not available before 1992–93. The combined totals were:

  Year

  Number of cases

  Value £000s

  Value recovered £000s

  1990–91

  53

  984.0

  101.2

  1991–92

  45

  63.0

  22.5

  766
  With regard to procurement fraud perpetrated by contractors—including corruption and collusion involving MOD employees—he figures are as follows:

  Year

  Number cases

  Value £ thousand

  Value recovered £thousand

  1990–91

  23

  10.0

  No cash loss to MOD

  1991–92

  18

  150.0

  No cash loss to MOD

  1992–93

  27

  20.0

  No cash loss to MOD

  1993–94

  7

  1,511.5

  Recovery in hand

  1994–95

  10

  No cases yet concluded

  1995–961

  20

  No cases yet concluded

  1To date.

  Service Leave
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the normal arrangements for leave and home service between tours; and in how many cases in each year since 1992 those arrangements have been reduced, waived or suspended. [5480]

  Mr. Soames
  Annual leave entitlement varies between the services from 30 days to 42 days depending on rank, with the flexibility to carry forward up to 14 days from one year to the next. Additionally, there is provision under service regulations for periods of embarkation and disembarkation leave of between seven and 21 days depending upon marital status and overseas location. This is to enable personnel either to settle their affairs in the United Kingdom before proceeding on a tour of duty overseas or to settle themselves and their families after returning to United Kingdom.

  Personnel who are permitted or required to serve on a second consecutive and complete tour of duty overseas may be granted leave in the UK on completion of the first tour.

  Regular overseas tours outside north-west Europe are still commonplace in the Army. However, when a normal overseas tour has been completed, every effort will he made to post individuals for a further tour of at least 18 months in UK or north-west Europe before the next overseas posting on a normal tour.

  Posting and leave policy were subjects covered in the independent review carried out by Sir Michael Bctt. My Department is evaluating his proposals.

  The information on the number of cases in each year since 1992 where these arrangements have been reduced, waived or suspended is not held centrally and could he provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Accommodation (Scotland)
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations of all(a) Army barracks, (b) Royal Marine accommodation and (c) Royal Air Force accommodation in Scotland (i) currently operational. (ii) in the process of being refurbished and (iii) scheduled for closure within the next two years. [4082]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 8 December 1995]: Army barracks in Scotland are located as follows:

  Redford Infantry Barracks. Edinburgh

  Dreghorn Barracks. Edinburgh

  767

  Fort George. Inverness

  Barry Buddon Training Camp, Dundee

  Refurbishment of single living accommodation is not currently being undertaken at any of these sites, nor are any of them currently scheduled for closure in the next two years.

  Royal Marines single living accommodation in Scotland is located at:

  RM Condor, Arbroath

  Clyde Submarine Base, Faslane

  RN Armaments Depot, Coulport

  Refurbishment of single living accommodation is currently being undertaken at Condor. None of these sites is currently scheduled for closure in the next two years.

  RAF single living accommodation in Scotland is located at:

  RAF Buchan, Grampian

  RAF Kinloss, Grampian

  RAF Leuchars, Fife

  RAF Lossiemouth, Grampian

  RAF Macrihanish, Strathclyde

  RAF Saxa Vord, Shetland

  RAF Stornaway, Western Isles

  RAF Turnhouse, Lothian

  RAF Edzell, Grampian

  Refurbishment of single living accommodation is being undertaken at RAF Leuchars, RAF Turnhouse is scheduled for closure in 1997. The United States navy is to withdraw from Edzell by 30 September 1997, but alternative defence uses have not yet been ruled out.

  RAF Finningley
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what(a) buildings, (b) fuel tanks and (c) major fixed plants and equipment (i) have been demolished or removed at RAF Finningley 1) in the last three months and (2) in 1995 and (ii) are planned to be removed or demolished in 1996. [5221]

  Mr. Soames
  The following buildings at RAF Finningley:

  (a) have been demolished or removed in the last three months: Hut

  4 x Portakabin

  Hawk de-tuner

  (b) have been demolished or removed in 1995:

  as above plus:

  5 x Portakabin

  4 x Store

  Miscellaneous shed

  Office Block

  Latrine Blocks

  Rest Room

  (c) will be demolished or removed in 1996:

  2 x Dispersal hut

  5 x Portakabin

  768
  The following fuel tanks:

  (a) have been demolished in the last three months:

  1 x Oil storage tank

  4 x Bulk Fuel Installation

  (b) have been demolished in 1995:

  As above.

  (c) will be demolished in 1996:

  1 x Bulk Fuel Installation

  The following major items of fixed plant and equipment:

  (a) have been removed in the last three months:

  Catering Equipment—Junior Ranks Mess and Sergeants Mess

  (b) have been removed in 1995:

  As above.

  (c) will be removed in 1995:

  2 x Flight simulators

  3 x Synthetic trainers

  Catering Equipment—Officers Mess

  Vehicle wash

  Fixed Machine Tools

  Certain landing and navigational aids will be redeployed from RAF Finningley in 1996, to support RAF operations elsewhere. Further airfield equipment may he removed once future use of the site has been determined.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the total amounts paid by his Department in compensation for incidents involving low flying in each financial year since 1989–90; and if he will provide a breakdown of the figures into amounts paid for(a) property damage, (b) aircraft crash damage,
  (c) personal injury, (d) livestock and (e) other. [5183]

  Mr. Soames
  The amounts paid are as follows:

  Year

  Amounts £

  1989–90

  414,000

  (a) 174,000

  (b) 42,000

  (c) 31,000

  (d) 167,000

  (e) Nil

  1990–91

  427,000

  (a) 86,000

  (b) 5,000

  (c) 66,000

  (d) 270,000

  (e) Nil

  1991–92

  440,000

  (a) 54,000

  (b) 33,000

  (c) 33,000

  (d) 320,000

  (e) Nil

  1992–93

  506,000

  (a) 45,000

  (b) 216,000

  (c) 63,000

  (d) 182,000

  (e) Nil

  1993–94

  558.000

  (a) 81,000

  (b) 44,000

  (c) 51,000

  (d) 379,000

  (e) 3,000

  769

  Year

  Amounts £

  1994–95

  703,000

  (a)86,000

  (b)148,000

  (c)121,000

  (d)327,000

  (e)21,000

  The figures above for aircraft crashes do not include payments made by Defence Land Agents under delegated powers.

  The figures above include compensation paid in respect of both UK and visiting forces military low flying.

  Apache Helicopters
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where he plans to base the Army Air Corps' Apache helicopters. [5170]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No decision has yet been taken.

  Ministerial Offices
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much has been spent on furnishing and decorating ministerial offices in his Department in each of the last three years. [5566]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information requested for each of the last three financial years for Ministers' own offices is as follows:

  1992–93: £5,594.31

  1993–94: £7,663.20

  1994–95: £390.60

  There has been no expenditure during the current financial year.
  Official Hospitality

  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary for Defence how much his Department spent on official hospitality in 1994–95 and the financial year to date; and what is the 1995–96 projected budget for official hospitality. [5583]

  Mr. Soames
  During the financial year 1994–95, my Department spent £4.867 million on official hospitality, and, as at 1 November 1995, £3.099 million has been spent during the current financial year. Present forecasts indicate that approximately £4.843 million will be spent on official hospitality during financial year 1995–96. These figures include expenditure incurred by the Ministry of Defence itself, by formations and establishments of the armed forces at home and abroad, and by individual officers occupying command and international appointments for which entertainment allowances are payable.

  Nerve Agent Pretreatment Set Tablets
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice was issued to women in the armed forces serving in the Gulf between 1990 and 1991 as to pregnancy and childbirth in relation to NAPS tablets; and what medical considerations underlay this. [5475]
  770
  Mr. Soames
  No official advice was issued during the Gulf war concerning the taking of nerve agent pretreatment set tablets in relation to pregnancy and childbirth. Pyridostigmine bromide, the main ingredient of NAPS tablets, has no known contra-indications for pregnancy.

  Redundancies
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of redundancies in the armed forces in each year since 1992 and in 1995 to date; what has been the cost of redundancy payments and other related benefits and enhancements in each year; and which arms and sections of the defence forces were the source of such redundancies. [5479]

  Mr. Soames
  In the financial year 1992–93, there were 3,957 redundancies with payment of redundancy and other related benefits and enhancements of £232 million. There were 9,041 redundancies in 1993–94 and 11,095 in 1994–95 with total payments of £509 million and £453 million respectively. From April to November 1995, there have been 352 redundancies with payment totalling £24 million.

  These payments include special capital payments, and early payment of terminal grants, commuted pension payments and the first year's payment of immediate pensions.

  The Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force have all been subject to redundancy during this period. Redundancies were selected from all ranks, covering a wide range of categories and groups of personnel.

  Gulf War Syndrome
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral answer of 28 November,Official Report, columns 1043-44, what assessment his Department has made of the analysis conducted by Professor Garth Nicholson of the university of Texas on the relationship between mycoplasmas and the group of medical complaints collectively referred to as Gulf war syndrome. [5675]

  Mr. Soames
  As part of my Department's routine monitoring of research material relating to the alleged Gulf war syndrome, consideration has been given to Dr. Nicholson's paper titled "Summary of Persian Gulf War illness pilot study on mycoplasmic infections". It has been concluded, however, that Dr. Nicholson's study does not provide any substantial or conclusive evidence of a connection between illnesses among veterans, mycoplasma infections and service in the Gulf. We will continue to monitor all information hearing on this issue in conjunction with medical experts nominated by the Royal College of Physicians.

  Royal Irish Regiment
  Mr. McNarmara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current strength of the Royal Irish Regiment; how many are(a) part of the regular Army and (b) recruited in Northern Ireland for (i) full-time service in Northern Ireland and (ii) part-time service in Northern Ireland; and what were the corresponding figures for the last five years from 3 November. [5039]
  771
  Mr. Soames
  All members of the Royal Irish Regiment are formally part of the regular Army. However, the Royal Irish Regimentncy—Home Service—contains a large part-time element and is not liable for service outside Northern Ireland. Soldiers to serve in either the Royal Irish Regiment (General Service) or the Royal Irish Regiment (Home Service) may be recruited in Northern Ireland or elsewhere. The current strength of the regiment, and previous strengths at 1 April in the years since its formation in July 1992, is as follows:

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Current

  General service (Full time)

  839

  905

  900

  940

  Home service (Full time)

  2,917

  2,905

  3,056

  3,010

  Home service (Part time)

  2,696

  2,485

  2,257

  2,140

  Thefts
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many military personnel have been convicted of theft of military property in each year since 1990. [5329]

  Mr. Soames
  Service personnel charged and convicted of the theft of Ministry of Defence property were as follows:

  Charged

  Guilty

  1990–91

  10

  10

  1991–92

  3

  3

  1992–93

  1

  1

  1993–94

  11

  5

  1994–95

  9

  7

  Absence without Leave
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many members of(a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy and (c) the Royal Air Force are currently absent without leave; how many members of each of the services have been absent without leave at 1 April in each of the last five years; how many members of each of the services have been absent without leave in each of the last 12 months; what was the average length of absence for each service; and if he will make a statement on his policies for locating absent personnel and returning them to service; [5330]

  (2) how many personnel in each of the armed services who were first reported as absent without leave in each year since 1990, remain absent without leave. [5331]

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

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are his estimates of the planned and actual number of employees of his Department's police for each year from 1990–91 to 1998–99; and if he will make a statement. [6015]
  772
  Mr. Soames
  The actual number of staff employed by the MOD police for the years in question, as at 1 August each year, was:

  1990: 4,766

  1991: 4,962

  1992: 5,163

  1993: 5,026

  1994: 4,908

  1995: 4,714.

  The overall manpower requirements of the Ministry of Defence are kept under constant review, and we have recently issued for consultation proposals on our future defence police and guarding requirements.

  Mr. David Hart
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what circumstances Mr. David Hart is permitted to visit British defence manufacturers(a) as part of his duties as an independent adviser and (b) in an individual capacity; if he will list those firms which have been visited by Mr. Hart in the last 12 months; on which occasions his Department made the arrangements for these visits; who paid for the visits; and on what occasions the firms involved were given advance notice of the visit. [5933]

  Mr. Portillo
  During the last 12 months, Mr. David Hart visited British Aerospace and Loral in his capacity as the independent adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence. The visits were arranged by my officials; Mr. Hart paid for his own travel arrangements.

  Air Marshal Sir John Walker
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what relationship Air Marshal Sir John Walker currently has with his Department; and if he will make a statement. [5992]

  Mr. Soames
  Air Marshal Sir John Walker retired from the RAF on 5 January 1995. Since that time, he has had no formal relationship with my Department.

  Airspace Routes
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the criteria used to assess whether an advisory route class F airspace should be upgraded to an airway class A airspace; and if he will list all such advisory routes which have been so upgraded in the last five years. [5166]

  Mr. Norris
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for airspace planning. I understand that the CAA would consider upgrading an advisory route, class F airspace, to an airway, class A airspace. if there were more than 10,000 air transport movements a year on that route. During the last five years. there have been no advisory routes upgraded to an airway.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Connected Lender Liability
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the report on connected lender liability issued by the Director General of Fair Trading in May this year; and if he will make a statement. [6880]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  We have given careful consideration to the arguments and recommendations in the report but are not at present persuaded by them. We will establish more fully the factual evidence bearing on the questions at issue, in particular on the associated costs and benefits for consumers, creditors and other industries. Therefore, my Department will shortly issue a consultation document and we shall consider responses to it before reaching final decisions.

  Oil and Gas Licensing
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those areas in Wales for which companies have expressed an interest in the seventh onshore oil and gas licensing round. [6163]

  Mr. Page
  We are unable at the present time to release details of the areas applied for in the seventh round as this information could give a competitive advantage to an applicant when deciding on a work programme. Details of the areas applied for will be made available once the work programmes are agreed. However, I can say that applications have been received for five blocks in Wales. None of the applications is for acreage within the watery areas around Wales.

  Special Advisers
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many special advisers are employed by his Department; and what is the total annual salary bill for these posts. [5290]

  Mr. Lang
  I have one special adviser. Salaries for special advisers are negotiated individually in relation to their previous earnings, and are confidential. They are, however, normally paid on a special advisers' salary spine of 34 points ranging from £19,503 to £67,609. Appointments are non-pensionable, and the salary spine reflects this.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5696]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  A survey of the DTI's payment performance from December 1994 to October 1995 has just been completed. This has shown that, over the period. 93 per cent. of our bills were paid within 30 days or within the agreed credit period.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will provide forecasts for the current year and next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5732]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Although my Department has a number of PFI projects under consideration, none has been finally agreed and no revenue forecasts have been made.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5731]

  Mr. Taylor
  The private finance initiative within the DTI is one of the responsibilities of the MINIS—management information system for Ministers—unit within the finance and resource management division of my Department. This unit is expected to cost £249,000 in 1995–96 and broadly similar amounts for future years.

  Swan Hunter (Redundancy Payments)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the total amounts paid to date by the redundancy payments section to former employees of the Swan Hunter shipyard, Tyneside in respect of(a) compensation for insolvent employers' failure to give proper statutory notice, (b) redundancy payments from the national insurance fund, (c) payments received through protective awards made by industrial tribunals and (d) refunds of notional tax deducted in the calculation of routine payments. [6143]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information is as follows:

  Amount £

  (a) Compensation for the employer's failure to give proper statutory notice

  2,759,178

  (b) Statutory redundancy payments

  7,236,025

  (c) Protective award payments

  1,968,607

  (d) Refunds of notional tax deductions

  75,692

  The identity of the 20 largest purchasers of postmark advertising is commercially confidential. "The Health of the Nation" strategy is to encourage people to make healthy choices. It does not seek to discourage consumption of individual food products.

  Postmark Advertising
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much net and gross income was derived from sales of postmark advertising in the last three years; if he will list the 20 largest purchases of postmark advertising over the last year; and if he will make it his policy that the Post Office should ban the advertising of products whose consumption is discouraged in "The Health of the Nation" targets. [4953]
  775
  Mr. Oppenheim
  I understand from the Post Office that income from postmark advertising in the last three years has been as follows:

  Year

  £

  1993–94

  200,450

  1994–95

  138,680

  1995–961

  171,360

  lTo date.

  Protective Clothing (Toxic Gas)
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which headings of the export control order and the standard industrial trade classification cover(a) protective clothing for use against toxic chemical gas whether in an industrial or military setting and (b) equipment for the detection of toxic gas, and decontamination equipment for toxic gas; and in which years these products become licensable exports. [5476]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Protective clothing for defence against chemical warfare agents and equipment for the detection of them are controlled in entry ML7 of the Export of Goods (Control) Order (EG(C)0) 1994. This entry has been in force since at least 1978, but to go back further would incur disproportionate cost. Industrial equipment for detecting toxic gas is covered in entry 2B351, which came into force on 31 December 1992 under the EG(C)0 1992. Since 1 July 1995, the control exists through the Dual Use and Related Goods (Export Control) Regulations 1995. In addition, the "End Use" control applies to otherwise unlicensable goods where chemical weapons use is known or suspected. Under the standard industrial trade classification the categorisation system is too broad to positively identify the type of equipment in this enquiry.

  Miracle Products
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what resolutions were passed at recent meetings of the Council of Consumer Ministers relating to "miracle products"; if he will set out the terms of all resolutions; if he will make a statement on the definition of the term "miracle product"; and if he will make a statement. [6121]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  At its meeting on 9 November 1995, the EU Consumer Council of Ministers adopted a resolution on products presented as being beneficial to health, commonly referred to as "miracle products".

  The resolution asks the Commission, in close co-operation with the member states, to describe the current situation regarding:
  the practice in the trade of miracle products in the member states the functioning, at Community and national level, of existing mechanisms regarding the protection of consumers against these practices and to submit its findings to the Council by 1 November 1996 at the latest.
  "Miracle products" are those products, other than officially registered medicinal products, presented as having properties which prevent, diagnose, treat, alleviate
  776
  or cure diseases or complaints or adjust bodily functions or mental state, but where there is generally no scientific evidence to substantiate such claims or properties.

  We hope that the Commission's study will clarify for those member states which experience problems in this area the range of existing powers available to them for dealing with the advertising and promotion of miracle products.

  Mobile Telephones
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make cloning of mobile telephones a criminal offence. [4484]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  On 24 October,Official Report, column 549, I announced the recommendations of the industry and Government study group on mobile telephone fraud. One of the main recommendations was that the Government should consider extending the range of offences under section 42 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 so that it would cover the possession or supply of equipment capable of use in the course of, or in connection with, the current section 42 offence of dishonestly obtaining telecommunication services with intent to avoid payment. I am considering this recommendation carefully.

  Exports
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the value of exports from(a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland to the far east in each of the past five years; and if he will provide a breakdown by sector; [5110]

  (2) what was the (a) volume and (b) value of manufacturing exports per capita in each of the past five years for (i) England, (ii) Wales, (iii) Scotland and (iv) Northern Ireland; and if he will provide a breakdown by sector; [5111]

  (3) what percentage of Scottish exports consisted of (a) computers/electronics, (b) food and drink, (c) textiles and (d) all other exports, in the past five years. [5105]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Geographic analyses of United Kingdom exports are not available since information on the location of exporters is not comprehensive.

  Fur Imports
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to oppose the delay of the implementation of a ban on the import of furs caught by leghold traps into the European Union; and if he will make a statement. [3179]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Government have made clear the United Kingdom's firm support for a ban on leghold traps. and have been in the forefront in pressing for this worldwide. The Commission will be submitting proposals to the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament seeking postponement of the ban on imports of furs caught by this method. We shall he considering the details of these proposals when we see them.

  Post Office Profits
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to implement the proposal to allow the Post Office to keep 50 per cent. of its post-tax profits; and if he will make a statement. [5643]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 12 December 1995]We will continue to set external financing limits for the Post Office which reflect an appropriate balance between the needs of the business and its ability to contribute to public finances.

WALES

  Measles and Rubella Immunisation
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to the oral answer of 4 December,Official Report, column 11, if he will list the sources of the advice his Department has accepted on the safety of the measles and rubella immunisation programme; and if he will make a statement on representations his Department has received from parents dissatisfied with the effects of the MMR immunisation programme on their children. [5044]

  Mr. Richards
  On the safety of the measles and rubella immunisation programme I refer the hon. Member to the answers provided by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health on 6 November and 8 November.

  The Welsh Office has not received any representations from parents dissatisfied with the effects of the MMR immunisation programme on their children.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department spent on official hospitality in 1994–95 and the financial year to date; and what is the 1995–96 projected budget for official hospitality. [5589]

  Mr. Hague
  In 1994, the cost of hospitality, which is included in the running cost budget for my Department, was £28,784. The figure for 1995–96, up to 30 November 1995, was £12,598. The projected budget for 1995–96 is £28,000.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his oral answer to the hon. Member for Gravesham (Mr. Arnold),Official Report, 4 December, column 5, if he will publish a disaggregated breakdown for each year since 1980 of the inward investment to Wales by (a) region and (b) company involved. [5646]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  For reasons of commercial confidentiality for a number of recorded cases, I cannot provide details of the companies involved. However, I will write to the hon. Member separately with details of the origin of recorded inward investment since 1983, together with the destination of that inward investment. A copy of that correspondence will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5693]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roache) on 1 November 1995,Official Report, column 296.

  Waiting Times
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales for what reasons a patient waiting for consultation or treatment in the NHS can be disqualified from being considered covered by the total waiting time guarantee or its component parts; and what steps he has taken to ensure commonality of definition of the reasons for disqualification by Welsh health authorities, GP fundholders and trusts. [6151]

  Mr. Hague
  The operational guidance for total waiting times, issued to NHS Wales in March 1995, describes the circumstances under which patients waiting longer than the limits will not be judged as being in breech of the patient's charter guarantees. Health authorities, GP fundholders and hospitals are expected to work within the framework of the guidance. The Welsh Office will review the process when the relevant monitoring returns are received.

  A copy of the guidance has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Training for Work Programmes
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 11 December,Official Report, column 553, what steps he proposes to relate outcome-related payments to training and enterprise councils under training for work programmes for the long-term unemployed to the duration of the job obtained. [6149]

  Mr. Hague
  With effect from 27 March 1995, outcome-related payments for training for work trainees obtaining jobs became payable to training and enterprise councils in Wales, in two stages. Two-thirds of an agreed rate is payable after seven days continuous employment has been completed. within 13 weeks of a trainee leaving the programme. The remaining one-third becomes payable if the trainee is in employment eight weeks later.

  My officials are currently reviewing the effectiveness of this two-stage job outcome payment procedure.

  Welsh Grand Committee
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to publish a list of dates and venues of Welsh Grand Committee meetings in 1996. [5906]

  Mr. Hague
  In due course. The proposed changes to Standing Orders have yet to he debated by the House.

  Consultant and GP Cover
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what consultations he has had with the chairmen of local medical committees in Wales concerning the availability of(a) consultant and (b) general practitioner medical cover for elderly mentally ill patients and bed provision transferred from the NHS hospitals to private nursing homes; what provision he has made for specialist mid-career training in geriatric and psycho-geriatric medicine for GPs required to cover private nursing homes receiving such transferred bed capacity; and if he will make a statement. [6164]

  Mr. Hague
  Within the last 12 months there have been no such discussions, nor have any specific arrangements for mid-career training been made.

  Diabetics (Chiropody)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has had from organisations representing diabetics in relation to waiting times and lists for chiropody and on the clinical priority to be given to such treatment. [6139]

  Mr. Hague
  I am not aware of any representations. It is for health authorities to assess the health needs of their populations, and to decide on priorities for expenditure within their overall resources.

  Independent Schools
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many independent schools are operating in the current academic year. [5824]

  Mr. Richards
  There were 63 in Wales in September 1995.

  Consultant Cover
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairmen of Welsh health authorities concerning the transfer of appropriate geriatric and psycho-geriatric consultant cover corresponding to transfers of beds for the elderly mentally ill from NHS hospitals to private nursing homes. [6162]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  NHS Treatment
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what statistics he has on the number of patients waiting for in-patient treatment and out-patient diagnosis longer than the patients charter maximum for reasons relating to(a) exercising choice of consultants, (b) failure to attend for first out-patient consultation and (c) other reasons; and if he will make a statement. [6165]

  Mr. Hague
  All patients who have been on the in-patient or out-patient waiting lists for longer than the patients charter targets are reported to the Welsh Office and the numbers are published in "NHS Wales: Quarterly Statistics" available in the Library. No separate analysis is made of those patients who exercise a choice of consultants: to do so would impose an unacceptable administrative burden on hospitals. If patients who fail to 780
  attend for out-patient appointments are referred back to their GPs, they would normally be removed from the waiting list.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the Newport business school report compiling a league table of Welsh NHS trusts' commercial viability in relation to four key financial ratios. [6140]

  Mr. Hague
  Yes. I have made arrangements with the Newport business school for copies to be made available in the Library of the House as soon as possible.

  Prescription Charges
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the administrative cost of collecting prescription charges; and what this figure is as a percentage of the total revenue received from prescription charges. [6152]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr. Llwyd) on 22 June 1995,Official Report, column 417, total revenue received from prescription charges and prepayment certificates between April 1994 and March 1995 was £17.8 million. On this basis, the administrative costs shown represent about 18 per cent. of prescription charge revenue.

  School Visits
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on how many occasions over the past three years he, his predecessor or Ministers in his Department, have visited schools in West Glamorgan; and if he will list the schools concerned. [6127]

  Mr. Richards
  Schools visited in West Glamorgan over the past three years were as follows:

  Mr. David Hunt:

  April 1993—Bishopston Comprehensive School, Swansea

  Mr. John Redwood:

  April I994—Dynevor Comprehensive School, Swansea

  Mr. Rod Richards:

  July 1995—Bishop Gore Comprehensive School, Swansea

  November 1995—Bishops Vaughan Grant-Maintained

  Comprehensive School. Swansea.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State 14 Wales if he will provide revenue forecasts for current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5724]

  Mr. Hague
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 7 November 1995.Official Report, column 808.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5723]
  781
  Mr. Hague
  It is not practicable to isolate the costs of running the private finance initiative in all the many areas of my Department's work which it affects. The costs of the private finance unit, which co-ordinates this activity, are about £52,000 a year.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for the academic year 1994–95 in descending order the independent schools by the proportion of their

  1994–95 Academic Year

  School

  Roll

  APS pupils

  Percentage APS pupils on roll

  Average fees1 £

  Total2 received by schools £

  Howell's Denbigh

  286

  73

  26

  5,688

  368,215

  Howell's Cardiff

  689

  173

  25

  3,441

  460,586

  Christ College

  364

  88

  24

  5,616

  418,460

  Llandovery College

  239

  55

  23

  5,160

  281,347

  Monmouth Boys

  626

  144

  23

  4,551

  471,728

  Rydal Penrhos (Girls division)

  332

  61

  18

  5,599

  320,961

  Rydal Penrhos (Co-educational division)

  330

  52

  16

  6,095

  306,717

  Monmouth Girls

  631

  74

  12

  3,879

  203,552

  1Some schools charge different fees according to different stages in school.

  2 Accounts for 1994–95 not yet finalised.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department has spent on the operation of the assisted places scheme in each academic year since 1981; how many(a) pupils and (b) institutions were covered by the scheme; and what was the overspend on the budget allocated to the scheme. [5790]

  Mr. Richards
  Details on costs of the assisted places scheme by financial year are as follows. Costs by academic year are not available.

  Year

  Cost£

  Pupils

  Schools

  Overspend£

  1981–82

  160,783

  114

  9

  —

  1982–83

  274,777

  220

  8

  —

  1983–84

  459,626

  318

  8

  —

  1984–85

  626,876

  403

  8

  —

  1985–86

  842,488

  495

  8

  —

  1986–87

  1,519,772

  580

  8

  429,772

  1987–88

  1,394,246

  622

  8

  47,246

  1988–89

  1,359,681

  633

  8

  —

  1989–90

  1,589,392

  631

  8

  —

  1990–91

  1,756,283

  634

  8

  —

  1991–92

  2,064,813

  662

  8

  116,813

  1992–93

  2,457,230

  700

  8

  57,230

  1993–94

  2,621,261

  691

  8

  —

  1994–95

  2,771,504

  720

  8

  —

  Mr. Donohue
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which independent sector schools charged(a) the highest and (b) the lowest level of fees to pupils covered by the assisted places scheme in the academic year 1994–95; and what charges were levied. [5827]

  Mr. Richards
  The highest tuition fees of assisted places scheme participating schools in Wales in the academic year 1994–95 were Rydal school—senior pupils—and Colwyn Bay at £6,528, the lowest were £3,441 set by Howell's school, Cardiff.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many independent sector schools have had(a) more
  782
  school rolls made up of pupils covered by the assisted places scheme, and the total number of pupils on the school roll; what proportion of the roll at each school was covered by the scheme; how many pupils were covered by the scheme at each school; how many pupils were on the roll of each school; what level of fees was charged for pupils under the scheme at each school; and what sums were received by each school under the scheme. [5902]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is as follows:

  than 25 per cent. (b) more than 50 per cent. and (c) less than 5 per cent. of their school rolls made up of pupils covered by the assisted places scheme for each academic year since 1981. [5807]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  More than 25 per cent.

  More than 50 per cent.

  Less than 5 per cent.

  1981–82

  —

  —

  —

  1982–83

  1

  —

  3

  1983–84

  1

  —

  1

  1984–85

  1

  —

  —

  1985–86

  2

  —

  —

  1986–87

  2

  —

  —

  1987–88

  2

  —

  —

  1988–89

  —

  —

  —

  1989–90

  —

  —

  —

  1990–91

  —

  —

  —

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  1992–93

  —

  —

  —

  1993–94

  —

  —

  —

  1994–95

  2

  —

  —

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many schools covered by the assisted places scheme received(a) more than £1 million, (b) over £750,000, (c) over £500,000 and (d) over £250,000 under the
  assisted places scheme for each academic year since 1981. [5817]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is as follows:

  Year

  Over £1 million

  Over £750,000

  Over £500,000

  Over £250,000

  1981–82

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1982–83

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1983–84

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984–85

  —

  —

  —

  —

  783

  Year

  Over £million

  Over £750,000

  Over £500,000

  Over £250,000

  1985–86

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1987–88

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1988–89

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1989–90

  —

  —

  —

  2

  1990–91

  —

  —

  —

  3

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  4

  1992–93

  —

  —

  —

  5

  1993–94

  —

  —

  —

  7

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  7

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made by his Department in taking forward proposals for the expansion of the assisted places scheme; and how much his Department estimates this will cost in future financial years for which figures are available when this has been achieved. [5821]

  Mr. Richards
  I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to the right hon. Member for Conway (Sir W. Roberts) on 29 November,Official Report, columns 757-58 The estimated cost of the scheme for the financial year 1996–97 is £3.781 million.

  Local Education Authority Expenditure
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average amount of money spent by his Department on a pupil in a public sector school at(a) primary and (b) secondary level for each academic year since 1981. [5796]

  Mr. Richards
  Figures of net institutional expenditure per pupil, based on local education authorities' expenditure, for 1980–81 to 1992–93, are contained in the Welsh Office's education finance bulletin, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. Figures for 1993–94 are currently being calculated and as soon as they become available, they will be incorporated in a new issue of the bulletin.

  NHS Trusts
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list each NHS trust in Wales together with an assessment of whether it reaches the Government's requirements to(a) achieve the 6 per cent. rate of return on average net assets, (b) break even, taking one year with another and (c) remain within the external financing limit. [5904]

  Mr. Richards
  Information on the financial performance of NHS trusts in Wales is contained in the annual reports they are required to produce. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will assess the financial performance of the NHS trusts in Wales in utilising appropriate financial ratios. [5905]

  Mr. Richards
  No. The financial performance of NHS trusts in Wales will continue to be assessed against the statutory duties, established by the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, to break even. taking one year with another; manage their external financing limits and record a required rate of return.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Benefits (Disabled People)
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the recent changes in allowances for people with disabilities. [3853]

  Mr. Burt
  I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Griffiths) on 12 December,Official Report, column 621.

  Housing Benefit
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the estimated number and percentage of single people aged under 25 years who are in employment and claiming housing benefit; and what assessment he has made of the impact that restricting housing benefit to the average cost of local shared accommodation for single people aged under 25 years will have on(a) labour mobility and (b) work incentives. [4553]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The estimated number of single childless people under 25 in employment and claiming housing benefit is 29,000. This is 3 per cent. of the total number of single childless people under 25 who live away from the parental home.

  Housing benefit will continue to meet in full rents up to the general level of non self-contained accommodation in the locality. It will not prevent those affected from moving in search of employment. It is likely to increase work incentives by improving the position of those in work and above benefit levels, compared with those dependent wholly on benefits.

  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if carpal tunnel syndrome caused by the use of a word processor is listed as a industrial injury which is open to compensation and if he will make a statement. [4512]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Carpal tunnel syndrome is eligible for benefit under the industrial injuries scheme only in relation to hand-held vibrating tools. Compensation from a negligent employer may be sought at common law through the civil courts for any work-related injury.

  Cold Weather Payments
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what mechanisms exist for liaison between his Department and the Departments of Health and of the Environment in respect of(a) cold weather credits and (b) the Christmas bonus; and if he will make a
  statement on recent discussions in this area. [4541]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  All three Departments continue to liaise effectively on the issues raised by the campaign for cold weather credits, although there have been no recent discussions on any specific proposals.

  The Christmas bonus is paid under the relevant social security legislation. Liaison with the Departments of Health and of the Environment is not appropriate.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which national climatological message
  785
  stations cover post codes BB8, BB9 and BB12 in respect of the cold weather payments regulations. [4952]

  Mr. Evans
  Post codes BB8, BB9 and BB12 are served by the Meteorological Office weather station at Wilsden, west Yorkshire. All weather stations and the area they cover are listed in the schedules to the social fund cold weather payments regulations, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Bettts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5697]

  Mr. Burt
  Since 1992, this Department has conducted an annual exercise to establish what proportion of bills for goods and services have been paid timeously—that is within any special terms agreed, or if none exist within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice, whichever is the later. Details of the percentage of payments made timeously from 1992–93 are in the table.

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  DSS HQ

  90

  97

  89.5

  Benefit Agency

  93

  95

  96

  Contributions Agency

  93

  99

  99

  Resettlement Agency

  96

  87

  98

  Child Support Agency

  95

  90

  96

  Information Technology Services Agency

  96

  95

  99

  War Pensions Agency

  Part of BA

  89

  96

  Total

  94

  94

  96

  Asylum Seekers
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had with local government representatives on the financial effects of the Asylum and Immigration Bill and the Social Security (Persons from Abroad) Amendment Regulations; and if he will make a statement. [6012]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Local authorities have been consulted on these proposals through their associations, and many of them also made representations to the Social Security Advisory Committee. We shall publish our response shortly.

  Departmental Fraud
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the total number and cost of all forms of fraud affecting his Department and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies, as set out in the returns to Her Majesty's Treasury for departmental fraud for each year since 1990–91; and if he will make a statement. [6138]

  Mr. Heald
  The Department's annual returns to Her Majesty's Treasury for years 1990–91 to 1993–94 are set out in Table 1. Since the number of full-time fraud investigators dealing with departmental fraud was 786
  increased in 1993, the number of successful investigations has increased. The return for 1994–95 is set out in the table 2.

  Table 1

  Year

  Number of cases in which disciplinary action taken

  Loss to public funds

  1990–91

  14

  £45,892

  1991–92

  8

  £18,962

  1992–93

  22

  £138,608

  1993–94

  15

  £114,780

  Table 2: Fraud established in completed investigations (1994–95)

  Number

  None

  146

  Travel and subsistence

  11

  False accounting

  1

  Failure to receipt

  2

  Unauthorised access

  15

  Unauthorised disclosure

  3

  Giro/order book fraud

  6

  Theft

  2

  False employment details

  3

  Other

  13

  Total completed

  202

  Total where fraud established

  56

  Established loss to public funds in 1994–95

  Total

  £169.145.76

  Research Projects
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5974]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available is given. Information on the time scale of individual research projects and surveys could he obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  GENERAL

  1. War Pensions Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey 1994

  (i) Commissioned December 1994

  (ii) Cost £93 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Public Attitude Surveys ltd.

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1.350

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series October 1995

  2. Contributions Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey 1993

  (i) Commissioned June 1993

  (ii) Cost £160 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—British Market Research Bureau International (BMRB)

  787

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—5,958 plus 20 depth interviews

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series July 1994

  3. Contributions Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey 1994

  (i) Commissioned June 1994

  (ii) Cost £154 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—6,545

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series July 1995

  4. Contributions Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey 1995

  (i) Commissioned July 1995

  (ii) Cost £107.5 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—4,000

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Due to be published mid-1996 in the DSS Research Series

  5. Resettlement Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey 19931

  (i) Commissioned Summer 1993

  (ii) Cost £40 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—428

  (v) Location—All Resettlement Units

  (vi) Availability—Report received. Report to be published early in 1996 with the 1994 survey

  6. Resettlement Agency Customer Satisfaction Survey 19941

  (i) Commissioned Autumn 1994

  (ii) Cost £19.5 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—210

  (v) Location—All Resettlement Units

  (vi) Availability—Report received. Report to be published early in 1996

  7. Child Support Agency National Client Satisfaction Survey 1993

  (i) Commissioned Spring 1993

  (ii) Cost £160 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Market and Opinion Research International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1,882

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series July 1994

  8. Child Support Agency National Client Satisfaction Survey 1994

  (i) Commissioned July 1994

  (ii) Cost £225 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Market and Opinion Research International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3,233

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series July 1995

  9. Child Support Agency National Client Satisfaction Survey 1995

  (i) Commissioned June 1995

  (ii) Cost £295K

  (iii) Contractor—Market and Opinion Research International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—2337

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received

  788

  10. The Benefits Agency National Customer Survey 1993

  (i) Commissioned May 1993

  (ii) Cost £187 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Public Attitude Surveys Limited

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3.500

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published by BA Spring 1994

  11. The Benefits Agency National Customer Survey 1994

  (i) Commissioned June 1994

  (ii) Cost £211 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Public Attitude Surveys Limited

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3,324

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published by the BA April 1995

  12. The Benefits Agency National Customer Survey 1995

  (i) Commissioned July 1995

  (ii) Cost £175 thousand (plus VAT)

  (iii) Contractor—Public Attitude Surveys Limited

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3,500

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received.

  13. Educating Employers: Evaluation of Employer Educational Surveys

  (i) Commissioned October 1993

  (ii) Cost £35.5 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Public Attitude Surveys (PAS) Limited

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1.543

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series August 1994

  14. Managing Money in Later Life

  (i) Commissioned May 1994

  (ii) Cost £40 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Social and Community Planning Research (SCPR)

  (iv) number of people interviewed—52

  (v) Location—Brentwood, Bridlington, Folkestone, Leeds, London, Manchester, Poole, Reading, Stoke-on-Trent, Worcester, South Wales, Devon, Hampshire, Leicestershire and Yorkshire

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series August 1995

  15. Public knowledge of the national insurance system and attitudes towards the contributory principle.

  (i) Commissioned January 1994

  (ii) Cost £21.5 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Office of Population Censuses and Surveys (OPCS)

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—2,028

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report circulated internally in DSS. Data deposited in ESRC data archive

  16. Survey of public perceptions of non-state pensions.

  (i) Commissioned February 1995

  (ii) Cost £40 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—OPCS

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1.989

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—To be published in DSS in-house series (December 1995)

  789

  17. Public perceptions of the level of confidentiality afforded to DSS customers.

  (i) Commissioned October 1994

  (ii) Cost £26 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Alan Hedges

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—70

  (v) Location—London, Reading, Huddersfield and Birmingham

  (vi) Availability—Report not yet received.

  18. The Use and Contribution of Child Benefit within the Family Budget

  (i) Commissioned September 1993

  (ii) Cost £13 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Centre for Research in Social Policy, University of Loughborough

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—69

  (v) Location—Leicester and Melton Mowbray

  (vi) Availability—Report published

  19. Lone Parents, Work and Benefits

  (i) Commissioned February 1994

  (ii) Cost £100 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Policy Studies Institute

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—880

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received

  20. Evaluation of the Newcastle in-work benefits initiative

  (i) Commissioned March 1993

  (ii) Cost £10 thousand (DSS contribution)

  (iii) Contractor—Alan Hedges

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—100

  (v) Location—Newcastle

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS in-house series July 1994

  21. The role of Advice Centres and Local Offices in the provision of advice and information about Social Security.

  (i) Commissioned October 1993

  (ii) Cost £50 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Centre for Research in Social Policy, University of Loughborough

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—300

  (v) Location—South Yorkshire, East Anglia, London

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series April 1995.

  22. First Time Customers

  (i) Commissioned May 1993

  (ii) Cost £113 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Social Policy Research Unit, University of York

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3,700

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS Research Series May 1995.

  23. Customer satisfaction with BA local office service

  (i) Commissioned October 1994

  (ii) Cost £38 thousand

  (iii) Contractor-Social and Community Planning Research

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—91

  (v) Location—three local offices

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received.

  24. Customer contact with the Benefits Agency

  (i) Commissioned May 1995

  790

  (ii)Cost £211 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Centre for Research in Social Policy. University of Loughborough

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3,200

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received.

  25. Deterrent effects of prosecution

  (i) Commissioned January 1995

  (ii) Cost £48 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Policy Studies Institute

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—45

  (v) Location—three local offices

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received.

  26. Communications between Income Support customers and the Benefits Agency

  (i) Commissioned September 1995

  (ii) Cost £17 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—British Market Research Bureau International

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—36

  (v) Location—three local offices

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received.

  27. Evaluation of One Stop: One Place

  (i) Commissioned September 1994

  (ii) Cost £68 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Research Services Limited

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—3,100

  (v) Location—six local offices

  (vi) Availability—Report published in DSS in-house series June 1995.

  28. CA Leaflet research

  (i) Commissioned July 1994

  (ii) Cost £19 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Winstanley Douglas Grantham

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—184

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received November 1995. Internal CA distribution only.

  29. Social Security Advice Line for Employers (SSALE)

  (i) Commissioned March 1994

  (ii) Cost £42 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—IFF Research

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1,000

  (v) Location—Newcastle

  (vi) Availability—Report received September 1994, Internal CA distribution only.

  30. Tripartite Telephone helpdesk research

  (i) Commissioned September 1995

  (ii) Cost £33 thousand (plus VAT)

  (iii) Contractor—IFF Research

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1.800

  (v) Location—Scotland

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received.

  31. CA customer service general research

  (i) Commissioned December 1994

  (ii) Cost £17 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—28

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received March 1995. Internal CA distribution only.

  791
  Research Relevant to Specific Policy Proposals

  1. Evaluation of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA): Survey of Unemployed Claimants

  (i) Commissioned June 1995

  (ii) Cost £443.6 thousand1

  (iii) Contractor—Centre for Research in Social Policy (CRSP)

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—850 (baseline survey pre-JSA, with a similar number after the introduction of JSA)

  (v) Location—National

  (vi) Availability—Final reports not yet received 1 DSS share of costs over 4 years—project jointly funded with DfEE and ES

  2. BA/ES pilot evaluation

  (i) Commissioned early 1993

  (ii) Cost £50 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Public Attitude Surveys Limited

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1,260

  (v) Location—55 Employment Service job centres

  (vi) Availability —Report published by PAS March 1994

  3. Lone Parent Caseworker Pilots

  (i) Commissioned February 1995

  (ii) Cost of £141 thousand

  (iii) Contractor-Centre for Research in Social Policy, University of Loughborough

  (iv) Number of people interviewed-I,000

  (v) Location—Folkestone, Rochdale, Stevenage, West Notts.

  (vi) Availability—Final report not yet received

  4. Anti-Fraud attitude survey

  (i) Commissioned September 1993

  (ii) Cost £24 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Research Surveys of Great Britain Ltd (RSGB)

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1,022

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received September 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  5. Anti-Fraud campaign strategy development

  (i) Commissioned July 1992

  (ii) Cost of £33 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Reflexions

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—117

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received August 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  6. Why Translate? Pilot Study

  (i) Commissioned november 1993

  (ii) Cost £20 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—MORI

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—112

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received November 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  7. Incapacity Benefit: Advisors and GPs

  (i) Commissioned January 1995

  (ii) Cost £31 thousand

  (iii)Contractor—DVL Smith

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—30

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received February 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  792

  8. Family Credit campaign tracking

  (i) Commissioned April 1993

  (ii) Cost £33 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—RSGB

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—1.200

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received June 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  9. DWA/MENCAP Video Evaluation

  (i) Commissioned November 1993

  (ii) Cost £10 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Winstanley Douglas Grantham

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—14

  (v) Location-national

  (vi) Availability—Report received November 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  10. DWA data base evaluation

  (i) Commissioned November 1993

  (ii) Cost £15 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Recruitment and Assessment Services (RAS)

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—502

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received November 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  11. DWA Advisors Monitor

  (i) Commissioned April 1993

  (ii) Cost £26 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—MAI

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—46

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received April 1993. Internal DSS distribution only

  12. You and Disability Responders

  (i) Commissioned March 1995

  (ii) Cost £20 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—375

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received March 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  13. Pensions Publicity Awareness

  (i) Commissioned October 1995

  (d) Cost £24 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—BMRB

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—20,650

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received October 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  14. Disability Strategic Development

  (i) Commissioned May 1995

  (ii) Cost £57 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Andrew Irving Associates

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—96

  ( v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received July 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  15 Working with Benefits tracking

  (i) Commissioned June 1995

  (ii) Cost £126 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Research International

  793

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—2,400

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received August 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  16. Unemployed Lifestyles

  (i) Commissioned September 1995

  (ii) Cost £48 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—Andrew Irving Associates

  (iv) Number of people interviewed —115

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received October 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  17. NICS Holiday

  (i) Commissioned September 1995

  (ii) Cost £32 thousand

  (iii) Contractor—NOP

  (iv) Number of people interviewed—80

  (v) Location—national

  (vi) Availability—Report received October 1995. Internal DSS distribution only

  The Department's Research Programme is announced each year. Details and overall costs of all projects are set out in the Department's Research Yearbook, published annually by HMSO, copies of which are available in the Library. Previous editions cover projects from 1989 onwards; the Yearbook for 1994–95, to be published today (14th December) will contain details of current projects.

  Mental Illness
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimates he has made of days lost at work because of mental ill health in each of the last five years. [6108]

  Mr. Heald
  Information is not available in the format requested.

  The available information in the table relates to the number of days of certified incapacity recorded in connection with claims to sickness benefit and/or invalidity benefit, and claims to severe disablement allowance from 6 April 1992. The data cannot be taken as a total of the days lost at work because no account can be taken of those who have entitlement to Statutory sick pay from their employer, for which no figures are available. Figures also include claimants unemployed, and people who have never worked, prior to the time of their claim to benefit.

  Number of days certified incapacity of claimants for State incapacity benefits due to mental disorder

  Period

  Number of days

  3 April 1989 to 31 March 19901

  79,670,000

  2 April 1990 to 30 March 19911

  91,479,000

  1 April 1991 to 4 April 19921

  105,849,000

  6 April 1992 to 3 April 19932

  159,994,000

  5 April 1993 to 2 April 19942

  172,251,000

  Notes:

  1Sickness Benefit and Invalidity Benefit claims only.

  2Sickness Benefit, Invalidity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance claims.

  1. Based on a 1 per cent. sample of claimants within Great Britain. rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many claims there have been for the new incapacity benefit within the Merthyr benefit district; and how many of these were claimants with mental health problems; [4102]

  (2) how many claims for incapacity benefit have been made since April in the Merthyr benefit area; how many of these have been from (a) men and (b) women; and how many have been successful. [4100]

  Mr. Burt
  This is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter front Peter Mathison to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 13 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about how many claims there have been for the new Incapacity Benefit within the Merthyr benefit district; how many of these were claimants with mental health problems; how many of the new claims have been from (a) men and (b) women; and how many have been successful.
  Information is not available in the format requested. Statistics on the number of new claims are collated at District level. There have been 6,230 new claims for Incapacity Benefit, during the period 13 April to 1 December, in the Eastern Valleys District. This District comprises of the Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare. Bargoed and Caerphilly offices.
  Information about how many customers within the Merthyr Tydfil office who have claimed Incapacity Benefit and who are suffering with mental health problems could he obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  Statistics are not kept on the number of men or women who have claimed Incapacity Benefit.
  Figures for the number of successful claims to Incapacity Benefit are not available. Statistics are only available for the number of claims disallowed. In the Merthyr Tydfil office, 310 claims to Incapacity Benefit were disallowed during the period 13 April 1995 to 1 December 1995. This figure may include claims made before 13 April 1995.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average waiting period between an application for a war pension appeal and an appeal hearing. [5005]

  Mr. Heald
  This is a matter for Mr. John Sheppard, the acting chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Sheppard to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 13 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about War Pensions appeals.
  There are two different types of War Pension appeal. An entitlement appeal can he made against the decision that there is no entitlement to a War Disablement Pension. An assessment appeal may he made where the pensioner awarded a War Disablement Pension disagrees with the assessment of his disability.
  The War Pensions Agency (WPA) is responsible for preparing the appeal papers for the independent Pension Appeal Tribunals (PAT), who come under the jurisdiction of the Lord Chancellor's Department. The PAT consider all War Pension appeals and are responsible for arranging appeal hearings.

  795
  Once an appeal has been lodged the WPA looks at all the evidence afresh and is then required to produce a Statement of Case. This is a complex document detailing all the relevant evidence which is sent to the appellant for comment before being submitted to the PAT. The average time taken by WPA to complete this action in 1995/96, is 263 working days for an assessment appeal and 326 days for an entitlement appeal. These average times are longer than would normally be the case and are a reflection of the considerable increase in appeals that occurred in 1994. The WPA has also been phasing in a new computer system and a major restructuring of the organisation this year, but now that these changes are complete, there should be a gradual and sustained improvement in the clearance of appeals.
  Once the Statement of Case is with the PAT they make the arrangements for the appeal to be heard. They too have been affected by the increase in appeals over the last couple of years. The average time taken since April for the PAT to schedule a hearing following receipt of the Statement of Case from WPA is 42.35 weeks.
  The PAT has also addressed the problem by increasing the number of courts held each day. These have increased from 4-5 at the end of 1994, to 7-8 now, and the intention is to further increase the number to 10 next April. In addition there has been an increase in the number of cases heard each day by each court.
  I hope you find my reply helpful.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total number of war pension appeals outstanding; what was the number of such appeals originally in each year of original claim; and how many were outstanding at(a) 31 December 1994 and (b) 31 December 1993. [5489]
  796
  Mr. Heald
  These are matters for Mr. John Sheppard, the acting chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Sheppard to Mr. Jim Cousins, dated 13 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of outstanding War Pension appeals.
  There are two different types of appeal. An entitlement appeal may be lodged where the Agency has been unable to accept that a particular medical condition has been caused by service in the Forces; an assessment appeal can be made where the appellant disagrees with the assessment of disablement arising from an accepted condition.
  The table below shows the number of appeals outstanding within the Agency on the dates you refer to.

  31 December 1993

  31 December 1994

  30 November 1995

  Entitlement

  8,857

  7,102

  6,085

  Assessment

  6,949

  8,263

  6,617

  Total

  15,806

  15,365

  12,702

  I am unable to break down these figures to show the years of the original claims because there are no time limits for making entitlement appeals and different time limits depending on the type of assessment appeal. It does not follow, therefore that the appeals received in any period are related to decision made in any specific earlier period. Indeed, some entitlement appeals are made up to 20 or 30 years after the original decision on the claim.
  I hope you find this information useful.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Drownings (Bangor)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his Department's responsibility for the river flowing from Clandeboye estate into the Kilcooley estate in Bangor where two children drowned on the night of 15 November. [2508]

  Mr. Moss
  This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and I am advised by the chief executive that the section of the watercourse in question forms the boundary between the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and a private housing development. The Housing Executive, as the riparian owner of that part of the stream adjacent to the estate, has joint responsibility for its maintenance to ensure a free flow of water, and carries out maintenance on a monthly basis.

  Royal Family (Pictures)
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his policy with respect to the display by civil servants in their offices of pictures of members of the royal family. [3219]

  Sir John Wheeler
  There are circumstances in which the display of a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen or other members of the royal family is officially approved. The display of any pictures by individual civil servants in their offices is, of course, subject to civil service policy on promoting a good and harmonious working environment for all its employees.

  Central Services Agency
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what stage has been reached in the market testing of the legal services of the central services agency for the health and public social services. [5018]

  Mr. Moss
  On 25 September 1995, the chief executive of the management executive established a project hoard to take forward this market test. The project board is finalising the form of the tender documents, and a public notice inviting interested parties to tender is imminent.

  Legal Services
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in what way the current proposals for market testing of legal services avoid offending public probity as expressed by the chief executive of the management executive in a letter to the general manager of the Northern health and social services hoard dated 2 February. [5019]

  Mr. Moss
  The present proposal to market test legal services will use a process and deliver a product which will comply with the full rigour of public probity. It will observe generally accepted principles of full and open competition and aim to produce a framework from which health and personal social services clients will he able to obtain value for money legal services.

  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how the arrangements for the market testing of the 798
  legal services directorate differ from those applied to other public sector services in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. [5021]

  Mr. Moss
  The legal services directorate of the Central Services Agency provides legal services to a range of clients operating within the health and personal social services. These clients are acting together through a project board to market test legal services. In this respect, the approach may be perceived as different from that adopted in the majority of market tests, where there is usually a single customer. In addition, the market test involves the creation of a list of firms with the requisite competency to undertake the work. This approach will give users a choice of legal representatives.

  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who was responsible for producing the draft arrangements for the provision of legal services to HPSS clients. [5020]

  Mr. Moss
  The "Protocol for the Management of Legal Cases in the Health and Personal Social Services" was produced by the Central Services Agency in consultation with the chief executive of the management executive.

  Local Enterprise Development Unit
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was expenditure has been incurred by LEDU in respect of promoting equality of economic opportunity throughout Northern Ireland. [4778]

  Mr. Ancram
  LEDU is fully committed to supporting the elimination of all forms of unlawful discrimination in employment and to using its services to help to secure the objectives of the fair employment, sex discrimination and disabled persons legislation, and seeks to ensure equality of opportunity and fair treatment for all in the implementation of all its programmes.

  In addition, LEDU is fully committed to the Government policy of targeting social need and has committed funding of £3,658,349 so far in 1995–96 to client companies and individuals operating in disadvantaged areas.

  Larne Lough
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the environmental impact of shellfish cultivation in Larne lough; and what action he has taken to ensure that the objectives set out in the draft conservation plan for Larne lough special protection area. [4798]

  Mr. Moss
  Before issuing licences for shellfish farming, the Department of Agriculture consults the Department of the Environment to establish whether the proposals would have a detrimental environmental effect. The Department of the Environment considers the proposals in the context of the information that it holds on the flora and fauna of the littoral and sub-tidal habitats and any other plans or proposals for the area. Both Departments also consider any risk arising from the introduction of non-native species. In addition to the steps outlined above, the Department of the Environment will
  799
  monitor bird populations and marine and coastal habitats, to assess whether changes of conservation significance are taking place in the lough.

  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many licences for shellfish cultivation in Larne lough(a) have been granted and (b) are currently under consideration. [4797]

  Mr. Ancram
  Two fish culture licences have been granted in respect of shellfish cultivation in Larne lough and two applications for licenses for shellfish farming in the lough are currently under consideration.

  Shellfish Order (Northern Ireland) 1930
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to(a) amend or (b) repeal the Shellfish Order (Northern Ireland) 1930. [4783]

  Mr. Moss
  Records indicate that no such order exists.

  Belfast Lough
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the high and low tide marks are indicated on the foreshore around Belfast lough. [4784]

  Mr. Moss
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland under its chief executive, Mr Michael Brand.

  I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from J. F. Codd to Mr. John D. Taylor, dated 7 December 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked the Chief Executive to reply to your Question about high and low tide marks on the foreshore around Belfast Lough. In the absence of the Chief Executive I am replying on his behalf.
  There is no indication of tide marks on the foreshore. Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland large-scale maps show natural features including the coast, which is depicted by two lines; the High Water Mark Mean Tides (HWMMT) and the Low Water Mark Mean Tides (LWMMT) which are predicted levels.

  "The Nemesis File"
  Mr. Allason
  To ask the Secretary of Stae for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the statement of a Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers NCO contained in the "The Nemesis File." [4864]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I have not read this book, but I am aware the Ministry of Defence issued a statement at the time of the book's publication expressing serious doubts about the author's claim to have been a member of the SAS. In view of the nature of the allegations, however, the RUC serious crime squad will investigate the claims made in the book.

  Punishment Beatings
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the frequency of punishment beatings in the period(a) before. (b) during and (c) after President Clinton's visit to Northern Ireland; and what assessment he has made of this estimate. [5553]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information requested is as follows:
  800

  Casualties as a result of "punishment" attacks (shootings and assaults)

  Month

  Loyalist

  Republican

  Total

  June 1995

  4

  13

  17

  July 1995

  11

  18

  29

  August 1995

  5

  12

  17

  September 1995

  4

  12

  16

  October 1995

  4

  21

  25

  November 1995

  11

  11

  22

  December 1st-11th

  1

  2

  3

  Total

  40

  89

  129

  These statistics have been provided by the RUC and arc subject to amendment.

  Between 22 November and 4 December no such attacks were carried out by either loyalists or republican groups. It is clear the groups perpetrating these savage and cowardly acts are acting under control. As President Clinton said while in Northern Ireland, they should cease now.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5699]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Departments are required to provide details of their performance in their departmental reports.

  In 1994–1995, the Northern Ireland Office and Northern Ireland Departments paid 94.7 per cent. of their bills in accordance with agreed contractual conditions, or within 30 days of receiving goods and services, or on presentation of a valid invoice.

  Mr. Patrick Finucane
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the recommendations of(a) the International Commission of Jurists, (b) the United Kingdom nominee on the UN Sub-Commission on Rights, (c) the Standing Advisory Commission on Human Rights and (d) the Lawyers Committee for Human Rights in respect of a judicial inquiry into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the death of Mr. Patrick Finucane. [5810]

  Sir John Wheeler
  There has keen an RUC investigation into the murder of Mr. Finucane. The circumstances relating to the murder were also investigated by members of the enquiry team headed by Mr. John Stevens. A full investigation report was submitted by Mr. Stevens to the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, who directed that there should be no prosecutions. I have no plans to establish a judicial inquiry.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he will take to establish a judicial
  801
  inquiry into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding the death of Mr. Patrick Finucane. [5809]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I have no plans to establish a judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mr. Finucane. These were investigated by Mr. John Stevens and a summary of the report was published.

  Conductive Education
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment has been made of the value and achievements of conductive education. [5814]

  Mr. Ancram
  No formal assessment of the value and achievements of conductive education has been undertaken in Northern Ireland. In 1993, the Government sponsored a research project into the relative merits of conductive education and conventional approaches for particular categories of children at the Birmingham institute for conductive education.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to make conductive education available for children where parents wish it. [5832]

  Mr. Ancram
  Under the 1991 international agreement with Hungary, the United Kingdom is guaranteed access to a number of places for children and for trainee conductors at the Peto institute in Budapest. In Northern Ireland, the making of provision for children with special educational needs is a matter for education and library boards in the first instance. I am aware that one board has been considering how conductive education techniques might be integrated into its special education provision, but no specific plans have yet evolved.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many institutions provide conductive education for children with special educational needs; and how many children are currently receiving conductive therapy in each institution. [5813]

  Mr. Ancram
  Conductive education is provided at an independent school, the Buddy Bear trust school in Dungannon. There are three children enrolled.

  Emergency Legislation
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to implement the recommendation of the Human Rights Committee of the UN in respect of repealing laws infringing civil liberties which were designed for periods of emergency. [5808]

  Sir John Wheeler
  r: My right hon. and learned Friend announced on 12 June, before the Human Rights Committee made its recommendations, that there is to be an independent review of emergency legislation.

  Autistic Children
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what facilities and services are available to identify and provide for the(a) educational, (b) medical, and (c) other needs of children with autism. [5835]

  Mr. Ancram
  It is the responsibility of the education and library boards to assess and provide for the special educational needs of all children in Northern Ireland with 802
  special educational needs, including autistic children. Placements may be made in special schools, in special units attached to mainstream schools or in mainstream schools themselves. One board operates an advisory and support service for autistic children and their families, and another has recently appointed a seconded teacher to assist and support special schools. As far as the health and personal social services are concerned, the assessed needs of children with autism are met within the learning disability programme of care.

  Military Complaints Procedures Assessor
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to reappoint Mr. David Hewitt as independent assessor of military complaints procedures in Northern Ireland. [6792]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I have today reappointed David Hewitt as independent assessor of military complaints procedures in Northern Ireland until 31 March 1997.

  The Army's presence on the streets of Northern Ireland in support of the RUC has, of course, diminished greatly since the cessation of military operations announced by the IRA and the loyalist paramilitaries, but the Government believe that there remains a useful role for the independent assessor although the need for the post will be kept under review.

HEALTH

  NHS Contracts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 24 November,Official Report, column 336, if he will provide a breakdown of NHS contracts by (a) type and (b) region. [3330]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is available in the review of contracting, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Hospital Medical Registrars
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner and registrar appointments have been filled by British citizens and how many from each country outside the United Kingdom over the latest convenient period; and what estimate his Department has made of the number who(a) complete their appointment and return home and (b) remain in the United Kingdom. [5352]

  Mr. Malone
  The information on general practitioners is not available. The available information for hospital medical registrars is given in the "Hospital Medical Staff England Tables", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Paracetamol
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to consult consultants in toxicology at
  803
  London teaching hospitals regarding the safety of the current formulation of paracetamol. [5498]

  Mr. Malone
  We have no plans to consult toxicologists at the London teaching hospitals regarding the safety of the current formulation of paracetamol.

  Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has approved the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's revised code of practice. [6788]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has today laid before the House copies of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority's revised code of practice. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  Ritalin
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what system is in place to monitor the scale of treatment of children with controlled drugs such as Ritalin and similar products; [5153]

  (2) how many children in the United Kingdom are being or have been treated with Ritalin-methylphenidate in the last 10 years for which figures are available; [5154]

  (3) how many children under six years of age in the United Kingdom are currently being treated with Ritalin; [5155]

  (4) how much Ritalin has been manufactured in the United Kingdom in the last 10 years for which figures are available. [5156]

  Mr. Horam
  Information about the number of children treated with Ritalin is not available centrally. Ritalin is not manufactured in the United Kingdom.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide a breakdown of administration costs incurred to date and forecast for the future on PFI work. [5740]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply the then Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton, West (Mr. Sackville), gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 2 May,Official Report, columns 175–76.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide for schemes so far agreed under the PFI the level of financing costs above the current cost of Government borrowing for the scheme with(a) the highest financing costs and (b) the lowest costs. [5742]

  Mr. Horam
  Comparing private finance initiative projects with publicly funded alternatives is not a question of comparing interest rates. PFI projects are given approval only if the PFI approach brings improvements in cost-effectiveness for the national health service. The specific information requested is not available.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and 804
  the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5741]

  Mr. Horam
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 6 December,Official Report, column 224.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5703]

  Mr. Horam
  In 1994–95, the latest year for which figures are available, 91.9 per cent. of the Department's invoices were paid within the agreed credit period or within 30 days where no credit period had been set. For the period April to September 1995, this figure has increased to 95 per cent.

  Suicides
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he collates in respect of the suicide rates among patients recently discharged from hospital. [6113]

  Mr. Horam
  None.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement on suicides that have taken place in each of the last five years among(a) men and (b) women, indicating the method of suicide; [6112]

  (2) how many suicides have taken place among men aged 15 to 24 years in each of the last 10 years. [6111]

  Mr. Horam
  Data on deaths from suicide—ICD1 E950–E959; E980– E989—are published in table 2 of the publication, "Mortality statistics; Cause; England and Wales; series DH2", copies of which are available in the Library.

  The latest data available2 are for the years 1983–1992.

  (1 International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision).
  2 The coding of causes of death in England and Wales was changed in 1993 to an automated system. Though the results from this are generally satisfactory, Office of Population/Censuses and Surveys have identified significant problems in the coding of external causes of death. Certifications of deaths in 1993 and 1994 which could have been due to external causes are all being examined and re-coded as necessary. More reliable data, comparable to that for previous years, will be available in the firth quarter of 1996.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many suicides have taken place in each of the last five years as a proportion of all annual deaths. [6110]

  Mr. Horam
  The numbers of suicides1 which have taken place in each of the last five years as a proportion of all annual deaths are shown in the table.
  805

  1990

  1991

  1992

  19931

  19941

  Total suicides

  5,544

  5,486

  5,486

  4,894

  4,787

  Total deaths

  564,846

  570,044

  558,313

  578,170

  551,455

  Percentage

  0.98

  0.96

  0.98

  0.85

  0.87

  1 International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision Codes E950–E959, E980–E989 excluding E988.8 for 1990–1992; E950–E959, E980–E989 for 1993 and 1994

  1 Provisional.

  The figures for 1993 and 1994 suicide deaths are Office of Population/Censuses and Surveys' current best estimates. The coding of causes of death in England and Wales was changed in 1993 to an automated system. Though the results from this are generally satisfactory, OPCS have identified significant problems in the coding of external causes of death. Certifications of deaths in 1993 and 1994 which could have been due to external causes are all being examined and re-coded as necessary. More reliable data, comparable to that for previous years, will be available in the first quarter of 1996.

  Post-Operative Complications
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many in-patients have suffered post-operative complications in each of the last 10 years. [6105]

  Mr. Horam
  It is not possible to identify all post-operative complications from the data available centrally. Some information is published in volume 1 of "Hospital Episode Statistics: England", for the years 1988–89 to 1993–94, copies of which are available in the Library. This shows the number of finished consultant episodes where the primary diagnosis is linked to complications of surgical or medical care which cannot be classified elsewhere in the system.

  Post-Operative Infections
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many patients in NHS hospitals have been diagnosed as suffering from post-operative infections in each of the last 10 years; [6103]

  (2) what information his Department maintains on post-operative infection rates in NHS hospitals. [6104]

  Mr. Horam
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Medicinal Herbs
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make it his policy to oppose any further regulations from the European Union which would restrict United Kingdom consumers' access to herbal medicines and remedies of their choice; and if he will make a statement. [6120]

  (2) what is his policy in respect of availability of herbal remedies; and if he will make a statement. [6119]

  Mr. Malone
  The Government support the availability of herbal remedies within a framework of statutory controls to protect public health. We consider that existing legislation provides an appropriate measure of protection.

  We are unaware of proposals from the European Union for the regulation of herbal remedies. We would consider any such proposals in the light of our overall policy to protect public health, but to do so with the minimum necessary regulation.
  806
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what consultation he undertook with(a) manufacturers, (b) consumers and (c) practitioners using medicinal herbs prior to deciding whether to support recent resolutions at the Council of Health Ministers relating to the status, marketing and availability of medicinal herbs; and if he will identify separately his consultation with the Society for the Promotion of Nutritional Therapy; [6118]

  (2) what resolutions were passed at recent meetings of the Council of Health Ministers relating to medicinal herbs; if he will set out the terms of all resolutions; and if he will make a statement. [6117]

  Mr. Malone
  A resolution on medicinal plant preparations was adopted at the European Commission Council of Health Ministers meeting on 30 November. It invites the Commission to study public health safeguards relating to such preparations. It makes no policy proposals or statements. A copy of the resolution has been placed in the Library.

  Scanning Equipment
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines his Department issues to district authorities in respect of the provision of scanning equipment for 24-hour emergency use. [6097]

  Mr. Horam
  It is for individual authorities, after discussions with provider units, to determine the level of provision of scanning equipment necessary for 24-hour emergency use.

  Residential Care Homes
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 5 December,Official Report, column 200, how many (a) independent and (b) local authority residential care homes there were, by area, in each region in each of the last five years. [6141]

  Mr. Horam
  Information on numbers of homes for elderly and physically disabled people for the years 1989 to 1994 has been published in "Residential Accommodation for elderly people and people with physical and/or sensory disabilities: all residents in local authority, voluntary and private homes, year ending 31 March 1989 to year ending 31 March 1994, England". Information on the total number of homes for all client groups for the years ending 31 March 1994 and 1995 has been published in Department of Health statistical bulletins on residential accommodation for each of these years. Copies of all these publications are available in the Library.

  Children Act 1989
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with local government representatives on the financial effects of the Asylum and Immigration Bill and the Social Security (Persons From Abroad) Regulations in respect of expenditure under the Children Act 1989; and if he will make a statement. [6013]

  Mr. Horam
  We have received representations from local government and officials are considering them.

  Paediatric Intensive Care
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will undertake an inquiry into the circumstances relating to the death of Nicholas Geldard at Leeds infirmary on 8 December; and if he will make a statement on the case; [6095]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the availability of intensive care facilities for children in the Greater Manchester area on 8 December. [6096]

  Mr. Horam
  The North West regional health authority is looking into the circumstances of this case as a matter of urgency. Its review will include an examination of the local availability of intensive care facilities for children on the day in question.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 4 December,Official Report, column 35, which trusts have been given permission by him to borrow from commercial sources. [6145]

  Mr. Horam
  All national health service trusts are permitted to borrow from commercial sources. Trusts must satisfy themselves that any such borrowing represents value for money.

  Supervision Registers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been placed on supervision registers since NHS executive HSG(94)(5) in each(a) district and (b) region. [6114]

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

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals have been closed in each of the last five years; and how many are planned for closure in the next five years.[6106]

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 7 November,Official Report, column 683.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what staff shortages his Department has identified across all grades in the NHS; and what steps are being taken to address them. [6102]

  Mr. Malone
  It is for local employers to determine what, if any, non-medical staff shortages exist. It is their responsibility to take appropriate action to retain and recruit existing qualified staff and ensure that adequate provision has been made to train the number of newly qualified staff they require.

  National health service trusts now have greater freedoms than ever before to develop local pay and working arrangements to underpin their retention and recruitment strategies.

  In the case of medical staff, the NHS executive and the Welsh Office receive advice from the specialist work force advisory group about the number of trainees needed
  808
  to ensure an adequate supply of properly trained doctors and dentists in each specialty, although it is not always possible to recruit to training posts that are available. The specialist work force advisory group has given priority to considering specialties where there are identified shortages.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the quality assurance procedures currently in place within the Medicines Control Agency. [5948]

  Mr. Malone
  The agency's performance is measured against a number of high level targets, set to protect public health in the field of medicinal products, which include targets related to standards of safety and quality. These are published in the agency's annual business plan and its accomplishments against them in its annual report, copies of which are available in the Library. The agency has in place a large number of standard operating procedures applicable to its many functions in order to meet its quality objectives. For example, the medicines inspectorate operates in compliance with the international quality system ISO 9002 and has achieved formal certification against this standard.

  All agency procedures are subject to audit by the National Audit Office and internal Department of Health auditors.

  Mental Health Services
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library responses from the chairman of health authorities and trusts to the Minister of State's letter of 24 August about mental health services. [6107]

  Mr. Bowls
  An announcement will he made in due course.

  Influenza
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 382, at what stage his Department will issue an alert about an influenza epidemic; and what further steps his Department proposes to take to protect those at risk from influenza. [6146]

  Mr. Horam
  The Departments of Health and the Environment issued guidance for health and local authorities on the management of communicable disease in HSG(93)56, copies of which are available in the Library. The guidance states that health authorities and local authorities should have up-to-date joint plans covering the structures and procedures for managing communicable disease control—specific diseases are not singled out—in their areas, both on a day-to-day basis and if an outbreak occurs; and that these plans should be reviewed annually. The leaflet "What should I do about flu?", produced by the Department this year, also contains advice to those at risk of serious illness should they develop influenza on how they should protect themselves. Over 6 million does of influenza vaccine have been distributed so far this influenza season.

  Hypothermia
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths from hypothermia took place among(a) men aged 65 years and over and (b) women aged 60 years and over in 1994 by region. [6142]

  Mr. Horam
  The information is shown in the table.

  Numbers of deaths which occurred in 1994 with a mention of hypothermia (ICD 991.61) on the death certificate by regional health authority of usual residence (including Wales), for: males aged 65 years and over, and .females aged 60 and over

  Regional health authority

  Males

  Females

  Northern

  10

  13

  Yorkshire

  9

  15

  Trent

  7

  18

  East Anglian

  10

  12

  North-west Thames

  9

  14

  North-east Thames

  8

  15

  South-east Thames

  8

  14

  South-west Thames

  4

  7

  Wessex

  4

  6

  Oxford

  5

  10

  South Western

  7

  14

  West Midlands

  11

  21

  Mersey

  1

  7

  North Western

  9

  18

  Wales

  5

  14

  Total

  107

  198

  1 ICD International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision.

  Committee on Safety of Medicines
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is(a) the normal period of appointment and (b) the maximum cumulative period of appointment for members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines: and in what circumstances the maximum cumulative period of membership may be exceeded. [5926]

  Mr. Malone
  Members of the Committee on Safety of Medicines are normally appointed by the United Kingdom Health Ministers for three-year periods with the maximum cumulative period of appointment being six years, as set out in paragraph 4 of the 1970 regulations. Members can be, and are, reappointed for further terms of office. A new three-year period of appointment announced on 11 December, takes effect on 1 January 1996.

  Medicines Act 1968
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times regulations under schedule 1 to the Medicines Act 1968 have been made; and what was(a) the title, (b) the date of making and (c) the date of coming into effect of each such regulation. [5924]

  Mr. Malone
  Once. The Medicines Commission and Committees Regulations 1970 No. 746 was made on 11 May 1970 and came into operation on 26 May 1970.

  Mental Illness
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many recorded deaths have been accounted for by mental illness in each of the last five years. [6109]
  810
  Mr. Horam
  Information relating to 1990 to 1992 is available in Office of Population Censuses and Surveys DH2 series, copies of which are available in the Library. Information for 1993–94 are shown in the table.

  Deaths from mental disorders (ICD1 290–3/9) in England and Wales, by sec, 1993–94

  Number

  19932

  Male

  2,530

  Female

  5,189

  Total

  7.719

  19942

  Male

  2,683

  Female

  5,288

  Total

  7,971

  1 International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision.

  2 Provisional.

  If, as a result of a mental disorder, a person commits suicide or dies in an accident, the death is not coded to mental disorders and not therefore included in the above figures.

  Deaths for 1992 and earlier years represent the number of deaths registered in each year, while deaths from 1993 are those which occurred in each year. In addition, new procedures for coding cause of death from 1993 and the absence of medical inquiries mean that figures for 1993 onwards may not be exactly comparable with earlier years.

  Chronic conditions such as senile dementia decreased sharply as a result of these changes.

  Public Information Lines
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the public information lines under the jurisdiction of his Department; what bodies have carried out these assessments; and what has been the cost of these to his Department. [4231]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 6 December 1995]: Examination of the effectiveness of public information lines under the jurisdiction of the Department is not conducted routinely by outside bodies as an assessment is usually made from the result of responses. However, two reviews have been conducted in recent years on individual helplines.

  In 1993, Price Waterhouse undertook a fundamental review of the national HIV/AIDS helpline, at a cost of nearly £40,000, and examined the need for related drugs and sexually transmitted diseases services. Their report concluded
  "telephone helpline services for HIV/AIDS, other STDs and drugs can be justified at a cost effective component of prevention services".
  Following the report's recommendations, a tendering exercise was carried out to establish operationally integrated national helplines for HIV/AIDS and drugs.

  In 1994, the NHS executive commissioned Insight Management Consultants to undertake an evaluation of the regional health information services, at a cost of £20,000. It reported back to the NHS executive in November 1994.
  811
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many public information lines his Department operates; how many calls have been made to those lines; what has been the cost of them; and what audit procedures are in place to monitor these costs. [4239]

  Mr. Horam
  [holding answer 6 December 1995]: There are eight main information lines falling under the Department's jurisdiction for which a total of 1,863,463 calls have been received at a cost to the Department of £10,299.124. Where applicable, the Central Office of Information carries out the following procedures to monitor the costs:

  (i) COI auditors regularly inspect suppliers' books, working practices and cost charging procedures.

  (ii) At the start of any new campaign, COI goes out to tender to a number of already approved suppliers to ensure the selection of the most cost-effective company to handle responses.

  (iii) Due to its extensive use of British Telecom facilities, COI has achieved volume discounts of approximately 46 per cent. (value £108,717) on its BT charges since April 1995.

  (iv) In addition, COI obtains negotiated discounts from its telephone marketing suppliers.

  Community Care Services
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 4 December,Official Report, column 43, what has been the level of community health programme expenditure by providers in each (a) district and (b) region in each of the last four years. [6144]

  Mr. Horam
  The tables represent an aggregate summary by regional health authority and as such are only broadly indicative of the spending position. Information for district health authorities could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Provider (NHS Trusts and directly managed units) expenditure on community Health Programme by region in England

  £ thousand

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Northern

  141,491

  155,637

  168,722

  Yorkshire

  165,595

  175,297

  179,120

  Trent

  200,475

  251,191

  261,579

  East Anglian

  85,374

  100,168

  106,406

  North-west Thames

  153,548

  190,870

  208,781

  North-east Thames

  200,942

  229,316

  245,934

  South-east Thames

  217,955

  203,426

  238,788

  South-west Thames

  120,909

  164,601

  169,025

  Wessex

  146,672

  153,715

  152,993

  Oxford

  108,862

  110,051

  140,806

  South Western

  163,421

  219,583

  229,217

  West Midlands

  248,060

  276,152

  269,084

  Mersey

  119,927

  152,468

  140,007

  North Western

  204,925

  232,503

  256.634

  Special health authorities

  2.177

  1,219

  1,543

  England total

  2,280,333

  2,616,197

  2,768,639

  Source:

  The annual financial returns of NHS trusts.

  1. The annual financial returns of the directly managed units of district and regional health authorities.

  2. The annual financial returns of the special health authorities of the London postgraduate teaching hospitals.

  812
  The following table details provisional information for 1994–95:

  Provider (NHS trusts and directly managed units) expenditure on community health programme by region in England

  1994–95 thousand

  Northern and Yorkshire

  376,732

  Trent

  259,551

  Anglia and Oxford

  293,248

  North Thames

  453,234

  South and West

  411,691

  West Midlands

  294,336

  North Western

  419,258

  Special health authorities

  0

  Total England

  2,954,350

  Source:

  The annual financial returns of NHS trusts.

  1. The annual financial returns of the directly managed units of district and regional health authorities.

  2. The annual financial returns of the special health authorities of the London postgraduate teaching hospitals.

SCOTLAND

  District Nurses and Health Visitors
  Mr. Robin Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the numbers of district nurses in training and the number of health visitors in training in Scotland for each of the years between 1988 and 1995, inclusive, broken down by(a) real frequency and (b) whole-time equivalents. [3446]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Actual numbers in training as at the end of March each year are set out in the table and have been supplied by the National Board for Nursing Midwifery and Health Visiting for Scotland.

  District nurses

  Health visitors

  1988

  149

  120

  1989

  134

  111

  1990

  117

  111

  1991

  88

  92

  1992

  68

  68

  1993

  62

  45

  1994

  63

  61

  1995

  96

  100

  Note:

  Whole-time equivalent student numbers are not available but up until 1992–93 the vast majority of students were full-time. In 1993–94 and 1994–95 just over half the students in each specialty were part-time and the remainder full-time.

  Health Expenditure
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the expenditure on administration(a) for each health board in 1991–92 and (b) for each health board and NHS trust within its area in 1994–95. [4955]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is shown in the table. For 1994–95, expenditure for all NHS trusts within each health board area are included. Figures
  813
  have been taken from the annual accounts of health boards and NHS trusts. The expenditure shown for administration includes senior nurses and clinicians who have transferred to the general/senior managers pay scales.

  £ thousand

  Health board area

  1991–92

  1994–95

  Argyll and Clyde

  18,963

  22,066

  Ayr and Arran

  15,192

  21,248

  Borders

  5,068

  6,761

  Dumfries and Galloway

  6,997

  10,509

  Fife

  12,946

  19,803

  Forth Valley

  12,099

  17,154

  Grampian

  23,978

  33,405

  Greater Glasgow

  58,673

  89,312

  Highland

  11,445

  15,113

  Lanarkshire

  19,715

  31,974

  Lothian

  37,198

  55,424

  Orkney

  831

  1,485

  Shetland

  1,481

  1,844

  Tayside

  21,291

  28,818

  Western Isles

  1,820

  2,829

  Scotland total

  247,697

  357,745

  A75
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the programmes to upgrade the A75 route; what contracts are presently under construction; what contracts are to be awarded in 1996; and what support the European Union is giving to the A75 route. [5355]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Preparations for major improvements at the Glen are in an advanced stage and we hope to determine in the near future a planned start date for construction. In addition, a number of works are being implemented through the on-going accident investigation and prevention system, either at specific sites where accidents have been recorded or through mini-route accident reduction plan studies of sections of the road where the accident rate is the highest. Minor junction improvements are also planned.

  The A75 is included in the trans-European transport network—TENs. It forms part of the only road-related TENs priority project in the United Kingdom, the Ireland UK-Benelux road link. Support from the EU's TENs funds may be available, at a rate of 10 per cent. capital costs or 50 per cent. of feasibility studies. While road programmes are eligible under the current European structural fund objective 5b programme in Dumfries and Galloway, they must compete for the limited funds available in the programme.

  Ambulance Service
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the standards of service set for emergency call response times for the Scottish ambulance service; and how often they are met within the Greater Glasgow health board area. [5086]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The target response times that apply within the Greater Glasgow health board area and information on how the Scottish ambulance service NHS trust performed against the targets are as follows:
  814

  Emergency calls—Greater Glasgow

  Population Density

  Target—95 per cent. of calls responded to within

  Performance

  1994–95 percentage

  1995–196

  High (>3 people per acre)

  14 minutes

  89

  89

  Medium (0.5–3 People Per acre)

  18 minutes

  93

  94

  1 Based on I April to 30 November 1995.

  Water and Sewerage Services
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the outstanding capital debt on water and sewerage services for each regional and islands council in the most recent year; and what arrangements he has made for this debt to be transferred to the three new water and sewerage authorities on 1 April 1996. [5288]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The latest year for which figures are available is 1994–95. The information as at 31 March 1995 as contained in capital outstanding returns from local authorities is set out in the following table:

  £000s

  Borders regional council

  31,581

  Central regional council

  75,798

  Dumfries and Galloway regional council

  55,292

  Fife regional council

  103,743

  Grampian regional council

  210,308

  Highland regional council

  73,837

  Lothian regional council

  268,769

  Orkney Isles islands council

  8,939

  Shetland Isles islands council

  1,594

  Strathclyde regional council

  565,047

  Tayside regional council

  131,000

  Western Isles islands council

  15,835

  Total

  1,541,743

  Mr. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the external consultants, employed to date to assist with the transfer of water and sewerage services to the new water authorities in Scotland, and what fees they have received. [5528]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 12 December 1995]: The Babtie group has been commissioned to assist with the transfer of water and sewerage assets to the new water authorities. Payments have totalled £407,724.77 to date, under two contracts.

  Relevant debt outstanding at 31 March 1996 will be transferred to the new water authorities by virtue of section 91 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994. The mechanism of transfer is currently under consideration.

  Sheep
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will take to arrest the decline in sheep numbers in the hills and uplands of Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [4807]
  815
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  [holding answer 11 December 19951: Following the Government's autumn review of farm incomes in the hills and uplands we decided to hold rates of hill livestock compensatory allowances—HLCA— at current levels. This, at a time when net farm incomes were forecast to rise on average by some nine per cent. and by 15.5 per cent. for specialist sheep units, was a significant achievement after what had been a particularly severe public expenditure round. In addition, the number of animals on which subsidy has been paid in the less-favoured area is relatively stable. The maintenance of HLCA rates clearly demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to sheep production in Scotland's less-favoured areas.

  Official Hospitality
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spent on official hospitality in 1994–95 and the financial year to date; and what is the 1995–96 projected budget for official hospitality. [5587]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  In 1994–95 the cost of hospitality, which is included in the running cost budget for my Department, was £53,806. Expenditure for the financial year to date is £28,668. The projected budget for 1995–96 is £59,000.

  Munitions Disposal
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has concerning the dumping of explosives and related materials at a point south-west of Arran since 1965; and if he will make a statement. [4832]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 12 December 1995]:. Beaufort's dyke is the only charted munitions disposal site to the south-west of Arran. Details of disposals there are contained in the Ministry of Defence report placed in the House of Commons Library on 15 November.

  There have also been commercial explosives disposals to the east of Arran at Birch point. The report of a marine laboratory survey of that area was placed in the House of Commons Library on 25 July 1990.

  Beaufort's Dyke
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the survey by the marine laboratory of the north channel around Beaufort's dyke; what arrangements he proposes to make for the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement. [5460]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 12 December 19951: The initial results of the survey will be in the new year. The report setting out the results will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Political Advisers
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many political advisers worked for the Secretary of State for Scotland in(a) 1978, (b) 1987, (c) 1992 and (d) 1995; and what was the annual cost of these posts in each year. [6082]
  816
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of special advisers employed by my Department in each of the years referred to is as follows:

  1978: None

  1987: 1

  1992: 2

  1995: 2

  Salaries for special advisers are negotiated individually in relation to previous earnings, and arc confidential. They are, however, normally paid on a special advisers salary spine of 34 points ranging from £19,503 to £67,609. Appointments are non-pensionable, and the salary spine reflects this.

  Gourock Ropeworks
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions he has had with the Inverclyde district council, Historic Scotland. Renfrewshire Enterprise and other interested parties about the proposed demolition of Gourock Ropeworks in Port Glasgow; and if he will make a statement. [5494]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has had no recent discussions on the matter of demolition. However, as the question relates to matters undertaken by Historic Scotland, I have asked the agency's director and chief executive, Mr. Graeme Munro, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter to Dr. Norman Godman from Graeme N. Munro, dated 14 December 1995:
  You tabled a Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Scotland for written question on 12 December asking what recent discussions he has had about the demolition of the Gourock Ropeworks building. The question relates to operational matters undertaken by Historic Scotland and I have been asked to reply. The terms of this letter will be reproduced in the Official Report and a copy of it will also be deposited in the Library of the House.
  I would refer you to the letter I wrote to you dated 5 April of this year which was published in the Official Report of the House (Vol.257, 86 part 2 Cols 1167–68) of the same date. In the letter I explained the position on demolition. In order to demolish a listed building such as the Gourock Ropeworks building, listed building consent is required. In relation to a demolition the Secretary of State has to be consulted on any application for consent. To date no application for listed building consent has been received by Historic Scotland for the Secretary of State's consideration.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5698]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Details of the Scottish Office payment performance are as follows:

  Year

  Percentage of Payments Paid early or on time

  1991–92

  82

  1992–93

  85

  817

  Year

  Percentage of Payments Paid early or on time

  1993–94

  89

  1994–95

  96

  DNA Technology
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions his Department has had with the chief constables of Scottish police forces concerning the provision of a database allowing for the collation and use of DNA samples taken under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1995; [5782]

  (2) if he will make available funding for a pilot project to provide a DNA database in Scotland on a comparable basis with the Forensic Science Service study commissioned by the Home Office; [5783]

  (3) what assessment his Department has made of the need for a database in Scotland for the collation and use of DNA samples taken in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1995. [5784]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State made clear in his statement on 11 December, we have made funds available for the Scottish police to make full use of the new DNA technology. We have just received a report from the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland; and the Scottish Office Home Department is having detailed discussions as to the best way of using the powers under the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1995, after they come into effect on 1 April.

  We do not see any need for a pilot project: we expect that the Scottish police will be able to proceed as soon as possible to make full use of DNA technology.

  Assisted Places Scheme
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schools covered by the assisted places scheme received(a) more than £1 million,
  (b) over £750,00, (c) over £500,000 and (d) over £ 250,000

  School

  Total school roll

  Number of assisted Places

  Percentage of assisted places

  Assisted place Fees charged£

  Total grant paid £

  Kilquhanity1

  27

  11

  41

  2,430

  34,082

  Keil

  207

  69

  33

  4,479

  239,782

  Morrisins1

  584

  140

  24

  3,351

  417,900

  Park1

  284

  68

  24

  3,708

  247,987

  Rudolf Steiner

  266

  62

  23

  3,594

  191,526

  Kilgraston

  267

  54

  20

  4,161

  184,177

  St. Denis and Cranley

  165

  31

  19

  4,203

  128,276

  Laurel Bank1

  354

  63

  18

  4,014

  232,914

  Merchiston Castle1

  393

  69

  18

  6,480

  333,381

  H.S. of Dundee1

  1,143

  194

  17

  3,608

  591,142

  Glenalmond

  245

  41

  17

  7,575

  257,408

  George Heriot's1

  1,512

  250

  17

  3,624

  699,790

  Kelvinside

  546

  87

  16

  4,135

  318,494

  St. Aloysius1

  1,082

  168

  16

  2,978

  472,009

  Rannoch

  250

  38

  15

  5,490

  175,887

  Wellington1

  354

  53

  15

  4,290

  202,604

  818
  under the assisted places scheme for each academic year since 1981. [5818]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Under the assisted places scheme, grant is paid to parents of assisted pupils. Schools administer the allocation of grant to parents. The amounts distributed to schools for this purpose are set out in the table.

  Academic Year

  Over £1 million

  £750.001 to £1,000,000

  £500.001 ti £750.000

  £250,001 to £500.000

  1981–82

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1982–83

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1983–84

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1984–85

  —

  —

  1

  —

  1985–86

  —

  1

  —

  1

  1986–87

  1

  —

  —

  2

  1987–88

  1

  —

  —

  3

  1988–89

  1

  —

  —

  4

  1989–90

  —

  —

  2

  5

  1990–91

  —

  —

  3

  4

  1991–92

  —

  1

  2

  6

  1992–93

  —

  1

  3

  7

  1993–941

  —

  1

  3

  8

  1994–951

  —

  2

  2

  9

  1 Provisional.

  Until school session 1988–89, Edinburgh Merchant schools—EMC— administered Stewart's Melville college, Mary Erskine school for girls and George Watson's college and one grant total was allocated to EMC to fund assisted places in each of these schools. From session 1989–90, grant was paid separately to George Watson's college.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for the academic year 1994–95 in descending order the independent schools by the proportion of their school rolls made up of pupils covered by the assisted places scheme and the total number of pupils on the school roll; what proportion of the school roll at each school was covered by the scheme; how many pupils were covered by the scheme at each school; how many pupils were on the roll of each school; what level of fees was charged for pupils under the scheme at each school; and what sums were received by each school under the scheme. [5870]

  Mr. Robertson
  The information requested for the 1994–95 school session is set out in the table:
  819

  School

  Total school roll

  Number of assisted places

  Percentage of assisted places

  Assisted place fees charged £

  Total grant paid £

  Crawfordton

  45

  6

  13

  4,542

  22,853

  George Watson's1

  2,033

  248

  12

  3,876

  751,969

  St. Margaret's [Edinburgh]1

  664

  74

  11

  3,895

  271,812

  Stewart's Melvill and Mary Erskine School1

  2,556

  282

  11

  3,912

  900,020

  St. Leondard's

  329

  36

  11

  5,682

  164,382

  Lomond

  504

  54

  11

  4,119

  183,741

  Sthrathallan1

  495

  46

  9

  7,485

  299,342

  Fernhill1

  326

  30

  9

  2,850

  78,155

  Craigholme1

  493

  45

  9

  3,330

  134,235

  Hutcheson's1

  1,813

  163

  9

  3,389

  478,942

  Glasgow Academy

  1,010

  90

  9

  4,014

  329,362

  Loretto

  378

  33

  9

  7,235

  198,443

  Butterstone1

  58

  5

  9

  4,930

  23,817

  Aberlour1

  112

  9

  8

  4,875

  33,255

  Fettes1

  475

  35

  7

  7,305

  204,576

  Gordonstoun1

  456

  31

  7

  6,690

  182,064

  Belmont1

  382

  25

  7

  3,570

  78,623

  Dollar

  1,111

  69

  6

  3,719

  209,028

  Edinburgh Academy

  902

  53

  6

  4,935

  229,807

  Albyn1

  415

  24

  6

  3,536

  69,591

  St. Columba's1

  571

  33

  6

  3,690

  117,233

  Robert Gordon's1

  1,353

  70

  5

  3,548

  204,100

  Clifton hall

  120

  6

  5

  4,827

  28,452

  HS of Glasgow

  989

  49

  5

  3,987

  143,797

  Croftinloan

  81

  4

  5

  5,475

  20,768

  St. Margaret's [Aberdeen]

  415

  20

  5

  3,353

  53,433

  St. George's

  877

  42

  5

  4,097

  122,151

  St. Mary's

  93

  4

  4

  4,536

  15,992

  Craigclowan

  240

  10

  4

  3,495

  23,450

  Lathallan

  145

  6

  4

  4,622

  28,244

  Ardvreck

  147

  6

  4

  4,588

  22,589

  Beaconhurst

  249

  10

  4

  4,095

  31,815

  New Park

  128

  4

  3

  3,951

  15,839

  Belhaven

  74

  2

  3

  5,039

  9,789

  Cargilfield

  192

  4

  2

  5,695

  12,897

  Hamilton College

  757

  14

  2

  2,273

  27,095

  Drumley House

  115

  2

  2

  4,415

  7,069

  Park Lodge

  0

  0

  n/a

  n/a

  Nil

  1 Provisional figures. Final audited claims for 1994–95 schools session yet to be submitted.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many independent sector schools have had(a) more than 25 per cent., (b) more than 50 per cent. and (c) less than 5 per cent. of their school rolls made up of pupils covered by the assisted places scheme for each academic year since 1981. [5794]

  Mr. Robertson
  The information requested was not collected centrally for school sessions 1981–82 to 1992–93. Information for school sessions 1993–94 and 1994– 95 is set out in the table.

  School session

  Assisted pupils over 25 per cent. but not more than 50 Per cent. Of school roll

  Assisted pupils more than 50 per cent. of school roll

  Assisted Pupils less than 5 per. of school roll

  1993–94

  2

  Nil

  11

  1994–95

  2

  Nil

  14

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made by his Department in taking forward proposals for the expansion of the assisted places scheme; and how much his Department estimates this will cost in the future
  820
  financial years for which figures are available when this has been achieved. [5820]

  Mr. Robertson
  Consultation on ways of expanding the assisted places scheme are currently underway with the Scottish Council of Independent Schools and a statement will be made in due course. The estimated cost of the scheme in the current financial year will be around £11 million. An additional £9 million in total is being made available for expansion of the scheme over the next three years.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which independent sector schools charged(a) and highest and (b) the lowest level of fees to pupils covered by the assisted places scheme in the academic year 1994–95; and what charges were levied.[5828]

  Mr. Robertson
  The highest tuition fee charged to pupils covered by the assisted places scheme in academic year 1994–95 was at Glenalmond college at £7,575 per annum. The lowest fees were charged at Hamilton college—£2,273 per annum for pupils aged 12 to 18 years.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department has spent on the operation of the assisted places scheme in each year since
  821
  1981; how many (a) pupils and (b) institutions were covered by the scheme; and what was the overspend on the budget allocated to the scheme. [5789]

  Mr. Robertson
  The information requested is set out in the table. Expenditure on the assisted places scheme is cash limited each year and there have been no overspends on the budget allocated in any year since the scheme commenced.

  School session

  Total expenditure £

  Pupils covered

  Schools covered

  1981–82

  799,203

  790

  39

  1982–83

  1,718,485

  1,450

  41

  1983–84

  2,454,386

  1,900

  42

  1984–85

  3,298,461

  2,265

  42

  1985–86

  4,217,234

  2,620

  42

  1986–87

  4,861,150

  2,626

  41

  1987–88

  5,310,061

  2,680

  41

  1988–89

  5,758.542

  2,695

  41

  1989–90

  6,681,213

  2,841

  59

  1990–91

  7,641,895

  2,861

  59

  1991–92

  8,706,443

  2,911

  58

  1992–93

  9,755,844

  3,038

  58

  1993–941

  10,127,276

  3,058

  55

  1994–951

  10,456,738

  3,042

  55

  1 Provisional.

  Conductive Education
  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many institutions provide conductive education for children with special educational needs; and how many children are currently receiving conductive therapy in each institution. [5812]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Various institutions in Scotland, including a number of local authority and grant-aided special schools, provide education that is inspired by the principles of conductive education. However, detailed information on precise numbers is not held centrally.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment has been made of the value and achievements of conductive education. [5815]

  Mr. Robertson
  The Scottish Office has not made an assessment of the value and achievements of conductive education specifically.

  Mr. Mallon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are to make conductive education available for children whose parents choose it. [5833]

  Mr. Robertson
  Educational provision using the principles of conductive education is already available in Scotland.

  Independent Schools
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many independent schools are operating in the current academic year. [5823]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  There are currently 117 independent schools in Scotland registered with the Registrar of Independent Schools.

  Woodlands
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidelines currently apply for the 822
  protection of public access to woodlands being sold by the Forestry Commission; when those guidelines were circulated to Forestry Commission staff; when they became operational; and if he will publish them. [6090]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The current access guidelines for continued public access to Forestry Commission woodlands after sale were introduced in October 1991, after being circulated to Forestry Commission staff. A copy is available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what criteria have been adopted in assessing whether a woodland is important for public access when it is being considered for disposal by the Forestry Commission; and how the decision on whether it is important is made; [6089]

  (2) what is the minimum number of walkers in a woodland identified for disposal by the Forestry Commission required for that woodland to be classified as important for public access; [6091]

  (3) how many Forestry Commission woods have been classified as (a) important for public access and (b) unimportant for public access; arid if he will list all such woods classified as either, indicating the location of each and the reasons they were deemed to be (a) or (b) [6094]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 28 November 1995,Official Report, column 590.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number and total area of Forestry Commission woods sold in(a) England, (b) Scotland and (c) Wales since access agreements were introduced in 1991 to protect public access, indicating for each country the number and area with and without access agreements. [6093]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The information is as follows:

  Forestry Commission Woods sold between 1 October 1991 and 30 September 1995

  With access agreement Number

  Area1

  Without access agreement Number

  Area1

  Total Number

  Area1

  England

  6

  136

  189

  5,006

  195

  5,142

  Scotland

  4

  325

  216

  24,110

  220

  24,435

  Wales

  18

  382

  211

  4,146

  229

  4,528

  1 Areas are given in hectares.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average amount of money spent by his Department on a pupil in a public sector school at(a) primary and (b) secondary level for each academic year since 1981. [5797]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Direct expenditure by the Scottish Office on the education of school pupils in public sector schools is limited to grants made available to Jordanhill school, a grant-aided school; and Dornoch academy and St. Mary's Episcopal primary school, which are both self-governing schools. Comprehensive information on the division of resources between the primary and secondary departments at Jordanhill school is not available. The annual recurrent grant to Dornoch
  823
  academy in the financial year 1994–95, following the school's incorporation as a self-governing school in April 1994, was £387,000. On the basis of the school roll at September 1994, expenditure per pupil was therefore £6,672. St. Mary's Episcopal primary school was incorporated in October 1995.

  Expenditure per pupil in education authority schools is the responsibility of each education authority. Local authority expenditure is supported by central Government, for example, through the annual local government financial settlement. Such financial support is not specific to particular local authority services an it is for each authority to determine the allocation of all the resources at its disposal.

  Scottish Homes
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what approaches Irvine Housing Association Ltd. has made to Scottish Homes seeking additional funding for its activities since the association's establishment; how much Irvine housing association has received in support from Scottish Homes up until this point; what form this support has taken; and what outstanding requests for support are being considered by Scottish Homes. [5801]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information requested is a matter for Scottish Homes. I have asked its chairman, Sir James Mellon, to write to the hon. Member.

  New Towns
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what adjustment will be made in the Scottish Office's budget to reflect the revenue raised by his Department through the disposal of the housing and industrial assets of Scotland's new towns. [5803]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Income from the disposal of Scottish new town housing and industrial assets was fully reflected in my right hon. Friends's statement of 11 December on public expenditure.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the average number of pupils in classes in(a) secondary and (b) primary schools adjusted for the time during which teachers are non-class-committed under existing staffing agreements for each education authority in Scotland and for each education division within Strathclyde for each academic year since 1979. [5805]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 27 March 1995,Official Report, column 586-87. The information provided took into account teacher time on non-class-committed duties.

  Inward Investment
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide a breakdown, by source,824
  of the inward investment attracted to Scotland in each of the last five years, and if he will provide details of each inward investment project attracted to Scotland since April 1994.[6462]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information is as follows:

  Planned inward investment by source

  North America

  Asia Pacific

  United Kingdom

  Europe

  Total

  1994–95

  Number of projects

  41

  9

  32

  15

  97

  Planned investment (£ million)

  358.5

  613.1

  77.9

  77.2

  1,126.7

  Planned jobs (new and safeguarded)

  5,738

  2,259

  3,099

  1,233

  12,329

  1993–94

  Number of projects

  36

  8

  34

  17

  95

  Planned investment (£ million)

  366.2

  23.7

  66.4

  131.3

  587.6

  Planned jobs (new and safeguarded)

  5,464

  1,074

  3,135

  1,399

  11,072

  1992–93

  Number of projects

  25

  9

  22

  9

  65

  Planned investment (£ million)

  186.1

  70.2

  66.4

  29.3

  352.0

  Planned jobs (new and safeguarded)

  3,919

  668

  2,085

  1,387

  8,059

  1991–92

  Number of projects

  13

  5

  23

  18

  59

  Planned investment (£ million)

  248.9

  17.0

  48.5

  66.6

  381.0

  Planned jobs (new and safeguarded)

  3,026

  431

  1,407

  1,138

  6,002

  1990–91

  Number of projects

  15

  9

  25

  14

  63

  Planned investment (£ million)

  58.8

  92.7

  182.5

  60.2

  394.2

  Planned jobs (new and safeguarded)

  1,760

  2,154

  5,195

  1,135

  10,244

  The figures relate only to projects handled by Locate in Scotland or the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department. They are based on information provided by the companies themselves at the time of the investment decision and take no account of subsequent developments. A few projects may not have proceeded and others may have been reduced in scale as a result

  825
  of changes in the commercial environment. Equally, however, some projects may have led to more investment and more jobs than originally anticipated; and the figures take no account of the substantial number of new jobs created indirectly in supplier companies. Experience over a number of years indicates that, on average, around two-thirds of planned direct jobs are created.

  Date of announcement

  Company

  Location

  Type of project

  Planed investment (£ million)

  Planned jobs

  New

  Safeguarded

  April 1994

  NEC Semiconductors (UK) Ltd.

  Livingston

  Expansion

  28.0

  1—

  1—

  April 1994

  International Components Corporation

  East Kilbride

  New Project

  6.0

  400

  —

  May 1994

  Teledyne Controls

  Cumbernauld

  New Project

  0.5

  15

  —

  May 1994

  Compaq Computer Manufacturing

  Erskine

  Expansion

  10.0

  300

  —

  May 1994

  Safetynet plc

  Dunfermline

  New Project

  1—

  12

  —

  May 1994

  Solway Seafoods Ltd.

  Bladnoch

  New Project

  1—

  30

  —

  June 1994

  Cerprobe Corporation

  East Kilbride

  New Project

  1—

  11

  —

  June 1994

  Scotia Pharmaceuticals

  Stirling

  New Project

  1—

  60

  —

  August 1994

  BioMar Ltd.

  Grangemouth

  New Project

  1—

  20

  —

  August 1994

  Iceland Software Inc.

  Glasgow

  New Project

  1—

  25

  —

  August 1994

  PCL Group

  Glasgow

  New Project

  1—

  250

  —

  September 1994

  Motorola

  East Kilbride

  Expansion

  250.0

  250

  —

  September 1994

  NEC Semiconductors (UK) Ltd.

  Livingston

  Expansion

  530.0

  430

  —

  September 1994

  Digital Equipment Corporation

  Irvine

  New Project

  1—

  1—

  —

  September 1994

  Solectron Corporation

  Dunfermline

  Expansion

  10.0

  200

  —

  October 1994

  British Sky Broadcasting

  Dunfermline

  New Project

  10.0

  1000

  —

  October 1994

  OKI (UK) Ltd.

  Cumbernauld

  Expansion

  1—

  58

  114

  October 1994

  Madison Cable Corporation

  Dundee

  New Project

  12.0

  200

  —

  October 1994

  Micronas Oy

  Fife

  New Project

  2.0

  24

  —

  October 1994

  Probe Technology

  East Kilbride

  New Project

  1—

  11

  —

  October 1994

  Shin-Etsu Handotai Co Ltd.

  Livingston

  Expansion

  23.0

  100

  —

  November 1994

  Pine Plastics Ltd.

  East Kilbride

  Expansion

  1—

  60

  —

  November 1994

  JVC

  East Kilbride

  Expansion

  9.2

  155

  —

  December 1994

  Schlumberger Technologies Ltd.

  Dundee

  Expansion

  1—

  90

  85

  December 1994

  Zepf Technologies Inc.

  Cumbernauld

  New Project

  1—

  28

  —

  December 1994

  British Gas

  Uddingston

  Expansion

  1—

  100

  —

  January 1995

  Jabra Corporation

  Livingston

  New project

  1—

  1—

  —

  February 1995

  Meric International Corporation

  Irvine

  New Project

  8.0

  450

  —

  February 1995

  GE Capital Motor Finance

  Edinburgh

  Expansion

  —

  55

  —

  March 1995

  Naco Materials Handling Group Europe Ltd.

  Irvine

  New project

  1—

  15

  —

  March 1995

  EWOS Ltd.

  Livingston

  New project

  1—

  40

  —

  March 1995

  EWOS Ltd.

  Bathgate

  Expansion

  1—

  1—

  —

  March 1995

  Ciba Classical Pigments

  Paisley

  Expansion

  40.0

  80

  —

  April 1995

  Birkbys Plastics Ltd.

  Glenrothes

  New project

  1—

  100

  —

  April 1995

  Patrol Manufacturing

  Glasgow

  New project

  0.5

  40

  —

  June 1995

  Selfcare Inc.

  Inverness

  New Project

  9.6

  375

  —

  June 1995

  Konrad Keller GmbH

  Alness

  New Project

  1—

  16

  —

  June 1995

  Burr Brown Corporation

  Livingston

  Expansion

  1—

  32

  79

  July 1995

  MAN Truck and Bus UK Ltd.

  Bellshill

  New Project

  2.0

  45

  —

  July 1995

  PET Processors LLC

  Dumfries

  New Project

  1—

  15

  —

  July 1995

  Cannon (UK) Ltd.

  Glenrothes

  New Project

  10.0

  220

  —

  July 1995

  Exabyte Corporation

  Larbert

  Expansion

  1—

  100

  —

  August 1995

  British Gas

  Edinburgh

  New Project

  1—

  500

  —

  August 1995

  National Australian Group

  Clydebank

  New Project

  1—

  250

  —

  August 1995

  BT

  Motherwell

  New Project

  2.7

  170

  —

  August 1995

  Motorola

  Bathgate

  Expansion

  1—

  400

  —

  August 1995

  Forbo Nairn

  Kirkcaldy

  Expansion

  15.0

  14

  —

  September 1995

  TSB

  Glasgow

  New project

  15.0

  900

  —

  September 1995

  Precision Tube Technology

  Peterhead

  New Project

  4.5

  40

  —

  September 1995

  IBM

  Greenock

  Expansion

  1—

  200

  —

  826
  All our dealings with inward investors are undertaken on a commercially confidential basis and it would not therefore be appropriate to publish details of individual projects except in cases where details of the project have been announced by the company itself. The following table contains details of the inward investment projects attracted to Scotland which have been the subject of public announcements since April 1994.
  827

  Date of announcement

  Company

  Location

  Type of project

  Planned investment (£ million)

  Planed jobs

  New

  Safeguarded

  September 1995

  Bi-Link Metal Specialities

  Cumbernauld

  New Project

  6.0

  100

  —

  October 1995

  Lexmark International

  Rosyth

  New Project

  26.0

  500

  —

  November 1995

  Chunghwa Picture

  Mossend

  New Project Tubes Ltd.

  260.0

  3,300

  —

  November 1995

  Motorola

  East Kilbride

  New Project

  1—

  10

  —

  November 1995

  Shin-Etsu Handotai

  Livingston

  Expansion

  160.0

  235

  —

  November 1995

  Foxconn UK Ltd.

  Erskine

  New Project

  1—

  15

  —

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Milk
  Mr. Bryan Davies
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much money the United Kingdom will receive from the EU to help pay for milk in secondary schools and milk in school catering in 1995–96. [4128]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We estimate that EU expenditure on the discretionary elements of the school milk scheme will amount to approximately £6.1 million in the United Kingdom in 1995£96. Doing away with the discretionary element will result in public expenditure savings of about £4 million.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the cost to the EU of the common agricultural policy milk and milk products regime in 1995. [4145]

  Mr. Baldry
  The provisional outturn for the cost of the EU diary regime in the 1995 FEOGA year is 4 billion ecu.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make publicly available the submission by the United Kingdom to the European Commission requesting a derogation allowing the United Kingdom to continue to use EU aid for milk used in the preparation of school meals; and if he will place a copy of the submission in the Library.[3382]

  Mr. Hogg
  [holding answer 30 November 1995]: I am arranging for a copy of the document to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Ronnie Campbell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last met representatives of the dairy industry to discuss BSE. [4143]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Minister last met representatives of the dairy industry to discuss BSE-related issues on 6 December.

  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received concerning the number of cases of BSE in the United Kingdom.[4141]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) this afternoon.
  828
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to ban from human food all specified offals from calves under the age of six months.[4849]

  Mrs. Browning
  The controls on the specified bovine offals are designed to ensure that all tissues that potentially harbour BSE infectivity are removed from cattle at slaughter and are destroyed. These tissues should not, therefore, enter the human or animal food chain. The current controls are based on scientific evidence and are endorsed by the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee. The six-month cut-off was originally based on the distribution of scrapie agent in infected sheep. Experimental studies show that BSE infectivity cannot be detected in either the brain or spinal cord up to and including 18 months after cattle were fed a large dose of infected brain. Indeed, infectivity has been found in no tissue other than the small intestine in these experiments so far. The small intestine from cattle of any age is banned from entering the food chain. The six-month cut-off for brain and spinal cord therefore represents a very wide margin of safety in relation to the experimental results and there is no reason to revise them.

  Hill Farming
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy for encouraging the younger generation to enter hill farming. [4144]

  Mr. Boswell
  I refer the reply given earlier by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mr. Griffiths).

  In addition, farmers in the less-favoured areas benefit from the substantial public funding in the form of livestock subsidies. These are expected to amount to £610 million in 1995, rising to £655 million in 1996.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by what amount the planned expenditure of the EU on the CAP in 1996 differs from actual expenditure last year. [4146]

  Mr. Baldry
  The 1996 draft budget for the CAP exceeds expenditure in 1994 by about 7.9 billion ecu, or £6.7 billion at current rates of exchange.

  Fruit and Vegetables
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his plans to reduce the trade deficit in fruit and vegetables. [4147]
  829
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the United Kingdom trade balances in fruit and vegetables; and what action the Government are taking to improve it. [4152]

  Mr. Boswell
  The trade deficit in horticultural products, currently standing at some £3 billion, reflects a range of factors, including imports of non-indigenous and out-of-season produce. Our strategy—which includes the appointment of a horticultural export promoter to the Department's market task force—is to encourage the industry to play to its strengths and match the excellence of its product with high-class marketing.

  Farm Animals (Slaughter)
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he has taken to promote the slaughter of farm animals before transport. [4148]

  Mrs. Browning
  We have an excellent record on meat products, which are well up on last year, when they exceeded live exports in value terms by a factor of nearly 7:1. We are working with the industry and the Meat and Livestock Commission to convert even more of the trade in live animals to a trade in meat.

  Fish Diseases Laboratories
  Mr. Ian Bruce
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many people are employed in(a) his Department and (b) the new fish diseases laboratories in Weymouth; and what was the investment in the laboratories. [4149]

  Mr. Boswell
  At 1 October, the total number of staff employed in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, inclusive of the agencies, was 11,195. Of this number, 54 were employed at the fish diseases laboratories at Weymouth. The anticipated outturn cost for the provision of the laboratories at Weymouth is approximately £13 million.

  Farmers (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a scheme of voluntary early retirement for farmers. [4150]

  Mr. Boswell
  No. Council regulation 2079/92 permits member states to provide early retirement pensions to farmers aged between 55 and normal retirement age who release their land for amalgamation with other holdings or for non-agricultural use. This option has not been taken up in the UK because we take the view that its terms are not appropriate to the conditions of agriculture here.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received on the rural policy White Paper. [4151]
  830
  Mr. Boswell
  During the preparation of the White Paper "Rural England—A Nation Committed to a Living Countryside" about 380 organisations and individuals responded to the invitation to give their views. Regional seminars involving key representatives from various interest groups in all regions were also held. Since the White Paper was published there have been a number of occasions attended by Ministers which have provided the opportunity for further representations to be made. In that period we have also received five letters to Ministers on the White Paper.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Rathbone
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to monitor the use of pesticides. [4154]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Government undertake a comprehensive monitoring programme which covers pesticide usage, residue levels and wildlife incidents. This information is reported to the Advisory Committee on Pesticides and is used by the regulatory Departments to inform their policies relating to approval and control of pesticides. All monitoring results are made publicly available.

  Dairy Crest
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the sell-off of Dairy Crest. [4155]

  Mr. Baldry
  It is the responsibility of the Residuary Milk Marketing Board to decide, in the light of commercial and market conditions, when and how the disposal of Diary Crest is to be effected.

  Farmers (Lichfield)
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will meet farmers from the Lichfield area to discuss EU documentation; and if he will make a statement.[4156]

  Mr. Boswell
  I have no plans to meet farmers from the Lichfield area at the moment. However, as I announced on 9 November, we have set up an efficiency scrutiny which aims to reduce the burden of paperwork, including EU documentation, on farmers in England and Wales.

  Organic Turkeys
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the production and consumption of turkeys reared to organic standards and by welfare-friendly methods. [4142]

  Mrs. Browning
  The welfare of all livestock on agricultural land is protected by the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to livestock, and subordinate legislation. The welfare of turkeys is further protected by a welfare code which sets out more detailed requirements.

  We are encouraging the production of all types of organic food. We support the work of the independent UK

  831
  register of organic food standards which control production standards for all sectors, including poultry.

  Ministerial Offices
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much has been spent on furnishing and decorating ministerial offices in his Department in each of the last three years. [5567]

  Mr. Boswell
  Expenditure on furnishings and decorating ministerial offices in each of the last three years is included in the running cost expenditure of the Department, which is published in the annual report.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide revenue forecasts for the current year and the next five years of expenditure on schemes provided under the PFI. [5722]

  Mr. Boswell
  While several projects are currently being assessed for their potential, no schemes have so far been agreed under the private finance initiative, and no revenue forecasts have been made.

  Departmental Payments
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of bills to his Department were paid in accordance with agreed contractual conditions or, where no such contractual conditions existed, within 30 days of receiving goods and services or the presentation of a valid invoice in the last year for which figures are available. [5710]

  Subject

  Date

  Organisation

  Numbers taking part

  Location

  Timescale of fieldwork

  (i)

  (iii)

  (iv)

  (v)

  (v)

  1. Fridge use and maintenance leaflet-communication research

  July 1993

  Reflexions

  96

  Great Britain

  1 month

  2. Foodsense awareness

  July 1993

  RSGB

  2,000

  Great Britain

  1 month

  3. Foodsense strategy research

  September 1993

  Andrew Irving and Associates

  96

  England (North, South Midlands)

  2 months

  4. Improved methods of food preference mapping

  October 1993

  Mobile Sensory Testing Services Ltd.

  864

  United Kingdom

  3 years

  5. MAFF exhibition research

  June 1994

  Martin Hamblin

  1,101

  Bath, Northampton and Newcastle

  8 months

  6. Exhibition research

  August 1994

  Diagnostics

  434

  London

  1 month

  7. Valuation of non-use environmental benefits. The value of natural areas.

  October 1995

  University of Portsmouth

  2,000

  England

  1 year

  8. Customer satisfaction survey of regional service centres

  February 1995

  BJM Research and Consultancy Ltd.

  1,800

  England

  6 weeks

  9. Balance in the countryside-evaluation of brochure and information pack.

  November 1994

  Reflexions

  30

  Great Britain

  6 weeks

  10. Environmentally sensitive areas research

  February 1995

  RSGB

  1,500

  England

  1 month

  11. Survey on the consumer understanding of numerical nutrition labelling

  January 1995

  Research Services Ltd.

  1,000

  United Kingdom

  4 months

  12. Foodsense advert awareness

  August 1995

  RSGB

  4,000

  Great Britain

  4 months

  13. Foodsense booklet review

  August 1995

  Benson, Slesenger Research

  48

  England

  6 weeks

  14. Socio-economic and environmental evaluation of the farm woodland premium scheme

  June 1995

  Entec UK Ltd.

  542

  England and Wales

  2 months

  15. Evaluation of ESA landscapes—research in the south downs and Somerset levels and moors

  September 1992

  University of Newcastle

  3.077

  England

  2 months

  832
  Mr. Boswell
  From 1991 to 1994, prompt payment performance was measured by a manual sampling process. For 1993–94, this sampling established MAFF's overall payment performance including payments to farm businesses as 85 per cent.

  During 1994, MAFF was in the process of installing a computerised payments system and, as a result, consistent, statistically valid data on prompt payment performance could not be collected. Data emerging from the new system indicate 85.41 per cent. of all payments made by MAFF in the first quarter of 1995–96 were made by the due date.

  Public Opinion Surveys
  Mr. Dobson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food if he will list all qualitative and quantitative research projects and surveys carried out for his Department into aspects of public attitudes and opinions(a) in general and (b) in relation to specific policy proposals in each of the past three years to December 1995, indicating for each project or survey (i) the date on which the research was commissioned, (ii) the amount which his Department spent, (iii) who carried out the research, (iv) the number of people surveyed or taking part, (v) the location and time scale and (vi) which individuals and organisations have been given access to the findings. [5988]

  Mr. Boswell
  A total of 15 projects and surveys, looking into aspects of public attitudes and opinions, have been commissioned by MAFF in the past three years to December 1995. Details of these surveys are shown. It is not possible for commercial reasons to give the cost of each survey individually; however, in total these surveys cost £359,000.
  833
  Of the 15 projects and surveys commissioned, four were in relation to specific policy proposals and 11 of a general nature. For completed projects and surveys, the findings are available on request, subject to any commercial constraints.

  Drift Net Fishing
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his answer of 7 December,Official Report, column 372, if he will list the individuals and organisations to whom he has circulated the interim report on drift net fishing from the sea mammals research unit; and when he will place a copy in the Library. [5869]

  Mr. Baldry
  The Ministry has not yet circulated the interim report to other individuals or organisations and will not do so until after it has been placed in the Library. This will be done before the recess once the Ministry has prepared its analysis of the report.

  Dietary Supplements
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, (1) if he will make it his policy to oppose any further regulations from the European Union which would restrict United Kingdom consumers' access to vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; and if he will make a statement; [6205]

  (2) what is his policy in respect of ensuring the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; and if he will make a statement. [6122]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Government's policy is to ensure that consumers have as much choice as possible in their access to vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements, provided that the public health is not compromised. There are no formal proposals from the European Union at present to change the rules on the sale of dietary supplements. If any such proposals were made, the United Kingdom position would reflect this policy. We would be opposed to any unnecessary regulation.

  Prisoners: Requests for Transfer to Northern Ireland
  Prisoners: Requests for Transfer to Northern Ireland
  Prisoners: Requests for Transfer to Irish Republic
  Prisoners: Requests for Transfer to Irish Republic
  Recruitment and Assessment Services: Privatisation
  Recruitment and Assessment Services: Privatisation
  Mobility Component: Restrictions on Entitlement
  Mobility Component: Restrictions on Entitlement
  Bosnian Government Forces: Training
  Bosnian Government Forces: Training
  Former Yugoslavia: Lifting of Arms Embargo
  Former Yugoslavia: Lifting of Arms Embargo
  Natural Resources Institute
  Natural Resources Institute
  Gibraltar
  Gibraltar
  Entry Clearance Decisions: Independent Monitor's Report
  Entry Clearance Decisions: Independent Monitor's Report
  Human Rights: UK Adherence to European Convention
  Human Rights: UK Adherence to European Convention
  Leasehold Enfranchisement
  Leasehold Enfranchisement
  Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Reduction
  Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Reduction
  Cable Network: Access
  Cable Network: Access
  Project Work Programme Non-attendance Sanction
  Project Work Programme Non-attendance Sanction