Written Answers of 18 July 1995

PRIME MINISTER

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Prime Minister what plans he has to visit Dartford. [33187]

  The Prime Minister
  I have at present no plans to do so.

  Cabinet Committees
  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Prime Minister whether he has any plans to change the current membership and terms of reference of Cabinet Committees. [36165]

  The Prime Minister
  I have decided to make a number of changes designed to streamline the current structure and rationalise the arrangement for discussion of policy issues into a smaller number of Committees with wide terms of reference. The full list of Cabinet Committees, including membership and terms of reference, is listed as follows:

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND DOMESTIC POLICY (EDP)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Minister without Portfolio

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Wales

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

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND OVERSEAS POLICY (OPD)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Attorney General

  1006

  The Lord Privy Seal and the Lord President also receive papers and they and other Ministers may be invited to attend as necessary.

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

  Others, including the Governor of Hong Kong and the British Ambassador in Peking may be invited to attend as appropriate.

  Terms of Reference
  "To keep under review the Government's defence and overseas policy."

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON NUCLEAR DEFENCE POLICY (OPDN)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (Chairman)

  First Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Secretary of State for Defence

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON NORTHERN IRELAND (NI)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Attorney General

  The Minister without Portfolio receives papers.

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

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON THE INTELLIGENCE SERVICES (IS)

  Composition

  Prime Minister (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  Secretary of State for Defence

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

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON COMPETITIVENESS (EDC)

  Composition

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State (Chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  1007

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Minister without Portfolio

  Secretary of State for Health

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for Wales

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

  The Chief Scientific Adviser attends for issues relating to science and technology.

  Terms of reference
  "To consider issues affecting the UK's competitiveness, and other industrial, commercial, consumer, competition and regeneration policies; policy on science and technology; the pace of deregulation; and the handling of public sector pay."

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON THE COORDINATION AND PRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICY (EDCP)

  Composition

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State (Chairman)

  Lord President of the Council

  Minister without Portfolio

  Lord Privy Seal

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Other Ministers will be invited to attend when necessary

  Terms of reference
  "To consider the coordination and presentation of Government policy."

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT (EDE)

  Composition

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State (Chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Secretary of State for Health

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Wales

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of reference
  "To consider questions of environmental policy."

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON HOME AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (EDH)

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Lord Chancellor

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  1008

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Minister without Portfolio

  Secretary of State for Health

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

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

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT (EDL)

  Composition

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State (Chairman)

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Secretary of State for National Heritage

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Minister without Portfolio

  Secretary of State for Health

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

  Secretary of State for Wales

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

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE (EDX)

  Composition

  Chancellor of the Exchequer (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Lord Privy Seal

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

  Terms of Reference
  "To consider the allocation of the public expenditure control totals and make recommendations to the Cabinet"
  1009
  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON THE QUEEN'S SPEECHES AND FUTURE LEGISLATION (FLG)

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Lord Chancellor

  Minister without Portfolio

  Lord Privy Seal

  Attorney General

  Lord Advocate

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Financial Secretary, Treasury

  Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms

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

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

  MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION (LG)

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (Chairman)

  Lord Chancellor

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Attorney General

  Lord Advocate

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Financial Secretary, Treasury

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service

  Captain of the Gentlemen-at-Arms

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

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

  MINISTERIAL SUB-COMMITTEE ON HEALTH STRATEGY (EDH(H))

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (Chairman)

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Secretary of State for Social Security

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Secretary of State for Health

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Paymaster General

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State. Department of Health

  1010

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage

  The Chief Medical Officer is in attendance.

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

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

  MINISTERIAL SUB-COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN QUESTIONS (OPD(E))

  Composition

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Chancellor of the Exchequer

  Secretary of State for the Home Department

  President of the Board of Trade

  Lord President of the Council

  Secretary of State for the Environment

  Chief Secretary, Treasury

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Minister without Portfolio

  Lord Privy Seal

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Secretary of State for Wales

  Attorney General

  Parliamentary Secretary, Treasury

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

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

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

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

  MINISTERIAL SUB-COMMITTEE ON TERRORISM (OPD(T))

  Composition

  Secretary of State for the Home Department (Chairman)

  Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State

  Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs

  President of the Board of Trade

  Secretary of State for Northern Ireland

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Secretary of State for Transport

  Secretary of State for Scotland

  Attorney General

  Terms of Reference
  "To keep under review the arrangements for countering terrorism and for dealing with terrorist incidents and their consequences and to report as necessary to the Ministerial Committee on Defence and Overseas Policy."
  1011
  MINISTERIAL SUB-COMMITTEE ON DRUG MISUSE (EDH(D))

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (Chairman)

  Solicitor General

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Paymaster General

  Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence

  Minister of State, Scottish Office

  Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment

  Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office

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

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

  MINISTERIAL SUB-COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S ISSUES (EDH(W))

  Composition

  Lord President of the Council (Chairman)

  Secretary of State for Education and Employment

  Minister of State, Home Office

  Paymaster General

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

  Minister of State, Scottish Office

  Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security

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

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office

  The Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence, and the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, also receive papers and may be invited to attend as necessary.

  The Minister without Portfolio also receives papers.

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

  MINISTERIAL SUB-COMMITTEE ON LONDON (EDL(L))

  Composition

  Secretary of State for the Environment (Chairman)

  Minister without Portfolio

  Minister of State, Home Office

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

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

  1012

  Economic Secretary, Treasury

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education and Employment

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage

  Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service

  Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security

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

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

  Celebration (4 July)
  Mr. Skinner
  To ask the Prime Minister what was the cost to public funds for the celebrations held on the evening of 4 July at No. 10 Downing street. [35018]

  The Prime Minister
  Any additional costs to the public purse were de minimis and, in accordance with long-standing practice, no charge will be levied.

  Sir Peter Levene
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Prime Minister whether there will be any changes in the responsibilities of his efficiency adviser, Sir Peter Levene, following the recent reallocation of certain ministerial responsibilities. [36164]

  The Prime Minister
  Sir Peter Levene will continue to fulfil his responsibilities as efficiency adviser to the Prime Minister. In addition to this role, Sir Peter will also advise the Deputy Prime Minister on his responsibilities for the working of government and the competitiveness agenda.

  French Nuclear Testing
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Prime Minister on what dates he was contacted by President Chirac of France concerning the French proposed resumption of nuclear testing at Mururoa atoll; and if he will make a statement. [35415]

  The Prime Minister
  The details of these discussions with President Chirac are confidential.

  Engagements
  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 18 July. [33337]

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

  Exchange Rate Mechanism
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Prime Minister if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to advise the House and seek its advice before a decision is made to act as though sterling was in a fixed exchange rate arrangement under the EMU arrangements set out in the Maastricht treaty; and if he will make a statement. [35188]
  1013
  The Prime Minister
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry gave him on 18 April,Official Report, column 41.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid (False Declarations)
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many people were(a) investigated and (b) prosecuted for false declarations of means in application for legal aid in the years 1985–86 to 1994–95. [34508]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Legal Aid Board's investigation section was set up in 1988. The information requested for the period prior to this date is not available.

  The number of applicants investigated for false declaration of means in their applications for legal aid is as follows:

  1987–88: Nil

  1988–89: Nil

  1989–90: Nil

  1990–91: 6

  1991–92: 5

  1992–93: 8

  1993–94: 15

  1994–95: 25

  The number of assisted persons prosecuted under section 39 of the Legal Aid Act 1988 over the same period is as follows:

  1987–88: Nil

  1988–89: Nil

  1989–90: Nil

  1990–91: Nil

  1991–92: 2

  1992–93: Nil

  1993–94: 2

  1994–95: 2

  An additional case, which included other offences of obtaining Department of Social Security benefits by deception and evasion of paying poll tax, was prosecuted in 1994–95. The Crown Prosecution Service decided to institute proceedings under the Theft Act 1968 to deal with all the offences.

  Small Claims
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to amend paragraph 4a of order 19, rule 2 of the county court rules, in line with Lord Woolf's recommendation on the scope for district judges to transfer difficult cases of the small claims procedure. [35231]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor considers it would be appropriate to widen the discretion of the district judge to transfer cases out of the small claims jurisdiction when the new "fast track" procedure recommended by Lord Woolf is implemented. To make this amendment prior to the introduction of the "fast 1014
  track" would reduce litigants' certainty as to the level of costs for which they may become liable.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the new measures he intends to introduce in line with Lord Woolf's recommendations to ensure that district judges are properly trained to handle small claims; when these measures will start to take effect; and what account will be taken of increases in the small claims limit in determining the date of commencement. [35232]

  Mr. Taylor
  The Judicial Studies Board is responsible for the training of district judges. It is currently considering the need for training in handling small claims.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35301]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

TRANSPORT

  A303 (Stonehenge)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made on setting up a round table conference to consider improvements to the A303 at Stonehenge. [36209]

  Mr. Watts
  We are currently approaching suitable candidates for the chairmanship for the conference and I will make an announcement shortly. An exhibition showing all the routes which have been identified as possible solutions, including those shown at the earlier public consultation, will be held in Amesbury in late September. The chairman, when appointed, will make the detailed arrangements for the conference.

  National Rail Timetable Information
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it an essential requirement for a successful franchise bid for a rail service that the operating company participates in a national timetable information system for passengers. [34857]

  Mr. Watts
  Yes. Operators will be required to participate in a national telephone inquiry service to ensure that there is clear and accurate information about train services available nationwide. In addition, all operators will be required to make available at each station clear and up-to-date information about all rail services that use the station and all stations that they serve.

  M3 (Bar End-Compton)
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the most recent estimate he has made of the number of vehicles using the M3, Bar End-Compton section. [35228]
  1015
  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. John Denham, dated 11 July 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of vehicles using the M3, Bar End-Compton section.
  In the week beginning 3 July 1995, about 684,000 vehicles used the section of M3 between junctions 10 and 11 (an average of about 97,700 vehicles per day).

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35306]

  Mr. Norris
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Public Service Vehicles
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the total number of journeys made each year by public service vehicles. [35350]

  Mr. Norris
  The total number of passenger journeys made each year on public service vehicles, up to 1993–94, is listed in tables 10.5 and 11.1, in the HMSO transport statistics report "Bus and Coach Statistics Great Britain: 1993–94". These figures are collected in annual surveys of public service vehicles.

  Passenger journey data on non-local services—tours, excursions, express services and private hire, shown in table 10.5—were not collected after 1990–91 as they were considered less reliable than those for local bus and coach services.

  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many roadside examinations of public service vehicles took place in the most recent year; and how many were found to have safety defects. [35349]

  Mr. Norris
  This is an operational matter for the Vehicle Inspectorate Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ron Oliver to Mr. John Denham dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question on the number of roadside examinations on public service vehicles.In 1994/95 29,831 public service vehicles were inspected at roadworthiness spot checks (including special checks on smoke emissions). Of these 3,315 were found to have defects which warranted the issue of a prohibition notice.

  Vehicle Emissions
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals the Government have to limit vehicle emission. [35382]

  Mr. Norris
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston (Mr. Miller) on 17 July.
  1016
  Mr. Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether his Department attaches a higher priority to action against the worst offenders of vehicular emissions; what variation in emissions he has identified according to vehicle type and vehicle age; and what estimates have been made as to the contribution of older cars to the overall emissions. [35383]

  Mr. Norris
  The Government attach high priority to ensuring compliance with emissions standards for vehicles in service. Emissions are checked both at annual test and at roadside checks. Recent emissions blitz campaigns are evidence of our commitment. Particular attention is given to the worst offenders, who face automatic prosecution. Vehicles of different ages are subject to different legal standards as shown in the table:

  Petrol engined cars, light goods vehicles and other vehicles in the main MOT testing scheme:

  Application

  Carbon monoxide Per cent.

  Hydrocarbons Parts per million

  First used on or after 1 January 1983

  4.5

  1,200

  First used on or after 1 August 1975 and before 1 January 1983

  6

  1,200

  For diesel-engined vehicles:

  Application

  Smoke opacity in non-turbo engine

  Smoke opacity in turbo-engine

  First used on or after 1 January 1979 (except taxis)

  3.2m-1

  3.7m-1

  Taxis since 18 April 1995

  ditto

  ditto

  No precise estimates have been made of the contribution of older vehicles to overall emissions, but it should be noted that well-maintained older vehicles will be no more polluting than a similarly maintained three-year-old engine and, typically, have a lower annual mileage than new vehicles.

  Automatic Train Protection Systems
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list all system-wide automatic train protection systems currently under examination by his Department with the name of their manufacturer and the projected cost of installing these systems across the rail network. [35277]

  Mr. Watts
  My right hon. Friend expects to receive shortly a progress report from the Health and Safety Commission on the British Rail and Railtrack strategy for tackling ATP-preventable accidents. The strategy will identify the devices or systems which could eventually be used more widely on the rail network, either singly or in combination, subject to the outcome of trials or assessments.

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures have been taken by his Department to ensure that contracts awarded by his Department represent value for money. [35059]
  1017
  Mr. Norris
  In purchasing goods and services, key measures applied are careful specification of requirements, securing appropriate competition and prices offered, including any maintenance costs.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what regulations exist regarding the awarding of contracts by his Department to firms that are not limited companies. [35061]

  Mr. Norris
  No regulations exist. Contracts are awarded taking into account the financial stability of a supplier and his ability to undertake the work required.

  Double-decker Buses
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what effect the extension of the whole vehicle type approval framework directive 70/156/EEC as amended by directive 92/53/EEC will have on double-decker buses. [34848]

  Mr. Norris
  None.

  Prestwick Airport
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has for the restoration of controlled airspace around Prestwick airport. [34350]

  Mr. Norris
  The Civil Aviation Authority, CAA, has responsibility for airspace planning in the United Kingdom. It has no plans to review the requirement for controlled airspace around Prestwick airport at current traffic levels.

  Channel Tunnel Rail Link
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the costs of

  Name of agency

  Type of agency when established

  Investment by BREL

  Other funding sources

  How many former BREL employees found employment

  How many other jobs created

  Swindon development agency 1989 merged with Swindon Ent.g Trust became Great Western Enterprise

  Enterprise Agency May 1986

  £1.25 million

  £120,000 from local business and 2 seconded Railway Managers

  Numbers not available, but 6 ex-BREL staff still on payroll

  To date over 3,000 business assisted job numbers not available

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will give details of the funding and activities of agencies similar to the Swindon development agency

  Name of agency

  Type of agency when established

  Investment by BREL

  Other funding sources

  How many former BREL employees found employment

  How many other jobs created

  Bolton Bus Ventures for Horwich Works

  Enterprise agency November 1984

  £500,000

  £50,000 revenue funding p.a. for 3 years plus £50,000 from Bolton Metropolitan B Council

  At least 173

  823 jobs to October 1987 3,000 businesses assisted to date. Job numbers not available

  Crewe Dev Agency

  Development agency April 1988

  £1.25 million

  £50,000 revenue funding p.a. for 3 years plus £50,000 from Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council p.a. for 3 years

  Numbers not to hand

  800 jobs to date

  1018
  constructing an international and domestic station on the channel tunnel rail link at Stratford after the line has become operational. [34538]

  Mr. Norris
  None.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage share he intends to take from the development gain arising from the disposal of the King's Cross railway lands in connection with the channel tunnel rail link. [34278]

  Mr. Watts
  The Secretary of State intends to take a share in development gain from or benefits accruing on disposal of the King's Cross railway lands.

  Swindon Development Agency
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library copies of all papers which were presented to the British Railways Board and/or the BREL board about the case for establishing the Swindon development agency at the time of closure of the Swindon BREL works, together with the minutes of all the decisions about this matter taken by the British Rail Board and the BREL board. [34660]

  Mr. Watts
  These are internal management documents of the British Railways Board and are not for disclosure.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when British Rail established the Swindon development agency; how much money has been invested in the agency(a) by BR and (b) from other public sources; how many former BR and BREL employees have been found alternative employment by the agency; and how many jobs for other people in the Swindon area the agency has created. [34453]

  Mr. Watts
  The information requested is as follows:

  established by the British Rail Board of BREL in other towns or the cities affected by railway job losses. [34461]

  Mr. Watts
  Details are given in the following table:
  1019

  Name of agency

  Type of agency when established

  Investment by BREL

  Other funding sources

  How many former BREL employees found employment

  How many other jobs created

  Doncaster Bus Advice Centre now Business Link Doncaster

  Enterprise agency March 1987

  £1.65 million

  1 Seconded Railway Manager

  Survey reveals most pre-retirement former staff gained employment

  1,000 jobs to date

  Glasgow Street Rollox (STRIDE)

  Development agency 1988

  £1.1 million

  3 seconded Railway Managers

  -

  -

  Derby and Derbyshire Business Venture

  Enterprise agency April 1988

  £1 million

  £50,000 revenue funding p.a. for 3 years plus 2 seconded Railway Staff

  30 businesses Jobs Numbers not available

  420 jobs to date

  Shildon and Seddgefield Dev Agency (SASDDA)

  Development agency August 1984

  £2 million

  £50,000 revenue funding p.a. for 3 years from Sedgefield DC plus £25,000 p.a. for 3 years from Shildon Town Council

  Not specifically identified

  400 projects 3,500 new jobs

  York Innovation Ltd.

  Innovation agency 1988

  £300,000

  Nil

  Other details unavailable at unavailable at short notice possible 25

  —

  Wolverton Employ Project (previously Milton Keynes Manpower Forum)

  Employ Project November 1986

  153,000

  Nil

  214

  1,250

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [34677]

  Mr. Hanley
  From 1 May 1995, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, diplomatic wing, began publishing a range of regularly updated information material on the world wide web, including speeches and statements, press releases, consular and travel advice and a selection of other material on international issues. The service can be accessed under the address http://www.fco.gov.uk.

  The Overseas Development Administration makes available material on development issues through the "one World Online" web site at the address http://www/oneworld.org/oda/. It is also actively considering ways of publishing more general information through either the Government world wide web server www.open.gov.uk or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office server detailed above."

  Mr. Harry Wu
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of the Chinese People's Republic on the arrest of Mr. Harry Wu; and if he will make a statement. [34839]

  Mr. Hanley
  Mr. Harry Wu is a United States citizen, and the US Government are in contact with the Chinese authorities about his arrest. We share American 1020
  concern about this case and hope that Mr. Wu will soon be released.

  We are in discussion with European Union partners and the United States about the next steps.

  Exports
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much of his Department's annual budget is spent on the promotion of British exports; and if he will make a statement. [34936]

  Mr. Hanley
  I refer the hon. Member to pages 32–37 of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's 1995 departmental report, Cm 2802, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The cost of commercial activity is given in table 11 therein.

  Pitcairn Island
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which British mission is responsible for the protection of the dependent territory of Pitcairn island. [35167]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The British high commissioner in Wellington is Governor of Pitcairn.

  United Nations Special Commission
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what resources are currently committed to the United Nations special commission on Iraq; and what plans he has to increase United Kingdom payments to UNSCOM. [35162]

  Mr. David Davis
  The UK makes a significant contribution to the work of the special commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Iraq by putting at their disposal a wide range of expertise and equipment. At the moment, four British nationals are in Iraq on UNSCOM inspections, a further seven are seconded to the Baghdad monitoring centre for periods of up to six months, and four are seconded to UNSCOM in
  1021
  New York. In the financial year 1994–95 the total cost of UK support for UNSCOM was £1.1 million.

  There are no plans to change the level of our support.

  Weapons Tests
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 394, if he will commission an evaluation of the report prepared by Stephen Hughes MEP and C. L. Beaver for the European Parliament's environment committee on the environmental and health effects of French nuclear testing at Mururoa and Fangataufa in French Polynesia, to assess its relevance to British dependent territories in the region. [35166]

  Mr. David Davis
  We are naturally concerned to ensure the environmental protection of British dependent territories, but note the assurance given by President Chirac that the proposed programme of nuclear tests will cause no damage to the environment.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will assess the relevance to British policy of the written reply, number 1519/95 EN by the EU Environment Commissioner on 28 June to Nuala Ahern MEP, on the notifications made by France to the European Commission on nuclear testing under Article 34 of the EURATOM Treaty. [35168]

  Mr. Davis
  We have no current plans to carry out any further nuclear tests. The Commission's reply, to which the hon. Gentleman refers, therefore has no consequences for British policy.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received regarding the welfare of British nationals on board the Greenpeace ship "Rainbow Warrior II" near the Mururoa atoll in the Pacific ocean. [35154]

  Mr. Hanley
  None.

  We have reminded the French authorities of their obligations towards us in respect of any British nationals they detain.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what treaty restrictions exist on the ability of Her Majesty's Government to share with another nuclear weapons power data on nuclear weapons simulations obtained by use of the Nevada test site either independently or in collaboration with the United States Government. [35153]

  Mr. Davis
  In the event that such information were obtained from US sources, article VII of the 1958 UK/US mutual defence agreement states that it could not be communicated to third parties without the approval of the US Government.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Governments have made representations to him concerning the proposed French nuclear testing at Mururoa atoll; and if he will make a statement. [35416]
  1022
  Mr. Davis
  We have discussed this question with a number of Governments, particularly those in the south Pacific. We have made clear our own views on several occasions.

  East Timor
  Mr. Andrew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 264, for what reasons his answer excluded the issue of discussion about the export of British arms to Indonesia. [34855]

  Mr. Hanley
  We do not wish to prejudice our contacts with Timorese representatives by revealing the precise nature of our discussions.

  Antarctic Secretariat
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects agreement to be reached on the future siting of the Antarctic secretariat. [35432]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The siting of the Antarctic treaty secretariat was discussed at the XIXth Antarctic treaty consultative meeting in Seoul in May. Treaty parties noted that there was still no progress on reaching a consensus on this issue. The next consultative meeting will take place in the Netherlands in April 1996, when it is expected that the matter will be taken forward.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35315]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Western Sahara
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects that the referendum on the future of the western Sahara will be held; and if he will make a statement. [35433]

  Mr. Hanley
  We hope that the referendum will be held early next year. We welcome Polisario's decision to resume its participation in the voter identification process. We call on both parties to the dispute to co-operate fully with the United Nations Secretary-General in the implementation of the UN's settlement plan for the territory, and to refrain from any further actions which may hinder implementation of the plan.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 12 July,Official Report, column 590, if he will indicate the nature of the diplomatic wing's consultancy service and those involved in the aid programme. [35488]

  Mr. Hanley
  Consultancies carried out in both the diplomatic and aid wings in 1994–95 would involve some or all of the elements of consultancy contained in the Cabinet Office definition.
  1023

  Westminster Foundation for Democracy
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the annual report of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy will be available. [36081]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  Copies of the foundation's annual report for 1994–95 will be placed in the Libraries of the House during the week beginning 17 July.

  The foundation received £2.2 million from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office for its activities in 1994–95. With this grant, it has supported 244 projects, compared with 236 projects last year. This has included a significant contribution to a wide range of media organisations in the former Soviet Union, a comprehensive programme of political party training with a range of parties throughout central and eastern Europe undertaken by UK political parties, and provided on-going support to the post-electoral structures in the new South Africa.

  The foundation continues to make a valuable contribution to the promotion of democracy worldwide.

  Foreign Affairs Council (Geneva)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will report on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council held in Geneva on 30 June. [36166]

  Mr. David Davis
  A Foreign Affairs Council was called at short notice in Geneva on 30 June to consider how the Community should respond to developments in the final stages of negotiations in the World Trade Organisation on the liberalisation of financial services. My hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Technology represented the United Kingdom.

  The Council noted with regret that the WTO was unable to conclude an agreement containing a high degree of commitments to multilateral and non-discriminatory liberalisation on trade in financial services and expressed concern about the position taken by the US Government in the final stages of the negotiations. The Council agreed that European Union negotiators should support the extension of the deadline for completion of the negotiations on both financial services and the movement of persons until 28 July 1995.

  The Council agreed that the Community and its member states should work during this extra period to achieve maximum liberalisation on a multilateral and non-discriminatory basis, thus preserving the benefits of the great efforts made in earlier rounds of the negotiations, and called on other parties to work for the same objective.

  The Council discussed how best to achieve this objective and agreed to return to the matter at its meeting in Brussels on 17 July 1995.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Nicaragua
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list projects funded in Nicaragua in 1994–95 through aid for 1024
  (a) technical co-operation, (b) programme aid and (c) the Commonwealth Development Corporation. [33265]

  Mr. Hanley
  The list of bilateral projects in Nicaragua funded in 1994–95 is as follows:

  (a) technical co-operation—

  English language teaching project

  (b) programme aid—

  nil (disbursements under the £600,000 programme aid grant signed in 1991 were completed in 1993–94).

  (c) Commonwealth Development Corporation—

  (i) Establishment of an export warehousing operation.

  (ii) Establishment of a shrimp farm.

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in what respect and to what extent the police management training project in Indonesia benefits the poorest people in that country.

  Mr. Hanley
  A more efficient and better managed police service should benefit the population of Indonesia as a whole.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria applied to the provision of aid to police forces at the time his Department approved the police management training project in Indonesia. [34711]

  Mr. Hanley
  Support designed to enhance the competence and effectiveness of a national police service can play a valuable part in the general improvement of public services on which economic and social development substantially depend. The police management training project in Indonesia was approved on this basis.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 June,Official Report, column 803, if he will place in the Library a copy of the project completion report on the radio studios rehabilitation project in Indonesia.

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: As made clear in ODA's code of practice for open government, release of project completion reports requires the consent of the recipient Government. We are contacting the Indonesian Government accordingly.

  Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the policy of the Overseas Development Administration on involving recipient countries in the selection process during competitive tendering in respect of projects which it funds. [34840]

  Mr. Hanley
  Where the ODA provides financial aid, the recipient country is responsible for the tendering process, and—unlike the ODA—is a party to the contract. Under technical co-operation, where contracts are let by the ODA, the recipients' needs are fully considered in drawing up project terms of reference and in the criteria for selection. In the latter case, the views of the recipient may be sought about the relative merits of tenders
  1025
  submitted, but the ODA is responsible for ensuring the proposed contract award is determined by best procurement practice.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Car Allowance
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how much money would have been saved in the past year if the maximum rate that could be claimed by hon. Members for car travel was set at (i) the current middle rate, (ii) the current lowest rate and (iii) the same rate as is the maximum payable to councillors. [34778]

  Mr. Newton
  Detailed figures are not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Pornography
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what are the divisions of responsibility for enforcing the law on pornography within the Metropolitan police force following the review of the Obscene Publications Branch-SO1(4); [35370]

  (2) how many police officers within the Metropolitan police force are currently working on (a) child pornography, (b) adult pornography and (c) computer pornography of any type; and what were the figures in 1993. [35371]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from the Commissioner of the Police of the Metropolis that responsibility for enforcing the law on all aspects of pornography is shared by the clubs and vice unit on the Metropolitan police No. 1 area and the paedophile unit at New Scotland Yard.

  The following are the numbers of police officers assigned to these units in 1993 and currently.

  Rank

  Current staffing levels

  1993 staffing levels

  Superintendent

  1

  1

  Chief Inspector

  2

  nil

  Inspector

  2

  2

  Sergeant

  11

  9

  Constable

  20

  16

  "Why Civil Liberties"
  Dame Jill Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what direct or indirect Government funding has been provided to the Civil Liberties Trust for the making and distribution of the video pack for schools entitled "Why Civil Liberties". [35195]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  In 1992–93, the latest year for which information has currently been collated, no direct grants were made to the Civil Liberties Trust by a central Government Department. Information for 1993–94 is currently being collated. Records of individual grants made indirectly, for example by non-departmental public bodies, are not kept centrally by this Department.
  1026

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35317]

  Mr. Howard
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  CS Gas
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what tests and studies have been carried out since 1965 by police departments on CS gas or CS gas foam; what was the purpose of these tests; where the tests were carried out and by whom; what was the nature of these tests; when the tests were carried out; what is the Home Office's policy on the use of CS gas or CS gas foam; and what assistance the police received from the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, during these tests. [35575]

  Mr. Maclean
  Individual police forces have not, so far as I am aware, carried out their own scientific research into CS. They do, however, have access to the results of research and to expert advice. The report of the Home Office inquiry into the medical toxicological aspects of CS, published in two parts in 1969 and 1971—Command Papers 4173 and 4775 respectively—included a thorough review of the substantial research which had been carried out into CS at that time. This has subsequently been complemented by further research which has been reported upon in the published literature. This is kept under expert review by the Home Office police scientific development branch, which in turn provides chief officers of police with advice on the operational suitability of particular products.

  The police scientific development branch has, in consultation with the Department of Health and the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, recently reviewed the latest available information in relation to proposals for the carriage of CS by police officers for self-defence. The police have for some years had access to CS for use against armed besieged criminals or as a last resort in public disorder.

  It is for chief officers of police to choose which CS devices to deploy, or the medium in which the irritant is dispensed, in any given circumstances. It is planned to use hand-held canisters which spray CS in a liquid solution for police self-defence trials.

  Police Complaints Authority
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new appointments have been made to the Police Complaints Authority. [35817]

  Mr. Maclean
  Mrs. Caroline Mitchell and Mr. James Elliott have accepted my invitation to serve as members of the Police Complaints Authority. Mrs. Mitchell was previously senior assistant to the ombudsman at the Insurance Ombudsman Bureau and Mr. Elliott is at present divisional director of housing for the London borough of Brent. Mrs. Mitchell and Mr. Elliott will serve for three years from 22 May 1995 and 7 August 1995 respectively.
  1027

  Forensic Science Service
  Mr. Stephen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will lay before Parliament the annual report for the Forensic Science Service. [35818]

  Mr. Howard
  I have today laid before Parliament copies of the Forensic Science Service's annual report and accounts for 1994–95.

  Immigration
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the outcome of the study of inter-agency co-operation on the enforcement of the immigration laws which he set up in October 1993.[35869]

  Mr. Howard
  The efficiency scrutiny which I announced in October 1993 was intended to examine ways in which the Government as a whole could work more effectively to strengthen immigration control and to prevent those temporarily or illegally in this country from receiving state benefits to which they should not be entitled. The scrutiny demonstrated that, in many cases, either the rules governing eligibility for benefit or the procedures for granting it were insufficiently rigorous to prevent abuse. It also showed that too often illegal immigrants were able to escape detection because procedures for identifying them were unclear.

  The Government do not believe that this is acceptable. It is wrong that people who are admitted to this country on the basis that they can provide for themselves or who are here illegally should receive benefits paid for by the taxes of lawful residents. The fact that this has been possible has provided a significant incentive for abuse of our immigration laws. Our objective is to end this abuse.

  The recommendations made by the scrutiny have been carefully considered. The Government have agreed proposals affecting the work of several Departments and agencies in respect of persons from abroad—a term used to mean a person who is not a national of a member state of the European Economic Area and who is not settled in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the immigration laws. The proposals, which fall into three interlinked groups, are designed:
  to ensure that people who are here unlawfully or as visitors do not receive benefits to which they are not entitled, including social security, social housing, free NHS treatment and student awards;
  to ensure that staff responsible for providing benefits and services are given the necessary guidance and training to identify claimants who are ineligible because of their immigration status;
  to strengthen the arrangement for staff responsible for providing benefits and services to pass information about immigration offenders to the immigration authorities.

  These proposals will be put into effect in the following ways. First, in seeking to align eligibility for benefits and services with immigration status and to ensure that procedures to check eligibility are effective:
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security has already tightened up his Department's procedures to ensure that ineligible persons from abroad are excluded from income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit. My right hon. Friend is now examining the position in relation to other non-contributory benefits and hopes to make an announcement in due course;
  1028
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment will consider the need for further steps to ensure that persons from abroad here temporarily or in breach of the immigration laws do not gain access to student awards or loans;
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has already published proposals for fairer access to social housing, under which persons from abroad temporarily in this country will not be able to obtain assistance under the homelessness legislation. My hon. Friend the Minster for Local Government Housing and Urban Regeneration has today announced in a written answer that under the proposals such people will not be entitled to social housing tenancies allocated by local housing authorities;
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health has asked national health service staff to work closely with my Department to find better ways of controlling access to free medical treatment by persons from abroad who are not entitled to receive it;

  Secondly, in improving procedures to enable the providers of benefits and services to identify ineligible persons from abroad:
  clearer instructions and appropriate training will be given, with the assistance of the Immigration and Nationality Department, to social security and Employment Service staff;
  guidance will be given to local authorities, and training will be made available to local authority staff in identifying immigration offenders after consultation with local authority associations, on the identification of immigration offenders;
  further guidance is being considered in respect of student awards and also for institutions of further and higher education;
  we shall introduce a mre effective system of notification of relevant changes in immigration status to ensure that those who should not have access to social security benefits do not receive them;
  my Department is consulting the Department for Education and 'Employment on whether it would be feasible to issue guidance for schools admission authorities.

  Thirdly, in developing arrangements for more exchanges of information between officials in central and local government and the Immigration and Nationality Department of the Home Office, we shall be taking advantage of the opportunities which naturally arise in the daily contacts between officials and persons from abroad. So long as they are not prevented by their statutory obligations or by the sensitivities of their operational objectives, officials in central Government will pass to the immigration authorities information about suspected illegal entrants and overstayers with whom they come into contact in the course of their normal duties. In its turn the Immigration and Nationality Department will be able to give details of an applicant's status under the immigration laws when that is relevant to his eligibility for a state benefit or service. In order to make quite sure that they are operating strictly within the provisions of the data protection laws, all departments and agencies concerned will fully consult the Data Protection Registrar before implementing these arrangements.

  Because I attach great importance to the maintenance of good race relations in this country, my Department will consult the Commission for Racial Equality on a set of objective criteria which may be used by Departments and

  1029
  agencies if it becomes necessary to seek clarification of an applicant's status under the immigration rules.

  Criminal Records
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration has been given in the White Paper he proposes to introduce that will establish a privatised criminal justice record system, Phoenix, to the rights of affected individuals to have equal access to the same information. [35367]

  Mr. Maclean
  Our proposals on new arrangements for access to criminal records in the employment context will be published later this year.

  Phoenix, the criminal justice record service, is already operational. It will not be privatised.

  Street Robberies
  Mr. Stephens
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average sentence(a) passed and (b) served in custody, for street robberies in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [35270]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The information requested is not available. Street robberies are not distinguished separately from other robberies in the information collected centrally on the prison population and court proceedings.

  Table A: Male Home Population by age group 1983–1993

  England and Wales

  Thousands

  Age

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  10–13

  1,491.0

  1,426.5

  1,348.4

  1,282.1

  1,224.6

  1,195.7

  1,203.7

  1,236.7

  1,281.9

  1,311.2

  1,316.1

  14–16

  1,220.0

  1,190.0

  1,182.1

  1,153.1

  1,114.0

  1,045.1

  988.7

  942.6

  916.2

  894

  912.4

  17–20

  1,723.9

  1,708.5

  1,678.0

  1,643.1

  1,611.2

  1,587.7

  1,555.5

  1,508.0

  1,454.8

  1,377.7

  1,307.1

  Total aged 10 and over

  21,074.3

  21,140.2

  21,194.6

  21,218.1

  21,248.5

  21,268.6

  21,325.8

  21,397.3

  21,577.5

  21,653.1

  21,736.6

  Source:

  Office of Population Censuses and Surveys

  Table B: Number of males cautioned for certain offences by age group 1983–1993

  England and Wales

  Offence description/Age

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  10–13

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  1,173

  1,048

  1,151

  937

  1,004

  1,042

  1,191

  1,158

  1,490

  1,690

  1,803

  Robbery

  91

  97

  80

  71

  103

  78

  143

  219

  211

  266

  247

  Burglary2

  5,466

  5,841

  5,719

  4,641

  4,232

  4,026

  4,108

  4,411

  3,858

  3,906

  3,438

  Total indictable offences

  32,041

  33,179

  34,440

  26,298

  26,014

  22,851

  20,326

  22,468

  20,958

  22,451

  19,924

  SUMMARY NON-MOTORING OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  3,752

  3,898

  4,165

  3,425

  2,837

  2,747

  3,050

  3,188

  3,220

  3,464

  3,739

  Total summary non-motoring

  6,274

  6,174

  6,088

  4,883

  4,099

  3,989

  5,295

  5,525

  5,194

  5,584

  5,730

  Total all offences

  38,315

  39,353

  40,528

  31,181

  30,113

  26,840

  25,621

  27,933

  26,152

  28,035

  25,654

  14–16

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  2,601

  2,957

  3,301

  3,103

  3,500

  3,690

  4,054

  4,449

  4,506

  4,940

  4,886

  Robbery

  56

  76

  89

  92

  108

  136

  145

  261

  231

  231

  267

  Burglary2

  5,337

  6,283

  7,031

  6,352

  6,842

  6,136

  5,829

  7,006

  6,259

  6,183

  5,093

  Total indictable offences

  37,541

  42,112

  47,956

  43,595

  47,997

  43,033

  37,485

  44,230

  41,011

  42,076

  36,375

  SUMMARY NON-MOTORING OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  4,067

  4,667

  5,402

  5,508

  4,898

  4,991

  4,846

  5,307

  4,781

  4,901

  5,077

  Total summary non-motoring

  12,384

  12,526

  13,893

  13,178

  12,588

  12,455

  16,008

  17,157

  14,702

  14,356

  13,111

  Total all offences

  49,925

  54,638

  61,849

  56,773

  60,585

  55,488

  53,493

  61,387

  55,713

  56,432

  49,486

  1030

  Relocation of Prisoners (Northern Ireland)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration is being given to the relocation of prisoners from Great Britain to Northern Ireland prisons; and if he will make a statement. [35595]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Criminal Justice Act 1961 provides for prisoners convicted in one United Kingdom jurisdiction to request permanent or temporary transfer to another United Kingdom jurisdiction.

  Requests for transfer continue to be considered on their individual merits under criteria announced to the House on 23 November 1992.

  Prosecution and Cautioning Data
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many males aged(a) 10 to 13, (b) 14 to 16 and (c) 17 to 20 years were estimated to be in the population for England and Wales; and how many were charged with and cautioned for (i) violent offences against the person, (ii) robbery, (iii) burglary, (iv) summary offences of criminal damage and malicious damage and (v) all other offences for each year since 1983. [34464]

  Mr. Maclean
  As detailed information on the number of persons charged is not collected centrally, prosecution data as well as cautioning figures are given in the tables.

  Data for 1994 will not be available until the autumn of 1995.
  1031

  Table B: Number of males cautioned for certain offences by age group 1983–1993

  England and Wales

  Offence description/Age

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  17–20

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  459

  693

  775

  1,021

  1,353

  1,454

  1,608

  1,994

  2,389

  3,133

  3,234

  Robbery

  5

  4

  8

  9

  6

  9

  8

  25

  24

  37

  63

  Burglary2

  253

  348

  388

  589

  728

  792

  797

  1,171

  1,334

  1,847

  2,002

  Total indictable offences

  4,409

  5,711

  7,475

  10,464

  14,275

  15,026

  16,671

  22,944

  27,960

  35,392

  36,720

  SUMMARY NON-MOTORING OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  623

  815

  983

  1,584

  1,949

  1,966

  2,227

  2,776

  3,244

  3,933

  4,204

  Total summary non-motoring

  4,574

  7,036

  8,288

  10,069

  12,083

  12,410

  12,880

  13,395

  13,482

  15,823

  16,443

  Total all offences

  8,983

  12,747

  15,763

  20,533

  26,358

  27,436

  29,551

  36,339

  41,442

  51,215

  53,163

  All Ages

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  5,521

  6,147

  7,064

  7,429

  8,965

  9,732

  11,099

  12,559

  14,551

  17,503

  18,130

  Robbery

  155

  184

  178

  181

  218

  229

  303

  515

  482

  559

  599

  Burglary2

  11,213

  12,665

  13,386

  11,912

  12,155

  11,353

  11,124

  13,085

  12,182

  13,114

  11,695

  Total indictable offences

  82,658

  91,648

  104,246

  98,677

  111,474

  107,007

  102,774

  124,218

  131,368

  155,037

  153,634

  SUMMARY NON-MOTORING OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  8,964

  10,147

  11,498

  11,919

  11,780

  12,082

  12,746

  14,353

  15,171

  18,009

  19,423

  Total summary non-motoring

  38,161

  54,644

  62,046

  64,328

  73,777

  80,630

  86,875

  88,196

  85,305

  90,020

  86,254

  Total all offences

  120,819

  146,292

  166,292

  163,005

  185,251

  187,637

  189,649

  212,414

  216,673

  245,057

  239,888

  1 A number of indictable offences were reclassified as summary on October 1988 following the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

  2 Offenders cautioned for "going equipped for stealing etc" were counted against 'burglary offences' until 1986 and against 'others' from 1987.

  Table C: Number of males prosecuted for certain offences by age group 1983–1993

  England and Wales

  Offence description/Age

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  10–13

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  619

  553

  472

  331

  281

  317

  303

  313

  338

  349

  451

  Robbery

  200

  196

  160

  159

  140

  154

  185

  247

  239

  308

  307

  Burglary2

  4,119

  3,995

  3,400

  2,229

  1,702

  1,379

  1,229

  1,077

  1,068

  1,024

  996

  Total indictable offences

  12,636

  12,025

  10,137

  7,058

  5,301

  4,733

  3,886

  3,738

  3,601

  3,828

  3,879

  SUMMARY OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  1,460

  1,132

  1,052

  710

  484

  420

  376

  377

  340

  395

  428

  Total summary non-motoring

  2,375

  1,922

  1,604

  1,084

  759

  766

  1,095

  1,129

  1,081

  1,083

  1,042

  Summary motoring offences

  158

  152

  150

  176

  100

  92

  107

  211

  200

  161

  146

  Total all offences

  15,169

  14,099

  11,891

  8,318

  6,160

  5,591

  5,088

  5,078

  4,882

  5,072

  5,067

  14–16

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  6,227

  5,666

  5,420

  4,544

  4,693

  4,799

  4,436

  3,973

  3,716

  3,856

  3,858

  Robbery

  860

  995

  1,003

  969

  1,073

  1,103

  1,312

  1,278

  1,311

  1,404

  1,610

  Burglary2

  18,366

  18,149

  16,245

  12,342

  11,370

  9,746

  8,241

  7,980

  7,564

  7,429

  7,214

  Total indictable offences

  61,026

  59,275

  54,697

  44,909

  43,413

  28,859

  29,445

  28,552

  27,531

  27,324

  27,924

  SUMMARY OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  5,231

  4,640

  4,573

  3,852

  3,354

  2,880

  2,686

  2,380

  2,062

  1,966

  1,967

  Total summary non-motoring

  15,833

  13,965

  11,968

  9,540

  8,541

  8,348

  12,358

  11,210

  10,209

  9,376

  8,551

  Summary motoring offences

  10,348

  8,649

  7,447

  5,820

  4,518

  3,872

  4,163

  4,163

  3,285

  2,472

  3,018

  Total all offences

  87,207

  81,889

  74,112

  60,269

  56,472

  51,079

  45,966

  43,925

  41,025

  39,172

  39,493

  17–20

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  18,758

  17,745

  18,042

  16,438

  18,493

  19,536

  19,673

  18,301

  16,353

  15,400

  14,385

  Robbery

  1,914

  2,001

  2,076

  1,878

  2,053

  2,148

  2,144

  2,262

  2,359

  2,542

  2,532

  Burglary2

  28,598

  29,473

  28,773

  24,641

  24,422

  21,540

  20,166

  21,429

  23,617

  21,962

  20,462

  Total indictable offences

  132,130

  131,897

  132,688

  118,691

  125,424

  122,799

  108,476

  114,720

  117,776

  110,355

  102,184

  SUMMARY OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  14,514

  15,156

  15,335

  13,663

  14,466

  13,901

  13,981

  12,628

  10,285

  8,792

  7,216

  Total summary non-motoring

  77,864

  72,337

  68,247

  62,824

  67,350

  71,073

  80,476

  75,454

  63,467

  55,584

  46,305

  Summary motoring offences

  149,359

  135,692

  130,823

  126,628

  103,243

  98,384

  105,437

  107,240

  102,419

  96,060

  88,186

  Total all offences

  359,353

  339,926

  331,758

  308,143

  296,017

  293,256

  294,389

  297,414

  283,662

  261,999

  236,675

  All Ages

  INDICTABLE OFFENCES

  Violence against the person1

  61,628

  59,135

  60,107

  57,055

  65,841

  73,809

  78,809

  77,818

  76,924

  76,882

  73,788

  Robbery

  5,313

  5,501

  5,881

  5,406

  6,008

  5,968

  6,492

  6,691

  7,340

  8,136

  8,512

  Burglary2

  81,200

  81,724

  78,282

  66,165

  66,479

  59,500

  54,379

  57,351

  63,960

  63,029

  60,684

  Total indictable offences

  456,547

  450,092

  448,894

  400,742

  426,495

  433,377

  390,025

  406,740

  427,744

  429,441

  420,871

  SUMMARY OFFENCES

  Criminal and malicious damage

  41,768

  42,250

  42,898

  39,382

  42,271

  42,820

  45,105

  43,142

  38,450

  35,397

  31,510

  Total summary non-motoring

  423,367

  384,219

  369,236

  376,317

  375,504

  402,991

  425,699

  424,271

  413,123

  421,483

  403,599

  Summary motoring offences

  1,106,463

  1,040,651

  1,012,292

  1,037,498

  753,875

  741,322

  758,977

  758,940

  798,516

  833,304

  794,839

  Total all offences

  1,986,377

  1,874,962

  1,830,424

  1,814,557

  1,555,874

  1,577,690

  1,574,701

  1,589,951

  1,639,383

  1,684,228

  1,619,309

  1 A number of indictable offences were reclassified as summary on October 1988 following the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

  2 Offenders cautioned for "going equipped for stealing etc" were counted against 'burglary offences' until 1986 and against 'others' from 1987.

  1032 1033

  Immigration
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many applications for entry into this country from partners of United Kingdom citizens have been refused entry wholly or partly on grounds of their sexuality, in each of the last three years; [34519]

  (2) how many applications for entry into the United Kingdom there have been from partners of United Kingdom citizens in homosexual relationships in the last three years. [34518]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The information requested is not available; such cases are not separately identified in the statistics.

  Bail Hostel (Port Talbot)
  Mr. John Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now publish the report on the bail hostel at Port Talbot. [34352]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The report by Her Majesty's inspectorate of probation is due to be published early next month.

  Bingo
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will review regulations relating to the advertising of bingo to enable it to be on equal terms with the national lottery. [34450]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The restrictions on the advertising of bingo and other forms of commercial gambling are currently under review as part of the Government's deregulation initiative.

  Violent Crimes
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the research studies from his Department which have(a) reported and (b) are yet to be published on the reasons for the rise since 1985 in the number of boys and young men charged with, or cautioned, for, offences of violence against the person. [34462]

  Mr. Maclean
  No research reports have been published or are due for publication which deal directly with the number of boys and young men charged with, or cautioned for, offences of violence against the person. Information from Home Office statistics shows a reduction in the number of those in the under-21 age group found guilty or cautioned for offences against the person since 1985, although changes in recording of common assault, which was reclassified as summary only in 1989, will have affected the figures. Allowing for this, it would appear that there has been little change over the period.

  Serious Crimes (Low-income Households)
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the research studies commissioned by his Department in the 1980s and 1990s on the relationship between low household disposal income and rates of serious criminal offences; and if he will make a statement. [34482]
  1034
  Mr. Maclean
  No such studies have been commissioned by the Department, although questions relating to household income are included in the "British Crime Survey". Reports of the "British Crime Survey", the latest being the 1992 British crime survey, Home Office research study No.132, are in the Library.

  Police Personnel
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police personnel per 1,000 population there are in(a) Northern Ireland and (b) other parts of the United Kingdom. [34363]

  Mr. Maclean
  The number of police per 1,000 population in the United Kingdom is as follows:

  Northern Ireland: 7.1

  Scotland: 2.79

  England and Wales: 2.46

  Immigration (Detention)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to improve the efficiency of the allocation of immigration cases to detention centres. [33994]

  Mr. Baker
  Plans are in hand to introduce a revised detention allocation system designed to ensure that the best use is made of available space in accordance with agreed priorities.

  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will re-examine immigration service policy with a view to ending the detention of any person in police custody solely for having contravened immigration laws. [33996]

  Mr. Baker
  The initial detention of an immigration offender arrested within the United Kingdom will continue to require the use of police cells. However, the Immigration (Places of Detention) Direction 1994 limits detention in police cells under immigration powers to a maximum of five days—seven days if directions for removal within that period have been given. Every effort is made to transfer immigration detainees to more suitable accommodation as soon as this can be arranged.

  Immigration (Carriers' Liability)
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure that the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 is properly enforced and to ensure rapid payment of any fines levied on carriers. [33995]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Enforcement of the Act forms an integral part of the Government's strategy for ensuring an effective immigration control. The immigration service assists carriers in meeting their obligations under the Act through an extensive programme of guidance and training. It has, for example, provided training to carriers on 325 separate occasions at ports of embarkation worldwide since the Act was introduced.

  At 30 June 1995 a total of £80.20 million had been incurred by carriers under the Act. Of this sum 79.7 per cent. had either been paid, £46.11 million, waived

  1035
  following representations by carriers, £10.60 million, or was the subject of settlement proposals, £7.20 million. The remaining 20.3 per cent., £16.29 million, is being rigorously pursued as part of an active debt recovery programme, which includes recourse to litigation where necessary.

  Prisons (Disabled Visitors' Facilities)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the prisons in England and Wales that have disabled facilities for visitors to use when visiting prison inmates. [34079]

  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 18 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about facilities for disabled visitors at prisons in England and Wales.Prisons with facilities for disabled visitors are listed in the attached table. Such facilities include ramps, lifts, wide doors and specially adapted toilets. The listed prisons will have some or all of these.
  Prisons in England and Wales with facilities for disabled visitors

  Acklington

  Albany

  Aldington

  Ashwell

  Askham Grange

  Aylesbury

  Bedford

  Belmarsh

  Birmingham

  Blakenhurst

  Blundeston

  Bristol

  Brixton

  Brockhill

  Bullingdon

  Camp Hill

  Canterbury

  Cardiff

  Channings Wood

  Coldingley

  Dartmoor

  Deerbolt

  Doncaster

  Dorchester

  Dover

  Downview

  Durham

  East Sutton Park

  Eastwood Park

  Elmley

  Erlestoke

  Everthorpe

  Featherstone

  Feltham

  Ford

  Frankland

  Full Sutton

  Garth

  Gloucester

  Guys Marsh

  Haslar

  Haverigg

  Hewell Grange

  1036

  High Down

  Highpoint

  Hollesley Bay

  Holloway

  Hull

  Huntercombe

  Kingston

  Kirkham

  Kirklevington

  Lancaster Farms

  Latchmere House

  Leeds

  Lewes

  Leyhill

  Lindholme

  Littlehey

  Low Newton

  Maidstone

  Manchester

  Moorland

  Morton Hall

  The Mount

  New Hall

  North Sea Camp

  Norwich

  Onley

  Pentonville

  Portland

  Preston

  Ranby

  Reading

  Send

  Shepton Mallet

  Shrewsbury

  Stafford

  Standford Hill

  Stocken

  Styal

  Sudbury

  Swaleside

  Swansea

  Thorn Cross

  Usk and Prescoed

  Whitemoor

  Wakefield

  Wandsworth

  Wayland

  Wealstun

  Wellingborough

  Werrington

  Wetherby

  Whatton

  Whitemoor

  Winchester

  Woodhill

  Wormwood Scrubs

  Trainee Immigration Officers
  Miss. Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will place in the Library a copy of the series of handouts issued to trainee immigration officers. [33300]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I have arranged for this material to be examined with a view to placing the handouts in the library except where disclosure would damage the effectiveness of the immigration control.

  Mr. Raghbir Singh Johal
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will notify the hon. Member during the summer recess of developments in the case of Mr. Raghbir Singh Johal with particular reference to
  1037
  whether a final decision is made to deport him; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that such notification will allow time for further representations to him. [33682]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Yes.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Performance Targets (Agencies)
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will announce the key performance targets for executive agencies in his Department for 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [35816]

  The Attorney-General
  On 28 April 1994, I informed the House,Official Report, column 235, of the key performance targets which I had set for the Government Property Lawyers for 1994–95. The agency has had another successful year and it has achieved the targets I set. I congratulate the chief executive and his staff. I have set the following targets for the agency for 1995–96:

  To recover the full operating cost of the Agency.

  To achieve at least 6,000 new instructions from its clients.

  To effect an average of 95 completions pre case-holder equivalent to total of 6,935.

  To maintain and improve the quality of service in particular by keeping the proportion of cases completed satisfactorily (i.e. without requiring rectification by reason of any fault of the Agency) on or before the target date at or above 99.5 per cent.

  Over the three year period, 1993–94 to 1996–97 to achieve a reduction on operating costs of an average of 2.5 per cent. per year in real terms taking 1993–94 as the base year.

  I wish the chief executive and his staff another successful year.

  Serious Fraud Office
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Attorney-General when he expects to lay before Parliament and publish the annual report of the Serious Fraud Office for the year 1994–95. [35815)

  The Attorney-General
  The report was laid before Parliament at 11 am this morning and then published. Copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

TREASURY

  Statistics (EU)
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 29 June, if he will publish such information on other EU member states, official publications on public expenditure and taxation as is readily available to him. [32492]

  Mr. Heathcoat Amory
  Relevant documents for each of the member states are listed below, where readily available, with the usual month of publication. A number of these documents are not available in the English language.

  AUSTRIA

  1. Federal Budget Law (Bundesfinanzgesetz), January.

  2. Financial Report of the Federal Minister of Finance (Bundesvoranschlag), October.

  1038

  3. Multi-Year budget estimates of the Federal Minister of Finance supplemented by the Federal Investment Programme (Budgetprognose and Investitionsprogram des Bundes), June.

  4. Annual Economic Report (Wirtschaftsbericht) of the Federal Government, June.

  5. Quarterly Report on the excess expenditures (Zusammenstellung der überplanmäsigen Ausgaben).

  6. Subsidy Report of the Federal Government (Subventionsbericht), autumn.

  7. Public Debt Report (Finanzschuldenbericht), July.

  8. Federal Household Act (bundeshaushaltsgesetz).

  BELGIUM

  1. Budget Document. Source: Ministry of Budget

  DENMARK

  1. Finance Bill (Finanslovforslag). August.

  2. Finance Act (Finanslov), February.

  3. Budget Updates ("Budgetoversigt"), published May, August, October and December.

  4. Supplementary Finance Bill ("Forslag til tillaegsbevillingslov"), February.

  5. The Budget. English Summary of the Finance Bill, September.

  6. Finance White Paper ("Finansredegorelse"), once a year.

  7. Expenditure White Paper ("Udgiftsanalyser"), once a year.

  8. Budget Manual ("Buzigetvejledning"), latest issue February 1992.

  FINLAND

  1. Budget proposal (Hallituksen esitys eduskunnalle valtion tulo—ja menoarvioksi). September. Annexes: Economic Survey (English translation available), Report on Multi-year Projections of State Finances.

  2. Government Statement on Economic Policy to Parliament (Valtioneuvoston talouspoliittinen selonteko eduskunalle), May.

  3. Medium Term Prospects. The Finnish Economy and State Finances to 1990, (biannual, English translation available), May.

  4. Report of the Finance Committee of Parliament on the budget proposal (Valtiovarainvaliokunnan mietinto hallituksen esitykseen johdosta valtion tulo—ja menoarvioski), December.

  5. The Budget accepted by Parliament (Eduskunnan vastaus hallituksen esityksen valtion tulo—ja menoarvioksi), December.

  6. The specification budget of the State (Valtion erityismenoarvio), February/ March.

  7. General Instructions for the Implementation of the State Budget (Valtion tulo—ja menoarvion yleiset soveltamismaaraykset); January.

  8. The Annual Accounts of the State (Valtion tilinpaatos), April/May.

  9. Report on the Management and State of Government Finances (Kertomus valtiovarain hoidosta jai tilasta), Autumn.

  10. The State Auditors' Report (Valtiontilintarkastajain kertomus).

  FRANCE:

  1. Finance Bill (Projet de Loi de Finance),September/October.

  2. Economic and Fiancial Report (Rapport économique et fiancier) September/October.

  3. Supplement on "Ways and Means (Fascicule "Voies et moyens"), outlining central government revenue, September/October.

  4. Annexes (Annexes), detailing expenditures on existing services and new measures by Ministry, September/October.

  5. Approved Budget (Budget Voté) published after approval of Finance Bill, end January.

  1039

  6. Social Security Accounts (L'Effort Social de la Nation) end October/November.

  7. Amendments to the Finance Act (Lois de finances rectificatives) November/December.

  GERMANY

  1. Law on the Adoption of the Federal Budget (Haushaltsgesetz) supplemented by the Federal Budget Plan (Bundeshaushaltsplan), December.

  2. Financial Report of the Federal Minister of Finance (Finanzbericht des Bundesministers der Finanzen), August.

  3. Annual Economic Report (Jahreswirtschaftsbericht) of the Federal Government, January. (English translation available).

  4. Quarterly Report on the Excess and/or extra budgetary expenditure (Zusammenstellung der über und ausserplanmasigen ausgaben in…Vierteljahr des Haushaltsjahres).

  GREECE:

  1. General Budget. Source: Ministry of Finance.

  2. Provisional National Accounts of Greece. Source: National Statistical Service of Greece.

  3. Bi-annual Report on the Greek Economy—Source: Ministry of National Economy.

  IRELAND:

  1. Estimates for Public Services (Abridged Version), November/December.

  2. Summary Public Capital Programme, November/December.

  3. White Paper on Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure January.

  4. Revised Estimates for Public Services, March.

  5. The Budget booklet March.

  6. The Finance Accounts, June.

  7. The Appropriation Accounts, by 31 October.

  8. Report of the Committee of Public Accounts. No fixed publication date.

  ITALY

  1. The Forecasting and Planning Report (Relazione Previsionale e Progranimatica)

  LUXEMBOURG:

  1. The State Budget (Le Budget de l'Etat 1995) Source: Finance Ministry.

  NETHERLANDS:

  1. Appropriation Bills (Begrotingswetten), September.

  2. Budget Memorandum (Milkoenennota), September.

  3. Report on macro-economic forecast (Macro Economische Verkenningen), September.

  4. Spring memorandum (Voorjaarsnota).

  5. Autumn memorandum (Najaarsnota).

  6. Report on the provisional results of the budget (February Memorandum (Voorlopige Rekening)\ (Februari Nota).

  PORTUGAL:

  1. The State Budget (Orcamento geral do estado)

  SPAIN:

  1. The Finance Act (Articulado de la Ley de Presupestos Generates del Estado).

  2. Statement of revenue for the State, autonomous organisations, certain public entities and social security (Presupuesto de ingresos).

  3. Expenditure. Budget by programme and statement of objectives (Gastos Presupuestos por Programa y Memoria de Objetivos).

  4. Financial Statements and accounts of the commercial, industrial and financial autonomous organisations (Estados Financieros y Cuentas).

  1040

  5. Operating and capital budgets and financial statements for certain public entities and state corporations (Presupuestos de explotacion y capital y estados financieros).

  6. Economic and financial report (Informe econinnico financiero).

  7. Consolidated budget (Presupuesto Consolidado).

  8. Interim report on the budget outturn for the current year (Avance de la liquidacion del presupuesto).

  SWEDEN:

  1. Budget Bill (Budget propositionen), January.

  2. Popular version of the Budget Bill (Regeringens budgetforslag), January, English translation available ("Swedish Budget").

  3. Revised Budget Bill (Kompletteringsproposition Reviderad Finansplan), April. (The revised economic policy and budget statement is published in English).

  4. Annual directives to agencies on how to prepare budget requests (Aarliga direktiv).

  5. National Audit Bureau's presentation of government finances (Statens finanser).

  Inheritance and Capital Transfer Taxes
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the number of owners of chattels that are conditionally exempt from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax that reside in each English county. [32873]

  Mr. Jack
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many owners of chattels that are conditionally exempt from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax charge members of the public a fee to view their works of art. [32874]

  Mr. Jack
  The information requested is not available. Owners may charge members of the public a reasonable fee to review their conditionally exempt chattels, but there is no statutory power for the purpose of either tax to require owners to tell the Inland Revenue about any fee charged.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many owners of works of art which have conditional exemption from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax and to which the public have rights of access(a) do not list their telephone numbers in the register of conditionally exempt works of art and (b) are ex-directory. [32875]

  Mr. Jack
  The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list the working parties he has established to examine and plan the legislative and administrative measures required for the possible introduction of the single currency; [33528]

  (2) if he will publish a detailed response to the European Commission's green paper on the practical arrangements for the introduction of a single currency. [33531]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Government are currently considering how to respond to the "operational conclusions" of the Commission's Green Paper.
  1041

  Pension Contributions
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage of households, excluding retired households, in the poorest and richest decile groups and what percentage of males and of females of economically active age in those groups as ranked by disposable income in table 34 of the family spending reports of the Central Statistical Office, are paying contributions to(a) private pension schemes, (b) occupational pension schemes, (c) the state earnings-related pension scheme and (d) national insurance (basic retirement pension); and how many are paying contributions to both (a) or (b) and (d) and to both (c) and (d). [34475]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Capital Investment
  Mr. Patten
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the level of capital investment as a percentage of gross domestic product in each year since 1970. [34340]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The latest estimate of gross domestic fixed capital formation and gross domestic product at current and constant market prices is available on the Central Statistical Office database, which may be accessed by the House of Commons Library. The relevant database identifiers are DFDC and CAOB Library. The relevant database identifiers are DFDC and CAOB at current prices and DFDM and CAOO at constant prices.

  Barings
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to lay before Parliament the Bank of England report into Barings. [34413]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  As my right hon. and learned Friend told the House in his oral statement earlier today, he has laid the Board of Banking Supervision's report into Barings before Parliament.

  Non-European Union Import Tariffs
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much revenue the Government receive annually from tariffs imposed on imported goods from outside the EU; and if he will make a statement. [34995]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Figures for receipts of customs duties by Customs and Excise are shown each year in the annual report of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise. Table A1 in the 1993–94 report shows receipts for each year from 1984–85 to 1993–94.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the loss of revenue to the United Kingdom resulting from VAT rates on tourism, goods and services. [35072]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The Government do not believe that there is any such revenue loss.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the impact of VAT on tourism, goods and services in the 1042
  United Kingdom; and what comparative studies he has made of other EU member states. [35071]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The Government do not believe that the application of VAT discourages tourism in the UK. We have a lower standard rate than most EU member states and our zero rate is widely applied. In addition, some member states apply local tourist taxes.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of likely tax revenue from the national lottery in 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [34881]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The summer economic forecast estimates betting and gaming duties to bring in £1.7 billion in 1995–96 in total. It is not usual practice to disaggregate this figure.

  Internal Examinations
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the reasons for the policy allowing customs officers to require any visitor to the United Kingdom to be the subject of an internal examination carried out using reasonable force; and why this power is not available to prison governors. [35193]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Customs and Excise policy on search of persons exists to prevent the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted goods, or goods on which duty has not been paid, into the United Kingdom. Customs officers have the right to search any person entering or leaving the United Kingdom where reasonable grounds exist: only when a person has been arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and has been shown an unwillingness to co-operate can reasonable force be used. The Home Office is responsible for the powers of prison governors.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out the powers available to Customs officers to require any visitor to the United Kingdom to undergo an internal examination; and in what circumstances reasonable force can be used. [35191]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Powers in section 164 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 permit the search of any person entering or about to leave the UK, provided Customs officers have reasonable grounds to suspect that the person is carrying prohibited or restricted goods, or goods on which duty has not been paid. Reasonable force may be used only under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 where a person has been arrested and it has been established that the person to be searched is unwilling to co-operate or resists.

  Resource Accounting and Budgeting
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to make a further statement on the Government's policy on resource accounting and budgeting. [35813]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  Last July, I published a Green Paper entitled "Better Accounting for the Taxpayer's Money: Resource Accounting and Budgeting". The Green Paper announced the Government's intention to proceed
  1043
  with the introduction of resource accounting for all Government Departments and a commitment in principle to introduce resource budgeting. It announced a consultation period and asked for comments on the proposals.

  I have received a large number of comments from parliamentary colleagues, the accountancy profession and other interested groups. They have shown overwhelming support for the broad principles of resource accounting and budgeting. I shall publish the Government's conclusions and further proposals on 26 July, with a view to seeking parliamentary colleagues' comments in the autumn.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on progress in implementing and developing resource accounting in each Government Department; and what assessment he has made of the general Government financial deficit being used to aid this progress, if used as the primary measure of the budget deficit. [34201]

  Mr. Clarke
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Banks) earlier today, which announced that the White Paper on resource accounting and budgeting will be published on 26 July. An annexe in the White Paper will set out departmental implementation plans. Resource accounting and budgeting is intended to facilitate better informed decisions about overall spending priorities within the context of the Government's macroeconomic objectives.

  Monetary Union
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what priority is accorded to the measures of the general Government financial deficit as a measure for European monetary union. [34197]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The GGFD is relevant to the excessive deficit procedure which is set out in article 104c and the associated protocol of the treaty on European Union as amended at Maastricht. Being judged not to have an excessive deficit is one of the stage 3 convergence criteria set out in article 109j. Although the UK negotiated an opt-out on the decision on whether to join the EMU, it is well placed to meet the Government deficit and debt reference values by 1996.

  Privatisation Receipts
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer by what percentage privatisation receipts have affected the overall measure of the public sector borrowing requirement since 1979. [34199]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The information requested is set out in the table. Privatisation proceeds reduce the public sector borrowing requirement.

  Public sector borrowing requirement (PSBR) and privatisation proceeds (PPs) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP)

  Per cent. of GDP

  PPs

  PSBR

  1979–80

  0.2

  4.9

  1980–81

  0.1

  5.4

  1981–82

  0.2

  3.4

  1982–83

  0.2

  3.2

  1983–84

  0.4

  3.2

  1044

  Public sector borrowing requirement (PSBR) and privatisation proceeds (PPs) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP)

  Per cent. of GDP

  PPs

  PSBR

  1984–85

  0.6

  3.1

  1985–86

  0.8

  1.6

  1986–87

  1.2

  0.9

  1987–88

  1.2

  -0.8

  1988–89

  1.5

  -3.1

  1989–90

  0.8

  -1.5

  1990–91

  1.0

  -0.1

  1991–92

  1.4

  2.4

  1992–93

  1.4

  6.0

  1993–94

  0.8

  7.1

  1994–95

  1.0

  5.2

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment his Department has made of the benefit of accounting for privatisation receipts separately from the public sector borrowing requirement. [34200]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Privatisation proceeds are always shown separately in the Financial Statement and Budget Report and are used to make positive contributions to reducing borrowing and debt.

  Royal Ordnance (Shipments to Iran)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when Her Majesty's Customs and Excise received reports from Swedish Customs of the outcome of their investigation into shipments to Iran which mentioned Royal Ordnance; and what action it took. [35334]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  It would not be appropriate to reveal details of exchanges of confidential information under mutual assistance arrangements established to assist the discharge of customs' law enforcement responsibilities, other than in the course of any resultant legal proceedings. All information received under such arrangements is evaluated and followed up as appropriate.

  National Debt
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the real increase in the size of the stock of public sector debt between 1979–80 and 1995–96; and what is his current estimate of the size of the national debt. [35380]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Net public sector debt is forecast to have increased by 37 per cent. in real terms between end-March 1980 and end-March 1996. As a proportion of gross domestic product, it will have fallen by 3 per cent. over the same period.

  The latest available estimate of the national debt is £306.9 billion at end-March 1994.

  The national debt, defined as the gross liabilities of the national loans fund, is not directly comparable to net public sector debt.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the number of taxpayers who were liable to pay income tax at a marginal rate of 40 per cent. or above in each year since 1970. [29889]
  1045
  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 21 June 1995]: Provisional estimates for 1993–94 onwards are contained in the table. Increase in taxpayer numbers reflects higher taxable incomes and economic growth. Prior to 1979–80 there were nine higher rates of tax, the highest being 83 per cent. Now there is only one higher rate of 40 per cent.

  Taxpayers liable at 40 per cent.

  Thousands

  1993–94

  1,740

  1994–95

  2,150

  1995–96

  2,250

  Available figures for earlier years were given in the reply to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Attercliffe (Mr. Betts) on 5 May 1994.

  Gilts and Bonds
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will alter his present proposals relating to the taxation of gilts and bonds in order to(a) avoid the potential for double taxation of shareholders in investment trust companies and (b) exempt holders of zero dividend preference shares, who would otherwise be penalised by the change in the tax regime; [32952]

  (2) if he will exempt existing holdings of gilts and bonds from the new proposals on the taxation of gilts and

  Debt written off and debt injected prior to privatisation

  Debt written off

  Debt Injected

  Industry

  Year

  £ million

  Type of debt

  Year

  £ million

  British Telecommunications

  1984–85

  2,789.9

  National Loans Fund

  1984–85

  3,500

  British Gas

  —

  —

  —

  1986–87

  2,500

  BAA

  1986–87

  43.5

  National Loans Fund

  —

  —

  British Steel

  1988–89

  500.0

  Public Dividend Capital

  —

  —

  British Steel

  1988–89

  3,480.0

  Borrowing under Iron and Steel Act 1982 Assistance under Aircraft and Shipbuilding

  —

  —

  Harland and Wolff

  1989–90

  422.5

  Industries (Northern Ireland) Order 1979

  —

  —

  Short Brothers

  1989–90

  390.0

  Loan by DED

  —

  —

  Water companies

  1989–90

  4,973.3

  National Loans Fund

  1989–90

  72.9

  Water companies

  1989–90

  55.0

  Public Works Loan Board

  —

  —

  Electricity (England and Wales)

  —

  —

  —

  1990–91

  3,583

  Electricity1 Scotland

  1991–92

  1,043.6

  National Loans Fund

  1991–92

  625.9

  NTL

  —

  —

  —

  1991–92

  22

  Norther Ireland Electricity

  —

  —

  —

  1993–94

  70.3

  Belfast Airport

  —

  —

  —

  1943–95

  15.2

  British Coal

  1994–95

  1,633.4

  Voted Loans

  —

  —

  Total

  —

  15,331.2

  —

  —

  10,389.3

  Notes:

  1 Prior to privatisation, National Loans Fund debt due to the South of Scotland Electricity Board nuclear programme of £1,368.4 million was transferred to Scottish Nuclear Ltd. and subsequently written off.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the First Secretary of State what mechanism is used to determine that no necessary protection is removed when considering changes in regulations by order under the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. [34571]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  The responsible Minister must consider the implications of any proposed
  1046
  bonds, so as to remove the retrospective element involved in changing the tax treatment of existing assets; [34254]

  (3) how many representations he has received on his proposals to change the taxation of gilts and bonds; how many of these requested an extension of the consultation period for consideration of the aforementioned proposals; and if he will make a statement. [34255]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answers 6 and 13 July 1995]: I refer to the answer given on 10 July by my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Southport (Mr. Banks), Official Report, columns 377–78.

  Privatisation (Debts)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of debt written off in privatisations since 1984; and if he will list the figures by company and type of debt. [34642]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: It is common practice for capital restructuring to be undertaken where necessary before privatisation. For some privatisations, debt is written off, for others debt is injected. The table shows the debt written off, and the type of debt concerned, and debt injected for each company privatised where either occurred. Debts shown as written off include all debt written off since 1984 in companies subsequently privatised.

  amendment to primary legislation and, having done so, reach the view that it would remove or reduce a burden and that it would not remove any necessary protection. "Necessary protection" is not defined in the Act but could include, for example, protection for consumers or for the environment. All proposed orders will be scrutinised by the deregulation committee and the House of Lords Delegated Powers Scrutiny Committee, which will report on whether they share the Minister's view that no necessary protection would be removed by the proposed amendment. Following the period of special parliamentary scrutiny, the Minister has to consider any

  1047
  representations made, including by both committees, before bringing forward a draft order subject to affirmative resolution.

  Office of First Secretary of State
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the First Secretary of State if he will make a statement on the origins of his office. [34507]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  The right hon. R. A. Butler was appointed to the office of First Secretary of State in 1962, and there have been several holders of the office since then.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35303]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government's plan for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the First Secretary of State if he will make a statement on the plan his Department has for the next 12 months to make information about his Department available to the public via the Government world wide web server known as www.open.gov.uk. [34713]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, on 14 July,Official Report, columns 833–34.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the results of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the past 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. [34705]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy. We continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative, administrative and taxation burdens. We provide direct assistance where appropriate. The competitiveness White Paper announced in May 1995 outlines a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.

  My Department plays a full role in the Government's policies to assist the development of small business in the United Kingdom.

  During the last 12 months, we completed the first phase of the national technology foresight programme, which involved participation of businesses across all sectors of the economy. Fifteen sector reports were published between March and April this year and an overarching report was published on 22 May 1995.All the reports give valuable indicators to business as to long-range market opportunities for the UK and to the investments in
  1048
  science, engineering and technology which will help exploit those opportunities. The reports emphasise the value of partnerships between businesses large and small and the UK's scientists and engineers. The Office of Science and Technology, through the auspices of the research councils, has in place a number of initiatives aimed at building collaboration with, and facilitation and exploitation of, the results of research by industry in general, which includes small businesses.

  My Department continues to support Government Departments and agencies in taking forward their competing for quality programmes. These include the market testing and contracting out of many activities employing between one and 20 people before tendering, thus offering opportunities for small firms to bid for work. The Government also publish a monthly bulletin, Government Opportunities (incorporating the Market Testing Bulletin), which details the opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

  My Department has also been encouraging Government Departments and agencies to assist business, including small firms, through citizens charter initiatives such as the revised employers charter produced by the Contributions Agency and the charter standard statement and code of practice produced by Companies House.

  The CCTA has been developing the CCTA Government information service on Internet to provide a simple electronic channel to provide a wide range of information from Government Departments. The service will open up the opportunity for the public sector to make information both on support to industry and procurement opportunities easily accessible to small businesses.

  The CCTA has also been exploring the use of electronic commerce to make it easier for all businesses to get access to procurement notices and to supply. to government.

  The nature of the products and services purchased by HMSO are such that many contracts are suitable for small businesses. Although there is no specific monitoring, it is estimated that more than 60 per cent. of HMSO contracts are awarded to small businesses.

  The Occupational Health and Safety Agency, through its network of regional offices, uses small businesses wherever possible to provide supplies and services, particularly in the area of maintenance. Further, through market testing, opportunities are offered to small firms to compete for work such as blood test analysis, internal audit services and marketing and publicity.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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. [33434]

  Mr. Horam
  The consultancy firms which have received most contracts from the Cabinet Office, OPS, its agencies, HMSO and COI, are as follows:
  1049

  1993–94

  1994–95

  a. Number of contracts

  Fordway (5 contracts)

  KPMG Peat Marwick

  KPMG Peat Marwick (4)

  Glasgow and Associates (4)

  Eider Computers (2)

  Ametc Consulting (3)

  Ernst and Young (2)

  Coopers and Lybrand (3)

  Glasgow and Associates (2)

  Eider Computers (3)

  Kudos Oracle (2)

  Elaine Brant Management Consultants (3)

  MORI (2)

  MORI (3)

  Price Waterhouse (2)

  Touche Ross (3)

  Segal Quince Wickstead (2)

  Touche Ross (2)

  b. Monetary Value

  Peterborough Software

  Glasgow and Associates

  Glasgow and Associates

  Ogilvy and Mather

  Smith System Engineering

  Segal Quince Wickstead

  Segal Quince Wickstead

  PREST Consultancy

  Touche Ross

  Touche Ross

  Information is not available for earlier years.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33574]

  Mr. Horam
  The cost of contracts let by the Cabinet Office, its agencies, COI and HMSO is not held centrally in the form requested. The full information can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  The costs of consultancy contracts let by the Cabinet Office and its agencies in the last three financial years are as follows:

  £

  1992–93

  4,054,273

  1993–94

  7,604,190

  1994–95

  8,085,264

  The costs of consultancy contracts awarded by COI and HMSO in the last three financial years are as follows:

  £

  COI

  1992–93

  136,460

  1993–94

  66,668

  1994–95

  162,209

  HMSO

  1992

  410,075

  1993

  1,061,025

  1994

  1,750,750

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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. [33853]
  1050
  Mr. Horam
  The expenditure on computer consultancy by Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service and its agencies and the Central Office of Information for 1993–94 and 1994–95, is as follows:

  1993–94: £2,495,500

  1994–95: £2,600,000

  Similar information for HMSO and the information for earlier years may be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Forecast expenditure on computer consultancy is included with expenditure on computer equipment and cannot readily be identified separately.

  Departmental Contracts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 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. [34547]

  Mr. Horam
  The figures include expenditure by the Cabinet Office and No. 10 Downing street and by the Office of Public Service and its agencies.

  The top ten suppliers during the period 1993–94 and 1994–95, were:

  £00s

  Viglen

  1,832

  ICL

  1,351

  DELL

  1,340

  Hewlett-Packard

  947

  Rank Xerox

  388

  Kyocera

  357

  Elonex

  243

  Toshiba

  122

  Compaq

  103

  Bowe Systems Ltd

  85

  During this same period, expenditure on "turnkey" solutions was £12,268,000. It is not possible to identify separately the cost of equipment within these packages.

  Similar information for the years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93 is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which firms have won computer consultancy contracts from his Department and its agencies over the last five years; and what is the number of contracts per firm. [33883]

  Mr. Horam
  The firms which have won computer consultancy contracts from the Cabinet Office, Office of Public Service, Recruitment and Assessment Services Agency, Occupational Health Services Agency, Chessington Computer centre, Civil Service college and Central Office of Information in 1993–94 and 1994–95 are as follows:
  1051

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Admiral Management Services

  —

  1

  Amtec

  1

  4

  Butler Bloor

  —

  1

  Computacenter

  1

  —

  CSC Ltd

  1

  —

  Eider

  1

  3

  Fordway

  6

  —

  Gimlet Management Consultants

  —

  1

  IBM

  1

  —

  Kudos

  2

  —

  Netware NFS

  1

  —

  Psy Tech/Framework

  1

  1

  QLC/Formfill

  1

  2

  Secure Information Systems Ltd

  —

  1

  Security and Standards Consultants Ltd

  1

  1

  Smith System Engineering Ltd

  1

  1

  Software Design

  1

  1

  South Bank University

  1

  —

  Touche Ross

  1

  —

  Triad

  1

  —

  Similar information for HMSO and CCTA, and the information for earlier years requested in the question may be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Ministerial visits

  Minister (1993)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost £

  18–19 January

  +5

  Brussels

  Council

  2,700

  24–25 January

  +2

  Vienna

  Meeting with Austrian Minister

  1,600

  31 January—1 February

  +2

  Oslo

  Meeting with Norwegian Minister

  1,500

  9–10 February

  +5

  Brussels

  Council

  3,200

  9–10 March

  +2

  Italy

  Verona Agricultural Show

  1,800

  16–17 March

  +6

  Brussels

  Council

  3,600

  26–27 April

  +10

  Luxembourg

  Council

  6,700

  9–12 May

  +2

  Turkey

  Trade promotion

  3,000

  16–17 May

  +3

  Copenhagen

  Meeting with Danish Minister

  2,000

  24–25 May

  +8

  Brussels

  Council

  4,600

  14–15 June

  +2

  Luxembourg

  Council

  1,800

  28–29 June

  +1

  Koldingfjord Denmark

  Informal Council

  900

  19–20 July

  +6

  Brussels

  Council

  3,600

  6–15 September1

  +2

  South America1

  Trade promotion

  16,000

  20–21 September

  +4

  Brussels

  Council

  2,700

  27–28 September

  +1

  Ostend

  Informal Council

  950

  12 October

  +3

  Brussels

  Meeting with Commissioner Paleokrassas

  1,500

  18–19 October

  +5

  Luxembourg

  Council

  3,600

  3 November

  +2

  Bonn

  Meeting Herr Borchert

  1,100

  16–17 November

  +4

  Brussels

  Council

  2,700

  6 December

  +3

  France

  Meeting with M. Puech

  1,600

  13–16 December

  +9

  Brussels

  Council

  8,000

  17–8 September Paraguay/9–10 September Uruguay/11–13 September Argentina.

  Minister of State (1993)

  Number of Officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  18 March

  +7

  Brussels

  Council

  4,500

  24 June

  +7

  Luxembourg

  Council

  4,500

  12 October

  +3

  Brussels

  Meeting with Commissioner Paleokrassas

  2,000

  14 October

  +3

  Dublin

  Meeting with Irish Minister

  1,250

  25 September—2 October

  +2

  India

  Trade Promotion

  1,200

  20 October

  +7

  Luxenbourg

  Council

  5,000

  21–22 November

  +7

  Brussels

  Council

  6,000

  18–21 December

  +8

  Brussels

  Council

  6,000

  1052

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [32257]

  Mr. Baldry
  Since 1992, MAFF Ministers have made a total of 89 overseas visits paid for wholly or partly from public funds. Forty three visits were to EC Councils of Ministers; the remaining visits were in support of bilateral relations, enlargement negotiations and trade promotion. The following details include travel and subsistence costs of MAFF officials, estimated as necessary to the nearest £50. It should be noted that the cost of travel to and from Council meetings is subsequently reimbursed by the EC, subject to certain limits. All the Council meetings involved were Agricultural or Fisheries Councils, unless otherwise stated.
  1053

  Parliamentary Secretary (Lords) (1993)

  Number of Officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  29–30 September

  +2

  Frankfurt

  Plantec International Trade Fair for Horticulture

  1,500

  15–18 November

  +2

  Paris and Amsterdam

  Visit FFB offices plus visit to supermarkets

  2,500

  7–8 December

  +1

  Copenhagen

  North Sea Conference

  £1,250

  Parliamentary Secretary (Commons) (1993)

  Number of Officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost

  3 February

  +2

  Colonge

  ISM Food Exhibition

  1,200

  27 September

  +3

  Brussels

  Council

  1,200

  11 October (overnight)

  +2

  Cologne

  ANUGA food exhibition

  1,200

  Minister (1994)

  Number of Officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  24 January

  +3

  Brussels

  Council

  1,600

  21–22 February

  +2

  Brussels

  Council

  1,700

  28–29 March

  +5

  Brussels

  Council

  3,400

  10–12 April

  +2

  Rodez, France

  Meeting with M. Puech

  1,200

  25–26 April

  +6

  Luxembourg

  Council

  3,900

  30–31 May

  +8

  Brussels

  Council

  4,600

  20–24 June

  +11

  Luxembourg

  Council

  6,400

  18–19 July

  +9

  Brussels

  Council

  5,100

  5 September

  +2

  Brussels

  Meeting with Commissioner Steichen

  1,200

  19–20 September

  +5

  Brussels

  Council

  3,200

  26–27 September

  +2

  Dusseldorf

  Informal Council

  1,100

  24–25 October

  +8

  Luxembourg

  Council

  6,400

  14–15 November

  +4

  Brussels

  Council

  2,700

  22 November

  +2

  Paris

  Meeting with M. Puech

  1,250

  12–13 December

  +9

  Brussels

  Council

  8,000

  30 November—3 December

  +1

  Mexico

  Inauguration of new Mexican President

  7,000

  Minister of State (1994)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  24 January

  +3

  Brussels

  Meeting with Commissioner Paleokrassas

  2,000

  25 January

  +2

  Amsterdam

  NTV Horticultural Show

  1,000

  14 March

  +3

  Cologne

  Meeting with Dr. Feiter

  1,500

  11–12 April

  +7

  Luxembourg

  Council

  6,500

  9–10 June

  +7

  Luxembourg

  Council

  6,500

  19–25 September

  +2

  India

  Trade promotion

  8,500

  27–29 September

  +7

  Brussels

  Council

  6,000

  9 November

  +7

  Paris

  Meeting with Mr. Peuch

  1,350

  23 November

  +7

  Brussels

  Council

  3,750

  18–22 December

  +7

  Brussels

  Council

  10,000

  Parliamentary Secretary (Lords) (1994)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  31 January—1 February

  +2

  Cologne

  ISM food fair plus meeting with German government on BSE

  1,250

  5–7 April

  +2

  China

  Trade mission

  17,000

  6–10 August

  +2

  Colombia

  Inauguration of new President and trade promotion

  12,000

  1054 1055

  Parliamentary Secretary (Commons) (1994)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  28 February/1 March

  +2

  Paris

  SIA plus meeting with French Minister

  2,000

  30 March

  +4

  Brussels

  Health Council Summer Fancy Food Fair; visit to farmers'

  4,000

  8–11 July

  +2

  New York

  market; talks with farmers using BST

  11,000

  29 August/2 September

  +2

  Brazil

  Trade promotion incl. visit to Expointer Show

  16,000

  19–22 September

  +2

  Hungary, Slovakia and Austria

  Trade promotion with business team

  2,000

  24 October

  +2

  Paris

  SIAL exhibition

  1,250

  Minister (1995)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost £

  24–25 January

  +3

  Brussels

  Council

  1,300

  20–21 February

  +6

  Brussels

  Council

  5,800

  10–11 April

  +5

  Luxembourg

  Council

  4,900

  22 May

  +3

  Bonn

  Meeting with Herr Borchert

  2,000

  29–30 May

  +10

  Brussels

  Council

  5,500

  19–22 June

  +10

  Brussels

  Council

  9,000

  Minister of State (1995)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost£

  1 March

  +3

  Paris

  Paris Salon (SIA/SIMA)

  1,600

  12 May

  +2

  Brussels

  Meeting with Commissioner Bonino

  3,500

  6 April

  +7

  Luxembourg

  Council

  5,000

  16 June

  +7

  Luxembourg

  Council

  5,000

  Parliamentary Secretary (Lords) (1995)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost £

  22 February

  +2

  Amsterdam

  NTV Horticultural Show

  725

  31 May

  +2

  Amsterdam

  PLMA food exhibition

  1,250

  Parliamentary Secretary (Commons) (1995)

  Number of officials

  Destination

  Purpose

  Cost £

  9–30 January

  +6

  Cologne

  1Plus ISM exhibition

  4,600

  6 February (overnight)

  +2

  Vienna

  1—

  1,550

  8 February

  +3

  Brussels

  1—

  1,300

  13 February

  +3

  Rotterdam

  1—

  1,100

  16–17 February (overnight)

  +3

  Rome and Lisbon

  1—

  3,700

  2 March

  +3

  Madrid

  1—

  2,000

  Total

  14,250

  1 All visits were Bilateral talks on promoting production of welfare friendly veal.

  1056 1057

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the past five years. [33564]

  Mr. Boswell
  The total number of contracts and their aggregate values for the past five financial years were as follows:

  Financial Year

  Number

  Expenditure

  1990–91

  34

  4,495,793

  1991–92

  71

  5,374,284

  1992–93

  111

  7,010,814

  1993–94

  95

  12,169,785

  1994–95

  146

  11,551,382

  Common Fisheries Policy
  Mr. Gill
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will instruct the common fisheries policy review group to examine the principle of equal access to the common resource. [35074]

  Mr. Baldry
  The UK fishing and industry and other interests have been invited to put their ideas to the common fisheries policy review group, which is free to consider any constructive ideas for improving the conservation and management of fish stocks.

  New Zealand Flatworm
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, pursuant to his letter of 10 July, what considerations led him to indicate that commercial confidentiality applies to sightings of the New Zealand flatworm. [35052]

  Mr. Boswell
  Although the Department has no statutory responsibilities for New Zealand flatworm, it is seeking to give some publicity to the risks which the flatworm poses and to give advice on how they can be minimised. Such advice is particularly relevant to commercial plant growers, who may act as a route for the flatworm to be spread. It is not, however, the Department's intention to publicise information with commercial implications for individual growers. Such publicity could, for example, affect customer attitudes whether or not the grower had taken steps to eliminate the problem. It would also be inappropriate to give details of reports of the New Zealand flatworm when many of these lack official confirmation.

  Research and Development
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of his Department's research and development budget is spent in(a) Wales, (b) England (c) Scotland, (d) Northern Ireland (e) abroad; and if he will make a statement. [34889]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Department commissions a large and continually changing range of research and development to meet its policy aims. Decisions on the placing of work are determined on the basis of scientific and financial considerations and not on the geographical location of contractors. Consequently, the Department does not keep records of its R and D contractors by location. Such 1058
  information could not be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost.

  European Union (Statutory Duties)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of his Department's statutory duties are the result of EU regulations and directives; and if he will make a statement. [34893]

  Mr. Boswell
  The information is not readily available and cannot be collected without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Dietary Supplements
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning steps which are taken by officials of DGXV to ensure that the views of the European Commission on impediments to a single market when considering the possibility of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements are not unduly influenced by organised campaigns by companies seeking market advantage; and if he will make a statement. [35099]

  Mrs. Browning
  DGXV, the consumer affairs directorate of the European Commission, is open to representations from all interested parties on areas within its remit. However, there have been no recent proposals from the Commission to regulate dietary supplements. If any such proposals appear then they shall be circulated to all interested parties for comment.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure the continued availability of vitamin, mineral and other dietary supplements to United Kingdom consumers; what steps he intends to take in the light of the forthcoming European commission consultation document on such matters to defend the interests of British consumers and nutritional therapists; and if he will make a statement. [35100]

  Mrs. Browning
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 20 June,Official Report, column 189.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many officials of his Department have in the past been seconded to work with DGIII; what part such secondees played in drafting the European Commission discussion document on nutritional supplements produced in December 1991; if they have now(a) returned to placement with his Department, (b) remain with DGIII or (c) obtained employment with pharmaceutical companies; and if he will make a statement. [35097]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Since 1991, three officials from my Department have been seconded to DGIII of the European Commission. Two of them remain there. The other official was engaged in the drafting of the EC nutritional supplements document and returned to the Department in 1992.

  Sandeels
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he intends to take to ensure that exploitation rates for sandeels in the North sea are established at an early date in order to secure stocks within safe biological limits. [34916]
  1059
  Mr. Baldry
  The Government pressed successfully for last month's North sea conference to make commitments to investigate the possible effects of industrial fishing on the sustainability both of industrial fish species such as sandeels and of other species which feed on them. I shall press for this work to be done as soon as possible to inform future decisions on exploitation rates.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35305]

  RSC comparative performance data (%) for financial year 1994–95 unless otherwise specified

  Bristol

  Cambridge

  Carlisle

  Crewe

  Exeter

  Northallerton

  Nottingham

  Reading

  Worcester

  Total1

  AAPS

  Applications

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  99

  100

  99

  Advance Oilseeds

  Payments

  99

  98

  100

  100

  100

  99

  100

  100

  100

  99

  Final Oilseeds

  Payments

  100

  100

  100

  99

  100

  99

  100

  99

  100

  99

  Main Payments

  Payments Applications (B2)

  99

  95

  99

  99

  100

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  BSPS2

  1994

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  Claims (B5) 1994

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  Advance Payment 1994

  98

  96

  97

  95

  98

  98

  98

  99

  99

  98

  SCPS3

  Claims year 1994

  99

  92

  99

  99

  99

  98

  99

  99

  99

  98

  HLCA4

  Claims 1995

  89

  —

  82

  86

  83

  83

  90

  —

  85

  85

  SAPS

  Claims marketing year 1994

  93

  88

  96

  96

  94

  95

  94

  93

  93

  94

  AIS

  Plan claims

  90

  —

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  —

  —

  99

  ESA5

  Applications

  100

  100

  84

  100

  99

  100

  100

  100

  100

  98

  Claims

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  —

  0

  ESA Conservation

  Applications

  98

  100

  97

  100

  100

  83

  100

  100

  100

  98

  Plan

  Claims

  100

  100

  96

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  —

  99

  F&CGS 1989

  Plan claims

  —

  —

  100

  100

  100

  100

  —

  —

  —

  100

  Non plan claims

  93

  92

  98

  100

  99

  99

  99

  98

  100

  98

  F&CGS 1991

  Plan applications

  100

  100

  100

  100

  98

  100

  100

  —

  100

  99

  Plan claims

  96

  95

  99

  100

  99

  100

  100

  93

  96

  98

  FWPS5

  Applications

  100

  99

  100

  100

  100

  91

  96

  100

  100

  98

  Claims

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Injurious Weeds

  Complaints

  100

  100

  —

  100

  97

  96

  100

  —

  100

  87

  NSA Pilot

  Claims

  100

  —

  —

  100

  —

  100

  100

  95

  100

  99

  1994 (new) NSA Scheme6

  Applications

  —

  25

  —

  70

  —

  10

  2

  —

  69

  29

  Protection of Badger Act 1992

  Licence applications

  95

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  99

  Five Year Set Aside

  Claims

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  Short Term Lettings

  Applications

  99

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  82

  100

  98

  Strychnine Permits

  Applications

  97

  99

  93

  100

  99

  99

  99

  99

  99

  95

  Wages

  Complaints

  —

  —

  100

  100

  —

  100

  —

  81

  —

  98

  Wildlife and Countryside Act

  Applications

  91

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  100

  93

  79

  97

  Correspondence7

  97

  97

  90

  98

  96

  97

  98

  98

  95

  97

  1 The total percentage has been calculated by setting the entire number of applications or claims cleared within the target time against the total number received.

  2 The period covered is January to December 1994 except for payments where the period covered is 1 November 1994 to 31 January 1995 (or three months from the end of the retention period for claims made after 1 November).

  3 The period covered is July 1994 to March 1995.

  4 The period covered is November 1994 to March 1995.

  5 ESA and FWPS Claims

  Due to a combination of changes in FEOGA reimbursement dates and the difficulties of linkage with Charter targets and payment dates, all payments were made after the target date for 1994–95; most were late by two or three weeks.

  6 1994 (new) NSA Scheme

  The majority of applications were received at the end of the application period causing overload. Also, the operation of this new scheme proved more complicated than expected.

  7 The period covered is January to March 1995.

  Entries have not been made where the number of cases dealt with were ten or less. However, these numbers have been included in the calculation of total percentage success rates (see footnote 1). The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Scheme and Farm Diversification Grant Scheme have both been omitted from the table as the numbers involved are de minimis.

  1060
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in Her Majesty's most Gracious Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Service Delivery Targets
  Mr. Hayes
  To ask the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress his Department has made in meeting service delivery targets set out in "Commitment to Service". [36066]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I list below the percentages of cases dealt with by each regional service centre which has met the targets set in "Commitment to Service" and, from January 1995, "Commitment to Service", second edition.
  1061

  Decommissioning
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many Welsh fishing vessels were scrapped in(a) 1993–94 and (b) in 1994–95 as a part of the decommissioning scheme; and if he will make a statement. [34882]

  Mr. Baldry
  No Welsh vessels were decommissioned under the 1994–95 scheme.

  On 14 July I announced details of the 1995 scheme, for which some £12 million is available.

  Agriculture Council (Luxembourg)
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the Agriculture Council held in Luxembourg on 17 July, and if he will make a statement. [36068]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Council had before it a proposal from the Commission for an increase in the tariff quota for imports of third country bananas to cover consumption in the three new member states. Some member states wished to link this issue to wider changes in the present arrangements, so there was no majority for adopting the proposed increase. The Commission is now likely to increase the quota under its own powers.

  The Commission had agreed, as part of the package of decisions at the June Council, to make a proposal authorising the payment of national aid to farmers who have suffered loss as a result of currency depreciation in member states other than their own. The Commissioner presented a proposal on these lines which will now go for technical examination. I agreed that this measure should be drawn in such a way as to meet only genuine losses properly attributed to excess currency fluctuations.

  I warmly welcomed a statement from the Commissioner that he expected that his promised report on the treatment of calves reared for veal would be available in October. I urged that the Council should consider the report, and appropriate proposals from the Commission, as soon as possible.

  During a brief discussion on the rate of set-aside for crops to be harvested in 1996, on which a proposal from the Commission is awaited, I made it clear that I would want an undertaking that the Commission would use its powers to manage the cereals market in such a way that livestock producers would not be faced with grain prices above intended support levels

  Denmark presented information about the use of Avoparcin, an animal feed supplement. It was agreed that this material should be assessed as quickly as possible by the appropriate scientific committee. Meanwhile it was established that a majority of member states—Denmark, Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Greece, Netherlands and Luxembourg—opposed the adoption of a Commission proposal to authorise the use of this produce in feed for dairy cows in the Community as a whole.

  Set-aside
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers have received payment under the set-aside scheme for each year since 1992 by county for(a) horse-based activities, (b) golf
  1062
  courses, (c) game cover for commercial shoots and (d) sports grounds; and what is the scale of the land involved and the cost to the set-aside scheme for each category by county. [35023]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 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. [34586]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the replies that I gave on 25 May 1995, Official Report, columns 683–84 and 8 June 1995 columns 321–24.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the expenditure by the European Union on the common agricultural policy in 1995; what were the actual figures for each of the previous 10 years; and if he will list United Kingdom domestic expenditure by Her Majesty's Government on agriculture in each of these years. [34422]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The European Commission is forecasting that expenditure on the common agricultural policy in 1995 will be within the budget level of 36,897 mecu, £29,537 million. This is 1,047 mecu, £838 million within the EU guidelines of 37,944 mecu, £30,375 million. Expenditure in 1994 was 32,970 mecu, £25,264 million, some 3,495 mecu, £2,678 million, below the guideline. Details of expenditure on the common agricultural policy in previous years are contained in the annual financial reports on the European agricultural guidance and guarantee fund, guarantee section, copies of which have been deposited in the Library of the House. The latest available report relates to 1993.

  Details of United Kingdom expenditure on agriculture from 1988–89 to 1994–95 are contained in table 9.1 of the editions of "Agriculture in the United Kingdom" and for earlier years in table 9.1 of the Government White Papers— "The Annual Review of Agriculture". These publications have also been deposited in the Library of the House.

ENVIRONMENT

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment (1) when the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment was set up; when it became a statutory body; since when it has been a statutory requirement on it to produce an annual report; and if he will make a statement on the availability of earlier committee documents; [34412]
  1063
  (2) what site was used for the release of genetically modified scorpion venom virus; and why this site was selected; [34409]

  (3) what consultation was held with the local population before the release of genetically modified scorpion venom virus; [34410]

  (4) what studies were conducted on the possible effects on (a) people and (b) wildlife of genetically modified scorpion venom virus before its release. [34408]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment was first established by the Secretary of State in April 1990. It was then appointed on 29 January 1993 as the statutory body, under the provisions of section 124 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

  There is no statutory requirement on the Committee to produce an annual report.

  Information on the applications considered by the committee under the provisions of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 is available on the public register of information maintained by the Department. Full copies of these applications, as well as those considered by the Committee prior to 1993 are available under the terms of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992. Copies of the official guidance notes produced with the advice of the Committee are available from the Department.

  The site used for the release of the genetically modified baculovirus, the so-called "scorpion venom virus", was the University farm, Wytham, Oxfordshire; the site was selected by the applicant, the Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology.

  The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 lay down the requirement that anyone making an application for consent to release genetically modified organisms shall publish in a newspaper circulating in the areas likely to be affected by the proposed release a notice containing the following information.

  (a) the name and address of the applicant,

  (b) the general description of the organisms to be released,

  (c) the location and general purpose of the release, and

  (d) the foreseen date of the release.

  The notice invites comments and indicates that further information can be obtained from the applicant and the statutory public register of information maintained by the Department. These requirements were observed by the applicant.

  The application from the Institute of Virology and Environmental Microbiology for consent to release genetically modified baculovirus, the so called "scorpion venom virus", included a detailed assessment of the possible risks of harm to human health and the environment. This assessment was based on the applicant's own studies of the virus over several years, and on other studies contained in published literature. The assessment was considered by the scientists in the relevant Departments and by the Health and Safety Executive and the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment, and on their recommendation a consent was issued.
  1064

  British River Monitoring
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what monitoring his Department has carried out on alkyl phenol emonxylates in British rivers. [34637]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Department does not monitor British rivers. Such monitoring as is appropriate is carried out by the UK regulatory authorities.

  Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 13 March,Official Report, column 414, when the research on alkyl phenol ethoxylates is expected to be completed. [34656]

  Mr. Clappison
  The reports of a review of current information on possible oestrogenic effects of chemicals including alkyl phenol ethoxylates, entering the environment, and on the effects of sewage effluent on fish, including some data on levels on alkyl phenol ethoxylates in rivers, which are referred to in those answers, will be published in the near future.

  Big Splash Site, Wandsworth
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement as to the grounds on which he is allowing evidence that has already been considered or rejected by the inspector in the inquiry concerning the development of the Big Splash site in Mapleton road, Wandsworth SW18, to be reconsidered. [34348]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  It is not unusual for further representations to be made in a planning case after the inquiry is closed. If those representations do no more than repeat issues already addressed at the inquiry, no special action is required. Where new evidence is raised which appears to be material to the case, the principles of natural justice require that the parties to the inquiry have an opportunity of commenting on that evidence before any decision is made.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date he received the report from the inspector he appointed to hold a public inquiry into Wandsworth council's bid for planning permission to develop the Big Splash site in Mapleton road, Wandsworth, London SW18; when he expects to publish it; and if he will make a statement. [34346]

  Mr. Jones
  The inspector's report was received on 11 October 1994. The report will be published together with the decision letter. This will be as soon as possible after the parties to the inquiry have had the opportunity of commenting on the new evidence.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in how many planning inquiries into the use of metropolitan open land new evidence has been allowed after the inquiry has closed. [34347]

  Mr. Jones
  No central record of such circumstances is kept.
  1065

  Ministerial Responsibilities
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the Ministers responsible for green issues in each Government Department. [34655]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Green Ministers are as follows:

  Department

  Minister

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Tim Boswell MP

  Chancellor's Departments

  David Heathcoat-Amory MP

  Defence

  The Earl Howe

  Education and Employment

  Robin Squire MP

  Environment

  The Rt. Hon. John Gummer MP

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  The Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hanley MP

  Overseas Development Administration

  The Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hanley MP

  Health

  The Baroness Cumberlege CBE

  Home Office

  The Rt. Hon. The Baroness Blatch CBE

  Law Officers'

  The Rt. Hon. Sir Derek Spencer QC MP

  Lord Chancellor's

  John M. Taylor MP

  National Heritage

  Lord Inglewood

  Northern Ireland Office

  Malcolm Moss MP

  Office of Public Service

  John Horam MP

  Scottish Office

  The Earl of Lindsay

  Social Security

  Roger Evans MP

  Trade and Industry

  Richard Page MP

  Transport

  The Rt. Hon. Sir George Young MP

  Welsh Office

  The Rt. Hon. William Hague MP

  Construction Industry
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for implementation of the Latham report on the construction industry; and if he will make a statement. [35184]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Government have taken a strong lead in the implementation of the recommendations in "Constructing the Team", together with other members of the Construction Industry Board. Two consultation documents have been issued by the Government on legislative proposals arising from the recommendations, and the responses are being considered. The success of the report depends ultimately on a culture change within the construction industry, which the Government are actively supporting and encouraging.

  Home Renovation Grants
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homes were improved with the benefit of home renovation grants, excluding minor works and disabled facilities grants, in 1994; and what were the figures for 1984. [33338]

  Mr. Clappison
  Information about home renovation grants in England is shown in the quarterly and annual publication "Housing and Construction Statistics". Figures of amounts paid during 1994 are shown in table 1066
  2.17 of the December 1994 issue of part 2 of the quarterly edition of this publication and those for 1984 are shown in table 7.2 of the 1983–93 issue of the annual edition of this publication.

  Copies of these publications are in the Library.

  Council House Investment
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what has been the standard spending assessment for council house investment for each of the last five years. [34191]

  Mr. Clappison
  The annual capital guidelines allocated to local authorities as part of the housing investment programme for the last five years are:

  1991–92: £1,342,500 million

  1992–93: £1,289,896 million

  1993–94: £1,377,612 million

  1994–95: £1,037.982 million

  1995–96: £994.229 million

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances he will make it his policy to increase investment in council housing. [34192]

  Mr. Clappison
  Every year, as part of the housing investment programme, local housing authorities receive their annual capital guideline allocations for capital expenditure on housing. They can also bid for resources from the housing partnership fund and the single regeneration budget challenge fund. In addition, local authorities fund capital expenditure on housing from usable capital receipts and revenue contributions to capital. It is up to local housing authorities to decide how much of their available resources should be invested in council housing according to local needs. Local authorities should also be considering transferring their stock to new social landlords since this is one of the best ways of bringing in private resources to renovate and improve social rented housing.

  Housing
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to issue revised planning guidance note 3. [35190]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I have no immediate plans for issuing a revised planning policy guidance note 3 (Housing).

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the extent of repairs needed on local authority housing, in each region, indicating the cost of these repairs(a) per region and (b) in total. [34193]

  Mr. Clappison
  Figures for repairs to local authority housing are provided by the quinquennial English house condition survey. The figures from the 1991 survey are as follows:

  Region

  £ million

  Northern

  361

  Yorkshire/Humberside

  442

  North West

  541

  East Midlands

  259

  West Midlands

  424

  1067

  Region

  £ million

  South West

  265

  Eastern

  312

  Greater London

  657

  South East

  235

  Merseyside

  175

  Total

  3,671

  Figures are in 1991 prices.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the level of funding currently provided for the provision of affordable housing in(a) the United Kingdom, (b) each European Union country and (c) each G7 country. [34194]

  Mr. Clappison
  In England in 1994–95, a total of £8.6 billion was spent on housing benefit to help social and private sector tenants on low incomes with their rents. Some £4.9 billion was spent on "bricks and mortar" spending to provide social housing at below-market rents and low-cost home ownership opportunities to households who might otherwise rent in the social sector and to help with the costs of maintaining and running council housing.

  The comparable information requested in (b) is not available because of differing forms of subsidy in other countries. Information on levels of funding in the European Community can be found in "Statistics on Housing in the European Community 1993" which is available in the Library.

  No information is readily available on levels of funding in G7 countries.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of local authorities establishing local public housing corporations to provide affordable housing. [34195]

  Mr. Clappison
  Borrowing by local housing corporations to provide affordable housing, although outside some fiscal indicators, such as the general Government financial deficit, would be within the public sector borrowing requirement. Moreover, if increased borrowing were supported by higher rents, it would increase expenditure on housing benefit which is within GGFD. The establishment of local housing corporations is unlikely therefore to be a means of permitting unrestricted borrowing for any purpose. The White Paper "Our Future Homes" (Cm 2901) explains that the transfer of council housing to new landlords which are private sector bodies is an effective way of generating increased investment. This requires no changes to public borrowing conventions.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the Chancellor to exclude local public housing corporations from the remit of the public sector borrowing requirement. [34191]

  Mr. Clappison
  None.
  1068
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 25 May,Official Report, column 792, what is his estimate of the additional homes which would have been provided by rehabilitation and under any other programmes under the Housing Corporation's standard headings in 1995–96, if funding levels as announced in the 1992 autumn statement had been maintained. [35175]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Housing Corporation estimates that the 1995–96 approved development programme would have provided a total of around 32,000 additional homes if the funding levels announced in the 1992 autumn statement had been maintained, comprising:

  Number

  New Build for rent

  22,000

  Rehabilitation for rent

  3,000

  Incentives and shared ownership (400 of which would have been rehabilitation for shared ownership)

  7,000

  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to ensure that persons from abroad in the United Kingdom illegally or temporarily will not be able to obtain publicly subsidised housing. [36067]

  Mr. Curry
  The Government announced proposals for fairer access to local authority and housing association tenancies on 18 July 1994. The proposals envisaged that people here illegally and people who were granted entry to this country on the understanding that they will have no recourse to public funds should not be entitled to receive assistance under the homelessness legislation.

  Subsequently, we have concluded that such people should not be entitled to tenancies of social housing allocated by local housing authorities. Provisions for this will be included in the legislation that we shall bring forward on access to social housing at the earliest opportunity.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provisions of housing legislation govern the priority to be given to a homeless parent without custody but with staying access; and if he will make a statement. [35138]

  Mr. Clappison
  The homelessness legislation—part III of the Housing Act 1985—provides that a person with whom dependent children reside or might reasonably be expected to reside has priority need for accommodation.The Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities (revised third edition), to which authorities must have regard, advised that a child may be dependent upon a homeless applicant even though the child does not live with the applicant at all times.

  Nuclear Waste
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out the timetable provided to BNFL for the submission of further proposals on waste substitution, as mentioned in paragraph 141 of the White Paper on radioactive waste management policy, CM2919. [35160]
  1069
  Mr. Clappison
  No timetable has yet been established.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce legislation to implement the proposal contained in paragraph 87 of the White Paper on radioactive waste management policy, CM 2919, to ensure full transparency and public consultation on the site selection for high-level waste disposal. [35161]

  Mr. Clappison
  The White Paper says that the Government propose to consider how in future they might meet concerns regarding the need for transparency of decision making and public reassurance—for instance, by setting out guidelines for the developers of repositories about the need for transparency in site selection, including the publication of research results, and the specific milestones to be covered in this process. They have no current plans for legislation.

  Safe Water Standards
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment why United Kingdom safe water standards fell from 100 per cent. in urban areas to 99.6 per cent., between 1980 and 1990 according to statistics published by the World Health Organisation publication "Progress Towards Health for All." [35151]

  Mr. Clappinson
  The difference between the figures for 1980 and 1990 is due to the fact that the World Health Organisation revised, and made stricter, its guidelines for drinking water quality. The change does not imply that water was unsafe to drink.

  Since 1990, the Drinking Water Inspectorate has checked the quality of drinking water in England and Wales against the standards set in the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 1989. These standards are stricter than those recommended by the World Health Organisation in its 1984 guidelines for drinking water quality, which were current in 1989. The Drinking Water Inspectorate's latest annual report shows that in the calendar year 1994, the water companies in England and Wales carried out approximately 3.5 million tests, of which 99.3 per cent. met the relevant standard in the regulations. None of those which did not meet the standards constituted unsafe water.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Caborn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on difficulties caused for local authority financing or re-financing by comments made in the case of Credit Suisse v. Allerdale; what is the Government's policy on acquiring the use of borrowed money and avoiding the impact of controls; and what comparison he has made with the decision in City Centre Leisure (Holdings) Limited v. Westminster on the issue of acquiring the use of borrowed money; [35580]

  (2) what assessment the Government have made of the use by local authorities of financial structures which minimise the impact of a project on a local authority's borrowing, expenditure or credit limits; [35578]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the effect of the Allerdale case on the orderly rescheduling of existing off-balance sheet obligations of local authorities by means
  1070
  of deferred purchase commitments or the processing of various private finance initiatives opportunities; and if he will discuss the Government's policy in this area with the Audit Commission; [35577]

  (4) what assessment has been made of the difference between the position where a local authority uses a company for fund raising and where an independent contractor borrows to fund the performance of work or the provision of services to the council for reward; [35581]

  (5) what assessment has been made by his Department on the extent of the use of private finance initiative to enable projects to go ahead without the costs and borrowing relating to such projects falling on the balance sheets of local authorities; and what is his Department's policy on whether their practice is appropriate. [35579]

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

  Mortgage Indemnities
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, columns 332–33, if he will list the total number of mortgage indemnities and the average value for each local authority listed. [35440]

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

  County Hall
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the environment what meetings his Department has had with Shirayama Corporation on its plans for county hall in each of the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [35412]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  While briefing himself for the Public Accounts Committee hearing on 1 May 1995, my Department's permanent Secretary made a site visit to county hall in April during which he met Shirayama's United Kingdom representative.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the costs to local authorities of carrying out investigations of land that my be contaminated, prior to issuing a remediation notice; and what provision exists for local authorities to recoup these costs and from whom if(a) a remediation notice is required and (b) no remediation notice is required. [35351]

  Mr. Clappison
  Site investigation costs vary greatly between sites, depending on the nature of the contaminants predicted to be present on the site and on the size of the site. The typical cost per hectare of investigations also varies with the overall size of the site being investigated. The Department of the Environment has commissioned consultants, WS Atkins Environment, to review the typical range of costs for different kinds of work.

  Each borough or district council already has a duty, under section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to cause its area to be inspected from time to time to detect any statutory nuisances—including such nuisances caused by contaminated land. The contaminated land provisions in part II of the Environment Bill, which will form part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990,

  1071
  will provide a similar duty for contaminated land, as specifically defined in those provisions.

  The new regime does not provide for local authorities to recover costs they incur in investigating land prior to the service of a remediation notice. However, once land has been identified as contaminated land, a remediation notice can include a requirement for a more detailed assessment of the condition of the land to be carried out by the recipient of the notice.

  The supplementary credit approval programme for contaminated land provides capital resources to local authorities for site investigation and remediation work. Since the inception of the programme in 1990, some £54 million has been spent on investigation or remediation on over 800 sites.

  Nitrogen dioxide

  Carbon monoxide

  Peak hourly concentration (ppb)2

  Annual mean concentration (ppb)2

  Peak hourly concentration (ppb)3

  Annual mean concentration (ppb)3

  Manchester

  352

  26

  17.8

  0.5

  Liverpool

  97

  26

  5.8

  0.6

  Leeds

  131

  28

  12.8

  0.7

  London1

  235

  44

  11.0

  2.0

  Cardiff

  264

  22

  7.2

  0.9

  Belfast

  100

  21

  16.3

  0.7

  Glasgow

  132

  26

  7.7

  0.7

  1 Cromwell Road.

  2 Parts per billion.

  3 Parts per million.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment 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 know 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. [34676]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department has set up pages on the Government world wide web server known as "www.open.gov.uk." Currently, the DoE pages include information on: the Department's responsibilities; air quality information; the housing white paper; and basic credit approvals. All of the Department's press notices are published on the Central Office of Information pages—reference "http://www.coi.gov uk/coi/depts/GNV/GNV.htm 1"—and can be accessed through the DoE page.

  Officials are examining the feasibility of publishing a wider range of Departmental information via the Internet.

  Green Ministers
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans there are for an annual report on the work of the green Ministers; and if he will make a statement. [34635]

  Mr. Clappison
  Green Ministers have already published a "Digest of Green Housekeeping in Government Departments" in May this year. In addition, each Department's annual report contains material on its environmental performance, including the name of the Green Minister. The Government report collectively on
  1072

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information the Government have about levels of pollution in urban areas; and if he will provide the most recent available figures so as to enable a comparison to be made between Manchester and other areas. [35381]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Government monitor air pollution in urban areas through their automated urban network. The monitoring site in Manchester measures continuously concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. Comparisons between Manchester and other selected areas of recorded concentrations of these pollutants in 1994 are as follows:

  its sustainable development strategy in its annual environment White Papers.

  Water Industry
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of whether more competition in the water industry would lower prices and increase supply. [34378]

  Mr. Clappison
  In his policy document "Competition in the Water Industry: inset appointments and their regulation"—Ofwat, July 1995—the Director General of Water Services states that introducing competition at the wholesale level via the ability to make inset appointments has influenced prices through the introduction of more cost-reflective tariffs for larger customers. He recommends that competition between water companies would be further facilitated by changes to legislation. My right hon. Friend will consider these proposals.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to lower the 250 megalitre limit on inset appointments for water under the Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992. [34377]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Director General of Water Services has a duty to facilitate effective competition in the water industry. In response to recommendations made by the director general at the time, the Competition and Service (Utilities) Act 1992 extended his ability to make inset appointments to existing customers supplied with 250 megalitres or more of water annually. My right hon. Friend would be happy to consider proposals for a change to this limit should the director general recommend it.
  1073
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to consider new proposals to allow the use of existing water pipes by other water suppliers under a common carrier agreement. [34376]

  Mr. Clappison
  In his recent policy paper, "Competition in the Water Industry: inset appointments and their regulation"—Ofwat, July 1995—the Director General of Water Services has suggested that there may be circumstances in which it may be practicable to place a limited common carriage obligation on water companies to supply single customer inset appointments. The director general noted that there would need to be careful consideration of the implications for water quality. My right hon. Friend will need to satisfy himself of the implications before developing any proposals for change.

  Subsidence
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, column 159, if he will place in the Library (a) the extract of the British Geological Survey ground hazard assessment for Hampshire and (b) his Department's maps and database on susceptibility to subsidence for Hampshire. [35509]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The British Geological Survey's ground hazard assessment programme is a commercially operated service, access to which can be obtained through the survey at Keyworth, Nottingham.

  My Department's maps of landslides, mining instability and natural underground cavities in Hampshire, together with the relevant databases and the map of shrinkable clay in Hampshire will be placed in the Library when they are available.

  These maps show only the information that was available to the consultants who carried out the research projects for my Department. Their interpretation to determine susceptibility to subsidence requires earth science expertise and the absence of ornamentation on any part of the map does not necessarily imply that the ground is not susceptible to subsidence.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35313]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Probationary Tenancies
  Mr. Pickles
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions he has reached in the light of responses to his proposals on probationary tenancies, issued for consultation on 5 April. [36065]

  Mr. Curry
  The consultation exercise indicated a clear consensus that anti-social behaviour by a minority of council tenants and others is a serious problem, which needs to be tackled on a broad front. Local authorities already have a variety of means at their disposal to deal with such behaviour. The Government want to help authorities to deal more effectively with the problem and are working with the local authority associations to consider a number of measures to that end.
  1074
  The consultation confirmed that the introduction of probationary tenancies would have a role to play as part of authorities' broader strategies for tackling anti-social behaviour in their areas. The Government therefore propose to legislate at the earliest available opportunity to give authorities powers to introduce probationary tenancies in their areas if they wish to do so. It will thus be for individual authorities to decide whether, in the particular circumstances of their areas, probationary tenancies—now to be called introductory tenancies at the suggestion of a number of respondents—should form part of their wider approach to the problem of anti-social behaviour. They will no doubt wish to consult their existing tenants before doing so.

  A number of points were made by respondents about the practical operation of introductory tenancies, including the need to safeguard the position of vulnerable people whose behaviour is different but not necessarily anti-social. As the consultation paper made clear, the taking away of someone's home is very much a measure of last resort, which authorities will wish to use only where other measures have been tried and failed. The Government would expect authorities to act as scrupulously before issuing an introductory tenant with a notice to quit as they would before seeking to repossess the home of a secure tenant. Authorities operating a system of introductory tenancies will need to have in place fair and rigorous procedures which command the confidence of all tenants and ensure, for example, that no tenant's home could be put at risk through malicious or otherwise bogus complaints. Similarly, authorities will need to handle vulnerable tenants with particular care and sensitivity.

  The Government propose to prepare guidance for local authorities, in collaboration with the local authority associations and other interested parties, on operating introductory tenancy arrangements. This will include the process whereby a tenant served with a notice to quit may ask the authority to review its decision.

  The Government intend that the broad shape of the legislation should follow the proposals issued for consultation. There are, however, a number of subsidiary issues which are currently being considered in the light of comments made by respondents.

  The Government believe that introductory tenancies can be a useful additional weapon for local authorities in their fight to defend tenants' rights to quiet enjoyment of their homes by enabling them to take rapid action to remove the small number of badly behaved new tenants. The responsible majority of new tenants have nothing to fear from introductory tenancies. They can expect to become secure tenants once they have served the introductory period.

  Some 230 responses were received from organisations and individuals in England. About another 30 bodies responded to the separate consultation exercise held by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. A list of respondents has been placed in the Library. Copies of the responses themselves may be inspected at 2 Marsham street in London and Cathays park in Cardiff.
  1075

  Waste Disposal
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answers to the hon. Member for Rother Valley of 10 July,Official Report, columns 459–63, how many appeals to the Secretary of State for permission to create landfill sites have been (a) granted and (b) refused (i) without and (ii) following the holding of a public inquiry in each year since 1991. [34436]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Planning Inspectorate under its chief executive, Mr. Chris Shepley. I have asked him to arrange a reply to be given.

  Landfill Sites: Planning Appeals

  Year

  Appeals determined following a Public Inquiry

  Appeals determined following a Hearing

  Appeals determined following an exchange of Written Representations

  Total

  Allowed

  Dismissed

  Total

  Allowed

  Dismissed

  Total

  Allowed

  Dismissed

  Total

  Allowed

  Dismissed

  1991

  2

  1

  1

  1

  0

  1

  11

  9

  2

  14

  10

  4

  1992

  15

  9

  6

  0

  0

  0

  6

  4

  2

  21

  13

  8

  1993

  5

  2

  3

  4

  3

  0

  11

  9

  2

  21

  14

  6

  1994

  10

  5

  5

  0

  0

  0

  3

  1

  2

  13

  6

  7

  1995

  3

  3

  0

  1

  1

  0

  3

  2

  1

  7

  6

  1

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to issue regional guidance for the second round of bidding for the single regeneration budget. [34064]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Bidding guidance for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund was issued on 12 April 1995 and partnerships wishing to submit bids were required to send outline bids to Government offices for the regions by 16 June. We do not intend to publish any further guidance.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the outline bids received by the government offices for the regions for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund by 16 June, including the lead partner, the value of the bid and a summary of the content of the bid. [34360]

  Mr. Curry
  Copies of the outline bids submitted by bidders in the form set out in annexe B of the bidding guidance for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund, which include the information requested by the hon. Member, will be placed in the Library of the House shortly, with the exception of those bids which bidders themselves have requested should not be made public for reasons of confidentiality.

  Challenge fund round one

  Challenge fund round two

  Number of final bids submitted

  Approximate value £ million value of final bids submitted (estimated over lifetime)

  Number of final bids supported

  1£ million value of final bids supported (estimated over lifetime)

  2Number of outline bids submitted

  London

  124

  800

  49

  316

  202

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  38

  370

  22

  202

  58

  Eastern

  24

  37

  13

  21

  44

  1076
  Letter from C. J. Shepley to Mr. Kevin Barron, dated 17 July 1995:

  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about: —the number of appeals to the Secretary of State for permission to create landfill sites that have been (a) granted and (b) refused (i) without and (ii) following the holding of a public inquiry in each year since 1991.

  as this is a matter that has been delegated to the Executive Agency.

  The attached table shows the number of planning appeal decisions involving the creation of landfill sites made in each year since 1991, the procedure by which the appeals were determined and the outcome.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the status of advice given by a Government office for the regions to a partnership submitting an outline bid for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund. [34358]

  Mr. Curry
  The status of advice given by Government offices for the regions to partnerships submitting an outline bid for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund is set out in paragraph 15 of the bidding guidance for the second round, issued on 12 April 1995, copies of which are in the Library of the House. This states that the advice given by Government offices is intended to give an indication to bidders of the extent to which their bids meet the objectives and criteria for the challenge fund and merit working up. Where bidders decide to proceed with final bids the paragraph goes on to make it clear that information and advice given by Government offices is without prejudice to Ministers' decisions on the final bids.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each region(a) the number and value of full bids submitted for the first round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund in September 1994, (b) the number and value of bids -supported by the Government in the first round of allocations announced in December 1994 and (c) the number of outline bids submitted for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund in June. [34356)

  Mr. Curry
  The information requested is in the table.
  1077

  Challenge fund round one

  Challenge fund round two

  Number of final bids submitted

  Approximate value £ million value of final bids submitted (estimated over lifetime)

  Number of final bids supported

  1£ million value of final bids supported (estimated over lifetime)

  2Number of outline bids submitted

  South east

  52

  80

  19

  32

  66

  North west

  56

  240

  21

  143

  96

  Merseyside

  23

  135

  14

  78

  26

  South west

  34

  100

  10

  34

  66

  West Midlands

  37

  280

  13

  157

  73

  East Midlands

  26

  110

  11

  56

  43

  North east

  55

  180

  29

  81

  99

  Total

  469

  2,332

  201

  1,120

  773

  1 Subject to availability of resources.

  2 Provisional figures.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the steps he has taken to achieve a consistent approach by the Government offices for the regions in handling the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund. [34354]

  Mr. Curry
  As with the first challenge fund bidding round, the availability of national bidding guidance, with common objectives and assessment criteria, provides a nationally consistent framework within which second round bids will be assessed by Government offices.

  In addition, the second round bidding arrangements include a more structured outline bidding stage, with a pro-forma requiring common information from all bidders; and a requirement for bidders to prioritise the elements in their bid and to specify whether and how their bid could be scaled up or down. Three seminars have also been held for over 150 Government office staff dealing with bids at which those attending participated in case study exercises and discussed arrangements for handling second round bids. These seminars are in addition to arrangements put in place by Government offices themselves to ensure that bids are considered in accordance with the bidding guidance.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will outline the timetable and procedure to be adopted by the Government offices for the regions in responding to the outline bids received for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund. [34359]

  Mr. Curry
  The timetable and procedure to be adopted by Government offices for the regions in responding to outline bids received for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund are set out in paragraphs 15 to 17 inclusive and annexe H of the bidding guidance for the second round, issued on 12 April 1995, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will outline the role of Ministers in deciding which of the partnerships submitting outline bids for the second round of the single regeneration budget challenge fund should be encouraged to submit full bids. [34357]

  Mr. Curry
  The arrangements for considering second round SRB challenge fund bids are set out in the bidding guidance issued on 12 April, copies of which are in the 1078
  Library of the House. In particular, paragraph 15 explains that it is for Government offices to give an indication to bidders on the extent to which their bids meet the objectives and criteria for the challenge fund and merit working up. Ministers are provided with summary information about all outline bids. They take decisions on the final bids received in the light of recommendations from Government offices.

  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on means of improving the co-ordination of single regeneration bids at a local level; and what steps he has taken to achieve this. [34355]

  Mr. Curry
  The local authority associations have proposed that the Government should give priority to bids supported by local co-ordinating groups established and co-ordinated by local authorities with training and enterprise councils. Paragraph 11 of the bidding guidance for round 2 already makes it clear that local authorities and TECs can be expected to have a central role in bringing together challenge fund partnerships. The Government do not, however, wish to exclude or discourage other organisations, including the private, voluntary and community sectors, which may be capable of playing a lead role in encouraging local partnerships, and not intend to allocate to any group a privileged position in the bidding process.

  Road Inquiries
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the longest time that a road inquiry has taken to give public evidence in the last 10 years; which was the inquiry; and when it occurred. [34338]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The longest road inquiry held in recent years was the A36 Salisbury bypass inquiry conducted by Sir Peter Buchanan. It opened on 20 April 1993 and closed on 27 April 1994, having sat for 151 days.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 27 June,Official Report, column 594, how many road inquiries have taken place in each of the last 10 years; and if he will list them and the length of time each lasted. [34339]
  1079
  Sir Paul Beresford
  The number of motorway, trunk road and local authority road inquiries held in England in the last 10 years for which figures are available is as follows:

  April 1993–March 1994: 74

  April 1992–March 1993: 72

  April 1991–March 1992: 73

  April 1990–March 1991: 98

  April 1989–March 1990: 94

  April 1988–March 1989: 81

  April 1987–March 1988: 75

  April 1986–March 1987: 95

  January 1985–March 1986: 120

  January 1984–December 1984: 110

  (All figures taken from the Chief Planning Inspector's Annual Reports).

  It would be very time consuming to list the inquiries and to ascertain the length of time which each lasted, and such information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the conduct of the Birmingham northern relief road inquiry, the manner of taking evidence and the time it is taking to hear that evidence. [34339]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Birmingham northern relief road inquiry is being conducted by an independent inspector nominated by the Lord Chancellor and is proceeding in accordance with the Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1976. This is a particularly complex inquiry into the first inland tolled motorway promoted under the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991. The inquiry is expected to continue into October 1995, and there will be about three weeks of site inspections after it has closed.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will express the value of instant lottery cards sold per week as a proportion of total national lottery sales; and if she will make a statement. [34945]

  Mr. Sproat
  This is an operational matter for the Office of the National Lottery. I have therefore asked the director-general of the national lottery, to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proportion of national lottery tickets are sold in Wales; and if she will make a statement. [34946]

  Mr. Sproat
  This is an operational matter for the Office of the National Lottery. I have therefore asked the director-general of the national lottery, to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.
  1080

  Sport (Expenditure)
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has, in co-operation with the Secretary of State for the Environment, to make the role of local authorities in sports provision a separate consideration in the standard spending assessment formula, following the reorganisation of the Sports Council. [34772]

  Mr. Sproat
  We have no plans to make sports provision a separate consideration in the standard spending assessment formula.

  Digital Broadcasting
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) when she will publish the Government's paper on digital audio broadcasting; [34068]

  (2) when she will announce the Government's plans for digital television. [34065]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government intend to publish a policy document on digital broadcasting, including both television and radio, later this summer.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how she intends to extend choice and diversity in independent radio at both the local and national levels. [34072]

  Mr. Sproat
  This is a matter for the Radio Authority to determine. The Government are making spectrum available for digital audio broadcasting which should offer new opportunities at both national and local levels to enhance the range of choice for listeners.

  Tower Hill Excavations
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assistance her Department is giving to the Museum of London archaeology service's excavations on Tower hill of the late Roman church; and if she will make a statement. [33632]

  Mr. Sproat
  My Department does, of course, give funds to the Museum of London but no extra assistance is being provided by my Department for these excavations. I am pleased to learn that provision has been made for archaeological excavation and analysis of the site, and that this has led to the discovery of Roman and later remains.

  Environment Action Fund
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to her answer of 27 June,Official Report, column 598, if funds from the national lottery may be used to match grant assistance from the environmental action fund. [33702]

  Mr. Sproat
  I understand that the rules under which the environmental action fund is administered require applicants to secure matching funding from non-public sector sources. Funds provided by the national lottery distributing bodies are classified as public expenditure and cannot, therefore, be counted as matching funding for EAF purposes.
  1081

  Regional Sports Councils
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what are her aims for(a) the West Midlands council for sport and recreation and (b) other regional sports councils. [34771]

  Mr. Sproat
  On 29 March, the then Secretary of State confirmed that the present linkage between the Sports Council and the regional councils for sport and recreation will come to an end from 1 January 1996. I hope that local authorities will set up their own machinery to co-ordinate their wider regional strategies.

  Mr. Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what level of funding for the West Midlands council for sport and recreation is expected as a result of the implementation of proposals for the English Sports Council; and what is the current level. [34768]

  Mr. Sproat
  At present, the cost to the Sports Council of servicing the West Midlands regional council for sport and recreation is £18,500 per annum. Under our restructuring proposals, the linkage between the Sports Council and the RCSRs will cease.

  Sports (Lottery)
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will ask the Sports Council to review its policy of requiring the full 35 per cent. of private funding to be secured before an application for national lottery funding is submitted. [35109]

  Mr. Sproat
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has directed all the distributing bodies to ensure that a significant element of partnership funding is forthcoming from non-lottery sources. The Sports Council does not wish to debar applicants from applying purely on the basis that they cannot raise such funds. However, demonstrating the financial commitment of other parties to a project is a powerful expression of support for the scheme, and by minimising the financial contribution from the lottery assistance can be offered to a larger number of applicants. It should be noted that the percentage is purely indicative. If the Sports Council believes that a scheme which is unable to raise the indicative percentage is worthy of support, a grant offer could still be made.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what amount of national lottery funds has gone to west midlands sport; and what is her estimate of funding from that source in the next financial year. [34770]

  Mr. Sproat
  Twenty-eight awards from the lottery sports fund, totalling £7,389,714, have been made to projects in the west midlands. It is impossible to estimate the future level of lottery funding. This will depend upon ticket sales and on the number of eligible projects that come forward.

  Media Ownership
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, when she plans to implement the changes in primary legislation set out in the cross media ownership Green Paper. [34069]
  1082
  Mr. Sproat
  The changes in primary legislation, set out in "Media Ownership: The Government's proposals", Cmd 2872, will be introduced at the earliest legislative opportunity. Confirmation of the Government's legislative programme is given through the Queen's Speech at the opening of each parliamentary Session.

  Community Radio
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to encourage the development of community radio services in the United Kingdom. [34073]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government support the introduction of new radio services which cater for the needs, tastes and interests of local communities. It is for the Radio Authority to determine how to achieve this expansion of listener choice. Digital audio broadcasting could offer new opportunities.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to meet representatives of the Community Radio Association. [34074]

  Mr. Sproat
  I have no plans at present to meet representatives of the Community Radio Association, who are in regular touch with my officials.

  Independent National Radio Licences
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans she has to change the renewal procedure for the independent national radio licences. [34071]

  Mr. Sproat
  I have no plans at present to alter the licensing arrangements for independent national radio services which, under the provisions of the Broadcasting Act 1990, do not allow for renewal without competition.

  Chess
  Mr. Stern
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Hastings and Rye (Mrs. Lait), of 27 March,Official Report, column 482, when he now expects to announce his conclusions as to whether it would be appropriate and practicable for his Department to take an interest in sponsoring chess. [32688]

  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement about departmental responsibility for chess. [33023]

  Mr. Sproat
  I can confirm that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has agreed with the Secretary of State for Education and Employment that from the beginning of the next financial year my Department will take on the future funding of chess.

  Legislation
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what legislation she plans to introduce; and if she will make a statement. [35310]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.
  1083

  County Hall
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what inspections have been made by officials of her Department of county hall SE1; and what recommendations have been made regarding listed building consent in respect of the building. [35413]

  Mr. Sproat
  County hall was last inspected by officials from English Heritage on 23 June. The building is weathertight and in good condition for its age. In recent years, the Secretary of State for the Environment has determined several appeals on planning and listed building consent applications for county hall.

  Brodsworth Hall
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, pursuant to her answer of 15 June,

  Date of visit

  Minister

  Place and purpose of visit

  Total cost £

  9 September 1994

  William Hague, Minister of State

  USA Fact-finding visit about disability anti-discrimination legislation,

  6,813.59

  27 October 1994

  Peter Lilley, Secretary of State

  Madrid Speech at pensions conference

  2,185.82

  1 February 1995

  Peter Lilley, Secretary of State

  Paris Informal Social Affairs Council

  2,445.17

  11 May 1995

  Peter Lilley, Secretary of State

  Switzerland Fact-finding visit about Swiss Social Security system

  1,133.75

  29 May 1995

  Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish, Minister of State

  Lisbon Sixth Conference of European Social Security Ministers

  3,088.60

  Notes:

  The Secretary of State was accompanied by his Special Adviser on his visits to Madrid and Paris. "Total cost" includes the cost of those accompanying the Minister at public expense.

  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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

  Secretary of State

  Date and duration of visit

  Minister

  Numbers accompanying

  Place and purpose of visit

  Cost £

  15 April 1992

  Peter Lilley

  0

  Recalled from France to attend Cabinet and departmental meetings

  1,045.00

  1 September 1992

  Peter Lilley

  0

  Recalled from France to attend departmental meetings

  2,980.00

  29 January–1 February 1993

  Peter Lilley

  0

  Zurich To attend World Economic Forum

  735.00

  7 April 1993

  Peter Lilley

  0

  Returned from France to launch Child Support Agency

  324.10

  7–8 November 1993

  Peter Lilley

  0

  Paris Meeting with French Social Security Minister

  165.00

  27–28 October 1994

  Peter Lilley

  4

  Madrid Speech at pensions conference

  2,185.82

  1084
  Official Report, column 605, if she will list the individuals and organisations who have been invited to the official opening of Brodsworth hall since 15 June. [33629]

  Mr. Sproat
  [pursuant to his reply, 15 June 1995, c.605]: I have today placed in the Library a copy of the list of those guests who were invited to the official opening of Brodsworth hall after 15 June.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the foreign visits made by(a) Ministers and (b) special advisers in the last year indicating the cost of each visit. [31283]

  Mr. Burt
  The information requested is in the table.

  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. [32258]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is in the tables.
  1085

  Secretary of State

  Date and duration of visit

  Minister

  Numbers accompanying

  Place and purpose of visit

  Cost £

  1–2 February 1985

  Peter Lilley

  4

  Paris Informal Social Affairs Council

  2,445.17

  11–12 May 1995

  Peter Lilley

  1

  Switzerland Fact-finding visit about Swiss Social Security

  1,133.75

  Minister of State

  Date and duration of visit

  Minister

  Numbers accompanying

  Place and purpose of visit

  Cost £

  20–21 May 1992

  Nicholas Scott

  0

  Limerick Council of Europe, Conference of Social Security Ministers

  143.35

  23–24 May 1992

  Nicholas Scott

  2

  Luxembourg Social Affairs Council

  1,006.86

  2–5 September 1992

  Nicholas Scott

  2

  Barcelona Paralympic Games and bilateral meeting with Spanish Minister of State

  1,303.68

  7–11 October 1992

  Nicholas Scott

  2

  Montreal International meeting Ministers

  4,473.90

  11–13 October 1992

  Nicholas Scott

  2

  New York UN General Assembly

  3,012.90

  8–9 December 1992

  Nicholas Scott

  1

  Paris OECD meeting

  456.78

  27 May–6 June 1993

  Nicholas Scott

  6

  China Fact-finding visit about disability issues

  13,926.30

  9–10 November 1993

  Nicholas Scott

  1

  Brussels Informal Social Affairs Council

  550.62

  17–20 March 1994

  Nicholas Scott

  3

  Lillehammer Paralympic Games

  1,275.00

  29–31 May 1995

  Lord MacKay

  3

  Lisbon Sixth Conference of European Social Security Ministers

  3,088.60

  9–15 September 1995

  William Hague

  2

  USA Fact-finding visit about disability anti-discrimination legislation

  6,813.59

  Parliamentary Secretary

  Date and duration of visit

  Minister

  Numbers accompanying

  Place and purpose of visit

  Cost £

  28 January 1993

  Ann Widdecombe

  4

  Copenhagen Social Affairs Council

  4,500.00

  1 February 1993

  Lord Henley

  2

  Strasbourg To open Beveridge Exhibition

  1,125.30

  26–27 February 1993

  Alistair Burt

  2

  Germany Bilateral talks with German Social Security Ministers

  332.50

  28 April 1993

  Lord Henley

  1

  Republic of Ireland Meeting Board of Management Trust: War Pensions

  460.00

  15 May 1993

  Alistair Burt

  2

  Brussels Bilateral talks with Belgian Social Security Ministers

  590.52

  1086 1087

  Parliamentary Secretary

  Date and duration of visit

  Minister

  Numbers accompanying

  Place and purpose of visit

  Cost £

  28–30 September 1993

  Alistair Burt

  1

  Republic of Ireland Bilateral talks with Irish Social Security Minister and visit to Community Development Programme

  426.00

  18–19 April 1994

  Alistair Burt

  4

  Luxembourg Social Affairs Council

  1—

  28 May to 5 June 1994

  Alistair Burt

  3

  Canada and USA Fact-finding visit about family issues

  13,177.38

  21–22 June 1994

  Alistair Burt

  4

  Luxembourg Social Affairs Council

  2,948.42

  1Details not available.

  Mortgage Protection Insurance
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what measures he will take to ensure that the members of the Association of British Insurers adhere to future guidance on mortgage protection insurance; and if he will produce a report on the development of this part of the insurance market before October; [34266]

  (2) when he expects the Association of British Insurers to publish its guidance on mortgage protection insurance. [34267]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The Association of British Insurers advises that its guidance to good practice on mortgage protection insurance should be available in late summer. It is currently discussing with its members the status of the guidance. The development of the new arrangements for income support mortgage interest, including compliance with this voluntary guidance, will be monitored. I have no plans to report on this part of the insurance market.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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. [34689]

  Mr. Burt
  DSS agencies and headquarters are currently identifying opportunities for using the Government information service provided by CCTA. Items already on the Internet include citizens charter information and press releases. The recent earnings top-up pilot scheme consultative document can also be accessed via the GIS and the Department has invited comments to be returned to its Internet E-mail address. The Department is now developing a set of home pages that will provide more general information on benefits, contributions and child support.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security 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
  1088
  12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34694]

  Mr. Burt
  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, administrative and taxation burdens. They also provide direct assistance where appropriate.

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

  Measures introduced by the Department of Social Security over the last 12 months to assist small businesses include:
  reductions in national insurance contributions from April of 0.6 per cent. for employers of lower paid employees (earnings under £205 a week). The earnings brackets for each of the three lower rates were also increased by more than the rate of inflation.
  changes to the reimbursement arrangements for statutory sick pay from April. The new percentage threshold scheme will help any employer with a large proportion of his work force off sick at the same time. It reimburses SSP costs exceeding 13 per cent. of the monthly national insurance bill. The scheme is straightforward to operate and will protect the cash flow of the businesses covered more effectively. Small businesses will continue to receive the lion's share of SSP reimbursement.

  Other measures aimed at business in general, which should help small businesses, include:
  From October 1994, employers are no longer required to arrange for persons engaged in certain specified occupations involving a risk of pneumoconiosis to submit themselves for medical examination saving staff time and administrative costs for employers.
  In his November Budget statement, the Chancellor announced that the Contributions Agency will accept dispensations for expenses payments already agreed with the Inland Revenue for tax purposes, provided the circumstances under which they were issued have not changed. The CA will also now consider any reasonable form of evidence to determine the profit element of expenses payments. Previously only logs detailing actual expenses were acceptable.

  The Contributions Agency has also initiated a number of customer service improvements, including:
  the publication of a code of practice on 6 April. This code is sent to employers prior to a survey of their national insurance records to explain what they can expect from the CA and what

  1089
  the CA would like from them. The aim is to help employers prepare in advance so that the survey can be carried out more quickly and with the minimum disruption to the employer.
  the appointment of an independent adjudicator on 1 June to investigate complaints where a customer remains dissatisfied following consideration by the chief executive.
  there are plans to expand further the provision of information for businesses and the self-employed on the Internet.
  the extension and streamlining of the call answering capacity of the telephone helpline for employers, SSALE.
  the provision of information on the availability of Payroll Bureaux assistance in the latest edition of the employers guide issued in March.

  the provision of information to interested parties on national insurance matters including SSP and statutory maternity pay through talks, presentations and seminars held by local customer service managers.

  The Department has a system to monitor proposals which have an impact on small businesses to ensure that

  Changes in real income by quintile group 1979–1992/93, including the self-employed

  Percentage

  Quintile 1

  Quintile 2

  Quintile 3

  Quintile 4

  Quintile 5

  Bottom 20

  20–40

  40–60

  60–80

  Top 20

  Before housing costs

  7

  14

  26

  34

  50

  After housing costs

  -4

  10

  27

  37

  53

  Notes:

  Percentage growth estimates are calculated from the median income of each quintile. All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Money values of quintile medians for households with children 1979 and 1992–93

  Percentage

  Quintile 1

  Quintile 2

  Quintile 3

  Quintile 4

  Quintile 5

  Bottom 20

  20–40

  40–60

  60–80

  Top 20

  Before housing costs

  1979

  105

  141

  169

  203

  267

  1992–93

  104

  150

  208

  275

  414

  After housing costs

  1979

  88

  119

  144

  175

  232

  1992–93

  78

  120

  174

  234

  359

  Notes:

  The figures relate to the median income level in each quintile.

  The figures given are for equivalised income and are given to the nearest whole £

  Small changes are unlikely to be statistically significant.

  All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Monetary amounts are given in March 1995 prices in order not be comparable with those shown in the latest edition of Households Below Average Income. Estimates are for weekly income and should not be converted into annual amounts.

  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many children were in households living on incomes(a) below the 1979 bottom decile and (b) below 50 per cent. of 1979 average income, in 1979 and in 1992–93, following tables 11.1 and 11.5 of the latest households below average income report; and what was the value of the thresholds in these years. [34479]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The information is in the tables.

  Numbers of children below fixed income thresholds

  Thousands

  1979 Actual

  1979 Adjusted

  1992–93

  (a) Below 1979 Bottom Decile Median

  Before Housing Costs

  820

  770

  810

  After Housing Costs

  860

  810

  1,180

  1090
  the needs and costs to small businesses are taken into account, but there are no performance indicators specifically for monitoring achievements in this area. However, we attach particular importance to action taken to help small businesses and continue to explore ways of doing so.

  Incomes
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the change in real disposable income, by quintile group, including the self-employed, before and after housing costs, following table A1 and appendix 10 of the latest households below average income report; and what was the equivalised income per household in each quintile group, for households with children, in April 1995 prices. [34481]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the tables.

  Numbers of children below fixed income thresholds

  Thousands

  1979 Actual

  1979 Adjusted

  1992–93

  (b) Below 50 per cent, of 1979 Average Income

  Before Housing Costs

  1,230

  1,150

  1,220

  After Housing Costs

  1,430

  3,340

  1,910

  Notes:

  The 1979 adjusted column shows the numbers of children before fixed income thresholds based on grossing the total numbers of children in 1979 to the total number of children in 1992–93. This is done to remove the effect of the change in the total number of children.

  All Estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Estimates are shown to the nearest 10 thousand.
  1091
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the equivalent monetary value in £ per week at April 1995 prices, following table A2 of the latest households below average income report, in 1979 and 1992–93, before and after housing costs, of the decile means and medians of the two poorest decile groups and the richest decile group, and the total population mean of(a) single adult and couples with (b) no children, (c) one child aged three, (d) one child aged 16, (e) two children aged three and eight, (f) three children aged three, eight and 11 and (g) three children aged 11, 16 and 17 years. [34474]

  Money values for the bottom two decile medians, the top decile median and the overall mean for different family types in March 1995 prices (including self employed)

  Equivalent monetary values in £s per week

  Income before housing costs

  Group medians

  Decile 1 Bottom 10 per cent.

  Decile 2 10–20 per cent.

  Decile 10 Top 10 per cent.

  Total population (mean)

  1979

  Single adult

  55

  69

  223

  121

  Couple no children

  90

  113

  366

  198

  Couple with child aged 3

  106

  133

  432

  233

  Couple with child aged 16

  122

  153

  498

  269

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  127

  159

  517

  279

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  149

  187

  608

  328

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  177

  222

  722

  389

  1992–93

  Single adult

  55

  74

  350

  165

  Couple no children

  91

  122

  573

  270

  Couple with child aged 3

  107

  144

  676

  319

  Couple with child aged 16

  124

  166

  779

  367

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  128

  172

  808

  381

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  151

  202

  951

  448

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  179

  240

  1,129

  532

  Note:

  The figures in the table show, for the overall UK distribution of equivalised disposable income, decile medians for the bottom, second and top decile, and the mean income. These are expressed in terms of the equivalent monetary amounts for different family types. All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Money values for the bottom two decile medians, the top decile median and the overall mean for different family types in March 1995 prices (including self employed)

  Equivalent monetary values in £s per week

  Income after housing costs

  Group medians

  Decile 1 Bottom 10 per cent.

  Decile 2 10–20 per cent.

  Decile 10 Top 10 per cent.

  Total population (mean)

  1979

  Single adult

  41

  53

  177

  94

  Couple no children

  75

  96

  321

  171

  Couple with child aged 3

  89

  113

  379

  22

  Couple with child aged 16

  104

  133

  443

  237

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  106

  135

  453

  242

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  126

  160

  536

  286

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  152

  194

  649

  346

  1992–93

  Single adult

  34

  53

  286

  130

  Couple no children

  62

  97

  520

  236

  Couple with child aged 3

  73

  114

  614

  278

  Couple with child aged 16

  86

  133

  718

  326

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  88

  136

  734

  333

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  104

  161

  869

  394

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  126

  195

  1,051

  477

  Note:

  The figures in the table show, for the overall UK distribution of equivalised disposable income, decile medians for the bottom, second and top decile, and the mean income. These are expressed in terms of the equivalent monetary amounts.

  All estimates are subject to sampling error.
  1092
  Mr. Mitchell
  The information is not available in the precise form requested. Such information as is available is in the table. The estimates provided follow those in table A2 of households below average income and show the median of each decile group and the whole population mean. Reliable estimates of means of decile groups are not available.

  Monetary amounts are given in March 1995 prices as in table A2 of the latest edition of households below average income to allow comparison. Estimates are for current weekly income and should not be converted into annual amounts.
  1093

  Money values for the bottom two decile medians, the top decile median and the overall mean for different family types in March 1995 prices (excluding self employed)

  Equivalent monetary values in £s per week

  Income before housing costs

  Group medians

  Decile 1 Bottom 10 per cent.

  Decile 2 10–20 per cent.

  Decile 10 Top 10 per cent.

  Total population (mean)

  1979

  Single adult

  55

  69

  217

  120

  Couple no children

  91

  113

  356

  196

  Couple with child aged 3

  107

  133

  420

  231

  Couple with child aged 16

  123

  154

  484

  266

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  128

  159

  502

  276

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  151

  188

  591

  325

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  179

  223

  701

  386

  1992–93

  Single adult

  57

  75

  340

  161

  Couple no children

  94

  123

  558

  264

  Couple with child aged 3

  111

  145

  658

  312

  Couple with child aged 16

  128

  167

  758

  360

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  133

  173

  786

  373

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  156

  204

  926

  439

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  186

  242

  1,099

  521

  Note:

  The figures in the table show, for the overall UK distribution of equivalised disposable income, decile medians for the bottom, second and top decile, and the mean income. These are expressed in terms of the equivalent monetary amounts.

  All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Money values for the bottom two decile medians, the top decile median and the overall mean for different family types in March 1995 prices (excluding self employed)

  Equivalent monetary values in £s per week

  Income before housing costs

  Group medians

  Decile 1 Bottom 10 per cent.

  Decile 2 10–20 per cent.

  Decile 10 Top 10 per cent.

  Total population (mean)

  1979

  Single adult

  42

  53

  172

  94

  Couple no children

  76

  96

  313

  170

  Couple with child aged 3

  89

  114

  369

  201

  Couple with child aged 16

  105

  133

  432

  235

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  107

  136

  441

  240

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  126

  161

  523

  284

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  153

  194

  632

  343

  1992–93

  Single adult

  38

  54

  275

  127

  Couple no children

  68

  98

  501

  231

  Couple with child aged 3

  80

  115

  591

  273

  Couple with child aged 16

  94

  135

  691

  319

  Couple with children aged 3 and 8

  96

  138

  706

  326

  Couple with children aged 3, 8 and 11

  114

  163

  836

  386

  Couple with children aged 11, 16 and 17

  138

  198

  1,012

  467

  Note:

  The figures in the table show, for the overall UK distribution of equivalised disposable income, decile medians for the bottom, second and top decile, and the mean income. These are expressed in terms of the equivalent monetary amounts.

  All estimates are subject to sampling error.

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of Child Support Agency compliance with the Data Protection Act 1984; and if he will make a statement. [33622]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The Child Support Agency is registered under the Data Protection Act 1984 and is fully aware of the requirements and obligations that this places on staff in relation to the recording and use of personal data.
  1094
  The agency has taken all necessary measures to ensure that confidentiality is maintained and members of staff are obliged to maintain confidentiality at all times. The chief executive regularly meets the Data Protection Registrar, in view of the particularly sensitive nature of this area of work.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will update table G2.01 of the social security statistics 1994 by reference to the most recent date from the case-load of the Child Support Agency. [34438]
  1095
  Mr. Mitchell
  The information is contained in "Child Support Agency Statistical Information". Copies for the periods 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 and 1 April 1995 to 2 June 1995 are in the Library.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make it his policy that hon. Members will continue to receive individually researched replies to their inquiries to Ministers; [35066]

  (2) what representations he has received regarding the effectiveness of the pilot central correspondence section. [35067]

  Mr. Burt
  All letters from hon. Members receive an individual reply which answers their specific queries. There are no plans to change this level of service.

  To my knowledge no representations have been received regarding the effectiveness of the pilot correspondence unit. However, as at 13 July 1995, 36 hon. Members have written requesting further information about the pilot unit following the circular letter issued by the general secretary of the National Union of Civil and Public Servants. Since the unit began operations in March this year, 2,356 replies have been issued to hon. Members. In addition, the unit has sent 1,995 replies direct to members of the public. There have been no complaints about the standard of these replies.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if it is his policy to provide standard replies to individual letters on behalf of constituents from hon. Members; and if he will make a statement; [35150]

  (2) if he will make it his policy that hon. Members will continue to receive specific responses to individual inquiries relating to constituents' problems following the establishment of a central correspondence section. [35149]

  Mr. Burt
  All letters from hon. Members receive an individual reply which answers their specific queries. There are no plans to change this level of service.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what has been the cost of the administration of housing benefit in each of the last five years. [34847]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is set out in the table.

  £million

  Year

  Outturn

  1989–90

  286

  1990–91

  207

  1991–92

  225

  1992–93

  249

  1993–94

  272

  Figures for the year 1994–95 are not yet available.

  Data Source:

  Social Security Departmental Report 1995 (Table 2 page 100).

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the latest estimate of the average amount of housing benefit payable to people in receipt of(a) unemployment benefit, (b) severe disablement allowance and (c) incapacity benefit. [35295]
  1096
  Mr. Evans
  The available information is set out in the table:

  Benefit with which Housing

  Average weekly housing benefit May 1994

  Benefit paid:

  £

  Unemployment Benefit

  38.85

  Severe Disablement Allowance

  39.24

  Sickness Benefit

  34.77

  Invalidity Benefit

  31.53

  Notes:

  Payment of the other benefit may be to either the claimant or the partner.

  Figures for Sickness Benefit and Invalidity Benefit are given as Incapacity Benefit was only introduced in April 1995 and information is not yet available.Housing Benefit Management Information system, Annual 1 percent. sample May 1994.Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information system, Annual 1 per cent. sample May 1994.

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the average length of time(a) between a request for a disability living allowance review and a decision being made and (b) between lodging a disability allowance appeal and the date of a tribunal hearing; [35297]

  (2) what was the number and percentage of disability living allowance decisions where the adjudication officer required (a) an examining medical officer's report, (b) a general practitioner's factual report and (c) any other evidence, between February 1994 and February 1995; [35299]

  (3) how many requests for disability living allowance appeals (a) were received by his Department and (b) were outstanding in each month between February 1994 and February 1995 inclusive. [35300]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is not available in the format requested. Clearance times on reviews for the 1994–95 year was 82 per cent. cleared in 55 working days and 92 per cent. in 75 days against a target of 60 per cent. in 55 days and 80 per cent. in 75 days. For appeals, only one figure is held by the Independent Tribunal Service for both disability living allowance and disability working allowance. From the lodgement of the appeal to the first hearing, the average time in 23 weeks.

  Disability living allowance decisions by type of evidence (between 1 February 1994 and 28 February 1995)

  Number (000s)

  Per cent.

  Total decisions1

  456

  100

  Examining medical officer's report

  82

  18

  General practitioner's report

  160

  35

  Claim Pack2

  196

  43

  Any other evidence

  18

  4

  Note:

  1 Excludes cases where the type of evidence is not known

  2 Includes any supporting statements.

  Source:

  Analytical Services Division: 100 per cent. data.
  1097

  DLA appeals (February 1994–February 1995)

  Month

  Registered

  Outstanding

  1994

  February

  2,426

  17,546

  March

  2,521

  16,988

  April

  1,932

  16,395

  May

  1,717

  15,716

  June

  1,627

  14,849

  July

  1,972

  14,499

  August

  2,369

  14,441

  September

  2,568

  14,383

  October

  2,466

  14,582

  November

  3,124

  15,758

  December

  1,941

  16,245

  1995

  January

  2,574

  17,611

  February

  2,857

  17,271

  Source:

  DLA Management Support Unit.

  Nursery Vouchers
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he plans to disregard the value of the nursery voucher for four-year-olds for the purposes of income support and family credit. [35395]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  I shall write to the hon. Member shortly.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the number of(a) people and (b) firms, which pay national insurance contributions of type (i) class 1—employees, (ii) class 2—self-employed, (iii) class 3—voluntary contributions, (iv) class 4—self-employed and (v) class 1—employers. [35354]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is as follows:

  (i) 18.3 million1

  (ii) 2.4 million1

  (iii) 0.19 million1

  (iv) 1.7 million

  (v) The Contribution Agency estimates that it will receive between 1.1 and 1.3 million sets of PAYE returns from employers for the 1993–94 tax year. Some employers may send in more than one set of returns.

  Notes:

  1 Average number paying in any week.

  1. Separate details of the number of self-employed people working on their own account or as an employer are not available. The numbers of self-employed people who send in PAYE returns for their employees is included in (v).

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are his estimates of the total annual revenue raised from national insurance contributions of both 1098
  contracted out and non-contracted out type for (a) class 1—employees, (b) class 2—self-employed, (c) class 3—voluntary contributions, (d) class 4—self-employed and (e) class 1—employers. [35355]

  Mr. Heald
  The current estimates for 1994–95 are in the table:

  £ million

  (a) Gross

  19,725

  Contracted-out rebate1

  1,950

  Net

  17,775

  (b)

  680

  (c)

  55

  (d)

  815

  (e) Gross

  26,575

  Contracted-out rebate1

  3,300

  Net

  23,275

  Notes:

  1 In respect of contracted-out occupational pension schemes only.

  2 It is estimated that employers will also pay some £475 million due in respect of company cars and fuel for their employees.

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people have failed the all work test of incapacity(a) in total, (b) by region and (c) by gender; and how many of these are signing on as unemployed. [35252]

  Mr. Burt
  At 31 May, the latest date for which figures are available, 28 people had failed the all work test of incapacity. A breakdown of this figure by region and gender is not available.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people since April have failed to qualify for an increase in incapacity benefit for an adult dependant. [35246]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people now receive incapacity benefit; and how many receive age allowances(a) at the higher rate, (b) at the middle rate and (c) at the lower rate. [35245]

  Mr. Burt
  At 31 May this year, the latest date for which figures are available, 1,994,891 people were in receipt of incapacity benefit. Two rates of age addition are payable with incapacity benefit. People in receipt of one of the three age additions payable with invalidity benefit prior to 13 April, will continue to receive the addition with incapacity benefit. Information on how many of those are in payment at the higher, middle and lower rates, is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  1099

  SOCIAL SECURITY
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many(a) men aged 65 and (b) aged 60 years have had their incapacity benefit withdrawn since April; [35247]

  (2) how many people who have claimed incapacity benefit since April 1995 also receive income support. [35255]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available.

  Pensions
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 12 July,Official Report, column 623, on money purchases schemes, on what grounds it is assumed that the number of holders of APPs will fall between 2010 and 2030. [35513]

  Mr. Heald
  The introduction of age-related rebates will mean that the majority of current appropriate personal pension holders are able to maintain their plans until retirement. The new system will also reduce the financial incentives for younger people to take out an APP for the first time, so it is predicted that the level of take-up of new APPs will fall, leading to a gradual drop in the overall numbers of APP holders. However, the rebate will be regularly reviewed, and the changes to the contracting out system make it very difficult to predict future take up of APPs.

  The detailed assumptions used in the figures are given in the Government Actuary's report on the Pension Bill 1995 (CM 2714).

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has held with pension

  Type of deduction

  1989 (percentage of all claimants)

  1990 (percentage of all claimants)

  1991 (percentage of all claimants)

  1992 (percentage of all claimants)

  1993 (percentage of all claimants)

  1994 (percentage of all claimants)

  All cases with one or more deductions

  631,000(15.16)

  615,000 (14.71)

  682,000 (15.2)

  1,006,000 (19.77)

  —

  1,675,000(29.52)

  Electricity

  131,000(3.16)

  100,000 (2.38)

  96,000(2.14)

  96,000 (1.9)

  76,000 (1.34)

  74,000(1.31)

  Current charges only

  —

  —

  —

  40,000 (0.8)

  32,000 (0.56)

  30,000 (0.52)

  Including arrears

  —

  —

  —

  56,000(1.1)

  44,000 (0.78)

  45,000 (0.79)

  Gas

  134,000 (3.22)

  123,000 (2.94)

  146,000 (3.25)

  194,000 (3.8)

  204,000 (3.61)

  231,000(4.07)

  Current charges only

  —

  —

  —

  43,000 (0.9)

  37,000 (0.66)

  38,000 (0.67)

  Including arrears

  —

  —

  —

  151,000 (3.0)

  166,000 (2.95)

  193,000 (3.40)

  Mortgage interest

  4,000(0.10)

  5,000(0.11)

  7,000(0.16)

  44,000 (0.9)

  463,000 (8.20)

  445,000 (7.85)

  Current charges only

  —

  —

  —

  9,000 (0.2)

  343,000 (6.08)

  310,000 (5.46)

  Including arrears

  —

  —

  —

  35,000 (0.7)

  120,000(2.12)

  135,000(2.39)

  Water/sewerage charges, service charge for fuel and water1

  22,000 (0.52)

  51,000(1.21)

  67,000(1.49)

  134,000 (2.6)

  161,000(2.86)

  218,000 (3.83)

  Current charges only

  —

  —

  —

  16,000 (0.3)

  16,000 (0.29)

  19,000 (0.34)

  Including arrears

  —

  —

  —

  118,000(2.3)

  145,000 (2.57)

  198,000 (3.49)

  Community charge2

  —

  —

  34,000 (0.75)

  —

  —

  —

  Community charge higher arrears only

  —

  —

  —

  17,000 (0.3)

  30,000 (0.53)

  33,000 (0.58)

  Community charge lower arrears only

  —

  —

  —

  228,000 (4.5)

  408,000 (7.22)

  490,000 (8.64)

  Council tax arrears only3

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14,000 (0.25)

  Fines recovery arrears only4

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  7,000(0.12)

  Social fund loan recovery5

  352,000 (8.46)

  383,000(9.16)

  443,000 (9.87)

  586,000(11.5)

  —

  665,000(11.72)

  Overpayment recovery

  79,000 (1.91)

  70,000(1.67)

  68,000(1.51)

  92,000(1.8)

  93,000(1.65)

  114,000(2.02)

  Child support6

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  19,000 (0.34)

  Other housing costs, rent arrears and amenity charges

  74,000(1.78)

  57,000(1.37)

  98,000(2.17)

  101,000(2.0)

  110,000(1.96)

  161,000(2.83)

  1100
  organisations on the future calculation of the retirement pension; and if he will make a statement. [35414]

  Mr. Heald
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the previous Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Walsall, North (Mr. Winnick) on 27 June,Official Report, columns 585–86.

  Income Support
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 12 July,Official Report column 621, if he will provide such monthly (a) regional, (b) territory and (c) district information as is available since April 1993 on severe hardship. [35514]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Such information as is available from the Benefits Agency has been placed in the Library. However, the data are provisional and subject to amendment.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what was the number of recipients of income support who were subject to direct payments from income support in 1994–95 and in each of the five preceding years, listing the type of payment and relating each category of payment to the percentage of the total number of recipients of income support; [35242]

  (2) what was the number of recipients of income support who were subject to deductions from benefit in 1994–95 and in each of the five preceding years, listing the reason for the deduction and relating each category of deduction to the percentage of the total number of recipients of income support. [35243]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information requested is in the tables.
  1101

  Type of deduction

  1989 (percentage of all claimants)

  1990 (percentage of all claimants)

  1991 (percentage of all claimants)

  1992 (percentage of all claimants)

  1993 (percentage of all claimants)

  1994 (percentage of all claimants)

  Current charges only

  —

  —

  —

  18,000 (0.4)

  10,000(0.17)

  13,000 (0.22)

  Including arrears

  —

  —

  —

  84,000(1.6)

  100,000(1.79)

  148,000 (2.61)

  Board and lodging (including RC/NH/hostels)7

  12,000 (0.28)

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Other deductions8

  9,000 (0.22)

  1,000(0.03)

  3,000 (0.07)

  3,000(0.1)

  4,000 (0.07)

  —

  Notes:

  Deductions from Income Support are of two kinds: direct payment to third parties like the utility companies and deductions for social fund and overpayment recovery.

  1 For 1989 and 1990 includes service charges for fuel and water included in rent.

  2 Community charge not introduced until 1991—separated on data sets from 1992 by higher and lower rates.

  3 Council tax not collected until 1994.

  4 Fines recovery not collected prior to 1994.

  5 Social fund recovery data not available for 1993.

  6 Child support not introduced until 1994.

  7 Board and lodging deductions no longer made from 1990 onwards.

  8Other deductions "—" less than 1000 cases for 1994.

  9 Figures shown are for May each year. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  10 Deductions for electricity, gas, mortgage interest, other housing costs were not separated prior to 1992.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Annual and Quarterly Enquiries.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the total number of recipients of income support who were subject to more than one of deductions from benefit, excluding mortgage interest payments, in 1994–95 and in each of the five preceding years; if he give a breakdown of the total number of

  Income support recipients with one or more deductions (excluding mortgage interest)

  Number of Deductions

  2

  3

  4

  5 or more

  All cases

  1989

  Claimants with more than 1 deduction

  119,000

  38,000

  6,000

  1,000

  163,000

  Average deduction

  £13.05

  £17.24

  £20.65

  £25.32

  £14.34

  1990

  Claimants with more than 1 deduction

  107,000

  38,000

  8,000

  1,000

  153,000

  Average deduction

  £12.56

  £17.41

  £21.09

  £22.63

  £14.25

  1991

  Claimants with more than 1 deduction

  132,000

  50,000

  12,000

  2,000

  196,000

  Average deduction

  £12.42

  £18.27

  £23.20

  £26.05

  £14.71

  1992

  Claimants with more than 1 deduction

  209,000

  87,000

  27,000

  3,000

  325,000

  Average deduction

  £11.51

  £18.05

  £23.48

  £29.86

  £14.41

  1993

  Claimants with more than 1 deduction

  237,000

  91,000

  29,000

  5,000

  363,000

  Average deduction

  £10.80

  £16.77

  £22.99

  £27.27

  £13.53

  1994

  Claimants with more than 1 deduction

  302,000

  126,000

  38,000

  7,000

  472,000

  Average deduction

  £10.88

  £17.42

  £22.29

  £26.82

  £13.77

  Notes:

  Figures shown are for May each year. Numbers have been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Annual and Quarterly Enquiries.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the average amount of housing benefit payable to people with earned income. [35248]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  At May 1994, the latest available date, the average weekly amount of housing benefit paid, were either claimant or partner had earned income, was £32.29.

  Source:

  Housing benefit management information system, annual 1 per cent. sample.

  Severe Disablement Allowance
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people now receive severe disablement allowance; and how many receive age
  1102
  recipients of income support who were subject to more than one deduction from income support by the number of deductions; and if he will list the average value of these deductions for each group. [35244]

  Mr. Evans
  The information is in the table.

  allowances (a) at the higher rate, (b) at the middle rate and (c) at the lower rate. [35249]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  As at 3 April 1993, the latest year for which actual figures are available, there were 316,000 recipients of severe disablement allowance. The numbers entitled to the higher, middle and lower rate age allowances were 211,000; 54,000 and 45,000 respectively.

  Source: DSS analytical services division—based on 1 per cent. sample and rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Energy Efficiency Programme
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if interest loans taken out for the purposes of energy conservation to a dwelling occupied as the home will be eligible for payment through income support under the Social Security (Income Support and Claims and
  1103
  Payments) Amendment Regulations 1995; and if he will make a statement. [32925]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  [holding answer Tuesday 11 July]: Income support will continue to be able to help with the interest on loans taken out to provide insulation for the dwelling occupied as the home, provided the work is necessary to maintain the fitness of the home for human habitation. The Government's principal energy efficiency programme for householders aged 60 or over and those on a low income is the home energy efficiency scheme. It provides grants for draught proofing and loft, tank and pipe insulation and energy advice.

  Disability Working Allowance
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list how many people have been refused an award of disability working allowance on renewal by reasons for disallowance. [35254]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the table:

  Reasons for disallowing renewal claims for disability working allowance, for the period 1 November 1992 to 31 January 19951

  Reason for disallowance

  Total disallowed

  Not resident in Great Britain

  1

  Capital exceed £16,000

  10

  Not in remunerative work

  558

  Income exceeds DWA level

  515

  No qualifying benefit

  343

  Disability test

  99

  Receiving Family Credit

  32

  DWA claim made more than six weeks before end date of DWA award

  2465

  Claimant has withdrawn claim

  143

  Other reasons

  16

  Total

  1,574

  1 1 November is the first date of receipt for DWA renewal claims.2 This figure includes claims that have been disallowed because the renewal claim was made more than six weeks before the current claim ends. Some of these may have been subsequently disallowed for another reason, and therefore recorded more than once in the above table.

  Source:

  Disability Working Allowance 100 per cent. of all claims.

  Estimated administration costs 1993–94

  Administration cost £ million

  Estimated number of beneficiaries at a particular time Thousands

  Average weekly administration cost per beneficiary £

  Unemployment benefit

  1288

  607

  9.10

  Severe disablement allowance

  35

  2329

  2.05

  Sickness and invalidity benefits

  359

  21,868

  3.70

  1 Includes the cost of administering National Insurance credits for clients who do not receive any social security benefit.

  2 Estimated numbers—actual caseload figures not yet available.

  Information on incapacity benefit is not available.

  Performance Targets
  Mr. Coe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what performance targets he has set his Department's agencies for 1995–96; and if he will make a statement. [18010]

  Mr. Lilley
  [pursuant to his reply, 30 March 1995, c. 780–82]: I have today laid before Parliament the
  1104
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list how many(a) men and (b) women received each of the qualifying benefits for disability working allowance. [35253]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the table:

  Caseload as at 31 January 1995

  All cases

  Males

  Females

  Disability living allowance—higher rate

  2,399

  1,376

  1,023

  Disability living allowance—middle rate

  928

  573

  355

  Invalidity benefit

  984

  684

  300

  Severe disablement allowance

  332

  194

  138

  Disability premium in income support/housing benefit or council tax benefit

  559

  317

  242

  Total

  5,202

  3,144

  2,058

  Source:

  Disability working allowance quarterly inquiry January 1995.

  Some people may have more than one qualifying benefit. In these circumstances the most advantageous qualifying benefit is used as it may passport the person through the disability test.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35312]

  Mr. Burt
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 session.

  Administration Costs
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the administration cost per claimant of(a) unemployment benefit, (b) severe disablement allowance and (c) incapacity benefit. [35250]

  Mr. Burt
  Information on the administration costs of benefits is not available in the format requested. Available information, as published in the 1995 Social Security Department report, is as follows:

  1994–95 annual reports and accounts for the Benefits, Child Support, Contributions, Information Technology services and War Pensions Agencies. Copies of these, and the Resettlement Agency's annual report, have been placed in the Library.

  I have also today published "Child Support Agency—National Client Satisfaction Survey 1994" and copies have been placed in the Library.
  1105

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Forestry
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals his Department has for the future management and conservation of forests in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [34268]

  Mr. Ancram
  Future management and conservation of state forests in Northern Ireland will be subject to the conclusions drawn from a prior options study of all forest service activities which is currently under way. The outcome is expected to be reported to Ministers in the autumn of this year.

  Water Executive
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps his Department is taking to safeguard the rights of employees in the Water Executive in respect of pension entitlements, redundancy entitlements and other contractual terms and conditions of employment. [34271]

  Mr. Moss
  On 1 April 1996 a next steps agency will be created which will deal with the work currently carried out by the Water Executive of the Department of Environment (NI). This is an interim step towards the Government's ultimate goal of privatising the work of the Water Executive, but that goal will not be attainable in the lifetime of the present Parliament. In the meantime the Government are proceeding with plans to manage the Water Executive as an agency within the Department of the Environment (NI).

  Agency staff will be employees of the Department and as such will continue to be civil servants and will enjoy the terms and conditions laid down by the Northern Ireland civil service code and the pension entitlements under the principal civil service pension scheme (Northern Ireland).

  The Agency will be expected to make further improvements in the quality and cost-effectiveness of water and sewerage services to its customers. Through market testing, the chief executive will wish to examine whether parts of the agency's activities can be delivered more efficiently and economically by the private sector. Should the chief executive decide that a service could be better provided by the private sector, he will have to consider whether Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations apply in any transfer of the service. This will depend on the particular terms and conditions contained in any bid from the private sector, but where the regulations do apply the existing terms and conditions of employment will transfer with staff to the new employer. Where they do not apply, staff may opt not to transfer to the new employer and to remain with the Department either to be redeployed or possibly to face redundancy. In either case, existing terms and conditions will apply.

  Pension entitlements are protected by employment law, not by TUPE, and in a case of transfer of service both the Department and successful contractor must so arrange things that pension rights enjoyed by staff after the transfer are broadly comparable in value with those enjoyed before.
  1106
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 29 June,Official Report, column 779, on the future of the water service in Northern Ireland (a) which bodies were consulted before the decision to establish the next steps agency and (b) what factors influenced his decision. [34451]

  Mr. Moss
  In July 1992, in accordance with Government policy, it was announced that the water service of the Department of the Environment (NI), as it was then known, would be privatised in 1995–96. Due to a number of technical difficulties the Government announced in April 1993 that it would not be practicable to effect the privatisation within the lifetime of the present Parliament. On 29 June 1994 the Minister of State with responsibility for DOE (NI) announced that privatisation of water and sewerage services remained the ultimate goal of the Government, but, in the interim, plans were proceeding to establish the Water Executive as a next steps agency within the Department by 1 April 1996.

  These arrangements are entirely in keeping with the well established concepts of the next steps initiative through which the Government seek to improve the delivery of public services. As such, no external consultation was necessary.

  The main consideration in deciding to pursue agentisation was the search for ever-increasing improvements in economy, efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of water and sewerage services in Northern Ireland.

  Schools (Capital Expenditure)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was capital expenditure on(a) primary; and (b) secondary schools in real and constant price terms in each year since 1979. [34030]

  Mr. Ancram
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 16 May,Official Report, columns 195–96.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the achievements 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 result of such monitoring. [34697]

  Mr. Ancram
  Assistance towards small firms in Northern Ireland is delivered for the Department of Economic Development by its agency, the Local Enterprise Development Unit.

  LEDU's strategy forms an integral part of the Government's approach to encourage competitiveness and growth among small businesses. I am encouraged that LEDU had another successful year in 1994–95. LEDU client companies' turnover increased by 11 per cent. in real terms compared with 9.5 per cent. in 1993–94 and had a net increase in full-time employment of 3,500 or

  1107
  11.9 per cent.—Northern Ireland average 2.6 per cent.—compared with an increase of 5.8 per cent. recorded in the previous year.

  Key results are as follows

  Performance indicators

  1994–95 targets

  1994–95 results

  Business start training (numbers)

  3,000

  3,732

  Small business accommodation

  8,200 sq m

  6,169 sq m

  Growth implementing contracts signed

  152

  159

  Contracts to companies engaged in projects to overcome barriers to growth

  760

  1,049

  Department of Public Prosecutions
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the change in the workload of the legal staff of the Department of Public Prosecutions over the past five years; and what changes there have been in delays in the legal process as a result. [34369]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The number of case files received by the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland in each of the five years from 1990 to 1994 is as follows:

  1990: 9,337

  1991: 9,764

  1992: 11,538

  1993: 10,564

  1994: 11,982

  Since 1 July 1992 the progress of serious indicatable cases has been monitored under the administrative time limits scheme. I refer the hon. Member to the answers my right hon. and learned Friend gave the hon. Member for Belfast, South (Rev. Martin Smyth) on 23 November 1993, Official Report, columns 19–20, and my hon. Friend the Member Bolton, North-East (Mr. Thurnham) on 6 December 1994, Official Report, columns 165–66, regarding the results of that scheme. The workload of legal staff in the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions is one of a number of factors increasing the delay in bringing an accused person to trial.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the present legislative proposals of his Department that will require consideration by the House during the next year. [34370]

  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35311]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.
  1108
  In addition I shall be writing to the Northern Ireland party leaders and to the Opposition spokesmen on Northern Ireland at the start of the Session to outline our proposals for Orders and Orders-in-Council.

  School Curriculum
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress being made to change the requirements of key stages 1, 2 and 4 in the school curriculum. [34371]

  Mr. Ancram
  Between September 1994 and February this year the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment prepared revised programmes of study for the subjects of the Northern Ireland curriculum and undertook a wide consultation on them, involving all schools in the Province, between March and June. These revised programmes of study reduce the statutory curriculum requirements for all pupils and the council will submit its final recommendations to the Department of Education in October. The Department will make the new programmes of study available to schools in January 1996 and they will become compulsory in September 1996.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about revised assessment arrangements of the national curriculum for the 1995–96 school year. [34741]

  Mr. Ancram
  I announced on 28 March that I had decided not to introduce statutory assessment until the 1996–97 school year. This will ensure that the assessment arrangements relate directly to the revised curriculum which will take effect in that year and will allow time for further consultation. I have, therefore, asked the Northern Ireland Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment to take views of teachers on what should happen in statutory assessment, and to advise me by Christmas on the form which it should take. I intend to make an announcement early in 1996 about the statutory arrangements which will apply in 1996–97.

  Special Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his proposals for changes in special education and the likely timetable for legislative and executive enactment. [34372]

  Mr. Ancram
  The Government intend to bring before Parliament later this year a draft Education (Northern Ireland) Order which will include new provisions relating to special education similar to those introduced in England and Wales by the Education Act 1993. Consultation on the proposed legislation has recently taken place and responses are currently under consideration. The Government's decisions on the form of the draft order and its proposed implementation will be announced as soon as possible.

  GP Surgeries
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the role of(a) the area health board and (b) the local general practitioner in providing the surgeries at (i) Newry, (ii) Portadown, (iii) Lurgan, (iv) Tandragee, (v) Keady, (vi) Newtownhamilton, (vii) Moy, (viii) Tynan and (ix) Armagh. [34335]
  1109
  Mr. Moss
  General medical practitioners are independent contractors and, in any area, the provision of their surgery premises is a matter for agreement between the GPs and the relevant health and social services board. GPs may provide their own surgery premises or they may rent accommodation either in a health centre run by the board or from a third party. In all cases GPs receive reimbursement from the board which can be related to the cost of providing premises, the actual rent being paid or the current market rental value of the accommodation.

  Armagh Hospitals
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what proposals there are to relocate services at Mullinure hospital, Armagh, from other locations; [34333]

  (2) what is the estimated cost at each location in Armagh city of completing the transfer of existing services at Tower Hill hospital, Armagh; [34336]

  (3) what hospital services are proposed to be transferred from the site at Tower Hill, Armagh city, and at which location at Armagh each of these services will be relocated. [34332]

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1990–94

  Robbery offences known

  1,205

  1,329

  1,512

  1,361

  1,373

  6,780

  Percentage cleared

  19.5

  19.6

  17.8

  15.7

  19.4

  18.3

  Burglary offences known

  14,609

  16,268

  16,888

  15,512

  16,692

  79,969

  Percentage cleared

  21.5

  20.4

  18.0

  18.8

  18.6

  19.4

  Note:

  Figures include attempts.

  There has been a substantial decrease in the number of robberies and burglaries in the first five months of 1995, accompanied by an increase in detection rates, resulting from the increase in proactive patrolling by the police, both overt and covert, using manpower previously employed on security duties. Other serious crime shows a similar reduction, with all violent crime falling by 972 in the 10 months since the ceasefires compared to the previous 10-month period.

  Comparative figures for robberies and burglaries January-May 1994 and 1995

  1994 January-May

  1995 January-May

  Burglary 6939 offences known percentage cleared 17.7

  Burglary 6624 offences known percentage cleared 18.7

  Robbery 614 offences known percentage cleared 15

  Robbery 494 offences known percentage cleared 22.3

  The Royal Ulster Constabulary, fully supported by Government, will continue to build on this improvement. Specific initiative such as the formation of a robbery squad in Belfast, and the amalgamation of the serious crime squad and the anti-racketeering squads, have been introduced by the RUC positively and efficiently to increase their ability to react to the increased flow of information from the public since the ceasefires.
  1110
  Mr. Moss
  The Armagh and Dungannon unit of Management is currently undertaking a wide-ranging public consultation exercise on the implementation of the Southern health and social services board's recent review of health and social care services in Armagh.

  The consultation period will close on 14 August and in the light of the comments received the board will decide on the shape and location of hospital services in the Armagh area including services currently provided on the Tower Hill and Mullinure sites.

  Until the board makes its decision it is not possible to estimate the cost of transferring any services from the Tower Hill site.

  Robbery and Burglary Detection Rates
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the detection rates for robbery and burglary in Northern Ireland over the past five years; and what proposals he has to improve it. [34364]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The proper way to fight crime is through the continuing development and improvement of anti-crime strategies, in partnership between the Government, citizens, and the police. The detection rates for robbery and burglary in Northern Ireland are given in the table:

  This is in addition to crime prevention schemes, such as the Northern Ireland Tobacco and Alcohol Security Group, which have proved their worth with significant reductions in the amount of high-value goods stolen over the last three years.

  Most recently, I announced a major crime prevention initiative on 1 May this year. This anti-burglary programme highlights six ways to beat the burglar and is a joint venture between the police, the Northern Ireland office and Northern Ireland Electricity, which is providing sponsorship for the programme.

  Prisoners (Costs of Detention)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current annual cost of keeping a prisoner in each of Northern Ireland's prisons. [34366]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Northern Ireland Prison Service under its chief executive, Mr. Alan Shannon. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. D. Shannon to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 17 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the current annual cost of keeping a prisoner in each of Northern Ireland's prisons.The latest available figures relate to 1994/95 and are:1111

  £

  HMP Belfast

  77,900

  HMP Maze

  71,980

  HMP Maghaberry

  86,566

  HMP Magilligan

  73,553

  HM, YOC

  58,246

  I hope this information is helpful.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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 ww.open.gov.uk and his plans and policies to make additional and new information available electronically on the server in the next 12 months. [34682]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Northern Ireland departments were given a "home page" on the CCTA world wide web server—open.gov.uk—in February this year; this provided some general information on Northern Ireland as well as information on the citizens charter and a copy of the joint framework document.

  In early June, the Department of Finance and Personnel established a WWW server of its own—address: nics.gov.uk—to provide an electronic publishing service for Northern Ireland departments and their associated bodies. There is an automatic pointer from the CCTA menu to the NI server.

  An interdepartmental steering group has been established to develop and co-ordinate the use of this new facility and of information super-highways generally. The aim will be to make maximum use of the potential of information super-highways to make information available to the public and to meet the business needs of Northern Ireland departments.

  Department of Finance and Personnel
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the proportionate change in the level of expenditure of the Department of Finance and Personnel between 1993–94 and 1994–95; and what factors led to this change. [34999]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Public expenditure by the Department of Finance and Personnel, on the basis of the latest available figures, increased by some 24 per cent. between 1993–94 and 1994–95. The increase is mainly attributable to increases in redundancy payments, around £7 million, and the buying out of future year liabilities for redundancy costs£6 million. Both these items are borne by DFP in relation to redundancies in Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Office.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on consultancy services by the Department of Finance and Personnel in 1994–95; on what projects the money was spent; and which consultancy firms were employed. [35007]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Expenditure of £164,915 was made on the following projects;

  Scoping study for possible Market Testing of Telecoms

  NICS Telecom Projects

  1112

  X400 Project (E-Mail)

  Government Loans

  VALCOM

  User Group Conference

  Charging

  Software amendments of IFMIS

  Software amendments to DFP Salary Module

  WESSIS and EROS

  NSV/CPV Coding

  Options Appraisal

  Ad Hoc Advice

  Market Test

  Customer Care

  Consortium Project

  Combines Accounting Workshop

  EC Research

  Economic Appraisal in Central Government

  'Interreg Evaluation'

  Issued in Competitiveness'

  'Urban' Prior Appraisal

  Performance Management

  Run down of NICS car scheme

  Selection Reconstruction Tendering

  Quality Assurance

  Culture Survey

  Prior Appraisal `Urban' Initiative

  Appraisal for Interreg II

  Financial Management

  The following consultancy firms were employed;

  Apex Catering Ltd.

  Belmin Purchasing Systems Ltd.

  Cabinet Office

  CAPITA

  Careertrack

  CCTA

  CFM

  Colin Stutt consulting

  Coopers and Lybrand

  Digital Equipment Corporation

  European S/W

  Gilpin Black

  International Training services

  Helm

  Horizon Services Ltd.

  KPMG

  Logotech

  McDonnell Systems

  NCC Services

  P.A.C.E. Ltd.

  Ronsard Fleet Services

  SGSYARSLEY

  CFNM

  Youth Service
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the number of full-time professional staff employed in the youth service over the past 10 years. [35005]
  1113
  Mr. Ancram
  There are currently 243 full-time professional workers employed in the youth service. Details for the past 10 years are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current capital expenditure on the youth service in Northern Ireland; and if he will list the projects funded. [35003]

  Mr. Ancram
  Planned expenditure on capital grant to voluntary youth in 1995–96 is £2,000. In addition the five education and library boards have estimated that, in total, they plan to spend £409,000 in 1995–96 on capital works—major works, minor works and the purchase of furniture, equipment and property. The total includes provision for starting one major new capital project, Taghnevan youth and community centre, Craigavon. Details of individual minor projects and other expenditure are not available.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the expenditure per head on the youth service in Northern Ireland in constant price terms over the past 10 years. [35004]

  Mr. Ancram
  In the 10-year period 1983–84 to 1993–94, the expenditure per young person aged five to 25 on the youth service in Northern Ireland, at constant 1993–94 prices was:

  1983–84: £22.94

  1984–85: £23.64

  1985–86: £23.14

  1986–87: £23.87

  1987–88: £23.95

  1988–89: £23.60

  1989–90: £23.05

  1990–91: £23.42

  1991–92: £25.19

  1992–93: £28.82

  1993–94: £31.07

  Mean age (years)

  Percentage aged

  Under 35 years

  55 years and over

  Queens University Belfast (QUB)

  University of Ulster (UU)

  QUB

  UU

  QUB

  UU

  1984–85

  41.5

  41.5

  24.8

  21.2

  11.3

  8.4

  1985–86

  41.5

  41.5

  21.1

  21.2

  9.3

  7.8

  1986–87

  42.3

  42.2

  20.2

  17.8

  10.5

  8.3

  1987–88

  42.8

  42.7

  18.8

  16.5

  10.8

  9.1

  1988–89

  43.3

  43.0

  15.6

  16.0

  11.8

  8.7

  1989–90

  43.3

  43.3

  16.7

  15.2

  12.3

  8.6

  1990–91

  43.4

  43.7

  17.2

  15.0

  12.3

  10.9

  1991–92

  43.8

  44.0

  17.8

  15.0

  13.6

  11.5

  1992–93

  44.1

  44.1

  17.5

  15.4

  14.6

  12.1

  1993–94

  44.0

  44.8

  17.9

  14.0

  15.1

  14.0

  Four-year-olds (Primary Schools)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of four-year-old children are in primary schools. [34747]

  Mr. Ancram
  At 31 December 1994, 49.8 per cent. of four-year-old children were at primary school.
  1114
  The figures from 1992–93 include the youth element of education and library board administration costs.

  Mott MacDonald Ltd. and NatWest Markets
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 446, what is the value of the contract for the consortium of Mott MacDonald Ltd. and NatWest Markets. [35019]

  Mr. Moss
  The answer is £244,850.

  Student Funding
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost in cash and real terms of a full-time equivalent student in further education in each of the past 10 years; and if he will make a statement. [34744]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is available only from 1991–92 to 1993–94 on a comparable basis and is as follows:

  Net institutional funding per full-time equivalent student

  Financial year

  Cash £

  1993–94 prices £

  1991–92

  2,520

  2,701

  1992–93

  2,463

  2,538

  1993–941

  2,374

  2,374

  1 Provisional.

  University Lecturers
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the age profile of lecturing staff in each university in Northern Ireland. [34740]

  Mr. Ancram
  The percentage age profile of staff for the academic year 1984–85 to 1993–94 for each of the two universities in NI is as follows:

  Higher Education Buildings
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the size of the backlog of maintenance in higher education buildings in Northern Ireland which needs to be undertaken to meet statutory requirements; and what proposals he has to carry out the work. [34749]
  1115
  Mr. Ancram
  The KDK report of 1992 identified a backlog of maintenance in the Northern Ireland universities, of which some £12.5 million related to meeting statutory requirements.

  Since 1992, the universities have spent £15 million on backlog maintenance, of which the Department has provided grant of £7 million.

  Livestock Premium Schemes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of the beef special premium scheme in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34979]

  Mr. Ancram
  The outturn for the 1994–95 financial year was £37.499 million.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. [35124]

  Mr. Ancram
  The cost of the sheep annual premium scheme in 1994–95 was £28.5 million. This amount is £7.2 million of the total figure for the UK.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated cost of the suckler cow premium scheme for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34980]

  Mr. Ancram
  The outturn for the 1994–95 financial year was £36.4 million.

  Department of Education (Compulsory Competitive Tendering)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which activities of the Department of Education are currently under consideration for compulsory competitive tendering. [35006]

  Mr. Ancram
  There are no plans at present for further compulsory competitive tendering in the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.

  Surplus School Places
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals there are for a rationalisation programme by the removal of school places during the coming school year. [34742]

  Mr. Ancram
  The education and library boards and the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools have been asked to review the position of all primary schools with an enrolment of fewer than 60 pupils and secondary schools with an enrolment of fewer than 300 pupils.

  At present there are no specific proposals for the rationalisation or closure of schools in the coming school year.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his strategic plan for higher education in the further education sector. [34743]
  1116
  Mr. Ancram
  Criteria setting a framework for the development of higher education courses in further education colleges were announced in February 1993. In addition, an advisory group was set up to advise on the development of such work in this sector. That group reported in December 1994, recommending a control on growth in full-time higher level provision of some 5 per cent. to 10 per cent.

  In line with the policy of consolidation in the number of full-time higher education students throughout the United Kingdom, overall intake levels for such courses in further education in 1995–96 will be allowed to rise by no more than 10 per cent. as compared with 1994–95. Colleges can, though, develop programmes through the part-time mode, subject to normal approval procedures.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what specific proposals he has for expanding the number of higher education places in Northern Ireland. [34748]

  Mr. Ancram
  None. In line with present Government policy for the United Kingdom, full-time undergraduate higher education places in Northern Ireland universities are constrained to a level consistent with the 1993–94 age participation index.

  Part-time and postgraduate places are not subject to this constraint.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what(a) numbers and (b) percentage of Northern Ireland students who have gained places in higher education institutions studied outside the Province in each of the past 10 years. [35328]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is available only for the years 1985–86 to 1993–94 for new entrants to higher education courses, and is as follows:

  Total new entrants

  Total studying outside NI

  Percentage studying outside NI

  1985–86

  11,857

  2,552

  21.5

  1986–87

  11,803

  2,677

  22.7

  1987–88

  12,581

  2,928

  23.3

  1988–89

  13,537

  3,406

  25.2

  1989–90

  14,816

  4,015

  27.1

  1990–91

  15,952

  4,184

  26.2

  1991–92

  17,168

  4,312

  25.1

  1992–93

  18,949

  5,078

  26.8

  1993–94

  20,410

  5,494

  26.9

  Universities (Student:Staff Ratio)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes there have been in the student:staff ratio in Northern Ireland universities in the past 10 years. [34745]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows:

  Year

  Student staff ratio

  1984–85

  12:0

  1985–86

  12:1

  1986–87

  12:2

  1987–88

  13:0

  1988–89

  13:9

  1117

  Year

  Student staff ratio

  1989–90

  13:8

  1990–91

  14:4

  1991–92

  15:5

  1992–93

  15:5

  1993–94

  16:5

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how his new initiative on nursery education will be affected by the fact that the school starting age in Northern Ireland is different from England. [34746]

  Mr. Ancram
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 11 July,Official Report, columns 519–20.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the average size in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Northern Ireland and (ii) each local education authority area in Northern Ireland. [35182]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is not available for secondary schools.

  The information requested for primary schools is as follows:

  Area

  i. Northern Ireland

  24.1

  ii. Area Board

  Belfast

  25.2

  Western

  23.9

  North-Eastern

  24.4

  South-Eastern

  23.9

  Southern

  23.4

  Ports (Privatisation)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken either by him or the port authorities about the privatisation of ports in Northern Ireland. [35288]

  Mr. Moss
  The Ports (Northern Ireland) Order came into effect on 2 January 1995. This would enable the privatisation of the Northern Ireland trust ports. It also provides reserve powers for the Department to initiate the privatisation of a port with a turnover in excess of £5.4 million, but these powers are not exercisable until two years after the order came into effect. The port authorities in Northern Ireland are currently examining the implications of this legislation.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland for what financial support from the European Union the ports of Northern Ireland would become ineligible if they were privatised. [35290]

  Mr. Moss
  European Union structural funds grants which are currently available to public sector ports in Northern Ireland would continue to be available in the event of privatisation.
  1118

  Prison Sentences (Remission)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of specific changes to which legislation is necessary to bring levels of remission on prison sentences in Northern Ireland into line with practice in England and Wales; and what plans he has for such changes. [35374]

  Sir John Wheeler
  To bring the law on release of prisoners in Northern Ireland in line with England and Wales would require provisions equivalent to those in part II of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, together with the creation of a parole board for Northern Ireland. The Government have no plans to make these changes at this time.

  Ports (European Financial Assistance)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action is being taken by Northern Ireland ports to seek financial assistance through the European Union. [35289]

  Mr. Moss
  The ports of Belfast, Londonderry, Warrenpoint and Lame have all submitted applications for European regional development fund assistance to the transportation sub-programme which is part of the Northern Ireland single programme. Several projects at each of the ports have been given preliminary acceptance to the sub-programme and letters of offer have already been issued for four projects at Londonderry and one at Larne.

  Londonderry and Warrenpoint have also submitted projects to the Interreg II initiative and these will be considered in due course.

  Northern Ireland Railways
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the findings of the study he commissioned to investigate ways in which private sector elements could be introduced into Northern Ireland railways operations. [35291]

  Mr. Moss
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Colchester, North (Mr. Jenkin) on 11 January,Official Report, column 146.

  British Fluoridation Association
  Mr. Hume
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funds he or his agencies have provided to, and what purchases they have made from the British Fluoridation Association. [34395]

  Mr. Moss
  The question is taken as referring to the British Fluoridation Society. The Department of Health and Social Services has paid an annual grant to the society since 1992–93. The amounts were as follows:

  Year

  Amount £

  1992–93

  1,795

  1993–94

  1,850

  1994–95

  1,924

  1995–96

  1,982

  1119
  The Eastern health and social services board made a one-off payment of £150 to the society in January 1995 towards the cost of a conference on water fluoridation. Health and social services boards and the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland purchase information leaflets from the society. Details of such purchases are not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the Northern Ireland share of Inward Investment projects coming into the United Kingdom in each of the past 10 years as measured by(a) the number of projects and (b) number of jobs to be created. [35173]

  Mr. Ancram
  The inward investment projects secured by the Industrial Development Board over the past 10 years are set out in the table and are shown as a percentage of projects notified to the Department of Trade and Industry's Invest in Britain Bureau.

  Inward Investment projects

  Jobs promoted

  UK share Percentage

  UK share Percentage

  1994–1995

  10

  2.4

  1,969

  5.4

  1993–1994

  13

  3.1

  2,309

  5.8

  1992–1993

  10

  3.0

  1,945

  12.3

  1991–1992

  11

  3.1

  430

  1.9

  1990–1991

  13

  3.6

  1,294

  5.4

  1989–1990

  14

  3.8

  1,977

  5.5

  1988–1989

  7

  2.1

  1,856

  7.0

  1987–1988

  12

  3.3

  867

  2.6

  1986–1987

  21

  5.9

  799

  4.1

  1985–1986

  22

  6.3

  813

  2.7

  Health Service Providers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 9 December,Official Report, column 388, if he will update the figures on non-NHS provider spending. [35442]

  Mr. Moss
  The information requested is not available. The final accounts of the health and social services boards for 1994–95 are not completed.

  The expenditure of health and social services trusts on the purchase of health and personal social services from non NHS/HPSS providers cannot be separately identified from the final accounts of the trusts.

  Private Patients
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 25 November 1994,Official Report, column 406, if he will update the figures on private patient income. [35491]

  Mr. Moss
  The information is not available in the exact form requested. The accounts of the health and social services boards are not yet available. The table gives income from private patients for each health and social 1120
  services trust for 1994–95. This information has been extracted from the 1994–95 accounts of the health and social services trusts These accounts are as yet unaudited and therefore the figures supplied may be subject to change.

  Since the original information was supplied a further seven trusts were established on 1 April 1994.

  Table 1: Private patient income by health and social services trust for 1994–95 (provisional)

  HSS trust

  1994–95 £000

  Belfast City Hospital Trust

  426

  Eastern Ambulance Trust

  8

  Greenpark Trust

  371

  Royal Group of Hospitals Trust

  1,366

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospital Trust

  413

  Craigavon Group of Hospitals Trust

  142

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital Trust

  16

  Newry and Mourne Hospitals Trust

  159

  South and East Belfast Community Trust

  27

  Down and Lisburn Trust

  46

  Craigavon and Banbridge Community Trust

  0

  North Down and Ards Community Trust

  0

  North and West Belfast Community Trust

  0

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1994,Official Report, column 325, if he will update the figures on trust start-up costs. [35503]

  Mr. Moss
  The additional figures for trust start-up costs in Northern Ireland since 8 December are as follows:

  Operational date 1 April 1995

  £

  Causeway HSS Trust

  215,000

  Northern Ireland Ambulance Service HSS Trust1

  214,000

  1 This trust was established following the dissolution of the Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust on HSS Trust on April 1995

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for
  Northern Ireland if he will list by wave and by region(a) the number of non-executive directors and (b) the number of chairs of NHS trust boards by salary band. [35505]

  Mr. Moss
  Since regional authorities do not exist in Northern Ireland, it is not possible to provide the information in the form requested. Information on appointments to HSS trusts in Northern Ireland is set out in the table:

  Chairmen

  Non-executive directors

  Band 1 £19,285

  Band 2 £17,145

  Band 3 £15,125

  Wave 1

  5

  1

  —

  —

  Wave 2

  43

  3

  4

  2

  Wave 3

  114

  —

  1

  2

  Wave 4

  19

  —

  1

  1

  1 One non-executive director post remains to be filled.

  1121

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the costs of assisting general practitioner fundholders with information technology expenditure in each year since 1991–92. [35388]

  Mr. Moss
  The GP fundholding scheme in Northern Ireland commenced in April 1993. The figures given for the first four years in the table represent the actual costs of the assistance given to GP fundholders in respect of information technology. The figure given for 1995–96 represents the total allocation made for this purpose to the four health and social services boards, from which fundholders will be reimbursed.

  Year

  Amount £

  1991–92

  nil

  1992–93

  617,879

  1993–94

  751,558

  1994–95

  427,399

  1995–96

  775,000

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was allocated to GP fundholders in management allowances in each year since the start of the scheme. [35390]

  Mr. Moss
  The information requested is given in the table. The figures for the first three years represent the management allowance payments made to GP fundholders. The figure for 1995–96 represents the total allocation made to the four health and social services boards for management allowances purposes, from which fundholders will be reimbursed.

  Year

  Amount £

  1992–93

  345,215

  1993–94

  1,042,725

  1994–95

  1,652,692

  1995–96

  3,207,117

  Deaths from hypothermia

  Health and Social Services Board

  Year

  Eastern

  Northern

  Southern

  Western

  Northern Ireland

  Males aged 65+ years

  1990

  2

  1

  2

  0

  5

  1991

  1

  2

  0

  2

  5

  1992

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  1993

  1

  1

  0

  0

  2

  1994

  1

  1

  0

  2

  4

  Females aged 60+ years

  1990

  0

  1

  0

  0

  1

  1991

  4

  0

  0

  1

  5

  1992

  1

  1

  0

  2

  4

  1993

  2

  1

  0

  3

  6

  1994

  3

  0

  0

  0

  3

  1122

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many unfair dismissal cases were brought against his Department during the last 12 months; how many were successful; and what were the total costs including legal fees and compensation. [34608]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: In the last 12 months, one case of unfair dismissal was brought against the Department of Finance and Personnel. The case was withdrawn before it came to hearing. Legal costs of £2,966.52, including VAT, were incurred by the Department; no compensation was paid to the officer dismissed. One unfair dismissal case was brought against the Department of Environment for Northern Ireland and it was successful. The total cost, including legal fees and compensation, was £3,300.

  One officer in the Northern Ireland Office has made an application for unfair dismissal to the office of the industrial tribunal. This case has not come to hearing.

  Sickness Absence
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many days were lost in sickness absence 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. [34609]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: In 1994–95 358,059 days were lost through sick absence, representing 6.6 per cent. of the total number of potential working days. It is estimated that the cost of sick absence in 1994–95 was £24.8 million.

  These statistics exclude industrial staff whose records are not held centrally.

  Hypothermia (Deaths)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many deaths from hypothermia took place among(a) men aged 65 years and over and (b) women aged 60 years and over in each year from 1990, by region. [34172]

  Mr. Moss
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The figures are as follows:
  1123

SCOTLAND

  Civil Servants
  Mrs. Ray Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for the Agriculture and Fisheries Department in the Scottish Office(a) civil servants who have left the service and their grade, (b) voluntary redundancies and their grade, (c) compulsory redundancies and their grade and (d) those given early retirement and their grade for (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) 1995 expressed as a number and a percentage. [33668]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of staff in the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department by grade, for(a) 1993, (b) 1994 and (c) 1995. [33669]

  Mr. Forsyth
  The number of permanent staff in the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department excluding its executive agencies by grade is shown in the table. The figures relate to 1 April in the years from 1993 to 1995.

  Habitats Directive
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will extend the consultation period on the habitats directive to allow objectors to marine sites to make further representations to the Government; and if he will publish the list of sites to which objections have been received and from whom. [33757]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Government are presently considering responses received to the consultation exercise on the list of possible marine special areas of conservation under the EC habitats directive. Once this is complete, the Government will announce how we propose to take matters forward.

  In line with normal procedure, full sets of the responses received will shortly be made available for public inspection in departmental libraries, apart from any instances where respondents asked for their comments to be kept confidential.

  Staff in post in the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department at 1 April

  Grade

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Grade 2

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Grade 3

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Grade 4

  2.0

  3.0

  2.0

  Grade 5

  12.0

  13.0

  12.0

  Grade 6

  11.0

  9.0

  11.0

  Grade 7

  66.0

  66.0

  60.6

  Senior Executive Officer

  9.0

  8.0

  8.0

  Higher Executive Officer

  50.0

  52.0

  50.2

  Executive Officer

  72.0

  72.0

  66.9

  Administrative Officer

  135.0

  135.0

  130.9

  Administrative Assistant

  123.5

  135.5

  138.9

  Chief Food and Dairy Officer

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Food and Dairy Officer

  4.0

  4.0

  2.0

  Area Meat and Livestock Inspector

  2.0

  2.0

  1.0

  1124

  Staff in post in the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department at 1 April

  Grade

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Principal Agricultural Officer

  12.0

  11.0

  10.0

  Principal Horticultural Officer

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Senior Agricultural Officer

  48.0

  46.0

  44.0

  Senior Horticultural Officer

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Higher Horticultural Officer

  —

  1.0

  1.0

  Higher Agricultural Officer

  56.0

  57.0

  60.0

  Higher Marketing Officer (Horticulture)

  4.0

  4.0

  4.0

  Higher Marketing Officer (Poultry)

  3.0

  3.0

  1.0

  Agricultural Officer

  115.5

  126.0

  118.0

  Horticultural Officer

  3.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Marketing Officer (Horticulture)

  5.0

  7.0

  6.0

  Marketing Officer (Poultry)

  3.0

  3.0

  3.0

  Farm Manager

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Senior Scientific Officer

  36.0

  36.0

  33.0

  Higher Scientific Officer

  46.5

  46.5

  44.0

  Scientific Officer

  37.5

  34.5

  35.0

  Assistant Scientific Officer

  27.0

  27.0

  24.0

  Senior Economic Assistant

  3.5

  3.5

  3.5

  Economic Assistant

  1.0

  —

  1.0

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  2.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Assistant Statistician

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Senior Professional and Technical Officer

  12.0

  10.0

  8.0

  Higher Professional and Technical Officer

  12.0

  10.0

  10.0

  Professional and Technical Officer

  32.0

  30.0

  29.0

  Graphics Officer

  2.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Technical Grade 1

  1.0

  —

  —

  Technical Grade 2

  5.0

  3.0

  2.0

  First Officer (Executive)

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Higher Photographic Officer

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Librarian

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Assistant Librarian

  1.0

  2.0

  2.0

  Senior Personal Secretary

  1.0

  1.0

  1.0

  Personal Secretary

  24.0

  24.5

  22.5

  Support Grade Band 1

  —

  —

  2.0

  Support Grade Band 2

  9.5

  6.5

  7.5

  Typing Manager

  3.0

  1.0

  —

  Typist

  33.5

  41.5

  42.1

  Industrial Grades

  34.0

  29.0

  25.0

  Total

  1,070.5

  1,079.5

  1,038.1

  Health Care International
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which members of the Scottish Industrial Development Advisory Board were present when Health Care International was considered and approved(a) in April 1988 and (b) in February 1990. [34017]

  Mr. Kynoch
  As regards the consideration of the Health Care International project by the Scottish Industrial Development Advisory Board in April 1988 I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Derby, (Mrs. Beckett) on 4 July, column 143. As regards the board's consideration of the project in February 1990, I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 17 February, column 863, in which I listed the board's membership at the date concerned: all the members were present at the February 1990 meeting with the exception of Mr. A. K. Smith.
  1125
  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will list those health boards which have contracts with Health Care International, Clydebank, for the provision of services; indicating the services provided in each case, the cost or estimated cost of each contract for the financial years(a) 1994–95 an (b) 1995–96, and the total costs

  Contracts between NHS bodies in Scotland and HCI up to 1 June 1995

  HB contracts

  Trust contracts

  GP fundholder contracts

  Health hoards and trusts

  Numbers

  Cost (£)

  Services

  Numbers

  Cost (£)

  Services

  Numbers

  Cost (£)

  Services

  Argyll and Clyde HB

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  5,350

  Cardiac Surgery

  Inverclyde Royal NHS

  —

  —

  —

  4,860

  MRI Scans

  —

  —

  —

  Trust

  27

  Ayrshire and Arran HB

  2

  16,000

  Cardiac surgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South Ayrshire NHS

  —

  —

  —

  8,000

  Vascular

  —

  —

  —

  Trust

  1

  Borders HB

  16

  72,134

  Cardiac Surgery

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Fife HB

  89

  30,624

  Orthopaedic O/P1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Queen Margaret

  —

  —

  —

  10,470

  MRI Scans

  —

  —

  —

  Hospital NHS Trust

  37

  Forth Valley HB

  202

  43,153

  193 Orthopaedic O/P19

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Orthopaedic I/P2

  —

  Grampian HB

  9

  8,946

  9 oral surgery

  —

  —

  38

  27,263

  Urology

  —

  27,263

  Orthopaedics

  Greater Glasgow HB

  14

  105,238

  Cardiac surgery

  —

  —

  5

  1,415

  MRI scans

  1,415

  1 CT scan

  —

  1,415

  1 Hernia scan

  Lothian HB

  15

  41,698

  Cardiac surgery

  —

  —

  —

  1

  3,500

  Hip replacement

  Shetland HB

  13

  3,250

  Ophthalmic

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  360

  321,043

  6,409

  65

  23,330

  —

  45

  37,528

  New Zealand Visitors
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the dates and purposes of visits by officials or Ministers from New Zealand to the Scottish Office Education Department in the last three years. [34127]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information is as follows:

  Date

  Visitors

  Purpose of visit

  2–6 November 1992

  Ms Patricia Niven Reviewer, Management Education Review Office Christchurch

  To discuss management of educational institutions and the review, audit and inspection of these institutions.

  18 March 1994

  Mr. Alan Male New Zealand Qualifications Authority Wellington

  To discuss models of quality audit and quality assessment.

  12–13 May 1994

  Dr. Judith Aitken Chief Review Officer Education Review Office Wellington

  To discuss school planning self-review and performance indicators.

  1126
  already incurred for (i) in-patient and (ii) out-patient treatment. [34752]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The table lists the available information on the contracts between Scottish NHS bodies and HCI up to 1 June 1995.

  Separate information by financial year is not readily available.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [34695]

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

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

  Measures operated directly by my Department to assist small businesses include regional selective assistance, regional enterprise grant for investment and regional enterprise grant for innovation. For the period 1994–95, my Department made 219 offers of RSA to the value of £68 million to small companies—those employing fewer than 250. This contributed to the creation of 9,607 planned new jobs and the safeguarding of 1,780 existing jobs. Under both the investment and innovation elements of the regional enterprise grants scheme, 258 offers to the

  1127
  value of £3.7 million were made in Scotland in 1994–95 to companies contributing to the creation of 969 planned new jobs and the safeguarding of 628 existing jobs. RIG is available to companies with fewer than 25 employees while RIN is open to companies employing less than 50 people.

  During the same period, my Department also made 27 SMART awards to small businesses with less than 50 employees and nine SPUR grants to companies with up to 250 employees to help them to develop highly innovation new products and processes. The values of these offers were respectively £1.2 million and £1.1 million.

  In addition, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and their network of 22 local enterprise companies have at their disposal a wide range of measures through which they are able to support new and established small businesses.

  Following major research involving Scotland's business community, the media, the finance and education sectors and the business support networks, SE published in 1993 its business birth rate strategy. The strategy aims to stimulate the encouragement of entrepreneurship and help improve the environment for new and small businesses. It is guided by a number of themes: to unlock the potential of Scottish entrepreneurs; to improve access to finance; to widen the entrepreneurial base; and to develop and support growth in key sectors.

  I am greatly encouraged by the number of recent initiatives which have been generated or informed by the strategy and which are targeted at factors which SE's research identified as constraining the birth and growth of businesses. These include the establishment of the Scottish business shop network in partnership with the local authorities, chambers of commerce and colleges. The network in partnership with the local authorities, chambers of commerce and colleges. The network now comprises 31 first-stop business advice shops operating throughout Scotland, and which in 1994–95 handled a total of 60,000 enquiries. The small business loan scheme, operated in partnership with the Scottish banks, provides capped interest rate loans for start-up companies and existing small businesses. The LINC Scotland initiative provides an advisory service for young and growing companies seeking private investors. SE's strategy has taken particular account of the need to make support available to under-represented groups, including women, non-home owners and the under-35s.

  I am very pleased that the number of new companies formed in Scotland in the six months to April 1995 is 32 per cent. higher than over the same period a year before. I believe that the initiatives which have flowed from SE's business birth rate strategy have made a major contribution to that achievement.

  Actual and planned performance indicators for the enterprise bodies in Scotland, including advice to businesses and new businesses start-ups, are published in their annual report and in the expenditure plans for the Departments of the Secretary of State.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the work his 1128
  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. [34684]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  Over the past 12 months, my Department has made available to the public via the government world wide web server information on a number of aspects of its work. These include information on:

  educational research in Scotland;

  summaries of the available Scottish Office Factsheets;

  sample statistics including:

  Scottish Statistics 1994

  Index of Production and Construction in Scotland; and

  outlines of the functions of the my Department's Social Work Services Group and Her Majesties Industrial Pollution Inspectorate.

  Information is also available on the Scottish Office pages for the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historic Monuments in Scotland.

  My Department will review the usage of the service in due course before deciding what additional and new information will be made available this way.

  Schools (Fundraising)
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has as to how much has been raised by fund-raising activities by schools in each education authority, in order to purchase basic classroom materials. [34488]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  No information is available centrally on which to base an estimate.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in respect of schools engaging in fund—raising activities in order to purchase new reading books. [34489]

  Mr. Robertson
  Local authorities spend around £2.5 billion a year on education of which around £9 million is spent on text and library books for schools. Schools have for many years undertaken fund-raising activities to provide additional funding across a wide range of activities.

  Forestry Commission (Sales)
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list Forestry Commission land and woodlands disposed of since 31 December 1992. [34809]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Lists giving details of forestry land sold by the Forestry Commission in 1993 and 1994 are in the Library. A list of all the areas of land sold in 1995 will be placed in the Library early next year.

  NHS Trust Boards
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by wave and region(a) the number of non-executive directors and (b) the number of chairs of NHS trust boards by salary band. [35508]
  1129
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Private Patient Income
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 24 November 1994,Official Report, columns 333–36, if he will update the figures on private patient income. [35492]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The figures on private patient income for the period up to 1993–94 provided in the previous answer have subsequently been confirmed as final. Income figures for 1994–95 are currently not available.

  Roads Budget
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent on the roads budget in Scotland in each year since 1979. [35656]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information for total Government spending since 1979 on the motorway and trunk road network, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, is set out in the table below. The table does not include expenditure by local authorities on local roads which are their responsibility.

  £ million

  1979–80

  84

  1980–81

  91

  1981–82

  104

  1982–83

  110

  1983–84

  106

  1984–85

  115

  1985–86

  119

  1986–87

  115

  1987–88

  125

  1988–89

  131

  1989–90

  163

  1990–91

  200

  1991–92

  202

  1992–93

  231

  1993–94

  233

  1994–95

  1259

  1 Estimated outturn.

  NHS Expenditure
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was spent on public relations by the NHS in Scotland in each year since 1989. [35653]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is not held centrally.

  Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reached a conclusion on the prior options study of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency, and if he will make a statement. [36158]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The prior options study has systematically and thoroughly examined the various options for reform of the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency. I am satisfied that the scope for possible alternative options for the delivery of functions currently undertaken by the agency has been carefully considered 1130
  and I have concluded that the Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency should remain an executive agency for the next five years. The aims and objectives set for SFPA in the initial framework document were robust and sufficiently clear to be testable. The agency's framework document is now being reviewed and will take account of an evaluation of the agency's performance since launch, which was completed in May 1994. This concluded that the trend in the performance of the agency had been upwards and its targets for 1993–94 were substantially achieved. Further information about the agency's performance will be contained in the 1995 annual report.

  Historic Scotland
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the annual report and accounts of Historic Scotland for 1994–95 will be published. [36159]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Historic Scotland's annual report and accounts for 1994–95 have today been laid before both Houses of Parliament.

  Scottish Agricultural Science Agency
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to publish the annual report and accounts of the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency for 1994–95. [36159]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The annual report and accounts of the Scottish Agricultural Science Agency for 1994–95 have today been laid before both Houses of Parliament.

  Local Government Finance
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the date after which existing local authorities must have the agreement of their successors before entering into major financial transactions. [36161]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Following consultations with Scottish local authorities, I have today made the Local Government (Relevant Date) (Scotland) Order 1995 which requires existing local authorities, joint boards and the Central Scotland Water Development Board, from 1 September 1995, to have the agreement of the relevant successor bodies before disposing of land or entering into revenue or capital contracts above specified values. Where the successor body is a joint police or fire board, the date in question will be 28 days after the establishment of the relevant board.

  In deciding on these dates, I have given careful consideration to the views of existing and new councils. There is clearly a need to avoid possible disruption to local government services while at the same time protecting the interests of incoming councils. I believe that the date of 1 September provides new councils with the opportunity to set in place appropriate mechanisms for dealing expeditiously with requests for their consent.

  Court Waiting Periods
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what objectives for reducing court waiting periods have been established; what targets have been set for 1995–96
  1131
  in respect of court waiting periods for the Supreme and Sheriff courts; and if he will make a statement about the performance of the Supreme courts and each of the Sheriff courts in 1994–95. [36162]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The programming of court business is a matter for the judiciary. Acting in co-operation with the judiciary in the Supreme and sheriff courts, the Government seek to provide the resources which will allow speedy access to justice. Having regard to the time required by parties to have their cases properly prepared the following objectives have been adopted:the Lord President of the Court of Session has accepted the recommendations of a committee chaired by Lord Maxwell relating to the reduction of waiting periods in the Supreme courts: the target is to reduce waiting periods to the recommended levels and, subject to any acceleration in the rate of increase in court work, maintain waiting periods at that level: for certain categories of hearing, additional targets involving much reduced waiting periods, have been set;
  Sheriffs principal have agreed to overall targets of reducing waiting periods for summary criminal trials in the Sheriff courts to 12 weeks or less and to hold them at that level; and to maintain waiting periods at 12 weeks or less for civil cases in the Sheriff courts.

  Targets for the Scottish Court Service for 1995–96 are set out in the reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Robertson) on 31 March 1995, Official Report, columns 803–84. Performance against those targets will be published in the annual report of the Scottish Courts Service which was established as an executive agency from 3 April 1995.

  The main targets for waiting periods for 1994–95 are set down in the table—"waiting period" is the period between a trial or proof being requested or an appeal being received and the date assigned expressed in weeks—and national performance for that year is noted in the second column in the table:

  1994–95 Target

  Performance

  Criminal Appeal Business

  Summary prosecutions: Notes of Appeal against Sentence and Stated cases (accused in custody)

  4

  3

  Court of Session

  (a) Ordinary proofs

  20

  21

  (b) Defended Consistorial proofs

  17

  17

  Sheriff Courts

  (a) civil proofs/debates

  12

  13.0

  (National average) as at March 1995

  (b) Summary Criminal Trials

  12

  16.1

  In 1994–95 waiting periods of 12 weeks or less were achieved for civil debates-proofs in 88 per cent. of sheriff courts.

  Waiting periods of 12 weeks or less were achieved for summary criminal business in 76 per cent. of sheriff courts.

  Performance of individual sheriff courts at 31 March 1995 is set out in the table:
  1132

  Performance of individual Sheriff courts as at 31 March 1995

  Court

  Civil proofs

  Summary criminal trials

  Aberdeen

  19

  13

  Glasgow

  17

  24

  Kirkcudbright

  15

  12

  Dundee

  13

  15

  Campbeltown

  12

  8

  Dumbarton

  12

  11

  Dumfries

  12

  12

  Inverness

  12

  12

  Kirkcaldy

  12

  10

  Lanark

  12

  12

  Linlithgow

  12

  22

  Paisley

  12

  12

  Portree

  12

  8

  Dingwall

  11

  11

  Elgin

  11

  11

  Falkirk

  11

  12

  Hamilton

  11

  17

  Alloa

  10

  11

  Ayr

  10

  11

  Dunoon

  10

  11

  Greenock

  10

  12

  Jedburgh

  10

  10

  Kilmarnock

  10

  10

  Peterhead

  10

  11

  Stirling

  10

  12

  Wick

  10

  12

  Arbroath

  9

  12

  Banff

  9

  8

  Cupar

  9

  9

  Duns

  9

  9

  Edinburgh

  9

  11

  Kirkwall

  9

  9

  Oban

  9

  11

  Peebles

  9

  10

  Selkirk

  9

  10

  Stonehaven

  9

  11

  Stranraer

  9

  10

  Dornoch

  8

  10

  Dunfermline

  8

  13

  Fort William

  8

  18

  Lerwick

  8

  8

  Lochmaddy

  8

  8

  Rothesay

  8

  10

  Stornoway

  8

  10

  Tain

  8

  9

  Haddington

  7

  12

  Perth

  7

  14

  Airdrie

  6

  17

  Forfar

  6

  6

  In addition, the sheriffs principal have agreed that sheriff court programmes should be designed to ensure that the number of trials adjourned due to lack of court time should not exceed 5 per cent. of the total number set down, a target met in 73 per cent. of sheriff courts.

  Sheriff and Supreme Courts (Office Business)
  Mr. Gallie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what targets have been set for completing office business in the sheriff courts and Supreme courts; and what performance was secured in 1994–95. [36163]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The targets set for completion of office business in the sheriff courts in 1994–95 are set out in the table. The percentage figures following each target indicate the proportion of sheriff courts achieving the target figures or better in the course of the year. More detailed information on the performance
  1133
  of individual court offices will be made available to local court advisory committees. Similar targets applied in the Supreme courts and 95 per cent. of these were achieved in 1994–95, with the remaining 5 per cent. achieved in part.

  Targets for the Scottish Court Service for 1995–96 are set out in the reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Robertson) on 31 March 1995, Official Report, columns 803–4. Performance against those targets will be published in the annual report of the Scottish Court Service which was established as an executive agency from 3 April 1995.

  Targets for sheriff clerk offices and performance

  1994–95

  To issue the first deliverance in all ordinary writs, or return to sender, within two working days of receipt. 96 per cent.

  To issued the first deliverance in all summary cause actions (including small claims), or return to sender, within three working days of receipt. 96 per cent.

  To draft, in preparation for signature, all final ordinary decrees in absence (excluding divorce) within one working day of receipt of the minute craving decree. 91 per cent.

  To draft, within seven days of receipt of the affidavits, in preparation for signature, all final decrees in undefended ordinary actions of divorce or return the affidavits to the sender. 90 per cent.

  To draft, in preparation for signature, all decrees in actions of divorce under the simplified procedure within one working day of expiry of the period of notice. 97 per cent.

  To issue extract decrees in all ordinary actions (excluding divorce) within three working days of the date of ordering or the expiry of the days of appeal—whichever is the later. 89 per cent.

  To issue all summary cause/small claim extract decrees within one working day of the due date. 98 per cent.

  To issue extract decrees in all ordinary actions of divorce within one working day of the due date. 80 per cent.

  To issue extract decrees of divorce under the simplified procedure within one working day of the due date. 89 per cent.

  To issue the first deliverance in all petitions for sequestration/liquidation, or return to sender, within two working days of receipt. 93 per cent.

  To prepare for signature the first deliverance in all adoption petitions within one working day of a correct petition being received. 92 per cent.

  To scrutinise and accept or reject commissary petitions and inventories within two working days of receipt. 98 per cent.

  To issue confirmation within three working days of acceptance of inventory. 93 per cent.

  To conduct small estate interviews within seven days from the time an interview is requested. 100 per cent.

  To process juror claims for payment, or return to sender, within two working days of receipt. 99 per cent.

  To process postal fines (other than unidentified payments) on day of receipt. 99 per cent.

  To issue warning letters, means enquiry citations, warrants, extracts, etc, and transfer fines within seven days of the trawl. 99 per cent.

  To remit all non-Exchequer receipts to entitled parties within 14 days from the end of the last accountancy period. 99 per cent.

  To effect a reconciliation of all outstanding financial penalties on a monthly basis. 100 per cent.

  To reply to letter pleas within one working day of the court. 99 per cent.

  To order social enquiry and other reports within one working day of the court. 99 per cent.
  1134
  To complete probation, community service, compensation and fines supervision orders within two working days of the court. 99 per cent.

  To issue juror citations in the first instance at least 21 days prior to a jury sitting/trial. 99 per cent.

  To reply to all letter inquiries except those which require extensive investigation within two working days of receipt. 97 per cent.

  Crofters
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which meetings Ministers in his Department have held with representatives of the Scottish Crofters Union to discuss changes to the crofter building grants and loans schemes. [34665]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: My right hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro), as Minister for Agriculture and the Environment in Scotland, met representatives of the Scottish Crofters Union on 20 October 1994 at which a number of matters were discussed including the crofers etc. building grants and loans scheme.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what changes he is proposing to make to the crofter building grants and loans schemes; and if he will make a statement. [34664]

  Mr. Forsyth
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro), to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan) on 22 June, column 426.

  Post-natal Paediatricians
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that enough people are being trained as post-natal paediatricians. [34805]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The senior registrar establishment in medical paediatrics in Scotland has been increased from 25 to 28 in 1995, and funding has been provided for the additional posts.

  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations Greater Glasgow health board has made to him on difficulties in recruiting post-natal paediatricians. [34803]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Concern has been expressed about difficulties in recruiting medical staff in various specialties. This reflects trust's increased demand for doctors.

  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many vacant posts for post-natal paediatricians there are(a) in the Greater Glasgow health board area, (b) in the Lanarkshire health board area and (c) in Scotland. [34804]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Information is not available for the sub-speciality of neonatal paediatrics. In medical paediatrics as a whole there were nine vacant consultant posts in Scotland at the end of 1994.
  1135

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the capital costs of building a new maternity hospital at the royal infirmary as proposed by Greater Glasgow health board. [34799]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Initial estimates received from Glasgow Royal Infirmary NHS trust indicate a capital cost of £21.195 million spread over four years. As the trust has yet to complete an outline business case for the project which will involve testing for private finance, the figure cannot be confirmed at this stage.

  Rutherglen Maternity Hospital
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consult Lanarkshire health board on the proposal by Greater Glasgow health board, to close Rutherglen maternity hospital. [34800]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Lanarkshire health hoard was fully consulted by Greater Glasgow health board about the proposals for the future of Rutherglen maternity hospital.

  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to make a decision on the recommendation from Glasgow health board to close Rutherglen maternity hospital. [34798]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Greater Glasgow health hoard has not yet submitted its proposals for the future of Rutherglen maternity hospital to my right hon. Friend for his consideration.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the criteria he uses when deciding whether or not to endorse a recommendation from a health board to close a hospital. [34802]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Before approving closure of any hospital, my right hon. Friend needs to be satisfied that the health board has consulted about its proposals in accordance with established guidance; and that it has considered fully the responses to consultation. My right hon. Friend also takes into account any further relevant information brought to his attention.

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

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: There have been five complaints of unfair dismissal lodged with industrial tribunals against my Department in the last 12 months; none of these cases is concluded and I am unable therefore to give a figure for costs.
  1136

  Trees (Planting)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in descending order, and by both botanical and common names, his best estimate of the(a) acreage and (b) hectacreage of (i) softwood and (ii) hardwood species planted throughout forests in the United Kingdom; what new trends are likely over the next (1) 10, (2) 25, (3) 50 and (4) 100 years; and if he will make a statement. [31381]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 10 July 1995]: The information is set out in the table. We expect the planting of conifers and broadleaves to continue to increase as a result of the Government's policy, which is designed to achieve a steady expansion of the forest area. The precise trends will depend on many factors including the objectives of individual landowners and the policies of the Government of the day.

  Conifers

  Area

  Common name

  Botanical name

  Hectares (000s)

  Acres (000s)

  Sitka Spruce

  Picea sitchensis

  780

  1,900

  Scots pine

  Pinus sylvestris

  220

  540

  Lodgepole pine

  Pinus contorta

  160

  390

  Japanese larch

  Larix kaempferi

  120

  290

  Hybrid larch

  Larix europelis

  120

  290

  Norway spruce

  Picea abies

  95

  230

  Corsican pine

  Pinus nigra

  55

  130

  Douglas Fir

  Pseudotsuga menziesii

  45

  110

  European larch

  Larix decidua

  40

  95

  Other

  95

  240

  Broadleaves

  Area

  Common name

  Botanical name

  Hectares (000s)

  Acres (000s)

  Oak

  Quercus species

  200

  490

  Birch

  Betula species

  160

  410

  Ash

  Fraxinus excelsior

  85

  210

  Beech

  Fagus sylvatica

  75

  190

  Sycamore

  Acer pseudoplatanus

  60

  150

  Sweet Chesnut

  Castanea sativa

  35

  80

  Poplar

  Populus species

  20

  45

  Elm

  Ulmus species

  10

  30

  Other

  220

  550

HEALTH

  Consultant Oncologists
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of consultant oncologists working in the NHS. [33190]

  Mr. Malone
  The latest available information shows that there were 226 clinical oncology and 59 medical oncology consultants working in the National Health Service in England on 30 September 1993. However, a number of other specialties are involved in the treatment of cancer, including general surgery and anaesthetics.

  The Government seek to ensure an adequate supply of appropriately trained doctors in each specialty, including those involved in the treatment of cancer.
  1137

  Waiting Times (Leeds)
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on hospital waiting times in Leeds. [33191]

  Mr. Malone
  Waiting times for in-patient and day case treatment in Leeds have improved considerably over the last year. Only 675 patients out of 13,492 were waiting more than a year for treatment at the two main hospitals this March compared with 2,501 out of 17,252 last March. Along with the rest of the country, Leeds hospitals are working towards achieving the new patient's charter standards for first out-patient appointments so that everyone is seen within 26 weeks of written referral by their general practitioner, with nine out of 10 patients seen within 13 weeks, as soon as possible.

  Fundholders
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the level of fundholding GP practices in Hereford and Worcester. [33193]

  Mr. Malone
  There are currently 54 fundholding practices with 263 general practitioners in the Hereford and Worcester family health services authority area providing fundholding services to approximately 70 per cent. of the population. We expect many more GPs to join the scheme next year.

  St. Bartholomew's Hospital
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what account he has taken of revised statistics relating to Professor Tomlinson's study in assessing the viability of St. Bartholomew's hospital. [33194]

  Mr. Malone
  The decision on the future of health services in east London was made on the basis of full assessment of the available data.

  NHS Trusts (North Thames)
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the performance of NHS trusts in the North Thames region shown in the latest performance tables. [33195]

  Mr. Malone
  The performance tables highlight strengths and weaknesses in the performance of national health service trusts in North Thames region. Some of the best figures in the country are achieved in day surgery

  Doctors and dentists in England in 1979, 1993 and 1994

  1979

  1993

  1994

  Doctors

  Dentists

  Doctors

  Dentists

  Doctors

  Dentists

  Hospital and community health service

  45,700

  3,900

  56,300

  3,500

  1—

  1—

  General practitioners

  23,100

  12,100

  28,500

  15,800

  28,700

  15,900

  Notes:

  1. All figures rounded to nearest 100.

  2. The figures for dentists in general practice include principals, assistants and vocational trainees. Some dentists may have contracts with more than one Family Health Services Authority. These dentists have been counted only once.

  3. Some general medical and dental practitioners also do hospital sessions. Theses are included in the hospital and community health services figure. Adding the two rows in the table will produce an element of double counting.

  4. All figures exclude locums.

  1 The 1994 figures for hospital and community health service staff should be published in week commencing 24 July 1995.
  1138
  procedures and there have been real gains in accident and emergency assessment. However, more work is needed to improve performance on waiting times and cancelled operations.

  Mental Health
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress is being made to meet "The Health of the Nation" targets relating to mental health. [33197]

  Mr. Bowis
  Good progress is being made towards the target of reducing the overall rate of suicide by at least 15 per cent. by 2000. Figures based on estimates provided by the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys show that the suicide rate in England fell by about 6 per cent. between 1993 and 1994.

  Work is in hand to quantify progress towards the other two health of the nation targets relating to mental health.

  Blood Transfusion Service
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the operation of the blood transfusion service. [33198]

  Mr. Sackville
  The National Blood authority has undertaken a thorough and widespread consultation on its proposals. The authority's revised proposals have recently been submitted and are being studied carefully. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Air Ambulance
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times on average the air ambulance has been used in London during the past 12 months. [33199]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not collected centrally. The management of the helicopter emergency medical service is a matter for the Royal Hospitals National Health Service trust. The hon. Member may wish to contact the trust chairman for details.

  Doctors and Dentists (NHS Work)
  Sir David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many doctors and dentists undertook NHS work at the most recent count; and what were the comparable figures in 1979. [33200]

  Mr. Malone
  The information requested is shown in the table:
  1139

  London Hospital Closures
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will name all the hospitals closed in London since April 1991 and those that he plans to close in the next 10 years. [33201]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave the right hon. Member for Derby, South (Mrs. Beckett) on 18 April,Official Report, column 120. An updated list of closures and changes of use referred to Ministers for the period of January 1992 to June 1995 will he placed in the Library.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he next expects to meet representatives of the National Association of Fundholding Practices to discuss expansion of fundholding; and if he will make a statement. [33202]

  Mr. Malone
  I meet regularly with the National Association of Fundholding Practices to discuss the continued successful development of the fundholding scheme. General practitioner fundholding has brought significant benefits to patients by reducing waiting times, bringing more services closer to patients and freeing up resources through efficiency savings. The Government want to see these benefits extended to all patients and that is why we are expanding the range of options for GPs to join fundholding from April 1996.

  Haemophiliacs (Hepatitis C)
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received on the level of compensation to haemophiliacs who developed hepatitis C from blood products. [33203]

  Mr. Sackville
  Representations this year about payments to those who have developed hepatitis C through blood products, include six earlier parliamentary questions, a short debate in another place, and four early-day motions. There was also an adjournment debate on 11 July. In addition, Ministers have received 240 letters. Not all these representations were concerned solely or primarily with haemophiliacs.

  Prescription Costs
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average cost per prescription item. [33204]

  Mr. Malone
  The average total cost to the national health service of a prescription item dispensed in 1994–95 in England was £8.62.

  Doctors (Clinical Practice)
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how NHS doctors are held accountable for the quality of their clinical practice. [33205]

  Mr. Malone
  The medical profession is governed by self-regulation and the General Medical Council has been given the powers it needs to perform this task. The General Medical Council already has powers to erase, suspend or attach conditions to a doctor's registration in cases of serious misconduct. Under the terms of the Medical (Professional Performance) Bill currently being 1140
  considered in another place, the General Medical Council will be able to suspend or attach conditions to a doctor's registration in cases of seriously deficient professional performance.

  Members of the profession know what standard should be met. Advice and guidance is available to doctors from the General Medical Council in the form of its "blue book"—"Professional Conduct and Discipline: Fitness to Practise."

  The medical royal colleges are responsible for setting the standards for postgraduate medical training and influence clinical standards by, for instance, publishing protocols for the management of common conditions.

  In addition, doctors employed in the national health service are held accountable in a variety of ways. Junior doctors are accountable to their consultants for their clinical actions. Consultants in most trusts will be accountable to a clinical director for their medical competence. They are also accountable through the NHS procedures for complaints and disciplinary action for poor performance. These procedures may lead to the doctor's suspension or termination of contract.

  Community Health Services (Lancashire)
  Mr. Elletson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about community health services in Lancashire. [33206]

  Mr. Malone
  North West Lancashire health authority is currently developing proposals for continuing health care needs. They will form the basis of a public consultation exercise which is expected to begin on 29 September 1995. They are also planning to boost general practitioner services along the Fylde coast by providing intensive rehabilitation services and primary care support centres.

  Community Care
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met organisations representing carers to discuss the impact of the community care changes. [33207]

  Mr. Bowis
  I frequently meet carers and organisations representing carers and discuss a range of matters including community care. Most recently we have worked together to achieve the parliamentary progress of the Carers (Recognition of Services) Act, 1995.

  Early Retirement
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS staff took early retirement in 1994–95; and what was the cost to the NHS. [32814]

  Mr. Sackville
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Speech Therapists
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many speech therapists there are for each health district in the United Kingdom. [33509]

  (2) what is the proportion of speech therapists per 1,000 head of population in each health district in the United Kingdom. [33510]
  1141
  Mr. Malone
  Information on the numbers of speech and language therapists will be placed in the Library.

  Hospital Visiting (Reimbursements)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will establish a fund for the reimbursement of the hospital visiting costs of the immediate family where they are on low incomes; and if he will make a statement. [33663]

  Mr. Bowis
  We have no plans to establish such a fund, as it would divert resources away from direct patient care and would impose a considerable administrative burden on the NHS.

  Hospital Discharge
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will sponsor a national programme of research into(a) the incidence of inappropriate hospital discharge, including the extent to which this leads to re-admission to hospital and (b) hospital discharge arrangements which will identify examples of good practice and promote these through the publication of national guidelines; and if he will make a statement. [33662]

  Mr. Sackville
  We have already supported the unit of health care epidemiology at the university of Oxford to carry out work on readmissions.

  General good practice guidance on hospital discharge procedures—"Hospital Discharge Workbook—a manual on hospital discharge procedures" was issued in 1994 to all health authorities, local authorities, general practitioners, hospital and community health services, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Teenage Conceptions
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many conceptions there were in England in 1992 by girls aged under 16 years; and what were the comparable figures for 1991. [34511]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is given in the table. The figures for 1992 update the provisional ones given in my answer of 13 February 1995,Official Report, column 497 to the hon. Member for Gower (Mr. Wardell) with final figures.

  Number and rate of conceptions to girls aged under 16 in England

  Year

  Number of conceptions

  Conceptions per 1,000 girls aged 13–15

  1991

  7,362

  9.3

  1992

  6,786

  8.4

  Residential Homes
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the number of residential homes providing care in North Yorkshire owned(a) privately and (b) by the county council; [34499]

  (2) what percentage of referrals by North Yorkshire county council are to council-owned residential homes owned by that council. [34500]
  1142
  Mr. Bowis
  In North Yorkshire at 31 March 1994, there were 307 residential care homes owned by the private sector, 66 by the voluntary sector and 70 by the local authority, excluding local authority children's homes.

  I understand that, in the financial year to 31 March 1995, North Yorkshire county council arranged 577 permanent admissions to residential care homes. Of these, 245, or 42 per cent., were to local authority residential homes. A further 668 placements were in independent sector nursing homes. In the period 1 January to 31 March 1994, the latest for which central information is available, 76 per cent. of short stay admissions of such residents were to homes owned by the local authority.

  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the economic impact on the independent sector of referrals by North Yorkshire county council to residential homes owned by that council. [34503]

  Mr. Bowis
  My Department does not collect such information but we have made it clear, through conditions on the special transitional grant, that the bulk of the resources transferred to local authorities for their new community care responsibilities must be spent in the independent sector.

  Schizophrenia (Stroop Test)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out into monitoring response to therapeutic intervention in schizophrenia using the Stroop test; what have been the results; and if he will make a statement. [34730]

  Mr. Bowis
  Our research programme is designed to support strategic policy development, not to test the effectiveness of specific therapeutic interventions for individual disorders. The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid through the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

  Folic Acid
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what link has been ascertained between the lack of folic acid in the diet and the incidence of spina bifida and anencephaly; and what recommendations the Medical Officer of Health has made on this matter. [35135]

  Mr. Bowis
  There is no good evidence that the incidence of neural tube defects—NTDs—is related to an habitual lack of folic acid in the diet. However, a Medical Research Council—MRC—trial published in 1991 showed that supplements of 5 mg daily of folic acid reduce the rate of recurrence of NTD in babies of women who have already had an affected pregnancy. The Chief Medical Officer wrote to doctors in August 1991 advising them to prescribe a folic acid supplement for the purpose of preventing reoccurrence of NTDs. Further data since then suggest that supplements as low as 0.4 mg daily might also reduce the risk of first occurrence.

  Following the publication of the MRC trial results, the chief medical officers of the UK health Departments set up an expert advisory group. Its report "Folic Acid and the

  1143
  Prevention of Neural Tube Defects", published in 1992, confirmed that, for the prevention of recurrence, women should take folic acid supplements of 5 mg daily, or 4 mg when these became available. For the prevention of first occurrences, the expert advisory group recommended that all women planning pregnancy should consume additional folate/folic acid prior to conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy by eating more folate rich foods including those fortified with folic acid, and by taking a daily supplement of 0.4 mg of folic acid.

  The chief medical officers wrote to all doctors and to other health professionals in December 1992 commending the expert advisory group's recommendations.

  A copy of the expert advisory group report is available in the Library.

  National Blood Service
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he proposes to meet the chairman of the National Blood Authority to discuss the future of the service; and if he will make a statement. [35137]

  (2) what changes have taken place in the past 12 months in each blood service centre in its (a) staffing (b) service provided; and when he proposes to announce the future pattern of service provision by the national blood transfusion service. [35136]

  Mr. Sackville
  Ministers have regular meetings with the chairman of the National Blood Authority. Staffing of the national blood service and details of services provided by each blood centre are a matter for that authority.

  The National Blood authority has undertaken a thorough and widespread consultation on its proposals. The authority's revised proposals have recently been submitted and are being studied carefully. An announcement will be made in due course.

  Waiting Lists (Gynaecology)
  Ms. Janet Anderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many women are currently awaiting an appointment with a specialist gynaecologist in each NHS trust area in England and Wales; [34738]

  (2) what is the current maximum waiting time to see a specialist gynaecologist for each NHS trust in England and Wales. [34739]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally for England. Information relating to Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  GP Fundholders (Preston)
  Mrs. Wise
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many general practitioner fundholders there are in Preston covering how many patients; and how many general practitioner non-fundholders there are in Preston covering how many patients. [35053]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally. The hon. Member may wish to write to the chairman of the North West regional health authority for details.
  1144

  Leaving Care
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary for Health what action he is taking to ensure the welfare of young people leaving care. [35012]

  Mr. Bowis
  Local authorities have a statutory duty to prepare young people for leaving care and give them continuing support. The Department has commissioned studies which will assist in determining how best an effective service can be delivered and a national inspection by our social services inspectorate of leaving care and aftercare is planned. We have also funded conferences on care leavers and work with care leavers by organisations such as First Key, Who Cares? Trust and the Royal Philanthropic Society.

  NHS Organ Donor Register
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if the publicity material produced by his Department supporting the national health service organ donor register is still currently being distributed; what plans there are to increase the scope of publicity for the register; and if he will make a statement. [35378]

  Mr. Sackville
  We are continuing to distribute a substantial volume of publicity material and registration forms in response to consistent high demand. We shall continue to promote the national health service organ donor register and to support publicity campaigns for this important initiative.

  Blood Bags
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance he proposes to issue to hospitals on the purchase of blood bags; and if he will make a statement. [35357]

  (2) what were the reasons for the switch by the National Blood Authority to the purchase of blood bags from Tuta; and if he will investigate whether the National Blood Authority ignored warnings that there were problems with the new supply of blood bags. [35329]

  Mr. Sackville
  The supply of blood to hospitals, including the purchase of bags to be used for the collection of blood, is managed by the National Blood Authority.

  The National Blood Authority's national contract for blood bags was intended to replace 14 regional contracts to strengthen the negotiating position with the previous monopoly supplier, and to introduce one or more alternative sources of supply with no change in product specification.

  Isolated problems with Tuta bags which arose last year were resolved by the National Blood Authority as part of the normal monitoring and validation process which takes place on such a product change.

  Tuta is a global concern. It supplies about 20 per cent. of the bags used in England. Its products had been used successfully in other parts of the UK for almost 30 years.

  When the problem with Tuta bags became apparent, the NBA advised their use be discontinued. I understand that the National Blood Authority's investigation is continuing.
  1145

  Hospital Drug Infusion
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment his Department has made of the risks to patients of accidental overdoses from hospital drug infusion machines; and if he will make a statement; [35269]

  (2) if safety guidelines issued by his Department concerning the use of hospital drug infusion machines include a requirement to keep accurate records of the machine use; [35274]

  (3) if he will place in the Library a list of the incidents involving accidental overdoses from hospital drug infusion machines, including dates and locations; [35272]

  (4) what action he is taking in response to the recent incidents involving accidental overdoses from hospital drug infusion machines; [35271]

  (5) what safety guidelines his Department issues to health authorities and NHS trusts concerning the use of hospital drug infusion machines; and by what means he ensures that they are passed on to staff who operate the machines. [35273]

  Mr. Sackville
  One hundred and sixty three incidents involving overdoses from infusion systems have been reported to the Medical Devices Agency over the past five years. A list of the dates and reports of incidents will be placed in the Library.

  The agency has investigated these reports and issued individual safety warnings and the recommendations for corrective action as necessary. In addition, the agency has recently issued its revised comprehensive advice to the Health Service (Device Bulletin DB 9503 May 1995). This makes recommendations, based on experience gained from investigating these reports, on safety, training, purchasing and management, including user record keeping. Copies of this document are available in the Library. Health service managers are responsible for passing on this information to their appropriate staff.

  Drug Addicts and Alcoholics
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many local authority areas meet the Government requirements in respect of supporting drug addicts and alcoholics; and if he will list those which do not or only in part fulfil those requirements. [35287]

  Mr. Bowis
  If is for each local authority to decide what services to provide for substance misusers in the light of guidance issued by the Department.

  Residential Care for Older People
  Mr. Sims
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the need for, and the provision of, social care in England with particular reference to an assessment of the quality of residential care for older people. [36197]

  Mr. Bowis
  The annual report of the chief inspector of social services provides such an assessment. It was published on 10 July and copies are available from the Library.
  1146
  The report highlights the fact that people are living longer and enjoying a better quality of life. This includes those who at an early stage of life have experienced handicaps of one kind or other. I pay tribute to the growing number of carers in our society and the contribution that they make to the quality of life of those who, for one reason or another, need help and support. As the report states,
  "Experience shows that social care touches the lives of most people at some time. It may be within the family or through friends or neighbours, but most of us are aware of at least someone who because of age, illness, disability or family disruption needs care and assistance in daily living.
  As the demographic changes continue to have an impact it is vitally important that social care becomes not only better established but better able to work within a framework of inter-agency and multi-disciplinary planning and assessment of need".

  A great deal of progress is being made by local authorities in working with the other statutory services such as health, housing and education and with a wide range of voluntary organisations and private agencies.

  The Social Services Inspectorate's—SSI—"Inspection of Hospital Discharge Arrangements for Older People Being Placed in Residential or Nursing Home Care" showed great commitment by health and social services staff to implementing new assessment and care management changes. Most users were satisfied with the help they had received and placement arrangements. In addition the SSI "Inspection of Residential Care for Older People" showed that in most homes the quality of care was good to excellent and in many homes there was an emphasis on choice.

  Solvent Misuse
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when solvent misuse mortality figures for 1993 will be available. [36198]

  Mr. Bowis
  "Trends in Death Associated with Abuse of Volatile Substances—Report No 8" has now been published by St. George's hospital medical school. Copies will be placed in the Library. It gives solvent misuse mortality data for 1993 and shows an encouraging further reduction in deaths, a fall of 13 per cent. from 84 deaths in 1992 to 73 deaths in 1993. This follows the fall of 31 per cent. from 1991 to 1992 and is a further encouraging sign that the Government's initiative in this area is bearing fruit.

  Tobacco Advertising
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the eighth annual report of the Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship. [36210]

  Mr. Sackville
  The chairman of the Committee for Monitoring Agreements on Tobacco Advertising and Sponsorship has submitted the eighth report to Health Ministers and the Secretary of State for National Heritage. Copies will be placed in the Library. I am very grateful to the committee and the chairman, Sir Clive Whitmore GCB CVO, for their valuable work in monitoring the agreements. The report shows that the industry has continued to honour its commitments.
  1147

  Typhoid and Malaria
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his responsibilities to the World Health Organisation in relation to typhoid and malaria. [33287]

  Mr. Bowis
  The United Kingdom plays a full and active role in the work of the World Health Organisation including help to identify programmes of high priority. Although contributions to the regular programme budget are not associated with a particular programme, the United Kingdom, through the Overseas Development Administration supports WHO's tropical disease research and control of tropical diseases programmes, whose highest priority is malaria. The ODA contributed £2.90 million over the two years 1993–94 and 1994–95.

  The responsibilities which fall to the Department of Health under article 19 of the international health regulations for malaria require that we provide annual information about the measures taken to keep airports and their surrounding areas free from malaria-carrying mosquitoes in both their adult and their immature stages.

  Article 18 of the regulations require ships and aeroplanes to he "disinsected" if they visit a malarious area. If the port health authorities are not satisfied that such "disinsecting" has been carried out while the ship was abroad visiting another port, they may disinsect the aeroplane or ship.

  There are no requirements under the international health regulations that apply to typhoid.

  Single-sex Wards
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what further steps he is taking to increase the number of single-sex wards; and if he will make a statement. [33336]

  Mr. Sackville
  It is for trusts and health authorities to decide for themselves how to use the resources available to them. However, the revised patient's charter makes it clear that patients must be told in advance if they are to he admitted to a mixed-sex ward and patients' wishes should be taken into account wherever possible.

  Kernow House Nursing Home
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the Kernow house nursing home in Launceston. [35148]

  Mr. Bowis
  None.

  General dental service: number of adult and child patients registered at 31 May 1995 and patients deregistered from 8 July 1994 to 7 July 1995

  Family health services authorities in South and West region

  Registered at 31 May 1995

  Deregistered patients

  Number of deregistered as percentage of population of FHSA1

  FHSA

  Adults3

  Children3

  Adults2

  Children2

  Adults

  Children

  South and West

  2,831,452

  967,743

  68,994

  333

  1.36

  0.02

  Dorset

  319,913

  100,473

  11,881

  14

  2.22

  0.01

  Hampshire

  694,695

  229,716

  14,412

  0

  1.17

  0.00

  Wiltshire

  237.032

  88,336

  1,749

  0

  0.39

  0.00

  Isle of Wight

  46,785

  15,549

  1,206

  0

  1.22

  0.00

  Avon

  446,377

  152,262

  11,868

  0

  1.56

  0.00

  1148

  Radiation
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what experiments have been conducted on civilians to assess the effects of radiation; and what information he has to the explanations given to the subjects of such research. [35157]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Department has funded a programme of work on radiological protection at the then United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, UKAEA, now AEA Technology, AEA, since April 1986, when funding on this programme by the Department of Energy was transferred to the Department of Health. The Department also contributes to funding of research conducted by the National Radiological Protection Board, NRPB. Under these programmes, a number of experiments have been conducted on a small number of human volunteers to provide information on the metabolism and dosimetry of radionuclides which will improve knowledge on the health risks from radiation. These experiments involve trace levels of radiation which present a very low risk from radiation. These experiments involve trace levels of radiation which present a very low risk to health. The AEA research is published in AEA's annual report on radiological protection, copies of which are available in the Library. The NRPB publishes the results of its research in a number of board publications and a copy of its annual corporate plan is in the Library. Like AEA it also publishes in scientific journals.

  The studies are all approved by ethics committees which operate according to World Health Organisation guidelines, and informed consent from the volunteer is a prerequisite. The consent form cannot be signed until the nature, purpose and possible hazards of the study are explained to the volunteer. In addition, all studies using radioactivity in humans require a certificate issued by Health Ministers. The Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee advises Health Ministers on the granting of such certificates and the committee specifically considers the radiation hazards.

  NHS Dentistry (Deregistration)
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have been deregistered for NHS dentistry treatment in each of the health authority areas within South West region for the past 52 weeks for which figures are available; and what those totals represent as a proportion of the total population in each case. [34856]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table. Family health service authorities can help patients to find national health service dentists.
  1149

  General dental service: number of adult and child patients registered at 31 May 1995 and patients deregistered from 8 July 1994 to 7 July 1995

  Family health services authorities in South and West region

  Registered at 31 May 1995

  Deregistered patients

  Number of deregistered as percentage of population of FHSA1

  FHSA

  Adults3

  Children3

  Adults2

  Children2

  Adults

  Children

  Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

  204,033

  70,648

  2,674

  180

  0.71

  0.17

  Devon

  467,172

  154,731

  14,088

  130

  1.70

  0.06

  Gloucestershire

  182,109

  80,828

  4,116

  0

  0.97

  0.00

  Somerset

  233,336

  75,200

  7,000

  9

  1.90

  0.01

  1 Population estimates at June 1993.

  2 The number of patients deregistered by dentists practising in the family health authorities shown; these are not necessarily residents of the family health services authorities.

  3 Numbers of registered with dentists practising in the family health services authorities shown.

  Vehicle Emissions (Asthma)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information Her Majesty's Government have and what assumptions are made on relations between the level of asthma and the level of vehicle emissions; and what information he has on the effect of diesel vehicle emissions. [35384]

  Mr. Sackville
  High levels of motor vehicle, including diesel, emissions may trigger attacks in some asthmatic people. There is no conclusive evidence that motor vehicle, including diesel, emissions cause asthma. The independent expert Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants, COMEAP, advises the Government on the health effects of air pollution. In 1993, COMEAP, at the request of the Department of Health, established an expert sub-group to undertake a major review of the association between asthma and air pollution. The committee's report is expected to be published in September 1995.

  Wave 1

  Wave 2

  Wave 3

  Wave 4

  Wave 5

  Total

  Non-executive directors

  Anglia and Oxford

  15

  50

  95

  65

  —

  225

  North Thames

  38

  74

  82

  81

  35

  310

  North West

  49

  75

  65

  125

  10

  324

  Northern and Yorkshire

  20

  44

  108

  103

  10

  285

  South and West

  53

  73

  76

  35

  —

  237

  South Thames

  35

  65

  90

  90

  20

  300

  Trent

  15

  50

  73

  59

  15

  212

  West Midlands

  19

  18

  75

  119

  23

  254

  Chairmen

  Anglia and Oxford

  2

  10

  20

  13

  —

  45

  North Thames

  8

  15

  16

  18

  6

  63

  North West

  8

  14

  13

  25

  2

  62

  Northern and Yorkshire

  3

  9

  22

  21

  2

  57

  South and West

  10

  15

  16

  8

  —

  49

  South Thames

  6

  12

  19

  22

  4

  63

  Trent

  3

  10

  15

  12

  2

  42

  West Midlands

  4

  4

  14

  24

  5

  51

  All non-executive directors of National Health Service trusts receive remuneration of £5,000 per annum. Information about the banding of chairmen of National Health Service trusts is not held centrally.

  Residual Estate
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 12 July,Official Report, column 551, what plans he has to dispose of parts of the residual estate of the NHS. [35501]
  1150

  NHS Administrative Costs
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 16 December 1994,Official Report, columns 833–34, if he will update the figures on NHS administrative costs. [35497]

  Mr. Malone
  The provisional information given in my answer of 16 December 1994,Official Report, columns 833–34, in respect of 1993–94 administrative costs is now confirmed as final expenditure. Information for 1994–95 will not be available until later this year.

  NHS Trust Boards (Salaries)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list by wave and region(a) the number of non-executive directors and (b) the numbers of chairs of NHS trust boards by salary band. [35504]

  Mr. Malone
  Details of chairmen and non-executive directors of national health service trusts, by region and wave, are shown in the tables.

  (2) pursuant to the answer of 12 July, if he will list the property and other assets not transferred to NHS trusts, indicating where possible an estimated value. [35500]

  Mr. Sackville
  A list of property and assets not transferred to trusts is maintained at regional level and is not available centrally. However, existing use value of
  1151
  these assets is estimated at £3.48 billion from the information provided through the capital charging arrangements. Property which is declared surplus to operational requirements is sold as soon as possible. Regions implement disposal programmes to achieve the best price possible on the open market. Proceeds are used for reinvestment in the provision of healthcare.

  Private Patient Income
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 6 December 1994,Official Report, column 195, if he will update the figures on private patient income. [35493]

  Mr. Sackville
  The figures for 1993–94 are no longer provisional. Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available.

  Gorton Medical Centre
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 21 June,Official Report, column 260, with regard to Gorton medical centre, if he will state the latest position both with regard to the judgment of the High Court and with regard to financial assistance to improve the premises of the centre. [35241]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the right hon. Member to the replies I gave him on 21 June Official Report, column 260 and to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Windsor and Maidenhead (Mr. Trend) on 14 July.

  Clinical Negligence Claims
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 6 March,Official Report, columns 41–3 if he will now provide final rather than provisional figures for the costs of clinical negligence settlements by region in 1994–95. [35499]

  Mr. Malone
  Final figures for the period 1994–95 are not yet available.

  Health Care Purchasing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 9 December 1994,Official Report, column 401, if he will update the figures on non-NHS provider spending. [35495]

  Mr. Sackville
  Updated information is expected to be available in December 1995.

  NHS Staffing
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) general and senior managers, (b) administrative and clerical staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff were employed in each health region in 1994. [35385]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not yet available.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 2 December 1994,Official Report, column 916, if he will update the figures on general practitioner fundholding management allowances. [35490]
  1152
  Mr. Malone
  Information on the level of expenditure on fundholding management allowances in 1994–95 is not yet available.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 25 January,Official Report, columns 259–60, on computer costs associated with general practitioner fundholding, if he will now provide comparable figures for 1994–95. [35498]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table.

  Spend on information technology to support GP fundholding: £000s

  Region

  1994–95

  Northern and Yorkshire

  2,717

  Trent

  2,662

  Anglia and Oxford

  1,894

  North Thames

  1,819

  South Thames

  2,659

  South and West

  1,906

  West Midlands

  3,129

  North West

  2,060

  Total

  18,846

  Note:

  Expenditure figures are estimates taken from FIS4 returns by English FHSAs.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35307]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  NHS Management (Salary Costs)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 13 December 1994,Official Report, column 616, if he will now update the figures on NHS salary costs.

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table. The increase in general and senior management costs are largely a result of(a) the reclassification of staff from professional and administrative groups, including many senior nurses, as managers; (b) the devolution to trusts of areas of work formally covered by district health authorities or regional health authorities (c) deliberate strengthening of the management of corporate functions and clinical support.

  Hospital and Community Health Services salary costs for managerial staff at 1993–94 prices

  Region

  1993–94 £000s

  Northern

  34,347

  Yorkshire

  56,232

  Trent

  47,527

  East Anglia

  25,495

  N.W. Thames

  39,903

  N.E. Thames

  64,104

  S.E. Thames

  47,296

  S.W. Thames

  49,381

  Wessex

  36,742

  Oxford

  28,029

  1153

  Hospital and Community Health Services salary costs for managerial staff at 1993–94 prices

  Region

  1993–94 £000s

  South Western

  36,281

  West Midlands

  58,348

  Mersey

  32,089

  North Western

  46,554

  SHAs

  9,357

  Total

  611,685

  Hospital and Community Health Services salary costs for administrative and clerical staff at 1993–94 prices

  Region

  1993–94 £000s

  Northern

  91,995

  Yorkshire

  104,807

  Trent

  133,838

  East Anglia

  57,119

  N.W. Thames

  133,955

  N.E. Thames

  150,571

  S.E. Thames

  144,593

  S.W. Thames

  101,756

  Wessex

  80,697

  Oxford

  75,455

  South Western

  93,430

  West Midlands

  158,335

  Mersey

  73,092

  North Western

  131,502

  SHAs

  31,439

  Total

  1,562,584

  Hospital and Community Health Services salary costs for nursing and midwifery staff at 1993–94 prices

  Region

  1993–94 £000s

  Northern

  413,134

  Yorkshire

  450,659

  Trent

  584,876

  East Anglia

  245,503

  N.W. Thames

  423,533

  N.E. Thames

  531,040

  S.E. Thames

  453,885

  S.W. Thames

  387,124

  Wessex

  357,086

  Oxford

  282,770

  South Western

  430,190

  West Midlands

  617,172

  Mersey

  302,965

  North Western

  562,107

  SHAs

  91,968

  Total

  6,134,012

  Source:

  Annual financial returns of regional, district and special health authorities for the London postgraduate teaching hospitals, and NHS trusts.

  Notes:

  1. Salaries and wages costs incurred by family health services authorities and the special hospitals service authority (HQ London, Broadmoor, Ashworth and Rampton hospitals) and the UK transplant support service are excluded as corresponding costs are not identified on the same basis.

  2. Managerial staff consists of general and senior managers.

  3. These final figures are based upon gross costs including employers' National Insurance and superannuation contributions.
  1154

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 9 December 1994,Official Report, column 396, if he will update the figures on NHS trust financial performance. [35502]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 12 June,Official Report, column 359. There are no changes to this information.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 14 December 1994,Official Report, columns 679–80, if he will update the figures on NHS trust start-up costs. [35496]

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

  London Hospitals
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will consider again proposals to close St. Bartholomew's and other London hospitals. [33192]

  Mr. Malone
  No. The decisions made are in the best interests of patients and will ensure that London's health services meet future health needs.

  Cardiac Mortality
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cardiac mortality rate for each year between 1989 and the most recent year; and if he will provide a breakdown by(a) region and (b) health authority area in England. [33326]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The information is shown in the table:

  Death rates from cardiac mortality (ICD1 390–429) per 100,000 population

  Regional health authorities

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Northern

  398.3

  388.7

  391.4

  374.8

  384.3

  Yorkshire

  378.7

  367.0

  355.7

  343.3

  360.3

  Trent

  364.0

  345.3

  349.1

  341.7

  378.2

  East Anglian

  318.2

  321.2

  327.4

  318.8

  334.4

  North West Thames

  279.3

  270.0

  277.8

  262.1

  273.1

  North East Thames

  309.8

  297.6

  297.5

  286.1

  303.1

  South East Thames

  345.5

  340.3

  345.6

  328.7

  347.6

  South West Thames

  336.4

  331.5

  334.6

  316.9

  332.2

  Wessex

  340.1

  339.3

  337.3

  331.4

  345.7

  Oxford

  255.9

  245.2

  252.0

  243.4

  257.7

  South Western

  370.8

  362.9

  362.9

  350.8

  372.8

  West Midlands

  343.9

  333.6

  333.6

  325.4

  347.8

  Mersey

  380.5

  362.8

  362.5

  352.7

  371.3

  North Western

  403.0

  391.6

  382.6

  379.9

  390.9

  1 International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision.

  Smoking
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage restrictions on smoking in public areas frequented by children. [35021]

  Mr. Clappison
  I have been asked to reply.
  1155
  The Government's code of practice on smoking in public places, which provides practical guidance to owners and managers of public places on implementing smoking policies, advises that smoking should be prohibited in all public places frequented by children and other young people.

  Community Nurses
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) health visitors, (b) district nurses, (c) community psychiatric nurses and (d) school nurses were employed in each region of England 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. [33250]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The information relating to the number and whole-time equivalent number of health visitors, district nurses, community psychiatric nurses and school nurses employed in each region of England on 30 September 1993 is shown in the tables. This is the latest available information.

  For the number of student health visitors and district nurses in each region in 1993, I refer the right hon. Member to the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting annual report for 1993–94, copies of which are available in the Library.

  NHS hospital and community health services health visitors by England regions at 30 September 1993 (excluding agency staff) whole time equivalents and numbers (head count)

  Region

  Numbers

  Whole time equivalents

  Northern

  800

  690

  Yorkshire

  1,000

  840

  Trent

  1,110

  950

  East Anglia

  400

  340

  North West Thames

  910

  750

  North East Thames

  870

  770

  South East Thames

  770

  640

  South West Thames

  740

  590

  Wessex

  790

  640

  Oxford

  780

  660

  South Western

  800

  660

  West Midlands

  1,240

  1,050

  Mersey

  590

  500

  North Western

  1,260

  1,120

  England

  12,060

  10,190

  Source:

  PD (Stats) B Non-Medical Workforce Census, 30 September each year.

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest ten, WTE and total numbers.

  2. Totals may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.

  3. Health visitors excludes senior nurses 1–5. Included are senior nurses 6–8 in health visiting, health visitors, HV fieldwork teachers. school health visitors, TB visitors with HV certificates, bank health visitors, dual/triple posts (HV/DN/Mid) and clinical grades F to I in health visiting.
  1156

  NHS hospital and community health services district nurses by England regions at 30 September 1993 (excluding agency staff) whole time equivalents and numbers (head count)

  Region

  Numbers

  Whole time equivalents

  Northern

  1,010

  880

  Yorkshire

  730

  630

  Trent

  950

  850

  East Anglia

  350

  320

  North West Thames

  720

  620

  North East Thames

  750

  680

  South East Thames

  740

  620

  South West Thames

  740

  610

  Wessex

  780

  660

  Oxford

  720

  600

  South Western

  670

  590

  West Midlands

  1,190

  1,020

  Mersey

  540

  480

  North Western

  1,000

  890

  SHAs and others

  1—

  1—

  England

  10,890

  9,460

  Source:

  PD (Stats) B Non-Medical Workforce Census, 30 September each year.

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest ten, WTEs and total numbers.

  2. Totals may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.

  1 denotes figures less than five.

  4. District nurses excludes senior nurses 1–5. Included are senior nurses 6–8 in district nursing, district nurse practical work teachers, holders of dual post (DN/Midwife) bank district nurses and clinical grades C to I in district nursing.

  NHS hospital and community health services nurses working in psychiatric areas in the community by England regions at 30 September 1993 (excluding agency staff) whole time equivalents and numbers (head count)

  Region

  Numbers

  Whole time equivalents

  Northern

  380

  350

  Yorkshire

  400

  380

  Trent

  340

  330

  East Anglia

  170

  160

  North West Thames

  260

  260

  North East Thames

  360

  350

  South East Thames

  280

  280

  South West Thames

  260

  250

  Wessex

  300

  280

  Oxford

  200

  190

  South Western

  420

  390

  West Midlands

  430

  420

  Mersey

  240

  240

  North Western

  450

  440

  SHAs and others

  10

  10

  England

  4,510

  4,320

  Source:

  PD (Stats) B Non-Medical Workforce Census, 30 September each year.

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest ten, WTEs and total numbers.

  2. Totals may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.

  3. Community psychiatric nursing figures include qualified, unqualified and 'other' nursing staff working within the community psychiatric nursing area of work.
  1157

  NHS hospital and community health services school nurses by England regions at 30 September 1993 (excluding agency staff) whole lime equivalents and numbers (head count)

  Region

  Numbers

  Whole time equivalents

  Northern

  220

  170

  Yorkshire

  240

  180

  Trent

  400

  290

  East Anglia

  130

  100

  North West Thames

  240

  180

  North East Thames

  280

  210

  South East Thames

  180

  140

  South West Thames

  190

  130

  Wessex

  150

  110

  Oxford

  200

  130

  South Western

  230

  130

  West Midlands

  410

  300

  Mersey

  210

  150

  North Western

  350

  250

  England

  3,420

  2,470

  Source:

  PD (Stats) B Non-Medical Workforce Census, 30 September each year.

  Notes:

  1. All figures are rounded to the nearest ten, WTEsm and total numbers.

  2. Totals may not equal the sum of the components due to rounding.

  Listeriosis
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many babies died or had serious illnesses due to listeriosis from July 1985 to the date of the Department's warning about the risk posed to the foetus and new-born babies from listeriosis resulting from the consumption of certain foods. [34309]

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: It is not possible to derive a single underlying cause of stillbirth or neonatal death from the stillbirth or death certificate. However, between 1 July 1985 and 31 January 1989, there were 11 stillbirths and 23 infant deaths, babies dying under one year of age, in England and Wales where listeriosis was mentioned on the certificate1 Information on serious illnesses associated with listeriosis is not available centrally.

  Doctors in training by grade England 30 September to 1 October whole time equivalent (Wte)

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Doctors in training

  22,590

  23,290

  23,970

  24,340

  25,080

  n/a

  Senior registrar

  3,110

  3,400

  3,540

  3,650

  3,770

  n/a

  Registrar

  5,950

  6,040

  6,140

  6,190

  6,320

  n/a

  Senior house officer

  10,580

  10,830

  11,230

  11,470

  11,900

  n/a

  House officer

  2,940

  3,010

  3,050

  3,040

  3,080

  n/a

  GP trainees

  1,740

  1,560

  1,640

  1,610

  1,530

  1,450

  Notes:

  1. All figures rounded to the nearest 10.

  2. Hospital doctor trainees as at 30 September; GP trainees as at 1 October.

  3. Wte data are not available for GP trainees. Answer is given as numbers.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement on the work his
  1158
  1 Since 1 January 1986 in England and Wales, a different certificate has been in use for stillbirths and neonatal deaths (babies dying under 28 days). In these cases the certifier is able to record both main fetal and main maternal conditions leading to the death without giving precedence to one particular condition. The certifier may also record other fetal and maternal conditions which contributed to the death without directly leading to it. Owing to these changes in certification it is not possible to derive a single underlying cause of stillbirth or neonatal death.

  Non-United Kingdom Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) hospital doctors, (b) nurses and midwives, (c) general practitioners and (d) managers currently working in the NHS are from (i) European Union countries other than than the United Kingdom and (ii) non-EU countries. [34784]

  Mr. Malone
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The available information is shown in the tables.

  Hospital doctors and general practitioners (unrestricted principals) country of birth: as at 30 September 1993 and 1 April 1993 respectively1

  Hospital doctors2

  General practitioners

  EU countries other than UK

  1,930

  90

  Non EU countries

  14,500

  5,750

  Total

  16,430

  5,840

  Note:

  1 Latest available data on country of birth for General Practitioners.

  2 Whole time equivalents. Wte data are not available for general practitioners.

  All figures rounded to the nearest 10.

  Training (Doctors and Nurses)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) doctors and (b) nurses have been in training in each of the last five years. [34785]

  Mr. Malone
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The available information on doctors is shown in the table. For the number of nurses who have been in training in each of the past five years, I refer the hon. Member to the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting annual reports for each year from 1989–90, copies of which are available in the Library.

  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. [34671]
  1159
  Mr. Newton
  The Privy Council Office does not use the Internet and, hence, the server, and has no plans to do so.

DEFENCE

  Naval Stores Depots (Closure)
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the closure of Royal Naval victualling depot, Wrangaton, and the transfer of the Royal Naval clothing storage task. [36268]

  Mr. Soames
  I announced decisions to implement the findings of the "Front Line First" studies as they affected future naval stores support to the Royal Navy on 14 February 1995,Official Report, column 611–12. These included the closure of RNVD Wrangaton by 31 March 1997.

  The Defence Clothing and Textile Agency, DCTA, purchases and controls stock management of all service clothing. Financial savings would have arisen from the collocation of Navy clothing with Army clothing at Bicester under DCTA control due to the ability to rationalise stockholdings and by sharing the same IT system. However, at the time of consultation we have not been able to identify sufficient spare storage capacity at Bicester to collocate Royal Navy clothing with the Army bulk stocks already held there. It has subsequently been confirmed that sufficient storage capacity will now be available.

  The proposal will now be subject to consultation. If it is confirmed, it would be implemented by 31 March 1996, which is now the planned closure date for RNVD Wrangaton.

  Gulf War Veterans
  Mrs. Currie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has received the independent medical audit report from the Royal College of Physicians of the assessments on Gulf war veterans; if he intends to publish it; and if he will make a statement. [34917]

  Mr. Soames
  The Royal College of Physicians' independent medical audit report to the Surgeon General on my Department's Gulf war medical assessment programme has been received and its recommendations are currently being considered. It is intended that the report will he made public shortly and I will arrange for copies to he placed in the Library of the House.

  Contracts (Privatisation)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many contracts and for what total sum were awarded 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 Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries, for privatisation, market testing and management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [34104]
  1160
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Ministry of Defence has contracts with a number of the companies listed. However, details of the contracts and the values are a matter of commercial confidentiality between the Ministry of Defence and the companies concerned. Records held centrally by the Ministry of Defence Procurement Executive does not include details of any contracts placed by the various agencies, nor do they indicate the precise nature of the individual contracts. To obtain the information would incur disproportionate cost.

  Napalm
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current policy on the production and use of napalm; on what date his Department adopted this policy; and what had been the previous policy with regard to the production and use of napalm [35085]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The UK holds no stocks of napalm, the use of which is restricted by protocol III of the 1981 United Nations weaponry convention.

  Contamination
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to ensure that his Department(a) discloses all knowledge of contamination and (b) takes appropriate measures to tackle contamination before disposing of surplus military sites. [35352]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department is already subject to the provisions of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992, which provide freedom of access to, and the dissemination of, environmental information it holds. Decontamination of my Department's land is undertaken where there is a significant risk to health and safety or the environment, or where land is being sold. In the latter case, decontamination work is limited, generally, to the removal of ordnance and other contaminants such as chemical warfare agents, radioactive and microbiological materials, in respect of which a civilian contractor could not be expected to have the appropriate expertise.

  Military Sites (Sales)
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many surplus military sites are currently on the market in Hampshire; how many he expects to place on the market in the next five years; and if he will name them. [35353]

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is not immediately available. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence will write to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter will he placed in the Library of the house.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [34673]
  1161
  Mr. Soames
  In the past 12 months, a MOD world wide web—(WWW)—server has been set up at the Internet address www.mod.uk with the specific aim of disseminating information about the Department. Liaison with the CCTA has ensured that the MOD home page on the server is accessible via the Government service WWW server at www.open.gov.uk.

  Information made available to date has included summary biographies and pictures of MOD Ministers, recruitment information for the individual services and MOD press releases. In addition, the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency has a number of WWW pages accessible from the MOD home page which publicises topical items from the defence research programme.

  It is planned in the next 12 months to increase the number of MOD WWW pages to make further information available to the public, one example being the coverage of major defence policy speeches.

  Dundrennan
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library the most recent environmental and radiological surveys undertaken at the Dundrennan test range. [35159]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I shall write to the hon. Member.

  Nevada Nuclear Test Site (Payments)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what payments have been made to date to the United States Government to cover land remediation and the clear-up of toxic and radioactive contamination at the Nevada nuclear test site, arising from the use of the facility to test British nuclear warheads. [35155]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Charges negotiated in respect of the small proportion of tests conducted in the US involving UK-owned devices have included a site overhead element which, in its turn, has allowed for relevant waste disposal costs. The latter element has not, however, been separately identified.

  Chemical Weapons (Storage)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what information he has as to the present environmental status of sites in Wales used to store surplus chemical weapons before disposal at sea. [35164]

  Mr. Soames
  RAF Llandwrog was the only site in Wales to store surplus chemical weapons before disposal at sea. After the disposal operation in 1956, the site was returned to private ownership following the issue of the standard clearance certificate confirming that it was free from explosive or chemical contamination.

  Gulf War Veterans (Blood Donations)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what restrictions now exist on the use of blood donated by British Gulf war veterans; and if he will make a statement on the original reason for implementing restrictions. [35163]

  Mr. Soames
  No restrictions have ever been imposed on the use of blood donated by British Gulf war veterans.
  1162

  Nuclear Weapons (A1)
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions oncoming traffic was stopped by Ministry of Defence police to facilitate the passage of the nuclear weapons convoy on the A1 road between Musselburgh and Morpeth on 10 July; what is his assessment of the rise of road traffic accidents on that section of single carriageway road; and if he will seek to avoid routing such conveys on that part of the A1 road during peak or holiday traffic periods in future. [34428]

  Mr. Soames
  It is not our practice to discuss the details of particular military movements. However, as a matter of long-standing policy, the routing of individual nuclear weapon convoys is always agreed in advance with local civil police forces. Traffic management is undertaken as necessary by the Ministry of Defence police officers who form part of such a convoy. The incidence of road traffic accidents is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Transport and for Scotland.

  Chemical and Biological Weapons
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the reasons for extending the memorandum of understanding on chemical and biological defence between the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Canada in(a) November 1994 and (b) October 1984. [35567]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The memorandum of understanding—MOU—on chemical and biological defence between the United States of America, the United Kingdom and Canada was extended in October 1984 and November 1994 in order to ensure that the current activities conducted under the MOU could continue.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, column 369, when the Committee on the Safety of Human Experiments exercised its right to veto studies, and why. [35613]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Although the committee had the right of veto it was more importantly concerned with the modification of protocols and maintaining the register of the work carried out. For these reasons it is difficult from the records available to identify specific occasions on which this right was exercised.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, column 370, if he will list the current members of the independent ethics committee; and if he will consider placing in the Library copies of the minutes of this committee with the matters of commercial and defence sensitivity removed. [35614]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  With respect to listing the names of the current members of the ethics committee, I shall write to the hon Member. Concerning the placing of copies of the minutes of this committee with matters of commercial and defence sensitivity removed, such a document would be meaningless and I see no reason therefore to do so.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, column 369, what is the function of the defence nuclear biological and chemical centre at Winterbourne Gunner; when it was set up; and which agency controls it. [35612]
  1163
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The original unit, which now forms the defence nuclear biological and chemical centre—DNBCC—at Winterbourne Gunner was set up in 1916. The DNBCC's function is to be the focal point for tri-service NBC defence matters, including training of selected personnel of all three services and foreign and Commonwealth forces in NBC defence measures on land. It also carries out staff studies and trials on all aspects of NBC defence and on equipment and procedures. The centre is sponsored by the inspector general training on behalf of the armed services.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 279, which sites have been visited by officials formulating the draft declaration; and which Departments other than the Ministry of Defence are helping to formulate this declaration. [35608]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Officials formulating the draft declaration have visited a number of sites. They include MOS Randle, CDRE Sutton Oak, CDE Nancecuke, MOS Valley, MOS Rocksavage, MOS Hillhouse, MOS Springfields, Barnham Heath, Norton Disney, Lord's Bridge and West Cottingwith. It is not anticipated that all of these sites will need to be declared under the terms of the chemical weapons convention. Officials from the DTI, the FCO and MAFF are involved in formulating this declaration.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what were the conclusions and recommendations of the meetings held in(a) May 1969 and (b) April 1990 of the sub-group E on chemical and biological defence of the technical co-operation programme. [35571]

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

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how Britain's decision to abandon production of chemical weapons contributed towards the signing of the chemical weapons convention; for what reasons Britain decided to abandon production of chemical weapons; and if this decision to abandon chemical weapons was taken in consultation with the United States of America. [35572]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The United Kingdom's decision in the 1950's to abandon its retaliatory offensive chemical weapons production capability and stocks of CW munitions was taken after reassessment of the most effective deterrents to aggression in keeping with national financial capabilities. The decision was not taken in consultation with the United States of America.

  The UK has long supported the implementation of international agreements on the control, destruction and the eventual abolition of these weapons, as is now offered by the chemical weapons convention, but we also accepted that in the absence of such an agreement, some retaliatory capability within NATO was a necessary deterrent.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, column 368, when the combined therapy auto-injector to combat the post-attack symptoms of nerve agent poisoning was issued for use by the armed forces; what antidotes can be used in the auto-injector and what is the effect of these antidotes; when the studies to develop the auto-injector took place with service volunteers; how
  1164
  many service volunteers took part in these studies; and what these studies entailed. [35611]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The current combined therapy auto-injector entered into service between January and July 1990. The injector contains Atropine, which directly counteracts the effects of excess Ach, nerve messenger; Pralidoxine Mesylate to reactivate inhibited acetylcholinesterase and Avizafone which acts as an anti-convulsant.

  Studies to develop this therapy have been conducted over many years, and to provide details of all the studies would involve disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence in what ways the work of sub-group E on chemical and biological defence of the technical co-operation programme has promoted the successful collaboration in chemical and biological defence research between the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and Australia; how many meetings of this sub-group have been held since 1993; where they were held; which countries took part; and who represented the British Government. [35604]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The technical co-operation programme—TTCP—provides a means of acquainting the participating countries with each others' defence research and development programmes so that each national programme may be planned to avoid unnecessary duplication. It promotes action to identify and close gaps in the collective technology base. It also assures each country of the best technical advice available for their Governments and military forces.

  Sub-group E covers all aspects of chemical and biological defence including, inter alia, detection, survivability and medical treatment. It meets once a year to review programmes and exchange information and to oversee a number of collaborative research programmes.

  Three meetings have been held since 1993; Washington, 1993; Toronto, 1994; Melbourne 1995. Countries taking part were the United States of America, Canada, Australia and the UK. The UK representative was the Director (Physical Sciences) CBDE, now Director of the Chemical and Biological Defence Sector of CBDE.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities exist underground at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down; when each of these facilities was built; and what are the functions of each of these facilities. [35562]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the underground facilities belonging to the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes CBDE as one of its Divisions.A small number of sampling chambers were constructed underground at CBDE between the First and Second World Wars. These were used in trials to determine the dispersion of chemical agents. They have now fallen into disuse.I hope this information is helpful.1165
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 276, if he will list the titles and subject matter of each of the 17 unclassified papers in the Porton technical papers series; and what was the name of the series of papers which replaced the Porton technical papers after they were closed. [35609]

  (2) how many scientific papers in the series called Nancekuke reports were produced by the Chemical Defence Establishment at Nancekuke since 1965; when this series started and finished; and how many of them are unclassified. [35564]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 16 March, Official Report, columns 716–17, on what dates staff from the biological division and the chemistry and decontamination division of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment published the results of their research in the scientific journals named. [35618]

  (4) pursuant to his answer of 16 March, Official Report, column 709, what was the conclusion of the research work on the nerve agent GB at Nancekuke to study the impurities and by-products found in the GB product; when this conclusion was reached; which by-products were studied; and when the results of this research were exchanged with the United States of America, Canada and Australia. [35621]

  (5) how many scientific papers in the series called Porton notes were produced by the Chemical Warfare Establishment at Porton Down since 1965; when this series started and finished; and how many of them are unclassified. [35565]

  (6) what research has been carried out on the nerve agent GF at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down since the closure of the nerve agent plant at Nancekuke; what quantity of the nerve agent GF has been used in this research at Porton Down; what was the aim of the research; when the results of this research were exchanged with other countries; and under which defence agreement the results were shared. [35615]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from Elizabeth Reeve to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  I am writing to let you know that because of the research required I shall not be able to reply to a number of your priority written questions within the normal timescale. The questions concerned are as follows:

  Pursuant to answer of 16 March (Col 716–7), the dates on which CBDE staff published the results of their work;

  How many "Porton Notes" series papers were produced since 1965;

  How many papers in the Nancecuke Reports series were produced by CBDE since 1965;

  Titles & subject matter of "Portion Technical Papers" & name of series which replaced "Portion Technical Papers";

  Research on nerve agent GF;

  Conclusion of work on nerve agent GB at Nancekuke.

  I will of course let you have replies as soon as possible. I am sorry if this causes any inconvenience.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report,
  1166
  column 279, when the studies with service volunteers with nerve agent GB were conducted; how many service volunteers were involved; what was the purpose of the studies; what was the conclusion of the studies; and if the amount of GB used in these studies needs to be approved at ministerial level. [35619]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from Elizabeth Reeve to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking for further details of the research carried out with the nerve agent GB involving Serving Volunteers has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.Various nerve agent studies involving the use of Service Volunteers have taken place at CBDE since the late 1940's and have involved some 300 volunteers. The most recent series of studies which were completed in 1989 were carried out in order to ascertain the effects of exposure to low levels GB. The conclusions of the studies have resulted in enhanced protective measures for UK service personnel. The details of specific experiments are not subject to ministerial approval.I hope this information is helpful.
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 278, what was the conclusion of the studies with mustard gas to determine the effectiveness of decontamination procedures and protective measures; what was the highest amount of mustard gas applied in small drops in patch tests; if this amount needs to be approved at ministerial level; and in what year the last study involving mustard gas and service volunteers was conducted. [35620]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the studies conducted with mustard agent using Service Volunteers has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.The studies referred to in my reply of 5 July, which were carried out over a number of years formed an integral part of the research programme at CBDE. I am unable to discuss the conclusions of this work in detail but can say that it has led to the introduction of more effective protective and decontamination measures for the UK Armed Forces. The amount of mustard applied in patch tests was determined after sensitivity tests had been carried out on the volunteer. This sensitivity test involved the application of one drop of a dilute solution of mustard to the forearm. Mustard agent had been used in studies at the research establishments at Porton Down since the First World War and we are unable to determine if Ministerial approval was sought before the work commenced. No studies involving the use of mustard agent with Service Volunteers have been carried out since 1979.I hope this information is helpful.
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what tests and studies have been carried out by
  1167
  the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, on CS gas foam; what was the purpose and conclusions of these tests with the foam; when the tests were carried out with the foam; and if the tests involved service volunteers. [35573]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingston, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the use of CS foam in studies carried out by the Chemical and Biological Establishment (CBDE) has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes CBDE as one of its Divisions.The Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment has not carried out any studies on CS foam.I hope this information is helpful.

  Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (Scientific Journals)
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many times staff in(a) the medical division and (b) the defence microbiology division of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, published the results of their work in scientific and other journals in the past two years; on what dates they were published; and in which journals they were published. [35566]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking how many times staff in the medical and defence microbiology divisions of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment have published the results of their work in scientific journals has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes CBDE as one of its Divisions.Staff from these two Divisions of CBDE have had a number of papers published in scientific journals in 1993 and 1994. A list of the journals and volume of numbers appears below:

  Journals

  Applied and Environmental Microbiology

  60(11), 1994

  British Journal of Surgery

  81(2), 81(3), 1994

  FEMS Symposium No. 73 Proceedings

  1994, 3 papers

  FEMS—Microbiology Letters

  110(1), 111(2–3), 1993:116(2), 1994

  Government Reports—Announcement Index

  14, 1994

  Human Experimental Toxicology

  12(1), 12(1), 12(3), 1993

  Injury

  24(9), 1993

  Infection and Immunity

  61(9), 1993

  International Journal of Experimental Pathology

  74(2), 1993

  Journal of Immunological methods

  159(1–2), 1993

  Journal of Applied Toxicology

  14(6), 1994

  Journal of Trauma

  36(3), 1994

  Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps

  139(3), 1993

  Journal of Virological Methods

  44(2–3), 1993

  Lancet

  342(8879), 1993

  1168

  Journals

  Letters in Applied Microbiology

  18(4), 19(3), 19(4), 1994

  Microbiological Reviews

  57(2), 1993

  Microbial Pathogenesis

  16(4), 1994

  Microbiologica

  16(2), 1993: 17(2), 1994

  NATO ASI Series Series A

  245, 1993

  Origins of Life and Evolution of the Biosphere

  23(1), 1993

  Vaccine

  11(12), 1993: 12(15), 1994

  It is possible that other results have been published, but it has not been possible to identify these from central records in the time available to answer your question.

  I hope this information is helpful.

  Nuclear Weapon Tests
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy on whether a comprehensive test ban treaty should prohibit any underground explosive testing which produces a fission yield; [35417]

  (2) what is his Department's policy on a low threshold test ban treaty as an alternative to a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35418]

  (3) if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy that some further explosive nuclear testing should be permitted under the terms of a comprehensive test ban treaty;. [35425]

  (4) if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to retain the ability to conduct further underground nuclear tests after it has signed a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35431]

  (5) what is his Department's assessment of whether a comprehensive test ban treaty that included a provision for small-scale testing would be compatible with the commitments made by the United Kingdom at the non-proliferation treaty extension conference. [35423]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Our aim is to establish an effective and verifiable comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty—CTBT—commanding universal adherence as soon as practicable. We have noted the statement in the nuclear non- proliferation treaty review conference document "Declaration on Principles and Objectives for Nuclear and Non-Proliferation and Disarmament" calling for the conclusion of negotiations on a CTBT by the end of 1996, and for the nuclear weapon states to exercise restraint until that time. The United Kingdom has no plans at present to carry out any nuclear weapon tests. However, we have made it clear that the CTBT must not prohibit those activities required to fulfil our responsibility to maintain the safety and reliability of our nuclear stockpile.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) which of the Anglo-US joint working groups have met to discuss nuclear testing issues during the past three months; and what were the names and rank of those officials from his Department involved; [35419]
  1169
  (2) what representations his Department has made to officials of the United States Government concerning a resumption of nuclear testing prior to negotiation of a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35428]

  (3) what discussions officials from his Department have had with officials from the United States Government concerning a United Kingdom requirement to conduct further underground nuclear tests prior to signing a comprehensive test ban treaty; [35426]

  (4) what discussions representatives from the Atomic Weapons Establishment have had with officials from the United States Government concerning nuclear testing issues in the last three months. [35427]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We have no plans to conduct further underground nuclear tests prior to the introduction of a comprehensive test ban treaty. Officials of this Department and the Atomic Weapons Establishment hold regular discussions with United States authorities on a wide range of nuclear issues. Including matters relating to nuclear testing.

  LSD Experiments
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence where the regard and small change experiments involving service volunteers and LSD took place. [35106]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking where the Regard and Small Change studies took place has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.
  There has been no study named Regard involving Service Volunteers and LSD carried out by CBDE. There was, however, a study with LSD called Recount. That and study Small Change took place on the trials range at CBDE Porton Down.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of reports and laboratory data outlining the results of experiments in respect of the projects(a) Moneybags, (b) Recount and (c) Small Change carried out at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment Porton Down on service personnel; and if he will make a statement. [34852]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking if he will place the reports of the studies called Moneybags, Small Change and Recount in the House of Commons Library has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.
  1170
  The use of LSD in studies with Service Volunteers has been public knowledge for decades and a film of Operation Moneybags was shown to the media and public during the Open Days held in 1969. Newspapers on 12 June 1969 carried detailed stories on the LSD trials and, more recently, replies to parliamentary questions have provided a great deal of information. The reports of the actual studies themselves are, however, well over 10 years old. It is not clear at the moment, and in the time available, whether the contents of them can now be released. I will look into this and write to you again.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if service volunteers taking part in experiments at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment Porton Down called(a) Moneybags, (b) Recount and (c) Small Change were specifically told that they were to be given LSD; and in what terms they were advised of the possible (i) long-term and (ii) short-term effects of LSD. [34853]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking if Service Volunteers involved in the studies using LSD were informed that they would be exposed to LSD and given indications of its long and short term effects has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.The purpose of the Moneybags, Small Change and Recount trials was to identify the effects of the drug LSD on behaviour in military operations. The Volunteers were briefed prior to the study as to the nature of the drug which would be administered. They were also informed that some of them would be given a placebo rather than the active drug so as to provide controls for the investigation. Prior to the study the Volunteers were not told specifically which individuals would have the drug rather than the placebo as this would have negated the validity of the study. After the exercise was completed the individuals were told whether they had had the drug or placebo administered.The short term effects of the administered LSD were not suggested to the Volunteers prior to their exposure because of the risk that their response would be modified to meet the expected effects. No long term effects for single or low doses of LSD had been identified in clinical medicine and there were no possible effects to advise on.I hope this information is helpful.
  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how long the service volunteers involved in the Moneybags experiments who were given 200 micrograms of LSD were affected by the dose. [34854]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking how long Service Volunteers involved in the Moneybags experiments were affected by the dose of LSD they had been exposed to has been passed to me to reply as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now

  1171
  includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.
  All the Volunteers who were exposed to LSD had fully recovered from the effects of the drug within 24 hours of their exposure.

  I hope this information is helpful.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who decided the amounts of LSD given to volunteers at the Chemical and Biological Establishments at Porton Down; if permission at ministerial level was required for the amounts and the experiments; and if he will make a statement. [35105]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking who decided on the amount of LSD given to volunteers and if permission at Ministerial level was required to conduct this work has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.Prior to beginning any programmes of work with Service Volunteers a review of the proposed study is conducted to assess the military requirement and the acceptability of the procedures. Since 1991 this reviewing role has been fulfilled by an Independent Ethics Committee but prior to this date a Committee of medical practitioners from the then Chemical Defence Establishment at Porton Down, known as the Committee on the Safety of Human Experiments (COSHE), carried out this function. The protocols approved by this Committee were then considered by the ethical sub-group of the Medical Committee of the Defence Scientific Advisory Council which included independent experts.The studies involving the use of LSD with Service Volunteers began in the early 1960's and were completed in 1968. The studies would have been reviewed by COSHE. They would also have been approved by the then Director of the Establishment who had overall responsibility for the running of the Establishment. At this distance in time we are unable to say whether Ministers were involved in the detailed decisions on dosage levels but consider this unlikely.I am sorry that I could not be more helpful.
  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what experiments involving LSD and service volunteers other than Moneybags, Recount and Small Change were carried out at the Chemical and Biological Establishment at Porton Down. [35107]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Defence what experiments involving LSD and Service Volunteers, other than Moneybags, Recount and Small Change, were carried out at CBDE has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.1172 In addition to the studies mentioned above a small number of Volunteers were exposed to LSD under medical supervision in the establishment medical facilities. These studies, which have no generic name, were carried out between 1962 and 1968.I hope this information is helpful to you.
  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when was the last time that medical checks were carried out on the service volunteers who took part in tests and studies involving LSD at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down, to assess whether the tests had any long-term effect on the mental or physical health of the volunteers. [35101]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Dr. David Clark, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking when was the last time that service personnel involved in studies with LSD were medically checked to assess whether there were any long term effects on the mental and physical health of the volunteers has been passed to me to reply as Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.The Service Volunteers were medically screened for their suitability prior to their participation in the studies involving LSD. All Volunteers are medically examined on completion of their attendance at CBDE and this included those who participated in the LSD studies. As published clinical studies had not identified long term effects with single, low doses of LSD, it was not therefore considered appropriate to recall Volunteers for further assessment.I hope this information is helpful.

  Mutual Defence Assistance Programme
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when Britain and the United States of America set up the mutual defence assistance programme; what was the scope and aim of the programme; why it was set up; when it ended; and which branches of his Department were involved in the programme. [35574]

  Mr. Soames
  The United States and United Kingdom concluded a mutual defence assistance agreement on 27 January 1950, which provided for either Government to make available to the other equipment, materials or other military assistance designed to promote the integrated defence of the north Atlantic area and to facilitate the development of defence plans under the North Atlantic treaty. The agreement, presented to Parliament as Cmd 7894, was made as part of the US Government's action at that time to provide military aid to Europe, in accordance with the US Military Defence Assistance Act signed by President Truman on 6 October 1949. The agreement remains in force. It is not possible at this time to identify particular branches of the Ministry of Defence that may have been involved in the programme.

  Service Volunteers Programme
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what arrangements have existed to warn service personnel who took part in tests and studies in the service volunteers programme at the chemical warfare establishment at Porton Down since 1965 of
  1173
  the risks to their health, both in the short-term and long-term, of the experiments; when these arrangements were put in place; and if they have conformed to the Nuremberg code and Helsinki declarations on medical research on humans. [35570]

  (2) what arrangements have been made by the chemical warfare establishment at Porton Down to obtain the voluntary informed consent of service personnel who have participated in tests and studies in the service volunteers programme since 1965; when these arrangements were set up; and what steps he has taken to ascertain whether they conformed to the Nuremberg code and Helsinki declarations on medical research on humans. [35563]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, DERA, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence asking about the arrangements since 1965 for warning Service Volunteers about the nature of the research in which they participate and what steps were taken to obtain their consent, have been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions. This reply covers both questions.
  All work with Service Volunteers since 1991 has required the approval of the Independent Ethics Committee before the study can begin. Protocols submitted for review by this Committee include a lay statement which is read to the volunteers by a military officer prior to them participating in the investigation. The lay statement explains the purpose, nature and any discomfort which may be experienced. Further briefing by the investigators carrying out the study is also carried out and the volunteers can withdraw from the study at any time without requiring to give a reason. Prior to the creation of the Independent Ethics Committee all studies involving the use of Service Volunteers were subject to review by the Committee on the Safety of Human Experiments (COSHE). Similar methods were used to acquaint the volunteers with the nature of the investigation in which they participated.
  All work involving the use of Service Volunteers since 1965 has conformed to the Nuremberg code and Helsinki Declaration on the use of humans in medical research.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 16 March,Official Report, column 714–15, what the studies to investigate the physiological load imposed by wearing the mark 4 NBC suit in various climatic conditions entailed; what exercises and tasks were performed by service volunteers; where these studies took place; what chemicals were used in the studies; and what was the conclusion of the studies. [35606]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the physiological studies on the MkIV NBC suit has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisons.
  1174
  Physiological studies on the Mk1V NBC suit conducted at CBDE involve performing various levels of exercise under different conditions of humidity and ambient temperature. The nature of the exercise includes walking on a treadmill or lifting loads of varying weights. All such studies are carried out with constant physiological monitoring and under medical supervision. Volunteers are encouraged to drink water and are provided with food while participating in the investigations. No chemical agents have been used in these studies. The conclusion of these studies have led to recommendations on the level of workload and its duration for personnel wearing protective clothing under different climatic conditions.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, columns 367–68, if the policy of the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, is such that service personnel who took part in the service volunteers programme at the establishment can have copies of the original laboratory reports and data held by the establishment on the experiments in which they participated; and if he will make a statement; [35610]

  (2) what records are held by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, on service personnel who take part in tests and studies in the service volunteers' programme; what details are kept in these records; and if these records are kept in a computer or on paper. [35569]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency DERA, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence asking about the records of Service Volunteer studies held by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) and also if they could be released to the individuals involved has been passed to me to reply as the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency which now includes CBDE as one of its Divisions. I am replying to both questions in this letter.
  It is currently the practice to keep records of the personal details of the volunteer, including name, rank, service number, unit, date of birth and age at the time of the study, as part of a paper folder raised for each volunteer. This folder also includes full details of the volunteer's medical history, the results of the pre and post study medical examinations and details of any medical condition arising co-incidental to the study. In order to facilitate administration the name, rank and service number of volunteers is held on computer but not the medical details contained in an individual's folder.
  My answer to your previous question about records, dated 5 July, covered CBDE's long standing policy concerning the release of information held on Service Volunteers.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what tests and studies have been carried out since 1965 at the Chemical Warfare Establishment at Porton Down on service volunteers with Lewisite; what was the aim of these experiments; how the vesicant was administered to volunteers; what was the conclusion of these experiments; when these tests were carried out; how many service volunteers were involved in these tests and studies; and where and what dates the results of these tests were published in open literature. [35568]
  1175
  (2) what tests and studies have been carried out since 1965 at the Chemical Warfare Establishment at Porton Down on service volunteers with compound cyclohexyl methylphosponefluoridate; what was the purpose of these tests; how the compound was administered to volunteers; what were the conclusions of these experiments; when these tests were carried out; how many service volunteers were involved in these experiments; and where and on what dates the results of these tests were published in open literature. [35617]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, DERA, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking what studies with Service Volunteers have been carried out since 1965 with the chemical warfare agents Lewisite and cyclohexyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GF) have been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.
  There have been no studies involving Service Volunteers using either Lewisite or GF since 1965.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Cost Sharing Agreement
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to his answer of 16 March,Official Report, column 723, how much money was owed by the United States Government under the bilateral cost-sharing agreement on (a) 31 March 1994 and (b) 31 March 1995; what percentage of the annual expenditure under this agreement this figure represented on each date, excluding administration costs; and whether, under this agreement, the United States Government refund the cost of construction and maintenance carried out at their request and pay 7.5 per cent. of the works expenditure as a contribution towards the administration costs of the Ministry of Defence, Defence Works Service (United States Forces). [35616]

  Mr. Soames
  Bills with the US Government for payment amounted to £5,400,000 on 31 March 1994 and £3,600,000 on 31 March 1995 representing 6.5 per cent. and 3.6 per cent. respectively on the annual expenditure on US works under the cost sharing agreement. The US Government refund the cost of construction and maintenance carried out at its request by Ministry of Defence, Defence Works Service (USF) and pays 7.5 per cent. of the works expenditure as a contribution towards the adminstration costs of hte MOD, Defence Works Service (USF).

  Safety Audits
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 274, if he will place in the Library copies of the 21 safety audits with the classified information removed. [35607]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.
  1176
  Letter front John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State of Defence asking if copies of the safety Aduits with the classified information removed will be placed in the Library has been passed on to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions.
  The Safety Audits of CBDE by the Ministry of Defence are valuable because they deal in a frank and detailed manner with a range of complex safety issues. Publication of the reports would he unhelpful, not only because the removal of classified information would make the documents unbalanced and possibly unintelligible, but also because the knowledge of publication would inevitably affect to the content of reports. For these reasons I am not prepared to publish even edited Audits in the way you suggest.
  I am sorry I could not be more helpful.

  Ballistic Missiles
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 February,Official Report, column 888, in which month the contract from the Directorate of Science (Ballistic Missile Defence) is due to end; whether the further option of one year on the contract is to be taken up; how much this option is worth; how many staff at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment are working on the contract and what their work entails; and how the contract is progressing. [35603]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for the chief executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency. I have therefore asked him to reply.

  Letter form John Chisholm to Mr. Ken Livingstone, dated 18 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking for further information concerning the contract between the Directorate of Science (Ballistic Missile Defence) and the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) has been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which now includes CBDE as one of its Divisions.
  The then Director General of CBDE wrote to you on this matter on 3 February. The option of a further year on the contract has been taken up by the US and the contract end date is now May 1996. The total value of the work (including the further option year) is $11.2 million. Thirty five staff at CBDE are employed for some of their time on this contract. The nature of the work is as previously described, namely technological research into the defeat of attacks by ballistic missiles with chemical or biological warheads. The programme of work is progressing well. I hope this information is helpful.

  Small Arms (Sales)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 468, what were the total receipts in each of the last three years received from the sale of surplus small arms, handguns and rifles. [35436]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Receipts from the sale of surplus small arms, handguns and rifles in the last three years were:

  1992–93: £142,500

  1993–94: £168,250

  1994–95: £200,260

  1177
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports he has received that surplus small arms sold by his Department have come into the possession of criminals. [35439]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have been informed by the Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police that the possession of surplus small arms by criminals, after they had been sold by the Ministry of Defence, is being investigated by the South Yorkshire police.

  Nuclear Warheads (Reliability)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his Department's assessment on whether the safety and reliability of Britain's nuclear warheads can be maintained only through a continuation of testing that produces a fission yield. [35420]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the implications for the development of new nuclear warheads of the United Kingdom signing a comprehensive test ban treaty which prohibited any further nuclear testing which produced a fission yield; and if he will make a statement. [35421]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 10 July 1995,Official Report, column 469.

  Small Arms (Disposal)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 469, if he will specify the cost in each of the last three years for the destruction of small arms. [35437]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The annual cost, in each of the past three years, for the destruction of small arms is in the order of £90,000.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 10 July,Official Report, column 468, what assessment he has made of his Department's disposal methods of surplus small arms; and if he will make a statement. [35438]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Current policy and procedures guard against unauthorised disposal. Ministry of Defence police investigations are under way to ascertain whether these controls have been properly observed.

  Nuclear Weapon Tests
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what is his Department's assessment of whether a comprehensive test ban treaty that prohibits nuclear tests below 1 kiloton would be verifiable; [35424]

  (2) what is his Department's assessment of the minimum yield of a nuclear test that could be adequately verified under a comprehensive test ban treaty. [35430]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The ad hoc committee on a nuclear test ban of the conference of disarmament is examining a narrow range of options for an international monitoring system which would be capable of providing assurance to the states parties to a comprehensive nuclear test-ban treaty that any explosion of 1 kiloton or more would be detected, identified and located. There is general agreement that it would be impractical to undertake global monitoring below this level.
  1178
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's current definition of what constitutes a nuclear weapon test. [35422]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This term has hitherto been applied to nuclear weapon tests of the sort that the UK has previously carried out at the Nevada underground test site.

  Green Minister
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 530, who the green Minister is within his Department. [35435]

  Mr. Soames
  My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Defence is the green Minister in my Department.

  Engineering Bases and Workshops
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the locations of his Department's engineering bases and workshops in each of the three services. [35358]

  Mr. Soames
  I shall write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.

  Official Residences (Costs)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the amount spent on(a) maintenance and building works, (b) furniture and fittings, (c) domestic staff costs and (d) entertaining and hospitality for each official service residence for 1994–95. [34432]

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested could not be collated within the time available. My Department is, however, in the process of gathering this information for internal reporting purposes and for work that is in hand as a result of recommendations contained in Sir Peter Cazalet's report into representational entertainment in the armed forces. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as the information is available.

  Royal Ordnance (Memorandum of Understanding)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the memorandum of understanding agreed by his Department with Royal Ordnance in December 1994. [35340]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of State for Defence and the chairman of Royal Ordnance plc was published in the Comptroller and Auditor General's report "Ministry of Defence: Incorporation of the Royal Ordnance Factories" published in April 1985 (HC 343).

  Royal Ordnance (Iran)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the information and reports received by his Department concerning the shipment of goods from Royal Ordnance to Iran between 1984 and 1988. [35337]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Such information, if it existed and if it pointed to potentially illegal activity, would have been
  1179
  passed to Her Majesty's Customs and Excise as the enforcement authority.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department received reports from Swedish customs of the outcome of their investigation into shipments to Iran which mentioned Royal Ordnance; and what action it took. [35336]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No arrangements exist for the provision of information by overseas customs authorities to the Ministry of Defence. Any such information would be provided to HM Customs and Excise.

  Supplies to Iran
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what reports his Department received concerning the shipping of goods to Iran in September 1985 by MV Sea Trader, June 1986 by MS Jotun and in August 1986 by MV Gritt Clipper IV; and if he will make a statement. [35343]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department is unable to trace any such reports.

  Royal Ordnance
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date Royal Ordnance joined the Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers; which other companies were in membership at the same time; and what contracts and with which countries were entered into under the auspices of the federation. [35344]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This information is not available from within the Ministry of Defence.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many shares his Department held in Royal Ordnance from 1 January 1985 to 1 January 1987; and what percentage this was of the total share issue. [35341]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Royal Ordnance plc was incorporated on 2 January 1985, with an authorised share capital of £60 million, in shares of £1, all issued. Until its privatisation in April 1987, all 60 million shares were owned by the Secretary of State for Defence.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what trading agreements were entered into by Royal Ordnance from January 1985 to January 1987 which required the agreement of the Secretary of State; and what were the countries involved, the subject matter and precise dates on which such agreements were given. [35339]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  I am not aware of any trading arrangements which required the agreement of the Secretary of State for Defence under the terms of the memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of State and the Chairman of Royal Ordnance plc.

  Private Soldier (Cost)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the average annual cost, excluding wages and wage on-costs, of maintaining a private in the army. [34810]

  Mr. Soames
  Based on current capitation rates, the average annual cost, excluding wages and wages on-costs, of maintaining a private in the Army in £14,019.
  1180

  Radiation Tests on Humans
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what investigations his Department is making into research relating to radiation tests on humans. [34476]

  Mr. Soames
  This subject has been investigated and no evidence has been found of any Ministry of Defence involvement in unethical radiation experiments on humans.

  Cadets (Education)
  Mr Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many officer cadets were educated in the(a) private and (b) public sectors of education; and what were the corresponding figures for non-commissioned ranks for the last three years for which figures are available for (i) male and (ii) female recruits into the Royal Navy. [34215]

  Mr. Soames
  This matter is for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from A. L. Chilton to Mr. Robert Hicks, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency to reply to your Parliamentary Question, about the number of Naval officer cadets and ratings, expressed in terms of male and female recruits, who were educated in both the private and public sectors of education for the last three years for which figures are available. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive.
  I must advise you that, whilst the Directorate of Naval Recruiting records basic details of the school, college or university history of all officer and rating recruits, it does not record whether these institutions are based in the private or public sector. I regret, therefore, that it is not possible to provide you with this information.

  Employment
  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the number of service personnel and civilians employed at RN College, Dartmouth and HMS Raleigh, Torpoint, for the last three years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on their contribution to their local economies. [34216]

  Mr. Soames
  This matter is for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter front A. D. Ferguson to Mr. Robert Hicks, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the number of Service personnel and civilians employed at the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth and at HMS Raleigh, and the economic contribution that these establishments make to their respective local economies. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive.

  The number of Service and civilian employees at the establishments for the last three years is as follows:

  1181

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  BRNC Dartmouth

  Service personnel

  n/a

  120

  119

  MOD civilian personnel

  n/a

  186

  165.5

  HMS Raleigh

  Service personnel

  600

  565

  553

  MOD civilian personnel

  154

  122

  120

  It is impossible to accurately quantify the contribution of Naval shore training establishments to their local economies. Both establishments provide local employment and the spending power of establishment personnel and students contributes to the local economy and that of the surrounding area. In the case of BRNC in particular, the College is the major employer for the isolated town of Dartmouth and also provides opportunities for trade to local businesses and shops. This is especially important during winter months as the town's micro-economy is principally based on tourism.

  Recruits
  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the projected intake of officer cadets and ratings into the Royal Navy for each of the next three years. [34217]

  Mr. Soames
  This matter is for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from A. L. Chilton to Mr. Robert Hicks, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency to reply to your Parliamentary Question concerning the projected intake of officer cadets and ratings into the Royal Navy for each of the next three years. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive.
  The projected target figures for the recruitment of RN officers and ratings for each of the next three years, are shown below. It should be recognised that these figures are projections only and as such are subject to periodic revision in order to reflect variations in outflow and requirement.

  1996–97

  1997–98

  1998–99

  RN officers

  252

  337

  349

  Ratings

  2,500

  2,700

  2,800

  RN College, Dartmouth
  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to public funds, excluding capital projects, of RN college, Dartmouth; and if he will list the nature and number of the courses provided, the number of officers, ratings and students involved in these courses and the average annual occupancy of the resident accommodation at the college for each of the past three years for which figures are available. [34218]

  Mr. Soames
  This matter is for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter front A. D. Ferguson to Mr. Robert Hicks, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency to reply to your
  1182
  Parliamentary Question about the cost to public funds, excluding capital projects, of Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), Dartmouth and the nature and number of the courses provided, the number of officers, ratings and students involved in these courses and the average annual occupancy of the resident accommodation at the college for each of the past three years for which figures are available. I am replying in the absence of the Chief Executive.
  The Cash Costs of BRNC Dartmouth, excluding Capital Costs, Sea Training costs and VAT, for the Financial Years' 1993/94 to 1995/96 is as follows:

  1993–94: £11.8M

  1994–95: £11.2M

  1995–96: £11.3M

  BRNC Dartmouth provides 22 Courses, instructed by 28 RN Officers, 28 Civilian Lecturers and 17 RN Ratings (excluding Support Staff). Information relating to Students is now only available for 1994/95 and 1995/96. This data, together with the list of College courses, is as follows:

  Student Intake

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Naval General Training Course

  127

  125

  SD Officers Pre-Qualifying Course

  26

  49

  Naval Studies Course

  100

  39

  Flight Academic Course

  36

  34

  International Young Officers' Course

  58

  42

  International Sub Lieutenant's Course

  16

  18

  Modular Graduates Course

  55

  40

  Consolidation Course

  1(21)

  0

  Short Introductory Course

  29

  22

  Naval Aircrew Training Course

  24

  4

  Royal Naval Reserve Course

  25

  29

  RM Young Officers' Acquaint Course

  162

  68

  Careers Officers Course

  0

  0

  University Royal Naval Unit Course

  48

  105

  Potential Officer Course

  82

  130

  Combined Cadets/Sea Cadets

  375

  242

  Undergraduates' Language Course

  15

  58

  Undergraduates' Academic Course

  13

  2

  Undergraduates' Strategic Studies Course

  12

  8

  Surgeon S/Lt Naval Introductory Course

  0

  19

  Bursars' Acquaint Course

  27

  21

  Engineering Sponsorship Scheme Acquaint

  0

  0

  1 Included in NGT Course.

  The average annual occupancy of the resident accommodation at the college since 1992/93 is as follows:

  1992–93: 99.7% of capacity

  1993–94: 91% of capacity

  1994–95: 68% of capacity

  In the context of student throughput, you will also wish to be aware that the Agency is developing initiatives with private industry and academic institutions to market the unallocated irreducible training capacity that exists at the shore training establishments which is caused by fluctuating recruiting levels.

  HMS Raleigh, Torpoint
  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to public funds, excluding capital projects, of HMS Raleigh, Torpoint; and if he will list the nature and number of the courses provided, the number of officers, ratings and students involved in these courses and the average annual occupancy of the resident
  1183
  accommodation at the college for each of the past three years for which figures are available. [34219]

  Mr. Soames
  This matter is for the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from A. D. Ferguson to Mr. Robert Hicks, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Defence has asked the Chief Executive of the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the cost to public funds, excluding capital projects, of HMS Raleigh and the nature and number of the courses provided, the number of officers, ratings and students involved in these courses and the average annual occupancy of the resident accommodation at the college for each of the past three years for which figures are available. I am replying on behalf of the Chief Executive.
  The Cash Cost to public funds, excluding capital projects, of HMS
  Raleigh for the last three years is as follows:

  1992–93: £16.8M

  1993–94: £18.5M

  1994–95: £19.5M

  HMS Raleigh's Course Catalogue currently lists some 140 courses that range in duration from 2 days to 13 weeks. The nature of the courses provided falls into the following categories:

  Part 1 and New Entry Courses

  Nuclear, Ballistic and Chemical Defence Courses

  Seamanship Courses

  Supply Specialisation Courses

  The total number of establishment personnel employed overall in support of the training task for the last three years was:

  HMS Raleigh

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Service personnel

  600

  565

  553

  MOD civilian personnel

  154

  122

  120

  Total student throughput expressed in Student-days for the years 1992–93 to 1994–95 was as follows:

  1992–93: 28,896

  1993–94: 27,456

  1994–95: 25,084

  Records concerning occupation of resident accommodation are only retained for two years. It is not possible, therefore, to provide figures for 1992–93. The average daily occupancy of the resident accommodation at HMS RALEIGH over the past two years was:

  1993–94: 526

  1994–95: 470

  In the context of student throughput, you will wish to be aware that the Naval Recruiting and Training Agency is developing initiatives with private industry and academic institutions to market the unallocated irreducible training capacity that exists at the shore training establishments caused by fluctuating recruiting levels.

  Contaminated Land
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy on contaminated land. [34654]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has instituted a land quality assessment procedure for all sites being considered or allocated for disposal. In addition, steps are being taken to prioritise the rest of the defence estate for future assessment work. Decontamination of my Department's land is undertaken where there is a significant risk to 1184
  health and safety or the environment, or where land is being sold. In the latter case, decontamination work is generally limited to the removal of ordnance and other contaminants such as chemical warfare agents, radioactive and microbiological materials in respect of which a civilian contractor could not be expected to have the appropriate expertise.

  Submarine Allowance
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the current level of submarine allowance; what changes he plans to make; and if he will make a statement. [34016]

  Mr. Soames
  Submarine pay is paid to assist in the recruitment and retention of suitable naval personnel into the submarine service. The levels of submarine pay for 1995–96 are between £8.41 and £13.54 per day, depending on rank and responsibilities, for active submarine service. An additional £5.59 or £8.21 per day is paid to senior rate nuclear propulsion watchkeepers. A reserve band of between £8.05 and £10.72 per day is paid to submariners who have a continuing liability for submarine service after three years in a shore appointment. As I announced on 26 June,Official Report, column 503, my Department is studying the recommendations of the independent review of service career and manpower structures and terms of service, which included a recommendation that a number of additional pay items, including submarine pay, should be assimilated into the basic pay structure. I shall keep the House informed of progress.

  Naval Vessels (Running Costs)
  Mr. Trotter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the latest available annual running costs for each of the classes of vessel currently in service with the Royal Navy. [34232]

  Mr. Soames
  The 1994–95 figures for the average annual running costs of each class of vessel currently in service with the Royal Navy are given below. These are an average of the annual operating costs of each individual vessel within a class, based on those vessels' activities over the preceding six years.

  Class of Vessel

  1£ million

  Resolution Class Submarine

  21

  Vanguard Class

  2—

  Swiftsure Class Submarine

  25

  Trafalgar Class Submarine

  19.5

  Invincible Class Carrier

  35

  Landing Platform Docks

  17

  Type 22 Frigate (Batch 1)

  17

  Type 22 Frigate (Batch 2)

  19.5

  Type 22 Frigate (Batch 3)

  15

  Type 23 Frigate

  15.5

  Type 42 Destroyer (Batch 1)

  17

  Type 42 Destroyer (Batch 2)

  17.5

  Type 42 Destroyer (Batch 3)

  17

  Hunt Class MCMV

  3.5

  Sandown Class MCMV

  2.5

  Castle Class Offshore Patrol Vessel

  3

  Island Class Offshore Patrol Vessel

  3

  Hong Kong Patrol Craft

  1

  River Class Patrol Craft

  1

  Coastal Training Craft

  0.5

  Royal Yacht

  10

  1185

  Class of Vessel

  1£ million

  Ice Patrol Ship

  6.5

  Ocean Survey Vessels

  6

  Coastal Survey Vessels

  3

  Notes:

  1 Figures rounded to nearest halt million.

  2 Figures not available for VANGUARD Class.

  Nimrod (Loss)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his assessment of the impact on United Kingdom defence capability of the recent loss of a Nimrod R.I aircraft; what plans he has to replace the aircraft; and what is the estimated cost. [35644]

  Mr. Soames
  The Nimrod R aircraft which was lost in the Moray firth on 16 May was one of a fleet of three aircraft which provide the UK with an airborne reconnaissance capability, the details of which are classified. The potential loss of capability resulting from the crash is being managed by adjusting the maintenance programme of the remaining two aircraft. Whilst there will therefore be no immediate effect on the United Kingdom defence capability, it is important that the aircraft is replaced as soon as possible. Our plans are to retrieve a reserve Nimrod airframe from storage and have it converted to the reconnaissance role. Contractual negotiations for this work are under way, therefore details of costs are at present commercially sensitive.

  Nuclear Submarine Decommissioning (Workshop)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel from his Department, and of what grades, participated in the NATO advanced research workshop on nuclear submarine decommissioning held in Moscow from 19 to 22 June; and if he will make a statement on the impact of the workshop on the development of his policy on storage and disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarines. [35629]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No Ministry of Defence personnel attended this NATO workshop. Our policy remains that decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines are stored safely afloat at a suitable berth, pending eventual disposal.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35308]

  Mr. Soames
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Rapid Reaction Force (Insurance)
  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made for insurance facilities for members of the armed forces currently serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. [34811]

  Mr. Soames
  In addition to the cover given to all personnel as members of the armed forces pension scheme, the following insurance facilities are available to service men serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. Personnel are able to enrol in PAX+ personal 1186
  accident insurance in theatre. Also available are the forces safeguard life insurance scheme and membership of the relevant dependants fund appropriate to their particular branch of the services; these are available in theatre. Prior to embarcation or deployment, and throughout their service career, all personnel are thoroughly briefed on the availability and advisability of taking out life, personal accident and kit cover.

  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he has made for insurance facilities for the families of members of the armed forces currently serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. [34812]

  Mr. Soames
  All members of the armed forces, including those serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia, are able to obtain personal accident and optional life insurance cover for themselves and their families by enrolling in the PAX+ personal accident insurance scheme. It is a matter for individual service personnel as to whether they take out family insurance and, if so what company, policy and level of cover they choose.

  Mr. Murphy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities for insurance arrangements, through PAX+ insurance he is making available to members of the armed forces currently serving with the rapid reaction force in Bosnia. [34813]

  Mr. Soames
  Like other members of the armed forces those serving with the paid reaction force in Bosnia can obtain insurance within the PAX+ scheme. The facility to enrol in this scheme is available in theatre. PAX+ provides cover 365 days a year, 24 hours a day whether on or off duty. This scheme, started in 1989, gives a range of benefits covering both death and disability as a result of an accident with the level of cover dependent on the number of units purchased by the service person. PAX+ was set up specifically for service personnel and gives cover for military service up to and including general war. The MOD will refund a proportion of a life premium loading for hazardous duties.

  Uranium Projectiles (Eskmeals and Kirkcudbirght)
  Mr. Jenkin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he has received the environmental impact assessment on the trials of depleted uranium projectiles at Eskmeals and Kirkcudbright announced on 1 July 1993. [35819]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The report was received by my officials from the contractor, W. S. Atkins Environment, on 20 January 1995. I have today arranged for a copy of the full report, together with the MOD's response to its findings and recommendations, to be placed in the House of Commons Library.

  Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
  Mr. Evennett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the formation of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency; and what targets he has set for the Agency for 1995–96. [35820]
  1187
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, DERA, was launched as a trading fund on 1 April 1995, and is an enlargement of the former Defence Research Agency, DRA. It remains a defence agency headed by a chief executive who derives his authority from, and is directly accountable to, the Secretary of State for Defence. Its aim is to provide independent, high quality, efficient and cost effective advice and support for its customers, primarily within the MOD. DERA personnel remain civil servants.

  The DERA comprises all the MOD's major non-nuclear evaluation and research organisations, in particular those establishments listed below, together with the existing DRA organisation and certain smaller scientific units:

  The Director General of Test and Evaluation

  The Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down

  The Defence Operational Analysis Centre, West Byfleet

  The Centre for Human Sciences

  The British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre

  The DERA is structured as four operating divisions, supported by a number of service sectors:

  The Centre for Defence Analysis

  The Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment

  The Defence Research Agency

  The Defence Test and Evaluation Organisation

  The Secretary of State for Defence invited John Chisholm to continue as chief executive of the enlarged agency until his present contract expires in 1996.

  The targets set for the DERA in 1995–96 are as follows:

  (a) To meet profit and cash targets consistent with an average 6 per cent. return in capital employment over a period of three years, the target for 1995–96 being 4.7 per cent.

  (b) To achieve divisional utilisation of 68 per cent. in DRA, 49 per cent. in DTEO, 61 per cent. in CBDE, 67 per cent. in CDA and 57 per cent. for the DERA overall.

  (c) To achieve on time divisional milestone delivery of 85 per cent. in DRA, 80 per cent. in DTEO and 90 per cent. in CBDE and CDA.

  (d) From the December DRA 1994 customer survey baseline. while maintaining an overall level of performance at 22 per cent. above average, to improve quality and project management from 4.8 per cent. and 12 per cent. above average to 15 per cent. above average and to conduct similar surveys in DTEO, CDA and CBDE.

  (e) To improve scientific quality in the DRA, as measured by the external assessment of the MOD's corporate research programme, by 2 per cent. and to produce similar measures for CBDE and CDA.

  (f) To meet by 31 March 1996 all the 1995–96 rationalisation project milestones.

  (g) To achieve a non-MOD income of £98 million in 1995–96.

  (h) To achieve formal quality certification to ISO 9000 for an additional five DRA sectors and two DERA service sectors by 31 March 1996.

  (i) To have implemented the reward management review project processes in DRA and CDA by 31 October 1995.

  (j) To complete by 30 September 1995, a strategic review of all DERA business and project support functions making an assessment of the scope to introduce private capital. outsourcing and market testing and to publish this as part of the corporate plan.

  1188

  BMARC
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) pursuant to his answers of 4 April,Official Report, column 1097, and 19 June, if he will list the companies other than Astra/BMARC to which the documents discovered on 16 June referred; [30225]

  (2) on what date he was informed by his Department's police that further documents have been found relating to BMARC and Astra plc; whether these documents included sales documentation of arms exports by BMARC and Astra; and if he will make a statement. [30049]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 22 June 1995]: The documents and files were seized by the Ministry of Defence police, MDP, pursuant to powers given by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. In the case of Marcel (1992 Ch. 225), the Court of Appeal decided that where documents were seized by the police under those powers, the police owed a private law duty of confidence to the owners of the documents and that this private law duty had the effect that no further disclosure of the documents by the police was permitted unless the disclosure was for a purpose contemplated by the 1984 Act, or was necessary in the public interest. The Department has received legal advice that the same principles apply to a description of the documents by categories. Having regard to that advice I do not propose to list or describe the documents seized by the Ministry of Defence police.

  A re-sort of the seized property store, expedited by the deputy chief constable of the MOD police, has accounted for all schedules of documents seized from the Astra group of companies by the MDP during the course of corruption investigations involving those companies. All Astra company documents have been returned to the liquidators; other documents belonging to other owners have been or are shortly to be returned to their rightful owners. No papers have been or are being destroyed by MOD police.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will list under convenient headings the categories of documents and files taken by the staff of his Department from Astra plc or any of its subsidiaries between 1 January 1989 and 31 December 1991; and which of them have been(a) retained and (b) destroyed; [30101]

  (2) what information he has on the whereabouts of documents relating to the Paveway bomb, as referred to in the minutes of BMARC on 2 November 1988. [30113]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 27 June 1995]: The documents and files were seized by the Ministry of Defence police, MDP, pursuant to powers given by the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. In the case of Marcel (1992 Ch. 225), the Court of Appeal decided that where documents were seized by the police under those powers, the police owed a private law duty of confidence to the owners of the documents, and that this private law duty had the effect that no further disclosure of the documents by the police was permitted unless the disclosure was for a purpose contemplated by the 1984 Act, or was necessary in the public interest. The Department has received legal advice that the same principles apply to a description of the documents by

  1189
  categories. Having regard to that advice I do not propose to list or describe the documents seized by the Ministry of Defence police.

  A re-sort of the seized property store, expedited by the deputy chief constable of the MDP police, has accounted for all schedules of documents seized from the Astra group of companies by the MOD during the course of corruption investigations involving those companies. All Astra company documents have been returned to the liquidators; other documents belonging to other owners have been or are shortly to be returned to their rightful owners. No papers have been or are being destroyed by MOD police.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list those occasions on which Ministers were in contact with Ministry of Defence police concerning the affairs of Astra plc between 1989 and 1991, naming the Minister in each case. [30109]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 27 June 1995]: So far as is known, there are none.

  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence who was the person directly responsible for losing the BMARC documents which were found on Saturday 17 June; and who rediscovered them. [30610]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 29 June 1995]: An inquiry has been initiated by the Deputy Chief Constable of the Ministry of Defence Police into the separation by MDP in its property store of documents relating to its investigations into the Astra group of companies. I shall write to the hon. Member when the report is finalised.

  Ministry of Defence Police
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Minister in his Department had responsibility for the Ministry of Defence police on 27 January 1993. [30104]

  Mr. Soames
  [holding answer 27 June 1995]: The Ministry of Defence police is an independent police force with full constabulary powers operating under the Ministry of Defence Police Act 1987. The responsibility of the Secretary of State is limited to his general superintendence of MDP under the Act and through the mechanisms of the MOD police committee, delegated to the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, who on 27 January 1993 was my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Sir A. Hamilton).

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Training
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what were the results from the training for working leavers survey for the period September 1993 to August 1994 or most recent 12 months for each training and enterprise council area in England and Wales and each local enterprise company area in Scotland broken down to show the number and proportion of leavers who(a) had been entered for a vocational qualification, (b) had obtained a vocational qualification, (c) had failed to obtain a vocational qualification and (d) were awaiting their results; what was the number and proportion of training for work leavers who six months after leaving were (i) in a
  1190
  full-time job with their work experience employer, (ii) in a full-time job with another employer, (iii) employed in their own business, (iv) in a part-time job, (v) in voluntary work, (vi) on another Government training programme, (vii) on a full-time education or training course, (viii) unemployed and claiming benefit, (ix) unemployed and not claiming benefit, (x) in a jobclub and (xi) doing something else; what was the number and proportion of training for work leavers who had completed the training agreed in their initial action plan; and if she will make a statement; [34054]

  (2) what were the results of the YT leavers survey for the period September 1993 to August 1994 or the most recent 12 months for each TEC area in England and Wales and each LEC area in Scotland broken down to show the number and proportion of YT leavers who (a) were in full-time work with the same employer, (b) were in full-time work with a different employer, (c) were in part-time work, (d) were on a full-time course at a college/training centre, (e) were on another YT scheme, (f) were doing something else, (g) were unemployed and (h)had obtained a vocational qualification; what was(i) the number of questionnaires issued, (ii) the usable percentage response rate and (iii) the percentage of respondents who were early leavers; and if she will make a statement; [34057]

  (3) what were the results from the training for work leavers survey on the number and level of NVQs and SVQs gained by people leaving training for work for the period September 1993 to August 1994 or the most recent 12 months, for each region and for Great Britain as a whole, for all leavers, and by ethnic group, disability and gender; and if she will make a statement; [34059]

  (4) what were the results of the YT leavers survey for the period September 1993 to August 1994 or the most recent 12 months for each TEC area in England and Wales and each LEC area in Scotland broken down to show the number and proportion of YT leavers who (a) were in full-time work with the same employer, (b) were in full-time work with a different employer, (c) were in part-time work, (d) were on a full-time course at a college/training centre, (e) were on another YT scheme, (f) were doing something else, (g) were unemployed and(h) had obtained a vocational qualification; if she will list (i) the number of questionnaires issued, (ii) the usable percentage response rate; and (iii) the percentage of respondents who were early leavers; and if she will make a statement; [34055]

  (5) what were the results from the youth training leavers survey on the number and level of NVQs and SVQs gained by people leaving training for work for the period September 1993 to August 1994 or the most recent 12 months, for each region and for Great Britain as a whole, for all leavers, and by ethnic group, disability and gender; and if she will make a statement; [34058]

  (6) what were the results of the training for work leavers survey for each region and for Great Britain as a whole, for the period between September 1993 and August 1994 or the most recent 12 months for all leavers and separately for male and female, for each ethnic group, and for those with a disability or health problem, the number and proportion of training for work leavers who (a) had been entered for a vocational qualification, (b) had obtained a vocational qualification, (c) had failed to obtain a vocational qualification or (d)were awaiting their

  1191
  results; what was the number and proportion of training for work leavers who six months after leaving were (i) in a full-time job with their work experience employer, (ii) in a full-time job with another employer, (iii) employed in their own business, (iv) in a part-time job, (v) in voluntary work, (vi) on another Government training programme, (vii) on a full-time education or training course, (viii) unemployed and claiming benefit, (x) in a jobclub and (xi) doing something else; what was the number and proportion of training for work leavers who had completed the training agreed in their initial action plan; and if she will make a statement. [34056]

  Mr. Paice
  As this information is contained in a large number of tables, I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the work her Department has carried out in the last 12 months in making information about her Department available to the public via the Government world wide web server know as "www. open. gov. uk" and her plans and policies to make additional and new information available electronically on the server in the next 12 months. [34675]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The then Department for Education created a site on the Government world web server on 24 April 1995 with the launch of "Superhighways for Education" consultation paper on broadband communications. The site had a brief note on the aims and objectives of the then Department for Education. It will shortly carry departmental press notices and the 1994 schools and colleges performance tables. The jobseekers, parents, further education and higher education charters are available on the citizen's charter unit site. In addition, an announcement on the launch of Socrates, the European Community's new education programme, was placed with a UK educational Internet newsgroup. The Department's policy for future use and business potential is under consideration following the recent merger of the Departments for Education and Employment.

  Employment Service
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will make a statement on the work of the Employment Service in 1994–95. [36080]

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  I am pleased to announce that the Employment Service achieved excellent results in 1994–95. It placed over 1.87 million unemployed people into work, of whom 29.7 per cent. had been out of work for six months or more. It also exceeded its targets for placing people with disabilities and people in inner cities.

  The ES has exceeded all but one of its targets this year giving unemployed people a record level of help. Its results in placing people into work are excellent and it has made steady improvements over the last five years.

  The targets agreed for 1995–96 will enable the ES to build on its exceptional results last year, and help yet more unemployed people while preparing for the introduction of jobseeker's allowance.
  1192
  These targets include placing 1.9 million unemployed people into jobs, of whom at least 560,500 should be people unemployed for six months or more; and 76,000 should be people with disabilities—the highest total yet.

  Exclusions (Lincolnshire Schools)
  Sir Kenneth Carlisle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the numbers of exclusions from Lincolnshire schools for the most recent year for which data are available, and if she will give the figures of the two previous years. [34830]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is not held centrally.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what steps she is taking to ensure that her plans are listed in her press statement to de-regulate standards in respect of child:adult ratios, premises and equipment are consistent with her policy of maintaining standards as found within the current requirements of the Children Act 1989 and other relevant Acts; [35559]

  (2) which of the four bodies listed in her answer of 14 June, Official Report,column 520, as favouring introduction of a voucher scheme for pre-school education, advocated or had consented to her plans for de-regulation as described in her oral statement on 6 July, Official Report, columns 517–19; [35556]

  (3) by what means she expects to publicise the de-regulated or lower standards of provision for nursery education and play group provision she announced in her oral statement of 6 July. [35558]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend and the Secretary of State for Health are jointly consulting on whether the existing Children Act guidance on child; adult ratios, premises and equipment remains appropriate for institutions registered to exchange vouchers for pre-school education.

  In addition, my right hon. Friends and the Secretary of State for Wales announced on 14 July their intention to consult on a new set of school premises regulations. Those regulations apply to all maintained schools, including maintained nursery schools. They will continue to do so.

  All essential health and safety requirements in the current Children Act guidance and school premises regulations will be retained.

  None of the written responses to the consultation advocated deregulation, but most of them were received before deregulation became an issue for debate. A number of informal requests were made to deregulate existing requirements on child:adult ratios premises and equipment, planning, and publication of statutory proposals to establish nursery places at maintained schools.

  My right hon Friend plans to publish a consultation document on quality assurance shortly.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment by what means the relevant proportion of voucher value is assigned to four-year-olds
  1193
  attending local authority infant schools to be deducted from the value of parental purchasing power arising from her proposed scheme for financial assistance for four-year-olds. [35557]

  Mr. Squire
  The parents or guardians of all four-year-olds will receive a voucher worth around £1,100 with which to purchase three terms of good-quality pre-school education before compulsory school age if they wish.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations she initiated with the 74 bodies listed in her answer to the question of the hon. Member for the City of Durham (Mr. Steinberg), of 7 February,Official Report, columns 145–47, in respect of her plan announced on 6 July for pre-school provision. [35576]

  Mr. Squire
  The head of the official task force on under-fives wrote to the majority of the bodies listed on the day of the announcement, requesting their views.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral answer to the hon. Member for Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. Howarth), of 6 July,Official Report, column 522, if the value of the proposed education vouchers will be subject to assessment of income support and family credit. [35605]

  Mr. Squire
  No.

  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 is the average (a) pupil: adult ratio and (b) pupil: qualified adult ratio in (i) reception classes in primary schools, (ii) nursery classes in primary schools, (iii) nursery schools classes and (iv) playgroups. [34110]

  Mr. Squire
  The available information is shown in the table.

  Pupil: staff ratios in maintained nursery schools and nursery classes in maintained primary schools in England

  January 1994

  Teaching staff1

  All adult staff2

  Nursery schools

  19.4

  8.8

  Nursery classes

  26.8

  11.7

  1 Includes all qualified teaching staff.

  2 Includes all teaching staff and nursery assistants.

  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, what changes are planned in the training of primary and early years' teachers to take account of the expansion of pre-school provision for all four-year-olds. [35510]

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to revise the criteria for primary ITT courses set out in DFE circular 14/93.

  We are currently reviewing targets for intakes to initial teacher training for 1996–97 onwards, and the Teacher Training Agency will take account of the Government's plans for the education of under-fives in carrying out its responsibilities for initial and in-service teacher training.
  1194

  Teacher Training
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many places in teacher training for primary and early years' teachers were available in(a) 1990, (b) 1992, (c) 1994 and (d) 1995; and what plans she has for an expansion in places for primary and early years' teachers, following her oral statement of 6 July, Official Report, columns 517–19. [35511]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The number of places for primary teachers in England for the years requested is as follows:

  1990

  1992

  1994

  1995

  Intake target

  11,313

  12,078

  12,950

  12,115

  Actual intake

  13,155

  16,658

  13,713

  —

  The targets did not distinguish between courses specialising in early years—three to seven—and other primary ITT courses.

  We are currently considering whether the targets for intakes into initial teacher training courses given to the Teacher Training Agency for 1996–97 onwards need to be revised to take account of new information and policy developments. The agency will take the Government's plans for the education of under-fives into account when allocating student numbers from 1996–97 onwards.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what provision is made in the training of primary and early-years teachers for the study of early child development. [35434]

  Mr. Squire
  The competences expected of newly-qualified primary teachers are set out in DFE circular 14/93. It is for course providers to determine course content, in order to ensure that newly qualified teachers have the ability to teach effectively and to secure effective learning.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what legislation she plans to introduce; and if she will make a statement. [35309]

  Mrs. Gillian Shephard
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Postgraduate Students
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the number of state-funded postgraduate students in the United Kingdom as a proportion of the entire United Kingdom higher education student population; and if she will make a statement. [34965]

  Mr. Forth
  In the academic year 1992–93, the latest year for which information is available, there were 44,500 postgraduate award holders in the United Kingdom—3 per cent. of all home students in higher education and 25 per cent. of the postgraduate population.
  1195
  In addition, an unknown number of postgraduate students will have received state support from other sources including access funds and student loans—where studying for a postgraduate certificate in education.

  Youth Service
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans she has to safeguard the funding of the youth service in the next Budget. [34455]

  Mr. Paice
  The local authority financial settlement for 1996–97 is currently under consideration. It will be for individual authorities to decide how to fund different parts of their education services, including the youth service, in the light of their assessment of local needs and priorities.

  Further Education Colleges
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what has been capital expenditure on colleges of further education in both cash and constant price terms in every year since 1979. [34022]

  Mr. Paice
  The information requested is available only since 1989–90, and is set out in the table.

  Capital expenditure at colleges of further education in England, 1989–90–1993–94

  Year

  £ million (cash)

  £ million (1994 prices)

  1989–90

  141

  173

  1990–91

  123

  140

  1991–92

  98

  105

  1992–93

  107

  110

  1993–94

  261

  261

  Notes:

  1Expenditure between 1989–90 and 1992–93 was incurred by local authorities. It does not include expenditure at sixth form colleges, for which separate data are not available.

  2 The 1993–94 figure shows expenditure incurred by colleges, including sixth form colleges, in the further education sector between April 1993 and July 1994 (16 months).

  3All the cash figures show outturn expenditure from all sources. Those for 1989–90–1992–93 are derived from local authorities' expenditure returns to DOE. That for 1993–94 has been aggregated by FEFC from colleges' accounts.

  At local education authority nursery and primary schools

  Pupil numbers as at January

  (1)

  Clwxd

  Dyfed

  Gwent

  Gwynedd

  Mid Glamorgan

  Powys

  South Glamorgan

  West Glamorgan

  Wales

  Wales1

  1980

  Full-time pupils

  Aged 3

  269

  412

  446

  114

  2,598

  240

  98

  217

  4,394

  13

  Aged 4

  3,450

  3,489

  3,886

  2,249

  6,017

  1,267

  2,733

  3,174

  26,265

  77

  1990

  Part-time pupils

  Aged 3

  2,977

  673

  2,512

  306

  1,137

  13

  1,709

  3,131

  12,458

  33

  Aged 4

  1,513

  271

  1,262

  155

  516

  8

  1,321

  1,467

  6,512

  17

  Full-time pupils

  Aged 3

  5

  1,001

  286

  140

  2,633

  309

  59

  6

  4,438

  12

  Aged 4

  3,449

  3,284

  4,124

  1,753

  6,259

  1,075

  2,920

  3,160

  26,024

  69

  1994

  Part time pupils

  Aged 3

  3,322

  681

  2,975

  430

  1,163

  10

  2,105

  3,357

  14,043

  37

  Aged 4

  1,689

  269

  1,488

  222

  512

  6

  1,046

  1,520

  6,752

  18

  1196

  Young People in Care
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research her Department has carried out into the employment histories of young people who have left care. [33836]

  Mr. Paice
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The Department has not commissioned research on the employment histories of young people after they have left local authority care.

WALES

  Nursery School Places
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the cost of each local education authority of providing(a) a nursery school place and (b) a nursery class place; and what element of the cost relates to capital expenditure. [35406]

  Mr. Richards
  This information is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he plans to continue to fund all the places that local education authorities currently provide for(a) three-year-olds and (b) four-year-olds. [35404]

  Mr. Richards
  Provision is currently at the discretion of local education authorities. The local government revenue settlement is unhypothecated in Wales and it is for local authorities themselves to decide how that settlement is spent.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) three-year-olds and (b) four-year-olds in each local education authority had (i) a full-time place or (ii) a part-time place in a nursery school or class in (1) 1980, (2) 1990 and (3) the last date for which figures are available; and what percentage of the age group this was in each year. [35408]

  Mr. Richards
  The following table shows pupil numbers at local education authority nursery or primary schools. For primary school pupils, all pupils aged three or four are included irrespective of whether they are taught in nursery or ordinary classes. Comparable figures for part-time pupils are not available for 1980.
  1197

  At local education authority nursery and primary schools

  Pupil numbers as at January

  (1)

  Clwyd

  Dyfed

  Gwent

  Gwynedd

  Mid Glamorgan

  Powys

  South Glamorgan

  West Glamorgan

  Wales

  Wales1

  Full-time pupils

  Aged 3

  1

  1,134

  159

  5

  2,896

  334

  84

  3

  4,616

  12

  Aged 4

  3,552

  3,294

  4,138

  1,900

  6,388

  1,143

  3,784

  2,985

  27,184

  71

  Source:

  Schools' Census.

  Notes:

  (1) Age at 31 December of the preceding year.

  1total as a percentage of estimated age group at 31 December of the preceding year.

  Pre-school Places
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the additional staff required to ensure that all four-year-olds will have a pre-school place in April 1997, listing teaching and other support staff separately and indicating the qualifications that staff in a typical pre-school establishment will be expected to have. [35405]

  Mr. Richards
  We will be consulting further on such issues as staff:pupil ratios and staff qualifications. There are no plans to impose new qualification requirements.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement about his proposals for deregulation in the pre-school sector, and what effect his proposals will have on the level of child:adult ratios, the quality of premises provided and the equipment which should be available; and [35403]

  (2) if he will make a statement about the inspection framework he intends to establish to cover pre-school places provided under the nursery voucher scheme and what will be the relative roles of ACAC, Office of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector and local authority social services and education departments. [35401]

  Mr. Richards
  These matters are still under consideration and will be the subject of further consultation with interested bodies. I intend to issue a document outlining final details of implementation in the autumn.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost of administration and inspection of pre-school places eligible for the nursery voucher scheme when it is in full operation. [35399]

  Mr. Richards
  No final decisions regarding administration arrangements and inspection regimes have been taken. I do not expect administration overhead costs to be significant in relation to the value of the voucher.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much he estimates will be recouped from each local education authority of the money already spent on pre-school places to finance the nursery voucher scheme when it is fully in operation; and what percentage this will represent of the money currently provided for pre-school places. [35398]

  Mr. Richards
  Details of the arrangements for recoupment will be the subject of further consultation with local authorities. Final decisions will depend on the outcome of the public expenditure survey although of course no specific provision is made within the local authority revenue settlement for pre-school education.
  1198

  Pre-school Play Groups
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many three and four-year-olds had a place in a pre-school play group in each local education authority in(a) 1980, (b) 1990 and (c) the last date for which figures are available; what was the percentage of the age group in each year; and what was the average number of sessions attended by a child in each year. [35407]

  Mr. Richards
  The number of places provided in pre-school playgroups at 31 March each year is shown in the table. Information is not collected centrally on the number of children who attend or on the number of sessions attended.

  Places in playgroups at 31 March

  1980

  1990

  1994

  Clwyd

  3,802

  4,394

  5,140

  Dyfed

  2,443

  3,371

  3,089

  Gwent

  2,277

  2,843

  3,193

  Gwynedd

  2,418

  3,107

  3,348

  Mid Glamorgan

  2,163

  3,517

  3,928

  Powys

  1,067

  1,491

  1,513

  South Glamorgan

  2,695

  3,502

  4,093

  West Glamorgan

  888

  1,247

  1,318

  Wales

  17,753

  23,472

  25,622

  Note:

  Places in playgroups provided by a local authority, registered private playgroups and in playgroups exempt from registration, e.g. those on Crown property, are included.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much funding he provides for pre-school playgroups in Wales; how this is shared between recipient organisations; and what is the average amount per child attending playgroups run by recipients of Welsh Office funding. [35396]

  Mr. Richards
  Wales Pre-School Playgroups Associations and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin have been awarded departmental grants in 1995–96 of £164,400 and £152,872 respectively towards their core administrative costs. Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin has also been awarded a grant of £537,000 in 1995–96 under the scheme of support for the Welsh language. Local playgroups are not funded directly by the Department. Therefore, there are no figures on average departmental funding per child.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much each local authority provides for funding to the Wales Pre-School Playgroups Association and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin; and what is the average amount of funding for each place the respective organisations provide. [35402]

  Mr. Richards
  This information is not held centrally.
  1199

  Firland's Training
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the South Glamorgan training and enterprise council in relation to the termination of the youth training and training for work 1995–96 contracts with Firland's Training; what representations he has received in relation to these contracts; and if he will make a statement. [35239]

  Mr. Hague
  I have had no consultations with the chairman of South Glamorgan training and enterprise council and have received no representations on this matter.

  Contracts between training and enterprise councils and their training providers are a matter for the contractual parties concerned.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Sectretary of State for Wales what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35302]

  Mr. Hague
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  General Practitioner Fundholders
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much has been allocated to general practitioner fundholders in management allowances in each year since the start of the scheme. [35386]

  Mr. Richards
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  NHS Trust Boards (Salaries)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by wave and region(a) the number of non-executive directors and (b) the number of chairs of NHS trust boards by salary band. [35506]

  Mr. Richards
  The number of(a) non-executive directors and (b) chairs of NHS trusts by salary band, by wave, is as follows:

  Number of chairmen in band

  Number of non-executive directors

  1

  2

  3

  First wave (1992)

  5

  —

  1

  —

  Second wave (1993)

  62

  5

  7

  1

  Third wave (1994)

  43

  2

  5

  3

  Fourth wave(1995)

  17

  2

  1

  2

  Note:

  Remuneration of chairmen is:

  Band 1 £19,285 p.a.

  Band 2 £17,145 p.a.

  Band 3 £15,125 p.a.

  Nursery Vouchers Scheme
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the value of the voucher for four-year-olds in Wales under the provision for regional variations in value. [35397]
  1200
  Mr. Richards
  The voucher will initially be worth £1,100. Further consideration will he given to the desirability of regional variations in its value in the light of experience.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to review the participation of the Welsh Development Agency in urban development schemes following the 29th report of the Committee of Public Accounts on the Welsh Development Agency; what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Welsh Development Agency concerning compensation to affected third parties and the future of joint venture schemes. [35588]

  Mr. Hague
  The Government will be responding to the 29th report of the Committee of Public Accounts in the usual way in the form of a Treasury Minute.

  The Welsh Development Agency's participation in urban development and joint venture schemes is governed by guidelines which were revised in March this year. The revised guidelines took full account of the recommendations of the Grant Thornton report, and were subject to consultation between the WDA and my Department. Copies of the revised guidelines were placed in the Library of the House. The agency has also revised its procedures.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consideration he will be giving to the role of the Welsh language in places provided under the nursery voucher scheme. [35400]

  Mr. Richards
  I will be giving the matter full consideration following consultation with interested bodies and advice from ACAC.

  Dental Students
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the number of places for dental students in Wales, in each of the past 10 years; and if the trend in the number of dental student places in Wales differs from the figures for the United Kingdom as a whole. [35233]

  Mr Hague
  Forty five until the intake in October 1989, and 55 since that date. Following the last review of medical and dental manpower in 1982, there has been an expansion of 20 per cent. at the Welsh dental school compared with a reduction of 10 per cent. elsewhere.

  Cardiff Bay Opera House
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date his Department first received representations in relation to the acquisition of land from Associated British Ports for the purposes of constructing the proposed Cardiff bay opera house; on what date representations were received with particular reference to potential conflicts of interest; on what date the Cardiff bay opera house trust transaction with Associated British Ports was completed; and on what date the conflict of interest issue was resolved. [35234]
  1201
  Mr. Hague
  The acquisition of land for the proposed Cardiff bay opera house is an operational matter for Cardiff bay development corporation. At the end of 1992, the Welsh Office became aware that a site owned by Associated British Ports was being considered. A possible conflict of interest was raised with the Welsh Office and resolved in September 1993. The heads of terms agreement between CBDC and Associated British Ports was signed on 9 December 1994.

  Welsh Health Common Services Authority
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Welsh health common services authority regarding the inclusion of an in-house bid in the feasibility studies for the market-testing of the estatecare division of the authority; and if he will make a statement. [35237]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  Butetown Link
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Cardiff bay development corporation concerning the level of grant-in-aid to South Glamorgan county council for the Butetown link and its intended completion as a fixed-price contract; and if he will make a statement. [35238]

  Mr. Hague
  None.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning overspending on the Butetown link road; what impact this has had on the calculations of transport supplementary grant; and what amount has been paid under this heading in each financial year during which there has been significant public expenditure on the Butetown link road. [35240]

  Mr. Hague
  I have received no representations. Revisions to the cost of the scheme have been taken into account in the annual transport grant settlement. Grant has been made available as follows:

  £ million

  1987–88

  2.4

  1988–89

  2.2

  1989–90

  2.2

  1990–91

  6.2

  1991–92

  14.0

  1992–93

  13.2

  1993–94

  14.1

  1994–95

  11.8

  1995–961

  1.3

  1 Provisional

  National Health Service
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 9 December,Official Report, column 420, (1) if he will update the figures on non-NHS provider spending and; and [35441]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 9 December 1994, Official Report, column 422, if he will update the figures on private patient income. [35507]
  1202
  Mr. Richards
  The information is not yet available. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible, and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  National Health Service (Staff)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) general and senior managers, (b) administrative and clerical staff and (c) nursing and midwifery staff were employed in each health region in 1994. [35410]

  Mr. Richards
  The information is given in the table. Staff employed by NHS trusts are included in the health authority area in which they are situated.

  Staff in post (whole-time equivalents) at 30 September 1994

  Health authority area

  General and senior managers

  Administrative and clerical staff1

  Nursing and midwifery staff2

  Clwyd3

  154

  933

  3,349

  East Dyfed4

  119

  653

  2,023

  Gwent

  159

  992

  3,508

  Gwynedd

  65

  575

  2,004

  Mid Glamorgan

  189

  1,240

  4,790

  Pembrokeshire

  17

  238

  725

  Powys

  53

  227

  995

  South Glamorgan5

  286

  1,705

  4,418

  West Glamorgan

  98

  1,042

  3,334

  Welsh Health Common Services

  153

  1,008

  73

  Authority6

  Wales

  1,292

  8,613

  25,220

  1 Excluding general and senior managers.

  2 Excluding pre-registration learners.

  3 Includes staff employed by the North Wales Ambulance Trust.

  4 Includes staff employed by Dyfed FHSA.

  5 Includes staff employed by the South and East Wales Ambulance Trust.

  6 Includes staff employed by Health Promotion Authority for Wales.

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 8 December 1994,Official Report columns 346–47, if he will update the figures on trust start up costs. [35589]

  Mr. Richards
  The following contributions have been made available for the shadow running periods of NHS trusts established in Wales in 1995:

  £250,000 to: Cardiff Community Healthcare NHS Trust;

  University Dental Hospital NHS Trust;

  University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust.

  £275,000 to: West Wales Ambulance NHS Trust.

  £75,000: Glan-y-Mor NHS Trust.(1)

  Note:

  1This figure represents interim costs only. Cost details for shadow running in 1995–96 are awaited.

  European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the Welsh Office first considered whether to sign the European charter for regional and minority languages; what meetings have taken place between Welsh Office Ministers and(a) representatives of the European Union, (b) members of the Welsh Language Board and (c) other

  1203
  interested parties on the matter since the Government first considered the issue; and if he will make a statement on Government policy on this matter. [35626]

  Mr. Richards
  The charter was opened for signature in November 1992, and the Government have had the matter under consideration since that time. The question of signature is not one for the Welsh Office to consider independent of other Government Departments, since any signature by the Government would be for the United Kingdom as a whole.

  Welsh Office Ministers have had no meetings with representatives of the European Union on this matter. The charter is a product of the Council of Europe rather than of the European Union. Officials have discussed the charter with officials of the Welsh Language Board on a number of occasions since the board was established in 1993.

  Slaughterhouses
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the slaughtering capacity that currently exists in Wales conforms to EU required standards; and what proportion of the animals that are currently slaughtered in Wales can be slaughtered in slaughterhouses that conform to EU standards. [35627]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The proportion of the slaughtering capacity that currently exists in Wales that is licensed for trade with European Union member states, is approximately 75 per cent. It would be possible for those abattoirs to accommodate the current levels of throughput at other Welsh slaughterhouses, on an annual basis.

  Panteg Monitoring Project (Rechem)
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will publish the results of the final phase of monitoring work by the university of East Anglia on polychlorinated biphenyls and dioxin contamination in the Panteg area of Pontypool. [36074]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I have today published the outcome of the final elements of monitoring work commissioned by the Welsh Office on contamination levels in the Panteg area of Pontypool. I have arranged for copies of the report to be placed in the Library of the House, together with a commentary from Professor Roberts, the Secretary of State's independent adviser for this study.

  This report—the seventh in the series of reports which have been published since the study began in January 1991—contains the results of additional poultry produce and grass sampling. It represents the conclusion of a most significant piece of environmental research, meticulously undertaken by independent experts. The results have helped considerably to resolve uncertainties and concerns over possible PCB and dioxin contamination in the vicinity of the Rechem incinerator at Pontypool.

  The main part of the study was completed and published in April 1993 and the overall findings were reassuring. No evidence of widespread contamination in the Panteg area was found. A small area with elevated concentrations was revealed close to the Rechem plant and the company identified as a source of this localised contamination. Although the levels of contamination
  1204
  detected were not considered to pose any significant risk to public health or to the food chain, some additional monitoring was recommended to clarify certain points. This work was quickly put in hand by the Welsh Office and the subsequent results have been published as they have become available.

  In addition, over the past two years or so, considerable improvements have been made on the Rechem site itself, including significant investment in new incineration and emission control plant. This should reduce emissions from the site and monitoring is taking place in order to verify this.

  The seventh report concludes the environmental investigation. This report and the earlier results have shown that, with the exception of eggs from one property neighbouring the Rechem plant, estimated human exposure to PCBs and dioxins in the Panteg area is similar to that in other areas. The additional research has also provided useful reassurance that locally produced fruit and vegetables are safe to eat. No further monitoring in the wider Panteg area is therefore proposed, a view fully endorsed by the technical steering group which has been overseeing this project, and by Professor Roberts. However, some additional monitoring in relation to the one property mentioned above is recommended and this will be followed up by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. Meanwhile, earlier advice to the owners of this property not to consume produce from their poultry is being updated in the light of the latest findings.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [34688]

  Mr. Hague
  My Department has made available information, in both English and Welsh languages, on private finance initiative projects within Wales via the CCTA Government Information Service. The portfolio "Investment Opportunities in the South Wales Valleys" will also be published shortly via the CCTA service.

  The Department continues to review information suitable for dissemination via the Internet and expects to make greater use of it in the near future.

  Consideration is currently being given to the Welsh Office being an Internet information site in its own right.

  Baglan Hospital
  Mr. John Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what grounds there has been a delay in inviting tenders for contracts for financing and building the new hospital at Baglan; how much slippage is involved and when the advertisements for tenders will be ready for publication. [34353]

  Mr. Richards
  The Glan-y-Mor NHS trust is producing the outline business case for the new hospital at Baglan. They expect to submit the document within four weeks. Subject to the acceptability of the proposals,
  1205
  the trust hopes to be in a position to advertise for expressions of interest in August or September.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales 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. [34690]

  Mr. Hague
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy. It continues to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative, administrative and tax burdens. It also provides direct assistance where appropriate.

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

  My Department works with local authorities, training and enterprise councils, the development agencies and local enterprise agencies in providing a range of services for small businesses in Wales. We have established eight business development consortia to streamline the assistance available and to make it more easily accessible through a single all-Wales telephone number. I expect that service to be fully operational within the next 6 months.

  Some of the specific measures promoted by my Department are as follows:

  ENTERPRISE PROMOTION

  In 1994–95, TECs helped 2,235 people to start their own businesses, compared with 2,200 in 1993–94. The number of counselling sessions undertaken by business start up scheme applicants/participants increased from 10,438 in 1993–94 to 13,569 last year.

  The Welsh design advisory service which was launched in December 1994 provides advice on all aspects to small businesses throughout Wales.

  GRANT SUPPORT

  The Welsh Office continues to provide grant support for small firms, having regard to the level of demand in each year. During the year ending June 1995, 122 firms employing under 200 people accepted offers of regional selective assistance totalling £11.676 million. The grants were forecast to help create or safeguard 2,501 jobs and generate £72 million private sector investment. In the previous year, 130 firms accepted offers totalling £16.876 million, forecast to create or safeguard 3,411 jobs and help generate £100 million private sector investment. Also in the year ending 30 June 1995, 74 small firms—those with fewer than 25 employees for investment grant and fewer than 50 for innovation grant—accepted offers of regional enterprise grant totalling £1.346 million. The grants were forecast to help generate £3.91 million private sector investment. In the previous year,138 firms accepted offers totalling £2 million with forecast private sector investment totalling £7.16 million.

  My Department is also continuing with an active programme under the small firms merit award for research
  1206
  and technology—SMART. In the last two years, small firms from Wales have done well, gaining 17 and 21 awards respectively—approximately 9 per cent. of the UK total. Under the support for products under research scheme—SPUR—grant support for small firms in Wales fell from £1.21 million in 1993–94 to £0.9 million in 1994–95 but utilised the full balance remaining for the initial three year programme.

  Elsewhere, the national "Managing in the 90's" best practice awareness programme, which is aimed primarily at small and medium-sized enterprises—SME's—has recently been relaunched with a new three year, £15 million package. My Department supports local activities under the programme including workshops and seminars, plus the acclaimed "Inside Welsh Industry" programme of free visits to exemplar companies. Last year seven highly successful workshops were organised in Wales on best practice themes attracting over 200 delegates. Meanwhile, visits were arranged to 10 exemplar companies involving some 120 visitors representing Welsh SMEs. Also of specific interest to Welsh SMEs are the Welsh Office technology transfer facilitation grants which encourage close collaboration between industry and academia involving new and emerging technologies. Eight grants were awarded under this programme last year.

  In addition, there have been 14 new teaching company scheme programmes started in Wales since July 1994.

  Grants to business formerly made available by the DBRW and WDA are now the responsibility of local authorities.

  DEREGULATION

  The Welsh Office is continuing to contribute actively to the Government's drive to reduce the burden of regulations on business. No Wales-only regulations have been identified as placing a burden on business.

  Sport
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will express general Government expenditure in Wales on sport as a proportion of the corresponding United Kingdom figure; and if he will make a statement. [35127]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In 1993–94 the amount of grant in aid paid to the Sports Council in Wales represented about 9 per cent. of comparable expenditure in the United Kingdom.

  Food-Related Industries
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what contribution in percentage terms(a) the fishing industry, (b) agriculture, (c) catering, (d) food and drink distribution and (e) food and drink manufacturing make to the Welsh GDP; and if he will make a statement. [34964]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In 1993 agriculture accounted for 2 per cent. of Welsh GDP according to estimates from the Central Statistical Office. The latest available data for food, drink and tobacco manufacturing are for 1992, when these industries accounted for 2.7 per cent. of Welsh GDP. Equivalent information for fishing catering, and food and drink distribution is not available.
  1207

  Flooding and Coastal Erosion
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department spent on action to alleviate flooding and coastal erosion in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34972]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The amounts of grants provided by the Welsh Office to the National Rivers Authority and local authorities in Wales for action to alleviate flooding and coastal erosion in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95 were £3,513,326 and £1,418,632 respectively.

  CADW Expenditure
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will express general government expenditure in Wales on historic buildings and ancient monuments as a proportion of the corresponding United Kingdom figure; and if he will make a statement. [35128]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Provision for assistance towards the conservation of ancient monuments and historic buildings is made available via Cadw: Welsh Historic Monuments executive agency. Expenditure by Cadw in the year 1993–94, including running costs, represented 8 per cent. of comparable costs in the United Kingdom.

  Film Funding
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money is spent annually promoting the film industry in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [34961]

  Mr. Richards
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Beef Special Premium
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the estimated cost of the beef special premium scheme for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34992]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  £17,220,370, including extensification premium of £3,867,761.

  Management Allowances
  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what have been the estimated costs of management allowances for GP fundholders to date. [34737]

  Mr. Richards
  The estimated cost over the financial years 1990–91 to 1994–95, is £8.9 million.

  Source: Family Health Services Receipts and Payments returns.

  Mr. Rowlands
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what has been the estimated costs of the management allowances for the preparatory year for GP fundholders since their introduction. [34736]

  Mr. Richards
  The estimated cost over the financial years 1990–91 to 1994–95 is around £2 million.

  Agricultural Labour Force
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the total Welsh agricultural labour force works on land with less-favoured area status; and if he will make a statement. [34971]
  1208
  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  According to the agricultural census in 1994, approximately 67 per cent. of persons engaged in work on main agricultural holdings, work on holdings with less-favoured area status—that is those with a majority of the land within their boundaries defined as less-favoured areas. This includes spouses of farmers, partners and directors.

  Slaughterhouses
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average hygiene assessment system score for Welsh slaughterhouses; and if he will make a statement. [34977]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The last set of health assessment scores for Welsh red meat slaughterhouses gave an average score of 58.

  Milk Licence Holders
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of contracted milk licence holders in Wales; what proportion of the total figure for England and Wales this represents; and if he will make a statement. [34976]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Licences for the sale of untreated milk are no longer required under the Dairy Products (Hygiene) Regulations 1995.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how much money has been given by his office each year since 1990 to youth organisations that promote the Welsh language; [35487]

  (2) how much of the money that has been given each year since 1990 to youth organisations that actively promote the Welsh language by the Welsh Office comes from Europe; and from what scheme it is paid. [35485]

  Mr. Richards
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money was given by his office to voluntary organisations that teach the Welsh language to adult learners in each year since 1991–92. [35486]

  Mr. Richards
  Since 1 April 1993, the Further Education Funding Council for Wales has been able to fund voluntary organisations via sponsorship and franchise arrangements with further education institutes. The funding council does not hold information on the level of funding that voluntary organisations receive for Welsh adult provision. However, the Welsh Office and the Welsh Language board have made the following contributions to the National Language centre at Nant Gwrtheyrn since 1991–92.

  1991–92: £73,500

  1992–93: £79,000

  1993–94: £93,600

  1994–95: £105,000

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proportion of the Welsh Language board's budget is spent on administration; and if he will make a statement. [34978]
  1209
  Mr. Richards
  The Welsh Language Board's running costs for 1995–96 are £1,123,000. Within that allocation central administration costs, accommodation costs and the salaries of the staff employed on central administrative duties are estimated to be £400,000, about 20 per cent. of the board's total budget for the year.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average class size in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in (i) Wales and (ii) in each local education authority area in Wales. [35208]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is published in tables 3.06 and 4.13 of "Statistics of Education and Training in Wales: Schools No. 3 1995", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Coal Authority
  Mr. Ashby
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the annual report and accounts of the Coal Authority will be laid before Parliament. [36073]

  Mr. Page
  I have today laid a copy before each House of Parliament.

  Lloyd's of London
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will give details of ministerial responsibilities toward Lloyd's of London. [36071]

  Mr. Lang
  I am an underwriting member of Lloyd's for 1995, and I have instructed my underwriting agents to give immediate notice that I shall cease underwriting at the end of 1995. Until such time as my outstanding open syndicate commitments have been closed, I have instructed my officials and ministerial colleagues not to brief me on Lloyd's issues, and I shall stand aside from all decisions concerning Lloyd's. The Minister for Trade will have responsibility for Lloyd's, assisted by the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs.

  Regional Policy
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when his Department will respond to the fourth report from the Trade and Industry Select Committee of Session 1994–95, HC 356, on regional policy. [36075]

  Mr. Eggar
  I have today published a command paper setting out the Government's response to this valuable report and announcing measures to improve the delivery of RSA by the Government offices for the English regions.

  National Weights and Measures Laboratory
  Mr. Jessel
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the review of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory has been completed, and if he will make a statement. [36077]

  Mr. Lang
  On 22 July 1994, my predecessor informed the House of his decision that, following a prior options 1210
  review, the National Weights and Measures Laboratory should remain an executive agency of the DTI. An evaluation report on the performance of the laboratory has now been completed and a revised framework document has been prepared. Copies of these documents, which complete the agency review process, have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Petroleum Licensing
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about further inshore petroleum licensing. [36076]

  Mr. Richard Page
  I am today inviting oil and gas companies to apply for licences in all unlicensed areas of onshore Great Britain in the seventh landward petroleum licensing round. This new round will encourage exploration particularly in new areas where more field may be discovered.

  It is now three years since the last onshore licencing round and much has changed since then. Last month the Minister for Industry and Energy announced the new landward areas licensing regulations which will enable companies to obtain a single licence, the petroleum exploration and development licence covering all stages of activity. This round is the first opportunity for companies to apply under this new, more flexible regime put in place by the regulations.

  Privatisation of British Coal has also taken place since the previous onshore licensing round so ownership of unworked coal has passed to the Coal Authority, which has a duty to have regard to the desirability of exploiting coalbed methane where that is economically viable. This change will assist those companies seeking to exploit coalbed methane and I am very keen that the potential of this new source of energy should be realised.

  Holders of existing exploration, appraisal and production licences can also apply to convert their existing licences to the new petroleum exploration and development licences to take advantage of this opportunity to extend the duration of their licences. In order to obtain a new licence, the holders of these existing licences will need to provide to my Department an acceptable programme of work which they will undertake in exploring for and developing onshore fields in their licensed area.

  Application for the seventh round will need to be considered carefully, in particular the proposed work programmes, before I am able to announce licence awards.

  I will now publish in the Official Journal of the European Communities, a formal announcement giving the detailed terms for the seventh round, including the format of applications, the information required with the application and the basis on which awards will be made. This is the first time the Official Journal has been used to announce a licensing round and follows our implementation of the EU hydrocarbons licensing directive at the end of June. The closing date for applications will be announced in the Official Journal.

  I will place copies of this announcement in the Libraries of both Houses.
  1211

  Payment of Bills
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of bill are paid on time by Government Departments and their agencies. [36070]

  Mr. Page
  Government Departments and their agencies are required to monitor their payment performance and publish the results in their departmental or annual reports. The following table lists, by Department, the proportion of bills paid within the agreed credit period, or within 30 days where no credit period has been agreed, for 1994–95.

  The Government recognise that late payment is a serious problem, particularly for small businesses. It is essential that the Government set and example of prompt settlement of bills. The Government expect all other public sector bodies to follow their lead. I do not regard my own Department's performance as satisfactory and intend to ensure that it improves.

  The full results are:

  Ministerial departments

  Per cent, invoices paid within target

  Cabinet Office

  82

  Central Statistical Office

  86

  Crown Prosecution Service

  81.4

  Ministry of Defence

  99.99

  Department of Education

  95

  Employment Department/ACAS

  96.3

  Employment Service

  98.3

  Department of the Environment

  92

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  92

  Department of Health

  91.9

  Health and Safety Executive

  90.3

  Home Office

  92

  Lord Chancellors Department

  93.5

  Department of National Heritage

  91

  Department for National Savings

  97.3

  Northern Ireland Office

  94.7

  Overseas Development Administration

  87

  Her Majesty's Paymaster General

  94.3

  The Scottish Office

  96

  Department of Social Security

  96

  Department of Trade and Industry

  84

  Department of Transport

  93.1

  Her Majesty's Treasury

  82

  Welsh Office

  95

  Non-ministerial Departments

  Per cent, invoices paid within target

  Charity Commission

  91

  Forestry Commission

  82

  HM Customs and Excise

  91.8

  Office of Electricity Regulation

  99.7

  Office of Fair Trading

  92

  Friendly Societies Commission/Registry of Friendly Societies (including the Building Societies Commission)

  96

  Office of Gas Supply

  98

  Inland Revenue

  86.3

  National Investment and Loans Office

  100

  Office of the National Lottery

  50

  Office of Passenger Rail Franchising

  93.8

  Office of HM Chief Inspector of Schools (Wales)

  94

  Serious Fraud Office

  74

  1212

  Non-ministerial Departments

  Per cent, invoices paid within target

  Office for Standards in Education

  95

  Office of Telecommunications

  91

  Office of Water Services

  1-

  1Department of Environment return

  Assistance for Exceptional Projects Scheme
  Mr. Stephen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a further statement about the future of the assistance for exceptional projects scheme of financial support for investment and research and development projects. [36072]

  Mr. Eggar
  Assistance for exceptional projects operated in all areas of Great Britain under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982. The House will know that AEP has been suspended since March 1993 because of the Government's doubts about the effectiveness of the scheme. A further announcement about its continued suspension was made in March 1994. During the five years 1988–89 to 1992–93 that the scheme was open for applications, only three projects met the very exacting criteria for support out of 60 applications made. The Government continue to be satisfied that it has the necessary means to support exceptional projects and has concluded that the AEP facility should not be reintroduced.

  Military Exports (Licences)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what dates the details of export licences covering military list applications in(a) 1985 and (b) 1986 were destroyed; and who authorised their destruction. [35345]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  These records have not been destroyed.

  BMARC
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to the President of the Board of Trade's oral statement on BMARC of 13 June,Official Report, column 595–97, in what month in 1986 the first intelligence report was received and which other companies, countries and subject matter were mentioned. [35346]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  It is not Government practice to comment on intelligence matters. The Trade and Industry Select Committee is now undertaking an inquiry into the BMARC affair. I shall consider in due course what information can be given to the Committee for the purposes of that enquiry.

  Overseas Projects Board
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the success of the Overseas Projects Board at helping small businesses to win overseas work. [34533]

  Mr. Nelson
  It is not possible to apportion to the Overseas Projects Board an amount of overseas work successfully won by small businesses. Nevertheless, I am confident that the success of the board and of the Overseas Trade Services in general has been invaluable to small businesses in winning overseas work.
  1213

  Staff
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the average annual salary of staff seconded to his Department from the private sector; what are the salaries of(a) private sector staff seconded to the DTI and (b) civil servants performing similar duties; and if he will make a statement. [34529]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Staff seconded to the Department from the private sector remain the employees of their parent companies, who determine their remuneration. Civil service salaries may vary considerably as any given grade; and the provision of details of the salaries of civil servants performing similar duties to secondees could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many of the exporters seconded from the private sector have come from small and medium-sized enterprises. [34532]

  Mr. Evans
  Since the launch of the export promoter initiative, 120 export promoters have been seconded from the private sector to the DTI. To determine what proportion of these secondees have come from small and medium sized enterprises could be achieved only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria his Department uses to determine the remuneration of staff seconded from the private sector. [34531]

  Mr. Evans
  Staff seconded to the DTI from the private sector remain the employees of their companies, who determine their remuneration.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff were seconded from the private sector to his Department in 1994. [34530]

  Mr. Evans
  During 1994, a total of 186 people were seconded from the private sector to the Department.

  Business Investment
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of what constitutes an appropriate level of business investment; and what are the equivalent figures for ASEAN countries. [34534]

  Mr. Nelson
  The appropriate level of investment is a matter for business, not Government, to decide. Since 1980 business investment as a share of GDP in the UK has similar to other major economies, apart from Japan. Figures for ASEAN countries are not available on a comparable basis.

  Life Companies (Distribution of Funds)
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those life companies which have applied to vary the distribution of long-term funds between shareholders and policyholders, in the past year, and provide in each case, the sum involved and the agreed distribution ratio. [35347]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  On 24 February 1995, United Friendly Insurance plc announced the basis on which it proposed to allocate surplus from then on. This followed 1214
  discussions, starting in 1992, on how the rules in section 30 of the Insurance Companies Act—governing variations between the shareholders' and policyholders' share of distribution surplus—should apply to the circumstances of the company. Policyholders will be entitled to receive 90 per cent. of surplus arising on those parts of United Friendly's business in respect of which it had been determined that they were eligible to share in such surplus.

  On the same day, my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary set out the Department's general approach to such issues in his reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Shoreham (Mr. Stephen), Official Report, column 362–63.

  Following that announcement, each of the companies listed below has announced that it would be approaching my Department for similar discussions:

  Britannic Assurance plc;

  Legal and General Assurance Society Ltd.;

  Refuge Assurance plc.

  Some other companies have also approached the Department on a commercially confidential basis at this stage. The outcome of all such discussions will be made public, if they appear to have a bearing on policyholders' reasonable expectations in respect of allocation of surplus.

  Southern Electric
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the profit or loss reported by the retail activities of Southern Electric in the last financial year prior to privatisation. [35348]

  Mr. Eggar
  In 1989–90 Southern Electric reported operating profits for its appliance retailing business of £1.8 million—current cost accounting—or £1.9 million—historic cost accounting.

  Brent Spar
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what requests have been made to Shell by his Department for reports on onshore dismantling of Brent Spar by Smit Engineering and Heeremac; and if he will make a statement. [34662]

  Mr. Eggar
  My Department has made no such requests. As indicated in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Perth and Kinross (Ms Cunningham) on 4 July 1995,Official Report, column 154, two reports dealing with onshore disposal, one by McDermott Engineering (Europe) Ltd. the other by Heerema Engineering Services (UK) Ltd. were submitted to my Department by Shell in support of its abandonment programme.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many tests have been conducted on the radioactivity of the scale on the inside of the Brent Spar; how many samples of sludge from the Brent Spar's six tanks were analysed; and if he will give the reasons for the amount of testing; [34509]

  (2) how many samples were taken, and what analysis was conducted, on the Brent Spar and its waste water at any stage since shell indicated its wish to remove it from its former site. [24510]
  1215
  Mr. Eggar
  Independent surveys were carried out which enabled Shell to assess the contents of the Spar and to satisfy Government that deep-sea disposal is the best practicable environmental option.

  Oil Installations (Dumping at Sea)
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies his Department has carried out into the cumulative effect of dumping 50 to 60 oil installations at sea. [34661]

  Mr. Eggar
  Such matters will be addressed in considering any particular case.

  Liquefaction Plant, Point of Ayr
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what assessment he has made of the future use of the liquefaction plant site at Point of Ayr, Clwyd; and if he intends to initiate further discussions on the site and its future; [34879]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to prevent demolition of the liquefaction plant site at Point of Ayr, Clwyd; and if he will list the representations he has received on this subject to date; [34880]

  (3) what has been the total investment to date (a) by his Department and (b) by British Coal in the liquefaction plant at Point of Ayr, Clwyd. [34878]

  Mr. Page
  The future of the liquefaction plant at Point of Ayr is a matter for British Coal. The coal liquefaction R and D project has successfully completed the demonstration of technology to produce high grade petrol and diesel fuels from a wide range of coals. British Coal has explored in some considerable detail the options for alternative uses of the site now that this R and D project has been completed, but unfortunately these have proved not be commercially viable. My Department has received no representations on this subject.

  My Department, along with the industrial participants in the project, has been consulted on all the assessments on the future use of the site by British Coal. The Department has no plans to initiate any further discussions on the future of the site. However, I understand that Delyn borough council has recently expressed an interest to British Coal in developing the site offices, laboratories and workshops.

  The total investment in the Point of Ayr coal liquefaction project by the participants is as follows:

  £ million

  Department of Trade and Industry

  5.413

  British Coal Corporation

  20.602

  European Commission (DGXVII)

  14.354

  Industry and other contributions

  3.947

  Total cost

  44.316

  Note:

  Theses figures are the projected outturn cost of the project.
  1216

  National Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those companies or organisations which have expressed an interest in purchasing the National Engineering Laboratory. [34567]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 January 1995,Official Report, column 225.

  Legislative Plans
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35314]

  Mr. Lang
  The Government's plans for legislation will be announce in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Loan Guarantee Scheme
  Mrs. Liddell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current level of(a) the margin and (b) the premium payable by firms on funds obtained under the Government's loan guarantee scheme for small firms. [34504]

  Mr. Page
  The margin over base is a commercial matter between the lender and the borrower. However, for variable rate lending most lenders are generally charging 2 to 2.5 per cent. over base.

  The premium payable to the government is 1.5 per cent. a year of the outstanding balance for variable rate loans and 0.5 per cent. a year for loans at a fixed rate of interest. Borrowers who trade in the inner city task force and city challenge areas pay 0.5 per cent. a year for both fixed and variable rate lending

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of loans given to Welsh firms under the small firms loan guarantee scheme in 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34938]

  Mr. Page
  A total of 310 loans valued at £11 million were given to Welsh firms in 1994–95.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of jobs created or safeguarded by inward investment in each year since 1992–93; and if he will make a statement. [35009]

  Mr. Eggar
  According to figures notified to my Department's Invest in Britain Bureau, for the financial years from 1992–93 to 1994–95, the number of jobs created or safeguarded by inward investment projects are as follows:

  Year

  New jobs

  Safeguarded jobs

  1992–93

  17,822

  43,825

  1993–94

  30,536

  69,754

  1994–95

  36,876

  51,113

  1217
  These figures are based on information provided by companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest, and take no account of subsequent developments.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of inward investment into(a) the United Kingdom and (b) Wales comes from the USA; and if he will make a statement. [34957]

  Mr. Eggar
  According to figures notified to my Department's Invest in Britain Bureau, for the financial year 1994–95, there were 434 inward investment decisions to locate in the UK, of which 212–48.8 per cent.—were from the USA with Wales's share of USA projects being 25–11.7 per cent. These figures are based on information provided by companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest, and take no account of subsequent developments.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of total inward investment into the United Kingdom went to Wales in each year since 1992–93; and if he will make a statement. [34948]

  Mr. Eggar
  According to figures notified to my Department's Invest in Britain Bureau, for the financial years 1992–93 to 1994–95 the proportion of inward investment decisions that went to Wales are as follows:

  Year

  Number of projects

  Per cent, of UK total

  1992–93

  66

  19.8

  1993–94

  64

  14.8

  1994–95

  50

  11.5

  These figures are based on information provided by companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest, and take no account of subsequent developments.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of the total number of jobs created or safeguarded in the United Kingdom as a result of inward investment were created or safeguarded in(a) Wales, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Scotland and (d) England in each year since 1992–93; and if he will make a statement. [34949]

  Mr. Eggar
  According to figures notified to my Department's Invest in Britain Bureau, for the financial years 1992–93 to 1994–95 the proportion of the total number of jobs created or safeguarded in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are as follows:

  1992–93

  Number of jobs

  Percentage of overall total

  Wales

  7,321

  11.8

  Northern Ireland

  6,099

  9.8

  Scotland

  8,695

  14.1

  England

  39,532

  64.1

  Total

  61,647

  1993–94

  Wales

  6,564

  6.5

  Northern Ireland

  3,631

  3.6

  1218

  1992–93

  Number of jobs

  Percentage of overall total

  Scotland

  12,274

  12.2

  England

  77,821

  77.5

  Total

  100,290

  1994–95

  Wales

  5,003

  5.6

  Northern Ireland

  5,146

  5.8

  Scotland

  10,795

  12.2

  England

  66,715

  75.8

  Total

  88,009

  These figures are based on the number of projects notified to the Invest in Britain Bureau at the time of the decision to invest. Companies are under no obligation to notify their investment decisions and the figures take no account of subsequent developments.

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proportion of jobs created or safeguarded by inward investment in each of the last three years were in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [35025]

  Mr. Eggar
  According to figures notified to my Department's Invest in Britain Bureau, for the financial years 1992–93 to 1994–95 the proportion of jobs created or safeguarded by inward investment in Wales are as follows:

  Year

  New jobs

  Safeguarded jobs

  Total jobs

  1992–93

  2,382

  4,939

  7,321 (11.8 percent, of UK total)

  1993–94

  3,913

  2,651

  6,564 (6.5 per cent, of UK total)

  1994–95

  2,989

  2,014

  5,003 (5.6 per cent, of UK total)

  These figures are based on information provided by companies at the time of the announcement of the decision to invest, and take no account of subsequent developments.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures have been taken in each of the years since 1992–93, to help the creation and survival of small businesses. [34756]

  Mr. Eggar
  The annual report "Small firms in Britain," produced by this Department, contains the information requested. A copy of the 1994 report is in the Library of the House. The 1995 report will be published shortly and a copy will be sent to all Members of Parliament.

  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [34693]

  Mr. Page
  "Helping Smaller Firms," published as a companion document to the new White Paper "Competitiveness—Forging Ahead" sets out in detail the progress that has been made since the publication of the
  1219
  1994 competitiveness White Paper in helping small businesses. It also annouces a new package of support, aimed largely at smaller firms, and amounting to over £200 million over 4 years.

  The DTI report "Small Firm in Britain 1995" due to be published shortly sets out current Government policy for small businesses and includes key statistical indicators. It will be distributed to all Members, as was the 1994 small firms report."

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33569]

  Mr. Lang
  The answer is as follows:

  Number of consultancy contracts let centrally by the Department of Trade and Industry, 1990–94, plus value (including amendments)

  Year

  Number

  Value £

  1990

  517

  27,620,000

  1991

  597

  38,491,000

  1992

  543

  36,612,000

  1993

  402

  29,369,000

  1994

  184

  8,901,000

  The above figures exclude consultancy contracts let independently by the Department's executive agencies.

  Gas Regulation
  Mr. O'Neill
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what safeguards will be put in place in respect of review and appeal procedures with regard to decisions made by the Director General of Ofgas in the granting of licences and operating mechanisms following enactment of the Gas Bill. [30074]

  Mr. Eggar
  The Director General of Gas Supply has followed an open, pro-competitive and consultative approach in reaching regulatory decisions. In the light of her policy on this, and of the safeguards already in the Bill, we would not envisage a need for further statutory procedures to be imposed.

  However, we are considering whether it is appropriate for the Bill to provide for an explicit reserve power which would enable the Secretary of State to prescribe procedures for consultation before taking decisions and the giving of reasons in writing afterwards, should the situation change.

  Departmental Property
  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans his Department has to dispose of leasehold and freehold obligations and interests in the central London area. [34375]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The DTI plans to pass back to Property Holdings the leasehold obligations for Ashdown house, 123 Victoria street, London SW1E 6RB and for 1 Palace street, London SW1E 5HE.
  1220
  DTI's Radiocommunications Agency is relocating from Waterloo Bridge house, Waterloo road, London SE 1 8UA, to South quay III, 189 Marsh wall, London E14 9SX. If another use cannot he found for Waterloo Bridge house, the lease will be surrendered to the landlord.

  This reply does not take account of the recent machinery of Government changes.

  Mr. Redwood
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which properties in central London his Department will vacate and which they will continue to occupy on the completion of 1 to 19 Victoria street. [34374]

  Mr. Evans
  The central London buildings which will be vacated by the Department of Trade and Industry after the re-occupation of 1 Victoria street is complete are:

  Ashdown house,. 123 Victoria street, London SW1E 6RB

  1 Palace street, London SW1E 5HE

  The Department will then continue to occupy, in central London:

  Bridge place, 88–89 Eccleston square, London SW 1 V 1PT

  151 Buckingham Palace road, London SW1W 9SS

  Kingsgate house, 66–74 Victoria street, London SW 1E 6SW

  1 Victoria street, London SW1H OET

  10–18 Victoria street, London SW1H ONN

  There are a number of central London buildings occupied by the Department's executive agencies which are not affected by the re-occupation of 1 Victoria street. These are:—

  Insolvency Service

  21 Bloomsbury street, London WC1B 3QW

  Patent Office

  25 Southampton buildings, London WC2A 1AY

  Hazlitt house, 45 Southampton buildings, London WC2A 1AR

  Radiocommuications Agency

  Waterloo Bridge house, Waterloo road, London SE1 8UA

  This reply does not take into account any consequences which might result from the recent machinery of Government changes.

  Late Filing Penalties
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much has been recovered under section 242a of the Companies Act 1985 in penalties and how much has been claimed in penalties and is still outstanding; how many claims for payment of a civil penalty under section 242a have ben made; and in how many cases the Registrar of Companies has exercised his discretion under subsection (3) of section 242a. [35230]

  Mr. Oppenehim
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to Companies House under its chief executive, David Durham, I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from David Durham to Mrs. Joan Ruddock, dated 18 July 1995:
  I have been asked to reply to your Question about late filing penalties

  1221
  The late filing penalty system was introduced on 1 July 1992 and details of the information you requested are set out in the table below.

  Penalties recovered £ million

  Penalties claimed £ million

  Penalties outstanding £ million

  Penalties claimed (Number)

  Penalties waived (Number)

  July 1992–June 1995

  42.2

  55.9

  9.1

  259,878

  8,853

  I hope this is helpful.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what new initiatives he is planning to make funds available for the expansion of manufacturing industry. [35069]

  Mr. Eggar
  The second competitiveness White Paper "Forging Ahead", published on 22 May 1995, set out a range of policies designed to help UK manufacturing industry, and other parts of UK industry and commerce, improve their performance and compete in world markets. It announced a package of new support for industry worth around £240 million over four years.

  Radiation (Effects on Humans)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what experiments have been conducted on civilians in Wales without their knowledge by the Medical Research Council to assess the effects of radiation on humans. [35156]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  Since at least 1963, it has been the Medical Research Council's established practice to obtain consent from volunteers, patients or otherwise, and to explain the procedures, in relation to all studies which are not specifically geared to contributing to the benefit of the patient. This includes studies assessing the effects of radiation on humans. The MRC has issued its own statement.

  Nuclear Power (Privatisation)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what is his best assessment of the net present value of the seven advanced gas-cooled reactor nuclear plants which are earmarked for privatisation; [35172]

  (2) what is his best estimate of the net present value of the Sizewell B nuclear plant; [35171]

  (3) what assumptions are built into his assessment of the net present value of the nuclear plants earmarked for privatisation in regard to (a) reactor lifetimes, (b) average annual load factors, (c) future annual savings in operating costs, (d) future electricity prices, (e) the discount rate for operational cash streams and (f) the discount rates for liability cash streams. [35169]

  Mr. Eggar
  These figures are not available. The prospectus and listing particulars, which it is intended will be issued in advance of the flotation of the company that will own the UK's AGR and PWR power stations, will contain the information needed by potential investors to form a judgement about the value of the business.

  Mr. Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the appropriateness of the 6 per cent. discount rate in the evaluation of the 1222
  back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle activities by the consultants KPMG in its report prepared for the nuclear review for his Department, at paragraph 3.4.3. [35165]

  Mr. Eggar
  The 6 per cent. pre-tax is the rate specified by HM Treasury as an appropriate rate to be used for evaluating investment projects for organisations not operating in commercial markets. KPMG considered this at length and concluded that 6 per cent. was an appropriate rate in the medium-term for the purposes of this study.

  Child Labour
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he proposes to take to prevent imports from countries where child labour is employed. [34272]

  Mr. Nelson
  The Government are fully committed to international action to stop the exploitation of child labour, but do not believe that preventing imports from countries where it occurs is the answer. The best way of tackling the problem is by raising living standards in developing countries. Restricting imports would be counter-productive, as it would deprive such countries of the income from trade.

  Civil Plutonium
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he plans to publish the 1995 compilation of civil plutonium production and storage figures, and if he will place a copy in the Library. [35158]

  Mr. Eggar
  The information requested was published on 13 July and copies of the press release have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Iran and Iraq (Arms Exports)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what inquiry he has conducted into whether any United Kingdom bank contravened mandatory UN resolutions by facilitating the export of arms to Iran or Iraq during the period covered by the Scott inquiry(a) for profit or (b) for any other reasons; and if he will make a statement. [34321]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: There are no mandatory UN resolutions covering the export of arms to Iran and Iraq during the period covered by the Scott inquiry. If the hon. Member has any information concerning a possible breach of export controls, he should inform my Department.

  Unfair Dismissal
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many unfair dismissal cases were brought against his Department during the last 12 months, how many were successful; and what were the total costs including legal fees and compensation. [34617]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: One case of unfair dismissal against DTI was concluded in the last 12 months. The case was unsuccessful. Total costs amounted to £5,251.17.
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  Departmental Staff
  Ms Harman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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 (d) will be employed on a part-time basis instead of a full-time basis, and if he will make a statement. [34659]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The detailed arrangements for the transfer of staff from the former Employment Department to the DTI are under discussion. It is not currently expected that the employment status of the staff concerned will change as a result of the transfer. All DTI posts are subject to regular review in the annual MINIS process.

  Minewater Discharges
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those research projects into the effect of the discharge of minewater which are currently supported by the Natural Environment Research Council; and how much funding the council provides for each project. [33556]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The Plymouth Marine Laboratory—an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council—as apart of its longer-term studies of the Cornish rivers and estuaries is studying metal contamination of estuarine and coastal environments, much of which derives from past local mining activity in south-west England.

  No systematic assessment of the environmental impact of coalfield abandonment has been commissioned from the NERC.

  Business Links
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what arrangements his Department has considered to respond to the financial collapse of an individual business link. [33277]

  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 10 July 1995]: The DTI has not considered arrangements to respond to the financial collapse of an individual business link because the Department is not aware of any instances where a business link is facing or is likely to face this situation.

  Nevertheless I would expect the board of any business link facing or likely to face financial difficulties to consider all the options for continuing to provide business support in its locality, including a reduction in overheads and the potential for increasing income.

  My officials would be ready to assist in any such examination.

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consideration led him to diverge from his policy of not divulging details of export licences granted or applications for export licences in his answer to the hon. Member for Teignbridge (Mr. Nicholls), of 2 March,Official Report, column 716, on the export of armoured vehicles to Indonesia. [35146]
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  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: An exception was made in this case because the Government were satisfied that it was in the public interest to make a statement. The exporter had also made an announcement to the Stock Exchange about this particular contract.

  Privatisation (Advisers)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those companies providing advice on the privatisation of(a) the coal industry, (b) the electricity industry and (c) the gas industry and the total amounts paid to the date for the advice in each industry. [34643]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The answers are as follows:

  (a) Coal

  The advisers to the Department of Trade and Industry and the former Department of Energy on coal privatisation were listed in reply to a question from the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Ms Walley) on 21 July 1994, Official Report, columns 522–23.

  Total net expenditure on coal privatisation advisers in 1991–1992 to 1993–1994 was £15.8 million. Provisional outturn in 1994–95 was £16.7 million and £4.3 million has been provided for 1995–96.

  (b) Electricity

  The advisers to the former Department of Energy on privatisation of the electricity supply industry in England and Wales were listed to a question in reply from the hon. member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) on 23 January 1992, Official Report, columns 281–84.

  Total net expenditure on electricity privatisation advisers to the former Department of Energy was £51.5 million.

  (c) Gas

  The advisers to the former Department of Energy on gas privatisation were:

  N.M. Rothschild

  Cazenove

  Slaughter and May

  Touche Ross

  Price Waterhouse

  Engage Resource Consultants

  The following bodies advised both the former Department of Energy and British Gas:

  Goldman Sachs

  Wood Gundy

  Swiss Bank Corporation

  Nomura

  Dewe Rogerson

  Young and Rubicam

  Total net expenditure for gas privatisation advisers was given in a reply to the hon. Member for Neath (Mr. Hain) on 8 December 1993, Official Report, column 231

  Digital Television
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if it is his policy that additional regulation is needed to ensure fair access to conditional access services. [31915]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  At present, conditional access services for subscription or pay television are provided by cable TV operators and by the satellite operator, BSkyB. The activities of these companies in respect of conditional access services are subject to general competition law, as well as conditions contained in the relevant licences issued under the Telecommunications Act 1984. The
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  Government consider this sufficient to deal with any anti-competitive behaviour which might arise.

  The introduction of digital television services will mean a greater role for conditional access services and associated subscriber management systems. The Government are keen to encourage the substantial investment needed to establish digital services in the United Kingdom, and to provide consumers with wider choice of programming.

  The Government therefore welcome the agreement reached last week among EC member states on a draft directive on advanced television services. This will allow important technical standards to be established, paving the way for digital services. The directive also contains reference to the regulation of conditional access services, as a result of an amendment proposed by the European Parliament. The Government have secured agreement from all other member states and the Commission to interpretative declarations, making clear that this will provide an appropriate level of regulation for conditional access services—but not transmission networks—without leading to an unwelcome open access requirement, which would deter investment and delay the launch of innovative new services. Definitive versions of these declarations will shortly be released by the Council secretariat, and a copy will then be placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Mr. Allen
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what the Government are doing to encourage the development of a common digital platform; [31912]

  (2) what assessment he has made of (a) whether conditional access systems will remain proprietary and (b) when a common digital platform will be developed; [31913]

  (3) what steps the Government have taken to encourage the major media organisations in the United Kingdom to develop a common digital set-top box as opposed to proprietary systems. [31955]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I am replying to these questions because of my responsibility for policy on broadcasting technology.
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  The United Kingdom Government have played an active role in bringing into being the European digital video broadcasting project—DVB—a body which now comprises about 150 organisations, including major media organisations in the UK. The DVB has been developing specifications for the transmission and reception of digital television signals, and, as a result, European standards for satellite, cable and terrestrial digital television, based on DVB specifications, have been agreed or are in prospect. The DVB has been successful in ensuring a high degree of commonality in these standards, which will greatly ease the development of set-top boxes designed to receive signals over more than one transmission medium.

  The Government have also supported the adoption of a directive on the use of standards for the transmission of television signals. This stipulates that digital television services in the EU use a transmission system which has been standardised. The Government's earlier concerns that European Parliament amendments to this directive would deter investment in digital services have now been met by declarations to be adopted by the Council and Commission.

  The directive also follows DVB recommendations on the provision of a common descrambling system in set-top boxes which have conditional access facilities. The DVB recognised that the most practicable way of countering the threat to pay-TV braodcasters' revenues from "piracy" was by using proprietary conditional access systems and have developed a "common interface" which, if fitted to a set-top box, would enable the use to "plug in" additional conditional access systems.

  In general, the Government look to private investment to develop future digital conditional access or subscription television systems as part of the more general move by the broadcasting industry to introduce digital television services. Such systems are likely to include a proprietary element.

  The Government's policy is to avoid impediments to private sector investment in digital television, whether terrestrial or satellite transmission. The advantages to UK-based industry and to the consumer of an early move to digital television are considerable.