Written Answers of 17 July 1995

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Crown Court Trials (Waiting Times)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will provide a breakdown by Crown court circuit of the average length of time between an accused person being remanded in custody for trial at Crown court and the date on which the trial starts. [34826]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 17 July 1995:
  WAITING TIME FOR CROWN COURT TRIALS The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about the average length of time between an accused person being remanded in custody for trial and the date on which the trial starts in the Crown Court.I am able to provide you with the following information for each Circuit and overall for England and Wales. These figures cover the 12 month period up to 31 March 1995:

  Midland and Oxford Circuit: 12.3 weeks

  North Eastern Circuit: 15.9 weeks

  Northern Circuit: 14.5 weeks

  Southern Eastern Circuit (London): 13.2 weeks

  Southern Eastern Circuit (Provinces) 14.2 weeks

  Wales and Chester Circuit: 8.8 weeks

  Western Circuit: 12.2 weeks

  England and Wales: 13.5 weeks

  Interdepartmental Working Group on Marriage
  Mr. Brandreth
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will give details of the terms of reference and membership of the interdepartmental working group on marriage, which the Government announced in their White Paper "Looking to the Future: Mediation and the Ground for Divorce". [35707]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The terms of reference for the interdepartmental working group on marriage, which is to be chaired by the Lord Chancellor's Department, are as follows.

  The interdepartmental working party on marriage will seek to identify:
  the needs of couples in relation to preparing for marriage and for guidance and support during marriage;
  the range of services currently available in this area, the extent to which their existence is known and how this knowledge might be increased; and
  862
  how existing resources might best be used to meet the needs of couples who are considering marriage or whose marriage is in difficulty.

  The following Departments will be represented on the group: the Lord Chancellor's Department, the Home Office, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Social Security, the Northern Ireland Office, the Department of Education and Employment, the Department of Health and the Welsh Office.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33562]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Information has not been held centrally for the full period in question, and information prior to 1992–93 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. On the best information currently available details of external consultancy contracts for the years from 1992–93 are as follows:

  year

  Number of contracts

  Value £000's

  1992–93

  74

  3,455

  1993–94

  72

  1,224

  1994–95

  84

  1,640

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will estimate the cost of employing consultants in connection with privatisation programmes in which his Department has been engaged since 1980. [33464]

  Mr. Taylor
  No Department for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible has incurred any consultancy costs in connection with privatisation programmes since 1980.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will indicate which five consultancy firms have received most contracts from his Department(a) by number of contracts and (b) monetary value in the last five years for which figures are available. [33444]

  Mr. Taylor
  This information has not been held centrally, and figures for the years before 1992–93 could be provided only at disproportionate cost. On the best information currently available, the five consultancy firms which have won the most contracts for the years from 1992–93 are:

  Consultants

  Number of contracts

  Value £000s

  1. Myriad Computer Services

  9

  190

  2. Peat Marwick

  7

  246

  3. TBV Consultants

  7

  122

  4. Price Waterhouse

  6

  353

  5. WS Atkins

  5

  164

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his
  863
  Department and agencies for which it is responsible to (a) Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries, (b) Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries, (c) Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries, (d) Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries, (e) Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries, (f) Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries, (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries, (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries, (i) Pannell Kerr Foster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33912]

  Mr. Taylor
  This information has not been held centrally. On the best information currently available, the details for the Lord Chancellor's Department are as follows:

  Consultants

  Number of contracts

  Amount £000's

  Coopers and Lybrand

  2

  79

  Peat Marwick

  7

  246

  Ernst and Young

  1

  11

  Arthur Andersen

  nil

  nil

  Price Waterhouse

  6

  276

  Grant Thornton

  nil

  nil

  Stoy Haywood

  nil

  nil

  Robson Rhodes

  1

  3

  Pannell Kerr Foster

  nil

  nil

  The Lord Chancellor is now responsible for four agencies: the Court Service, Her Majesty's Land Registry, the Public Record Office and the Public Trust Office. Information relating to the Court Service is included in the figures above, as it became an agency only after the period in question; and information relating to the Public Trust Office is included up to the time it acquired agency status in July 1994. In respect of the Land Registry, the Public Record Office, and the Public Trust Office from July 1994, the question concerns operational matters on which the chief executives are best placed to provide answers. I have accordingly asked them to reply direct.

  Letter from David Thomas to Mr. Austin Mitchell dated 17 July 1995:

  CONSULTANCY COMPANIES
  In the absence of the Chief Executive, who is on leave, I have been asked by the Lord Chancellor's Parliamentary Secretary to reply to your question on contracts let to specified companies for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95.
  The following contracts were let:

  Number of contracts

  Total sum £

  1993–94

  Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries

  1

  113,749

  Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries

  1

  19,960

  Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  864

  Number of contracts

  Total sum £

  Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries

  1

  13,920

  Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  1994–95

  Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries

  1

  229,809

  Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries

  1

  60,395

  Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries

  —

  —

  Letter from Stella Hutcheson to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 10 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary of the Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to you as part of the Lord Chancellor's Department's response to your Parliamentary Question, listed on 7 July 1995, regarding the cost of contracts awarded to various firms and their subsidiaries in 1993–94 and 1994–95.In 1994–95 Price Waterhouse were awarded a contract to provide management advice at a cost of £65,742.55.
  Letter from John Manthorpe to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 17 July 1995:
  CONTRACTS FOR PRIVATISATION, MARKET TESTING, MANAGEMENT ADVICE, ACCOUNTING, AUDIT CONSULTANCY AND OTHER SERVICES
  1993/94 AND 1994/95.I have been asked by the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department to reply to your recent question about the number and total sum of contracts let out to a list of 9 consultancy companies in the years 1993/94 and 1994/95.One contract was let to Coopers Lybrand, in 1993/94, for a sum of £12,601.87.I do hope that this answers the points raised with the Parliamentary Secretary, but please contact me if I can be of any further assistance.

  Staff (Shareholdings)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many staff in his Department or its agencies have(a) declared any company shareholdings they hold or (b) been advised to dispose of shareholdings in the last five years, indicating the companies concerned. [33412]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  For the Department and agencies for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible, staff declaring any company shareholdings would have been dealt with in accordance with the established guidance. Records of the number of cases are not held centrally. Neither the Department nor its agencies have any staff who have declared any company shareholdings, or staff who have been advised to dispose of shareholdings, during the last five years.

  Crown Court Trials (Delays)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps can be taken against lawyers who cause delays in Crown court proceedings by failing to provide timely and accurate information. [33842]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Peter Thurnham, dated 17 July 1995:

  CROWN COURTS TRIALS
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about the steps being taken to reduce the time taken to bring cases to trial in the Crown Courts.Unfortunately, there will always be an element of delay in any court proceedings. For example, when fixing a date for trial account often needs to be taken of the availability of witnesses to attend court. However, the Court Service carefully monitors the speed with which cases move through the system and takes active measures to reduce avoidable delays.We have recently introduced a system of early plea and directions hearings in the Crown Courts. This scheme which is being phased into all Crown Courts this year will identify, at an early stage, cases in which defendants intend to plead guilty, and where a plea of not guilty is entered, will enable the judge to give directions about the preparations for trial. The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 introduced sentence discounts for defendants who enter early guilty pleas, which will reinforce the beneficial effects of the early plea and directions system.In addition to these measures we have progressively increased the number of sitting days in the Crown Court since the beginning of 1995. Over the same period there has also been a reduction in the number of outstanding cases by 13%.We are also introducing new systems to collect detailed information on the causes of delay and will be considering, in conjunction with the judiciary and the Crown Prosecution Service, what more can be done to reduce them.Finally, I am pleased to report that twenty-nine new crown court rooms are due to open by the end of 1996.
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what steps can be taken against lawyers who cause delays in Crown court proceedings by failing to provide timely and accurate information. [33842]

  Mr. Taylor
  Judges have powers to make wasted costs orders against lawyers. They may also make observations for the attention of the paying authority regarding the work for which the lawyer is due to be paid fees from legal aid.

  Muslim Marriages
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ask the Law Commission to examine the law relating to the solemnisation of Muslim marriages, with particular reference to the need for solemnisation in a mosque to be followed by a registry office ceremony. [34324]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I have been asked to reply.
  866
  We see no need to invite the Law Commission to undertake such an -examination. A marriage in a mosque does not by law have to be followed by a register office ceremony. The law already provides for the solemnisation of a marriage in any building registered for the purpose under section 41 of the Marriage Act 1949, and there are over 100 mosques in England and Wales registered for marriages. The trustees or governing body of a building registered for marriages may also appoint, and certify to the Registrar General, an authorised person to register marriages at the building, so that a marriage registrar need not attend at the ceremony. The 1949 Act requires the use of words of declaration and contract, prescribed in the Act, by the parties to a civil marriage and in marriage in all faiths and religions—except, for ecclesiological or historical reasons, in the Anglican, Jewish and Quaker marriage rites.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  British Citizens (Repatriation from Australia)
  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British citizens have been repatriated at United Kingdom public expense from Australia in 1995. [34299]

  Mr. Hanley
  None.

  Mr. Viktor Kubeykin
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made by The Sunday Times to Ministers or officials about issuing a visa to Mr. Viktor Kubeykin, a retired KGB officer, to visit the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [34546]

  Mr. Hanley
  I have asked the migration and visa correspondence unit to obtain the information requested and to let the hon. Member have a substantive reply as soon as possible.

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he intends to make the Government of Indonesia about the rejection of the plea for presidential clemency of Sergeant-Major Bungkus who is expected to be executed; and if he will raise the issue of the treatment of Sergeant-Major Bungkus at the forthcoming consultative group for Indonesia meeting. [34712]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have received reports about the rejection of Mr. Bungkus's plea for clemency. Our embassy in Jakarta is seeking clarification from the Indonesian Government.

  Singapore
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made in the last three years of the level of judicial independence in Singapore. [34417]

  Mr. Hanley
  None. The independence of the Singapore judiciary is a matter for the Singapore Government.

  Africa (Peacekeeping)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the joint British-Nigerian proposals to the United Nations on peacekeeping in Africa. [34361]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  A copy of the Anglo-Nigerian paper on African peacekeeping has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the results of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34702]

  Mr. Hanley
  Diplomatic staff produced over 6,000 service reports for British firms in the year ended 31 March 1995. Chargeable services, targeted specifically at small to medium-sized companies, are subject to an independent survey of customer satisfaction. The most recent published information about the Department's commercial work abroad is contained in the Foreign and Commonwealth departmental report—available in the House Library, Cm 2802. This includes details of satisfaction rates.

  Visas (Moscow)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will investigate the circumstances in which Mr. Patrick Roche and Mr. Barnie Penrose obtained visas for people in Moscow; what types of visas were obtained and for whom; which post issued them; and to what extent Ministers or the permanent secretary were involved. [34545]

  Mr. Hanley
  Our embassy in Moscow is now aware of any visa applications which have been sponsored by either Mr. Roche or Mr. Penrose.

  Bosnia
  Mr. John Townend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total gross cost and net cost of the Bosnian operation both in respect of aid and military cost to 31 March. [34492]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Minister of State, to the hon. Member for Mid-Kent (Mr. Rowe) on 5 July,Official Report, columns 262–63.

  Diplomats (Parking Fines)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish figures recording the number of unpaid parking fines incurred by diplomatic missions in London during 1994. [34431]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 2 May,Official Report, column 149.
  868

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library the statements issued by the British high commission in Australia about the film "The Maltese Double Cross". [34775]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  A copy has been placed in the Library.

  Iraq
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what information the United Nations special commission on Iraq has provided to Her Majesty's Government about equipment sent from the United Kingdom to Iraq which could be used for the manufacture of chemical warfare agents; [35144]

  (2) when the list of suppliers of equipment and chemicals exported to Iraq which were used in her chemical warfare programme will be made public (a) by UNSCOM or (b) by Her Majesty's Government; [35142]

  (3) when the information UNSCOM has collected about chemical warfare production in Iraq will be published in full; [35141]

  (4) what information Her Majesty's Government has received from UNSCOM about chemical exports to Iraq from the United Kingdom and other countries. [35143]

  Mr. David Davis
  UNSCOM inspectors have investigated a wide range of sites in Iraq at which British equipment and products have been found. UNSCOM policy is to give the names of supplier companies in confidence to the member states in which the companies are located. UNSCOM does not make this information public. Nor is it our practice to publish the names of such companies. However, any evidence of wrongdoing is investigated and, if appropriate, will be a matter for the courts.

  UNSCOM regularly publishes reports on its work, the latest of which—S/1995/284 and S/1995/494—have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has about the progress made by the international commission of inquiry into the deaths at the Kibeho camp in Rwanda; and if he will make a statement. [34666]

  Mr. Hanley
  The report of the independent international commission of inquiry into the deaths at Kibeho was published on 18 May. Copies have been placed in the Libraries in the House. We have welcomed the inquiry and called on all concerned to implement its recommendations fully.

ENVIRONMENT

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list by region the total amount of(a) useable and (b) set-aside capital receipts held by each local authority in England at 31 March. [33473]
  869
  Sir Paul Beresford
  [pursuant to his reply, 12 July 1995, c. 578]: Four local authorities in the south-east were omitted from the list provided. I am therefore placing a revised list of local authorities in the Library to the House.

  This also affects the totals for the south-east region which should have read "Usable Receipts £1,206 million and PCL set aside £2,912 million."

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the level of capital receipts held by each local authority for the latest year available and the total for each region and nationally. [34645]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  A list by region of the amounts of accumulated usable capital receipts and the amounts set aside as provision for credit liabilities for each English local authority at 31 March 1994 has been placed in the Library of the House.

  The regional totals for these amounts are:

  Amounts held as at 31 March 1994 (£ million)

  Region

  Usable receipts

  PLC set aside

  South East

  1,206

  2,912

  South West

  162

  629

  East Anglia

  93

  323

  West Midlands

  117

  437

  East Midlands

  123

  508

  North West

  142

  489

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  79

  460

  Northern

  65

  225

  Miscellaneous authorities (all regions)

  74

  58

  Total

  2,061

  6,041

  The provision for credit liabilities includes amounts set aside from both capital receipts and revenue. Separate figures are not available.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the cost of employing consultants in connection with privatisation programmes in which his Department has been engaged since 1980. [33458]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is not held centrally by my Department and is obtainable only at disproportionate cost.

  Carbon Emissions
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the performance of the Energy Saving Trust in meeting the reductions in emissions set out in the United Kingdom climate change strategy. [33998]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Government are confident of meeting their commitments under the climate change convention. The trust estimates that the programme of activities already established and financed will save at least 0.3 million tonnes of carbon in 2000. Further schemes will make additional contributions, but they are not yet established.

  Construction Industry Board
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the membership of the Construction Industry Board; on what criteria members were appointed; and what is their salary. [34063]

  Mr. Clappison
  The board's membership is provided by the Construction Industry Council, the Construction Industry Employers Council, the Constructors Liaison Group, and the Government, each of whom may appoint four members; and the Construction Clients Forum which is entitled to appoint six members. The Secretary of State for the Environment is president of the board and Sir Michael Latham is chairman.

  Appointment of members is at the discretion of the nominating organisations, but they are expected to be senior representatives of their organisations.

  The Confederation of British Industry is a representative body and members are not paid salaries.

  Algae Blooms
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many rivers, canals and lakes have been deemed a safety hazard to public health as a result of algae blooms in each of the last five years. [34627]

  Mr. Clappison
  This information is not held centrally.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34592]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: In the last 12 months, there were no redundancies in the core of my Department, nor in the Health and Safety Executive. In the Property Services Agency, there were 895 redundancies, of which 466 were voluntary. The total sum spent on these redundancies was £38,697,000.

  Town Centre Managers
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the support he intends to give to town centre managers. [33370]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Town centre management is a local activity, best carried out by local partnerships. I have, however, strongly supported town centre improvement and management through planning policy guidance note 6; through a good practice guide—"Vital and Viable Town Centres: Meeting the Challenge"; and through help for the Association of Town Centre Management in a number of its projects.

  Department of Employment Staff
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many staff employed in the former Department of Employment as a result of that Department's abolition(a) will be made redundant (b) will take early retirement (c) will be employed on a temporary contract instead of a permanent contract and

  871
  (d) will be employed on a part-time basis instead of a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement. [34658]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Health and Safety Executive and the health and safety policy and liaison section of the Employment Department transferred to the Department of the Environment on 5 July 1995.

  This has not had any impact on the number of employees employed or their conditions of service.

  Defective Housing
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will classify the privately owned Calder Homes houses at Angus close, Killingworth, North Tyneside as properties which are defective under section 528(1) in part XVI of the Housing Act 1985. [34807]

  Mr. Clappison
  My Department has no evidence that this would be justified.

  Ozone
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has received from the Norwegian Meteorological Office as to the estimate produced by the photochemical model for Europe with regard to the likely effects upon levels of ozone in the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom policy for reducing oxides of nitrogen. [35086]

  Mr. Clappison
  As part of the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme's work programme within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's Convention on Transboundary Air Pollution—UNECE-LRTAP—a photochemical model has been developed and is used as an aid policy dvelopment. Preliminary results show that ozone in the UK is indeed a transboundary problem and that the UK receives significant amounts of ozone from other European countries. As the UK reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides, levels of ozone may rise and then decline as further reductions in nitrogen oxide emissions are made. Because of the complesities associated with the formation of ground level ozone in Europe, the EMEP results will be developed and considered more fully within the UNECE with the aim of developing a European-wide strategy for ozone reduction.

  Local Government Commission
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what were the costs of running the Local Government Commission; what was the amount spent each year by the commission on research and consultancy; and if he will list the areas covered and the companies engaged for each year since 1990. [35095]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Local Government Commission was established on 1 July 1992. Its expenditure to date is as follows:

  £ million

  Year

  Total expenditure

  Expenditure on research and consultancy

  1992–93

  2.056

  0.532

  1993–94

  5.146

  1.281

  1994–95

  7.817

  1.004

  872
  The present budget for 1995–96 is £2,508 million; budget allocations, including those of consultancies are still being considered. The commission has engaged MORI, Ernst and Young, NOP Research Group Ltd., the Audit Commission, Succession Planning Associates, the London Research Centre and, for the current year only, Coopers and Lybrand on consultancies covering opinion research, staffing issues and financial appraisal together with other related matters.

TRANSPORT

  Derailments
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of derailments involving(a) passenger trains and (b) freight trains occurring in each year since 1990 to date. [34901]

  Mr. Watts
  The Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate maintains records of accidents and incidents, details of which are contained in the annual report on railway safety. Copies are placed in the House of Commons Library.

  The table shows the number of derailments for passenger and freight trains.

  Figures for 1994–95 are expected to be published this December.

  Derailments 1990 to 1993–94

  1990

  1991

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Total

  Passenger trains

  26

  3

  23

  30

  29

  111

  Freight trains

  157

  43

  121

  175

  84

  580

  Total

  183

  46

  144

  205

  113

  691

  The figures for 1991 cover the period 1 January 1991 to 31 March 1991 only.

  Rail Privatisation
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the nationality of those foreign companies, organisations or individuals which have completed pre-qualification for tendering for a private rail franchise. [34910]

  Mr. Watts
  No.

  Transport Policy (Safety)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to include transport safety in the list of main questions in his consultation document "Transport: The Way Ahead"; and what factors underlay its initial exclusion. [34895]

  Sir George Young
  The broad theme of "Transport: The Way Ahead" is the balance in transport policy between promotion of economic growth, protection of the environment and support for personal choice. Transport safety can affect this balance: some of the issues are touched upon in the paper—see paragraphs 1.25, 2.25, 5.22 and 5.33.

  I would welcome any contributions which explored these issues further.
  873

  Road Congestion (Greater London)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's estimate of the annual cost to business of road congestion within Greater London. [34898]

  Mr. Norris
  No single figure can be quoted because there is no generally accepted norm against which any measure of congestion can be compared.

  Parliamentary Questions
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many parliamentary questions his Department has refused to answer for reasons of commercial confidentiality in each year since 1990 to date. [34902]

  Mr. Norris
  This is a matter of public record.

  Cyclists (Accidents)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of road traffic accidents involving cyclists indicating the number of fatalities, and the number of serious injuries in(a) Greater London and (b) the United Kingdom for each year since 1990 to date. [34906]

  Mr. Norris
  The information available is shown in the following table.

  Accidents involving pedal cyclists: Greater London 1990–94

  Accidents

  Severity

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Fatal

  19

  18

  20

  19

  16

  Serious

  650

  652

  567

  515

  511

  Slight

  3,940

  3,699

  3,740

  3,731

  3,931

  All severities

  4,609

  4,369

  4,327

  4,265

  4,458

  Pedal cycle fatalities and serious casualties: Greater London 1990–94

  Casualties

  Severity

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Fatal

  19

  17

  18

  18

  15

  Serious

  627

  629

  545

  493

  488

  KSI1

  646

  646

  563

  511

  503

  1 Killed or seriously injured.

  Accidents involving pedal cyclists: Great Britain 1990–94

  Accidents

  Severity

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Fatal

  267

  247

  212

  194

  184

  Serious

  4,486

  4,076

  3,905

  3,743

  3,966

  Slight

  21,971

  20,719

  20,845

  20,363

  20,915

  AH severities

  26,724

  25,042

  24,962

  24,300

  25,065

  874

  Pedal cycle fatalities and serious casualties: Great Britain 1990–94

  Casualties

  Severity

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Fatal

  256

  242

  204

  186

  172

  Serious

  4,344

  3,946

  3,787

  3,610

  3,828

  KSI1

  4,600

  4,188

  3,991

  3,796

  4,000

  1 Killed or seriously injured.

  Schoolchildren (Defective Transport)
  Mr. Malacolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by region the number of public service vehicles and minibuses carrying schoolchildren which have been found to be defective after random inspection in the last two years for which figures are available. [34795]

  Mr. Norris
  This date could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Transport how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34622]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: During the period 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995, there were 467 redundacies in the Departmental of Transport all of which were voluntary. The early departure costs met by the Departmental amounted to £,806,427.

  Computer Equipment Supplies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the top 10 suppliers of computer equipment to his Department and its agencies in the last five years, indicating the total value of the contracts received. [34563]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The top 10 suppliers of computer systems and equipment-hardware, pre-installed software and network products—in the financial years 1993–94 and 1994–95 obtained for the Department and its agencies were as follows:

  Value of orders placed 1993–94

  Company

  £000

  1. Dell

  1,845

  2. ICL

  1,000

  3. Talkdata

  300

  4. P and P

  125

  5. Technology PLC

  120

  6. ACT

  95

  7. Holdene

  80

  8. TBC

  78

  9. APS

  65

  10. Equanet

  50

  875

  Value of orders placed 1994–95

  Company

  £000

  1. Dell

  3,630

  2. ICL

  2,100

  3. Talkdata

  463

  4. APS

  142

  5. A K Marketing

  99

  6. Equanet

  93

  7. Phoenix

  63

  8. EDS

  46

  9. Rapid Recall

  45

  10. Advantage

  43

  Figures for earlier years, and further desegregation of types of computer spend, can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Red Route Roads
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide figures on the number of road traffic accidents occurring on roads classified as red routes and the number of accidents that occurred on the same routes prior to their achieving red route status. [34900]

  Mr. Norris
  The traffic director for London will be monitoring the performance of the red route network, including road safety, as the measures are introduced progressively over the next few years. He will be publishing summary extracts from the data in his annual reports as it becomes available.

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many days were lost in sickness in the last 12 months by employees in his Department(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34621]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: Provisional data on the number of days lost in 1994 as a result of sickness is set out in the table. Information about the cost of the absences could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Days lost

  Percentage of working days

  Central Transport Group, Transport Road Research, Laboratory, Highways Agency, Marine Safety Agency Coastguard Agency.

  45,7723.07

  Driving Standards Agency

  23,757

  6.2

  Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

  46,189

  5.42

  Vehicle Certification Agency

  363

  2.12

  Vehicle Inspectorate

  12,123

  3.64

  White Hart Roundabout, Northolt
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 12 July,Official Report, column 574, what is the completion dates for the phased traffic lights at the White Hart roundabout, Northolt, at the time when money was made available to the London borough of Ealing for their construction; and if he will make a statement. [34850]
  876
  Mr. Norris
  Funding for this scheme was through the local transport capital settlement for minor works. Such funding does not identify particular schemes, and leaves it to the local authority to determine its work programmes and priorities.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the results of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indictors by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34692]

  Mr. Watts
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the UK economy. The Government continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative and administrative and taxation burdens. They also provide direct assistance where appropriate.

  The second competitiveness White Paper announced in May 1995 outlines a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.

  The Department's aim of a more efficient, safe and environmentally friendly transport system, using the market to offer the widest possible choice of transport users, will assist businesses of all sizes.

  My Department is, like others, systematically reviewing the regulations for which it is responsible to ensure that the unnecessary or over-burdensome regulation is cut back. When considering new regulations, we take particular account of the burden and cost those regulations impose on small business. We have recently completed a consultation on proposals to relax the regulation of signing for tourist destinations.

  Belgrave Road, London SW1
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will remove Belgrave road, London, SW1 from the priority—red—route network. [34415]

  Mr. Norris
  No. I would contemplate this only if strategic traffic in the area could be accommodated satisfactorily by improvements to Vauxhall Bridge road. I understand that the City of Westminster has decided not to proceed with the proposal to widen Vauxhall Bridge road.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of changes to the levels of air pollution caused by heavy lorry and other traffic on Belgrave road, London SW1 if Belgrave road is designated as a red route. [34414]

  Mr. Norris
  This is a matter for the traffic director, who is under a statutory duty to monitor the effect of the operation of red route measures. He is modelling emissions across the whole network based on traffic data to be collated before and after the implementation of measures.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the impact on
  877
  listed buildings in proximity to Belgrave road, London SW 1, by the designation of Belgrave road as a red route. [34416]

  Mr. Norris
  None. There is no reason to believe that the red route initiative will have any impact on listed buildings.

  Midland Main Line Service
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the percentage change in passenger services represented by the minimum requirements for the future franchised-out midland main line service. [34521]

  Mr. Watts
  The introduction of a passenger service requirement will not, in itself, represent any change to the level of services actually operated. Following franchising, I expect services on the midland main line to continue to improve in accordance with passenger demand. This assessment was supported by Midland main line's management team in its statement of 16 May.

  Mrs. Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has undertaken into the environmental impact of potential reduction in the midland main line passenger service. [34520]

  Mr. Watts
  None. No service reductions are planned.

  Catalytic Converters
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of(a) total motor vehicles and (b) petrol-driven vehicles in the United Kingdom are fitted with catalytic converters. [34343]

  Mr. Norris
  At the end of June 1995, there were 4.85 million petrol-engined passenger cars equipped with three-way catalytic converters. This was equivalent to 21.85 per cent. of the total passenger car fleet which numbered 22.2 million at the end of 1994. A limited number of petrol-engined vans are also now equipped with three-way catalytic converters.

  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the earliest date that he expects all petrol-driven vehicles in the United Kingdom to be fitted with catalytic converters; and what plans he has to introduce further regulatory changes. [34344]

  Mr. Norris
  All new petrol-engined passenger cars since 1993 and all new petrol-engined light vans since October 1994 have had to be fitted with three-way catalytic converters. The penetration of such vehicles into the parc as a whole depends on the rate of replacement, which cannot be predicted with certainty. It is nevertheless expected that the great majority of petrol-engined vehicles on the road will be equipped with catalysts by the early years of the next century.

  Subject to statutory consultation and parliamentary approval, tighter controls on emissions from all vehicles in-service are to be introduced on 25 September 1995 to be followed, from 1 January 1996, by a further tightening for cars with advanced emissions control systems, such as three-way catalytic converters. Stricter emissions limits for new passenger cars will be introduced on 1 January 1997 and EC discussions on even stricter limits for the year 2000 have already begun.

  Bicycle Lanes, Rotherham
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to increase the provision of bicycle lanes in Rotherham. [34405]

  Mr. Norris
  The extent to which additional provision needs to be made for cycling on the highway, including the number of cycle lanes, is a matter for individual local highway authorities to determine. We are encouraging all authorities to improve conditions for cycling, and we offer them a wide range of advice and guidance.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what factors led him to advise bidders for the CTRL in the competition overview document that the required alternative bids which include a station at Stratford should assume that authorisation for the station is obtained by him and not as a result of procedures under the Transport and Works Act 1992. [34276]

  Mr. Watts
  The aim in the competition overview document was to obtain from each tenderer a range of required alternative bids involving a Stratford station. In order to simplify comparison with the reference bid, which was not to include a Stratford station, tenderers were asked to assume, among several other things, that it was for the holder of the competition, the Secretary of State, and not for them, to see that authorisation for a station was forthcoming. No guidance was given on the method of authorisation. In fact, decisions about whether there should be a station at Stratford, and, in that event, how it should be authorised, remain to be taken.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what factors led to the choice of 2030 as the date up to which the Government would not provide any subsidy or financial assistance to any further new railway for international passenger services between London and the channel tunnel as set out in the draft development agreement for bidders for the CTRL. [34274]

  Mr. Watts
  In formulating this provision in the draft development agreement, we aimed to provide comfort for the private sector promoter for the likely period during which he would be repaying primary financing and refinancing.

  London Underground (Crime)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will call for a report from the managing director of London Underground about changes in the level of crime on the London Underground in the last year and its relationship to reductions in staffing at stations and on trains; what new measures are going to be taken to reduce crime; and if he will make a statement. [34307]

  Mr. Norris
  I have no plans to ask for such a report. The security of passengers and staff is a top priority for London Underground Ltd. and I am satisfied that LUL takes full account of any potential impacts on passenger security when making decisions on staffing levels. The small increase in overall underground crime last year was largely due to an increase in pickpocketing offences; the incidence of violent crime fell. I understand that London Underground and the British Transport police have
  879
  several initiatives planned for this year with the aim of reducing further crime on the underground.

  Ministerial Visits
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of official ministerial visits undertaken by(a) London underground, (b) car, (c) rail and (d) air over the last 12 months, indicating the number of miles travelled and the total cost to his Department. [34897]

  Sir George Young
  Records are not kept of the modes of transport used on each official visit nor of the miles covered. Ministers may use a variety of modes when making an official visit or conducting ministerial business; travel by rail is generally preferred for official visits out of London. The cost of official ministerial visits undertaken by air and rail from 20 July 1994 to date was £80,897. In the same period, the cost of the Government car service for all ministerial business was £226,442 Separate records are not kept of costs of travel on London underground.

  Buses, London
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide figures on bus usage within Greater London for each year since 1990 to date. [34914]

  Mr. Norris
  The available data is provided in the table.

  Millions

  Year

  Passenger journeys

  1990–91

  1,178

  1991–92

  1,149

  1992–93

  1,129

  1993–94

  1,117

  Data for 1994–95 will be available in October.

  Rail Privatisation (Legal Advice)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current cost to his Department per day of legal advice relating to rail privatisation. [34899]

  Mr. Watts
  The average cost of legal advice is approximately £23,000 per working day, including VAT.

  Rails Signals (Danger)
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of incidents of rail signals passed at danger for each year since 1990 to date. [34907]

  Mr. Watts
  The table shows the number of signals passed at danger since 1990. Figures for 1994–95 are expected to be published this December. By far the majority of trains passing signals at danger stop within the protected zone of the signal overlap.
  880

  Signals passed at danger (SPADS) 1990–1993–94

  Year

  Number

  1990

  895

  1991

  206

  1991–92

  944

  1992–93

  871

  1993–94

  905

  Total

  3,821

  The figures for 1991 cover the period 1 January 1991 to 31 March 1991 only.

  Airport Noise
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the airlines that have received fines for breaching noise restriction regulations at(a) London Heathrow, (b) London Gatwick, (c) London Stansted, (d) Birmingham, (e) Manchester, W Liverpool, (g) Edinburgh and (h) Glasgow airports, indicating the number of fines imposed and the total amount of the fines per airline in the last 12 months; [34913]

  (2) if he will list the number of fines imposed for breaches of noise restriction regulations at (a) London Heathrow, (b) London Gatwick, (c) London Stansted, (d) Birmingham, (e) Manchester, (f) Edinburgh and (g) Glasgow airports, for each year since 1990 to date. [34912]

  Mr. Norris
  The Secretary of State may set requirements for limiting noise at airports designated for the purposes of section 78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982. The only airports so designated are Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

  The noise limits are 110 PNdB (97dBA) by day (0701–2300) and 102 PNdB (92dBA) by night (2301–0700).

  From 1 April 1993 at Heathrow and Stansted and from 1 May 1993 at Gatwick the airport companies have imposed financial penalties for breaches of the night noise limits and are progressively introducing financial penalties for the breaches of the daytime noise limits. Information on breaches of the noise limits and on the fines collected is provided by each of those airport companies to their respective airport consultative committees. A summary would be impractical because the information is provided on a different basis by each airport.

  At other airports noise mitigation measures are the responsibility of the airport operator.

  Night Flying Restrictions
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for(a) London Heathrow, (b) London Gatwick, (c) London Stansted, (d) Birmingham, (e) Manchester, (f) Liverpool, (g) Edinburgh and (h) Glasgow airports, the number of incidents of VIP exemption from night-time air movement restrictions for each year since 1990 to date. [34911]

  Mr. Norris
  The Secretary of State has set restrictions on night flying at airports designated for the purposes of section 78 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982. These are Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.
  881
  Since 24 October 1993, the start of the 1993 winter season, movements granted VIP exemption are as follows:

  VIP Exempt Flights

  Heathrow

  Winter 1993–94

  4

  Summer 1994

  13

  Winter 1994–95

  8

  Summer (to 10–7–95)

  4

  Gatwick

  Winter 1993–94

  0

  Summer 1994

  0

  Winter 1994–95

  0

  Summer (to 10–27–95)

  0

  Stansted

  Winter 1993–94

  0

  Summer 1994

  0

  Winter 1994–95

  0

  Summer (to 10–7–95)

  0

  Information on the number of flights granted VIP exemptions before 24 October 1993 is not available.

  At other airports restrictions on night flights may be introduced voluntarily by the operator or may be imposed by planning conditions.

  Traffic Light Failures
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list the number of incidents of traffic light failure in Greater London for each year since 1990 to date. [34909]

  Mr. Norris
  The numbers of all-out failures and confirmed faults affecting traffic signals in Greater London since 1990 are as follows:

  All outs

  All confirmed faults (including all out failures)

  1990

  4,724

  30,380

  1991

  4,380

  27,749

  1992

  5,645

  28,263

  1993

  5,721

  31,609

  1994

  5,907

  33,496

  1995 (6 months)

  2,569

  16,434

  There was a 21 per cent. increase in the number of signal installations on London's roads between January 1990 and June 1995.

  Number and value of contracts let during 1993–94

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Peat Marwick/ KPMG

  Ernst and Young

  Arthur Anderson

  Price Waterhouse

  Grant Thornton

  Stoy Hayward

  Robson Rhodes

  Parnell Kerr Forster

  Total number

  Total value £

  Privatisation

  —

  1

  —

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  169,427

  Market testing

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Management advice

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  906,809

  Accounting

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Audit

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Consultancy

  1

  6

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8

  368,476

  Other

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  27,000

  Total

  4

  7

  1

  4

  16

  1,471,512

  Armed Forces Rail Travel Permits
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many British armed forces rail travel permits have currently been issued. [34896]

  Mr. Watts
  British Rail received 529,633 HM forces rail travel warrants from the Ministry of Defence in the year to 29 March 1995.

  Ms Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if British armed forces rail travel permits will continue to be valid on all parts of the current British Rail network following rail privatisation. [34915]

  Mr. Watts
  The existing arrangements for rail travel warrants will continue for at least a further three years. Future arrangements will be a matter for negotiation between the Ministry of Defence and the train operators.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will indicate which five consultancy firms have received most contracts from his Department(a) by number of contracts and (b) monetary value in the last five years for which figures are available. [33430]

  Mr. Norris
  The five consultancy firms that have received most contracts over the last five year are(a) by number of contracts, W.S. Atkins Consultants Ltd.; the MVA Consultancy; Peat Marwick/PMG; PA Consulting Groups; Admiral; and (b) by monetary value, Hambros Bank Ltd.; Linklaters and Paines; the MVA Consultancy; Touche Ross and Co; McKenna and Co.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Departments and agencies for which he is responsible to(a) Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries (b) Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries (c) Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries (d) Arthur Anderson and its subsidiaries (e) Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries (f) Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries and (i) Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33909]

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested is set out in the accompanying tables.
  883

  Number and value of contracts let during 1994–95

  Coopers and Lyhrand

  Peat Marwick KPMG

  Ernst and Young

  Arthur Anderson

  Price Waterhouse

  Grant Thornton

  Stay Hayward

  Robson Rhodes

  Pannell Kerr Forster

  Total number

  Total Value £

  Privatisation

  1

  —

  2

  —

  3

  —

  —

  —

  1

  7

  1,467,082

  Market testing

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Management advice

  1

  1

  —

  —

  2

  —

  —

  —

  —

  4

  44,365

  Accounting

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Audit

  —

  1

  1

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3

  106,479

  Consultancy

  4

  6

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  11

  342,713

  Other

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0

  0

  Total

  6

  8

  4

  —

  6

  —

  —

  —

  1

  25

  1,962,839

  Vehicle Licensing
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list by year of registration since

  Vehicles licensed at the end of 1994

  Public transport vehicles3

  Year first registered

  Passenger cars1

  Heavy goods vehicles2

  8 seats or less

  More than 8 seats

  All

  Pre 1970

  144,700

  500

  150

  940

  1,090

  1970

  16,400

  100

  40

  70

  110

  1971

  19,900

  200

  30

  130

  150

  1972

  31,400

  300

  40

  220

  270

  1973

  36,800

  400

  50

  700

  750

  1974

  28,300

  400

  60

  740

  810

  1975

  29,200

  500

  80

  1,030

  1,100

  1976

  37,500

  800

  140

  1,970

  2,110

  1977

  56,300

  1,000

  250

  2,430

  2,670

  1978

  102,300

  1,700

  490

  3,130

  3,620

  1979

  180,400

  3,400

  620

  3,950

  4,570

  1980

  262,300

  4,100

  820

  4,460

  5,290

  1981

  406,000

  4,300

  1,180

  3,730

  4,910

  1982

  705,400

  7,400

  1,570

  3,590

  5,160

  1983

  1,045,100

  12,300

  1,230

  3,670

  4,900

  1984

  1,203,300

  17,900

  1,700

  3,450

  5,150

  1985

  1,407,300

  24,200

  1,610

  3,210

  4,820

  1986

  1,539,500

  28,300

  2,300

  4,630

  6,930

  1987

  1,721,300

  36,200

  2,670

  4,570

  7,240

  1988

  1,948,300

  47,700

  3,420

  4,940

  8,360

  1989

  2,068,900

  52,500

  2,760

  4,970

  7,730

  1990

  1,823,400

  38,300

  3,000

  4,280

  7,280

  1991

  1,454,100

  26,100

  2,210

  3,030

  5,230

  1992

  1,491,700

  27,100

  2,020

  2,940

  4,960

  1993

  1,680,500

  31,700

  1,800

  3,610

  5,410

  1994

  1,759,000

  39,300

  2,230

  4,140

  6,380

  All

  21,199,200

  406,700

  32,460

  74,520

  106,980

  1 All vehicles with car body types irrespective of taxation class.

  2Taxation classes 1 to 9, including HGV, Trailer HGV, HGV Farmers, Trailer HGV Farmers, HGV Showman's, Trailer HGV Showman's, Restricted HGV, Restricted HGV Farmers, Restricted HGV Showman's.

  3 Taxation class 35, Hackney. From 1 July 1995 this tax class is replaced by class 34, Bus, for public transport vehicles with more than 8 seats.

  Night Flying (Helicopters)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, column 122, whether restrictions relating to night flights to and from (a) civil airports, (b) private airstrips, (c) military airfields and (d) heliports apply to police helicopters. [32395]

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend is responsible for certain noise mitigation measures, which include night flying restrictions, at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports only. At these airports, helicopters are not exempt from the night restrictions but specific police operations
  884
  1970, the number of heavy goods vehicles, passenger cars, and public transport vehicles currently licensed for road use. [34419]

  Mr. Norris
  The requested information is as follows:

  may be given a dispensation in appropriate circumstances. At all other airports, including heliports and private airstrips, the responsibility for noise mitigation lies with individual owners or operators. Restrictions on night flights may form part of planning approval. These arrangements apply to civilian aerodromes; at military airfields the responsibility lies with the Ministry of Defence.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the work his Department has carried out in the last 12 months in making
  885
  information about his Department available to the public via the Government world wide web server known as www.open.gov.uk and his plans and policies to make additional and new information available electronically on the server in the next 12 months.[34686]

  Mr. Norris
  My Department is currently investigating the use of the Government "World Wide Web" server, particularly in relation to publication of the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Agency and marine accident investigation branch. Recourse to interactive online publishing services such as the "World Wide Web" is one of the components of my Department's publishing strategy under the TIPS programme—transport information publishing services—which was advertised in the Official Journal in November of last year and for which procurement action is now under way.

  Overseas Ministerial Visits
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all overseas ministerial visits since 1 January 1993, the date of those visits, the names of the Ministers involved, the purpose of those visits, and the cost to his Department of those visits. [35276]

  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list(a) details of all overseas trips made by him or ministerial colleagues in his Department, paid for wholly or partly from public funds and (b) the purpose, destination and duration of such overseas trips, which officials accompanied him and the total cost in each case, including that of officials to public funds for each year since 1992. [32280]

  Sir George Young
  The destination, duration and purpose of ministerial overseas trips involving public funds for each year since 1992 are listed. Total travel and subsistence costs for Ministers and accompanying private secretaries were £54,080 in 1993–94; £84,013 in 1994–95 and £9,056 so far in 1995–96. Detailed records of visits and associated costs for 1992 are not available.

  Information about the number and cost of accompanying officials is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Country visited

  Duration (days)

  Purpose

  SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT

  1993

  Belgium

  1

  Aviation conference

  Belgium

  1

  Joint EC Transport and

  Environment Council

  Belgium

  2

  Transport Council

  Norway/Sweden

  3

  Fact-finding on congestion

  charging

  Luxembourg

  2

  Transport Council

  France

  1

  Paris Air Show

  Luxembourg

  I

  Transport Council

  USA

  5

  Meeting with US

  Transportation Secretary on

  aviation and fact-finding on

  highways

  Belgium

  2

  Transport Council

  1994

  Greece

  3

  Informal Transport Council

  Germany

  1

  Trilateral,

  German/French/British meeting

  Greece

  3

  Pan-European conference

  Luxembourg

  2

  EC Transport Council

  886

  Country visited

  Duration(days)

  Purpose

  France

  1

  Channel Tunnel—official

  opening

  France

  3

  European conference of

  Ministers of Transport

  Denmark

  2

  European Civil Aviation

  Conference

  Luxembourg

  2

  Transport Council

  USA

  1

  HM Ambassador, Washington

  Belgium

  1

  Transport Council

  France

  1

  EPS Eurostar

  USA

  5

  Fact-finding and export

  promotion

  Belgium

  1

  Transport Council

  France

  1

  Telematics conference

  1995

  Holland

  2½

  Fact-finding on cycling

  France

  1

  French and German Transport

  Ministers

  Belgium

  2

  Transport Council

  Switzerland

  l½

  Fact-finding on railways issues

  Japan/Korea

  8

  Meeting with Transport

  Ministers; fact-finding, export

  promotion and agreement

  signing

  Luxembourg

  1

  Transport Council

  MINISTER FOR ROADS AND TRAFFIC

  1993

  Holland

  2

  European Conference of

  Transport Ministers

  1994

  Italy

  3

  Fact-finding tour on motorway

  tolling

  MINISTER FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

  1993

  Germany

  2

  Meetings with German

  Transport Ministry; export

  promotion

  France

  1

  French Transport Ministry

  China

  1

  Chinese Ministry

  France

  1

  French Transport Ministry

  France

  1

  Railspeed conference

  1994

  France

  1

  International station—Lille

  France

  1

  Channel tunnel—official

  opening

  MINISTER FOR RAILWAYS AND ROADS

  1994

  Germany

  3½

  German State Secretary and

  export promotion

  France

  1

  Chambers of Commerce and

  Bridge Designers

  France

  1

  Prometheus Ministers Day

  Germany

  2

  German State Secretary and

  motorway tolling trial site

  1995

  France

  2

  Informal Transport Council

  Austria

  2

  European Conference of

  Transport Ministers

  Germany

  2

  Centenary celebration of Kiel

  canal

  MINISTER FOR AVIATION AND SHIPPING

  1993

  Belgium

  1

  Transport Council

  Eire

  1

  Meeting with Irish Ministers

  Belgium

  1

  Transport Council

  France

  1

  Paris Air Show

  France/Holland/

  2

  European airports

  Germany

  Holland/Belgium

  1

  Transport Council/aviation visit

  887

  Country visited

  Duration (days)

  Purpose

  Hong Kong

  4

  Conference on aviation

  security; discussions on

  shipping

  Belgium

  2

  Transport Council

  1994

  France

  1

  Maritime safety; French

  Transport Minister

  Israel

  5

  Export Trade Mission

  Belgium

  1

  Maritime Safety and pollution

  France

  1

  Port conference

  Greece

  2

  Shipping exhibition

  Denmark

  1

  Danish Shipping Minister

  Japan

  2

  Kansai Airport Management;

  Transport, Trade and Industry

  Ministers; export promotion

  Denmark

  1

  Ministers of Paris

  Memorandum of

  Understanding Group

  France

  1

  P&O and Calais Chamber of

  Commerce

  Belgium

  1

  Transport Council

  1995

  France

  1

  Paris Air Show

  MINISTER FOR LOCAL TRANSPORT AND ROAD SAFETY

  1993

  USA

  3

  Fact-finding on parking

  enforcement

  France

  1

  Paris Air Show

  Brazil

  5

  Conference on alcoholism and

  drug dependence

  Germany

  3

  Conference on traffic problems

  and solutions

  Singapore/Hong Kong

  9

  Fact-finding on public transport

  operations and congestion

  charging systems

  1994

  France

  1

  Channel Tunnel—official

  opening

  Portugal

  2

  Road Haulage Association

  Conference

  France

  1

  Paris; Ministry of Interior; The

  Paris Region Transport

  Administration

  Rail Speed Restrictions
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many speed restrictions are currently enforced on the railway line between Paddington and Plymouth; how long each speed restriction has been in force; how much longer each will be in force; what is the reason for each speed restriction; what steps are being taken to expedite repairs; and if he will make a statement. [34456]

  Mr. Watts
  Railtrack informs me that the total number of speed restrictions currently in force is 16. The restrictions have been in place between one and 15 months. The restricted speeds range from 20 to 60 mph and in each case the reason for the restriction is the condition of the track.

  Railtrack has a programme of maintenance and renewal in place to restore the original line speeds. Repair work for each restricted track section is in the hands of local maintenance and track renewal units.
  888
  I will write to my hon. Friend with further more detailed information.

TREASURY

  Department of Employment (Reorganisation)
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects the transfer of responsibilities from the former Department of Employment to other Departments to be completed; how much he expects this reorganisation to cost; and what provision for these costs has been made within this year's public expenditure survey. [34667]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The responsibilities have been transferred in accordance with the announcements made on 5 July. Consequential provisions will be made in a transfer of functions order in due course. The financial implications of the reorganisation will be discussed in the public expenditure survey.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his answer to the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne, East (Mr. Brown) of 1 March 1994,Official Report, column 665, on income tax.[33904]

  Mr. Jack
  The change in tax by quantile group for 1995–96 compared with a 1978–79 indexed regime is in the tables. In table A, the comparison is hypothetical since, if an indexed version of the 1978–79 tax regime had prevailed over the past 15 years, the income base would not have grown as it has.

  Table A: Calculations using the 1995–96 income base

  Quantitle group of taxpayers under the 1978–79 indexed regime

  Number of taxpayers

  Reduction in tax

  Average reduction

  Per cent.

  Thousands

  £ million

  £

  Top 1

  300

  9,700

  38,000

  Top 5

  1,300

  13,500

  10,500

  Top 10

  2,600

  15,800

  6,100

  Bottom 50

  12,900

  4,500

  350

  All taxpayers

  25,700

  30,700

  1,200

  In contrast to these hypothetical figures, table B shows how the share of income tax actually paid by high income groups has risen since 1979, while the share of the income tax burden borne by low income tax payers has fallen.

  Table B: Calculations using the income base for each year

  Percentage

  Share of income tax in

  Quantile group of taxpayers

  1978–79

  1995–96

  Top 1

  11

  16

  Top 5

  24

  33

  Top 10

  35

  44

  Bottom 50

  18

  13

  All taxpayers

  100

  100

  889

  National Savings Bank (Current Account Transfer)
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the process by which consultants will be selected (1) to conduct the proposed feasibility study into whether Post Office Counters should take over the National Savings bank's ordinary current account; and if he will make a statement; [33679]

  (2) what legislation would be required to transfer the administration of National Savings bank's ordinary current account to the Post Office; and if he will make a statement; [33645]

  (3) what is the time scale for the proposed feasibility study into the possibility of the National Savings bank transferring the administration of ordinary current accounts to Post Office Counters; when it is envisaged that this feasibility study will formally begin; and when he expects it to be (a) completed and (b) presented to ministers; [33646]

  (4) how much money has been budgeted to cover the costs of the feasibility study into the possibility of national Savings bank transferring the administration of ordinary current accounts to Post Office Counters; [33647]

  (5) what stage has been reached in the current feasibility study into the possibility of the national Savings bank transferring the administration of ordinary current accounts to Post Office Counters; and if he will make a statement. [33648]

  (6) if he will make it his policy to establish a joint department of National Savings bank/Post Office Counters Ltd. team to supervise or assist external consultants examining the possible transfer of the ordinary current account from the National Savings bank to Post Office Counters Ltd. [33680]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The feasibility study is looking at whether Post Office Counters Ltd., POCL, should market its own savings account. That part covering the options involving the National Savings, NS, ordinary account will be led by a joint POCL/NS team. The feasibility study has commenced and is expected to be completed towards the end of the year. Consultants to assist in the study will be appointed by competitive tender. POCL and NS are presently finalising the detailed terms of reference for consultants.

  The results will be considered by the boards of both organisations before recommendations are submitted to Ministers. The costs of the study will be met from within each organisation's current budget.

  Greenbury Report
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to receive a copy of the Greenbury report; when he plans to respond to any taxation matters it raises; and if he will make a statement. [35294]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Greenbury report was published today. In the light of its recommendations, the Government have decided to amend the tax treatment of executive share options so that any gain from the exercise of such options will be taxable as income rather than as capital gain. I propose to introduce legislation in the next 890
  Finance Bill to withdraw the income tax reliefs at present available to directors and employees participating in executive share option schemes which have been approved by the Inland Revenue. The withdrawal of the reliefs will take effect in relation to grants or exercises of options on or after today.

  The tax reliefs for approved all-employee savings-related share option schemes will not be affected by this proposal.

  Permanent Jobs (Creation)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many permanent jobs have been created in each year since 1981 net of losses and relocations. [34141]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: Information is available only for the net change in permanent employees and comparable information is available only from 1984. The information is given in the table:

  Net change in permanent employees in Great Britain:

  Spring of early year (thousands)

  Net change

  1984–85

  158

  1985–86

  88

  1986–87

  52

  1987–88

  654

  1988–89

  628

  1989–90

  217

  1990–91

  -354

  1991–92

  -589

  1992–93

  -275

  1993–94

  -11

  Note:

  Information prior to 1992 has not yet been re-weighted to take account of OPCS revised population estimates and hence there is a discontinuity in the series between 1991 and 1992.

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey.

  Northern Region (Average Earnings)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the average gross weekly earnings of(a) women and (b) men in (i) each standard planning region and (ii) each country area in the northern region in each year since 1979 (1) at current prices and (2) at 1979 prices and the proportion of women and men earning less than 68 per cent. of the national average gross weekly wage in each standard planning region and each county area in the northern region in each year since 1979. [34180]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: Analyses of average earnings of full-time employees in the counties of the northern region are published in part E of the new earnings survey reports. Tables 110 and 113 contain average gross weekly earnings for men and women respectively. Copies of the reports are available in the Library.

  The retail prices index is available in table 6.4 of the "Employment Gazette" and is now being published in full in the Central Statistical Office business monitor MM23.
  891
  Figures of the proportion of men and women earning less than 68 per cent. of the national average gross weekly wage in each standard planning region and each county area in the northern region cannot be produced for the years before 1986. To do so for the years since 1986 would incur disproportionate cost. Some relevant information can be found in tables 110 and 113, in the form of percentages with gross weekly earnings below three specified amounts.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many unfair dismissal cases were brought against his Department during the past 12 months; how many were successful; and what were the total costs including legal fees and compensation. [34596]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: None.

  European Union (Contributions)
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the gross and net contribution which the United Kingdom will make to the European Union in 1995; and what were the comparable gross and net figures in each of the previous 10 calendar years. [34423]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The Government's latest forecast of the United Kingdom's gross and net contribution to the European Community in 1995, with outturn figures for 1992 to 1994, are set out in the latest "Statement on the Community Budget", Cm 2824, published in April this year. Outturn figures for earlier years can be found in previous years' statements.

  Fixed Exchange Rates
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what considerations underlay his policy statement of 10 July in respect of the non-requirement of a two-year participation in fixed exchange rates as a prelude to entry to a single currency; and if he will make a statement. [34420]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: It is not clear how the exchange rate criterion in the treaty on European Union will be interpreted. The treaty was negotiated at a time when the exchange rate mechanism operated under very different rules from those in force today. The interpretation of the convergence criteria, including the exchange rate criterion, will be considered by the European Commission and the European Monetary Institute, when preparing their reports to the Council of Ministers under article 109j(1), and thereafter by the Council itself, when it assesses those reports under article 109j(2).

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is the aim of Her Majesty's Government to seek to rejoin fixed exchange rates. [34421]

  Mr. Clarke
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The Government recognise the value of stable exchange rates but do not set target rates.

  Computer Equipment Supplies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the top 10 suppliers of computer equipment to his Department and its agencies in the past five years indicating the total value of the contracts received. [34564]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The table shows the 10 top suppliers of computer equipment to Her Majesty's Treasury from the financial year 1991–92 to date.

  £ thousand

  Supplier

  Total value of contract (including. VAT)

  ICL (UK) Ltd.

  2,108

  IBM (UK) Ltd.

  1,672

  Compstand Ltd.

  1,307

  Viglen Ltd.

  1,195

  Anage Printing Systems Ltd.

  405

  Computacentre Ltd.

  397

  Tandon Pic

  232

  Olivetti (UK) Ltd.

  195

  P.C.S. Ltd.

  181

  Profile Computers Pic

  152

  Information for 1990–91 is not readily available and cannot be obtained except at disproportionate cost. Her Majesty's Treasury did not have any agencies in the period reported above.

  Wage Levels
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the latest comparable figures, showing numbers and percentages of the working population in each European Union country who are earning on or below the equivalent of £2.50 per hour. [34577]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The number of people in Great Britain earning below £2.50 per hour is estimated to be around 800,000, based on the results of the winter 1994–95 labour force survey. This represents 4 per cent. of employees. Comparable figures for other European Union countries are not available.

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Transport
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the total cost of ministerial transport in each of the past five years. [34776]

  The Prime Minister
  The information as requested is not available. It can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Prime Minister what considerations underlie his policy with regard to minimum wage(a) in agriculture and (b) in other sectors; and if he will make a statement. [34997]
  893
  The Prime Minister
  The Government remain of the view that statutory wage fixing arrangements, wherever they occur, destroy jobs and prevent job creation. That is why we abolished the wages councils and are keeping the future existence of the agricultural wages board under close review. It is also why we will never introduce the nonsense of a national minimum wage.

  Royal British Legion
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Prime Minister what recent representations he has had from the Royal British Legion about the decision of its annual conference on the establishment of an ex-service affairs unit within Government; what reply he is sending; and if he will make a statement.[34392]

  The Prime Minister
  I have recently received a letter from the national chairman of the Royal British Legion on the question of establishing an ex-services affairs unit. I have asked my noble Friend Lord MacKay of Ardbrecknish to consider the points made on reply on my behalf.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney-General what requests his Department has received to give further evidence to the Scott inquiry; and if he will make a statement. [32756]

  The Attorney-General
  Since 31 October 1994, when I last answered a question on this aspect, there have been additional requests for evidence in respect of two officials in the Departments for which I have ministerial responsibility. In all, seven officials from my Departments have given evidence to the inquiry at some time.

  Public Interest Immunity Certificates
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will review the practice of asking Ministers to sign public interest immunity certificates. [32757]

  The Attorney-General
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave today to the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice).

  Crown Office, Edinburgh
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on the arrangements made between his office and the Crown office in Edinburgh. [32758]

  The Solicitor-General
  My office and the Crown office in Edinburgh consult each other on matters where they share a common interest.

  Combat 18
  Mr. Sumberg
  To ask the Attorney-General what further reports he has received about the activities of Combat 18. [32759]
  894
  The Solicitor-General
  The Law Officers have requested that they be kept closely informed of progress in this matter and have stressed the need for inquiries and for the subsequent consideration of the evidence to be speedily concluded.

  Asil Nadir
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer of 24 April, Official Report, column 341, what further measures he is taking to expedite the case of Asil Nadir. [32760]

  The Solicitor-General
  The case against Asil Nadir can proceed only when he returns, or is returned, to the jurisdiction. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and the Serious Fraud Office remains ready to proceed with the trial.

  Serious Fraud Office
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Attorney-General what plans he has to extend further the use of computers and other information technology by the Serious Fraud Office.

  The Attorney-General
  The use of computers and information technology has already brought real benefits to the investigation and presentation of cases by the Serious Fraud Office. Current projects include the development of improved document storage and retrieval systems.

  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Attorney-General what recent meetings he has had with the Serious Fraud Office to discuss City fraud. [32762]

  The Solicitor-General
  I frequently meet the director of the Serious Fraud Office to discuss matters of departmental interest, including particular cases.

  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will appoint a senior QC to inquire into allegations made to his Department by senior lawyers in respect of the accuracy of the information supplied by the Serious Fraud Office and its counsel to the Attorney-General to answer parliamentary questions on 17 December 1993. [35091]

  The Attorney-General
  No.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Attorney-General what assessment he has made of the performance of the Crown Prosecution Service; and if he will make a statement. [32754]

  The Attorney-General
  The performance of the Crown Prosecution Service is monitored at regular meetings between the Law Officers and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The service handles about 1.5 million cases per year, with a conviction rate in the year to March 1995 of 97.8 per cent. in the magistrates court and 90.3 per cent. in the Crown court.

  Roger Levitt Case
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney General (1) if he will define the term "suggestion" as set out in his answer to the hon. Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall), 9 December 1993, Official Report, columns 332–33, concerning the case of Roger Levitt; [35090]
  895
  (2) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson) 19 June, Official Report, columns 68–70, with regard to the meeting which took place on 5 November, comprising prosecuting counsel and the director of the Serious Fraud Office, to discuss possible pleas in the case of Roger Levitt, on what date and in what form possible pleas were communicated to the defence; and if they amounted, in whatever form they were communicated, to a suggestion that Mr. Roger Levitt might plead guilty to only some of the charges; [35089]

  (3) pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Swansea, East of 19 June, Official Report, columns 68–70, with reference to his statement about the Crown's likely attitude if Mr. Levitt tendered particular pleas, for what reasons this did not constitute a suggestion that Mr. Roger Levitt might plead guilty to only some of the charges; [35108]

  (4) pursuant to paragraphs 1.6 and 1.11 of Mr. David Cocks' evidence to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee, cited during the Committee's oral evidence session of 11 July, if a suggestion was made by the prosecution during discussions before 22 November 1993 that Mr. Roger Levitt might plead guilty to only some of the charges. [35088]

  The Attorney-General
  I refer the hon. Member to the series of very full answers which I have already given and in particular to the sequence of informal discussions between counsel and prosecuting counsel's recollection of the circumstances surrounding and following the meeting on 5 November 1993 which have already been set out in my answers of 19 June 1995 to the hon. Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson)Official Report, columns 68–70, and of 28 June to the hon. Member for Warwickshire, South (Mr. O'Brien), Official Report, column 704.

  The word "suggestion" in my answers of 9 December 1993 focused on the nub of the question tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, South (Mr. Marshall), which asked
  "When the Serious Fraud Office … first suggested to the counsel to Mr. Roger Levitt that he plead guilty to only some of the charges".—Official Report, 9 December 1993; Vol. 234, columns 332–33.
  This was understood, in the context of the other questions asked by my hon. Friend which were critical of the Serious Fraud Office, to carry the implication that the Serious Fraud Office had improperly taken the initiative from an early date, seeking, in words later used by leading counsel for Mr. Levitt, to throw in the towel. I was concerned to refute that allegation immediately. Had I at that date known of the full sequence of events to which I have referred above I would have taken account of it in my answer.

  The series of answers I have given to the House on this case give a full and fair picture of my understanding of the relevant events.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to the submissions received by his Department from(a) Jonathan Goldberg and (b) Sasha Wass in respect of the Roger Levitt case and the oral evidence heard by the Treasury and Civil Service Committee on 11 July, what assessment he has made of the accuracy of statements by (1) Mr. David Cocks and (2) Mr. Jonathan Fisher in respect of (i) telephone conversations on 21 November 1993 and (ii) the initial meeting on 22 November. [35087]
  896
  The Attorney-General
  Regrettably, the accounts given by prosecuting and defence counsel differ significantly and I do not consider that it is right for me to say more than that it is clear that they see the matter very differently.

  Staff (Shareholdings)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many staff in his Department or its agencies have(a) declared any company shareholdings they hold or (b) been advised to dispose of shareholding in the last five years, indicating the companies concerned. [33413]

  The Attorney-General
  All staff serving in the Departments for which I am responsible are required to consult management about the desirability of acquiring or retaining any shareholding which might give rise to a possible conflict of interest. Comprehensive records are not held centrally of the occasions on which shareholdings are declared or required to be disposed of.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  N. M. Rothschild and Son Ltd.
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the latest estimate for the number of hours worked by N. M. Rothschild on providing advice on the privatisation of the coal industry; and when the contract is expected to end. [34429]

  Mr. Page
  N. M. Rothschild has, to date, worked approximately 37,500 hours on providing advice on the privatisation of the coal industry. In answer to the second question, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 21 February 1995,Official Report, column 109.

  Innovation and Technology Counsellors
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his Department's target date for the appointment of innovation and technology counsellors by all business links. [33555]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The White Paper "Competitiveness: Forging Ahead" announced that up to £4.3 million per year is available to allow all business link partnerships to provide an innovation and technology counseling—ITC—service. Through the appropriate training and education council, each business link has been invited to bid for funds to operate an ITC service, once its business link proposal has been approved by the business link assessment panel. Twenty-two business links already have innovation and technology counsellors and the target for all business links to have an ITC service is summer 1996.

  >Arms Exports (Iran)
  Dr. John Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what exact date during the Iran-Iraq war Ministers in his Department first agreed that licences could be granted for exports to Iran when the applications were not accompanied by the required documentation. [33972]
  897
  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: No such policy decision was taken by Department of Trade and Industry Ministers.

  Oil and Gas platform Orders
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many fabrication orders relating to the United Kingdom continental shelf gas and oil industry have been allocated per company to United Kingdom-based fabrication yards in each of the past five financial years; and how many orders from operators in the United Kingdom continental shelf area have been allocated to(a) European Union countries and (b) Korea. [33324]

  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: Information on major platform orders for the calendar years 1990 to 1995, thus far, is contained in the table:

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  AMEC

  1

  4

  3

  1

  0

  1

  Consafe

  0

  2

  0

  2

  0

  2

  Costain/TW

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Hi-FAb

  2

  5

  1

  1

  5

  0

  Lewis O/S

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  McDermott

  2

  0

  0

  0

  2

  1

  McNulty

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  SLP (L)

  2

  0

  1

  1

  0

  2

  SLP (M)

  1

  2

  1

  2

  0

  1

  THC

  2

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  THOF (M)

  4

  2

  1

  3

  0

  2

  THOF (T)

  3

  2

  0

  1

  0

  1

  UIE

  0

  1

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Total

  17

  19

  9

  12

  9

  12

  Other EU

  5

  5

  3

  2

  1

  2

  Korea

  0

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  National Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff are currently employed at the National Engineering Laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the detailed provisions which will apply to them in the privatisation of the laboratory. [34566]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Following the statement by my right hon. Friend the then President of the Board of Trade on 14 April 1994,Official Report, columns 251–53, regarding the future of the National Engineering Laboratory, good progress has been made with the trade sale. I hope to be in a position to announce a preferred bidder at the end of this month or early next month and I shall write to the hon. Member. At this stage, it is not possible to say what will be the detailed provisions that will apply to the 234 staff currently at the laboratory, but the terms and conditions of staff who transfer will be preserved under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981.

  Small Firms (Financial Difficulty)
  Mrs. Liddell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assistance the Government provide for small firms that are facing short-term financial difficulties. [34502]
  898
  Mr. Page
  Small firms facing short-term financial difficulties would usually approach their bank or other finance provider for assistance. The Government provide assistance to business support networks through which small firms can seek advice appropriate to their circumstances.

  Industrial Tribunals
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many industrial tribunal cases were considered in each year since 1986, by region; and how many in each case resulted in a verdict of unfair dismissal. [34061]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The number of industrial tribunal cases—all jurisidictions—considered at a hearing, by region, in each year since 1986 is shown in the table. The number of successful unfair dismissal cases is also shown.

  Region (England and Wales)

  Number of cases heard

  Number of successful unfair dismissal cases

  1986–87

  Bedford

  675

  187

  Birmingham

  1,249

  297

  Bristol

  627

  147

  Cardiff

  589

  120

  Leeds

  1,411

  369

  London North

  1,067

  251

  London South

  1,855

  384

  Manchester

  1,774

  500

  Newcastle

  762

  110

  Nottingham

  660

  170

  Southampton

  592

  160

  Scotland

  1,823

  433

  Totals

  13,084

  3,128

  1987–88

  Bedford

  557

  176

  Birmingham

  899

  225

  Bristol

  552

  83

  Cardiff

  631

  95

  Leeds

  1,047

  247

  London North

  890

  201

  London South

  1,094

  260

  Manchester

  1,485

  350

  Newcastle

  492

  105

  Nottingham

  522

  125

  Southampton

  556

  157

  Scotland

  1,727

  368

  Totals

  10,452

  2,392

  1988–89

  Bedford

  460

  103

  Birmingham

  727

  172

  Bristol

  544

  138

  Cardiff

  476

  107

  Leeds

  843

  227

  London North

  947

  169

  London South

  992

  219

  Manchester

  1,239

  348

  Newcastle

  374

  76

  Nottingham

  465

  111

  Southampton

  572

  161

  Scotland

  1,384

  335

  Totals

  9,023

  2,166

  899

  Region (England and Wales)

  Number of cases heard

  Number of successful unfair dismissal cases

  1989–90

  Bedford

  550

  157

  Birmingham

  779

  158

  Bristol

  601

  109

  Cardiff

  761

  110

  Leeds

  1,249

  263

  London North

  678

  159

  London South

  1,184

  259

  Manchester

  1,339

  361

  Newcastle

  503

  115

  Nottingham

  558

  117

  Southampton

  716

  169

  Scotland

  1,311

  567

  Totals

  10,229

  2,544

  1990–91

  Bedford

  691

  177

  Birmingham

  828

  219

  Bristol

  697

  159

  Cardiff

  609

  124

  Leeds

  1,128

  277

  London North

  1,058

  236

  London South

  1,221

  202

  Manchester

  1,561

  374

  Newcastle

  522

  114

  Nottingham

  562

  122

  Southampton

  871

  198

  Scotland

  1,682

  328

  Totals

  11,430

  2,530

  1991–92

  Bedford

  862

  265

  Birmingham

  1,013

  269

  Bristol

  1,047

  213

  Cardiff

  880

  192

  Leeds

  1,644

  429

  London North

  952

  258

  London South

  1,593

  382

  Manchester

  1,999

  433

  Newcastle

  449

  130

  Nottingham

  892

  205

  Southampton

  1,141

  336

  Scotland

  1,382

  324

  Totals

  13,854

  3,436

  1992–93

  Bedford

  1,136

  338

  Birmingham

  1,621

  368

  Bristol

  1,254

  307

  Cardiff

  1,091

  245

  Leeds

  1,727

  460

  London North

  1,406

  377

  London South

  1,720

  444

  Manchester

  2,198

  569

  Newcastle

  1,047

  270

  Nottingham

  1,353

  360

  Southampton

  1,365

  353

  Scotland

  1,760

  453

  Totals

  17,678

  4,544

  1993–94

  Bedford

  1,765

  507

  Birmingham

  2,014

  533

  Bristol

  1,478

  384

  Cardiff

  1,442

  111

  Leeds

  2,351

  494

  London North

  1,817

  470

  London South

  2,329

  714

  Manchester

  3,261

  819

  900

  Region (England and Wales)

  Number of cases heard

  Number of successful unfair dismissal cases

  Newcastle

  1,382

  379

  Nottingham

  1,619

  436

  Southampton

  1,950

  461

  Scotland

  1,888

  479

  Totals

  23,296

  5,953

  1994–95

  Bedford

  1,586

  374

  Birmingham

  1,790

  352

  Bristol

  1,201

  248

  Cardiff

  1,346

  196

  Leeds

  1,827

  438

  London North

  5,328

  544

  London South

  2,249

  510

  Manchester

  2,879

  736

  Newcastle

  1,078

  252

  Nottingham

  1,329

  276

  Southampton

  1,870

  381

  Scotland

  2,400

  521

  Totals

  24,883

  4,828

  Fraud (Legislation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what proposals he has for legislation under which the auditor duties for reporting material fraud to the regulators applicable in the financial sector will also apply to the corporate sector; [33925]

  (2) what proposals he has for legislation under which company auditors will have a statutory duty to detect and report material fraud to the regulators. [33926]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The rights and duties of auditors to report to regulators in the financial sector were set out in the auditing practices board's statement of auditing standards No. 620, issued in March 1994. In January 1995, the APB published two statements of auditing standards that clarify the rights and duties of auditors when reporting fraud or any other non-compliance with regulations. These are SAS 110, "Fraud and Error," and SAS 120, "Consideration of Law and Regulations". Copies of these documents are available for inspection in the Library of the House.

  Insolvency Practitioners (Regulation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the organisations responsible for regulating insolvency practitioners with the number of practitioners regulated by each and the number of practitioners disqualified by each. [33924]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The information is as follows:

  Regulating organisation

  Number of practitioners at 31 December 94

  Number disqualified/refused in year ended 31 December 94

  Chartered Association of Certified Accountants

  102

  2

  Insolvency Practitioners Association

  271

  2

  Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

  924

  1

  901

  Regulating organisation

  Number of practitioners at 31 December 94

  Number disqualified/refused in year ended 31 December 94

  Institute of Chattered Accountants in Ireland

  78

  —

  Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland

  187

  —

  Law Society

  190

  —

  The Law Society of Scotland

  28

  —

  The Secretary of State

  151

  4

  The number of practitioners disqualified does not include those whose licences were surrendered voluntarily or applications for renewal were withdrawn in order to avoid proceedings which may have resulted in their disqualification.

  Caparo Judgment
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what proposals he has for legislation under which company auditors will owe a duty of care to current individual shareholders and creditors; [34096]

  (2) what proposals he has for statutory reversal of the Caparo judgment. [34103]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I have no plans to change the current state of the law, but am keeping the situation under review.

  Director General of Electricity Supply
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with the electricity regulator concerning the regulator's handling of price sensitive information; and if he will make a statement. [34279]

  Mr. Eggar
  It is for the Director General of Electricity Supply to decide how he handles price sensitive information.

  Particulate PM10 Pollution
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what research has been commissioned by his Department into levels of particulate PM 10 pollution in rural areas; what were the conclusions; and if he will publish the results. [35024]

  Mr. Page
  My Department commissioned a limited series of measurements of airborne particulates at a single rural site earlier this year. The results are being prepared for publication in the near future.

  Science
  Mrs. Ann Taylor
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which Government Department is responsible for(a) the science budget, (b) science education, (c) policy to promote the public understanding of science and (d) funding the research councils.[34576]
  902
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The Office of Science and Technology's responsibilities for (a), (c) and (d) and its joint responsibilities with the Education Departments for post-graduate science education are unchanged with the office's transfer to the Department of Trade and Industry. The Government's commitment to science, engineering and technology, and to the support of the science and engineering base, remain as set out in the 1993 White Paper "Realising our Potential", and policies are targeted to ensure the maximum contribution to our national economic performance and quality of life.

  Systematic interchange between industry, scientists, engineers and science policy makers both in the public and private sectors will improve mutual understanding and allow each group to make its decisions against a better informed background.

  Bellerton Lane, Norton
  Ms Walley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the individual plots of land adjacent to Bellerton lane, Norton, Stoke on Trent, sold by British Coal in the last 10 years; and who purchased each site. [34297]

  Mr. Page
  This is a matter for British Coal.

  Shipbuilding and Repair
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people were employed in shipbuilding and ship repair in(a) 1965, (b) 1970, (c) 1980, (d) 1985, (e) 1990 and (f) 1995; and if he will make a statement. [33681]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information on employment in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry is available from the periodic censuses of employment. The table shows the number employed in this industry, for years where the information is directly comparable:

  Number of employees in employment in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry1 in Great Britain, in September of each year

  Number

  1981

  120,800

  1984

  90,200

  1987

  58,200

  1989

  51,200

  1991

  47,000

  1 Group 371 of the standard industrial classification 1980.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Duchy Accounts
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when the Duchy will be presenting to Parliament its next set of accounts. [35283]
  903
  Mr. Freeman
  The financial year for the Duchy's accounts has been changed from 30 September to 31 March. Audited accounts for the part-year period from 30 September 1994 to 31 March 1995 are therefore being presented today. In future, 12-month accounts to 31 March will be presented before the House rises for that year's summer recess.

  Occupational Health and Safety Agency
  Lady Olga Maitland
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what key performance targets he has set for the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for the current year. [35284]

  Mr. Horam
  The key performance targets for the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for 1995–96 are to break even in accrual accounting terms; to turn around, within 15 days, 85 per cent. of case referrals where no additional information is required and 58 per cent. within 40 days when additional information is required; to earn customer post-service satisfaction evaluations of 90 per cent. in the two highest categories; and to issue at least 95 per cent. of invoices error free.

  In addition, the agency has cost containment targets, details of which are commercially sensitive.

  Deputy Prime Minister
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister how many staff will be allocated to working in the offices and department of the Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary; and what is the estimated annual cost of such staff. [34005]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I have been asked to reply. I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave the hon. Member for Pendle (Mr. Prentice) on 11 July 1995,Official Report, column 496 and to that which I gave the hon. Member for Gordon on 13 July 1995, Official Report, column 751.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which firms of consultants employed by his Department over the past year have been paid more than £1,000 per day.[33872]

  Mr. Horam
  My answer covers the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service, its executive agencies, Her Majesty's Stationery Office and the Central Office of Information. In 1994–95 the following firms of consultants were employed on contracts costing more than £1,000 per consultant per day including expenses and VAT:Coopers and Lybrand; Domino Consultancy; Human Assets Ltd.; International Computers Ltd.; Moores Rowland; PA Consulting; Pearn Kandola; Price Waterhouse.

  Civil Servants (Travel Expenses)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the total cost of travel expenses claimed by civil servants using their own vehicles for official business in each of the past five years; and what the saving would have been in the last year if the maximum rate that could be claimed was set at the current lowest rate. [34781]

  Mr. Horam
  These details are not kept centrally.

  Dr. Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what rates of travel allowance may be claimed by civil servants when using their own vehicles for official business. [34780]

  Mr. Horam
  Departments and agencies are responsible for setting the rates of allowances to reimburse staff for travel by private vehicle on official business. Details of the rates are not collected centrally.

  Magistrates (Secret Societies)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many magistrates there are in the Duchy; and how many have declared they are freemasons or members of any other secret society. [34942]

  Mr. Freeman
  There are 4,200 magistrates in the Duchy area.

  No statistics are kept on the number of magistrates who are freemasons or who belong to other secret societies.

  Being a freemason or member of any society is neither a qualification nor a disqualification to becoming a magistrate.

  All magistrates take a judicial oath to dispense justice without fear or favour.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for how long it has been the practice for candidates for the magistracy in the Duchy of Lancaster to declare membership of secret societies. [34943]

  Mr. Freeman
  Advisory committees ask candidates for the magistracy about their outside interests. This has been the practice for many years.

  The overriding requirement is suitability for recommendation for appointment.

SCOTLAND

  Community Nurses
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) health visitors, (b) district nurses, (c) community psychiatric nurses and (d) school nurses were employed in each area of Scotland on 30 September 1993, and for the latest date available, expressed as whole-time equivalents and actual numbers: and if he will list the same information for student health visitors and student district nurses. [33257]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is shown in the tables:
  905

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1993

  Whole-time equivalent

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  Health visitors

  157.9

  90.7

  38.4

  42.8

  110.7

  90.2

  203.3

  306.9

  Health visitor1

  126.7

  88.7

  24.4

  27.0

  110.7

  83.6

  185.8

  289.3

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  31.2

  2.0

  14.0

  15.8

  —

  6.6

  17.5

  17.6

  District nurses

  205.4

  126.3

  51.4

  76.1

  132.2

  135.5

  213.9

  375.1

  District nurse1

  156.2

  126.3

  6.0

  45.6

  132.2

  116.9

  149.6

  357.5

  District nurses with combined duties2

  49.2

  —

  45.4

  30.5

  —

  18.6

  64.3

  17.6

  Community psychiatric nurse

  31.4

  27.0

  7.7

  19.0

  27.0

  26.2

  34.0

  45.6

  School nurse

  26.6

  20.9

  4.5

  7.6

  29.8

  13.0

  15.4

  55.8

  Student health visitors (number)3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19

  10

  Student district nurses (number)3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  13

  1 The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2 Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted).

  3 The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1993

  Whole-time equivalent

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  Health visitors

  85.1

  166.8

  212.2

  9.0

  13.0

  128.8

  8.1

  Health visitor1

  47.2

  157.8

  210.1

  4.0

  6.0

  109.8

  8.1

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  37.9

  9.0

  2.1

  5.0

  7.0

  19.0

  —

  District nurses

  165.1

  207.2

  240.3

  35.0

  24.3

  170.2

  29.7

  District nurse1

  49.8

  174.1

  239.0

  17.0

  5.8

  122.0

  —

  District nurses with combined duties2

  115.3

  33.1

  1.3

  18.0

  18.5

  48.2

  29.7

  Community psychiatric nurse

  19.0

  16.0

  61.0

  —

  2.0

  32.4

  6.1

  School nurse

  14.2

  41.0

  31.5

  —

  0.8

  20.9

  —

  Student health visitors (number)3

  —

  —

  11

  —

  —

  9

  —

  Student district nurses (number)3

  —

  —

  15

  —

  —

  9

  —

  1 The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working on these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2 Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted).

  3The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1993

  Number

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  Health visitors

  174

  102

  40

  47

  123

  96

  225

  327

  Health visitor1

  142

  100

  26

  30

  123

  89

  207

  307

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  32

  2

  14

  17

  —

  7

  18

  20

  District nurses

  250

  151

  61

  100

  143

  154

  270

  458

  District nurse1

  195

  151

  10

  65

  143

  135

  199

  438

  District nurses with combined duties2

  55

  —

  51

  35

  —

  19

  71

  20

  906 907

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1993

  Number

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  Community psychiatric nurse

  32

  27

  8

  19

  27

  27

  35

  47

  School nurse

  35

  27

  6

  13

  36

  16

  27

  63

  Student health visitors3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19

  10

  Student district nurses3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22

  13

  1 The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted).

  3 The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1993

  Number

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  Health visitors

  94

  181

  243

  9

  13

  140

  9

  Health visitor1

  54

  172

  240

  4

  6

  121

  9

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  40

  9

  3

  5

  7

  19

  —

  District nurses

  206

  239

  308

  38

  26

  210

  36

  District nurse1

  64

  204

  306

  20

  7

  158

  —

  District nurses with combined duties2

  142

  35

  2

  18

  19

  52

  36

  Community psychiatric nurse

  19

  16

  61

  —

  2

  33

  7

  School Nurse

  19

  47

  42

  —

  1

  34

  —

  Student health visitors3

  —

  —

  11

  —

  —

  9

  —

  Student district nurses3

  —

  —

  15

  —

  —

  9

  —

  1The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e.double counted).

  3The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1994

  Whole-time equivalent

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  Health visitors

  150.1

  87.3

  38.8

  42.9

  111.8

  85.4

  199.7

  281.0

  Health visitor1

  122.8

  85.3

  24.8

  27.6

  111.8

  81.4

  181.5

  272.1

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  27.3

  2.0

  14.0

  15.3

  —

  4.0

  18.2

  8.9

  District nurses

  192.0

  136.6

  51.7

  75.1

  129.3

  134.1

  210.5

  376.4

  District nurse1

  149.7

  136.6

  6.5

  45.7

  129.3

  118.8

  140.7

  367.5

  District nurses with combined duties2

  42.3

  —

  45.2

  29.4

  —

  15.3

  69.8

  8.9

  Community psychiatric nurse

  34.4

  40.8

  12.7

  24.5

  24.6

  26.0

  30.3

  38.6

  School nurse

  29.0

  19.9

  3.5

  7.5

  28.9

  13.5

  15.5

  54.8

  Student health visitors (number)3

  19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  36

  20

  Student district nurses (number)3

  13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  39

  28

  1 The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted)

  3The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  908 909

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  Health visitors

  82.3

  156.6

  210.1

  10.0

  16.0

  132.0

  9.4

  Health visitors1

  46.7

  149.6

  208.8

  5.0

  7.0

  110.2

  8.4

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  35.6

  7.0

  1.3

  5.0

  9.0

  21.8

  1.0

  District nurses

  162.8

  191.8

  246.5

  32.5

  27.8

  179.1

  30.1

  District nurse1

  53.5

  163.9

  245.2

  14.5

  7.3

  126.0

  —

  District nurses with combined duties2

  109.3

  27.9

  1.3

  18.0

  20.5

  53.1

  30.1

  Community psychiatric nurse

  20.0

  16.0

  58.5

  —

  3.0

  36.9

  6.3

  School nurse

  15.0

  42.0

  33.3

  —

  2.4

  20.0

  1.8

  Student health visitors(number)3

  —

  —

  10

  —

  —

  16

  —

  Student district nurses(number)3

  —

  —

  13

  —

  —

  12

  —

  1The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted).

  3The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located.

  Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1994

  Number

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  Health visitors

  169

  95

  41

  48

  126

  92

  229

  302

  Health visitor1

  141

  93

  27

  32

  126

  88

  210

  291

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  28

  2

  14

  16

  —

  4

  19

  1l

  District nurses

  240

  172

  61

  110

  145

  156

  265

  457

  District nurse1

  193

  172

  11

  76

  145

  140

  188

  446

  District nurses with combined

  duties2

  47

  —

  50

  34

  —

  16

  77

  11

  Community psychiatric nurse

  35

  41

  13

  25

  25

  27

  31

  40

  School nurse

  39

  26

  5

  13

  36

  16

  27

  63

  Student health visitors3

  19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  36

  20

  Student district nurses3

  13

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  39

  28

  1The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted).

  3The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  Selected community nursing staff by health board as at 30 September 1994

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  Health visitors

  90

  171

  242

  10

  16

  145

  10

  Health visitor1

  53

  164

  240

  5

  7

  123

  9

  Health visitors with combined duties2

  37

  7

  2

  5

  9

  22

  1

  District nurses

  203

  220

  322

  36

  29

  220

  35

  District nurse1

  70

  191

  320

  18

  8

  164

  —

  District nurses with combined duties2

  133

  29

  2

  18

  21

  56

  35

  Community psychiatric nurse

  20

  16

  59

  —

  3

  38

  7

  School nurse

  20

  49

  45

  —

  3

  30

  2

  Student health visitors'

  —

  —

  10

  —

  —

  16

  —

  Student district nurses3

  —

  —

  13

  —

  —

  12

  —

  1The figures for health visitors and district nurses probably include some staff without an HV or DN qualification working in these fields, probably in a supporting role.

  2Health visitors with combined duties including district nursing and vice versa are included under both categories in the table, (i.e. double counted).

  3 The figures for student health visitors and district nurses are provided according to the health board where their training college places are located. Other health boards may have students in these colleges and cannot be assumed to be zero. Data are at 31 October.

  910 911
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a breakdown by area of the health visitors, district nurses and school nurses by each income band for September 1993 and the latest date for which information is available. [33258]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  As the information requested is lengthy, I have arranged for copies of the tables to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Staff Opinion Polls
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which hospital trusts in Scotland have carried out staff opinion polls in the past two years; what were the results of each of these opinion polls; and if he will make a statement. [33993]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The findings of a 1993 national survey by the NHS management executive in Scotland are set out in "Framework for Action: What Those Who Work Within the NHS in Scotland Think 1993" a copy of which is in the Library. All trusts were asked to review the findings taking account of local circumstances and to develop, implement and report on action plans to tackle those issues identified as requiring action locally. From 1995 onwards the undertaking of such surveys is a matter for individual trusts.

  Health Visitors
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish a breakdown by area of the population numbers per health visitor on September 1992 and September 1993 and for the latest date for which information is available; and what is the number of health visitors(a) per person under five and (b) per person over 65 years in each area. [33529]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is shown in the tables:

  Population per Health Visitor1 2; whole-time equivalent at 30 September

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Argyll and Clyde

  3,054.1

  3,109.8

  3,223.6

  Ayrshire and Arran

  4,228.1

  4,202.5

  4,369.0

  Borders

  3,717.6

  3,527.6

  3,490.8

  Dumfries and Galloway

  4,286.1

  4,341.5

  4,299.4

  Fife

  3,104.7

  3,172.5

  3,149.4

  Forth Valley

  2,953.0

  3,152.5

  3,290.9

  Grampian

  2,630.4

  2,728.8

  2,810.9

  Greater Glasgow

  3,007.6

  3,102.1

  3,332.8

  Highland

  3,440.3

  3,400.7

  3,493.5

  Lanarkshire

  3,529.9

  3,469.7

  3,673.6

  Lothian

  3,546.1

  3,572.0

  3,624.2

  Orkney

  2,815.7

  3,293.3

  2,764.2

  Shetland

  2,369.9

  2,739.6

  2,288.0

  Tayside

  3,403.2

  3,388.4

  3,339.0

  Western Isles

  3,861.8

  3,644.4

  3,356.1

  1The figures for health visitors probably include some staff without an HV qualification working in this field, possibly in a supporting role.

  2The whole-time equivalent of health visitors used to produce the population rates includes staff with combined duties of either or both midwifery and district nursing. For such staff a proportion of their whole-time equivalent has been included. For example, for a HV/DN combined duty nurse the health visiting contribution is assumed to be half.

  912

  Health Visitors1 2per 1000 persons aged under 5 years; whole-time equivalent at 30 September

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Argyll and Clyde

  5.1

  5.0

  4.9

  Ayrshire and Arran

  3.7

  3.8

  3.6

  Borders

  4.6

  4.8

  4.9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3.9

  3.8

  3.9

  Fife

  5.0

  5.0

  5.1

  Forth Valley

  5.4

  5.1

  4.9

  Grampian

  5.9

  5.7

  5.5

  Greater Glasgow

  5.1

  5.0

  4.7

  Highland

  4.5

  4.6

  4.5

  Lanarkshire

  4.3

  4.4

  4.2

  Lothian

  4.5

  4.5

  4.4

  Orkney

  5.2

  4.6

  5.5

  Shetland

  5.9

  5.0

  6.0

  Tayside

  4.8

  4.8

  4.9

  Western Isles

  4.2

  4.5

  5.0

  1The figures for health visitors probably include some staff without an HV qualification working in this field, possibly in a supporting role.

  2The whole-time equivalent of health visitors used to produce the population rates includes staff with combined duties of either or both midwifery and district nursing. For such staff a proportion of their whole-time equivalent has been included. For example, for a HV/DN combined duty nurse the health visiting contribution is assumed to be half.

  Health Visitors1, per 1000 persons aged over 65 years; whole-time equivalent at 30 September

  £000

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Argyll and Clyde

  2.3

  2.3

  2.2

  Ayrshire and Arran

  1.6

  1.6

  1.5

  Borders

  1.5

  1.6

  1.6

  Dumfries and Galloway

  1.4

  1.4

  1.4

  Fife

  2.2

  2.2

  2.2

  Forth Valley

  2.5

  2.3

  2.2

  Grampian

  2.9

  2.8

  2.7

  Greater Glasgow

  2.3

  2.2

  2.1

  Highland

  2.1

  2.1

  2.0

  Lanarkshire

  2.4

  2.4

  2.3

  Lothian

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Orkney

  2.3

  2.1

  2.5

  Shetland

  3.3

  2.9

  3.5

  Tayside

  1.8

  1.8

  1.9

  Western Isles

  1.5

  1.6

  1.8

  1The figures for health visitors probably include some staff without an HV qualification working in this field, possibly in a supporting role.

  2The whole-time equivalent of health visitors used to produce the population rates includes staff with combined duties of either or both midwifery and district nursing. For such staff a proportion of their whole-time equivalent has been included. For example, for a HV/DN combined duty nurse the health visiting contribution is assumed to be half.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  BACUP Cancer Care
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to BACUP Cancer Care to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall. [35448]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I understand that, under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee,
  913
  arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 20 November to Friday 24 November 1995.

  Photopasses
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee what plans he has to make photopasses more readily identifiable, and if he will make a statement. [35325]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  The Administration Committee has agreed to recommend certain revisions to make various categories of photopass more readily identifiable by differentiation of colour or superimposing a letter. Any new styles passes will be introduced by the Pass Office over the next six months:

  (a) Hon. Members:

  Green and white diagonal striped pass.

  (b) Permanent Staff (except Members' Research Assistants):

  Grey pass.

  (c) Temporary staff (except media):

  Yellow pass.

  (d) Media:

  Brown pass, with an orange "L" superimposed for those accorded Lobby status.

  (e) Members' Research Assistants:

  Grey or yellow pass as appropriate, with a red "R" superimposed. These passes have to be renewed annually.

  (f) Contractors:

  Blue pass, with a red "C" superimposed.

  The Committee will keep under review whether certain other categories of pass should be of an identifiable colour.

  All who work in the Palace of Westminster and in the parliamentary outbuildings must be in possession of a valid photopass, which should be worn whenever the holder is in the parliamentary estate.

  Passes cannot be issued until the necessary clearance procedure is completed and anyone taking on staff should allow sufficient time for the process to be completed before employment procedures are finalised. Clearances for individuals who are foreign nationals or who have lived abroad can take several weeks and some months.

  Hon. Members are reminded that passes issued to their secretaries and research assistants must be handed back to the Pass Office when their service with a Member ends.

  Members' Travel Expenses
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Lord President of the Council what has been the total cost of travel expenses claimed by hon. Members for each of the past five years by(a) car, (b) train and (c) other means of travel. [34777]

  Mr. Newton
  I am advised by the Fees Office that the information requested is as follows:

  (a) Car

  1990–91: £4,860,982

  1991–92: £5,682,276

  1992–93: £5,416,393

  1993–94: £5,832,266

  1994–95: £6,105,196

  914

  (b) Rail

  1990–91: £741,843

  1991–92: £876,121

  1992–93: £870,194

  1993–94: £927,020

  1994–95: £906,901

  (c) Other

  1990–91: £727,661

  1991–92: £719,779

  1992–93: £783,080

  1993–94: £875,511

  1994–95: £919,537

  Office Costs Allowance
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many hon. Members receive the office costs allowance. [34779]

  Mr. Newton
  I am informed by the Fees Office that 651 hon. Members receive the office costs allowance.

  Members' Car Allowance
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many hon. Members claim the rate under the hon. Members' car allowance scheme for(a) cars under 1300 cc (b) cars between 1300 cc and 2300 cc and (c) cars over 2301 cc. [31520]

  Mr. Newton
  The Fees Office has advised me that the information requested is as follows:

  (i) 6 Members claim all 3 rates (a) (b) and (c)

  (ii) 15 Members claim rates (a) and (b)

  (iii) 19 Members claim rates (a) and (c)

  (iv) 113 Members claim rates (b) and (c)

  (v) 478 Members claim only one rate

  The total number of hon. Members claiming under the Members' car allowance scheme is 631.

WALES

  Welsh Office: Highways Directorate
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to change the status of the Welsh Office highways directorate. [35733]

  Mr. Hague
  The highways directorate is responsible for managing and improving the motorway and trunk road network in an efficient and effective way. Following an options review, I have decided to seek further efficiency improvements within the existing organisational framework. In future, the directorate will be run more on next steps lines, in order to clarify responsibility and sharpen accountability. In addition, consideration will be given to market testing certain of the directorate's functions.

  Community Nurses
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many(a) health visitors, (b) district nurses, (c) community psychiatric nurses and (d) school nurses were employed in each area of Wales on 30 September

  915
  1993 and for the latest date available, expressed as whole-time equivalents and actual numbers; and if he will list the same information for student health visitors and student district nurses; [33260]

  (2) if he will publish a breakdown by area of the health visitors, district nurses and school nurses by each income band for September 1993 and the latest date for which information is available; [33261]

  (3) if he will publish a breakdown by area of the population numbers per health visitor on September 1992 and September 1993 and for the latest date for which information is available; and what is the number of health visitors (a) per under five and (b) per over 65 years in each area. [33262]

  Mr. Richards
  Reliable estimates of the numbers of nursing staff employed in specific occupational groups, such as those requested, are not available centrally.

  Based on service requirements indicated by work force plans, there were 33 student health visitors and 33 student district nurses in September 1993. The figures for April 1995 were 26 and 29 respectively.

  Meat and Livestock Commission
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to establish a Welsh institution to undertake the functions currently carried out by the Meat and Livestock Commission, and if he will make a statement. [34993]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  None. Tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many outbreaks of tuberculosis amongst livestock were recorded in Wales during(a) 1992, (b) 1993 and (c) 1994; and if he will make a statement. [35056]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In the period 1992–94 the number of confirmed tuberculosis breadowns in livestock in Wales were as follows.

  1992: 37

  1993: 91

  1994: 269

  The figures relate to cattle only. There were no cases of tuberculosis in deer.

  Suckler Cow Premium Scheme
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cost of the suckler cow premium scheme for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34991]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A total of £20,920,338.Nitrate Sensitive Areas

  Sheep Annual Premium Scheme
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the cost of the sheep annual premium scheme in 1994–95; what proportion of the United Kingdom figure this represents; and if he will make a statement. [35122]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A total of £113,300,000, which represented 28.6 per cent. of total United Kingdom expenditure.

  Nitrate Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what proportion of the United Kingdom's nitrate sensitive areas are situated in Wales; and if he will make a statement; [34968]

  (2) what proportion of eligible land in Welsh nitrate sensitive areas has entered the current scheme; and if he will make a statement; [34970]

  (3) what was the total value of payments made to Welsh farmers under the nitrate sensitive areas scheme in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34969]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  There are no nitrate sensitive areas designated in Wales.

  Habitat Scheme
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hectares of land were accepted into the habitat scheme in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34987]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  No land was accepted into the scheme in 1994–95; the scheme did not become operational until 9 January 1995.

  Farm and Conservation Grant Scheme
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the value of grants paid to farmers under the farm and conservation grant scheme in 1994–95; and what proportion of the total United Kingdom figure this represented. [35125]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A total of £5,250,000, which represented 13.7 per cent. of United Kingdom expenditure.

  Training
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many formal training days per member of staff are planned by his Department in 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [34960]

  Mr. Hague
  Members of staff plan their training with their line managers. Records are not kept centrally.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hectares of land in Wales are currently covered by environmentally sensitive area agreements; and if he will make a statement. [34988]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  A total of 84,710 hectares.

  Milk Producers
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of registered milk producers in Wales; if he will express this number as a proportion of the total number of registered milk producers in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement. [34975]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  On 1 July 1995, there were 4,915 milk producers in Wales. This represents 17.6 per cent. of those registered in England and Wales.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of States for Wales what proportion of his Department's budget on regional selective assistance specifically targets Wales; and if he will make a statement. [35011]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Information relating to regional selective assistance in Wales is published each year in the Welsh Office departmental report. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  Business Development Consortia
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many business link shops have been opened in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [34937]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The business link network operates in England only. In Wales, the eight business development consortia approved in January are working towards developing a business support network and I expect it to be operational within the next six months.

  Rural Economy
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is his estimate for the amount of expenditure which will be incurred in Wales during 1995–96 as a part of the rural economy scheme; and if he will make a statement. [34887]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Rural Wales benefits from a number of schemes including the strategic development scheme, regional selective assistance, European structural funds, and support from the Welsh Development Agency and the Development Board for Rural Wales. Details of the expenditures are published in the Welsh Office departmental report.

  David John Edwards
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received regarding probate of the will of the late David John Edwards of Talybont, Ceredigion; and if he will make a statement. [35483]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  No representations have been received.

HEALTH

  Infertility
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his policy in respect of the recognition by the World Health Organisation of the condition that requires in-vitro fertilisation and/or gamete intra-fallopian transfer as an illness; and what guidance he has issued to health authorities. [33665]

  Mr. Bowis
  It is a matter for clinical judgment what treatment is appropriate for individual patients.

  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice health authorities located in the South-West and Wessex regional health authority area have sought from his Department about the most efficacious provision of infertility treatment and diagnosis in the last two years; and if he will make a statement; [34214]
  918
  (2) what contacts his Department has had with those district health authorities located in the South-West and Wessex regional health authority area about infertility treatment and investigation in the United Kingdom in the last two years; and if he will make a statement; [34264]

  (3) if he will list exceptions to his policy that NHS treatments should be provided in the most cost-effective manner with specific reference to infertility treatment; and if he will make a statement. [34256]

  Mr. Bowis
  Advice on the provision of infertility treatment is available to all health authorities and clinicians in:The Effective Health Care Bulletin on "The Management of Subfertility" (August 1992), published for the NHS management executive by a consortium of Leeds and York universities and the research unit of the Royal College of Physicians.

  The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has also published advice in "Infertility—Guidelines for Practice", RCOG Press 1992. Copies of both publications are available in the Library.

  Health authorities in the South-West and Wessex RHA have not sought any particular advice from, nor been in contact with, the Department about infertility services over the last two years. Local health authorities are responsible for the provision of local health services, including the provision of infertility services. Decisions about the resources to be made available for these services must be left to individual health authorities as they are in the best position to determine priorities in the light of local needs and circumstances.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) men and (b) women, have suffered from infertility problems for the last 10 years, by region. [34632]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available.

  NHS Indemnity
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give consideration to the funding of legal claims to ensure that(a) purchasers and providers have access to insurance policies to indemnify themselves against claims and (b) budgets for patient services are not affected by the level of claims made against the unit; if he will consider any other schemes which will enable people with grievances against the national health service to have their complaints heard in whatever is the most appropriate manner with the most suitable redress and resolution being made available; and if he will make a statement. [33670]

  Mr. Malone
  My Department has no plans to fund legal claims made against national health service trusts.

  Pilot schemes using mediation as an alternative means of handling clinical negligence claims have been launched in two English regions. We hope that mediation will prove to be a less stressful, more cost-effective and quicker option than litigation in some clinical negligence cases. Also, in response to the Wilson report "Being Heard", published in 1994, my Department published in March 1995, "Acting on Complaints", which sets out plans for a simpler, fairer and more effective NHS complaints system that we are aiming to produce from April 1996. Copies of both documents have been placed in the Library.

  Feotuses
  Mr. Patten
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 5 July, Official Report, column 221, on what grounds he has decided that no action is called for in the light of the evidence on whether foetuses feel pain. [34076]

  Mr. Bowis
  The report has been made available to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. We shall keep this issue under careful review.

  Research
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research and findings his Department has carried out into(a) anonymous sero-testing reference samples MIF chlamydia/herpes serology, (b) comparisons between MCS 9406 UK calcipotrol solution and capasal in scalp psoriasis, (c) the treatment of patients suffering from chronic schizophrenia with open label seroquel, (d) a random and double-blind study of safety and efficacy of Tiagbire versus Carbamazapine as monotherapy in patients with partial seizures and (e) an MRI study of early childhood convulsions; what were the findings; and if he will make a statement. [34082]

  Mr. Bowis
  No research has been carried out on anonymised serum samples for chlamydia or herpes simplex, but the Department co-ordinates an unlinked anonymous prevalence monitoring programme in England and Wales for human immunodeficiency virus.

  Medicinal products for use in clinical trials are regulated under the Medicines Act 1968 and subsidiary legislation. The Medicines Control Agency acting on behalf of the Licensing Authority, keeps confidential records of all applications to conduct clinical trials. Information from these records cannot be disclosed in accordance with section 118 of the Medicines Act.

  Staff Costs, London
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of(a) managers and administrators and (b) medical staff working in the national health service in the Greater London area in each of the last 10 years. [34105]

  Mr. Malone
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Alcohol
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response his Department will be making to the World Health Organisation's European alcohol action plan. [34446]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Government's alcohol policies are set out in action against alcohol misuse, 1991, and in "The Health of the Nation".

  Ophthalmic Patients (Burnley General Hospital)
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the Medical Devices Agency will be publishing its report regarding the incident at Burnley general hospital in which ophthalmic patients each lost an eye; what plans 920
  he has to take action against the manufacturers or suppliers of the equipment; and if he will make a statement. [34544]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Medical Devices Agency has investigated the incident referred to and published a hazard notice, MDA HN 9503 May 1995, copies of which will be placed in the Library. The Medical Devices Agency is working with the manufacturers to ensure that improved instructions are provided to users of the devices.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the results of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34701]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department recognises the important role that small firms play in supplying health care products, including goods and services, whether for use in this country or for export. The policies adopted by the Department in support of the health care industries favour all companies equally. The Department does not collect any statistics specifically about small companies. An equally important and increasing role is played by independent firms and organisations providing residential and respite care and domiciliary and day care services. Many, but not all, such firms are small and encouraged by Government policies.

  Listeria
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many public interest immunity certificates he has signed in respect of documents relating to listeria in the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [34407]

  Mr. Bowis
  My right hon. Friend has never signed a public interest immunity certificate.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the total number of cases of reported listeria(a) for each year from 1985 and (b) for the latest available date. [34222]

  Mr. Bowis
  The number of cases of listeriosis reported to the Public Health Laboratory in England and Wales between 1985 and 1995 is as follows:

  1985: 149

  1986: 137

  1987: 259

  1988: 291

  1989: 250

  1990: 118

  1991: 130

  1992: 108

  1993: 106

  1994: 113 (provisional data)

  1995: 16 (provisional data for first quarter)

  Note

  These figures include a few cases from Northern Ireland.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if
  921
  he will list the number of reported cases of listeria associated with pregnancy (a) for each year from 1985 and (b) for the latest available date. [34223]

  Mr. Bowis
  The number of cases of pregnancy associated listeriosis reported to the Public Health Laboratory Service in England and Wales between 1985 and 1995 is as follows:

  1985: 59

  1986: 42

  1987: 105

  1988: 122

  1989: 117

  1990: 26

  1991: 33

  1992: 25

  1993: 20

  1994: 25 (provisional data)

  1995: 1 (provisional data for first quarter)

  Note

  These figures include a few cases from Northern Ireland.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions his Department has held with the World Health Organisation regarding listeria in food in the last five years. [34231]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department maintains on-going contact with the World Health Organisation on food safety issues but has not held any specific discussions about food-borne listeriosis in the last five years.

  Radiation Tests (Compensation)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many claims for compensation his Department has received relating to radiation tests on humans since 1965; and if he will make a statement. [34477]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department is not aware of any such claims.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work his Department has carried out in the last 12 months in making information about his Department available to the public via the Government world wide web server known as "www.open.gov.uk" and his plans and policies to make additional and new information available electronically on the server in the next 12 months. [34678]

  Mr. Bowis
  A selection of departmental information sources have been made available on the Government world wide web server—"http://www.open.gov.uk./doh/dhhome.htm"—since 20 June, including details of its strategic aims and objectives, national health service developments, departmental publications, progress on "The Health of the Nation" initiative and telephone inquiry services. These Internet home pages, currently under trial for six months, are being revised as new information becomes available. Following the end of the trial, a decision will be taken on whether to extend the current range of information services made available over the Internet.
  922

  Cancelled Operations
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what regular monitoring his Department requires by hospitals, trusts or health district of the occasions when, prior to cancellation of an operation, a patient(a) arrives at hospital but is not admitted to a bed, (b) is admitted but undergoes no preparation and is not prohibited from food and drink and (c) is prepared for an operation or is prohibited from taking food and drink. [34362]

  Mr. Bowis
  None. Trust are required to monitor the number of occasions operations are cancelled on the day the patient is due to come into hospital or after the patient has been admitted and the occasions when a new date is not given within one months of the cancellation.

  Infant Mortality
  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the rate of infant mortality as a percentage of live births for each of the years(a) 1975, (b) 1979, (c) 1983, (d) 1987, (e) 1991 and the latest 12 months for which statistics are available. [34726]

  Mr. Bowis
  The information is shown in the table.

  Infant mortality rate as a percentage of live births ' for the years 1975, 1979, 1983, 1987, 1991 and 1994, England and Wales.

  Year

  Percentage of live births

  1975

  1.57

  1979

  1.28

  1983

  1.01

  1987

  0.92

  1991

  0.74

  1994

  0.62

  Epilepsy Research
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research his Department has carried out into a comparison of lamotrigine and valproate monotherapy in patients with primary generalised seizures; with what findings; and if he will make a statement; [34728]

  (2) what research his Department has carried out into epilepsy; with what findings; and if he will make a statement. [34729]

  Mr. Bowis
  I am not aware of any published or current research comparing lamotrigine and valproate in monotherapy in patients with primary generalised seizures.

  The main agency through which the Government fund medical research is the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

  Visually Impaired People
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for health which institutions and organisations currently provide training for rehabilitation and mobility workers for visually impaired people; how many places on such courses are presently available; and how these institutions and organisations are funded. [35008]
  923
  Mr. Bowis
  Training for rehabilitation and mobility workers for visually impaired people is currently provided by the university of Central England and by the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. The university of Central England provides 16 places on the course for the diploma of higher education in rehabilitation studies and six on the course for the certificate of qualification in orientation and mobility with visually impaired children and young persons. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association provides 33 placed on its diploma of higher education in rehabilitation studies courses in England and six places in Scotland.

  I understand that the courses at the university of Central England are partly funded by the university with funds from the Higher Education Funding Council, supplemented by an annual grant from the Royal National Institute for the Blind, and also from income from student fees. The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is a registered charity whose objects include promoting the welfare of all blind people. Courses are funded partly by the charity and also from income from student fees. Tuition fees for some students are met by local authorities, or their agents under contract to them for the provision of visual disability services. The Department's social services training support programme includes a specific sub-programme for visual disability training. Under the sub-programme, up to 70 per cent. of the tuition fees may be met by the Department of Health and the remainder by the sponsoring local authority.

  Renal Services
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the consultation period ended for the review of renal services; when his Department intends to publish these findings; and if he will make a statement. [35377]

  Mr. Bowis
  The renal review was an internal review for the Department of Health and it has not been issued for formal consultation. Ministers are currently considering the review.

  Smoking
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration his Department has given to the relationship between long-term smoking among women and the risk of developing breast cancer; what plans his Department has to introduce new warnings on tobacco products and advertisements informing female smokers of the risk of breast cancer; and if he will make a statement. [35264]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department of Health is aware of published evidence' that smoking seems to increase the risk of developing breast cancer to a modest extent among women who have smoked for more than 30 years.

  Government health warnings, which appear on all cigarette packets, include a statement warning smokers that smoking causes cancer. The Department of Health has no plans to change the health warnings.
  1 Cigarette smoking and breast cancer. Bennicke, K. Conrad, C. et al. BMJ Vol 310 pp 1431–1433, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Community Nurses
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a breakdown by region of the health visitors, district nurses and school nurses by each income band for September 1993 and the latest date for which information is available. [33251]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish a breakdown by region of the population numbers per health visitor on September 1992 and September 1993 and for the latest date for which information is available; and what is the number of health visitors(a) per under five and (b) per over 65 years in each region. [33253]

  Mr. Sackville
  The available information will be placed in the Library.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many community nurses were employed by each health authority and, where relevant, by each trust within London in each year since 1987. [33252]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Community Care Services
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his assessment of the percentage of NHS beds blocked due to unavailability of community care services; and if he will make a statement. [34258]

  Mr. Bowis
  I refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for South Colchester and Maldon (Mr. Whittingdale) on 22 June, column 342.

  Drugs (Payments)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the figures for disbursements by the Prescription Pricing Authority in England for 1992–93 in respect of payments for drugs to dispensing doctors and drugs supplied by prescribing doctors in terms of the(a) net ingredient cost, (b) discounted cost, (c) VAT, (d) container allowance, (e) dispensing fees, (f) on costs and (g) in total. [34260]

  Mr. Malone
  Payments made by family health services authorities for 1992–93 were as follows:

  Payments made to Chemists and Appliance Contractors for prescriptions dispensed

  £000

  Net ingredient cost

  2,697,766

  Discounted cost

  2,448,332

  VAT

  5,731

  Container allowance

  18,817

  Dispensing fees

  463,987

  On cost

  111,175

  Total

  3,063,110

  925

  Payments made to Dispensing Doctors for prescriptions dispensed and items personally administered

  £000

  Net ingredient cost

  190,558

  Discounted cost

  177,189

  VAT

  30,890

  Container allowance

  1,140

  Dispensing fees

  26,239

  On cost

  20,007

  Total

  255,527

  Payments made to Non-dispensing Doctors for items personally administered

  £000

  Net ingredient cost

  37,145

  Discounted cost

  36,952

  VAT

  6,518

  Container allowance

  356

  Dispensing fees

  9,122

  On cost

  3,899

  Total

  56,859

  Immunisation (Tuberculosis)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider targeting immunisation vaccination for tuberculosis at high-risk groups; and if he will make a statement. [34262]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department's recommendation for Bacille-Calmette Guérin immunisation against tuberculosis are contained in the United Kingdom health departments' memorandum "Immunisation against Infectious Disease", copies of which are available in the Library. In addition to the schools' immunisation programme, BCG immunisation is already recommended for certain high-risk groups which include certain contacts of cases, immigrants from countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis and their infants wherever they were born, certain health care and veterinary staff and some overseas travellers.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress that has been made on the consultation and implementation of the Government's proposals for NHS dentistry as announced in April. [34257]

  Mr. Malone
  The Government are working closely with the General Dental Services Committee on the detailed development of the reform proposals that I announced to the House on 5 April,Official Report, columns 1213–15. We are making good progress and aim to move to implement the reform measures in due course.

  Long-term Health Care
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the percentage of the population requiring long-term health care for each of the last 10 years for which figures are available; what is his estimate of the 926
  percentage of the population requiring long-term health care for each of the next 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [34259]

  Mr. Bowis
  People with long-term health care needs are supported by a wide range of services purchased by the national health service, including in-patient hospital care, general practitioner and primary care support, and continuing care in hospital or an alternative facility. Information on the percentage of population receiving these services who have continuing health care needs is not aggregated centrally.

  Day Care (Elderly)
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are issued by his Department to health authorities on what day care facilities should be provided for the elderly; and if he will make a statement. [34261]

  Mr. Bowis
  The national health service executive wrote to health authorities in February 1995 drawing their attention to two publications from the Royal College of Physicians and British Geriatrics Society entitled "Geriatric Day Hospitals—their role and guidelines for good practice" and "Clinical audit scheme for geriatric day hospitals". Health authorities were asked to ensure that these documents inform their strategic planning and purchasing processes for services for elderly people. Copies are available in the Library.

  NHS Organ Donor Register
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have joined the NHS organ donor register; and if he will make a statement. [34263]

  Mr. Bowis
  Since the national health service organ donor register was launched on 6 October 1994, over 1.5 million people have joined the register, of which around 400,000 of these were transferred from the existing lifeline Wales register. We shall continue to promote the NHS organ donor register and to support publicity campaigns for this important initiative to encourage organ donation.

  Food Safety
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions and advice his Department has been involved with regarding food safety issues with members of the medical profession in the last five years; [34227]

  (2) what discussions and advice his Department has been involved with regarding concerns over listeria in food, with members of the medical profession in the last five years. [34228]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department maintains on-going contact with the medical profession of food safety issues, including food-borne listeriosis. The Department also receives expert advice on microbiological food safety from the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Food which includes members of the medical profession.

  Transplant Surgery
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in England and Wales are awaiting transplant surgery for each organ in each health region for the latest year for which information is available. [34646]

  Table 1: Number of patients on the national United Kingdom Transplant Support Services Authority transplant waiting list at 31 December 1994 by region of registration

  Organ

  Region

  Kidney

  Pancreas

  Kidney and pancreas

  Heart

  Lung

  Heart/Lung

  Liver

  Northern and Yorkshire

  471

  0

  15

  35

  78

  20

  16

  Trent

  431

  0

  0

  33

  10

  1

  0

  Anglia and Oxford

  317

  0

  2

  21

  10

  37

  14

  North Thames

  837

  0

  3

  102

  71

  111

  20

  South Thames

  573

  1

  0

  22

  1

  0

  14

  South West

  441

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  484

  0

  3

  14

  7

  1

  36

  North West

  573

  2

  19

  43

  16

  15

  0

  Wales

  92

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  4,219

  4

  45

  270

  193

  185

  100

  Table 2: Number of patients on the national United Kingdom Transplant Support Services Authority transplant waiting list at 12 July 1994 by region of registration

  Organ

  Region

  Kidney

  Pancreas

  Kidney and pancreas

  Heart

  Lung

  Heart/Lung

  Liver

  Northern and Yorkshire

  469

  0

  17

  43

  86

  17

  17

  Trent

  433

  0

  0

  41

  12

  1

  0

  Anglia and Oxford

  359

  0

  2

  13

  11

  30

  24

  North Thames

  855

  1

  6

  107

  74

  110

  23

  South Thames

  595

  1

  0

  29

  2

  1

  34

  South West

  468

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  West Midlands

  509

  1

  7

  19

  6

  5

  38

  North West

  578

  0

  14

  43

  21

  11

  0

  Wales

  108

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  4,374

  4

  48

  295

  212

  175

  136

  Medical Graduates
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department holds on the numbers of(a) doctors and (b) nurses who do not take on NHS posts after completing their training. [34786]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information his Department or the NHS executive hold on(a) managerial and (b) general practitioner posts that are vacant. [34783]

  Mr. Malone
  None. I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 12 June,Official Report, column 361, about general practitioner vacancies.

  Consultants (Early Retirement)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultants have taken early retirement in each region in each quarter over the last five years. [34787]
  928
  Mr. Bowis
  The tables show the information for the year ending 31 December 1994, and the same information as at 12 July 1995. There is considerable variation between the numbers waiting in each region because heart, lung and liver transplants are funded supra-regionally.

  Mr. Malone
  Regional information is not available centrally.

  Waiting Times
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in each region waiting(a) more than six months for an out-patient appointment and (b) more than 18 months for in-patient or day care treatment belong to (i) general practitioner fundholder practices and (ii) non-general practitioner fundholder practices. [34825]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in each region belong to(a) general practitioner fundholder practices and (b) non-general practitioner fundholder practices. [34894]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. Morgan) on 15 March,Official Report, columns 579–80, and to the

  929
  reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 24 May, Official Report, columns 595–96.

  Nursing Posts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by region the number of nursing posts in each specialty that have been vacant in each of the last three years. [34782]

  Mr. Bowis
  Information on the number and rate of nursing vacancies in the national health service is collected by the Office of Manpower Economics and is reproduced in the reports produced by the Review Body for Nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and Professions Allied to Medicine, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Medicines Control Agency
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what meetings the Medicines Control Agency has recently held with(a) health food manufacturers, (b) consumers organisations, (c) pharmaceutical companies and (d) nutritional therapists to discuss European companies and policy on dietary supplements; and what plans he has as a result to change his Department's policy on the forthcoming European Commission consultation document on dietary supplements. [35096]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Medicines Control Agency has not, and does not, hold meetings with any organisations to discuss policy on dietary supplements as its regulatory responsibility is for medicinal products.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department and its agencies have spent on computer consultancy in each of the last five years and what is the expected expenditure over the next five years.

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The total expenditure on computer consultancy by the Department and its agencies in each of the last five years was:

  1990–91: £10.25 million

  1991–92: £12.57 million

  1992–93: £13.65 million

  1993–94: £13.25 million

  1994–95: £14.51 million

  Expenditure over the next five years will depend on future requirements and the outcome of a market-testing exercise presently being undertaken by the Department.

  NHS Staff
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number and how much money has been expended on administrative staff, including general and senior managers and clerical and secretarial staff, in each of the last five years(a) in total and (b) by district health authority, family health services authority, regional health authority, and his Department. [26285]

  Mr. Malone
  [holding answer 25 May 1995]: The available information of health authorities will be placed in the Library. For the total numbers of staff for the last five years, I refer the right hon. Member to the statistical
  930
  bulletins, copies of which are in the Library. For the total costs of staff for the year 1989–90, 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93, I refer the right hon. Member to the health and personal social services statistics for England 1994 edition, copies of which are in the Library. The total cost of staff as requested for 1993–94—provisional—is £2,277,566,000.

  Data on staff numbers for district health authorities cannot be provided for 1989 and 1990 because the aggregate figures collected for those years do not identify staff in DHA headquarters separately. The 1993 figures cannot be provided because some DHA HQs could not be disaggregated from the whole DHA figure. No data are available for 1991 or 1992 because the figures for DHAs, regional health authorities and family health services authorities cannot be disaggregated.

  FHSAs were created in September 1990, replacing family practitioner committees. Since 1990, it has not been possible to identify the numbers and categories of staff employed by individual FHSAs. Details of the total number and the amount of money expended on administrative staff in my Department are provided in tables 12 and 13 of the Department's annual report, Command Paper 2812, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Auditors' Remuneration
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much(a) health authorities and (b) trusts have spent on auditors' remuneration in each year since 1992, by region. [34159]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: Information for 1993–94 is as follows:

  1993–94: Auditor remuneration (£000)

  Region

  Health authorities

  NHS trusts

  Northern

  1,607

  1,051

  Yorkshire

  1,133

  1,886

  Trent

  1,694

  1,772

  East Anglian

  587

  849

  North West Thames

  1,069

  1,939

  North East Thames

  1,044

  1,860

  South East Thames

  1,462

  1,807

  South West Thames

  1,108

  1,181

  Wessex

  1,149

  1,062

  Oxford

  1,122

  652

  South Western

  612

  1,259

  West Midlands

  1,999

  1,230

  Mersey

  631

  1,473

  North Western

  1,682

  1,016

  Note:

  1. The figure is the fee for auditing the annual accounts and returns plus value for money studies.

  2. The London postgraduate teaching hospitals (SHAs) are not included in the table.

  Source:

  Annual accounts of regional, district and family health services authorities and summarisation schedules of NHS trusts.

  Information for 1992–93 was presented on a different basis, and is therefore not comparable with 1993–94.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Cells
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the cost of keeping prisoners in police cells(a) in each year since police cells have been used for this purpose and (b) in total. [34434]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Jack Straw, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the cost of keeping prisoners in police cells (a) in each year since police cells have been used for this purpose and (b) in total.The information requested is given in the attached table.

  Total costs of holding prisoners in police cells—1981–82 to 1994–95

  Financial year

  £ million

  1981–82

  0.002

  1982–83

  3.4

  1983–84

  10.8

  1984–85

  3.4

  1985–86

  2.2

  1986–87

  6.2

  1987–88

  24.9

  1988–89

  64.9

  1989–90

  12.4

  1990–91

  53.1

  1991–92

  94

  1992–93

  98.5

  1993–94

  11.0

  1994–95

  16.0

  Total

  400.802

  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what was the total cost of holding prisoners in police cells per year by police force area for each year since 1987; [33478]

  (2) how many prisoner nights were spent in police cells for each year since 1987. [33479]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Marjorie Mowlam, dated 17 July 1995.
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the number of prisoner nights spent in police cells for each year since 1987, and the total cost of holding prisoners in police cells per year by police force area for each year since 1987.Information on the number of prisoner nights spent in police cells before 1990 is not available. Information for each year since 1990 is given in table 1.932 Information on the cost of holding prisoners in police cells by police force area before 1994 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Details of costs by police force area for 1994 and the total costs of holding prisoners in police cells for the financial years 1986–87–1994–95 are given in tables 2 and 3.

  Table 1: Number of prisoner nights spent in police cells 1990–1995

  Year

  Number

  1990

  241,835

  1991

  375,625

  1992

  351,929

  1993

  9,796

  1994

  54,277

  19951

  34,106

  1Up to an including 15 June.

  Table 2: Total costs of holding prisoners in police cells—1986ߝ94ߝ95

  Financial year

  £ million

  1986ߝ87

  6.2

  1987ߝ88

  24.9

  1988ߝ89

  64.9

  1989ߝ90

  12.4

  1990ߝ91

  53.1

  1991ߝ92

  94.0

  1992ߝ93

  98.5

  1993ߝ94

  11.0

  1994ߝ95

  16.0

  Tablel 3: Cost of holding prisioners in police cells by police authority—1994

  Police Authority

  Cost £

  Greater Manchester

  10,898,576

  Merseyside

  1,059,605

  West Yorks

  347,704

  South Yorks

  724,563

  Humberside

  232,458

  Northants

  9,191

  Lancashire

  939,767

  Cumbria

  13,385

  Northumbria

  349,517

  Cheshire

  38,327

  Total

  14,613,093

  Total does not include £166,603 in respect of invoices awaiting approval.

  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost of holding prisoners in police cells (a) per night and (b) in total, over the last 12 months. [33477]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Ms Marjorie Mowlam, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the cost of holding prisoners in police cells (a) per night and (b) in total, over the last 12 months, by police force area.Currently available provisional information is given in the table attached.933

  Table showing average cost of holding prisoners in police cells per prisoner night and the total cost from 1 June 1994 up to, and including, 15 June 1995 by police force area

  Police force area

  Average cost per prisoner night £

  Total cost £

  Greater Manchester

  277

  11,807,172

  South Yorkshire2

  1,746

  75,088

  Lancashire

  244

  400,914

  North Wales2

  1,272

  25,443

  Merseyside

  251

  116,907

  West Yorkshire

  Figures not available1

  Cheshire

  Figures not available1

  1 These areas have not yet submitted any invoices.

  2 The comparatively high average cost in these areas is caused by the fact that they only hold small numbers of prisoners on a sporadic basis.

  Police Compensation Payments
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much has been paid out by the Metropolitan police by way of(a) out of court settlements and (b) compensation in each year since 1984; and how much has so far been paid this year. [34647]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information is set out in the table.

  Year

  Out of Court Settlements £

  Compensation £

  1984

  162,000

  15,000

  1985

  194,000

  14,000

  1986

  330,000

  47,000

  1987

  82,000

  11,000

  1988

  250,000

  104,000

  1989

  267,000

  232,000

  1990

  557,000

  188,000

  1991

  390,000

  21,000

  1992

  468,000

  203,000

  1993

  1,332 000

  53,000

  1994

  1,050,000

  84,000

  19951

  426,000

  50,000

  Notes:

  1 1995 figure to 30 june.

  Mary Druhan
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to complete his review of the case of Mary Druhan of HM prison, New Hall; and if he will make a statement. [34512]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Representations submitted by Justice that Mary Druhan was wrongfully convicted are still under consideration and the Metropolitan police are making inquiries into a number of matters in them. When their report is received, the review of Mary Druhan's case will be concluded as speedily as possible.

  Ministerial Meetings (Police Representatives)
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the last three dates on which he met(a) representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers and (b) representatives of local police authorities, excluding in each case meetings chaired by Home Office officials. [34389]
  934
  Mr. Maclean
  My right hon. and learned Friend met representatives of the Association of Chief Police Officers on 6 June, 29 June and 5 July 1995 and representatives of local police authorities on 17 February, 8 June and 5 July 1995.

  Stalking
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department by what date he hopes to publish the results of his Department's review of the law on stalking. [34797]

  Mr. Maclean
  We are looking at the anti-stalking laws of the United States and Canada to see if there are any lessons to be learnt from them.

  We are presently awaiting further details from these countries and therefore I cannot say when this examination is likely to be completed. We shall consider whether there is a need for a formal review of our legislation in the light of this examination and the examination of other evidence which has been provided to us by the national anti-stalking and harassment campaign among others.

  Child Witnesses
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department intends to take to reduce the trauma experienced by child witnesses in court following the findings of the Leicester university research into the effectiveness of the special provisions for child witnesses contained in the Criminal Justice Act 1991; and if he will make a statement. [34796]

  Mr. Maclean
  We are considering the findings of the report, and in particular whether the memorandum of good practice on video-recorded interviews with child witnesses should be revised to take account of them.

  IRA Prisoners (Visitors)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what new restrictions concerning visiting rights have been imposed on IRA prisoners in Her Majesty's prisons in Britain; what representations he has received concerning such restrictions; and if he will make a statement; [33946]

  (2) how many republican prisoners in Her Majesty's prisons have had visiting rights removed; if visiting by legal -advisers and consular visits are included; how many category A prisoners, including republican prisoners, now have closed visits; and if he will make a statement. [33944]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 12 July 19951: Responsibility for these matters has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Max Madden, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about visiting arrangements for IRA prisoners.935 No Republican prisoners have had visiting rights removed. A policy of closed visits for all exceptional risk category A prisoners was introduced on 19 June. There are currently 13 such prisoners, 8 of whom are Irish terrorists. There are a further 27 category A Irish terrorists not classified as exceptional risk who are therefore unaffected by this policy. Representations or inquiries have been received from a firm of solicitors, a member of the Irish Parliament, the Irish embassy and a member of the United Kingdom Parliament. The policy applies to all visits including legal and consular visits.

  St. Charles' Centre, Brentwood
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effects he expects the closure of St. Charles' centre, Brentwood, to have on the prison population. [33811]

  Miss Widdecombe
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mrs. Barbara Roche, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about what effects he expects the closure of St Charles Centre, Brentwood to have on the prison population.There will be no measurable effect on the prison population as a result of the closure of St Charles. The Home Office has placed no newly sentenced detainees at St Charles for the past twelve months and none of the existing occupants will be transferred to Young Offender Institutions.

  Remand Prisoners
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people, by Crown court circuit region, are on remand in custody awaiting trial in the Crown court. [34806]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many people, by Crown Court circuit region, are on remand in custody awaiting trial in the Crown Court.The available information shows that there were 4,224 untried prisoners in Prison Service establishments on 31 May 1995 in England and Wales who were committed for, or were in the course of, trial at the Crown Court. A breakdown by Crown Court circuit region is not available.
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average period of time for which a person has been held on remand in custody in prisons in England and Wales during the last 12 months. [34349]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking what is the average period of time for which a person has been held on remand in custody in prisons in England and Wales during the last 12 months.936
  The information requested is given in the attached table.

  Estimated average time spent in custody for untried and convicted unsentenced prisoners, in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales, June 1994-May 19951

  Type of custody

  Receptions June 1994-May 1995

  Estimated average number of days in custody4

  Untried2

  55,802

  59

  Convicted unsentenced3

  29,191

  39

  1 Provisional figures.

  2 Time spent in custody before conviction.

  3 Time spent in custody after conviction before sentence.

  4 Estimated from number of receptions and average population in 1994–95.

  Assaults on Police
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police officers have been stabbed in the course of their duties by a person carrying a knife in the period from 1 January to 30 June within the Greater London area. [34763]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that during the period 1 January to 31 May 10 Metropolitan police officers suffered injury as the result of an attack with a sharp instrument. Figures for the period after 31 May are not yet available.

  Prison Boards of Visitors
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) men and (b) women are members of boards of visitors at prisons in England and Wales. [34765]

  Miss Widdecombe
  There are 923 men and 785 women who are members of boards of visitors at prisons in England and Wales.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of(a) men and (b) women of an ethnic minority background who are members of boards of visitors at prisons in England and Wales as at 1 July. [34345]

  Miss Widdecombe
  As at 1 July there were 83 men and 45 women of an ethnic minority background who were members of boards of visitors at prisons in England and Wales.

  Deputy Prime Minister
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what will be the involvement of the Deputy Prime Minister in the work of his Department. [34034]

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Prime Minister in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger) on 11 July,Official Report, column 496–97.

  Exclusion Orders
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many exclusion orders have been issued in each month of 1995. [34019]
  937
  Mr. Howard
  Three exclusion orders have been made so far this year; one in each of the months of January, May and June. Each was made on the expiry of an existing exclusion order. During the same period 20 orders have been revoked or allowed to expire; no order has been made against persons who were not previously excluded.

  Remission of Sentence
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what decision he has taken on the harmonisation of rates of remission on prison sentences between England, Wales and Northern Ireland. [34020]

  Mr. Howard
  There are no plans to change the present arrangements for the early release of prisoners in England and Wales. Arrangements for the early release of prisoners in Northern Ireland are a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  Prison Nurses
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what control and restraint training is given to nurses working in prisons in England and Wales. [34081]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your Question about what control and restraint training is given to nurses working in prisons in England and Wales.The policy is that all new entrant nurses should receive initial control and restraint training at their prison establishment during the first weeks of their induction programme into the Prison Service. In addition, provision exists for centrally organised training in the security/control elements of prison nursing at the Prison Service College. The training is to the same standard as that applied to new entrant prison officers. Since February 1993, when the training policy came into effect, 296 nurses have completed the course and a further 75 are due to be trained by April 1996.

  Immigration Detainees
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were held as suspected illegal immigrants or deportees in police cells in the Metropolitan police district between 1 January and 30 June(a) for up to 24 hours, (b) for between 24 hours and seven days, and (c) for over seven days. [33997]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been achieved, in terms of projects and cash, by the private finance initiative in the past year. [34023]
  938
  Mr. Howard
  In the past year a range of projects has been taken forward. The present position on projects which are being developed, or are strong candidates, for funding through private finance, is as follows:

  Project

  Achievement to date

  Design, Build, Manage and Finance prisons at Fazakerley and Bridgend

  Tenders assessed, Contracts to be let shortly

  Design, Build, Manage and finance Secure Training Centres for Young Offenders: Gringley and Cookham Wood

  Tenders being assessed

  Design, Build, Manage and Finance three further Secure Training Centres

  Invitation to tender in preparation

  Police National Network

  Contract in place

  Public Safety Radio Communications Project

  In design

  Central development of IT projects for police forces

  In design

  Immigration Detention Accommodation:

  Gatwick

  In construction

  Heathrow

  In design

  Immigration and Nationality Caseworking Management Information System

  In design

  The capital value of these schemes is estimated at £1.2 billion.

  Corporate Manslaughter
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration has been given to the implications of the recent case in Hong Kong involving Ajax Engineers and Surveyors for the law covering corporate manslaughter in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [34304]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Law Commission is currently examining the law on involuntary manslaughter, including corporate manslaughter. We will consider the implications of this case together with the commission's recommendations when it produces a report.

  Libyan Bureau
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he was consulted by the appropriate overseas Government about the use of a property adjacent to the Libyan Bureau at 5 St. James's street by an intelligence organisation in 1984, details of which have been sent to him, and if he will make a statement. [33971]

  Mr. Howard
  I am unable to add anything to the exchange of correspondence between my hon. Friend the Member for Southend, East (Sir T. Taylor) and my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Grantham (Mr. Hogg) on the circumstances surrounding the death of WPC Fletcher.

  Staff (Shareholdings)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff in his Department or its agencies have(a) declared any company shareholdings they hold or (b) been advised to dispose of shareholdings in the last five years, indicating the companies concerned. [33414]

  Mr. Howard
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 1 May,Official Report, column 93. The information is not readily available.

  Public Interest Immunity
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the names of the deceased in all cases of deaths in custody since 1987 in which public interest immunity was authorised; who authorised it; and for what reason. [33343]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information requested, which relates to deaths in police custody as well as Prison Service custody, could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, in relation to prison custody, inquiries show that from 1992 to the present there was one occasion when a public interest immunity certificate was signed in connection with a death in prison custody. This was in connection with a prosecution for the murder of a prisoner where a certificate was signed by the Home Secretary in connection with certain security-sensitive material.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who authorised the public interest immunity in the case of Mr. Omasese Lumumba; and if he will make a statement. [33342]

  Miss Widdecombe
  So far as I am aware, no claim for public interest immunity was made in this case.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will indicate which five consultancy firms have received most contracts from his Department by(a) by number of contracts and (b) monetary value in the last five years for which figures are available. [33441]

  Mr. Howard
  Information on contracts that my Department has let to consultants in general for the period specified is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I am, however, able to provide information for contracts let to management consultants during the last two financial years. Information prior to 1993–94 is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The five management consultancy firms that have received most contracts from my Department during the previous two financial years are as follows:

  1993–94

  Coopers and Lybrand (x5) = 1st

  PA Consulting (x5) = 1st

  Price Waterhouse (x5) = 1st

  L. Massey (x3) = 2nd

  Vector Corporate Directions Limited (x3) = 2nd

  1994–95

  940

  Coopers and Lybrand (x6) = 1st

  Sema Group (x6) = 1st

  Price Waterhouse (x4) = 2nd

  Ernst and Young (x3) = 3rd

  KPMG (x3) = 3rd

  PA Consulting (x3) = 3rd

  Information on the five management consultancies that have received the most contracts from my Department in monetary value for 1993–94 is not readily available, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The information for 1994–95, in monetary value order, is as follows:

  1994–95

  1. Sema Group

  2. Coopers and Lybrand

  3. Lazard Brothers

  4. Price Waterhouse

  5. Ernst and Young

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33567]

  Mr. Howard
  Information on contracts that my Department has let to consultants in general for the period specified is not held centrally, and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I am, however, able to provide the number of contracts let to management consultancies, including the overall cost, during 1994–95. For information prior to 1994–95 I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Bexhill and Battle (Mr. Wardle) on 23 March 1994,Official Report, column 223. The information for 1994–95 is as follows:
  During the 1994–95 financial year the Home Office let 72 contracts to management consultants at a total cost of £2,686,343.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and agencies for which it is responsible to(a) Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries, (b) Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries, (c) Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries, (d) Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries, (e) Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries, (f) Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries, (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries, (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries, and (i) Pannell and Kerr Foster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33914]

  Mr. Howard
  For the period specified, information on the number of contracts let to each listed company for the specified consultancies and the total sum paid to each company by my Department is as follows:
  941

  1994–95

  Consultant

  Privatisation

  Market testing

  Management advice

  Accounting

  Audit

  Consultancy

  Other services

  Total sum

  Coopers and Lybrand and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  4

  2

  £392,763

  Peat Marwick and Subsidiaries

  —

  2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  £62,102

  Ernst and Young and Subsidiaries

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  £170,178

  Arthur Andersen and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Price Waterhouse and Subsidiaries

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  £265,000

  Grant Thornton and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1—

  Stoy Hayward and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robson Rhodes and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Pannell Kerr Foster and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1 Individual contract values are not given on the grounds of commercial confidentiality.

  1993–94

  Consultant

  Privatisation

  Market testing

  Management advice

  Accounting

  Audit

  Consultancy

  Other services

  Total sum

  Coopers and Lybrand and Subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  3

  1

  £170,000

  Peat Marwick and subsidiaries

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  £142,500

  Ernst and Young and subsidiaries

  1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  £103,837

  Arthur Andersen and subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Price Waterhouse and subsidiaries

  1

  1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  2

  £329,071

  Grant Thornton and subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Stoy Hayward and subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Robson Rhodes and subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  1

  —

  —

  1

  £20,610

  Pannell Kerr Foster and subsidiaries

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Prisoner Transfers
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about his intentions for the movement of Northern Irish prisoners, currently held in prisons in Great Britain, to prisons in Northern Ireland. [33024]

  Mr. Howard
  The Criminal Justice Act 1961 provides for prisoners to request either permanent or temporary transfer from one United Kingdom jurisdiction to another. Requests for transfer continue to be considered on their individual merits under criteria announced to the House on 23 November 1992.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Privacy and Media Intrusion
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she will publish the Government's paper on privacy. [34066]

  Mr. Sproat
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State published the Government's response to the National Heritage Committee's report on privacy and media intrusion today.

  Millennium Fund
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) who will be deciding which of the long-listed projects for millennium funding should be short-listed; and what criteria they will be using; [34495]
  942
  (2) what criteria were used to identify millennium fund projects as viably not proven or not sufficiently distinctive; who decided those criteria; and who decided that the long-listed projects should be long-listed; [34497]

  (3) pursuant to the answer of 3 July, Official Report, column 22, in which parliamentary constituencies the projects which have gone forward to the detailed appraisal stage for millennium funding are situated; [34536]

  (4) when she expects to complete appraisal of the long-listed projects for millennium funding; and when she expects to announce all of the successful projects. [34496]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  These are matters for the Millennium Commission. I shall reply to the hon. Member in my capacity as chairman of the commission and place copies of my replies in the Libraries of the House.

  Export Licences
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the items for which the issuing of export licences was withheld on the recommendation of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art during the half-year ended 30 June, specifying in each case the valuation, whether an item was(a) exported or (b) retained, listing for (c) the acquiring institutions; and if she will list those items for which licences have been withheld but the final disposal of which has not yet been decided, specifying in each case (i) the valuation and (ii) the relevant time limit. [34221]
  943
  Mr. Sproat
  The information is as follows:

  Description of item

  Valuation (£)

  Outcome

  A painting, 'A repentant Sinner turning away from Temptation', by Johann Liss, circa 1597—circa 1630)

  1,007,512.50

  Export licence application withdrawn.

  A painting, 'The Holy Family', by Giulio Romano, circa 1490–1546

  1,720,320

  Decision deferred until after 20 July 1995.

  A George III giltwood table designed by William Chambers, circa 1774–75

  95,160

  Acquired by The Courtauld Institute Galleries.

  An Egyptian temple lintel of the late 12th Dynasty

  109,042.50

  Acquired by the British Museum.

  A George II open armchair, circa 1727

  325,000

  Decision deferred until after 30 July 1995.

  A pair of George II walnut side chairs, circa 1731

  446,363

  Decision deferred until after 30 July 1995.

  A pair of George II open armchairs, 1740

  202,912.50

  Decision deferred until after 30 July 1995.

  A sculpture, 'Figure of a Huntress', by Richard James Wyatt, mid 19th century

  68,812.50

  Export licence granted.

  A George I bowl and cover, either a soup tureen or a christening bowl, 1725

  113,512.50

  Export licence granted.

  A painting, 'Judith with the Head of Holofernes' by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1530

  314,662.50

  Decision deferred until after 9 August 1995.

  A full dress or mantua of ivory silk damask, circa 1755

  78,826

  Decision deferred until after 16 August 1995.

  The Coronation Bible of George III circa 1761

  350,000

  Decision deferred until after 13 September 1995.

  Works of Art in Lieu of Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the allocations made to public institutions in the United Kingdom during the half-year ended 30 June of individual works of art and museum objects pre-eminent for national, scientific, historic or artistic interest which have been accepted in satisfaction of inheritance tax, indicating, where applicable, the conditions and wishes expressed by testators or executors in the matter of allocation; and if she will list the works of art and museum objects which are still awaiting allocation, with the respective dates of their acceptance in satisfaction of inheritance tax. [34220]
  944
  Mr. Sproat
  The information that the hon. Member requested is as follows:

  Item

  To whom allocated

  Condition/wishes

  'Stonehenge' Watercolour by Turner

  Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum

  Conditional

  Chattels at Calke Abbey

  National Trust

  Conditional

  Reference books relating to the Godman collection of Islamic Art

  British Museum

  Conditional

  Six sculptures by Naum Gabo

  Tate Gallery

  Conditional

  Silver Gilt Wine Fountain by de Lamerie

  National Trust

  Conditional

  Paintings by Chagall and Magritte

  Castle Museum, Norwich

  Conditional

  Paintings by Steen, van Ruisdael and Berchem

  Royal Scottish Academy, Edinburgh, on permanent loan

  Conditional

  Chattels at Nymans House

  National Trust

  Conditional

  Unallocated items

  Date accepted

  Painting by Francis Bacon

  25 April 1995

  Roundel by Foggini

  25 April 1995

  Amsterdam (Wreck Site)
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made as to whether the Protection of Wrecks (Designation No. 3) Order 1974 in respect of the site of the vessel Amsterdam is being adequately enforced. [33335]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The Amsterdam is inspected as part of a rolling programme of regular monitoring of designated wreck sites by the archaeological diving unit under contract to the Department of National Heritage. The ADU plans to visit the site next month. Following its previous visit in 1991, it concluded that there was no evidence to suggest unauthorised interference.

  Rollerblading
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many accidents she is aware of that have been attributed to the sport of rollerblading in the latest available period. [34122]

  Mr. Sproat
  I am aware of only one fatal accident, which occurred last week in Hyde park.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals she has to introduce controls over the sporting activity of rollerblading. [34124]
  945
  Mr. Sproat
  The Government have no plans to introduce national controls on in-line skating. Local authorities in England and Wales are able to make byelaws to prohibit or regulate the use of roller skates and similar equipment in parks and open spaces and on footways and carriageways. My right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary is the confirming authority for such byelaws. In the royal parks, the agency has regulations prohibiting irresponsible and reckless behaviour by any park user.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Disability
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the grants given by his Department as overseas development aid to assist in the treatment and rehabilitation of disability. [32798]

  Mr. Hanley
  In 1994–95, we made grants of £985,000 through the joint funding scheme in support of 52 projects directly concerned with disabled people. In addition, providing assistance to people with disabilities forms an integral part of many of our programmes concerned with improving the health of poor people in developing countries.

  Animal Conservation (Africa)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much has been spent on animal conservation schemes in Africa in the current financial year. [32799]

  Mr. Hanley
  We plan to spend over £4 million in this financial year to help countries in Africa conserve and manage their wildlife resources more effectively.

  Aid Budget
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what percentage of gross domestic product has been allocated to overseas aid in the currently financial year. [32800]

  Mr. Hanley
  International comparison of aid flow figures are normally presented in relation to gross national product on a calendar year basis. In 1994, the latest year for which figures are available, UK net official development assistance was 0.31 per cent. of GNP.

  Overseas Students
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of his Department's expenditure for the last 12 months for which data are available was spent on providing further and higher education in the United Kingdom for overseas nationals; and if he will make a statement. [32801]

  Mr. Hanley
  In the financial year 1994–95, the FCO spent £95 million on the provision of further and higher education in the United Kingdom for overseas nationals. This represented 2.6 per cent. of the total FCO budget of some £3.6 billion and supported nearly 13,000 students, The figures do not include various other training attachments for which figures are not centrally held.

  Trade Union Movement
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance he is giving the independent trade union movement in(a) Indonesia and (b) China. [32802]

  Mr. Hanley
  The British Government are not giving any assistance to the independent trade union movement in China or Indonesia.

  Sudan
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about humanitarian assistance to Sudan. [32795]

  Mr. Hanley
  Britain is a major donor of humanitarian aid to Sudan. Since January 1991, we have provided over £92 million in emergency assistance, including about 140,000 tonnes of food aid and our share of EU actions.

  United Nations Population Fund
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has of the total value of the donations given by the UNFPA to population policies and organisations in China since 1979. [32007]

  Mr. Hanley
  The UNFPA has allocated US$152.453 million since 1979 for its activities in China.

  Non-governmental Organisations (Grants)
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amount of funding given by his Department to each non-governmental organisation, other than under the joint funding scheme or for emergencies, in each of the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 to date. [34146]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: Details of funds given to non-governmental organisations other than under the joint funding scheme or for emergencies in 1993–94 are shown in the table.

  Figures for 1994–95 and 1995–96 to date are not yet available.

  ODA grants to NGOs 1993–94, excluding JFS and emergencies

  Agency

  Total

  ACORD

  70,001

  ActionAid

  308,151

  Action Around Bethlehem

  21,980

  Afghanaid

  117,074

  Aga Khan Foundation

  1,077,934

  AHRTAG

  49,157

  AMREF

  82,230

  Assoc Commonwealth Universities

  2,488,268

  Assoc Science Education

  70

  BESO

  908,370

  British Red Cross

  8,147

  British Trust for Ornithology

  1,852

  Business in the Community

  2,312

  CAFOD

  1,979

  Calcutta Tercentenary Trust

  10,000

  Canon Collins Ed Trust for South Africa

  48,591

  Canterbury Christchurch

  66,731

  CARE Britain

  1,308,146

  Charities Aid Foundation

  418,053

  Charities Evaluation Services

  2,120

  947

  ODA grants to NGOs 1993–94, excluding JFS and emergencies

  Agency

  Total

  Childhope

  10,000

  Christian Aid

  134,951

  Christians Abroad

  163,841

  CIIR

  1,700,001

  CONCERN

  141,415

  Consumer Research Laboratory

  24,123

  Cooperation for Development

  83,600

  Cranfield Institute for Technology

  72,383

  Disability Resource Team

  59

  Earthwatch Europe

  15,000

  Education for Development

  20,377

  Education Partners Overseas

  51,253

  Enterprise Europe

  8,169

  Family Planning Association

  275

  FARM Africa

  533,319

  Fauna and Flora Preservation Society

  6,000

  Feed The Children

  5,000

  FORUM

  10,000

  Freshwater Biological Association

  250

  Gurkha Welfare Trust

  162,598

  Health Unlimited

  14,400

  IBRA

  1,393

  Institute of Animal Health

  35,435

  Institute of Data Processing

  —

  Management

  27

  Scottish Education Action for Development

  30,002

  Scottish Natural Heritage

  39,905

  Scottish Vocational Education Council

  30,090

  Silsoe Research Institute

  648,260

  Skillshare Africa

  1,315,000

  Society General Microbiology

  7,000

  SOS Sahel

  212,504

  TACADE

  9,968

  Thomson Foundation

  167,391

  ODA emergency aid channelled through non-governmental organisations, 1993–94

  Agency

  Disaster relief

  Refugee relief

  Food aid

  Total emergency aid

  ACORD

  424,000

  615,000

  0

  1,039,000

  Action Aid

  1,126,830

  0

  108,033

  1,234,863

  Afghanaid

  0

  669,355

  0

  669,355

  British Red Cross

  6,337,773

  6,127,992

  0

  12,465,765

  British Refugee Council

  0

  10,000

  0

  10,000

  CAFOD

  703,605

  19,750

  984,044

  1,707,399

  Care Britain

  2,630,866

  0

  4,344,958

  6,975,824

  Children in Crisis

  100,000

  0

  0

  100,000

  Christian Aid

  2,359,787

  135,000

  4,742,937

  7,237,724

  Christian Childrens Fund

  40,000

  0

  0

  40,000

  Christian Outreach

  461,011

  221,000

  0

  682,011

  Concern

  849,462

  0

  0

  849,462

  Concern Universal

  0

  88,000

  0

  88,000

  Concern Worldwide

  270,000

  0

  0

  270,000

  Co-op for Development

  88,000

  0

  0

  88,000

  Cranfield Institute of Technology

  11,179

  0

  0

  11,179

  Emergency Logistic Practical Aid

  64,700

  0

  0

  64,700

  Feed the Children

  300,405

  0

  0

  300,405

  Food for the Hungry

  851,135

  0

  0

  851,135

  Goal

  403,356

  0

  0

  403,356

  Halo Trust

  681,958

  0

  0

  681,958

  Health Unlimited

  288,725

  100,000

  0

  388,725

  Help the Aged

  0

  100,000

  0

  100,000

  Helpage International

  38,670

  92,000

  51,690

  182,360

  Intercare

  110,000

  0

  0

  110,000

  Intermediate Technology Development

  197,820

  0

  0

  197,820

  International Extension College

  0

  100,000

  0

  100,000

  International Health Exchange

  118,640

  0

  0

  118,640

  International Refugee Trust

  0

  20,000

  0

  20,000

  Iraqi Civilian

  156,000

  0

  0

  156,000

  Joint Mission Hospital Equipment Board

  37,875

  0

  0

  37,875

  Kurdish Life Aid

  80,000

  0

  0

  80,000

  Medecins Sans Frontieres

  627,779

  0

  0

  627,779

  Medical Aid for Iraq

  100,000

  0

  0

  100,000

  948

  ODA grants to NGOs 1993–94, excluding JFS and emergencies

  Agency

  Total

  Traidcraft Exchange

  261,034

  Tropical Soil Bio Fert Programme

  30,001

  UNAIS

  842,797

  University of Aberdeen

  68,415

  University of Edinburgh

  122,985

  University of Glasgow

  62,500

  University of Strathclyde

  79,710

  University of West of England

  32,812

  Urban Aid

  46,500

  VSO

  16,607,347

  Water Aid

  195,017

  World Conservation Monitoring

  80,279

  World Conservation Union

  108,098

  World University Service

  377,656

  World Vision

  178,723

  World Wide Fund for Nature

  81,539

  YES International

  75,000

  Young Enterprise

  7,800

  Y-Care International

  50,000

  Total

  62,609,954

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amount of funding for emergencies given by his Department to each non-governmental organisation in each of the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 to date. [34147]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 14 July 1995] Details of emergency aid grants to non-governmental organisations for 1993–94 are shown in the chart. Audited figures for 1994–95 and 1995–96 to date are not yet available.
  949

  ODA emergency aid channelled through non-governmental organisations, 1993–94

  Agency

  Disaster relief

  Refugee relief

  Food aid

  Total emergency aid

  Medical aid for Palestinians

  114,074

  63,500

  0

  177,574

  Medical Emergency Relief International

  427,140

  0

  0

  427,140

  Mines Advisory Group

  50,625

  0

  0

  50,625

  MSI

  267,725

  83,565

  0

  351,290

  Ockenden Venture

  65,397

  224,950

  0

  290,347

  ODI

  25,144

  0

  0

  25,144

  Order of St. John

  0

  48,100

  0

  48,100

  Oxfam

  4,365,983

  175,000

  1,182,941

  5,723,924

  REDR

  45,300

  0

  0

  45,300

  Ryder-Cheshire Foundation

  0

  91,000

  0

  91,000

  Sandy Gall Afghan Appeal

  12,300

  0

  0

  12,300

  Save the Children Fund

  6,232,667

  216,500

  3,091,408

  9,540,575

  SCIAF

  93,585

  0

  0

  93,585

  Scottish European Aid

  5,000

  0

  0

  5,000

  Task Force Albania

  18,000

  0

  0

  18,000

  Tear Fund

  141,972

  0

  0

  141,972

  UK Committee for UNICEF

  6,923,848

  0

  0

  6,923,848

  UKJAID

  68,270

  0

  0

  68,270

  Warchild

  111,000

  0

  0

  111,000

  Water Aid

  29,342

  0

  0

  29,342

  World University Service

  0

  120,000

  0

  120,000

  World Vision

  1,224,272

  0

  1,336,693

  2,560,965

  Y-Care International

  29,938

  143,750

  0

  173,688

  Total

  39,711,158

  9,464,462

  15,842,704

  65,018,324

  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amounts granted to United Kingdom non-governmental organisations by the European Union in the last three years for which figures are available(a) for projects in developing countries, (b) for development education and (c) for other projects. [34149]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: UK NGOs are eligible for funding under a variety of budget lines within the external chapter of the EC budget. Details of activities under these budget lines are provided in the Commission's annual report on co-operation with NGOs, which is deposited in Parliament and on which an explanatory memorandum is provided. Apart from the main co-financing line—B7–5010—the most significant budget lines are those for humanitarian and food aid.

  Available figures on grants to UK NGOs are set out in the table. These exclude grants of food aid to UK NGOs and also grants for activities in central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

  Category of grant

  1992

  1993

  1994

  (a) Projects in developing countries under budget line B7–5010

  16.72 mecu (£14.08 million1)

  18.01 mecu (£15.16 million)

  20.89 mecu (£17.59 million)

  (b) Development education under budget line B7–5010

  1.89 mecu (£1.59 million)

  2.05 mecu (£1.73 million)

  1.92 mecu (£1.62 million)

  (c) EC humanitarian aid

  n/a

  18.76 mecu (£15.80 million)

  32.85 mecu (£27.66 million)

  1At July 1995 exchange rate £1 = 1.1877 ecu.

  n/a = not available.

  950
  Sir John Stanley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the amount of Overseas Development Administration joint funding scheme grant given to each non-governmental organisation, in each of the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 to date. [34148]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: Details of the joint funding scheme grants given to non-governmental organisations in each of the financial years 1993–94,1994–95 and 1995–96 to date are shown in the tables.

  JFS grants 1993–94

  Agency

  1993–94

  ACORD

  616,222

  ActionAid

  1,013,578

  Action Health 2000

  44,247

  ADD

  234,190

  Africa Now

  69,159

  Africa Resources Trust

  88,076

  Aga Khan Foundation

  124,130

  AHRTAG

  321,250

  Alternative for India Development

  56,463

  AMREF

  27,652

  APTT—Trust UK

  5,426

  Associated Country Women of the World

  2,990

  Birdlife International

  109,865

  Britain-Nepal Medical Trust

  20,145

  British Red Cross

  128,110

  Busoga Trust

  50,000

  CAFOD

  1,650,000

  Cambodia Trust

  234,360

  CARE Britain

  1,594,706

  Care for the Wild (UK)

  100,000

  Childhope

  95,918

  Christian Aid

  2,689,999

  Christian Outreach

  60,566

  CODA International Training

  197,252

  Commonwealth Human Ecology Council

  62,562

  CTUC

  112,830

  Concern Worldwide

  1,127,769

  Conservation Foundation

  16,879

  951

  JFS grants 1993–94

  Agency

  1993–94

  Cooperation for Development

  150,000

  Cusichaca Project Trust

  24,478

  Duke of Edinburgh Award

  22,935

  Durham Lesotho Link

  53,249

  Feed the Minds

  29,627

  Find your Feet

  26,961

  Food for the Hungry

  17,570

  Friends of ASSEFA

  40,561

  Friends of Conservation

  47,207

  Friends of Urambo apd Mwanhala

  9,532

  Gaia Foundation

  981

  Gordon Barclay Vietnam Fund

  9,266

  Halo Trust

  523,151

  Health Aid Moyo

  99,320

  Health Unlimited

  419,568

  Hedley Roberts Trust

  17,573

  Help the Aged

  37,269

  HelpAge International

  205,048

  Henry Doubleday Research Association

  10,959

  Holy Trinity Church

  29,650

  Ideas Aid International

  20,000

  India Development Group

  60,325

  Intercare

  40,895

  Intermediate Technology Development

  556,323

  International Christian Relief

  99,832

  King Mahendra

  32,013

  Leonard Cheshire Foundation

  37,050

  Leprosy Mission

  11,142

  Living Earth

  147,575

  Medical Aid for Palestinians

  55,106

  Money for Madagascar

  12,955

  Motivation

  44,308

  MSI

  870,719

  Nairobi Hospice Charitable Trust

  40,600

  NCH

  14,515

  Ockenden Adventure

  26,865

  Opportunity Trust

  50,627

  OXFAM

  5,500,000

  Plan International

  579,577

  Population Concern

  339,716

  Richmond Fellowship International

  26,924

  Rio Mazan

  13,353

  Royal Commonwealth Society

  172,939

  Ryder-Cheshire Foundation

  6,359

  Save the Children Fund

  3,760,000

  SCIAF

  102,243

  Send a Cow

  41,259

  Sid Vale Africa Link

  3,174

  Skillshare Africa

  222,550

  SOS Sahel

  225,430

  South African Townships

  60,000

  Southeast Asian Outreach

  45,000

  St. John Ambulance

  10,902

  Tear Fund

  83,639

  Toch-H

  10,376

  Traidcraft Exchange

  88,181

  Trax Programme Support

  16,447

  Tropical Health and Education Trust

  23,208

  TUIREG

  15,034

  Uganda Society for Disabled Children

  160,055

  UKFSP

  174,944

  UKJAID

  68,500

  University of Warwick

  29,450

  Urban Aid

  36,603

  VetAid

  86,265

  Village Services Trust

  8,950

  Vision Aid Overseas

  25,799

  VSO

  80,000

  War on Want

  116,533

  WaterAid

  847,942

  Womankind

  121,847

  World University Service

  155,091

  World Vision

  362,147

  952

  JFS grants 1993–94

  Agency

  1993–94

  WWF

  1,735,000

  Youth with a Mission

  45,252

  Y-Care International

  80,968

  Zimbabwe Trust

  262,790

  Zoological Society of London

  26,000

  Total

  30,520,546

  JFS grants 1994–95

  Agency

  1994–95

  ACORD

  778,312

  Action Health 2000

  51,382

  ActionAid

  1,216,346

  ADD

  137,290

  Africa Now

  147,691

  Africa Resources Trust

  100,000

  African Soc of International and Comparative Law

  23,750

  Aga Khan Foundation

  254,471

  AHRTAG

  392,487

  AMREF

  73,122

  APT Design and Development

  220,068

  APTT

  7,836

  Associated Country Women of the World

  13,891

  Association for Better Land Husbandry

  152,684

  Birdlife International

  165,425

  Britain-Nepal Medical Trust

  90,414

  British Red Cross

  105,820

  Busoga Trust

  98,715

  CAFOD

  2,010,000

  Calcutta Rescue Fund

  1,737

  Cambodia Trust

  79,134

  CARE

  1,479,791

  Care for the Wild (UK)

  50,000

  CHEC

  58,762

  Childhope

  100,930

  Christian Aid

  3,330,000

  Christian Engineers in Development

  24,690

  Christian Outreach

  99,368

  Church Missionary Society

  20,902

  CODA International Training

  178,960

  CONCERN

  916,972

  Concern Universal

  197,213

  Conservation Foundation

  9,189

  Cooperation for Development

  166,165

  CTUC

  113,492

  Cusichaca Trust

  23,668

  Durham Lesotho Link

  20,913

  Feed the Minds

  23,686

  Find your Feet

  9,100

  Food for the Hungry

  19,850

  Friends of ASSEFA

  38,197

  Friends of Conservation

  27,468

  Friends of Urambo and Mwanhala

  8,626

  Gordon Barclay Vietnam Fund

  7,663

  Harvest Help

  30,439

  Health Projects Abroad

  49,724

  Health Unlimited

  537,803

  Hedley Roberts Trust

  2,804

  HelpAge

  298,148

  Holy Trinity Church

  13,000

  Homeless International

  168,162

  IATP

  68,400

  ICEA

  7,902

  Ideas Aid International

  20,000

  Impact

  25,355

  India Development Group

  85,750

  Interfund

  84,669

  International Children's Trust

  67,897

  International Christian Relief

  54,166

  International Cooperation for Development

  124,813

  953

  JFS grants 1994–95

  Agency

  1994–95

  Islamic Relief

  59,946

  ITDG

  592,958

  Kerala Federation for the Blind

  6,072

  King Mahendra Trust

  78,368

  Lasallian Developing World Projects

  7,504

  Legal Assistance Trust

  60,000

  Leonard Cheshire Foundation

  55,012

  Leprosy Mission

  9,988

  Leprosy Mission (Scotland)

  23,760

  Living Earth

  169,595

  Medical Aid for Palestinians

  80,525

  Money for Madagascar

  10,625

  MSI

  964,982

  Nairobi Hospice Charitable Trust

  35,820

  NCH

  9,400

  New Hope Rural Community Trust

  2,955

  One World Action

  40,225

  Opportunity Trust

  78,453

  Overseas Records Management Trust

  99,634

  OXFAM

  6,000,000

  Panos Institute

  32,790

  Pattaya Orphanage Trust

  18,110

  Plan

  938,864

  Population Concern

  378,936

  Project Ploughshare

  39,999

  Richmond Fellowship

  6,640

  Rio Mazan

  14,742

  Save the Children Fund

  4,470,000

  SCIAF

  158,400

  Send a Cow

  29,300

  Sid Vale Africa Link

  1,415

  Sightsavers

  186,576

  Skillshare Africa

  207,335

  SOS Sahel

  264,770

  South African Townships

  66,000

  Southeast Asian Outreach

  84,959

  Tear Fund

  149,487

  Traidcraft Exchange

  56,000

  Trax Programme Support

  27,579

  Tropical Health and Education Trust

  64.948

  UKFSP

  200,963

  University of Warwick

  9,100

  USDC

  104,703

  VetAid

  85,739

  Village Services Trust

  10,870

  Vision Aid Overseas

  27,737

  VSO

  80,000

  War on Want

  70,584

  Water Aid

  884,809

  Wells for India

  21,592

  Womankind

  57,799

  WomenAid

  9,580

  World University Service

  150,346

  World Vision

  354,701

  WWF

  2,040,000

  YES International

  25,025

  Youth with a Mission

  17,140

  Y-Care

  150,968

  Zimbabwe Trust

  61,600

  Zoological Society of London

  32,000

  Total

  34,663,140

  JFS grants paid to date: 1995–96

  Agency

  1995–96

  Action Health 2000

  5,783

  ActionAid

  86,715

  Africa Now

  40,877

  African Soc of International and Comparative Law

  4,398

  Aga Khan Foundation

  81,089

  954

  JFS grants paid to date: 1995–96

  Agency

  1995–96

  Alternative for India

  47,124

  AMREF

  25,650

  APT Design and Development

  36,589

  Associated Country Women of the World

  4,356

  Association for Better Land Husbandry

  63,900

  Birdlife International

  4,762

  Britain-Nepal Medical Trust

  24,270

  Busoga Trust

  67,500

  CAFOD

  622,000

  CARE

  573,066

  CHEC

  16,883

  Christian Engineers in Development

  5,909

  Christian Outreach

  50,802

  CODA International Training

  134,900

  Cooperation for Development

  90,863

  CTUC

  12,535

  Friends of Conservation

  26,877

  Harvest Help

  18,080

  Health Unlimited

  231,923

  IATP

  3,620

  India Development Group

  4,357

  International Family Health

  17,636

  ITDG

  76,200

  Leonard Cheshire Foundation

  24,982

  Motivation

  54,758

  MSI

  92,363

  New Hope Rural Community Trust

  1,145

  Overseas Records Management Trust

  41,384

  OXFAM

  1,287,500

  Population Concern

  269,358

  Save the Children Fund

  1,122,500

  Send a Cow

  4,444

  Skillshare Africa

  74,893

  TUIREG

  12,429

  UKFSP

  48,575

  VSO

  21,511

  War on Want

  14,822

  Wells for India

  4,930

  World University Service

  25,363

  World Vision

  69,276

  WWF

  429,250

  Youth with a Mission

  2,226

  Y-Care

  11,446

  Total

  3,812,914

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to visit third world countries during the recess to discuss trade related to aid; and if he will make a statement. [33087]

  Mr. Hanley
  My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has no plans at present to undertake such visits.

  The overarching goal of the aid programme is to reduce poverty in developing countries by promoting genuinely sustainable development. It is in all our interests to have prosperous and stable trading partners.

  Women (Status)
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what proportion of the United Kingdom aid budget is spent on promoting the status of women. [32796]
  955
  Mr. Hanley
  In 1993–94 12.7 per cent. of the aid budget was spent on activities related to promoting women's status. This compares with 7.5 per cent. in the previous year.

  East Timor
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, columns 113–14, at what place the local training courses for officials from Government departments in East Timor were conducted; and who was engaged to carry out the training. [34311]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The training took place in Dili. It was carried out by a team of Indonesian officials from departments which were concerned with land use planning, and a member of a provincial university. A UK trainer from the Natural Resources Institute supported the team.

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when his Department received a formal request from DTI to appraise his radio studios rehabilitation project in Indonesia; on what date his Department completed its appraisal of the project; whom his Department engaged to appraise the project; on what dates visits were made to the radio studios for the purposes of the appraisal and by whom the visits were made; at the time of the economic appraisal; what were (i) the "present value" of the benefits and (ii) the "present value" of the costs of the project; how the actual costs and benefits compared with those foreseen at the time of appraisal; what view his Department takes of the record in relation to freedom of expression of(a) the department responsible for the project, and (b) the project beneficiary; what factors were taken into account in assessing whether the project represented value for money; on what date the Treasury gave its consent to the project; on what date the project was approved by the sub-committee for aid and trade; on what date the project was approved by the Minister; what considerations caused his Department to separate the project from the Bandung TV studio project; what was (1) the approved cash cost and (2) the actual cost of the project; in what respect and to what extent the project benefited the poorest people in Indonesia; and what were (x) the projected completion date and (y) the actual completion date of the project; [34709]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 15 June, Official Report, column 631, in respect of the shortwave radio transmitters project in Indonesia, at what locations the high frequency transmitters were installed and if they included locations in East Timor; which Indonesian companies were involved; on what date his Department received from the DTI a formal request to appraise the project; on what dates site visits were made for the purposes of the appraisal; what sites were visited and by whom the visits were made; at the time of the economic appraisal, what were (a) the present value of the costs and (b) the present value of the benefits of the project and how the actual costs and benefits compared with those foreseen at the time of appraisal; if his Department carried out institutional appraisals in respect of (i) the Department responsible for the project and (ii) the project beneficiary, and what were the outcomes of those appraisals; what
  956
  factors were taken into account in assessing whether the project represented value for money; on what date the Treasury gave its consent to the project; in what respect and to what extent the project benefits the poorest people in Indonesia; what was (1) the approved cash cost and (2) the actual cost of the project; what were (x) the projected completion date and (y) the actual completion date of the project; and if he will place a copy of the project completion report in the Library; [25176]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 30 June, Official Report, column 802, which Indonesian companies were involved in the Ministry of Forestry radio communications system project in Indonesia; on what date his Department received from the DTI a formal request to appraise the project; on what date his Department completed its appraisal of the project; whom his Department engaged to appraise the project; on what dates site visits were made for the purposes of the appraisal, what sites were visited and by whom the visits were made; at the time of the economic appraisal, what were (a) the present value of the costs and (b) the present value of the benefits of the project and how the actual costs and benefits compared with those foreseen at the time of the appraisal; if his Department carried out an institutional appraisal in respect of the Ministry of Forestry and what was the outcome of that appraisal; what factors were taken into account in assessing whether the project represented value for money; on what date the Treasury gave its consent to the project; on what date the project was approved by the sub-committee for aid and trade; on what date the project was approved by the Minister; in what respect and to what extent the project benefits the poorest people in Indonesia; what was (i) the approved cash cost and (ii) the actual cash cost of the project; what were (1) the projected completion date and (2) the actual completion date of the project; and if he will place a copy of the project completion report in the Library; [35177]

  (4) pursuant to his answer of 14 June, Official Report, column 567, which is the lead British company involved in the construction of the Samarinda power station in Indonesia; which Indonesian companies are involved; on what date his Department received from the DTI a formal request to appraise the project; on what date his Department completed its appraisal of the project; whom his Department engaged to appraise the project; on what dates site visits were made for the purposes of the appraisal and by whom the visits were made; to what extent his Department consulted local people affected by the project; at the time of the economic appraisal, what were (a) the present value of the benefits and (b) the present value of the costs of the project; at the time of the appraisal; what were (i) the social cost, (ii) the social benefits, (iii) the environmental costs and (iv) the environmental benefits of the project; if his Department carried out an institutional appraisal in respect of the Indonesian Electricity Authority and what was the outcome of that appraisal; what factors were taken into account in assessing whether the project represented value for money; on what date the Treasury gave its consent to the project; on what date the project was approved by the sub-committee for aid and trade; on what date the project was approved by the Minister; in what respect and to what extent the project benefits the poorest people in Indonesia; what is the projected completion date of the project; and if he will make a statement about his Minister's recent visit to the project. [35178]
  957
  Mr. Hanley
  Answers covering such a wide range of issues could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Policing
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what preparatory work he is doing on the structure and functions of the police before all-party peace talks. [33592]

  Sir John Wheeler
  There are two complementary processes currently in train dealing with policing in Northern Ireland. One involves a professional assessment of Northern Ireland's future policing needs in the context of continued peace and how the police service should meet those needs. The other is the continued development of proposals on the reform of relationships between the Government, the police authority and the Royal Ulster Constabulary, initiated by the publication in March 1994 of "Policing in the Community".

  Policing matters may be discussed with the Government at any time.

  Training
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people were on action for community employment work schemes(a) in each of the last five years and (b) at present; and if he will publish his information on the sponsorship of these schemes by public and private bodies. [33594]

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

  Letter from J. S. Crozier to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 7 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me as Chief Executive of the Agency to reply to your question about the number of people on ACE schemes.During the last five years the average number participating in the programme, including those who were funded under the Making Belfast Work Programme were:-

  1994/95: 9,562

  1993/94: 9,490

  1992/93: 9,658

  1991/92: 10,072

  1990/91: 10,050

  At 26 May 1995 occupancy during the first two months of the current financial year stood at 9,768.A list of sponsor organisations including those in the public, voluntary and community sectors which are responsible for implementing and managing the individual projects on which employment is provided is attached.ALPHABETICAL LIST OF ACE PROJECTS
  Project name

  ABB Community Scheme

  ACE Ventures

  Age Concern Newtownabbey

  Age Concern Strabane

  Age Concern (NI)

  Ainsworth Community Association

  Aisling Centre

  958

  All Saints Community Services

  Antrim Borough Council

  Antrim Community Enterprises

  Archdiocese of Armagh

  Armagh Diocesan Council

  Armagh District Council

  Armagh and District Community Projects

  Ballyarnett Racecourse

  Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce

  Ballymena Borough Council

  Ballymena YMCA Community Services

  Ballymoney Borough Council

  Ballymoney Community ACE Scheme

  Ballynafeigh Community Development

  Ballysally Residents Association

  Banbridge District Council

  Banbridge Heritage Development

  Bangor YMCA

  Bann ACE Scheme

  Beachcraft Trust Ltd.

  Belcoo and District Development Group

  Belfast Centre for Unemployed

  Belfast Exposed Photographic Group

  Bellaghy Community Projects

  Ben Madigan Environmental Society Ltd.

  Benburb Centre ACE Scheme

  Blind Centre for NI

  Bridge Trust

  Bridgeview Ltd.

  British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

  Bryson House

  Carmen Trust Ltd.

  Carrick Hill Community Development Project

  Carrickfergus Enterprises

  Carrickfergus Youth Services

  Castlederg and District Development Association

  Chinese Welfare Association

  Christian Fellowship Community Care

  Churches ACE

  Churchtown Area Community Association

  Cill Chluana Community Association

  City of Belfast YMCA

  Clanrye Abbey Developments

  Clogher Care

  Clonallen

  Coleraine Churches Action

  Coleraine Community Projects

  Coleraine Women's Aid

  Colin Glen Trust

  Community Action North

  Community Aid

  Community Relations in Schools

  Community Support Services

  Confederation of Community Groups

  Connswater River Conservation Committee

  Conradh Na Gaeilge

  Cookstown Community Renewal

  Cornerstone Care

  Corpus Christi Services

  Co-operation North

  Creation of Regional Employment

  Crossfire Trust

  Crossmaglen Community Association

  Cuan Mhuire Trust

  Derry City Council

  Discovery 80 Ltd. SHARE

  Divis Joint Development

  Donaghdee Community Workforce

  Dove House Resource Centre

  Down and Connor Youth Council

  Downpatrick and Area Inter-Church Caring Project

  Downtown Women's Centre

  Drumachose Development Project

  959

  Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Association

  Dundonald Community Project

  Dungannon Development Association

  Dungannon District Council

  Dunlewey Outreach Centre

  Dunloy and District Residents

  Dunmurry Community Care

  East Belfast Community Development

  East Belfast Methodist Action on Unemployed

  East Belfast Presbyterian Community Care Project

  Ederney Community Development

  Elim ACE Central

  Elim ACE North

  Elim ACE South

  Enniskillen Community Development

  Euro Children

  Extern Organisation

  Falls Community Council

  Falls Womens Centre

  Farset

  Faughanvale Community Projects

  Fermanagh District Council

  Fintona Development Association

  Fisheries Conservancy Board

  Fold Housing Association

  Foreglen Community Association

  Foyle Day-Care Association

  Gingerbread NI

  Glen Community Parent/Youth Group

  Glencairn Community Development

  Glenmachan Community Project

  Glenravel Community Association

  Glens Community Services

  Glenshane Community Development Ltd.

  Glor Na nGael

  Grosvenor Environmental Society

  Guildhall Press

  Haven ACE Scheme

  Hillsborough Elim Council

  Hilltop Environmental Scheme

  Hilltown Community Association

  Horn Drive Community Centre

  Inner City Trust

  Irish World Citizens Organisation

  Jobquest Services

  Kilbraney Centre

  Kilcooley Environmental Project

  Killylea and Tynan Community Association

  King's Fellowship Community

  Larne Community Enterprises

  Lettershandoney Community Association

  Ligoniel Improvements Association

  Limavady Borough Council

  Limavady Community Development

  Lisburn Borough Council

  Loughgiel Community Association

  Lower Oldpark Community Association

  Maghera and District Community Association

  Magilligan Community Development

  Markethill District Community Association

  Maydown Ebrington Community Employment Project

  Melmount Community Care

  Middletown Community Development Association

  Monkstown Churches Community Project

  Mornington Enterprises Ltd.

  Mount St. Nicholas

  Mourne Community Association

  Mourne Workshop Trust

  National Trust

  NEELB (Coleraine Information Centre)

  Newcastle Community Projects

  Newcastle Society for Mentally Handicapped

  Newcraig Playgroups Association

  Newhaven Trust Ltd.

  Newhill Youth and Community Centre Association

  Newington/Cavehill Community Services

  960

  Newry and District Community Services

  Newtownabbey Community Group

  Newtownabbey Employment Enterprises

  Newtownards Community Workforce

  NI Chest Heart and Stroke Association

  NIACAB

  NIACRO

  NICOD

  North Down Borough Council

  North Queen Street Community Centre

  North West Centre for Learning and Development

  North West Tyrone ACE Project

  North and West Housing

  Northlands Centre

  Northways Community Association

  Oliver Plunket Youth and Welfare Scheme

  Omagh District Council

  Omagh Families Resource and Development Centre

  Orchardville Society for the Mentally Handicapped

  Parish of Magheralin

  Parish of Nativity

  Parish of St. Macnissi

  PHAB NI

  Phoenix YCP

  Portadown YMCA

  Presbyterian Church in Ireland

  Project Portadown

  Puzzles Playgroup

  Rathcoole Community Group

  Rathcoole Self Help Group

  Rathfrliand TARA

  Rosemount and District Welfare Rights

  Roslea GFC and Parish ACE

  Shalom House (Lamb of God)

  Shankhill Community Projects

  Shankill Road Mission

  Shankill Women's Centre

  Shankill and Glencairn Community Association

  Shankill and Oldpark Community Association

  Shelter NI

  Simon Community NI

  Sion Mills Area Trust

  South City Community Projects

  Springfields Charitable Association

  St. Agnes Community Concern Association

  St. Davog's Parish

  St. Eugene's Parish

  St. Georges Youth and Community Development

  St. Luke's (Twinbrook)

  St. McCartan's Parish

  St. Patrick's and St. Colman's Trust

  St. Patrick's Community Enterprise

  St. Patrick's Parish Keedy

  St. Patrick's Youth Club

  St. Teresa's Community Project

  STEP Ltd.

  Strabane Community Project

  Strabane District Council

  Strathfoyle Community Association

  Suffolk Community Services

  SVDP—Antrim Road

  SVDP—Coalisland

  SVDP—Cookstown

  SVDP—Craigavon

  SVDP—Kilrea

  SVDP—Lurgan

  SVDP—Strathroy

  SVDP—West Belfast

  Sydenham House

  Teemore Parish Council

  The 174 Trust

  The Barnabas Trust

  The Family Centre

  The Resource Centre

  The Somme Association

  The Ulster Society

  961

  Turf Lodge Enterprise Scheme

  Ulster Historical Foundation

  Ulster Peoples College

  Ulster Wildlife Trust

  Upper Ards Community Association

  VSB

  VSL

  Waveney Community Association

  We Care Third World Centre

  Welcome Trust (L.F.H.A.)

  YMCA Employment Services

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland where he publishes a list of approved training organisations; and what percentage of trainees under the jobskills programme are registered with public sector, private sector and other organisations. [35292]

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

  Letter from J. S Crozier to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency, to reply to your question.Details of approved Training Organisations are published in a Directory of Training Opportunities (formerly known as the Directory of Training Providers). This is a comprehensive guide to training opportunities and providers in Northern Ireland and is available from the Agency on request. The next Directory up-date will contain details of those Training Organisations participating in the Jobskills Programme. Meanwhile, a list of the jobskills approved Training Organisations is included in the Agency's 'Jobskills News' publication.The NT wide Jobskills Programme commenced on 3 April 5 and is therefore still in a build-up situation. The fo percentages reflect the trainees participating in the programm the end of June 1995.

  Public Sector: -13%

  Private Sector: -65%

  Other Organisations: -22%

  I hope that you find this helpful.
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the structure of funding for training organisations under the jobskills programme; how much of an organisation's funding is on the basis of registration of numbers; and how much on the basis of output related funding and trainee bonus. [35293]

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

  Letter from J. S. Crozier to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency, to reply to your question.The Jobskills Programme's funding arrangements take account of the variation in training costs between different occupational areas. Furthermore, the Programme's flexible funding structure is designed to encourage and enable trainees to progress into higher levels of training and, to provide incentives to both training organisations and trainees to attain targeted vocational qualifications.962 Payments are made to training organisations on the basis of occupied places, with 30% of their funding dependant on the achievement of full qualifications by trainees. On gaining their qualifications, trainees can qualify for a bonus of up to £400 and this is paid to them via the Training Organisations.I hope that you find this helpful.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what preparatory work he is doing on human rights issues before all-party talks in the peace process. [33591]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 11 July,Official Report, columns 518–19.

  I have invited the main parties to separate bilateral meetings to discuss the issues, including those relating to human rights, on which there needs to be agreement if a widely acceptable settlement is to be achieved.

  The effectiveness of existing measures is being kept under review, having regard, among other things, to the contribution that changes might make to a political settlement.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will indicate which five consultancy firms have received most contracts from his Department(a) by number of contracts and (b) monetary value in the last five years for which figures are available. [33436]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The information is as follows:

  (a) by number of contracts

  Name of company

  Number of contracts

  Coopers and Lybrand

  235

  Touche Ross

  139

  Price Waterhouse

  123

  Ernst and Young

  80

  Capita

  71

  (b) by monetary value

  Name of company

  Consultancy fees and expenses £ million

  Coopers and Lybrand

  4.93

  Denton Hall Burgen and Wane

  1—

  Price Waterhouse

  1.93

  Rothschild and Sons

  1—

  Touche Ross

  4.47

  1 As Denton Hall Burgen and Warrens, and Rothschild have been employed only on one consultancy contract, details of the fees and expenses would breach commercial confidentiality.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost of the last five years. [33573]
  963
  Sir John Wheeler
  The information is as follows:

  Financial year

  Number of contracts

  Cost £

  1990–91

  529

  7,610,744

  1991–92

  478

  12,938,631

  1992–93

  584

  8,570,192

  1993–94

  805

  12,124,283

  1994–95

  686

  5,625,185

  Undergraduates
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many undergraduates enrolled during the most recent academic year at(a) the Queen's university of Belfast and (b) the university of Ulster; and how many in each case came from (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) the Republic of Ireland. [33628]

  Mr. Ancram
  In 1993–94, the latest year for which information is available, there were 10,037 undergraduates enrolled at the Queen's university of Belfast, of whom 8,896 came from Northern Ireland and 537 from the Republic of Ireland. In the same year, there were 13,852 undergraduates enrolled at the university of Ulster, of whom 11,408 came from Northern Ireland and 1,679 from the Republic of Ireland.

  Department of Employment (Abolition)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes he will make to the responsibilities of his ministerial team and the Northern Ireland Office to reflect the abolition of the Department of Employment. [33659]

  Mr. Ancram
  There is no direct equivalent in Northern Ireland to the Department of Employment, although these functions are largely subsumed within the Department of Economic Development. There are no plans, therefore, to make any changes to the responsibilities of the NorthernIreland ministerial team and the Northern Ireland Office following the abolition of the Department of Employment.

  Firearm Thefts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many thefts of(a) shotguns and (b) other firearms took place in each of the last five years (i) from domestic premises and (ii) from other premises in each police force area. [34188]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The information is as follows:

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Total

  Thefts of shotguns

  Thefts of shotguns from domestic premises

  44

  37

  54

  36

  54

  225

  Thefts of shotguns from non-domestic premises

  3

  2

  1

  4

  1

  11

  Total

  47

  39

  55

  40

  55

  236

  964

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Total

  Thefts of other firearms

  Thefts of firearms other than shotguns from domestic premises

  21

  28

  21

  26

  43

  139

  Thefts of firearms other than shotguns from non-domestic premises

  18

  24

  10

  19

  29

  100

  Total

  39

  52

  31

  45

  72

  239

  Note:

  There may be incidents in which more than one type of firearm was stolen, eg a shotgun and a rifle. For the purposes of this analysts such incidents are recorded once under each heading.

  Firearms (Homicides)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many homicides involving(a) shotguns and (b) other firearms have taken place in each police force area in each of the last five years; and how many of the victims in each case were women.

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The information is as follows:

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Totals

  Homicides involving shotguns

  Male

  0

  6

  11

  7

  6

  30

  Female

  1

  0

  3

  3

  1

  8

  Total

  1

  6

  14

  10

  7

  38

  Homicides involving firearms other than shotguns

  Male

  52

  62

  55

  59

  46

  274

  Female

  0

  7

  5

  2

  8

  22

  Total

  52

  69

  60

  61

  54

  296

  Compensation Agency
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the distribution of settlement times for claims to the Compensation Agency for(a) injury and (b) damage. [34367]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Compensation Agency under its chief executive, Mr. Denis Stanley. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from D. A. Stanley to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Minister of State, Sir John Wheeler, has asked me to reply, on behalf of the Compensation Agency, to your recent Question regarding settlement times for claims for criminal injury and criminal damage compensation in Northern Ireland.During 1994–95 the average time taken to reach a decision on criminal injuries claims was 65 weeks. This compares with a key performance target of 71 weeks.965 Over the same period the average time taken to decide criminal damage claims was 44 weeks compared with a key performance target of 40 weeks. Failure to reach this target can be attributed largely to a reduction in the number of criminal damage claims received following the paramilitary cease-fires. This reduction in new claims allowed the Agency to make significant in-roads into the clearance of older claims which inevitably led to an increase in the average time to decide claims.The Agency's performance against all the key performance and subsidiary targets is shortly to be published in the Agency's Annual Report and Accounts for 1994–95.

  September

  Eastern

  Northern

  Southern

  Western

  Number

  WTE

  Number

  WTE

  Number

  WTE

  Number

  WTE

  Qualified health visitors

  1993

  209

  191.9

  109

  100.2

  88

  80.5

  71

  64.9

  1994

  184

  166

  103

  93.5

  91

  82.4

  69

  63.2

  Qualified district nurses

  1993

  161

  157.0

  72

  69.2

  64

  63.2

  75

  72.3

  1994

  145

  139.8

  68

  64.9

  60

  59.2

  73

  69.5

  Qualified community psychiatric nurses

  1993

  71

  71.0

  19

  19.0

  17

  17.0

  15

  15.0

  1994

  68

  67.0

  20

  20.0

  16

  16.0

  19

  19.0

  Qualified school nurses

  1993

  38

  32.0

  21

  14.4

  16

  12.6

  19

  14.8

  1994

  46

  38.1

  21

  14.4

  18

  14.1

  19

  14.9

  Student health visitors

  1993

  8

  8.0

  —

  —

  7

  7.0

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  5.0

  —

  —

  Student district nurses

  1993

  2

  2.0

  —

  —

  3

  3.0

  —

  —

  1994

  —

  —

  —

  —

  2

  2.0

  —

  —

  Notes:

  The latest figures available relate to September 1994.

  WTE= whole-time equivalent.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a breakdown by area of the health visitors, district nurses and school nurses by each income band for September 1993 and for the latest date for which information is available. [33255]

  Mr. Moss
  The information requested is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will publish a breakdown by area of the population numbers per health visitor on September 1992 and September 1993 and for the latest date for which information is available; and what is the number of health visitors(a) per under five and (b) per over 65 years in each area. [33256]

  Mr. Moss
  The information is as follows:

  September

  Eastern

  Northern

  Southern

  Western

  Population number per health visitor

  1992

  2,842

  3,503

  3,270

  3,399

  1993

  3,178

  3,728

  3,337

  3,770

  1994

  3,620

  3,967

  3,267

  3,910

  966

  Community Nurses
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) health visitors, (b) district nurses, (c) community psychiatric nurses and (d) school nurses were employed in each area of Northern Ireland on 30 September 1993, and for the latest date available, expressed as whole-time equivalents and actual numbers; and if she will list the same information for student health visitors and student district nurses. [33254]

  Mr. Moss
  The information is as follows:

  September

  Eastern

  Northern

  Southern

  Western

  Health visitors per 1,000 population under five

  1992

  4.3

  3.5

  3.3

  3.0

  1993

  3.8

  3.2

  3.2

  2.8

  1994

  3.3

  3.0

  3.3

  2.7

  Health visitors per 1,000 population 65 and over

  1992

  2.3

  2.2

  2.4

  2.5

  1993

  2.0

  2.0

  2.4

  2.3

  1994

  1 7

  1 9

  2.4

  2.2

  Notes:

  The latest figures available relate to September 1994.

  1993 mid-year estimates for populations, which are the latest available, were used to calculate the 1994 ratios.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Intervention Grain
  Sir Donald Thompson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Thanet, North (Mr. Gale) of 26 June,Official Report, column 528, if he will detail the steps he took to oppose subsidised grain prices to Spanish pig farmers. [34306]
  967
  Mr. Baldry
  The sale of stocks out of intervention is agreed through management committee procedure. The UK, along with certain other member states, argued strongly against the proposals but was outvoted on this occasion.

  Sir Donald Thompson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Thanet, North (Mr. Gale) of 28 June,Official Report, column 698, at what prices tenderers bought grain out of intervention. [34295]

  Mr. Baldry
  The results of the adjudication of the tenders for the sale of barley out of UK intervention destined for Spain are as follows:

  Date of adjudication

  Tonnage

  Selling price from intervention (ecu/t)

  (£/t)

  29 June 1995

  108,308

  122.49–124.30

  1103.01–104.54

  6 July 1995

  141,688

  125.41–125.61

  2105.84–106.01

  Conversion rates:

  1 1 ecu = £0.840997 (rate in force from 15 May 1995).

  21 ecu = £0.843954 (rate in force from 4 July 1995).

  These prices are lower than the normal sale price of 140.31 ecu/t (£118.42/t). The difference is intended to help the shipper meet the cost of transport from the UK port to Spain.

  Refrigeration (Listeria)
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what studies have been undertaken by his Department into the problems of poor refrigeration in households being insufficient to combat listeria in food; and what plans has he to ensure that new refrigeration units are fitted with thermometers. [34234]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  A survey on the temperatures in domestic refrigerators was carried out by the university of Bristol on behalf of MAFF. The report "Consumer handling of chilled foods: A survey of time and temperature conditions" was published in October 1991. As a result of the survey, MAFF agreed with refrigerator manufactures and consumer groups to issue a "FoodSense" booklet "Keeping Food Cool and Safe".

  There are no plans to require new refrigeration units to be fitted with thermometers. However, the Ministry encourages manufactures to supply simple thermometers with the appliance instructions. The "FoodSense" booklet encourages consumers to use fridge thermometers and gives advice on where to place them.

  Listeria
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that cook-chilled meals and ready to eat poultry carry sufficient labelling to warn customers that the produce must be re-heated to a sufficient temperature to reduce risks of listeria. [34235]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The food labelling regulations require that the labelling of prepacked foods should include instructions for use to enable appropriate preparation or use of the food. In addition, general advice to consumers that cooking food thoroughly, so that the temperature at the centre reaches at least 70 degrees 968
  centigrade for at least two minute, will kill most harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning, has already been published in the free "FoodSense" booklet on food safety.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place with the Department of Health to co-ordinate matters specifically relating to concerns over listeria in food in the last five years. [34226]

  Mr. Hogg
  The incidence of listeriosis has declined significantly since 1988, and there has been no call for specific discussions between Departments about listeria in food in the last five years. However, the issue of listeria routinely arises during wider discussions between Departments on microbiological food safety matters.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations his Department received regarding listeria in food(a) prior to and (b) following the guidelines issued by the Chief Medical Officer on 10 February 1989. [34229]

  Mr. Hogg
  Our records suggest that the bulk of such representations are directed to the Department of Health, which is generally in the lead in this matter. My Department has occasionally received correspondence, for example from trade associations.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions his Department has had with(a) farmers, (b) food processing companies and (c) consumer groups regarding listeria in food in the past five years. [34230]

  Mr. Hogg
  My Department has had discussions with these groups, and in particular the food processors, about the standard for listeria which is set by the EC milk hygiene directive.

  Food Safety
  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions have taken place in the last five years with the Department of Health to co-ordinate matters concerning food safety. [34225]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  My Department is in daily contact with the Department of Health at official level on matters of food safety. In addition, there are regular meetings at ministerial level.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the work his Department has carried out in the past 12 months in making information about his Department available to the public via the Government world wide web server known as "www.open.gov.uk" and his plans and policies to make additional and new information available electronically on the server in the next 12 months. [34714]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food participated from the outset in the Government world wide web, server project. As a result, WWW users can access the UK food and farming in figures pages on the server to retrieve series of agriculture and food data drawn from the Department's major statistical compilations. There are additional pages with background
  969
  information about the Department's responsibilities, aims and objectives and contacts, including the MAFF helpline which has an e-mail number for communicating with inquirers over the Internet.

  The Department is aiming to build on the experience gained through its participation in this project by introducing a dedicated MAFF world wide web server. There are a number of security and technical issues still to be addressed but, when fully implemented, MAFF divisions will be encouraged and supported in the use of the system to disseminate a wider range of information about MAFF services, activities, contacts and publications to WWW users.

  Computer Equipment Supplies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the top 10 suppliers of computer equipment to his Department and Agencies in the last five years, indicating the total value of the contracts received. [34548]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: In August 1991, a contract was awarded to Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems to supply my Department with a wide range of computer equipment. Since then, the company has provided the Department with nearly 95 per cent. of its computer equipment, at a total value exceeding £30 million.

  A number of other companies supplied the remaining few per cent., but these cannot be identified and ranked without considerable effort by the officials.

  Common Fisheries Policy (Withdrawal)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to seek to withdraw from the common fisheries policy and establish bilateral fishing deals with the relevant maritime neighbours; and if he will make a statement. [34393]

  Mr. Baldry
  Withdrawal from the common fisheries policy is not an option, either legally or practically. Our obligations as a signatory of the treaties of Rome and of Maastricht include recognition of the EC's authority to legislate for fisheries, and of that legislation's direct application in all member states. Because of the over-capacity of national fleets and the fact that fish stocks do not respect national boundaries, international co-operation on conservation management is essential. Our membership of the common fisheries policy ensures, through our involvement in the negotiation of technical conservation measures, that the fish we want to catch are protected while they are developing in other countries' waters. Without our participation in the common fisheries policy, the UK industry's access to export markets to other EU member states, worth around £550 million in 1994, would be called into question.

  Fish Stocks (Conservation)
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to now reduce discards and improve the conservation of fish stocks by amendment of the common fisheries policy; and if he will make a statement. [34394]
  970
  Mr. Baldry
  The Council of Ministers has asked the Commission to bring forward proposals which address the discarding problem. The Commission has also accepted an obligation to review the technical conservation measures applicable in both western waters and the north sea. Within the UK, our industry has been invited to put forward constructive ideas for consideration by the common fisheries policy review group. I shall take forward the work of this group over the coming months.

  Welsh Universities (Economic Studies)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the value of economic studies commissioned by his Department from Welsh universities and colleges in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34891]

  Mr. Boswell
  My Department commissioned no economic studies from Welsh universities and colleges in 1994–95. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales has commissioned work from these organisations.

  Civil Servants (European Commission)
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if officials seconded by his Department to work with the European Commission are required to promote and pursue the policies of Her Majesty's Government in relation to the availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements; what codes of practice apply to the employment of such officials by commercial companies or organisations following their secondment; and if he will make a statement. [35098]

  Mr. Boswell
  Officials seconded to the European Commission work for the Commission and have no role in promoting the Government's views. The normal business appointment rules apply to such staff as they do to all civil servants.

DEFENCE

  Astra
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a full statement on the findings of the Ministry of Defence police investigation into allegations of corruption concerning employees of the Astra group of companies; and if he will make a statement. [33526]

  Mr. Soames
  Four employees of the Astra group of companies were investigated by the Ministry of Defence police, who were inquiring into allegations of corruption. One was subsequently found guilty of two charges of corruption and received a custodial sentence.

  Murderers (Armed Forces)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many convicted murderers are presently serving in Her Majesty's armed forces. [33623]

  Mr. Soames
  There are five soldiers serving in the armed forces who have been convicted of murder. In four cases, discharge procedures have been initiated. In two of these, action is in abeyance pending the outcome of appeals. In the fifth case, the solider concerned is a
  971
  Gurkha. The Army is obliged to discharge Gurkha soldiers in Nepal and that will be on completion of his custodial sentence.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence under what circumstances a solider who has served a sentence for murder can continue to serve in the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [33624]

  Mr. Soames
  It is normal practice to discharge service personnel who have been convicted of murder unless there are exceptional circumstances. It would be for the appropriate service board of the Defence Council to decide whether the circumstances of an individual case merited retention.

  BMARC
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to give a substantive reply to the question from the hon. Member for Pendle on BMARC. [33700]

  Mr. Soames
  The investigation initiated by the deputy chief constable referred to in my answer to the hon. Member for South Shields (Dr. Clark),Official Report, column 31, has not yet been completed. I shall write to the hon. Member when the outcome is known.

  Animal Experiments
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if there will be an ethical review of the research conducted by his Department involving animals. [34998]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Experiments involving animals and conducted by my Department or its agencies are subject to a rigorous process of internal review and external control by the Home Office, in accordance with the requirements of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. The experiments account for less than half of 1 per cent. of all experiments in the United Kingdom involving animals. Nevertheless, I am keen to adopt any additional measures that would serve to strengthen public confidence in the procedures that govern animal experiments in my Department and, to this end, I have agreed to establish an animal welfare advisory committee. The committee will comprise three independent members and will review animal care and welfare arrangements at establishments conducting experiments involving animals. The committee will advise the senior manager responsible for the establishment in which experiments take place and will, quite separately, make an independent report normally once a year, to the Ministry of Defence's chief scientific adviser.

  I have placed a copy of the terms of reference of the new committee in the Library. Approaches will be made to three individuals who represent a range of interests related to the conduct of scientific experiments involving animals.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the past 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34589]
  972
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: During the financial year 1994–95, the latest period for which figures are available centrally, there were 3,058 redundancies in my Department. Our records do not distinguish between those who were made redundant compulsorily and those who volunteered for redundancy. The total sum spent on early retirement and redundancy in the same period was some £59 million.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many days were lost in sickness in the past 12 months by employees in his Department(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34588]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The total number of days sick absence taken by staff in my Department between 1 April 1994 and 31 March 1995 was 959,858. This figure relates to full-time non-industrial staff and includes weekends and public holidays as it is not possible in the time available to make adjustments for these. This is 3.18 per cent. of days worked. It is not possible to calculate the cost of this absence without disproportionate cost.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many unfair dismissal cases were brought against his Department during the past 12 months; how many were successful; and what were the total costs including legal fees and' compensation. [34587]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: Fifty-five appeals against dismissal have been heard by the Civil Service Appeal Board since July 1994. In nine cases, the decision to dismiss was found to be unfair. Hearing reports have been issued on four of these cases and resulted in the payment of £7,160 to one appellant. Records of appeals to industrial tribunals by civilian members of my Department's staff are not maintained centrally. Compensation amounting to £8,000 has been paid to two appellants who appealed to industrial tribunals during the last 12 months. No legal fees were paid in the three cases where compensation had been paid.

  Cooks (Training)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many schools there are for the training of cooks; where they are located; and what is the number of cooks presently being trained at each school and the estimated running costs of each school for this year for each service. [34430]

  Mr. Soames
  Three sites provide training for service cooks. They are: HMS Raleigh in Cornwall; the Army School of Catering at St. Omer barracks, Aldershot and RAF Halton, near Aylesbury. At present, the Royal Navy has 49 cooks undergoing training, the Army 157 and the RAF 18 on courses ranging from apprenticeships to advanced trade training. The estimated running costs for each school are: catering training within the overall budget of HMS Raleigh, £850,000; Army School of Catering, £7.536 million; costs specific to Catering Training Squadron at RAF Halton, £215,000. The difference in running costs reflects the different constitution of the schools; HMS Raleigh and RAF Halton
  973
  are units within larger establishments and have the benefit of sharing overhead and support costs with their hosts, while St. Omer barracks is a stand-alone facility responsible for its own site and its attendant support.

  Arms Sales (Iraq)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what military equipment used by Iraq in the Gulf war and subsequently discovered by the United Kingdom and its allies was(a) manufactured in the United Kingdom and (b) purchased from the United Kingdom; and from which companies it derived. [35094]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No comprehensive record was kept of the large quantities of Iraqi equipment captured by the allies during the Gulf conflict. However, some electrical items or components of British manufacture were found. Exports of defence equipment to Iraq are currently being investigated by Sir Richard Scott.

  Defence Animal Centre
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 532, what activities other than horse training take place at the Defence Animal Centre; and which other Government Departments use its services. [34790]

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Defence Animal Centre, DAC, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive of DAC to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Colonel A. H. Roache to Mr. Alan Milburn, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question regarding activities other than horse training at the Defence Animal Centre.The Defence Animal Centre carries out the following activities for the MOD: procurement and training of dogs and horses; development of animal training methods; training of individuals in animal handling and management skills and provision of base veterinary support. The following other government departments use its services: Foreign and Commonwealth Office, HM Prison Service, Scottish Prison Service, HM Customs & Excise, Immigration Service, Jersey & Guernsey Police.I hope you find this information useful.
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 532, which animals in addition to dogs and horses are trained at the Defence Animal Centre giving (a) the number and (b) the costs for each category. [34791]

  Mr. Soames
  This is a matter for the Defence Animal Centre, DAC, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive of DAC to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter front Colonel A. H. Roache to Mr. Alan Milburn, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question regarding animal training at the Defence Animal Centre. The answer is that no animals other than horses or dogs are trained here.I hope you find this information useful.974

  Official Cars
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 532, how many senior officers can call on the official pool of vehicles; how many vehicles there are; and how many have been bought in the past five years; and at what cost. [34792]

  Mr. Soames
  My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Horses
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 532, how many horses are currently in service. [34793]

  Mr. Soames
  The Army, which is the only service to own horses at public expense, has 440 fully trained horses in service.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the cost of employing consultants in connection with privatisation programmes in which his Department has been engaged since 1980. [33466]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The only privatisation programme for which information on the use of consultants can be made available without disproportionate cost is that in connection with the proposed privatisation of the royal dockyards at Devonport and Rosyth about which my right hon. and learned Friend the then Secretary of State for Defence made an announcement on 18 October 1993,Official Report, columns 39–41. Between 18 October 1993 and 12 July 1995, payments made to consultants in relation to their work totalled £7.1 million. Further costs have been incurred, but final details will not be available until invoices have been presented and payments agreed.

  Previous estimates given to hon. Members by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kettering (Mr. Freeman) gave a figure for "payments made or outstanding". The figure for payments outstanding included estimates which were higher than actual outturn costs. I can now report that costs reported in the previous answers were overstated by some £510,000. Therefore, the costs previously quoted as £7.2 million and £6.5 million are now known to have been £6.7 million and £6 million respectively.

  I have written to the hon. Members for South Shields (Dr. Clark), for Plymouth, Devenport (Mr. Jamieson) and for Leeds, Central (Mr. Fatchett) to inform them of the revision to the figures which they were given in previous answers.

  Wrongful Dismissal
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, column 184, if he will list the categories of information on legal costs for claims of wrongful dismissal by which his Department collates information. [34851]
  975
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  As my predecessor said in his reply of 4 July,Official Report, column 184, my Department keeps no central record of cases of wrongful dismissal and the Treasury solicitor's department would require details of individual cases before it could provide information on legal costs incurred by my Department in such cases. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. If, however, the hon. Lady has a particular category of wrongful dismissal or other type of claim on which she requires information, she should write to my noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence, who will be happy to consider the matter further.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Don Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what assumptions have been made in her current plans for nursery education vouchers for the redemption value of such vouchers; [34827]

  (2) if a nursery education voucher used in part or full payment for five half days a week at a playgroup will have the same value as a voucher used for part or full payment for the same period at a private nursery; and if she will make a statement. [34829]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The expectation is that a voucher worth around £1,100 will be exchanged for either a part-time place in a nursery class, nursery school, or private nursery establishment, or a full-time place in a reception class, or up to a full-time place in a playgroup. The detailed funding regime for playgroups will be considered further.

  Mr. Foster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if pre-school playgroups and private nursery schools will be expected to achieve the same stated learning achievements if they are to be eligible for participation in the nursery education voucher scheme. [34828]

  Mr. Squire
  All institutions offering pre-school education in exchange for vouchers will be expected to work towards the same desirable achievements for children's learning.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment at what age a child qualifies for being funded for a nursery place by the new voucher initiative. [34469]

  Mr. Squire
  A child will become eligible for a voucher at the beginning of the first term after his or her fourth birthday.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidance her Department gives on the appropriate adult-child ratio for nursery classes to be funded by the nursery voucher scheme. [34467]

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for Health are jointly consulting on whether the existing guidance on adult-child ratios remain appropriate for institutions registered to exchange vouchers for pre-school education.
  976
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) who will be responsible for the administrative costs of the nursery voucher initiative; [34466]

  (2) what she estimates will be the administrative costs of the nursery initiative for individual local education authorities the size of Ealing; [34470]

  (3) pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July, Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education, what estimates she has for the total cost of running the voucher scheme. [34108]

  Mr. Squire
  The cost of issuing and redeeming vouchers is expected to be less than 1.5 per cent. of the value of the vouchers themselves.

  The administration costs are included in the £185 million of new money announced by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. Because administration will be handled by a private sector company, the additional burden on local authorities is not expected to be significant.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will allow local education authorities to borrow extra capital specifically to fund the provision of extra nursery facilities in their areas. [34468]

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education (1) what supplementary capital funding she intends to make available to those parts of the country which currently have the lowest levels of provision for four-year-olds; [34114]

  (2) what capital funding she intends to make available to facilitate the expansion of pre-school places for four-year-olds. [34115]

  Mr. Squire
  The private and voluntary sectors can raise any capital needed for expansion commercially on the strength of voucher income. In the maintained sector, local education authorities are free to determine their own priorities for capital expenditure. Local education authorities and their schools can also enter into arrangements with the private sector using the new freedoms provided by the private finance initiative.

  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps she taking to protect the position of education authorities that have already made substantial provision for nursery education, so that their standard spending assessment is not to be disadvantaged in relation to authorities which have made little provision. [34498]

  Mr. Squire
  If their recruitment of four-year-olds is maintained at present levels, no LEA will be worse off under the proposed funding method for the voucher scheme.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, on

  977
  pre-school education, which companies have been invited to tender for the administration of the voucher scheme; and which companies have submitted bids. [34106]

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced on 6 July her decision to select, by competitive tender, a private sector company to issue and redeem the pre-school voucher. Advertisements inviting expressions of interest will be published shortly.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education, (1) what provision will be made for children who would currently receive a full-time nursery place in the maintained sector; [34118]

  (2) if the Government will continue to give financial support to local education authorities to provide for threeyear-olds; and what plans there are to change the level of support for three-year-olds; [34107]

  (3) pursuant to her answer of 15 May, Official Report, columns 11–12, how a local education authority should meet the difference in the cost between the £1,100 voucher and a full-time place in an infant class. [34117]

  Mr. Squire
  The proposed funding method will recoup from local authorities a sum equivalent to the voucher value multiplied by the number of four-year-olds in maintained provision in each authority. This is only a part of total spending on under-fives, and allows local education authorities to continue to spend above the voucher value on full or part-time places for four-year-olds, and on three-year-olds, as they judge appropriate.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, in respect of legislative change to implement her plans for changes in education for the under-fives, if there will be changes in the statutory instruments defining the qualifications of teachers in nursery schools and those relating to their premises. [34120]

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for Health will be jointly consulting on whether the requirements of the Children Act 1989, including those that relate to premises, remain appropriate for institutions which register to exchange vouchers for pre-school education.

  In addition, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Education and Employment and for Wales announced on 14 July their intention to consult on a new set of school premises regulations. These regulations apply to all maintained schools, including maintained nursery schools. They will continue to do so. My right hon. Friend made it clear that all essential health and safety requirements in the current regulations will be retained.

  My right hon. Friend has no plans at this stage to impose any new qualification requirements for staff in any institutions which register to exchange vouchers for pre-school education.
  978
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education, what plans she has to enable provision over and above the value of the voucher to be provided for children with special educational needs. [34112]

  Mr. Squire
  Local education authorities will keep some of their existing funding for four-year-olds, and be able to spend more than the value of the voucher where needed to offer appropriate provision for pupils with special educational needs.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July, Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education, what plans she has to bring school providers currently regulated under the Children Act 1989 under the inspection of the Office for Standards in Education. [34111]

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend plans to introduce an inspection regime which will regulate standards of education at all institutions registered to exchange vouchers for pre-school education, including those institutions currently registered under the Children Act. She is consulting jointly with the Secretary of State for Health on the nature of the inspection regime.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps she expects to take to ensure that levels of staffing in existing local authority nursery schools will not be prejudiced by the establishments of new nursery schools by a provider offering improved remuneration and conditions to those currently available. [34119]

  Mr. Squire
  Provided local authority nursery schools continue to recruit the same number of four-year-olds as they do now, in response to parental demand, they should not have their funding reduced. It is for the private and voluntary sector institutions to set their own rates of pay and conditions of service.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education, by how much local authority standard spending assessment for under-fives education will be reduced once the full voucher scheme has been reduced. [34109]

  Mr. Squire
  The amount recouped from each local authority to contribute to funding the voucher scheme will be the product of the number of four-year-olds in maintained provision and the voucher value. For full implementation of the scheme, the amount recouped is likely to be in the region of £545 million.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–19, on pre-school education, what financial assistance will be made available to train teachers and staff for the expansion of pre-school places for four-year-olds.

  Mr. Squire
  Institutions which exchange vouchers for pre-school education will be able to use voucher income to invest in staff training to raise the quality of provision and to meet the needs of children and parents.

  Pupil-population Ratios
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list in descending order the number of pupils as a percentage of the resident population in each local education authority area on the most recent date when such numbers were estimated; and what consideration is given to such actual pupil-population ratios in the calculation of education standard spending assessments. [34485]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The table compares the number of pupils aged five to 15 at August 1993 living in their area for whom local education authorities were financially responsible with their overall population aged five to 15 at June 1993. Precise ratios are difficult to calculate because the pupil and population data are estimated on different dates.

  Ratio of pupils to population

  LEA Name

  Resorted pupils aged 5–15

  Population aged 5–15

  Pupils as a percentage of population

  Tower Hamlets

  28,738

  28,662

  100.3

  Sandwell

  41,488

  41,653

  99.6

  Walsall

  38,135

  38,538

  99.0

  Doncaster

  42,372

  42,924

  98.7

  Birmingham

  150,327

  152,602

  98.5

  Rotherham

  36,034

  36,611

  98.4

  Liverpool

  67,165

  67,277

  98.4

  Tameside

  31,322

  31,859

  98.3

  St. Helens

  24,923

  25,377

  98.2

  Barking and Dagenham

  20,211

  20,608

  98.1

  Waltham Forest

  28,555

  29,124

  98.0

  Dudley

  40,751

  41,662

  97.8

  Wigan

  43,283

  44,334

  97.6

  Cleveland

  85,364

  87,520

  97.5

  Barnsley

  30,022

  30,921

  97.1

  Oldham

  33,141

  34,174

  97.0

  Knowsley

  25,061

  25,847

  97.0

  Wolverhampton

  34,450

  35,541

  96.9

  Havering

  30,493

  31,468

  96.9

  Lincolnshire

  77,514

  80,028

  96.9

  Bexley

  28,993

  29,938

  96.8

  Newham

  35,515

  36,674

  96.8

  Rochdale

  31,329

  32,366

  96.8

  Calderdale

  26,902

  27,796

  96.8

  Enfield

  33,938

  35,115

  96.6

  Sunderland

  43,086

  44,597

  96.6

  Bradford

  73,686

  76,385

  96.5

  Humberside

  121,466

  125,947

  96.4

  Staffordshire

  141,769

  147,227

  96.3

  Cumbria

  62,641

  65,237

  96.0

  North Tyneside

  25,581

  26,644

  96.0

  South Tyneside

  21,782

  22,689

  96.0

  Northumberland

  41,399

  43,140

  96.0

  Sheffield

  62,300

  65,074

  95.7

  Durham

  81345

  85,009

  95.7

  Bolton

  37,407

  39,119

  95.6

  Derbyshire

  122,602

  128,223

  95.6

  Wakefield

  42,676

  44,666

  95.5

  Cornwall

  61,135

  64,061

  95.4

  Lancashire

  192,358

  201,916

  95.3

  Essex

  201,510

  212,625

  94.8

  Nottinghamshire

  132,564

  140,082

  94.6

  Leeds

  91,239

  96,440

  94.6

  Kirklees

  53,250

  56,287

  94.6

  Manchester

  60,540

  64,012

  94.6

  Coventry

  41,219

  43,698

  94.3

  Bedfordshire

  76,165

  80,750

  94.3

  Cheshire

  130,548

  138,525

  94.2

  Isle of Wight Council

  15,298

  16,233

  94.2

  Bury

  24,392

  25,936

  94.0

  Gateshead

  25,152

  26,828

  93.8

  Leicestershire

  122,068

  130,211

  93.7

  Hounslow

  26,545

  28,326

  93.7

  Norfolk

  91,631

  97,821

  93.7

  980

  Ratio of pupils to population

  LEA Name

  Resorted pupils aged 5–15

  Population aged 5–15

  Pupils as a percentage of population

  Salford

  29,379

  31,383

  93.6

  Hillingdon

  29,472

  31,526

  93.5

  Shropshire

  54,649

  58,624

  93.2

  Wirral

  45,406

  48,722

  93.2

  Kent

  199,678

  214,440

  93.1

  Wiltshire

  75,256

  80,994

  92.9

  Brent

  32,059

  34,513

  92.9

  Sefton

  38,014

  40,931

  92.9

  Northamptonshire

  81,242

  87,524

  92.8

  Sutton

  20,841

  22,498

  92.6

  Cambridgeshire

  87,466

  94,449

  92.6

  Solihull

  26,189

  28,297

  92.6

  Isles of Scilly

  283

  306

  92.5

  North Yorkshire

  87,480

  94,596

  92.5

  Haringey

  24,628

  26,639

  92.5

  Devon

  124,886

  135,327

  92.3

  Trafford

  28,267

  30,723

  92.0

  Warwickshire

  61,565

  67,160

  91.7

  Glouchestershire

  67,259

  73,380

  91.7

  Greenwich

  28,973

  31,632

  91.6

  Redbridge

  29,337

  32,086

  91.4

  Dorset

  74,996

  82,064

  91.4

  Hampshire

  198,595

  217,914

  91.1

  Hereford and Worcester

  88,165

  96,984

  90.9

  Hertfordshire

  125,556

  138,140

  90.9

  Avon

  115,363

  126,966

  90.9

  Lewisham

  28,250

  31,119

  90.8

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  33,269

  36,710

  90.6

  Buckinghamshire

  88,271

  97,748

  90.3

  Stockport

  36,613

  40,589

  90.2

  West Sussex

  83,537

  93,215

  89.6

  Somerset

  58,119

  65,088

  89.3

  Suffolk

  79,690

  89,662

  88.9

  Islington

  18,907

  21,282

  88.8

  Berkshire

  97,221

  109,465

  88.8

  Bromley

  32,085

  36,276

  88.4

  Lambeth

  28,310

  32,178

  88.0

  Ealing

  33,738

  38,362

  87.9

  East Sussex

  76,631

  87,722

  87.4

  Croydon

  37,961

  43,868

  86.5

  Kingston upon Thames

  14,380

  16,732

  85.9

  Southwark

  25,625

  29,948

  85.6

  Harrow

  24,333

  28,774

  84.6

  Merton

  17,993

  21,303

  84.5

  Oxfordshire

  66,870

  79,347

  84.3

  Hackney

  23,720

  28,288

  83.9

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  12,455

  15,210

  81.9

  Wandsworth

  20,981

  25,944

  80.9

  Camden

  15,331

  19,000

  80.7

  Barnet

  32,046

  40,593

  78.9

  Surrey

  106,365

  136,266

  78.1

  Richmond upon Thames

  13,616

  18,924

  72.0

  Westminster

  10,892

  16,458

  66.2

  Kensington and Chelsea

  7,164

  12,986

  55.2

  City of London

  53

  167

  31.7

  Total

  6,188,810

  6,668,369

  92.8

  Standard Spending Assessments
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the area cost adjustment for each shire county for 1995–6 as a
  983

  Cost per pupil: Net institutional expenditure

  Pre-Primary/Primary 1993–94

  £

  Haringey

  2,236

  Wandsworth

  2,139

  Lewisham

  2,058

  Camden

  2,047

  Greenwich

  2,009

  Barnet

  2,006

  Hackney

  1,958

  Ealing

  1,915

  Harrow

  1,913

  Merton

  1,853

  Waltham Forest

  1,821

  Southwark

  1,806

  Hillingdon

  1,804

  Richmond upon Thames

  1,794

  Croydon

  1,793

  Barking

  1,790

  Hounslow

  1,784

  Enfield

  1,768

  Oxfordshire

  1,765

  Buckinghamshire

  1,735

  Kingston upon Thames

  1,728

  Essex

  1,724

  Rotherham

  1,723

  Newham

  1,708

  Surrey

  1,701

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  1,697

  Northumberland

  1,686

  Coventry

  1,684

  Sandwell

  1,681

  Suffolk

  1,673

  Walsall

  1,672

  Lancashire

  1,669

  Cumbria

  1,667

  Gateshead

  1,664

  Durham

  1,664

  Hertfordshire

  1,664

  Bradford

  1,654

  Nottinghamshire

  1,653

  Leeds

  1,647

  Oldham

  1,645

  East Sussex

  1,643

  Redbridge

  1,640

  Sutton

  1,639

  Bedfordshire

  1,639

  Havering

  1,636

  Brent

  1,633

  Leicestershire

  1,629

  Humberside

  1,621

  Hereford and Worcester

  1,617

  Calderdale

  1,607

  St. Helens

  1,605

  Derbyshire

  1,600

  Isle of Wight

  1,598

  Berkshire

  1,592

  Liverpool

  1,586

  Norfolk

  1,585

  Somerset

  1,583

  Hampshire

  1,583

  Bolton

  1,581

  Kirklees

  1,579

  West Sussex

  1,579

  Wakefield

  1,577

  Shropshire

  1,577

  Solihull

  1,574

  Sheffield

  1,573

  Bexley

  1,573

  Birmingham

  1,572

  Avon

  1,571

  North Yorkshire

  1,555

  Warwickshire

  1,555

  Wirral

  1,552

  984

  Cost per pupil: Net institutional expenditure

  Pre-Primary/Primary 1993–94

  £

  Manchester

  1,547

  Barnsley

  1,539

  Cornwall

  1,535

  Staffordshire

  1,534

  Cambridgeshire

  1,534

  Bromley

  1,525

  Gloucestershire

  1,523

  Northamptonshire

  1,522

  Wiltshire

  1,521

  Sunderland

  1,509

  Salford

  1,505

  Devon

  1,503

  Lincolnshire

  1,496

  Dudley

  1,490

  Knowsley

  1,485

  Dorset

  1,485

  Cheshire

  1,483

  North Tyneside

  1,469

  Stockport

  1,466

  South Tyneside

  1,463

  Cleveland

  1,461

  Sefton

  1,448

  Tameside

  1,442

  Wigan

  1,437

  Bury

  1,432

  Trafford

  1,428

  Doncaster

  1,425

  Kent

  1,397

  Wolverhampton

  1,357

  Rochdale

  1,307

  Average

  1,630

  Cost per pupil: Net institutional expenditure

  Secondary 1993–94

  £

  Isles of Scilly

  4,415

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  3,329

  Lambeth

  3,296

  Kensington and Chelsea

  3,266

  Tower Hamlets

  3,157

  Haringey

  3,041

  Islington

  3,005

  Barnet

  2,952

  Wandsworth

  2,795

  City of Westminster

  2,739

  Camden

  2,716

  Hillingdon

  2,670

  Hackney

  2,617

  Lewisham

  2,614

  Liverpool

  2,613

  Greenwich

  2,583

  Ealing

  2,575

  Newham

  2,563

  Enfield

  2,531

  Waltham Forest

  2,526

  Redbridge

  2,526

  Conventry

  2,469

  West Sussex

  2,467

  Merton

  2,463

  Harrow

  2,439

  Southwark

  2,421

  Warwickshire

  2,420

  Nottinghamshire

  2,381

  Wiltshire

  2,379

  Barking

  2,355

  Shropshire

  2,354

  Sandwell

  2,349

  Lancashire

  2,347

  985

  Cost per pupil: Net institutional expenditure

  Secondary 1993–94

  £

  Bexley

  2,341

  Birmingham

  2,330

  Manchester

  2,328

  Lincolnshire

  2,322

  St. Helens

  2,315

  Stockport

  2,310

  Croydon

  2,309

  Norfolk

  2,309

  Wolverhampton

  2,300

  Wirral

  2,299

  Havering

  2,290

  Avon

  2,288

  Buckinghamshire

  2,286

  Essex

  2,286

  Kingston upon Thames

  2,284

  Hounslow

  2,282

  Walsall

  2,281

  Bromley

  2,280

  Richmond upon Thames

  2,280

  Oldham

  2,278

  Rotherham

  2,271

  East Sussex

  2,270

  Leicestershire

  2,263

  Humberside

  2,257

  Gateshead

  2,252

  Hertfordshire

  2,245

  Knowsley

  2,243

  Solihull

  2,217

  Cumbria

  2,216

  Salford

  2,215

  Surrey

  2,215

  Derbyshire

  2,214

  Berkshire

  2,214

  Kirklees

  2,207

  Sefton

  2,204

  Oxfordshire

  2,191

  Suffolk

  2,190

  North Yorkshire

  2,187

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  2,187

  Hampshire

  2,180

  Leeds

  2,164

  Calderdale

  2,162

  Cornwall

  2,160

  Devon

  2,157

  Trafford

  2,156

  Wakefield

  2,150

  Wigan

  2,141

  Somerset

  2,138

  Cleveland

  2,129

  Northamptonshire

  2,125

  Bolton

  2,119

  Sheffield

  2,119

  Sunderland

  2,114

  Durham

  2,114

  Cheshire

  2,106

  Bedfordshire

  2,103

  Barnsley

  2,101

  Dudley

  2,098

  Tameside

  2,095

  Gloucestershire

  2,084

  Northumberland

  2,083

  Kent

  2,079

  Staffordshire

  2,078

  Dorset

  2,065

  Hereford and Worcester

  2,038

  Isle of Wight

  2,027

  Doncaster

  2,022

  North Tyneside

  1,995

  Bury

  1,979

  Sutton

  1,978

  Rochdale

  1,974

  986

  Cost per pupil: Net institutional expenditure

  Secondary 1993–94

  £

  Bradford

  1,969

  Cambridgeshire

  1,956

  South Tyneside

  1,948

  Brent

  1,835

  Corporation of London

  0

  Average

  2,245

  Special Education Needs (Asthma)
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children were given statements of special educational needs in the last five years for which figures are available; and how many of them were statemented because of asthma. [34528]

  Mr. Forth
  Information on the number of children with statements of special educational needs is contained in the table.

  Information is not collected on the number of children who received statements because of asthma.

  Total number of children with statements of special educational needs and number with new statements in England

  Position in January each year

  Survey year

  Total children with statements

  New statements1

  19902

  142,618

  24,898

  1991

  154,743

  26,519

  1992

  165,095

  30,847

  1993(3)

  176,698

  34,037

  19944

  192,308

  38,292

  1 Children with statement made for the first time during the previous calendar year.

  2 Excludes Camden, Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth and Wandsworth.

  3 Excludes Leicestershire.

  4 Excludes Derbyshire.

  Department of Employment (Sheffield Site)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guarantee she will give that staff employed at the former Department of Employment's Sheffield office will continue their work. [33519]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  It is expected that the Department will continue to operate from the Sheffield site, which performs a range of important functions.

  Training
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been the number of Government-funded training for work placements, with title of scheme, each year since the introduction of the job creation programme. [34025]

  Mr. Paice
  The information is shown in the following table and covers all adult and youth programmes:
  987

  Number of adult and youth programme starts1 for each financial year from 1978–79 to 1994–95

  Great Britain, numbers

  Year

  Total for all programmes

  Community Industry

  Community programme2

  Enterprise allowance/ business start-up3

  Youth opportunities programme

  Voluntary projects programme

  Youth training4 5

  Training opportunities programme6

  Industrial language training scheme7

  Occupational training8

  Business training

  Employment action

  1978–79

  258,800

  6,700

  19.700

  —

  162,200

  —

  —

  70,200

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1979–80

  338,400

  8,900

  22,400

  —

  216,400

  —

  —

  90,700

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1980–81

  469,200

  8,200

  18,400

  —

  360,000

  —

  —

  82,600

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1981–82

  674,800

  9,000

  34,300

  —

  553,000

  —

  —

  71,200

  7,300

  —

  —

  —

  1982–83

  655,900

  8,900

  12,100

  2,500

  543,100

  —

  —

  72,600

  8,900

  —

  —

  —

  1983–84

  647,200

  9,600

  134,400

  27,600

  —

  —

  370,000

  80,100

  11,500

  —

  —

  —

  1984–85

  797,000

  9,500

  161,400

  46,000

  —

  63,000

  397,000

  —

  11,300

  58,200

  6,500

  —

  1985–86

  1,045,000

  9,500

  241,200

  60,000

  —

  71,500

  406,000

  —

  13,800

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  1,358,500

  9,800

  307,500

  86,800

  —

  80,300

  420,000

  —

  19,300

  —

  —

  —

  1987–88

  1,402,900

  9,800

  269,100

  106,300

  —

  105,600

  399,000

  —

  17,600

  —

  —

  —

  1988–89

  1,263,500

  10,800

  84,000

  98,500

  —

  88,200

  408,000

  —

  17,200

  —

  —

  —

  1989–90

  893,000

  —

  —

  78,000

  —

  —

  384,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1990–91

  797,000

  —

  —

  60,000

  —

  —

  347,800

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1991–92

  655,400

  —

  —

  50,000

  —

  —

  290,400

  —

  —

  —

  —

  22,000

  1992–93

  686,000

  —

  —

  41,000

  —

  —

  286,700

  —

  —

  —

  —

  67,000

  1993–94

  669,000

  —

  —

  40,600

  —

  —

  290,300

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1994–95

  655,900

  —

  —

  31,200

  —

  —

  303,700

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Source:

  Training Statistics.

  Notes:

  1Including second and subsequent starts.

  2 Includes Special Temporary Employment Programme (1978–79 to 1980–81). Community Enterprise Programme (1981–82) and Community Programme (1982–83 to 1988–89).

  3EAS was replaced by BSUS in April 1991 BSUS is a TEC delivered programme based on local needs.

  4YT/YTS figures may not correspond to earlier published figures due to periodical updating.

  5From April 1990 YTS became YT.

  Except for the following, all figures were obtained from the relevant Training Agency Branch/Section.

  6 Training Opportunities Programme (TOPS), up to 1979–80 from Annual Reports.

  7Industrial Language Training Scheme (ILTS), figures prior to 1987–88 from Annual Reports. Figures prior to 1981–82 are not available separately. ILTS was part of Training Within Industry (TWI) which was part of TOPS and comprised several smaller schemes. The ILTS figure is therefore included in the TOPS total for these years.

  8Occupational Training (OT), Business Training (BT) and Work Preparation (WP), figures from Annual Reports.

  The Youth Opportunities Programme was split into two parts, Work Experience (WE) included in the figures are a) Work Experience on Employers Premises (WEEP), b) Community Projects (CP) and Work Preparation (WP) included in the figures are (a) Short training Courses, (b) Remedial and Preparatory Courses (mainly work induction courses and young people's work preparation courses) and c) Assessment and Employment Induction Courses.

  Number of adult and youth programme starts1 for each financial year from 1978–79 to 1994–95

  Great Britain numbers

  Year

  Work preparation

  Old job training scheme

  New job training scheme

  Training for Enterprise

  Access to information technology

  Local grants to employers

  Self-standing work preparation

  Training linked to community programme

  Employment training/training for work

  Open tech

  National priority skills scheme2

  1978–79

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1979–80

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1980–81

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1981–82

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1982–83

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7,800

  1983–84

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6,000

  8,000

  1984–85

  23,000

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3,100

  —

  12,000

  6,000

  1985–86

  —

  54,800

  —

  20,300

  28,200

  53,300

  34,300

  20,600

  —

  20,000

  11,500

  1986–87

  —

  68,800

  2,100

  67,000

  32,200

  131,700

  48,800

  42,900

  —

  33,000

  8,300

  1987–88

  —

  49,200

  99,100

  107,000

  22,100

  123,500

  46,200

  41,400

  —

  —

  7,000

  1988–89

  —

  24,300

  50,700

  89,800

  —

  106,800

  27,900

  16,600

  238,600

  —

  2,100

  1989–90

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  431,000

  —

  —

  1990–91

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  389,000

  —

  —

  1991–92

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  293,000

  —

  —

  1992–93

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  291,000

  —

  —

  1993–94

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  338,400

  —

  —

  1994–95

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  321,100

  —

  —

  Source:

  Training Statistics.

  Note:

  1Including second and subsequent starts.

  2National Priority Skill Scheme; prior to 1986 figures are from Annual Reports. The figure for 1984 has been estimated. The Youth Opportunities Programme was split into two parts.

  Work Experience (WE): included in the figures are a) Work Experience on Employers Premises (WEEP).b) Community Projects (CP) and Work Preparation (WP): included in the figures are a) Short Training Courses, b) Remedial and Preparatory Courses (mainly work induction courses and young people's work preparation courses) and c) Assessment and Employment Induction Courses.
  988 989
  Sir Peter Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will provide incentives to training and enterprise councils to encourage firms of under 50 employees to commit themselves to investment in people programmes. [34727]

  Mr. Paice
  Training and enterprise councils have some £55 million available in 1995–95 to help employers to move towards investors in people. Employers normally need to contribute to the cost on a matched funding basis but TECs have the discretion to exempt those with under 50 employees from this requirement. Almost 9,000 firms with under 50 employees are formally committed to achieving the investors in people standard. I will be considering proposals for performance targets for TECs for 1995–96 during the autumn.

  The Department has other provisions aimed specifically at training in small firms. Over three years from April 1995, £63 million is available through skills for small businesses to help 24,000 key workers in small firms to become training champions and train others in their firms.

  The competitiveness White Paper "Forging ahead", published in May 1995, includes £5 million for the small firms training challenge. A prospectus will be published shortly, seeking bids from group of small firms.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consideration she has given to the introduction of a training levy; and if she will make a statement. [34952]

  Mr. Paice
  The introduction of a general training levy is not under consideration. The Government remain committed to deregulation—removed burdens on firms, not increasing them.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the achievements of(a) her policies and (b) her Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if she will publish the performance indicators by which her Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34704]

  Mr. Paice
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the UK economy. Effective human resource management is crucial to the success of small firms. The Department funds training and enterprise councils to improve their commitment to developing their people through a range of measures.

  The numbers of organisations that have reached the investors in people standard are:

  May 1994

  May 1995

  Firms with less than 200 employees

  613

  1,394

  Firms with less than 50 employees

  371

  850

  Materials are available to help small firms achieve the standard. Over 8,000 organisations with less than 50 employees have made a formal commitment to achieving the standard.
  990
  The small firms training loans scheme was introduced last year. Some 1,500 loans are forecast this year.

  Over three years from April 1995, skills for small businesses will equip 24,000 key workers in small firms to train others in their firms and to help other small firms. In piloting the initiative, more than 50 firms were helped to train key workers.

  The competitiveness White Paper "Forging Ahead" outlined a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector. This includes £5 million for the small firms training challenge. The aim is to involve directly at least 1,000 small firms in exemplary projects. A prospectus will be published shortly, seeking bids from groups of small firms.

  The small firms lead body, supported by the Department, has been developing standards and qualifications appropriate to small businesses.

  In addition to these specific measures, large numbers of small firms continue to take part in other training initiatives such as modern apprenticeships, youth training and training for work.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list the number of(a) total and (b) voluntary redundancies occurring in (i) the Department for Education and (ii) the Department of Employment over the last 12 months; and what was the amount of money spent on these redundancy payments. [34580]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: There have been no redundancies in either the Department for Education or the Employment Department over the last 12 months.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Ian McCartneyM
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many unfair dismissal cases were brought against(a) the Department for Education and (b) the Department of Employment over the last 12 months; how many cases were successful; and what were the total costs, both in legal fees and compensation. [34578]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: None and 29 respectively. No cases were successful. The total legal costs incurred were £22,554.47

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many sickness days were lost by employees of(a) the Department for Education and (b) the Department of Employment over the last 12 months, both in total and as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34579]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: Information is not readily available in the form requested. The total number of working days lost to sickness during 1994 by employees of the Department for Education was 13,926, or 3.46 per cent. of the working days available. The total number of days lost to employees of the Employment Department for the 12 months up to the end

  991
  of March were 636,709, or 4.8 per cent. of the total number of working days available.

  The cost of this absence could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Part-time Students
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what action she is taking to ensure that students under 19 years attending further education courses part time will be adequately funded. [35064]

  Mr. Paice
  Last month, the former Employment Department and Department for Education, together with the Training and Enterprise Council National Council and the Further Education Funding Council, issued joint guidance to interested parties on their respective funding responsibilities for part-time students. I will arrange for a copy to be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps she is taking to ensure that part-time students with learning difficulties are not disadvantaged by undertaking non-national vocational qualification programmes under the training credits scheme. [35063]

  Mr. Paice
  Youth credits provide access to youth training, which supports young people with learning difficulties in making progress towards qualifications agreed in an individual training plan and tailored to their individual needs. Additional support is provided to help both full and part-time trainees achieve their agreed training aim.

  Young People Leaving Care (Support Services)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what specific support services are made available by her Department for young people leaving care. [35013]

  Mr. Paice
  The Department works closely with the Department of Health to promote effective support to young people leaving care. There are specific provisions for this group in entitlement to income support and to youth training. Career services provide support for all young people, including those leaving care, in making informed career choices.

  Actively Seeking Employment (Warning Letters)
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) if a warning letter in respect of actively seeking employment is normally issued before a benefit disqualification; [33558]

  (2) in what circumstances a warning letter in respect of actively seeking employment will be issued. [33559]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
  992
  Letter from D. Grover to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Chief Executive, to reply to your questions concerning the issue of warning letters in respect of actively seeking employment.A warning letter in respect of actively seeking employment is not normally issued before a claim is referred for an adjudication decision. A warning letter is issued only when it is clear that a client has genuinely misunderstood what is expected of them and is in need of further advice on the requirement to actively seek employment.I hope this is helpful.

  Career Development Loans
  Mr. Pearson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations she has received on the refusal of banks to consider career development loans applications until six weeks before the start of training or education; and if she will make a statement. [34123]

  Mr. Paice
  The Department has not received any representations concerning any refusal of career development loan lending banks to consider applications until six weeks before the start of training or education. There is no policy to impose any time limit on consideration of loan applications. As CDL literature clearly points out, prospective applicants are advised to apply well in advance of the course start date as it may take two or three weeks before the banks are able to make a decision. Although CDL funds cannot be released more than one month in advance of the course start date, the banks can consider applications at any time. In cases where they consider an application more than one month before the course start date, the banks may ask the applicant to confirm that his details remain the same prior to the release of funds.

  Department of Employment Staff
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many staff employed in the former Department of Employment will as a result of that Department's abolition,(a) be made redundant, (b) take early retirement, (c) be employed on a temporary contract instead of a permanent contract and (d) be employed on a part-time basis instead of a full-time basis; and if she will make a statement. [34660]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The functions carried out by the former Employment Department will continue in the Departments to which they have been transferred. There may be some scope for rationalisation as a result of these changes but it is too soon to say what the effect will be. Our aim will be, if possible, to avoid compulsory redundancies, in the same way as the former Employment Department has achieved a reduction of over 4,000 staff in the last two years without compulsory redundancies.

  Department of Employment Programmes
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment which programmes formerly undertaken by the Department of Employment have been transferred to other Departments; and which have been dropped. [34668]
  993
  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The main responsibilities transferring from the former Employment Department to other Departments are:industrial relations policy and legislation, pay issues, redundancy payments, administration of industrial tribunals and sponsorship of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service to the Department of Trade and Industry;
  health and safety at work, including the Health and Safety Commission and Executive to the Department of the Environment;
  employment statistics and labour market surveys to the Central Statistical Office.

  All other functions of the former Employment Department including employment, training, labour market and equal opportunities will be undertaken by the newly created Department for Education and Employment.

  Access to Work Scheme
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many applications have been made for each element of assistance under the access to work scheme since June 1994; and how many and what proportion of these were successful; [34384]

  (2) what is the average amount paid under the access to work scheme (a) per applicant, (b) per element of assistance and (c) per region; [34385]

  (3) how many and what proportion of applicants refused assistance under the access to work scheme have subsequently appealed against this refusal; and what are the outcomes; [34386]

  (4) what is the average period between an application for assistance under the access to work scheme and the provision of assistance; [34387]

  (5) how many and what proportion of applicants for access to work have been from (a) people in employment, (b) people in self-employment and (c) people signing on as unemployed. [34388]

  Mr. Forth
  Responsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from R. M. Phillips to Mr. Roger Berry, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Chief Executive, to reply to your questions about the Access to Work programme.The Access to Work programme was introduced in June 1994 to provide support to help disabled people overcome work-related obstacles caused by their disability so that they are able to compete for jobs and perform at work on an equal basis with non-disabled people.Provisional figures for the period 6 June 1994 to 31 March 1995 show that the number of items approved under each element is as follows—

  Number

  Special aids and equipment

  10,614

  Adaptations to premises

  111

  Personal reader service

  215

  Assistance with fares to work

  1,418

  Communicator support at interview

  288

  Support worker assistance

  432

  Adaptations to vehicles

  94

  Miscellaneous items of support

  289

  994
  Some disabled people will have received more than one element of assistance in the period. The personal reader support and assistance with fares to work figures do not include those disabled people who received support under transitional arrangements from previous schemes and did not transfer to Access to Work until April 1995.

  Statistics are not held centrally for the number of applications that were turned down in the period. However, we are currently undertaking a review of Access to Work and research to support the review will examine in detail the operation of the programme. A report of the research will be published in the normal way.

  The average cost per item of support and per Region is listed in the following table.

  Average cost per application by item

  £

  Assisted fares to work

  1,845

  Adaptations to premises

  5,897

  Adaptations to vehicles

  1,212

  Communicator support

  169

  Miscellaneous

  403

  Personal reader service

  5,857

  Special aids and equipment

  1,008

  Support workers

  497

  Average cost by region

  Region

  Spend £

  Beneficiaries

  Average cost £

  Northern

  729,133

  433

  1,684

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,470,175

  890

  1,652

  East Midlands

  1,633,242

  978

  1,670

  London and South East

  4,370,219

  2,126

  2,056

  South West

  1,324,317

  874

  1,515

  Wales

  664,951

  517

  1,286

  West Midlands

  1,560,407

  1,061

  1,471

  North West

  1,546,114

  1,275

  1,213

  Scotland

  1,116,383

  835

  1,337

  Total

  14,414,941

  8,989

  1,604

  These figures do not include support for 922 disabled people on transitional arrangements from the Personal Reader Scheme, which were dealt with by Head Office and are not appropriate to the Regional figure.Provisional figures for the year beginning April 1994 show that the average cost of support per application was £1,570 (includes the transitional cases).Placing, Assessment and Counselling Team (PACT) managers are responsible for monitoring the operation of Access to Work and therefore the detail of other information you asked for is not currently held centrally. However, the review and research mentioned earlier will give information in these areas. A report of the research will be published in the normal way.You may be interested to learn that three Employment Service Regions are piloting a formal operating agreement in which specific standards are set. The suggested standards are:

  PACT to complete within 3 weeks of application an action plan for 80% of applicants;

  PACTs to order within 2 weeks of completion of the action plan the agreed goods or services for 80% of all applicants;

  PACTs to follow up all cases where goods or services are not delivered within one month of completion of order;

  PACTs to follow up, by visit or telephone, 95% of applicants within 3 months of the delivery of the goods or services.

  Our intention is to extend this operating agreement to all Regions for the 1996/7 operating year, subject to the experience of the pilots.I hope this is helpful.

  Employment Service
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement about the future of the Employment Service. [34626]

  Mr. Forth
  A prior options review of the Employment Service was completed in March this year. This concluded that the agency has significantly improved its performance since 1990; that it has a very important part to play in the effective operation of the labour market; and that it will perform a crucial role in implementing the jobseeker's allowance, which will be introduced next year. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Colchester, South and Maldon (Mr. Whittingdale) on 29 March 1995,Official Report, columns 641–42, by my right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State for Employment. This set out the Government's response to the review in full and confirmed the agency status of the ES.

  The ES, as part of the Department for Education and Employment, will provide as key element in our policies to improve competitiveness relating to the work force. By bringing together active labour market policy, education and training into one Department, we will build on the achievements in recent years which have helped to reduce unemployment.

  Jobfinder's Grants
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many jobfinder's grants have been awarded since its introduction in April(a) nationally and (b) by region; what is the average level of wage received and hours worked by each recipient of a grant; and what is the lowest level of wage rate per hour. [34808]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Stephen Byers, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about Jobfinder's Grants.Jobfinder's Grant are one off payments, available to assist people who have been unemployed for over two years to return to work. The following table shows the number of Jobfinder's Grants awarded nationally and by Employment Service Region since the programme was introduced on 18 April (22 May in Yorkshire and Humberside Region, where a more flexible variant to the programme is being piloted) up to 7 July, the latest date for which figures are available.

  Jobfinder s grant

  Grants awarded (up to 7 July)

  National total

  1,898

  London and South East

  234

  South West

  175

  Wales

  115

  West Midlands

  295

  North West

  285

  Scotland

  149

  Northern

  163

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  92

  East Midlands and Easter

  390

  996 Information on the average level of wage received and hours worked by recipients is not available. The programme is designed to help very long term unemployed people overcome financial difficulties that could deter them from taking relatively low paid jobs. Checks are made that the gross pay in each case is below the specified upper limit of £150 per week (£250 per week in Yorkshire and Humberside Region).I hope this is helpful.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment to which Department the staff investigating benefit fraud have been allocated following the abolition of the Department of Employment. [35217]

  Mr. Forth
  Investigations of benefit fraud remains a responsibility of the Employment Service, which has transferred to the new Department for Education and Employment. This position is currently under review and an announcement will be made shortly.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Maxwell Pensioners
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if the pensions of the Maxwell pensioners are now secure. [32775]

  Mr. Heald
  The £276 million Maxwell settlement achieved in March has secured the position of the overwhelming majority of Maxwell pensioners. This successful outcome has been made possible by the measures taken by the Government and Sir John Cuckney's exceptional work in arranging the settlement.

  Income Support
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people over retirement age he estimates are currently not taking up income support payments to which they are entitled. [32776]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The latest estimate is that between 480,000 and 860,000 people over 60 who were entitled to income support did not take this up. This estimate is subject to the limitations of the survey data on which it is based.

  The most recent estimates of income-related benefits take-up were published on 20 January 1995 and are for the year 1992.

  Social Security Reforms
  Mr. Rowe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the long-term effect on public spending of the social security reforms he has announced so far. [32777]

  Mr. Lilley
  Long-term savings from reforms announced so far will amount to £14 billion a year.

  Personal Pensions
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will take steps to make personal pensions more attractive for more people. [32778]
  997
  Mr. Heald
  The Pensions Bill, which has just completed its passage through Parliament, fulfils an election pledge to make personal pensions attractive across a broader age range. It makes it worthwhile for most current personal pension holders to maintain a personal pension throughout their working life.

  Order Book Fraud
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures he is taking to reduce order book fraud. [32779]

  Mr. Lilley
  I have recently announced a comprehensive programme of activities, which combine to secure the benefit system through increased accuracy and control and greatly reduced opportunities for abuse. The programme will virtually eliminate all instrument of payment fraud.

  My Department takes order book fraud very seriously. Our investigators are increasingly effective at detecting and stopping fraud in this area. We will continue to bear down on fraud and abuse through increased use of information technology; more secure payment methods; and a robust system of verification for claims and payments.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the total number of people in receipt of housing benefit in(a) council housing, (b) housing association properties and (c) the private rented sector. [32780]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  At the latest count in February 1995, the total number of people in receipt of housing benefit was 2,991,210 in council housing; 587,570 in housing association properties and 1,158, 990 in the private rented sector.

  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Local authority

  Housing association

  Other private

  February 1995

  2,991,210

  587,570

  1,158,990

  Source:

  Housing benefit management information system quarterly 100 per cent. caseload stock count.

  Means-tested Benefits
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he estimates will have to draw means-tested benefits as a result of the introduction of the jobseeker's allowance and incapacity benefit. [32782]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  We estimate that, at any one time, 75,000 claimants of income-based jobseeker's allowance would have been receiving unemployment benefit but not income support. A further 10,000 people would be entitled to council tax benefit because of the jobseeker's allowance changes.

  For incapacity benefit, we estimate that throughout its first year 240,000 people on average will receive both IB and income support; and that IS will be paid
  998
  on average to 35,000 people excluded from IB as a result of the new medical test.

  Disability
  Sir Michael Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about the steps he is taking to reduce discrimination against disabled people. [32783]

  Mr. Burt
  The comprehensive measures in the Disability Discrimination Bill were drawn up following wide-ranging consultation. Throughout the development of the Bill's measures, my predecessor and officials have maintained continuing communication with business and employers' groups as well as with organisations of and for disabled people.

  These widely welcomed measures prove the Government's commitment to end discrimination against disabled people.

  Compensation Recovery Unit
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much had been recovered by the compensation recovery unit in the latest year for which figures are available. [32784]

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about the operation of the compensation recovery unit. [32790]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The compensation recovery unit was set up in 1990 to shift the advantage of recovery to the taxpayer who lost out to the insurer under the old scheme. Just over £110 million was recovered by the unit in 1994–95—over £31 million from April to June 1995.

  State Pension
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent consideration he has given to the method of assessment of the state pension. [32785]

  Mr. Heald
  The state pension is uprated each year in line with prices, this reflects the commitment to increase all major benefits in line with inflation and is fully in line with the Government's commitment to help those in greatest need.

  Claimants' Partners (Working Hours)
  Mr. Tredinnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether partners of unemployed benefit claimants will be able to work for up to 24 hours a week without losing entitlement to benefit. [32786]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Yes. From October 1996, we are increasing the number of hours which partners of income-based jobseeker's allowance claimants will be able to work from 16 to 24 hours a week. The number of hours a claimant's partner works will have no affect on entitlement to contribution-based jobseeker's allowance.

  Benefits Payments (Post Office)
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has in respect of pensioners being able to choose to have their benefits paid through the Post Office. [32787]
  999
  Mr. Lilley
  Pensioners will continue to be able to choose to have their benefits paid directly into their bank or building society accounts by automated credit transfer, or to collect it at the post office.

  Plans to automate the system for paying benefit at post offices are well advanced. For customers, this will mean that order books and giros are replaced with a benefit payment card. Starting next year, this change is likely to be phased in over a period of two to three years. Pensioners and other benefit recipients will be informed of what is happening, and exactly what they will need to do, nearer the time when cards are to be issued to them. People who choose to be paid by automated credit transfer will not be affected by this change and will not need a benefit payment card.

  Pensioner Incomes
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of pensioners had incomes in the top half of the national income distribution in 1979 and in the last year for which figures are available. [32788]

  Mr. Heald
  In 1979, 23 per cent. of pensioners in the United Kingdom were in the top half of the income distribution before housing costs and 25 per cent. after housing costs. By 1992–93 these figures had increased to 30 per cent. and 35 per cent. respectively.

  Child Support Agency
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his policy to reduce delays in processing inquiries by both the public and hon. Members about the Child Support Agency. [32789]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The processing of inquiries from both the public and from hon. Members is a matter of high priority. The agency has channelled additional resources into this area and has made considerable progress in eliminating delays. A number of hon. Members have commented on a noticeable improvement in both the speed and the quality of replies which they receive.

  Occupational Pensions
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the regulation of occupational pensions. [32791]

  Mr. Heald
  The Pensions Bill has completed its passage through Parliament. It will greatly improve the regulation of occupational pensions without imposing undue costs on employers or schemes. It provides a clear framework of statutory obligations on employers, trustees, scheme professionals and others involved with occupational pensions and underlines the fact that it is the trustees who are responsible for running schemes. It establishes a statutory minimum funding requirement to ensure the adequacy of pension fund assets, an occupational pensions regulatory authority with robust and wide-ranging powers, and a compensation scheme to cover the loss of funds dishonestly removed.

  These measures will increase confidence in occupational pension schemes and thus encourage people to build funded pension provision for their retirement.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent modifications he has made to family credit. [32792]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  From today, there will be a £10 increase in family credit for people working 30 hours or more a week. We estimate that 345,000 families will benefit from this increase, which will ensure that those working longer hours see a visible gain from their extra effort. This very substantial premium for full-time workers reflects the importance the Government attach to supporting families in work. Claimants who receive housing benefit and council tax benefit will receive the full value of the increase.

  Claimant Education and Training
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to ensure that the benefits system positively encourages claimants to improve their education and training skills. [32772]

  Mr. Burt
  The benefit rules allow people to improve their education and training skills. For example, people claiming unemployment benefits may study part time, as long as they remain available for and actively seek employment.

  Compensation (Absent Parents)
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy to pay compensation to men who, through mistaken identity or maladministration, receive maintenance inquiry forms or other communications from the Child Support Agency in respect of children of whom they are not the father; and if he will make a statement. [31521]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The Government do not accept that financial compensation should be paid in all cases to those incorrectly identified by the Child Support Agency as an alleged absent parent. However, the Child Support Agency can and does make ex-gratia payments to reimburse individuals who have incurred expenses as a result of having to correct the agency's error of identification. Requests for compensation are considered on their merits.

  Funds
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of the population receives funds from his Department; and what was the percentage in(a) 1970, (b) 1980 and (c) 1990. [32950]

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

  Family Credit
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the latest figures for take-up of the new child care disregards in family credit for(a) all families and (b) one-parent families, (i) in total and (ii) as a percentage of potential claimants. [33475]
  1001
  Mr. Roger Evans
  At 30 June this year, a total of 19,460 families had received higher family credit awards as a result of the help with child care charges. Of these, 18,680 were lone parents and 780 were couples. These figures do not include renewal claims from families who received the help in their previous family credit award.

  No information about take-up among potential claimants is available at this stage. However, it is estimated that, in the long term, 150,000 families will benefit from the new help.

  Source
  Five per cent. sample of family credit awards made between 1 October 1994 and 30 June 1995. These figures do not include claims made by 30 June but decided after that date.

  Regional Benefit Rates
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce regional rates of unemployment and other benefits; and if he will make a statement. [34280]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  We have no such plans.

  Disability Discrimination Bill
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which Secretary of State will appoint members of the National Disability Council under schedule 4 to the Disability Discrimination Bill; [34050]

  (2) which Secretary of State the National Disability Council will advise under clause 34 of the Disability Discrimination Bill; [34047]

  (3) which Secretary of State will make arrangements for advice and assistance under clause 23 of the Disability Discrimination Bill. [34053]

  Mr. Burt
  The Secretary of State for Social Security.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) which Secretary of State will review clause 8 of the Disability Discrimination Bill; [34052]

  (2) which Secretary of State shall issue codes of practice under clause 37 of the Disability Discrimination Bill. [34049]

  Mr. Burt
  The Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which Secretary of State will request codes of practice from the National Disability Council under clause 35 of the Disability Discrimination Bill. [34048]

  Mr. Burt
  The Secretary of State for Social Security, after consultation with other Secretaries of State with an interest in the area to which the request relates.

  Mr. Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which Secretary of State will issue guidance under clause 3 of the Disability Discrimination Bill. [34051]

  Mr. Burt
  The Secretary of State for Social Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.

  Back-to-work Bonus
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to include a back-to-work bonus in his reforms of the unemployment benefits. [32781]

  Mr. Lilley
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (Mr. Evans), on 13 June Official Report, column 494.

  Pensioner Households
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the percentage and number of one adult pensioner households who are mainly dependent on state pensions and benefits. [34824]

  Mr. Heald
  It is estimated that there are 2.5 million one adult pensioner households who are 'mainly dependent on state benefits. This represents 74 per cent. of the total population of one adult pensioner households.

  Source:
  "Family Expenditure Survey", 1990–91 and 1992. Census figures for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, 19911Figures represent those whose income comprises 50 per cent. or more of state benefits.

  Retirement Pension
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was his most recent estimate of the average sum paid to(a) female pensioners and (b) male pensioners over their period of entitlement; and if he will make a statement. [33086]

  Mr. Heald
  I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Income Support
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what provision has been made for a trawl of overlooked cases regarding entitlement to severe disability premium; and if he will make a statement; [33820]

  (2) how many cases where severe disability premium should have been paid from an earlier date have been identified; what is the total figure in backdated income support payments made to these individuals and what is the average payment; what steps have been taken to ensure compensation payments are made to these individuals; and how much has been paid and what is the average amount. [33821]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Peter L. Pike, dated 14 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions about the provisions which have been made for a trawl of overlooked cases regarding entitlement to severe disability premium (SDP), the number of cases where arrears of SDP have been paid and details of compensation in these cases.1003 A scan of the Income Support Computer System was undertaken over the weekend of 19/20 November 1994 and cases with potential entitlement to SDP were identified. Benefits Agency offices are currently examining the selected cases to identify those where an award of the SDP may have been overlooked and to pay arrears if appropriate.At the end of the exercise we will be able to provide an estimate of the number of cases involved and the amount of arrears paid. This will be based on a statistical sample taken from 26 offices within 25 Districts.Appropriate compensation will be considered on a case by case basis.I hope you find this reply helpful.
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have been refused income support after failing the habitual residence test since its introduction in the Euston district office of Glasgow in each month since the test's introduction in August 1994;

  Annex A: Habitual residence test

  Euston

  August 1994

  September 1994

  October 1994

  November 1994

  December 1994

  January 1995

  February 1995

  March 1995

  April 1995

  May 1995

  June 1995

  HRT EEA fail

  133

  217

  279

  197

  85

  129

  122

  102

  46

  49

  58

  HRT UK fail

  19

  54

  52

  53

  21

  33

  36

  15

  14

  36

  34

  HRT other fail

  165

  367

  382

  385

  347

  455

  132

  76

  50

  70

  51

  EEA—European Economic Area. UK—United Kingdom.

  Data are provisional and are subject to amendment.
  1004
  how many appeals have been lodged against the decision in each month since August 1994; and how many appeals have been won in each month. [33295]

  Mr. Evans
  The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 14 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the operation of the habitual residence test (HRT) for Income Support customers of the Benefits Agency (BA) District Office in Euston.I have attached, at Annex A, a table giving details of the number of people from Euston District Office who have failed the HRT for each month from August 1994—June 1995.The BA does not routinely collect information about the number of HRT appeals nor the decisions of the Social Security Appeal Tribunal on these appeals. The information you requested, therefore, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  Overseas Aid
  Overseas Aid
  Organophosphorus Sheep Dips IOH Report
  Organophosphorus Sheep Dips IOH Report
  Means-Tested Benefits: Disentitlement Measures
  Means-Tested Benefits: Disentitlement Measures
  Nurses' Pay Offers
  Nurses' Pay Offers
  Marriage: Interdepartmental Working Group
  Marriage: Interdepartmental Working Group
  Stonehenge
  Stonehenge
  Listed Building Policy
  Listed Building Policy
  The National Lottery
  The National Lottery
  Organophosphorus Sheep Dips: Manufacturers of Protective Clothing
  Organophosphorus Sheep Dips: Manufacturers of Protective Clothing
  Exeter Prison: Suicide of Remand Prisoner
  Exeter Prison: Suicide of Remand Prisoner
  Mr. Barry Gray
  Mr. Barry Gray
  Untried and Convicted Unsentenced Prisoners: Average Periods in Custody
  Untried and Convicted Unsentenced Prisoners: Average Periods in Custody
  Prisoners: Statistics
  Prisoners: Statistics