Written Answers of 19 July 1995

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Bosnia
  Mr. John Townend
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what will be the monthly cost to the Exchequer of aid and military costs in Bosnia after the full deployment of the rapid reaction force. [34493]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  After the full deployment of the rapid reaction force, the monthly cost to the United Kingdom of our military contributions to UNPROFOR, and our financial contributions to the UNPROFOR budget will be about £26.1 million. Total UK aid for the current financial year is projected to total some £38.5 million.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his estiamte of the proportion of food and medical supplies used in the recent offensives by Bosnian Muslim Government troops supplied and paid for by the United Nations as humanitarian aid. [35268]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  We have no way of knowing. The food and medical supplies being carried by ODA convoys, which represent a significant proportion of total UN deliveries, are being delivered to their proper destinations. There is no way that the UN can stop legitimate recipients of aid from sharing it with relatives who may also be combatants.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received as to the use of the safe areas in Bosnia by the Bosnian Government for launching attacks against Bosnian Serbs. [36227]

  Sir Russell Johnston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what estimate the European Union has been able to make of civilian casualties in Srebrenica, during the taking of the town by the Bosnian Serbs; [36321]

  (2) what information he has about the involvement of the Yugoslav Government in the military activities of the Bosnian Serbs and the Serbs in Krajina; and if he will make a statement. [36320]

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he now has as to the whereabouts and circumstances of those people detained by the Bosnian Serbs in their capture of Srebrenica. [36230]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I shall write to the hon. Members shortly.
  1228

  Unfair Dismissal Cases
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs 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. [34593]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]:

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Two unfair dismissal cases have been brought against the FCO in the last 12 months, neither of which has so far been resolved.

  Overseas Development Administration and the Natural Resources Institute

  There were no unfair dismissal cases brought against the ODA in the last 12 months. The Natural Resources Institute chief executive will write direct to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Redundancies
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34595]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]:

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  In the year 1994–95 there no redundancies.

  Overseas Development Administration and the Natural Resources Institute.

  In the year 1994–95 there were 49 redundancies, all compulsory, at a total cost of £1,311,335.

  Kashmir
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his Department's policy in respect of issuing guidance to British tourists visiting Kashmir; if the two Britons held captive recently in Kashmir received such guidance; and what measures have been taken to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped Britons. [35372]

  Mr. Hanley
  We have advised visitors not to travel to the states of Jammu and Kashmir for a number of years. The kidnapping of two Britons travelling in Kashmir in 1994 has been pointed out in the travel advice notice for India since it occurred. Travel advice notices are widely distributed throughout the travel industry via electronic information and ticketing systems. They are also available on BBC2 Ceefax and can be accessed on Internet. Advice on travelling to India is available on an automated telephone answering service and members of the public may also contact the FCO's travel advice unit direct
  1229
  between 09.30 and 16.00 hours Monday to Friday. We do not know whether the two Britons being held in Kashmir received advice not to travel there. We are co-operating closely with the Indian and other Governments concerned to secure the early and safe release of the hostages. We will continue to work, largely behind the scenes, through contacts with all those we think may be able to help resolve this situation.

  Mr. Max Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make further inquiries to ascertain the timetable for the introduction by the Government of Azad-Kashmir of an ordinance whereby those held in prison for two years without trial may apply for release; and if he will make a statement. [36262]

  Mr. Hanley
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

  English Language Training
  Mr. Nicholas Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the total value of funding for English language training in eastern Europe which has been dispensed by Her Majesty's Government to the British Council; what proportion of these resources has been used to finance facilities of services directly managed by the British Council; and what proportion has been put out for competitive tender to other private sector commercial firms or suppliers in the years 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95. [35623]

  Mr. Hanley
  The council's grant-in-aid from the FCO was enhanced from 1991–92 to support a co-ordinated strategy to promote English teaching and learning in central and eastern Europe. The total operational funding over the period 1991–92 to 1993–94 was £12.2 million. Funding was at a similar level in 1994–95 but detailed figures are not yet available. This initiative supports 43 resource centres, maintains 120 specialist posts in 98 key ministries, reaches 37,000 teachers of English, and supports 400 senior English language professionals.

  The council has additionally managed know-how fund projects to a total value of £700,000 over the period and administered English language teaching for the armed forces of 13 countries on behalf of the ECU to a value of £350,000.

  Forty per cent. of total expenditure in 1991–92 to 1993–94 consisted of the appointment on contract of freelance ELT specialists.

  Activity worth £3.17 million was subcontracted through open tendering. The council estimate that up to 85 per cent. of all grant-in-aid expenditure was devoted to the procurement of British goods and services, particularly books, training and freelance support.

  Civil Service
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35457]
  1230
  Mr. Hanley
  The numbers of permanent industrial and non-industrial staff in the FCO on 1 April 1995 were:

  Male Full time

  Male Part Time

  Female Full time

  Female Part time

  Open Structure

  HCS1A

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HCS2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HCS3

  12

  —

  —

  —

  HCS4

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HCS5

  55

  —

  11

  2

  HCS6

  69

  —

  8

  —

  HCS7

  252

  8

  48

  1

  Occupational Groups

  SEO

  80

  1

  19

  2

  HEO(D)

  6

  —

  1

  —

  HEO

  163

  —

  71

  6

  AT

  2

  —

  1

  —

  EO

  223

  —

  174

  24

  AO

  335

  4

  414

  36

  AA

  45

  —

  42

  2

  Senior Economic Assistant

  13

  —

  2

  —

  Economic Assistant

  5

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Senior Information Officer

  5

  —

  7

  —

  Information Officer

  19

  —

  18

  —

  Assistant Information Officer

  3

  —

  8

  —

  Senior Librarian

  2

  —

  3

  —

  Librarian

  3

  —

  5

  —

  Assistant Librarian

  8

  —

  14

  1

  Museum D

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Museum E

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Higher Mapping and Charter Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Mapping and Charter Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Senior P and T Officer

  43

  —

  1

  —

  Higher P and T Officer

  44

  —

  1

  —

  P and T Officer

  17

  —

  —

  —

  Technical Grade 1

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Higher Graphics Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Graphics Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Research Officer (S)

  12

  —

  5

  1

  Typing Manager

  —

  —

  8

  —

  Senior Personal Secretary

  —

  —

  4

  —

  Personal Secretary

  —

  —

  117

  13

  Typist

  —

  —

  59

  9

  Senior Scientific Officer

  45

  —

  16

  1

  Higher Scientific Officer

  34

  —

  10

  1

  Scientific Officer

  19

  —

  10

  1

  Assistant Scientific Officer

  6

  —

  8

  1

  Catering Manager 1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Catering Manager 2

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Catering Manager 3

  4

  —

  —

  —

  Chef 2

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Photo Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Higher Photo Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  PGSB

  2

  —

  —

  —

  PGSC

  5

  —

  —

  —

  PGSD

  8

  —

  —

  —

  PGSE

  5

  —

  —

  —

  Stores Officer B

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Stores Officer C

  2

  —

  2

  —

  Stores Officer D

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Support Manager 1

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Support Manager 2

  3

  —

  5

  —

  Support Manager 3

  18

  —

  9

  —

  Support Grade B1

  101

  —

  54

  2

  Support Grade B2

  151

  4

  80

  22

  Senior Telecom Tech. Officer

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Higher Telecom Tech. Officer

  22

  —

  1

  —

  Telecom Tech. Officer

  47

  —

  1

  —

  Assistant Telecom Tech. Officer

  72

  —

  5

  —

  1231

  Male Full lime

  Male Part Time

  Female Full time

  Female Part time

  Departmental Groups

  Diplomatic Service 1

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service 2

  26

  —

  1

  —

  Diplomatic Service 3

  102

  —

  4

  —

  Diplomatic Service 4

  259

  —

  12

  —

  Diplomatic Service 5

  390

  1

  54

  3

  Diplomatic Service 6

  216

  —

  34

  —

  Diplomatic Service 7M

  352

  —

  90

  4

  Diplomatic Service 7D

  87

  —

  27

  —

  Diplomatic Service 8

  22

  —

  10

  —

  Diplomatic Service 9

  419

  —

  356

  10

  Diplomatic Service 10

  216

  —

  125

  —

  Executive Assistant

  16

  —

  29

  —

  Legal Adviser

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Second Legal Adviser

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Deputy Legal Adviser

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Legal Counsellor

  6

  —

  4

  —

  Senior Assistant Legal Adviser

  4

  —

  4

  —

  Assistant Legal Adviser

  3

  —

  2

  —

  Chief Security Officer

  38

  —

  —

  —

  Security Officer

  135

  —

  2

  —

  Medical Officer

  5

  —

  1

  —

  Nurse

  —

  —

  4

  —

  Senior Lecturer

  3

  —

  6

  —

  Senior Field Invest. Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Field Invest. Officer

  13

  —

  2

  —

  Translator 1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Translator 2

  1

  —

  2

  3

  Translator 3

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Queens Messenger

  26

  —

  —

  —

  Queens Messenger Escort

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Cypher Supervisor

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Cypher Supervisor

  16

  —

  —

  —

  Cypher Supervisor

  37

  —

  1

  —

  Telecom and Cypher Officer

  92

  —

  6

  —

  Operator Technician

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Conference Adviser

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Sensitivity Reviewer

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Research Coun.

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Prin. Research Coun.

  9

  —

  3

  —

  Prin. Research Officer

  17

  1

  10

  1

  Senior Research Officer

  7

  1

  6

  —

  Research Officer

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Diplomatic Service 8 Comm.

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service 9 Comm.

  5

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service 5 Tech.

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service 6 Tech.

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service 7 Tech.

  66

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service 8 Tech.

  85

  —

  1

  —

  Diplomatic Service 9 Tech.

  31

  —

  —

  —

  Diplomatic Service Secretary 1

  —

  —

  120

  1

  Diplomatic Service Secretary 2

  1

  —

  428

  3

  Industrial

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Totals

  4,759

  20

  2,594

  150

  EU Foreign Policy
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will veto the proposed appointment of an EC foreign affairs supremo to promote an EC foreign policy. [35196]

  Mr. David Davis
  The Government will oppose any measures that have the effect of undermining the principle of intergovernmentalism in the conduct of the EU's common foreign and security policy—CFSP. Any proposals to appoint a senior figure to promote CFSP would need to be judged in this light. Responsibility for the formulation and execution of EU foreign policy is and must remain a matter for EU member states.
  1232

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35674]

  Mr. Hanley
  The FCO is committed to equality of opportunity for all its employees. Women make up 35 per cent. of non-industrial civil servants employed by the FCO and the proportion of women is increasing at all management levels. The proportion of women at executive officer level—first management level—has increased from 30 per cent. in 1985 to cover 44 per cent. in 1995. Numbers of women at DS5—middle management level—have risen by 30 per cent. in the last four years. There are six female heads of mission.

  The FCO has an active programme of measures to encourage promotion of women into senior grades.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list(a) the number of (i) male (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35663]

  Mr. Hanley
  The information requested by the hon. Member for 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 is as follows:

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Men

  5,302

  5,157

  4,851

  4,759

  Women

  2,988

  2,907

  2,754

  2,595

  Total

  8,290

  8,064

  7,605

  7,354

  The information for 1985–1991 is not available.

  1992

  Total

  Women

  Percentage of women

  Open structure

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  10

  0

  0

  Grade 4

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  58.5

  11

  19

  Grade 6

  90

  9

  10

  Grade 7

  327.5

  16.5

  5

  Total open structure

  489

  36.5

  7

  Administrative group

  Senior Executive Officer

  97.5

  21.5

  22

  Higher Executive Officer (D)

  8

  3

  38

  Higher Executive Officer

  217

  52

  24

  Administration Trainee

  1

  1

  100

  Executive Officer

  435

  181.5

  42

  Administrative Officer

  753

  463

  61

  Administrative Assistant

  150.5

  64

  43

  Total administrative group

  1,662

  786

  47

  Diplomatic service

  DS1–3

  149

  5

  3

  DS4

  280

  8

  3

  1233

  1992

  Total

  Women

  Percentage of women

  DS5

  456

  51

  11

  DS6

  280

  30

  11

  DS7M

  425

  79

  19

  DS7D

  121

  39

  32

  DS8

  42

  13

  31

  DS9

  789

  379

  48

  DS10

  573

  233

  41

  Total Diplomatic service

  3,115

  837

  27

  Economist Group

  14

  3

  21

  Information Officer Group

  54

  32

  59

  Librarian Group

  29

  20

  69

  P and T Group and related grades

  116

  4

  3

  Secretarial Group

  231.5

  230.5

  100

  Support grades

  600.5

  266.5

  44

  Other groups and grades

  1,979

  772.5

  39

  Total

  8,290

  2,988

  36

  Part time staff counted as half in 1992.

  1993

  Total

  Women

  Percentage of women

  Open structure

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  2

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  12

  1

  8

  Grade 4

  2

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  80

  6

  8

  Grade 6

  92

  8

  9

  Grade 7

  309

  24

  8

  Total open structure

  498

  39

  8

  Administrative group

  Senior executive officer

  91

  18

  20

  Higher executive officer (D)

  9

  3

  33

  Higher executive officer

  242

  75

  31

  Executive officer

  461

  204

  44

  Administrative officer

  724

  442

  61

  Administrative assistant

  130

  63

  48

  Total administrative group

  1,657

  805

  49

  Diplomatic service

  DS1–3

  139

  4

  3

  DS4

  265

  11

  4

  DS5

  432

  54

  12

  DS6

  262

  31

  12

  DS7M

  428

  94

  22

  DS7D

  112

  36

  32

  DS8

  57

  9

  16

  DS9

  790

  395

  50

  DS10

  445

  184

  41

  Total diplomatic service

  2,930

  818

  28

  Economist group

  15

  1

  7

  Information officer group

  59

  37

  63

  Librarian group

  32

  26

  81

  P and T group and related grades

  132

  3

  2

  Secretarial group

  243

  242

  100

  Support grades

  617

  258

  42

  Other groups and grades

  1,881

  678

  36

  Total

  8,064

  2,907

  36

  1234

  1994

  Total

  Women

  Percentage of Women

  Open Structure

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  2

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  11

  1

  9

  Grade 4

  5

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  69

  10

  14

  Grade 6

  93

  9

  10

  Grade 7

  317

  28

  9

  Total open structure

  498

  48

  10

  Administrative Group

  Senior Executive Officer

  94

  22

  23

  Higher Executive Officer (D)

  7

  0

  0

  Higher Executive Officer

  229

  51

  22

  Administration Trainee (HEO)

  1

  1

  100

  Executive Officer

  335

  201

  60

  Administrative Officer

  713

  427

  60

  Administrative Assistance

  108

  48

  44

  Total administrative group

  1,487

  750

  50

  Diplomatic service

  DS1–3

  145

  5

  3

  DS4

  275

  10

  4

  DS5

  442

  56

  13

  DS6

  273

  29

  11

  DS7M

  418

  98

  23

  DS7D

  123

  38

  31

  DS8

  45

  13

  29

  DS9

  794

  399

  50

  DS10

  558

  227

  41

  Total diplomatic service

  3,073

  875

  28

  Economist Group

  25

  6

  24

  Information officer group

  62

  36

  58

  Librarian group

  34

  27

  79

  P and T group and related grades

  121

  3

  2

  Secretarial Group

  251

  251

  100

  Support Grades

  534

  207

  39

  Other groups and grades

  1,520

  551

  36

  Total

  7,605

  2,754

  36

  1995

  Total

  Women

  Percentage of women

  Open structure

  Grade 1A

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  12

  0

  0

  Grade 4

  1

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  68

  13

  19

  Grade 6

  91

  8

  9

  Grade 7

  301

  43

  14

  Total open structure

  475

  64

  13

  Administrative group

  Senior executive officer

  101

  21

  21

  Higher executive officer (D)

  7

  1

  14

  Higher executive officer

  240

  74

  31

  Administration trainee (HEO)

  3

  1

  33

  Executive officer

  421

  198

  47

  Administrative officer

  786

  450

  57

  Administrative assistant

  89

  44

  49

  Total administrative group

  1,647

  789

  48

  1235

  1995

  Total

  Women

  Percentage of women

  Diplomatic service

  DS1–3

  143

  5

  3

  DS4

  271

  12

  4

  DS5

  446

  57

  13

  DS6

  250

  34

  14

  DS7M

  446

  94

  21

  DS7D

  114

  27

  24

  DS8

  32

  10

  31

  DS9

  785

  366

  47

  DS10

  341

  125

  37

  Executive assistant

  45

  29

  64

  Total diplomatic service

  2,873

  759

  26

  Economist group

  20

  2

  10

  Information officer group

  60

  33

  55

  Librarian group

  36

  23

  64

  P and T group and related grades

  112

  2

  2

  Secretarial group

  199

  199

  100

  Support grades

  448

  172

  38

  Other groups and grades

  1,484

  552

  37

  Total

  7,354

  2,595

  35

  Filipinos
  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Filipino wives of United Kingdom husbands applied from Manila for settlement visas in the United Kingdom in(a) 1992, (b) 1993 and (c) 1994; and how many were refused. [35659]

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

  Application for settlement visas were received in Manila as follows:

  Received

  Refused

  1992

  917

  359

  1993

  702

  321

  1994

  807

  257

  These will include applications from wives and other settlement categories.

  Mr. Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the number of refusals of applications for permanent settlement made from Manila is in line with refusals from other overseas posts. [35660]

  Mr. Hanley
  The settlement refusal rate for Manila in 1994 was 31.8 per cent. The global average was 21.6 per cent. and the average for south east Asia was 18.4 per cent.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Geoffrey Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what monitoring of overseas posts takes place by his Department to ensure that particular posts are not refusing abnormally large numbers of applicants for either visitors' visas or permanent settlement visas. [35658]
  1236
  Mr. Hanley
  Statistics on both settlement and non-settlement entry clearance applications are monitored closely by the migration and visa department. Refusal rates are included in these statistics, which are published annually in the "Command Paper on Immigration Statistics". Applicants refused entry clearance for settlement or other long-term categories have a right of appeal to the independent appellate authorities. Entry clearance refusals in categories which no longer have a right of appeal following passage of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act, 1993 are reviewed, in all cases, by entry clearance managers in posts. Additionally a scientifically random sample of those refusals is reviewed by Dame Elizabeth Anson, the independent monitor of entry clearance refusals, who will present her next report in November.

  World Conference on Women
  Mr. Tony Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what will be the membership and leadership of the Government's delegation to the fourth world conference on women in Beijing; [35760]

  (2) if the Government will support paragraph 97 of the draft platform of action at the fourth world conference on women in Beijing; [35761]

  (3) if the Government will support the draft programme of action at the fourth world conference on women in Beijing that there should be equal relationships between women and men in matters of sexual relations and reproduction, with particular reference to (a) full respect for physical and mental integrity, (b) mutual respect and (c) shared responsibility for sexual behaviour. [35762]

  Mr. David Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if his Department will guarantee the safety of those attending the UN conference on women in Beijing; and if he will make a statement; [36084]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the US State Department's policy that they are unable to guarantee the safety of US citizens attending the UN conference on women in Beijing; [36085]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the threats by Sweden and Norway to boycott the UN International Women's Conference in Beijing. [36106]

  Sir Nicholas Bonsor
  I shall write to the hon. Gentlemen shortly.

  Sri Lanka
  Mr. Mike Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what steps Her Majesty's Government will take to support and assist the resumption of the peace process in Sri Lanka; [35966]

  (2) if it is his policy to support a permanent ceasefire between the Sri Lanka Government and the Tamil Tigers; [35959]
  1237
  (3) how much military assistance and training have been given to the Sri Lankan Government in the last year; [35964]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the breakdown of the ceasefire in Sri Lanka; [35957]

  (5) if he will make a statement on British Sri-Lankan relations; [35967]

  (6) what steps her Majesty's Government are taking to press for a peaceful solution to the war in Sri Lanka; [35963]

  (7) when the British ambassador to Sri Lanka or other British diplomats last visited Jaffna; [35958]

  (8) what representations have been made to the Government of Sri Lanka about human rights abuse in Sri Lanka in the last year. [35965]

  Mr. Hanley
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

  China (Human Rights)
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what advice he will give to British citizens planning to attend the UN conference on women in Beijing with regard to their personal safety if they are known to have been critical of China's human rights record; [36086]

  (2) what advice his Department has issued in the last 10 years to British citizens, who are known to have been critical of China's human rights record, or human rights activists, when travelling to China. [36087]

  Mr. Hanley
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

  Mrs. Resham Bi
  Mr. Max Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when a decision is to be taken by the post in Islamabad on the application to enter the United Kingdom by Mrs. Resham Bi (Ref.IMM/C2414); and if he will make a statement. [36266]

  Mr. Hanley
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

  Mr. Ghazanfer Ali
  Mr. Max Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will request the post in Islamabad to arrange to visit Mr. Ghazanfer Ali, a prisoner in Mirpur district prison, who has been admitted to a local hospital. [36265]

  Mr. Hanley
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

  Iraq (UNSCOM Report)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British companies have been referred to in the UNSCOM report. [36328]

  Mr. David Davis
  I shall write to the hon. Lady shortly.
  1238
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many prosecutions of British companies are pending subsequent to the United Nations Special Commission on Iraq—UNSCOM—report [36329]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I have been asked to reply.

  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy in the Library.

  Wrong Doing
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 17 July, what is his definition of wrong doing. [36375]

  Mr. David Davis
  I shall write to the hon. Lady shortly.

  Foreign Affairs Council
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council. [36380]

  Mr. David Davis
  The Council opened with a general debate on the presidency's programme for their term of office. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State made a statement, the text of which is available in the Library of the House.
  The A points listed in document 8853/95, which will be deposited in the Library of the House as soon as it is available, were adopted unanimously.The Council took note of the European Parliament resolutions in documents 8507/95 (PE-RE 49) and 8160/95 (PE-RE 45). Copies of these documents will be deposited in the Library of the House as soon as they are received.Members of the Council acting as an inter-governmental conference reappointed six judges and replaced one judge on the court of first instance.The EU/Tunisia Euro-Mediterranean Association agreement and the EC/Vietnam co-operation agreement were signed in the margins of the Council.The proposed EU/Croatia trade and co-operation agreement was referred to COREPER for further work.On Bosnia, future aid requirements were discussed, and Council conclusions agreed.The EC/Russia interim agreement was signed in the margins of the Council.Second meetings of association councils with Hungary and Poland took place. Discussions in both focused on the pre-accession process.Agreement was reached on terms for concluding the negotiations with Israel for a new agreement with the EU.The Commission gave a brief progress report on the negotiations for new agreements with Morocco and Egypt.The Council confirmed the appointment of Mr. Carl Lidbom, a former Swedish Minister, as head of the EU electoral unit for the Palestinian elections.The Commission presented a communication on the future of EU/Cuba relations, which was remitted to COREPER for further work.The presidency reported on an informal trilogue that had taken place on 12 July between themselves, the Commission, and the European Parliament.1239 The Council agreed that the presidency should acknowledge the requests for accession by Romania and Slovakia.The Council reached agreement in principle on a proposal to provide food aid to certain Republics of the Former Soviet Union.The Commission reported that it was working on a communication on EU/US relations, to be delivered at the October Council.The Council agreed conclusions on export credits which envisage a substantive debate at the October Council.Agreement was reached in principle on the EURATOM/US agreement on nuclear trade.Finally, the Council agreed unanimously that the Commission should pursue an interim agreement in the WTO financial services negotiations.
  A copy of the Council conclusions will be placed in the Library of the House as soon as they are received by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

  Embassies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 July,Official Report, column 326, if he will provide a breakdown of the figures for vehicles bought for posts abroad, specifying where possible the post and type of vehicle. [34290]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: A list broken down by post and type, showing FCO, including ODA, purchases of official vehicles over the last five financial year is being placed in the House Library.

PRIME MINISTER

  Michael John Smith
  Mr. Blair
  To ask the Prime Minister if he has received the report of the Security Commission on the case of Michael John Smith. [36331]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Lord President announced on 11 January 1994 that after consultation with the late leader of the Opposition, I had asked the Security Commission to investigate the circumstances in which breaches of security had, or might have, occurred arising out of the case of Michael John Smith, who was convicted on 18 November 1993 of offences under section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911; and to advise in the light of that investigation whether any change in security arrangements was necessary or desirable.

  An appeal by Smith against his conviction was dismissed by the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) on 8 June 1995, but his appeal against sentence was allowed and the sentence was reduced from 25 years to 20 years. The Commission has now submitted its report to me and it is being published this afternoon as a Command Paper, with the exception of some technical and procedural details which it would not be in the public interest to publish on national security grounds. I am most grateful to the Chairman, Lord Lloyd, and to Sir John Blelloch. Sir Derek Boorman and Lord Tombs.

  The Commission has fully examined the period of Smith's career in defence-related work. The Commission was critical of the initial failure by the Security Service
  1240
  to match Smith's record as a communist with his application for security clearance at EMI in 1976. The Commission felt that there was an unwarranted delay between Smith's identification as a potential threat and these facts being communicated to the Ministry of Defence and Smith's employer. It was concerned about the Security Service's eventual decision to relax its recommendations about Smith when he was put forward for clearance for work at GEC in 1986. It was also unhappy with the way in which the Ministry of Defence agreed to Smith having access to confidential information at GEC.

  However, the Commission recognises that much has changed since these events took place. The threat from subversive organisations is much lower. The Soviet Union and the Warsaw pact no longer exist. In addition, the Commission has been called upon to investigate a number of other security breaches since 1978 when Smith's clearance was withdrawn and its recommendations have led to significant improvements in the areas of vetting, and more widely, in the field of protective security. Over the same period, Government Departments have also taken initiatives to improve protective security practices. In the light of all this, the Commission has made a number of recommendations. These, in summary, are:

  (a) that the Security Service should continue to keep its organisation and internal lines of communication under review;

  (b) that in cases where candidates lie during the security clearance procedure there should be a very strong presumption against the granting or reinstatement of a clearance;

  (c) that an interview with a subject should be used where appropriate to resolve doubts about a security clearance;

  (d) that the written levels of assessment of an individual should be unambiguous and that all relevant information should be made available to the relevant Government Department before a decision is made on an individual clearance;

  (e) that decisions on the clearance of individuals working on contracts involving access to protectively marked assets in an industrial concern should be taken by Government Departments only after appropriate consultation with the employer;

  (f) that levels of access granted to individuals in industry should be clear and capable of effective implementation;

  (g) that in any case where a security clearance is subject to any limitation, that individual's behaviour and performance should be monitored and reviewed regularly by the Security Service with the employing company;

  (h) that judgements based on experience should not be given excessive credence in work of the Security Service; and

  (i) that appeal arrangements against a decision to withhold or limit clearance both in the civil service and in industry may need to be strengthened.

  The recommendations of the Security Commission have been accepted in principle by the Government subject to further consideration of some detailed points: and work is now in hand to ensure that they are effectively implemented within government and in industry.

  I announced to the House on 15 December 1994 that following a comprehensive review of protective security arrangements generally, a new system for the security vetting of Government employees and contractors would be introduced from 1 January 1995. This will provide the opportunity to consider how best to implement the recommendations of the Security Commission.
  1241

  Exchange Rate Mechanism
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what considerations led to the policy he adopted towards the ERM in October 1990. [35260]

  The Prime Minister
  The decision to participate in the ERM from October 1990 was taken in order to reinforce the Government's counter-inflationary policy at that time.

  Consultants
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his department and agencies for which it is responsible to(a) Coopes 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, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33910]

  The Prime Minister
  None.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will indicate which five consultancy firms have received most contracts from his Department by(a) number of contracts and (b) monetary value in the last five years for which figures are available; [33442]

  (2) how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has a been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33568]

  The Prime Minister
  For this purpose my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service, on 18 July.

  'Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Prime Minister which firms of consultants employed by his Department over the last year have been paid more than £1,000 per day. [33931]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: For this purpose, my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service on Monday 17 July, Official Report, column 903.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Prime Minister 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. [34696]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the UK economy and aim to help them by providing sound economic conditions—keeping inflation and interest rates low; reducing legislative, administrative and taxation burdens; and where appropriate provide direct assistance in the forms of specialist advice and support and easing access to finance.
  1242
  The recently announced White Paper "Forging Ahead" outlines a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.

  Specific measures to assist small firms are the responsibility of my right hon. Friends, the President of the Board of Trade, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales. For details of specific programmes, I refer the hon. Member to their replies today.

  Mr. Ghanzanfer Ali
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will urge the Government of Azad-Kashmir to release from Mirpur district prison Mr. Ghanzanfer Ali to obtain medical treatment in the United Kingdom. [36263]

  The Prime Minister
  Ghanzanfer Ali was admitted to a civil hospital in Mirpur 10 days ago. Our High Commission in Islamabad is obtaining details of his medical condition.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Prime Minister in what capacity the membership of the First Secretary of State of the Millennium Commission has now been confirmed. [25710]

  The Prime Minister
  There has been no change in the status of the First Secretary of State as a member of the Millennium Commission since his appointment by HM the Queen on 17 February 1994.

  Scottish Education Department
  Mr. John McFall
  To ask the Prime Minister what consideration was given to the role of the Scottish Office Education Department during the merger of the Department of Employment and the Department for Education. [34132]

  The Prime Minister
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has ensured that ministerial responsibility for education and training in the Scottish office are combined. In addition, he has agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment arrangements to ensure close consultation on labour market issues, including agreement of the annual performance targets for the Employment Service and new initiatives to help unemployed people.

  Advertising of Government Posts
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Prime Minster if it is his Government's policy to advertise posts in its employ on the basis of offering a salary but inviting applications from those willing to work on a volunteer, unpaid basis. [36605]

  The Prime Minister
  I have asked my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to write to the hon. Member.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister what considerations underlie his decision to hold open the possibility of the United Kingdom accepting a single currency in the future. [35204]
  1243
  The Prime Minister
  I believe that we should judge whether or not to join a single currency on the basis of our national interest, given the circumstances of the time. We do not know what those future circumstances might be. It is therefore too early for us to make a decision one way or the other. Furthermore, as I told the House on 28 June,Official Report, columns 893–94, I believe that it is essential for this country to participate fully in the debate over economic and monetary union, to make our practical views count and to stand up for our interests in Europe. We would forfeit our influence over the debate if we exercised our opt-out now. That would not be in our interests.

  Computer Equipment and Consultancies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) 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; [34549]

  (2) which firms have won computer consultancy contracts from his Department or its agencies over the last five years, indicating the number of contracts per firm; [33929]

  (3) how much his Department or 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. [33930]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answers Wednesday 12 July and Friday 14 July]: For this purpose my office is part of the Cabinet Office. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service, on 18 July.

  Honours (Civil Service Secretaries)
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) how many honours in the birthday list were awarded to personal secretaries in the civil list; [34390]

  (2) how many honours in the birthday list were awarded to (a) civil servants, (b) local government officials, (c) local authority councillors and (d) police officers. [34391]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer Monday 17 July 1995]: My recommendations for the birthday honours list contained 1,055 names. Of these 434 were given specifically for their voluntary service, and many others had also given voluntary service which supported their other claims. The list included 10 personal secretaries in the civil service out of a total of 171 civil servants at all grades, including many working for agencies. The list also included 11 local government officials, 13 local authority councillors and 28 police officers.

  Arms Sales (Iraq and Iran)
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Prime Minister if any United Kingdom bank involved in the sale of arms to Iran or Iraq during the Scott inquiry acted during that time in the service of Her Majesty's Government; and in what capacity. [34320]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer Friday 14 July 1995]: I am not aware of any such involvement. If the
  1244
  right hon. Member has any relevant information on this subject he will wish to make it available to the appropriate authorities.

TREASURY

  Friendly Societies
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many friendly societies have closed recently and how many of the closures were attributed to the regulatory requirements imposed by the Financial Services Act 1986. [34402]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  So far this year, to June 1995, 10 societies have closed. Two of these were LAUTRO members and therefore subject to the regulatory requirements of the Financial Services Act regime. The reasons for closure are for the societies themselves to determine.

  Trade Deficit
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the reasons for the change in the deficit on visible trade in the six months to April and of the likely effect on output, employment and investment in United Kingdom manufacturing; and if he will make a statement. [35197]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Government's latest assessment of the factors affecting the visible trade deficit was given in chapter 1 of the Treasury's summer economic forecast, published on 28 June 1995. Net trade directly accounted for over half of the growth of GDP in the year to the first quarter of 1995. It is not possible to isolate the overall effects of trade performance on output, employment and investment.

  Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the likely effect of his monetary and exchange rate policies on output, employment and investment in the manufacturing industry in 1996–97. [35199]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Government's macroeconomic policies are designed to maintain a stable macroeconomic environment and strengthen the long-term performance of the economy and outlook for jobs, in order to promote rising prosperity based on sustained economic growth.

  Trade Balance
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the fall in the rate of exchange against the ecu which would be required to eliminate the visible trade deficit with EEC countries within a period of 12 months. [35201]
  1245
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The balance of trade with the EU depends on a variety of factors, including competitiveness. The key to sustained gains in competitiveness is control over costs, and policies directed at permanently low inflation and competitive markets provided the best environment in which to achieve this. A policy of deliberate devaluation would only raise inflation and be damaging to long-run economic performance.

  Chemical Industry
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made for the reasons for the difference between the rate of return in the United Kingdom chemical industry and that in other industrial countries. [35203]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  There are no internationally comparable official figures available on the rates of return specific to the chemical industry in the United Kingdom and other industrial countries.

  Company Returns
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will list for the UK, Germany and the USA the pre-tax rates of return for manufacturing and non-financial corporations in each year since 1980; [35360]

  (2) what has been the rate of return on manufacturing since 1970 (a) in the United Kingdom and (b) in other main industrial countries. [35256]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Information on United Kingdom net rates of return for manufacturing companies since 1970 is available from the CSO's shared database, which can be accessed through the Library of the House. Latest data were published on 11 July 1995 in the CSO "First Release" on 'Profitability of UK Companies' (CSO (95) 136). Information on rates of return in other main industrial countries since 1970 is published in Table 14 of the OECD's "National Accounts, Volume II".

  Interest Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what has been the accuracy of Bank of England forecasts of the effect on the balance of trade of increases in real interest rates over the past 12 months; [35257]

  (2) what has been the accuracy of (a) the Bank of England and (b) the Treasury forecast of the effect on output and employment of the changes of interest rates of the last 12 months. [35258]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Forecasts of output, employment and the balance of trade depend on many factors. It is not possible to isolate the effect of changes in interest rates.

  Visible Trade Balance
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the effect of monetary policy(a) in the last two years and (b) since the summer of 1994 on the visible trade balance. [35259]
  1246
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  It is not possible to isolate with any confidence the effects on the visible trade balance stemming from monetary policy. However, the Government's commitment to deliver permanently low inflation will provide a stable climate within which British industry can compete successfully, in both world and domestic markets.

  EU Common Currency
  Mr. Mills
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the targets agreed for timing of a common currency for European Union members after the recent EU conference. [30642]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I refer my hon. Friend to the remarks made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 28 June, during his statement to the House on the meeting of the European Council in Cannes,Official Report, columns 893–909.

  Minimum Wage
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what calculations he has made on the implications for public expenditure if a national minimum wage of(a) £3 per hour, (b) £3.50 per hour and, (c) £4 per hour, (d) £4.50 per hour and (e) £5 per hour were to be introduced on 1 September and for the fiscal year 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [32872]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  A national minimum wage would destroy private sector jobs, leading to an increase in public expenditure on social security benefits for the unemployed. In the public sector, aggregate control of running costs in the civil service and our wider approach to pay means that higher spending on pay would have to be offset by spending cuts elsewhere.

  Single Currency
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to what extent he was consulted by the European Commission about the contents of the Green Paper on the practical arrangements for the introduction of the single currency prior to its publication on 31 May. [33530]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The European Commission's Green Paper was discussed at ECOFIN on 22 May.

  Mr. Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many civil servants are seconded to work with the European Commission on single currency issues. [33529]

  Mrs. Knight
  As of 3 July 1995 there was one United Kingdom civil servant seconded to the European Commission and working in Directorate-General II, Economic and Financial Affairs, the responsibilities of which include work on economic and monetary union.

  Consultancies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the cost of employing consultants in connection with privatisation programmes in which his Department has been engaged since 1980. [33450]
  1247
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Information prior to 1991 is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Information for 1991 to date is as follows:

  £000

  1991–92

  8.891

  1992–93

  1,429

  1993–94

  5,019

  1994–95

  4,500

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33499]

  Mrs. Knight
  I regret that information prior to 1991 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The table gives the number and value of consultancy contracts awarded by HM Treasury by financial year from 1991–92 to 1994–95. In addition the Department has also incurred expenditure on professional fees in connection with the privatisation programme. These are shown separately.

  Consultancy contracts

  Privatisation contracts

  Year

  Number of contracts

  Value (excluding VAT) £000

  Number of contracts

  Value (excluding VAT) £000

  1991–92

  14

  1258

  10

  8,891

  1992–93

  92

  1,029

  14

  1,429

  1993–94

  70

  1,404

  12

  5,019

  1994–95

  37

  997

  13

  4,500

  1 August-March.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which firms of consultants employed by his Department over the last year have been paid more than £1,000 per day. [33869]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The information requested is not held in a form that is readily accessible and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [33431]

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and agencies for which it is responsible to(a) Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries, (b) Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries, (c) Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries, (d) Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries, (e) Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries, (f) Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries, (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries and (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries and (i) Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market-testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33917]
  1248
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that is has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Members shortly and place a copy of the letters in the Library.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) 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; [33864]

  (2) 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. [33896]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: Details of consultancy contracts are held on the Treasury contracts database. But as the database cannot identify computer consultancy separately, the information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Capital Gains
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total cost in a full year of charging individuals, companies and trusts at the rate of 25 per cent. on their capital gains while increasing the annual gross exemption and the chattels exemption to £10,000 in all cases. [34209]

  Mr. Jack
  The cost of charging individuals, companies and trusts at the rate of 25 per cent. on their capital gains while increasing the annual exempt amount for individuals to £10,000 and trusts to half this amount is estimated to be £450 million for 1996–97 liabilities, rising to £700 million in a full year in the medium term. It is not possible to estimate the cost of increasing the chattels exemption to £10,000, but this is likely to be very small in comparison with the figures of £450 million or £700 million.

  Estimates given take account of the likely effect of changes on the volume of disposals in a full year, caused by changes in taxpayers' behaviour.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Denzil Davies
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the total cost in a full year of increasing the nil band of inheritance tax to £250,000, reducing the 40 per cent. band to 25 per cent. and exempting from tax all lifetime gifts except those made within three years of death. [34208]

  Mr. Jack
  The full year cost in 1996–97, measured against an indexed base, of increasing the inheritance tax threshold to £250,000, reducing the rate of tax from 40 per cent. to 25 per cent., and exempting from tax all lifetime gifts made more than three years before death is estimated to be just over £1 billion.

  Machinery and Plant Investment
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer for which periods in the last 30 years 100 per cent. capital allowances for investment in machinery and plant have been available. [35070]
  1249
  Mr. Jack
  One hundred per cent. capital allowances were available for expenditure on machinery and plant incurred between 22 March 1972 and 13 March 1984.

  One hundred per cent. capital allowances were also available between 27 October 1970 and 21 March 1972 for expenditure on the provision of a new ship or on new non-mobile machinery or plant for use for industrial purposes in a development area or Northern Ireland. The requirement that the machinery or plant had to be used for industrial purposes was removed between 20 July 1971 and 21 March 1972.

  One hundred per cent. first year capital allowances were phased out as part of the Government's 1984 business tax reforms. The purpose of these reforms was to create a more neutral tax regime based on significantly lower rates of tax, with allowances for depreciation more closely reflecting useful asset life.

  As a result of these reforms, the main rate of corporation tax has been reduced from 45 per cent. to 33 per cent. and the small companies rate is down from 30 per cent. to 25 per cent. since 1984.

  EU Unemployment
  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds he voted at the Council of Ministers on 10 July for sanctions to be applied to EC states which were not proceeding effectively towards the convergence criteria; what is the current level of unemployment in the states concerned; and what estimate he has made of the effect on unemployment if the convergence criteria were adhered to by the nations concerned. [35187]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The ECOFIN Council on 10 July made confidential recommendations to each of the member states with an excessive deficit. No sanctions have been applied to any member state. Member states which receive support form the cohesion fund and also have an excessive deficit—Greece, Portugal and Spain—may be liable to have their cohesion funding suspended under article 6 of the cohesion fund regulation, but this is a decision for the Commission, not the Council.

  The latest OECD standardised estimate of the unemployment rate in Greece in November 1994 is 4.7 per cent., in Portugal in April 1995 is 7.2 per cent., and in Spain in the first quarter of 1995 is 22.8 per cent. The Government believe that the best way to reduce unemployment is by increasing labour market flexibility and creating a stable macro-economic environment. Thus, adhering to the convergence criteria would be consistent with efforts to reduce unemployment in these countries.

  Sir Teddy Taylor
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the latest estimate of total unemployment within the European Union; and what assessment he has made of the effect on this total of the implementation of the convergence criteria. [35186]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The OECD's standardised estimate of the unemployment rate within the European Union in April 1995 is 9.6 per cent. The Government believe that the best way to reduce unemployment is by increasing labour market flexibility and creating a stable macroeconomic environment. The convergence criteria 1250
  are consistent with the creation of a stable macroeconomic environment.

  Firearms
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many firearms which had been purchase abroad were brought into the United Kingdom by private individuals in each year since 1992; and what were their categories, classes and types. [36125]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I regret that the information is unavailable.

  Manual Workers
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the average wage for manual workers in each of the regions of the United Kingdom. [36109]

  Mr. Angela Knight
  Analysis of average earnings for full-time manual workers in the regions of Great Britain is published in part A, table X5.1 of the "New Earnings Survey" report. Information for part-time manual females within the regions is contained in part F, table 180.1. Copies of the reports are available in the Library.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list(a) the percentage of males aged 50 to 65 in full-time employment and (b) the percentage of females aged 50 to 60 years in full time employment. [36122]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Over the quarter ending February 1995 56 per cent. of males aged 50 to 65 were in full-time employment compared with 28 per cent. of females aged 50 to 60 years.

  Valuation Office
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the three-year review of the Valuation Office as a next steps agency is now complete; and if he will make a statement. [36342]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Following the decision earlier this year that the Valuation Office should continue as a next steps agency in the public sector and within the Inland Revenue, the second and final stage of the three year review of the Valuation Office has been concerned with an evaluation of its performance to date, of the framework within which it operates and of the appropriate senior management structure for it.

  The review is now complete. It has found that the Valuation Office has established an impressive track record since its formation as an agency in 1991. successfully completing a number of important operational tasks. The review has identified a number of areas where further improvements would be possible and proposes a comprehensive set of measures to enhance standards of customer service and increase the Valuation Office's overall efficiency and value for money. Details of these are described in an Inland Revenue press release published today.

  I congratulate the Valuation Office on its work to date and I welcome and endorse the review's recommendations.
  1251
  The review has also examined the potential for greater involvement of the private sector in the Valuation Office's work. In the light of this, it is proposed to undertake some carefully controlled experiments to use the private sector on rating and council tax work. The first pilots will take place during the early part of 1996–97. Details of the pilots will be developed in consultation with representatives of the valuation profession, and of other organisations and bodies directly interested.

  As a result of a number of recent changes the senior management structure of the Valuation Office has been reduced from 25 posts at 1 January 1994 to 18 now. No further changes are currently proposed but it is planned to invite a non-executive member to join its management board. An appointment will be announced later this year.

  No immediate changes to the Valuation Office's financial framework are proposed—but its suitability for establishment as a trading fund will be further considered.

  No fundamental changes are proposed to the Valuation Office's operating framework, but some updating of its framework document is desirable. A new edition, together with a summary of the review, will be published later this summer.

  There will be a period of consultation with staff and the trade unions to consider the detailed implementation of the proposals.

  Tax Changes
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the information given in the July 1994 "Tax Ready Reckoner and Tax Reliefs" booklet. [36343]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The Treasury is today publishing a booklet containing estimates of the effects of various illustrative tax changes on tax receipts in 1996–97 and 1997–98 and estimates of the costs of the main tax reliefs in 1994–95 and 1995–96. Copies are being placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Debt Management Review
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the outcome of the debt management review. [36381]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The debt management review was announced by the then Minister of State to the Treasury on 10 November 1994. It had the following terms of reference:"To review the existing arrangements for the setting of debt management policy, the selling of Government debt and the management of outstanding debt."

  The review was conducted by the Treasury and involved an extensive process of consultation. It was conducted in close co-ordination with the Bank of England. The review covered gilt issuance only. It did not cover national savings.

  The report of the review which I am today publishing jointly with the Bank of England contains the conclusions of the review and discusses a number of other current developments in the gilts market. In particular, the report outlines a number of proposals which represent a further move to an open, predictable and transparent gilts
  1252
  issuance policy, and which promote the liquidity and efficiency of the gilts market.

  The Government and the Bank of England believe that, taken together, these changes will reduce funding costs, to the ultimate benefit of taxpayers. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Oil Installations
  Mr. Alistair Darling
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proposals he has to change the taxation of oil companies operating in the North sea; and what proposals he has to alter current rules governing reliefs companies may claim in respect of decommissioning or scrapping of oil installations. [31225]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 28 June 1995]: A number of structural changes to the rules for petroleum revenue tax were made in 1993 and my right hon. and learned Friend has no proposals for further major changes to that tax. The cost of decommissioning North sea oil installations is one of the costs of extracting oil in the North sea. As it is the profits of North sea oil companies that are taxed, it is right that tax reliefs should be given for relevant decommissioning costs.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was, for each company privatised since 1979, the highest number on the share register indicating the date, the date of the privatisation and the present size of the share register. [35093]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The current size of individual company share registers is a matter for the companies themselves and their registrars.

  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list those parts of his Department or departmental agencies which were privatised without an in-house bid; if he will indicate the expertise which was absent in his Department or departmental agencies which prevented an in-house bid taking place; which future parts of his Department or departmental agencies he intends to privatise; and which of them do not have the necessary in-house expertise to mount an in-house bid. [29416]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Departmental Fraud
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 14 February, column 576, if he will update the figures on fraud in Government Departments. [35515]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: Departmental returns on frauds and suspected frauds committed by departmental and agency staff in 1994–95, including cases where staff have colluded with outsiders, are being collated at present. The 1994–95 figures are expected to be available in early autumn.
  1253

  Legislation
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35316]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–96 Session.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his estimates of the number of individuals who paid income tax at a top marginal rate of 40 per cent. or above in each year since 1979–80. [35359]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: Information was given in my reply to the hon. Member on 18 July.

  Female Employees
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35461]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The numbers of permanent non-industrial staff on 1 April 1995—before the recent machinery of government changes—for HM Treasury, by grade, on a head count basis were as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 1A

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Chief Accountancy Adviser

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  17

  0

  2

  1

  Grade 4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  54

  0

  10

  2

  Grade 6

  21

  0

  3

  0

  Grade 7

  123

  0

  30

  6

  Graduate Trainee

  0

  0

  2

  0

  AT/HEO(D)

  22

  0

  9

  0

  EA

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant Economist

  27

  0

  6

  0

  SEO

  50

  0

  14

  6

  HEO

  76

  0

  42

  2

  EO

  93

  1

  52

  8

  HSO

  0

  0

  2

  0

  SO

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant Statitician

  6

  0

  3

  0

  Senior Information Officer

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Information Officer

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Senior Librarian

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Librarian

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Assistant Librarian

  1

  0

  2

  0

  AO

  91

  4

  81

  5

  AA

  28

  0

  31

  2

  SPS

  0

  0

  19

  2

  PS

  0

  0

  85

  16

  Ch Typing Manager

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Typing Manager

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Typist

  1

  0

  26

  4

  Support Grade B1

  6

  0

  15

  0

  Support Grade B2

  16

  0

  29

  1

  Support Manager 2

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Support Manager 3

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Student

  8

  0

  1

  0

  Total

  653

  5

  478

  55

  1254

  Taxation (Self-assessment)
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what safeguards exist to ensure that tax details on people about to begin self-assessment tax returns do not fall into the hands of(a) General Motors, (b) Mr. Ross Perot and (c) American-based employees of the EDS computer company. [33524]

  Mr. Jack
  The Inland Revenue is responsible for the confidentiality of taxpayer records. Under the terms of its IT services contract with EDS Ltd. that company is required to maintain the Department's security and confidentiality standards while the Inland Revenue will monitor performance against those standards.

  EDS does not process, handle or store taxpayer information outside the United Kingdom without the Department's consent;

  EDS's employees and its agents and subcontractors sign the appropriate statutory undertaking not to disclose taxpayer information;

  EDS reminds its employees, agents and subcontractors every six months of their obligations under the non-disclosure arrangements, and monitors compliance.

  The Inland Revenue has the following safeguards built into the contract and will regularly inspect to ensure:

  EDS reports to Inland Revenue all breaches of undertakings and the disciplinary action taken;

  EDS maintains the security standards set out in the Inland Revenue's security manual;

  EDS observes any departmental requirement not to use specified individuals on Revenue business;

  EDS obtains security clearance for all personnel handling classified information; and

  EDS ensures that all persons involved in delivering the Department's business are aware of their obligations under the Official Secrets Act 1911.

  Legal sanctions—section 182 of Finance Act 1989, on conviction, a fine or imprisonment or both—apply to unauthorised disclosure of personal tax data whether for civil servant or private sector staff.

  Mr. Ross Perot does not own EDS Ltd. It is a subsidiary of a US parent company, EDS Corporation, which is owned by General Motors.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the job losses envisaged as arising under the system of assessment will be redeployed to the fields of compliance and customer service under the change agreement signed between the Inland Revenue Staff Federation and the department of Inland Revenue; and if he will give the figures(a) in total and (b) by region and district. [36213]

  Mr. Jack
  When self-assessment is bedded down the Inland Revenue currently expects to employ around 3,000 fewer staff. This will be achieved only after implementation and is net after the expected deployment of staff into customer service and compliance work.

  As the Inland Revenue gains a better understanding of the way self-assessment will work in practice, it is constantly reviewing those net savings. At present, the figures are not sufficiently developed to permit an estimate to be provided on the basis requested.

  But in accordance with the change agreement, the Inland Revenue has offered to share the detail of that thinking with the main trade union involved—the Inland

  1255
  Revenue Staff Federation. The Inland Revenue remain committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies wherever possible.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what additional costs in excess of original estimates have been incurred in connection with the introduction of self-assessment of taxation. [36219]

  Mr. Jack
  No additional costs have been incurred to date.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his Department expects to have identified every taxpayer to whom self-assessment will apply by the start date for the scheme; and if he will make a statement. [36214]

  Mr. Jack
  Yes, the Inland Revenue aims to identify all taxpayers to whom self-assessment will apply by the start date of its scheme.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement as to how the system of self-assessment will comply with the(a) compliance, (b) cost efficiency, (c) customer services and (d) caring for staff elements of the taxpayer's charter. [36212]

  Mr. Jack
  Self-assessment will be a clearer, more straightforward system. It has been designed following extensive consultation so that taxpayers will find it straightforward to understand and easier to meet their obligations. This will reduce costs for both taxpayers and the Revenue, provide a better customer service and improve compliance. The new arrangements will enable the Inland Revenue to focus its staff more on skilled customer service and compliance activity and less on routine processing activity, thereby enriching jobs under self-assessment.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish details of the costs and savings involved in the introduction of self-assessment of taxation; [36217]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the overall costs involved in the introduction of self-assessment. [36211]

  Mr. Jack
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies his Department has undertaken in the last five years into systems of self-assessment of taxation in other countries. [36211]

  Mr. Jack
  In preparing for self-assessment the Inland Revenue looked at the experience of the following countries:

  Austria

  Canada

  Denmark

  France

  Germany

  Ireland

  Italy

  USA

  More recently, visits by officials have been made to both Australia and New Zealand. Lessons from the practical experience in these countries has been built into
  1256
  planning for the implementation of self-assessment in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the contracts his Department has with the computer company EDS. [33174]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that information prior to 1991 is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. From 1991 onwards the Treasury has had only one contract with EDS for the supply and installation of a memory board.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the expected payment from public funds to the US-based EDS computer firm for running the self-assessment tax system for each year from 1994 to 2005. [33523]

  Mr. Jack
  The current estimate of the payment form public funds to EDS for developing and running the self-assessment tax system for each year from 1994 to 2005 is, in constant prices:

  1994–95: £1 million

  1995–96: £15 million

  1996–97: £50 million

  1997–98: £45 million

  1998–99: onwards: £35 million

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis the contract for providing the computer service to run the new tax self-assessment scheme was awarded to a foreign company. [33527]

  Mr. Jack
  The contract to provide all IT services to the Inland Revenue, not just for self-assessment, was awarded as a result of an open competition run under the EC and general agreement on tariffs and trade rules and advertised in the EC Official Journal. These rules open up to the bidding for Government contracts on a wide basis. The winner was EDS Ltd., a UK subsidiary of a US parent company, EDS Corporation. The EDS bid was evaluated as providing the Department with the best value for money with potential savings of £225 million over 10 years.

  More information on the procurement is available in the National Audit Office report "Inland Revenue—Market Testing the Information Technology Office" which was published on 8 March 1995.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many estates paid inheritance tax in 1992; what was the total amount of tax collected; and if he will show for each decile of tax-paying estates the amount collected. [36121]

  Mr. Jack
  Available information is in terms of tax liabilities rather than tax collected. The number of inheritance taxpayers—covering both death cases and lifetime gifts—with tax liabilities in 1992–93 and the tax accrual are provisionally estimated at 23,000 and £1.2 billion respectively. The estimated proportions accounted for by each decile of taxpayers—death cases only—are given in the table.
  1257

  Decile group of taxpayers in terms of tax liabilities Percentage

  Estimated proportion of total liabilities (per cent.)

  Top 10

  52

  Next 10

  17

  Next 10

  11

  Next 10

  7

  Next 10

  5

  Next 10

  3

  Next 10

  2

  Next 10

  2

  Next 10

  1

  Bottom 10

  negligible

  Total

  100

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in anonymised form all current recipients of inheritance tax relief for natural heritage reasons in respect of land or buildings under sections 30 and 31 of the Inheritance Taxes Act 1984 by(a) date first granted and (b) amount of relief. [34841]

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

  Capital Gains Tax
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many taxpayers paid capital gains tax in 1993; what was the total amount of tax collected; and if he will show for each decile of taxpayers the amount collected. [36118]

  Mr. Jack
  Available information is in terms of tax liabilities rather than tax collected. The number of capital gains taxpayers—covering individuals and trusts—with tax liabilities in 1993–94, and the tax accrual are provisionally estimated at 85,000 and around £1 billion respectively. The estimate proportions accounted for by each decile taxpayers are given in the table.

  Decile group of taxpayers in terms of tax liabilities Percentage

  Estimated proportion of total liabilities (per cent.)

  Top 10

  79

  Next 10

  10

  Next 10

  5

  Next 10

  3

  Next 10

  2

  Next 10

  1

  Next 10

  1

  Next 10

  1—

  Next 10

  1—

  Bottom 10

  1—

  Total

  100

  1 Negligible.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact on United Kingdom competitiveness(a) the reduction and (b) the elimination of United Kingdom capital gains tax. [35804]

  Mr. Jack
  The Government keep the effect on competitiveness of all taxes under regular review.
  1258

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he will take to ensue that Customs and Excise complies with the request from the Scott inquiry to provide copies of the public interest immunity certificates recently signed covering the appeal by the former directors of Ordtec; and if he will make a statement. [36124]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Customs and Excise sought the advice of the Court of Appeal regarding the request from the Scot inquiry to provide copies of the public interest immunity certificates and is following the guidance of the court which approved its course of action. Customs and Excise will therefore make arrangements for the delivery of the certificates to the Scott inquiry.

  Economic Inactivity Rates
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the latest economic inactivity rates for adult males of working age for each United Kingdom region. [35878]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The data requested can be obtained from the labour force survey, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  VAT (Public Transport)
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is his policy not to remove zero rating of VAT from public transport; and if he will make a statement. [34397]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Offshore Banking
  Rev. Martin Smyth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the different requirements relating to United Kingdom funds in respect of offshore banking in(a) the Mediterranean, (b) the Channel Islands and (c) the West Indies; and if he will make a statement. [30869]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Ministerial Travel
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [32279]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.
  1259

  Spirits (Duty)
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Chancellor of the
  Exchequer what assessment he has made of whether the rise in duty on spirits imposed in December will deliver the increase in revenue the Treasury expected when it imposed the duty increase; and what estimates he has made of the extent of home releases in the current year. [34638]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the right hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Barings Bank
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what questions Jonathan Stone, head of the Barings Bondholder Action Group, has asked the Governor of the Bank of England; and on what grounds they have not been answered; [35482]

  (2) what assessment he has made of why the Bank of England, as supervisor of the banking system, did not detect warning signals showing that Barings was facing unsustainable losses of capital before it went into administration. [35481]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Firearms
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many firearms were legally imported in each year since 1992; and what were their categories, classes and types; [36127]

  (2) how many firearms are known to have been illegally imported in each year since 1992; and what were their categories, classes and types. [36126]

  Mr. Heathcoat Amory
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Taxation
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the estimated increase in direct taxes, national insurance contributions and indirect taxes if all those currently unemployed were employed and in receipt of(a) £120 per week gross of tax and national insurance contributions, (b) £140 per week gross and (c) £160 per week gross. [36305]

  Mr. Jack
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the correlation between increases in tax
  1260
  rates and falls in tax yields; and if he will make a statement. [32944]

  Mr. Jack
  There are a large number of studies looking at the link between marginal tax rates, incentives and yields. We keep developments in the field under constant review. This Government's policy is to cut marginal tax rates, when it is prudent to do so, to encourage enterprise and reward innovation. The share of total income tax paid by the highest 10 per cent. of tax payers has risen from 35 per cent. in 1978–79 to 44 per cent. this year.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate for the 1995–96 fiscal year of the revenue raised from income tax in respect of(a) the 20 per cent. rate, (b) the 25 per cent. rate and (c) the 40 per cent. rate. [35356]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: It is estimated that in 1995–96 total tax liability before allowing for the married couple's allowance and mortgage interest relief at source will be about £14.8 billion at the 20 per cent. rate, £56.3 billion at the 25 per cent. rate and £6.5 billion at the 40 per cent rate.

  Mr. Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his estimate of the number of taxpayers with a total taxable income in the fiscal year 1995–96 to include salaries, dividends, interest receivable and pensions, within each band of £1,000 up to £60,000, then £5,000 up to £100,000, then £25,000 up to £200,000, then £50,000, up to £500,000, then £100,000 up to £1 million, and above £1 million. [35516]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: It is to provide reliable estimates in the detail requested. Provisional estimates for 1995–96 of the number of taxpayers analysed by total income for income tax purposes is given in the table.

  Range of total income1 (lower limit) £

  Number of taxpayers in 1995–96 thousands

  3,525

  1,800

  5,000

  4,100

  7,500

  3,800

  10,000

  6,100

  15,000

  4,100

  20,000

  3,700

  30,000

  1,500

  50,000

  430

  100,000

  120

  Total

  25,700

  New Earnings Survey
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what advice he will be giving the Department of the Environment about the discussions and meeting the hon. Member for Isle of Wight had with Mr. Orchard about the small database of the new earnings survey on the Isle of Wight and its effect on the area cost adjustment formulae. [35872]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to my hon. Friend shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.
  1261

  Capital Taxation
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will make a statement on(a) the social and (b) the economic arguments for the abolition of capital taxes; [36222]

  (2) what are the implications of the abolition of capital taxes for (a) the rate of other taxes, (b) benefit levels and (c) expenditure on essential services. [36220]

  Mr. Jack
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide a substantive answer before the summer recess. I shall write to the hon. Member shortly and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Fuel Duty Rebate
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the revenue raised in each year since 1994 as a result of freezing fuel duty rebate; and what estimate he has made of the level of increased fares as a result of the rebate being frozen. [34398]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  About £35 million in 1994–95. The level of fares in the industry is a matter for commercial consideration.

  Annual Season Coach Tickets
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make annual season coach tickets tax deductible; and if he will make a statement. [34400]

  Mr. Jack
  No. Under the current law, the cost of annual season coach tickets for home-to-work travel is not tax deductible. There are no plans to change the law.

  Friendly Societies
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake an immediate review of the effect of the regulatory requirements of the authorities established under the Financial Services Act 1986 on friendly societies. [34401]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have no plans to do so. In the first instance this is a matter for the Personal Investment Authority, which has a working group considering the regulatory regime for friendly societies.

  Low Pay
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will commission a full statistical survey of current wage values in the border region in Scotland to determine the percentage of full-time and part-time workers on low pay; and if he will make a statement. [34396]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  No. Such a survey would place large form-filling burden on businesses in the area. The annual new earnings survey already provides some relevant information on average earnings.

  National Lottery
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the impact on the public balances of the income from the national lottery broken 1262
  down between moneys in taxation and moneys due to be allocated for good causes. [35532]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Latest outturn data show that the direct effects of the national lottery reduced the public sector borrowing requirement by £400 million in 1994–95. This was entirely on account of additional Government receipts of which lottery duty accounted for £100 million and the time delay between receipt of money for good causes into the national lottery distribution fund and its distribution accounted for a further £300 million. There may have been an indirect effect in the form of a small loss of tax yield, as a result of expenditure switching to the lottery, but this is difficult to quantify.

  Export Prices
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the United Kingdom export prices relative to those of other EEC countries at current rates of exchange for each quarter since 1990. [35198]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  Export price figures for the main manufacturing countries are published by the Central Statistical Office in the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics". These figures are also available on the central database of the Central Statistical Office, which can be accessed through the Library of the House. Figures for the other EC countries can be found in "International Financial Statistics" published monthly by the International Monetary Fund.

  Exchange Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the change in the real rate of exchange relative to those of other EEC countries between the fourth quarter of 1992 and the first quarter of 1994; and what assessment he has made of its effects on(a) the balance of visible trade with EEC and (b) output, employment and investment in the import-competing and export industries. [35200]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to him on 7 March,Official Report, column 102, and on 3 April, Official Report, column 909, and on 10 May, Official Report, column 543.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the fall in the nominal rate against the deutschmark; and if he will indicate United Kingdom export prices for manufactures at current rates of exchange relative to those of the EEC Six and Sweden since the United Kingdom's entry into the exchange rate mechanism. [35212]

  Mrs. Knight
  Data for sterling's exchange rate against other EC members are published by the Central Statistical Office in "Financial Statistics", while export price figures for the main manufacturing countries are published in the "Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics". These figures are also available on the central database of the Central Statistical Office, which can be accessed through the Library of the House.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the effect of a rise of 5 pfennigs
  1263
  against the pound on the rate of inflation in United Kingdom manufacturing. [36291]

  Mrs. Knight
  Inflation in United Kingdom manufacturing depends on a number of factors, including sterling's exchange rate against the deutschmark. It is difficult to isolate the effects of one single factor.

  Imports (Manufactures)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the United Kingdom percentage share of the import market for manufactures in 1970, 1979, 1985 and 1994 for(a) the EEC Six (b) the countries that were members of the European Free Trade Area in 1970, (c) the Irish Republic, (d) the Commonwealth and (e) the combined figures for (a), (b), and (c).

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The information required to calculate these import shares is not readily available, and estimates could be produced only at disproportionate cost.

  Inward Direct Investment
  Mr. Shore
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of total Japanese and American direct investment in the European Community came to the United Kingdom in each year since 1979. [35261]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The UK has attracted the lion's share of the stock of inward direct investment in the European Community. In 1993 the UK had about a third of all investment and over 40 per cent. of US and Japanese inward direct investment in the European Community.

  Comprehensive data for direct investment flows between 1983 and 1992 are published in the OECD's "International Direct Investment Statistics Yearbook 1994", which is available in the House of Commons Library.

  Female Employees
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35676]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  As part of a package of measures designed to ensure equality of opportunity within the department, the Treasury has set flow targets to measure the progress of women and ethnic minority staff. Among these targets are objectives (i) to achieve a pattern of promotion for men and women which is related to their representation in the field; (ii) to increase the proportion of women in the higher grades over time, and (iii) in the longer term, for women to be represented in the most senior grades in the same proportions as they are recruited into the Treasury in the "feeder grades".

  Further measures to encourage the promotion of women include: action to address the perceived "long hours culture" within the Treasury, which is seen as a potential barrier to women; the introduction of an open system of postings within the department up to grade 4 level with the presumption that all posts are open to alternative working patterns except where a valid case is made to the
  1264
  contrary; and flexible working hours made available to more than one third of the staff.

  The Treasury does not have any executive agencies.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35665]

  Mrs. Knight
  The information is not available in the form requested, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Incomes
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the disposable income of households in(a) the lowest decile and (b) the highest decile in 1993 and 1994 for the households with (i) one adult, one child, (ii) one adult, two or more children, (iii) one man, one woman and one child, (iv) one man, one woman, two children (v) one man, one woman, three children, (vi) two adults, four or more children, (vii) three adults, one or more children and (viii) four adults, one or more children, following table 34 in the CSO family spending report for 1992. [34480]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The deciles for 1993 corresponding to those in table 34A of the report on the family expenditure survey for 1992 are given in the table. The figures are estimates from the FES, are subject to sampling variations, and have been rounded to the nearest pound. Data for 1994 are not available.

  Average weekly disposable income (£)

  Lowest decile

  Highest decile

  One adult, one child

  68

  255

  One adult, two or more children

  85

  279

  One man, one woman and one child

  119

  579

  One man, one woman, two children

  161

  649

  One man, one woman, three children

  149

  648

  Two adults, four or more children

  135

  536

  Three adults, one or more children

  198

  674

  Four adults, one or more children

  1—

  1—

  1 Figures are not available as there are too few households in the sample to provide reliable estimates.

  Ms Corston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the disposable income of households in(a) the lowest decile and (b) the highest decile in 1993 and 1994 in actual terms per week, and as a percentage of the median for (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) Greater London—following table 34 in the CSO family spending report for 1992. [34473]

  Mrs. Knight
  The figures for 1993 in the table of average weekly disposable income are from the family expenditure survey. The figures are subject to sampling variations and have been rounded to the nearest ten pence. Data for 1994 are not available.
  1265

  Average weekly disposable income (£)

  As a percentage of the median

  Lowest decile

  Highest decile

  Median

  Lowest decile

  Highest decile

  United Kingdom

  73.00

  553.50

  236.40

  30.9

  234.1

  Greater London

  71.70

  684.90

  257.30

  27.9

  266.2

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the number and percentage of the adult population in each region and nation with less than the average annual national income level in each year since 1992. [34181]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The average hourly earnings for employees in Great Britain on adult rates of pay were £7.56 in 1993 and £7.74 in 1994. The following tables show the numbers in the near earnings survey sample and percentages of those people earning less than the given amounts in the areas requested.

  Corresponding figures for 1992 cannot be produced without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Employees on adult rates whose average gross hourly earnings were less than £7.74: April 1994

  Standard Region

  Sample Number

  Percentage

  South East

  21,663

  54.0

  East Anglia

  3,370

  70.4

  South West

  6,769

  68.1

  West Midlands

  8,242

  70.3

  East Midlands

  6,505

  72.6

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  7,820

  71.3

  North West

  9,281

  68.3

  North

  4,583

  70.9

  England

  68,233

  64.1

  Wales

  3,798

  70.9

  Scotland

  8,420

  68.8

  Employees on adult rates whose average gross hourly earnings were less than £7.56: April 1993.

  Standard Region

  Sample Number

  Percentage

  South East

  22,630

  54.0

  East Anglia

  3,493

  72.0

  South West

  7,083

  68.1

  West Midlands

  8,645

  70.4

  East Midlands

  6,702

  72.6

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  8,239

  71.9

  North West

  9,675

  68.3

  North

  4,673

  71.2

  England

  71,140

  64.2

  Wales

  3,810

  71.3

  Scotland

  8,383

  68

  General Government Financial Deficits
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list for each Budget since 1965, and for the first fiscal year for which each Budget is designed(a) the implied or actual Budget forecast for the general government financial deficit as a proportion
  1266
  of gross domestic product and (b) the net fiscal effect of all Budget tax measures on the economy, expressed as a positive or negative percentage of gross domestic product. [35375]

  Mr. Kenneth Clarke
  The following table sets out the information requested, where available. Forecasts for the general government financial deficit were not published before the 1970 Budget. The net fiscal effect of Budget tax changes was not calculated on the present indexed basis prior to the 1982 Budget.

  Budget forecasts of general government financial deficit and the net fiscal effect of Budget tax measures on the economy expressed as a per cent, of gross domestic product

  Percentage of GDP1

  Date of Budget

  Forecast for year

  GGFD

  Net fiscal effect of Budget tax measures2

  April 1970

  1970–71

  3.4

  —

  March 1971

  1971–72

  1.0

  —

  March 1972

  1972–73

  1.7

  —

  March 1973

  1973–74

  2.6

  —

  March 1974

  1974–75

  0.0

  —

  November 1974

  1974–75

  3.8

  —

  April 1975

  1975–76

  5.1

  —

  April 1976

  1976–77

  5.8

  —

  March 1977

  1977–78

  3.6

  —

  April 1978

  1978–79

  3.7

  —

  June 1979

  1979–80

  2.9

  —

  March 1980

  1980–81

  2.4

  —

  March 1981

  1981–82

  1.5

  —

  March 1982

  1982–83

  1.6

  -0.6

  March 1983

  1983–84

  2.6

  -0.5

  March 1984

  1984–85

  2.6

  0.0

  March 1985

  1985–86

  2.8

  -0.2

  March 1986

  1986–87

  3.4

  0.3

  March 1987

  1987–88

  2.4

  -0.6

  March 1988

  1988–89

  0.5

  -0.8

  March 1989

  1989–90

  -1.1

  -0.4

  March 1990

  1990–91

  -0.2

  0.1

  March 1991

  1991–92

  2.0

  0.1

  March 1992

  1992–93

  5.2

  -0.4

  March 1993

  1993–94

  8.7

  0.1

  November 1993

  1994–95

  6.3

  0.2

  November 1994

  1995–96

  3.7

  -0.2

  1 GDP figures: CSO outturns up to 1994–95 and HMT forecast for 1995–96.

  2 The net effect of tax changes from an indexed basis. [Yield(+)/cost(-)].

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on budget deficit measures used by the United Kingdom's European partners. [34198]

  Mr.Waldegrave
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The United Kingdom's European partners use a variety of budget deficit measures. Most are calculated on a cash basis. A common standardised measure of general government financial deficit is used in the excessive deficits procedure as set out in article 104c and the associated protocol of the treaty on European Union as amended as Maastricht.
  1267

  British Nuclear Fuels Ltd.
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the inclusion of BNFL will be subject to scrutiny by the National Audit Office following its inclusion in the public sector borrowing requirement; and if he will make a statement. [36203]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The inclusion of BNFL in the public sector borrowing requirement statistics is unrelated to the question of scrutiny by the National Audit Office. As a public limited company, BNFL is subject to the normal Companies Act audit requirements, and is not audited by the National Audit Office.

  Pensioners
  Sir Andrew Bowden
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what percentage and number of one adult pensioner households have an average weekly expenditure

  Amount (£ million) of venture capital invested by region

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  South east

  674 (512)

  513 (450)

  550 (412)

  650 (383)

  612 (387)

  South west

  34 (68)

  72 (60)

  125 (77)

  34 (54)

  143 (59)

  East Anglia

  51 (57)

  27 (50)

  33 (59)

  51 (35)

  40 (32)

  West Midlands

  64 (87)

  93 (102)

  88 (112)

  81 (70)

  216(103)

  East Midlands

  70 (81)

  47 (80)

  83 (64)

  46 (63)

  73 (66)

  Yorkshire/Humberside

  57 (75)

  74 (104)

  80 (104)

  37 (92)

  104 (89)

  North west

  38 (64)

  46 (66)

  106 (117)

  168 (95)

  225 (102)

  North

  23 (50)

  21 (45)

  25 (38)

  22 (54)

  79 (58)

  Scotland

  81 (174)

  73 (150)

  96 (98)

  119 (151)

  77 (138)

  Wales

  12 (39)

  17 (57)

  37 (41)

  16 (48)

  73 (37)

  Northern Ireland

  2 (14)

  6 (32)

  28 (25)

  7 (21)

  26 (30)

  Total

  1,106 (1,221)

  989 (1,196)

  1,251 (1,147)

  1,231 (1,066)

  1,668 (1,101)

  Number of companies in brackets.

  Research Projects
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many research projects commissioned by his Department were given to companies based in Scotland in 1993–94 and 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [31891]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 3 July 1995]: The Treasury did not award any research contracts to companies based in Scotland during the years in question.

  Business Rating Appeals
  Ms Coffey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to reduce the waiting time for business rating appeals to be dealt with in central region. [32543]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 6 July 1995]: In line with Valuation Office agency national policy, the current aim is to clear the vast majority of rating appeals made before 1 April 1995 by 31 March 1996.

  It is expected that nationally, England and Wales, 330,000 1990 and 1995 rating list appeals will be cleared during this financial year.

  Deputy Prime Minister
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1268
  of £74.26 or less according to the family expenditure survey 1993, table 4.1. [34823]

  Mrs. Knight
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The percentage of one adult retired households who are mainly dependent on state pensions with average weekly expenditure of £74.26 or less is estimated, from the family expenditure survey 1993, to have been 65 per cent. This figure is subject to sampling variation.

  Venture Capital
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the venture capital spent in each standard region and the number of companies assisted for each of the last available five years. [35411]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: On the basis of figures published by the British Venture Capital Association, the table shows the funds invested in the UK and the number of companies financed, analysed by region.

  what will be the involvement of the Deputy Prime Minister in the work of his Department. [34033]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  holding answer 13 July 1995]: I have nothing to add to the reply given by the Prime Minister on 11 July to the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger), Official Report, columns 496–97.

  Department of Employment
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer which of the former Department of Employment's responsibilities his Department has now taken on; and which Minister is in charge of each area of responsibility. [34042]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The Treasury has not taken on any of the former Department of Employment's responsibilities, but the Central Statistical Office has taken over responsibility for the production of employment statistics and labour market surveys. I am the Minister with responsibility for the Central Statistical Office.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the work his Department has carried out in the last 12 months in making
  1269
  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. [34687]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  The Treasury launched its own Internet service on 15 November 1994.

  Material is provided on the Treasury's own Internet server on the World Wide Web. In addition to the World Wide Web, the same information can be obtained by electronic mail or by file transfer, FTP.

  The addresses are:

  Email mailing lists: maillist@hm-treasury.gov.uk

  Email file transfer: ftpmail@hm-treasury.gov.uk

  File Transfer (FTP): ftp.hm-treasury.gov.uk

  World Wide Web: http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk

  The service gives details of the Budget, including my right hon. and learned Friend's Budget statement and all the Budget news releases.

  Other documents that are available include Treasury news releases, speeches, minutes of my right hon. and learned Friend's monthly monetary meetings with the Governor of the Bank of England, reports of the panel of independent forecasters and details of the fundamental expenditure review of Treasury running costs.

  There is a continuing programme to add more services including articles about specific topics of economic interest.

  It is anticipated that individual e-mail addresses will be allocated later this year and the dedicated post of Internet editor will shortly be filled.

  The Treasury's system can be accessed directly using any one of the addresses I have set out. In addition users can find the Treasury pages either on the "www.open.gov.uk" Government World Wide Web Server or through the server of the Central Office of Information. The Treasury's pages are, in both cases, linked by hypertext.

  At the moment, users can also obtain help about the service using electronic mail. The address is "info@hm-treasury.gov.uk".

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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. [34691]

  Mr. Jack
  The Government recognise the importance of the small firms sector and are firmly committed to supporting it. Policy centres around providing the right environment in which small firms can succeed by creating a favourable economic climate with low inflation and stable 1270
  interest rates, reducing administrative and regulatory burdens and providing direct assistance where required.

  Specific examples of measures to help small firms, announced in my right hon. and learned Friend's last Budget were:

  reduction in employers national insurance contributions to make it cheaper to take on new staff;

  an extension of the existing scheme of transitional arrangements to ease the impact of the revaluation in business rates;

  enhancements to venture capital trusts and the enterprise investment scheme to promote investment in growing firms;

  consultation on the development of a financial management certificate and a review of the loan guarantee scheme to widen small firms' access to finance;

  various measures to reduce the burdens on small businesses, including consultation on a move to annual VAT returns and payments for small businesses and a simplified scheme of VAT accounting for small traders, closer alignment of national insurance contributions and income tax, an increase in the VAT registration threshold and a reduction in the penalty for failing to register for VAT.

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

  Fuel and Power Expenditure
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the average household's expenditure on fuel and power in each year since 1985, by region. [34177]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: Estimates of the weekly average household expenditure by region are shown in successive published reports of the family expenditure survey.

  Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34598]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: There have been 33 redundancies in the Treasury over the past 12 months. All were voluntary.

  The costs are a mixture of benefits payable immediately—which may include compensation lump sum and/or pension—plus costs arising over a longer term—that is, the annual compensation to staff under the age of 60. The total immediate cost is about £1.4 million and the longer-term costs are about £2.2 million spread over the next 10 years.

  Staff Sickness
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many days were lost in sickness in the last 12 months by employees in his Department(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34597]
  1271
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: In the period 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995, 19,480 days were registered as being lost due to sickness in HM Treasury. Where absences fall both before and after a weekend or public holiday, the weekend or public holiday is counted as part of the absence even though they are not "working days". It has not been possible, in the time available, to adjust the figures to present these absences as a proportion of the total number of days worked. Information is not held centrally that would enable the cost of such absence to be calculated, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Fire Safety Legislation
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if the review team's report regarding fire safety legislation and enforcement matter arising from the deregulation proposals has now been considered; and when he expects to be able to make a statement on the outcome. [34237]

  Mr. Beith
  To ask the First Secretary of State when the fire safety legislation and enforcement review was published; when the consultation period ended; when the Government response will be published; and what factors have been responsible for any delay with publication. [34447]

  Mr. Freeman
  "The Interdepartmental Review of Fire Safety Legislation and Enforcement" was published on 22 June 1994 and the consultation period ended on 31 October 1994. There were over 460 responses, many of them raising important and complex issues. The deregulation task force, set up to help the Government promote deregulation, is now being consulted about the way ahead on fire regulation and enforcement, including our emerging findings on the review. The Government's response will be announced as soon as this process is complete.

  Regional Offices (Directors)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will state for each regional Government office, the civil servant with overall responsibility, his department and his annual salary. [36112]

  Mr. Freeman
  The civil servants with overall responsibility for each integrated regional office are listed below:

  Integrated regional office

  Regional Director

  Parent department

  Grade

  London

  Mr. R. U. Young

  Department of the Environment

  Grade 2

  Eastern Region

  Mr. J. Turner

  Department for Education and Employment

  Grade 3

  East Midlands

  Mr. H. M. Lanyon

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Grade 3

  Merseyside

  Mr. J. F. Stoker

  Department of the Environment

  Grade 3

  North East

  Mrs. P. A. Denham

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Grade 3

  1272

  Integrated regional office

  Regional Director

  Parent department

  Grade

  North West

  Miss M. T. Neville-Rolfe

  Department of Trade and Industry

  Grade 3

  South East

  Mrs. G. M. Ashmore

  Department of Transport

  Grade 3

  South West

  Mr. B. H. Leonard

  Department of the Environment

  Grade 3

  West Midlands

  Mr. D. R. Ritchie

  Department of the Environment

  Grade 3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  Mr. J. C. M. Walker

  Department for Education and Employment

  Grade 3

  The salary range for a grade 2 is from £67,500 to £98,000 and for a grade 3 from £55,000 to £82,500.

  St. Bride's Minor (Land Sale)
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will place in the Library the documentation relating to the sale of lands in the parish of Saint Bride's Minor, including Coiety Wallia common by the Duchy of Lancaster to the Dunraven estate. [35936]

  Mr. Freeman
  I understand that the question of title to the lands in the parish of St. Bride's Minor was discussed at some length with the hon. Member for Bridgend at a meeting attended by representatives of the Duchy of Lancaster and of the Dunraven estate in the House earlier this year.

  If the hon. Member wishes to see the documents relating to the disposal of the Duchy's interest in that land, he is welcome to attend the Duchy of Lancaster Office at 1 Lancaster place, Strand where they will be made available to him.

  Ministerial Cars
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Prime Minister what make and type of Government car will be allocated to the Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary; and what will be the cost of such a vehicle to the Exchequer, including the annual cost of the chauffeur. [34013]

  Mr. Freeman
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State does not use a car or driver from the Government car service. However he uses a car, together with a driver, on cost terms to the public service fully equivalent to the usual ministerial transport arrangements provided by the GCS—currently £43,628 per annum, excluding VAT.

  The full terms of this arrangement are set out in a letter dated 16 March 1995, agreed when he was President of the Board of Trade. A copy of this letter has been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35459]
  1273
  Mr. Horam
  The numbers of permanent industrial and non-industrial staff on 1 April 1995—before the recent machinery of Government changes—on a headcount basis were as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Office of Public Service and Science (excluding agencies)

  521

  4

  327

  49

  Chessington Computer Centre

  193

  2

  164

  59

  Civil Service College

  114

  5

  108

  53

  Occupational Health and Safety Agency

  22

  0

  71

  10

  Recruitment and Assessment Services Agency

  42

  1

  82

  12

  Central Office of Information

  298

  1

  200

  13

  HM Stationery Office

  1,982

  11

  857

  109

  Total

  3,172

  24

  1,809

  305

  The breakdown by grade of non-industrial staff is as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Grade 1A

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 3

  8

  0

  2

  0

  Grade 4

  5

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  29

  0

  12

  1

  Grade 6

  48

  1

  8

  1

  Grade 7

  213

  7

  55

  11

  SEO

  109

  0

  37

  6

  AT/HEO(D)

  49

  0

  18

  0

  HEO

  135

  0

  74

  13

  EO

  178

  2

  137

  33

  AO

  140

  0

  236

  61

  AA

  28

  1

  65

  24

  Assistant Economist

  12

  0

  2

  0

  Assistant Statistician

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Senior Information Officer

  62

  0

  40

  3

  Information Officer

  71

  0

  43

  9

  Assistant Information Officer

  11

  0

  7

  0

  Senior Librarian

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Librarian

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Assistant Librarian

  1

  0

  1

  1

  Legal Officer

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Legal Trainee

  0

  0

  4

  0

  Senior P and T Officer

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Personal Secretary

  0

  0

  26

  1

  Personal Secretary

  0

  0

  64

  9

  Typist

  0

  0

  34

  13

  Higher Scientific Officer

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Psychologist

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Psychologist

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Support Manager 3

  3

  0

  1

  0

  Support Grade Band 1

  11

  0

  6

  0

  Support Grade Band 2

  36

  2

  18

  1

  Senior Telecomms. Technical Officer

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Principal Occupational Health Advisor

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Senior Occupational Health Advisor

  1

  0

  8

  0

  Occupational Health Advisor

  3

  0

  15

  1

  Occupational Health Practitioner

  1

  0

  8

  2

  Occupational Health Nurse

  0

  0

  7

  3

  Office Administrator

  1

  0

  10

  2

  Principal Medical Officer

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Medical Officer

  3

  0

  2

  0

  Medical Officer

  2

  0

  2

  1

  1274

  The breakdown by grade of non-industrial staff is as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Chief Occupational Hygiene Safety Officer

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Principal Hygiene and Safety Advisor

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Senior Safety and Hygiene Advisor

  1

  0

  2

  0

  Hygiene and Safety Advisor

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Ungraded Staff

  1,979

  11

  875

  109

  Total

  3,161

  24

  1,809

  305

  No breakdown of industrial staff by grade is available.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the First Secretary of State (1) pursuant to his answer of 13 July,Official Report, column 712, how many times a behavioural condition has been applied to a civil servant leaving the Crown service in each of the last three years; and if he will break down the figures by Department; [35853]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 13 July, Official Report, column 712, if he will list the types of behavioural conditions applied during the last year to civil servants leaving the Crown service by Government Department; [35852]

  (3) how many civil servants have left the service of the Crown under the business appointment rules in each Government Department in each of the last three years. [35830]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide answers before the summer recess. I shall therefore be writing to the hon. Member and will place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Mr. Wicks
  To ask the First Secretary of State if he will make a statement on the number of civil servants in each Department who have either been made redundant or have sought early retirement; and if he will set out the pension and other public costs. [35821]

  The Deputy Prime Minister
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore be writing to the hon. Member and will place a copy of the letter in the Library.

HEALTH

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health 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 them and the total cost to public funds in each case, including that of officials for each year since 1992. [32254]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that the then Minister for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney), gave the hon. Member for Newport, East (Mr. Hughes) on 3 November 1994,Official Report, columns 222–24, for information covering the period April 1992 to mid-October 1993.
  1275
  Information on the dates, destinations and purpose of visits made by my right hon. Friend and ministerial colleagues since 14 October 1993 is shown in the table. The total cost of overseas travel by Ministers and private secretaries in each financial year is also shown.

  Information on officials accompanying Ministers could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  FINANCIAL YEAR APRIL 1993 TO MARCH 1994

  Minister of State for Health—Dr. Mawhinney

  7–15 November 1993

  USA

  Fact finding visit in connection with Ministerial responsibilities

  13 December 1993

  Brussels

  EC Health Council

  Total spend for 7th November to March 1994

  £4,653

  FINANCIAL YEAR APRIL 1994—MARCH 1995

  Secretary of State for Health

  17–18 November 1994

  Brussels

  To address OECD High Level Conference of National Experts on Health Reform

  1 December 1994

  Paris

  World AIDS Summit

  21–22 December 1994

  Brussels

  EC Health Council

  13–17 March 1995

  Japan

  Trade Mission to promote inward investment (Prescribe UK)

  Minister of State for Health—Dr. Mawhinney

  4 March 1994

  Dublin

  Meeting with Irish Health Minister

  30 March 1994

  Brussels

  EC Health Council—Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) meeting

  19 June 1994

  Helsinki

  European Conference on environmental health

  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State—

  Mr. Bowis OBE

  3 February 1994

  Strasburg

  European Council Meeting on Drugs

  13 May 1994

  Rhodes Island

  Greek Presidency Conference on heart disease

  2 June 1994

  Luxembourg

  EC Health Council

  30 June 1994

  Amsterdam

  EC Health Council

  18–24 September 1994

  Amsterdam; Germany; Hungary

  Fact finding visit on Child care, drug abuse,a nd AIDS. Also signing Health Co-operation plan in Hungary

  1 January 1995

  Lebanon

  Council for Advancement in Arab British Understanding

  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State—

  Baroness Cumberlege CBE

  3–4 May 1995

  Geneva

  World Health Assembly

  17–18 June 1994

  Paris

  AIDS Summit

  Total annual spend

  £20,507

  FINANCIAL YEAR APRIL 1995 TO DATE

  Secretary of State for Health

  2–3 May 1995

  Geneva

  World Health Assembly

  29 May-2 June 1995

  USA

  Fact finding visit in connection with Ministerial responsibilities

  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State—

  Mr. Bowis OBE

  1–2 June 1995

  Luxembourg

  EC Health Council

  22 June 1995

  Copenhagen

  European Social Services Conference

  1276

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State—

  Mr. Sackville

  25–28 April

  Hamburg; Hanover; Dresden

  Trade mission to promote health exports

  Total spend to end May 1995

  £17,710

  Research
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out(a) into women's nutrition and lifestyle, (b) in respect of an international stroke trial, (c) in respect of a randomised controlled trial of counselling and antidepressants in primary care and (d) into the use of the stroke test to examine monothematic delusional states; what were the findings; and if he will make a statement. [34046]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table.

  Title

  Researcher/Establishment

  (a) Research relating to women and lifestyle

  Further analysis of data from the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (ends January 1996)

  Mrs. K. Wellings, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Mrs. J. Wordsworth, St. Mary's Hospital

  Evaluation of smoking cessation training pack for health care professionals working with young mothers (ends September 1995)

  Professor H. Graham, University of Warwick

  Protective factors in adolescent smokers (ends March 1996)

  Dr. J. Holland and Professor A. Oakley, University of London

  Quantative/behavioural study: why do adolescent girls smoke? (ends January 1996)

  Dr. Lloyd, University of Sussex

  A comparative study of the daily lives and smoking behaviour of working class women with children (ended December 1994)

  Professor H. Graham, University of Warwick

  Preventing relapses to smoking in pregnant women (ends December 1997)

  Dr. P. Hajar, London Hospital Medical School, and Dr. R. West, St. George's Hospital

  Health care delivery to drug-using pregnant women (ends December 1995)

  Dr. H. Klee, Metropolitan University Manchester

  The effects of passive smoking; analysis of data on the effects of mother and foetus in pregnancy (ended early 1994)

  Professor J. Golding, University of Bristol

  Prostitution and HIV related risk behaviour—a study of drug-using prostitutes, their clients and their health care needs (ended 1992)

  Mrs. J. Faugier, University of Warwick

  (b) International stroke trial

  International stroke trial to randomise 20,000 acute stroke patients between treatment with aspirin, heparin, both or neither—funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC—ends 1997)

  Dr. P. Sandercock and Professor C. Warlow, Edinburgh University

  1277

  Title

  Researcher/ Establishment

  (c) Randomised controlled trial of counselling and antidepressants in primary care

  Randomised controlled trial of counselling and antidepressants in primary care—funded by the MRC (ends 1997)

  Dr. Lewis, Institute of Psychiatry, London

  A comparison of the efficacy and cost effectiveness of counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, and usual treatment by general practitioner for patients with depression and mixed anxiety and depression

  National Health Service Research and Development Programme funding

  To establish the efficacy and cost effectiveness of counselling in primary care for patients with chronic depression and anxiety

  National Health Service Research and Development Programme funding

  (d) Research into the use of stroop test to examine monothematic delusional states

  To examine the clinical features and nosological status of eating disorders of childhood onset—in addition to other measures stroop paradigm will be used to measure the extent of psychopathological disturbance in children with eating disorders—funded by the MRC (ends 1988)

  Professor Cooper, Institute of Child Health

  Note:

  1. In relation to (a), within a developing area of study, in collaboration with the MRC, the Department is undertaking several studies on the nutrition of adult men and women, and with children.

  2. In relation to (b), the Stroop paradigm or test is a psychological test of information processing. The classical Stroop paradigm consists of a colour word. These may be either congruent (eg the word RED with a red coloured patch) or incongruent (eg the word BLUE with a red patch). When subjects are asked to read the word of identify the colour of the patch, the reaction time is slowed in the incongruous situation; this is known as the Stroop effect and is related to a more general psychological effect known as latent inhibition.

  Radiation
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what investigations his Department is currently undertaking in respect of research relating to radiation tests on humans. [34463]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Battersea (Mr. Bowis), gave the hon. Member for Blaenan Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 18 July.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Michael Spicer
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the hon. Member for Worcestershire, South can expect to receive a reply to his letter of 24 May to the hon. Member for Winchester. [35330]

  Mr. Malone
  I replied today.

  GP Fundholding
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of savings made by fundholding general practitioners have been used to increase the value of premises(a) nationally, (b) in South Yorkshire FHSAs and (c) in Rotherham FHSA. [36174]
  1278
  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total cost of general practice fundholding in management allowances and start-up costs of buying computers since it started. [35524]

  Mr. Malone
  The available information is in the table.

  £ million

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–951

  Practice fundholding in management allowances

  6

  14

  29

  49

  66

  General practitioner fundholding computers1

  n/a

  12

  18

  19

  19

  The data are estimates based on information reported by family health services authorities.

  1 Information on expenditure incurred in 1994–95 is not yet available. The information given is the total sums allocated.

  2 Prior to 1993–94, centrally collected data did not differentiate between fundholding and general medical services computer costs. Therefore the data for years 1990–91 to 1992–93 for computers to support fundholding are estiamted from the total expenditure on computers to support general practitioners.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence his Department has on whether general practice fundholding has affected the principle of equal access to treatment. [35521]

  Mr. Malone
  The aim of resource allocation in the national health service is to ensure that purchasers are allocated their patients' fair share of local NHS resources. It is then for purchasers to secure the most appropriate balance of services to meet their patients' needs within patients charter guarantees and national guidelines—including the 1991 agreement with the medical profession, which made it clear that provider units may not offer contracts to one purchaser which would disadvantage the patients of other purchasers.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will review the ability of general practitioner fundholders to retain savings for up to four years; and how much of the total savings have been so retained; [35525]

  (2) if he will review the rules affecting the savings made by general practitioner fundholders; and if he will make a statement. [35520]

  Mr. Malone
  The general practitioner fundholding scheme is kept under constant review, including how efficiency savings can be used for the benefit of patients.

  In the first three years of the scheme fundholders achieved efficiency savings of about 3.5 to 4 per cent. of budgets set amounting to around £110 million.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the recommendations in the 27th report of the Committee of Public Accounts, HC264 of the present Session, on general practitioner fundholding. [35582]

  Mr. Malone
  The Government will respond to this report in the normal way.
  1279

  NHS Trusts (Pensions)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid in pensions to former directors of NHS trusts in each of the last three years. [35834]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid in pension contributions to NHS trust executive members in each of the last three years. [35832]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally. Trust executive members are eligible for membership of the national health service pension scheme in the same way as other employees.

  Skin Conditions
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimates have been made as to the extra financial costs incurred by an average family unit as a result of a child having eczema; [35929]

  (2) what studies his Department has undertaken to assess the disruption caused to an average family where one child has eczema. [35930]

  Mr. Sackville
  None.

  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints have been received about poor quality gloves causing skin reactions between(a) 1990 to 1994 and (b) 1994–95. [35931]

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of adverse incidents notified to the Medical Devices Agency from 1990 to 1994 were five and for 1994–95 three.

  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimates his Department has made as to the number of surgeons' hours lost as a result of skin diseases contracted by the use of poor quality rubber gloves; [35800]

  (2) what estimates his Department has made as to the treatment costs of treating a child with eczema. [35928]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Brook Hospital
  Mr. John Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what date services from the Brook hospital will transfer to the Queen Elizabeth military hospital, Woolwich; what was the target date for transfer; and if he will make a statement. [25938]

  Mr. Sackville
  Greenwich Healthcare national health service trust intends to begin the transfer of services from the Brook Hospital to the Queen Elizabeth military hospital as close to the target of mid-August as possible. Clearly the highest priority is to ensure that local residents continue to have access to safe and effective health services.

  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the number of redundancies as a result of the impending closures of the Brook hospital and the Queen Elizabeth military hospital, Woolwich; if he will 1280
  provide a breakdown by occupation showing the numbers of NHS and MoD staff redundant; and if he will make a statement. [35939]

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for Greenwich Healthcare national health service trust, in discussion with the Ministry of Defence. The hon. Member may wish to contact the chairman of the trust, Mr. Richard Baglin, for details.

  Chronic Disease Management
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the availability of special illness clinics; and if he will list the reimbursements available to general practitioners for organising special illness clinics. [35862]

  Mr. Sackville
  Over 90 per cent. of general practitioners are running organised programmes of chronic disease management of £365 for patients with asthma or diabetes. Participating GPs receive an annual payment for setting up and overseeing a practice programme for either disease.

  Poisons Unit
  Mr. Illsley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 4 April,Official Report, column 1037, which reports produced by the poisons unit are in the public domain; against which product action has been recommended; and what action has been taken so far. [36323]

  Mr. Sackville
  The poisons unit produces reports for the Department of Health, European Community and World Health Organisation. Several of the case reports considered by the Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment were published in a scientific journal in 1994.

  Officials within the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are discussing the best ways of taking the COT's advice forward.

  NHS Funding
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the real change in total health expenditure between 1979 and 1994; and what was the average cost of this expenditure per taxpayer over the period. [36308]

  Mr. Sackville
  Net Government expenditure on the national health service increased by 61.1 per cent. in real terms between 1978–79 and 1993–94, or £10,977 million at 1993–94 prices. This increase is equivalent to £523 per taxpayer.

  Remuneration of Auditors
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 July,Official Report, columns 930–31, if he will provide 1992–93 regional data on the remuneration of auditors. [36177]
  1281
  Mr. Sackville
  The 1992–93 summarised accounts show the cost of the audit of the accounts as £16.2 million. This total cannot be reliably attributed to individual regions and is not comparable with figures for 1993–94.

  Illegal Drugs
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is his assessment of the relative toxicity of(a) cannabis, (b) heroin/morphine and (c) cocaine and their capacity to create addition. [35877]

  Mr. Bowis
  There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with the misuse of drugs, the extent of which may vary according to the individual misuser and the drug misused. Heroin, morphine, cocaine, cannabis and other psychotropic drugs have the potential to create dependency, the severity of which will also vary.

  Scientology
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will institute an investigation into the effects on the psychological health of young people in the United Kingdom of the methods used by the Church of Scientology; and if he will make a statement. [35828]

  Mr. Bowis
  We have no current plans to do so.

  NHS Staff
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) nurses and midwives and (b) doctors have worked in (i) the acute and (ii) the community sector of the NHS in each of the last three years. [35848]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is shown in the tables.

  Doctors as at 30 September each year (whole-time equivalents)

  Hospital

  Community

  1991

  41,430

  2,780

  1992

  42,290

  2,600

  1993

  43,800

  2,590

  Figures exclude locums, and are rounded to the nearest 10. General practitioners and dental staff are not included.

  Nursing and midwifery staff (excluding agency) working withinhospitals and the community sector of the NHS as at 30 Septembereach year (Whole time equivalents)

  Hospital

  Community

  1991

  339,300

  56,610

  1992

  325,370

  57,290

  1993

  307,870

  57,750

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest ten.

  2. The decrease in hospital nursing and midwifery staff are mainly a result of the fall in the number of learners and the exclusion of Project 2000 students. Project 2000 students are bursary paid and are not employed by the NHS. There were around 10,500 Project 2000 students in 1991, 18,300 in 1992 and 28,000 in 1993.

  3. Figures exclude nursing and midwifery staff working in centrally based services, blood transfusion services, which are not based in hospitals, and administrative nursing and midwifery staff.

  4. Figures for community nursing and midwifery staff include practice nurses.
  1282

  Training in New Techniques
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the measures in place to ensure surgeons practising keyhole surgery have the proper training; and if he will make a statement. [35864]

  Mr. Malone
  The Department of Health and the Wolfson Foundation have established two minimal access therapy training units, in London and Leeds, to improve and increase the availability of facilities for training clinicians and other health care professionals in this developing field of diagnosis and treatment. The medical royal colleges, which are responsible for the standards and content of training, have issued guidelines for training in the safe use of minimal access techniques.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures are in place to ensure that new treatments and techniques have been proved safe and effective and that doctors are properly trained to use them; and if he will make a statement. [35863]

  Mr. Malone
  The medical royal colleges are responsible for determining the content of training and the standard to be achieved. Clearly, this training must be up to date and include new treatments and techniques that have proved safe and effective. One example of good practice in this area is the guidance published by the surgical royal colleges for the safe introduction of new techniques into surgical clinical practice, including the new development of keyhole surgery.

  The national health service increasingly adopts an evidence-based approach to decisions about the treatment of patients. Discussions are taking place with the medical royal colleges about the development of a system for identifying major new technologies in the NHS and for ensuring that appropriate decisions are made about the sort of evaluations required before a procedure comes into wider use.

  Tower Hamlets (Population)
  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will give a breakdown of the current population usually resident in Tower Hamlets by enumeration district for the quinary age groups. [35772]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information requested has been taken from the 1991 "Census of Population for England and Wales Small Area Statistics" and will be placed in the Library.

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 July,Official Report, column 928, on early retirement of consultants, if he will provide such national information as is available for each quarter over the last five years; and if he will make its policy to collate regional information. [36207]

  Mr. Malone
  Information on early retirements of consultants by quarter, over the last five years, is not currently available centrally.

  I have no plans to collate information about consultant early retirements on a regional basis.
  1283

  Performance-related Pay
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been paid to trust board executive members in performance-related pay in each of the last three years. [35831]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally.

  Contracting Out
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which services currently provided by regional health authorities are being considered for provision by outside contractors when regional health authorities are abolished from April 1996; which services have already been put out to tender; and which companies won the tender in the case of contracts already awarded. [35829]

  Mr. Sackville
  Details of services formerly or currently provided by regional health authorities that have recently been sold or transferred to outside contractors, or whose future is still under consideration will be placed in the Library.

  NHS Trusts (Compensation Payments)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much compensation has been paid for loss of office to trust board members in each of the last three years. [35833]

  Mr. Malone
  In 1993–94, a total of £985,000 was paid as compensation for loss of office to executive members of national health service trust boards. Information relating to earlier years is not available. Information relating to 1994–95 will not be available until later this year.

  Chairmen and non-executive members of NHS trusts are not entitled to receive compensation payments for loss of office.

  Source:

  NHS trust summarisation schedules.

  Asthma
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on trends in the incidence of asthma attacks in Shropshire and surrounding areas in the past five weeks; and what factors are considered to have affected them; and if he will make a statement. [35865]

  Mr. Sackville
  The hon. Member may wish to contact Councillor D. G. Lloyd, chairman of Shropshire health authority, for details.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what comparative studies his Department has made of the effectiveness of prescribing methods adopted by(a) fundholding and (b) non-fundholding general practitioners for asthma patients; and if he will make a statement. [34441]

  Mr. Malone
  No comparative studies have been carried out. However, at October 1994, around 90 per cent. both of fundholding and of non-fundholding general practitioners were providing chronic disease management programmes for asthma and diabetes.
  1284

  Secure Units
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total amount of money allocated for provision of secure units for young people in(a) England and Wales and (b) each region of England and Wales in 1995–96 and in the past four years. [36258]

  Mr. Bowis
  I will write to the hon. Member about the figures for England. Figures for Wales are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the current costs per place of secure units for young offenders; and what is the current(a) average cost, (b) highest cost and (c) lowest weekly cost of placement in such a unit. [36259]

  Mr. Bowis
  This information is not available centrally.

  NHS Purchasing
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what systems are in place to guarantee that hospitals cannot offer contracts to one purchaser which would disadvantage the patients of another purchaser; and if he will make a statement on the methods of detection and correction in place. [35523]

  Mr. Sackville
  Joint guidance issued by the Department of Health and the Joint Consultants Committee in 1991 said that provider units may not offer contracts to one purchaser which would disadvantage the patients of other purchasers. Compliance with this, as with other departmental guidance, is secured through the normal performance management processes.

  Ranfall Nurses Residence, Sheffield
  Mr. Ashton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will investigate the sale of Ranfall, a health authority nurses residence on Ranmoor Park road, Sheffield to Sheffield university without an offer for public sale by auction or tender. [36347]

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for Trent regional health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact Keith Ackroyd CBE, the regional chairman, for details.

  Medicines Commission
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to receive the annual report for 1994 of the Medicines Commission. [36554]

  Mr. Sackville
  We have received the report, and copies have been today laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) of the Medicines Act 1968.

  Bound volumes have been placed in the Library containing the 1994 reports of the Medicines Commission, the Committee on Safety of Medicines, the Committee on Dental and Surgical Materials, the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homoeopathic Products, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission and the Veterinary Products Committee.

  We are glad to pay tribute to the valuable work done by the distinguished members of the Medicines Act advisory bodies and thank them warmly for the time

  1285
  and effort they contribute in the public interest to this most important field.

  National Health Service Pensions Agency
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will approve and publish the annual report and accounts of the NHS Pensions Agency. [36630]

  Mr. Sackville
  I have approved the report and accounts which have today been laid before both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the requirements of section 5(2) and 5(3) of the Exchequer and Audit Departments Act 1921.

  Copies will be placed in the Library.

  Hospital Telecommunication
  Mr. Alfred Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he will he making to the published survey of the provision in hospitals of telecommunication facilities for hard-of-hearing people, conducted for the Communication Workers Union by Hearing Concern, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement. [34873]

  Mr. Bowis
  We are pleased to note the improvements in provision.

  NHS Low Income Scheme
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to simplify the AC1 claim form for health benefits and the eligibility criteria for health benefits; [35527]

  (2) how many AC1 claim forms for health benefits were received in each of the last five years; how many were incorrectly filled in; and how much each one costs to process. [35528]

  Mr. Malone
  The national health service low income scheme was reviewed during 1991 to 1993. As the then Minister for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney), stated on 15 February at column 669, a large number of proposals had been considered but none had been identified for immediate change within what could be afforded. Form AG1 is kept under review and improvements made as and when the opportunity arises. In 1994–95 the estimated cost of processing an AG1 claim form was about £4.60. The available information about the number of AG1 claims received is shown in the table.

  Year

  Number of AG1 claim forms received

  1990–91

  1,017,739

  1991–92

  1,166,960

  1992–93

  1,203,825

  1993–94

  1,265,837

  1994–95

  1,300,963

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much the health benefits scheme costs to run in total, and how much is expended in the benefits provided and to how many recipients in each benefit category. [35526]
  1286
  Mr. Malone
  The information is shown in the table.

  National health service low income scheme: operating costs andexpenditure/revenue foregone on health benefits inEngland in 1994–95

  Item

  Expenditure/revenue foregone [£ million]

  Operating costs1

  6.0

  Prescription charge revenue foregone2

  273.2

  Dental charge revenue foregone3

  193.3

  Expenditure on free/reduced cost sight tests4

  534.8

  Expenditure on optical vouchers4

  677.5

  Notes:

  1 Expenditure by the Prescription Pricing Authority. The expenditure includes the administration costs of the Authority's Health Benefits Division (HBD) in handling claims for health benefits under the NHS Low Income Scheme from people in Great Britain.

  2 In respect of prescribed items dispensed free of charge to recipients of Income Support and Family Credit, holders of AG2 NHS charges certificates for full help and their partners.

  3 In respect of treatment provided to recipients of Income Support and Family Credit, holders of AG2 NHS charges certificates for full help and holders of AG3 NHS charges certificates for limited help and their partners.

  4 For recipients of Income Support and Family Credit, holders of AG2 NHS charges certificates for full help and holders of AG3 NHS charges certificates for limited help and their partners.

  5Provisional figure. Includes the cost of domiciliary sight tests for housebound patients.

  6 Provisional figure. Includes the cost of vouchers for repairs and replacements.

  Public Interest Immunity Certificates
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many public interest immunity certificates have been signed in each year since 1979 by the Secretary of State for Health. [35600]

  Mr. Sackville
  There was no Secretary of State for Health between 1968 and 1988. Two public interest immunity certificates were made by the Secretary of State for Health between then and 1995—one in 1993 and one in 1994.

  Listeria
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice his Department gives to pregnant women about the dangers of listeria. [35598]

  Mr. Sackville
  Advice to pregnant women about listeriosis is contained in the Department's free booklet, "While You Are Pregnant: Safe Eating and How to Avoid Infection From Food and Animals", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of listeriosis have been reported in each year since 1967. [35596]

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of cases of listeriosis reported to the Public Health Laboratory Service in England and Wales between 1967 and 1995 is as follows:

  Year

  Number

  1967

  25

  1968

  26

  1969

  23

  1970

  30

  1287

  Year

  Number

  1971

  21

  1972

  28

  1973

  25

  1974

  28

  1975

  39

  1976

  31

  1977

  47

  1978

  87

  1979

  70

  1980

  75

  1981

  86

  1982

  77

  1983

  115

  1984

  115

  1985

  149

  1986

  137

  1987

  259

  1988

  291

  1989

  250

  1990

  118

  1991

  130

  1992

  108

  1993

  106

  1994

  1113

  1995

  216

  These figures include a few cases from Northern Ireland.

  1Provisional data.

  2 Provisional data for first quarter.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to continue to make the public aware of the dangers of listeria in certain food. [35597]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department keeps the need for advice to the public on food safety issues under ongoing review.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what new information regarding the potential of listeria in certain foods became available in 1989 that was not available in 1987; [35716]

  (2) when the Chief Medical Officer first brought the dangers of listeria to the attention of his Department and the Secretary of State for Health. [35717]

  Mr. Sackville
  The timing of the Department's advice to the public on food borne listeriosis is being considered as part of a current court case, and I cannot comment further at present.

  Dr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish figures for the number of(a) miscarriages, (b) stillbirths, (c) neo-natal deaths, (d) maternal deaths and (e) birth defects which are known to have occurred relating to pregnancy associated cases of listeriosis since 1985; and if he will make a statement; [24224]

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported cases there have been in each year since 1967 of(a) stillbirths, (b) miscarriages, (c) congenital abnormalities and (d) child deaths that can be attributed to listeriosis. [35599]

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: I refer the right hon. Member and the hon. Member to the reply that I gave the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 18 July for information about stillbirths and infant deaths between 1 July 1985 and 31 January 1989 in England and Wales where
  1288
  listeriosis was mentioned on the stillbirth or death certificate. There have been no maternal deaths relating to pregnancy associated cases of listeriosis since 1985. There are no known congenital malformations in the new born associated with in utero listeria infection. Information about miscarriages is not collected centrally. The further information requested can only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  NHS Staff
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives have been introduced to combat shortages of doctors with the NHS in the past 12 months. [35517]

  Mr. Malone
  We have supported a range of intiatives in the last 12 months to ensure an appropriate supply of doctors.

  The NHS Executive is encouraging part-time training to allow doctors to train flexibly to accommodate changes in their personal circumstances. To aid the expansion of flexible training, the quotas for training posts have been removed. The new deal on junior doctors' hours has continued to provide an impetus to increase the number of medical posts in the NHS.

  The specialist workforce advisory group, which includes representatives of the medical profession and the NHS, has conducted intense reviews of specialties and its recommendations will be presented to the advisory group on medical education, training and staffing.

  The medical workforce standing advisory committee recommended an increase of 500, or 11 per cent., in the target medical school intake. We have accepted this recommendation, and will be discussing its implementation with interested parties.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on shortages of staff within the NHS; and if he will make a statement on the impact of shortages on the provision of services within the health service. [35518]

  Mr. Malone
  It is for national health service employers to decide the numbers of staff and skills levels they require. There are no general indications of significant recruitment or retention problems. In certain specialist area, however there are known to be some local difficulties.

  Child Care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much his Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for the over-fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35553]

  Mr. Bowis
  During 1995–96 more than £1 million in grant aid has been made available by the Department to voluntary organisations to support day care services for young children which includes more than £500,000 specifically allocated to our out of school initiative. For 1995–96, almost £1.8 billion has been made available for all children's services but it is for local authorities themselves to decide the allocation of resources to
  1289
  particular services such as child care. In 1993–94, the latest period for which complete information is available, local authorities in England spent £136 million on day nurseries and play groups for the under-fives. A further £98 million was spent on childminding/day fostering and family centres; this figure includes expenditure on children of all ages.

  Information on the amount of day care provision for children under eight, including the type of facilities provided, was published in "Children's Day Care Facilities at 31 March 1994, England A/F 94/6", copies of which are available in the Library.

  NHS Trusts (Private Sector Purchasing)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 28 June,Official Report, column 684, what has been the average expenditure per trust on purchasing care from the private sector in each year since 1990–91. [35586]

  Mr. Sackville
  The first national health service trusts were established in April 1991. The average expenditure per national health service trust on the purchase of healthcare from non-national health service providers is shown in the table.

  Year

  Number of NHS trusts

  Average expenditure from non-NHS
  providers per NHS trust £000

  1991–92

  57

  214

  1992–93

  156

  291

  1993–94

  292

  173

  Hospital Bed Availability
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospital beds in total and by acute, geriatric, maternity and mental illness or disability there were in each district health authority in each of the past five years. [35519]

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

  Ambulance Response Times
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times an ambulance has not arrived within the national charter standard time in each ambulance service area in 1994–95; and what percentage of all responses this number represents. [35530]

  Mr. Sackville
  The national patients charter standard provides that ambulances responding to an emergency call should arrive at the scene of an incident in 95 per cent. of cases, within 14 minutes for urban services and within 19 minutes of rural services. The figures will be placed in the Library.

  NHS Managers
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what is his Department's estimate of the number of doctors and nurses currently classified as managers or senior managers within the NHS. [35587]
  1290
  Mr. Malone
  Detailed information is not collected centrally. However we estimate that about two thirds of the increase in general and senior management numbers between 1991 and 1992 and almost half the increase between 1992 and 1993 may be due to the reclassification of staff from professional and administrative groups as managers.

  Primary Health Care
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities have joint or locality commissioning procedures in place within their primary health care teams; what funds or other resources are available in support of such initiatives; and if he will make a statement. [35522]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally. Health authorities are expected to work in partnership with all general practices in their locality in developing and implementing health and service strategies. It is for health authorities and general practices to determine locally what arrangements should be put in place to enable effective joint working.

  Cancelled Operations
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will place in the Library as soon as they are available the number of cancelled operations on the day of, or the day after, admission to hospital by district health authority and/or region and the number not admitted within a month for the first quarter of 1995–96. [35529]

  Mr. Malone
  Yes

  NHS Expenditure
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 30 June,Official Report, columns 809–10, what factors account for the increase in the proportion of NHS expenditure on other items; and if he will give a breakdown of this category. [35624]

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

  Female Staff
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35458]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information shows the position on 1 April 1995.

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  UG1

  3

  0

  3

  0

  UG2

  7

  0

  7

  0

  UG3

  20

  7

  25

  2

  UG4

  19

  8

  27

  0

  UG5

  145

  56

  184

  17

  UG6

  73

  48

  118

  3

  UG7

  371

  192

  514

  49

  SEO

  246

  100

  332

  14

  AT/HEO(D)

  21

  10

  31

  0

  1291

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  HEO

  361

  350

  670

  41

  EO

  389

  733

  1,062

  60

  AO

  347

  663

  911

  99

  AA

  89

  190

  245

  34

  YTS1

  86

  49

  125

  8

  1 The youth treatment service grades do not easily equate to unified grades.

  Staff out on secondment or on loan to other Government Departments, on maternity leave of more than three months, or on unpaid career breaks or study leave are excluded.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentage of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35688]

  Mr. Sackville
  The information is shown in the table, which is available only from 1993 and not separately for each of the Department's agencies. Prior to 1993 the information was not collected in this format.

  Total

  Female

  Female Per cent.

  April 1993

  UG1

  3

  0

  0

  UG2

  9

  0

  0

  UG3

  24

  6

  25

  UG4

  27

  9

  33

  UG5

  221

  80

  36

  UG6

  122

  45

  37

  UG7

  559

  169

  30

  SEO

  390

  101

  26

  AT/HEO(D)

  24

  13

  54

  HEO

  728

  374

  51

  EO

  1,180

  760

  64

  AO

  1,209

  747

  62

  AA

  279

  185

  66

  YTS1

  149

  58

  39

  Total

  4,924

  2,547

  52

  April 1994

  UG1

  3

  0

  0

  UG2

  9

  1

  11

  UG3

  28

  7

  25

  UG4

  25

  10

  40

  UG5

  207

  63

  30

  UG6

  110

  39

  35

  UG7

  540

  184

  34

  SEO

  364

  114

  31

  AT/HEO(D)

  23

  9

  39

  HEO

  720

  350

  49

  EO

  1,196

  767

  64

  AO

  1,125

  765

  68

  AA

  306

  205

  67

  YTS1

  165

  70

  42

  Total

  4,821

  2,584

  54

  April 1995

  UG1

  3

  0

  0

  UG2

  7

  0

  0

  1292

  Total

  Female

  Female Per cent.

  UG3

  27

  7

  26

  UG4

  27

  8

  30

  UG5

  201

  56

  28

  UG6

  121

  48

  40

  UG7

  563

  192

  34

  SEO

  346

  100

  29

  AT/HEO(D)

  31

  10

  32

  HEO

  711

  350

  49

  EO

  1,122

  733

  65

  AO

  1,010

  663

  66

  AA

  279

  190

  68

  YTS1

  135

  49

  36

  Total

  4,583

  2,406

  52

  1 The youth treatment service grades do not easily equate to unified grades.

  Staff out on secondment or on loan to other Government Departments, on maternity leave of more than three months, or on unpaid career breaks or study leave are excluded.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35668]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department, including its agencies, is committed to equality of opportunity for all its employees regardless of gender. To increase the proportion of women in senior positions, the Department has adopted a number of measures, including:

  allowing career breaks and other flexible working patterns to enable women to combine their careers with domestic responsibilities;

  providing help to parents with children, including nursery places and holiday play schemes;

  providing, whenever possible, management development and training programmes which are suited to the needs of staff with domestic responsibilities for whom attendance at residential courses would not be possible;

  ensuring that most job opportunities are advertised and candidates are invited to indicate whether they wish to be considered on full-time, part-time or job-share basis;

  appointing whenever possible, at least, one woman on each selection/promotion board.

  Additional information on progress made by the Department on Equal Opportunities generally is contained in the Department's 1993–94 equal opportunities progress report, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Hypothermia
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many deaths from hypothermia took place among(a) men aged 65 years and over and (b) women aged 60 years and over in each year from 1990, by region. [34178]

  Mr. Sackville
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The information requested for 1993 is shown in the table. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 25 November 1992, Official Report, columns 731–33, for information for the years 1990 and 1991, and to the reply that I gave him on 4 November 1993, Official Report, column 456 for 1992 information.
  1293

  Numbers of deaths which occurred in 1993 with a mention of hypothermia (ICD 991.61) on the death certificate by regional health authority of usual residence (including Wales), for: (1) males aged 65 years and over; and (2) females aged 60 years and over

  Regional health authority

  Males

  Females

  Northern

  13

  18

  Yorkshire

  7

  25

  Trent

  14

  18

  East Anglian

  15

  17

  North West Thames

  11

  16

  North East Thames

  15

  25

  South East Thames

  14

  21

  South West Thames

  4

  13

  Wessex

  6

  8

  Oxford

  7

  13

  South Western

  6

  16

  West Midlands

  18

  27

  Mersey

  4

  7

  Northern Western

  8

  19

  Wales

  9

  25

  Total

  151

  268

  1 ICD International Classification of Diseases: Ninth Revision.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Departmental Staff
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35455]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Details of the number of staff in each civil service grade for which the Lord Chancellor is responsible by(a) male and (b) female, and by (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees are set out in the following tables.

  LCD headquarters: breakdown and non-industrial staff

  Grade

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part-time

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  5

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  13

  0

  4

  3

  Grade 5 sol

  7

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 6 senior principal

  6

  0

  3

  0

  Grade 6 legal

  17

  0

  3

  1

  DP Registrar

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior legal assistant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 7 principal

  32

  0

  28

  0

  Grade 7 legal

  8

  0

  13

  4

  Legal assistant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Legal officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SEO

  41

  0

  25

  2

  Senior assistant stats

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior information officer

  1

  0

  0

  0

  HEO

  67

  0

  87

  8

  Information officer

  1

  0

  1

  0

  Assistant stats

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Chief typing manager

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Librarian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  HEO D

  5

  0

  5

  0

  Admin trainee

  2

  0

  01

  0

  1294

  LCD headquarters: breakdown and non-industrial staff

  Grade

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part-time

  EO

  82

  0

  100

  6

  Assistant information officer

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Senior personal secretary

  0

  0

  9

  0

  Typing manager

  0

  0

  4

  0

  SMI

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant librarian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SM2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SM3

  0

  0

  2

  0

  AO

  66

  0

  84

  2

  Personal secretary

  0

  0

  18

  1

  Interpreter

  0

  0

  0

  0

  AA

  10

  0

  13

  0

  SGB1

  1

  0

  5

  0

  SGB2

  22

  0

  11

  1

  Typist

  0

  0

  29

  5

  Total

  391

  0

  448

  33

  Court service: Breakdown of non-industrial staff

  Court service

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part-time

  Grade

  Grade 1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 4

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  5

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5 sol

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 6 senior principal

  19

  0

  5

  0

  Grade 6 legal

  4

  0

  2

  3

  DP Registrar

  10

  0

  0

  0

  Senior legal assistant

  1

  0

  0

  1

  Grade 7 principal

  70

  0

  17

  0

  Grade 7 legal

  14

  0

  14

  5

  Legal assistant

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Legal officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SEO

  150

  1

  88

  3

  Senior assistant stats

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Senior information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  HEO

  355

  1

  372

  44

  Information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant stats

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Chief typing manager

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Librarian

  3

  0

  5

  0

  HEOD

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Admin trainee

  0

  0

  1

  0

  EO

  754

  3

  1,018

  168

  Assistant information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior personal secretary

  0

  0

  5

  0

  Typing manager

  0

  0

  21

  0

  SMI

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant librarian

  0

  0

  10

  0

  SM2

  4

  0

  1

  0

  SM3

  17

  0

  23

  0

  AO

  1,620

  45

  2,572

  701

  Personal secretary

  0

  0

  34

  6

  Interpreter

  0

  0

  2

  0

  AA

  148

  3

  294

  72

  SGB 1

  52

  0

  70

  18

  SGB2

  421

  111

  436

  393

  Typist

  1

  0

  337

  249

  Total

  3,658

  164

  5,329

  1,663

  1295

  Public trust office: breakdown of non-industrial staff

  PTO

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part-time

  Grade

  Grade 1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 4

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 5

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5 sol

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 6 senior principal

  3

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 6 legal

  2

  1

  1

  0

  DP Registrar

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior legal assistant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 7 principal

  5

  0

  2

  0

  Grade 7 legal

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Legal assistant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Legal officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SEO

  20

  0

  7

  0

  Senior assistant stats

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  HEO

  49

  0

  34

  1

  Information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant stats

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Chief typing manager

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Librarian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  HEO D

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Admin trainee

  0

  0

  0

  0

  EO

  76

  0

  68

  6

  Assistant information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior personal secretary

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Typing manager

  0

  0

  3

  0

  SM1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant librarian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SM2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SM3

  0

  0

  1

  0

  AO

  85

  1

  92

  8

  Personal secretary

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Interpreter

  0

  0

  0

  0

  AA

  4

  0

  2

  0

  SGB1

  3

  0

  2

  0

  SGB2

  17

  0

  6

  0

  Typist

  0

  0

  25

  12

  Total

  264

  2

  248

  27

  Public record officer: Breakdown of non-industrial staff

  PRO

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part time

  Grade

  Grade 1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 4

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 5 sol

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 6 senior principal

  2

  0

  2

  0

  Grade 6 legal

  0

  0

  0

  0

  DP Registrar

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior legal assistant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 7 principal

  13

  1

  10

  3

  Grade 7 legal

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Legal assistant

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Legal officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SEO

  14

  3

  15

  3

  Senior assistant statistician

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1296

  Public record officer: Breakdown of non-industrial staff

  PRO

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part time

  HEO

  22

  2

  13

  2

  Information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant statistician

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Chief typing manager

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Librarian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  HEO D

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Administration trainee

  0

  0

  0

  0

  EO

  41

  1

  16

  8

  Assistant information officer

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Senior personal secretary

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Typing manager

  0

  0

  1

  0

  SM1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant librarian

  0

  0

  0

  0

  SM2

  0

  0

  4

  0

  SM3

  14

  0

  2

  1

  AO

  23

  2

  34

  6

  Personal secretary

  0

  0

  4

  1

  Interpreter

  0

  0

  0

  0

  AA

  0

  0

  3

  0

  SGB1

  21

  1

  18

  3

  SGB2

  87

  4

  31

  4

  Conservation Officer Grade D

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Conservation Officer Grade E

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Conservation Officer Grade F

  11

  0

  7

  0

  Conservation Officer Grade G

  1

  0

  2

  0

  Museum support grade 2

  0

  0

  1

  0

  Museum support grade 3

  2

  0

  3

  3

  Typist

  0

  0

  3

  2

  Total

  257

  14

  172

  36

  Her Majesty's Land Registry: Breakdown of non-industrial staff

  Grade

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part-time

  Grade 2

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 4

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  2

  0

  1

  0

  Land Registrar (grade 5 lawyer)

  15

  0

  2

  0

  Senior Registration Administrator 1 (grade 6)

  23

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Assistant Land Registrar (grade 6 lawyer)

  18

  0

  2

  0

  Senior Registration Administrator 2 (grade 7)

  44

  0

  2

  0

  Assistant Land Registrar (grade 7 lawyer)

  49

  3

  21

  16

  Registration Executive 1 (Senior Executive Officer)

  230

  8

  38

  7

  Registration Executive 2 (Higher Executive Officer; Chief Typing
  Manager; Support
  Manager 1)

  391

  5

  138

  29

  1297

  Her Majesty's Land Registry: Breakdown of non-industrial staff

  Grade

  Male full-time

  Male part-time

  Female full-time

  Female part-time

  Registration Executive 3 (Executive Officer; Senior Personal Secretary; Typing Manager; Support Manager 2; Support Manager 3)

  906

  26

  950

  370

  Registration Officer 2 (Administrative Officer; Personal
  Secretary; support grade band 1)

  992

  24

  1,718

  580

  Registration Assistant 1 (Administrative Assistant; Typist; Trainee Typist)

  280

  6

  1,073

  457

  Registration Assistant 2 (support grade band 2)

  298

  21

  211

  98

  Her Majesty's Land Registry totals

  3,251

  93

  4,156

  1,557

  County Courts
  Mr. Tim Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what additional legal expenditure has been made as a result of closing county courts since 1992. [35119]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested is not available. For civil legal aid, records are maintained by the Legal Aid Board by legal aid area, and not by court location.

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many(a) single people and (b) married couples refused an offer of contributory legal aid in each of the last five years. [35625]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The number of contributory civil legal aid offers made but not accepted in each of the last five years for which information is available are shown in the table. This information can not be broken down according to marital status.

  Year

  Contributory legal aid offers made but not taken up

  1990–91

  16,164

  1991–92

  19,179

  1992–93

  n/a

  1993–94

  26,399

  1994–95

  n/a

  n/a—not available.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the level of weekly disposable income below which(a) free legal aid and (b) contributory legal aid was available in (i) 1979, (ii) 1993, (iii) 1994 and (iv) 1995; what was the percentage of the adult population eligible for (a) and (b) in each of those years; and what is the present day value in real terms of these disposable income levels. [85545]
  1298
  Mr. John. M. Taylor
  The information requested is not readily available. I will reply as soon as possible and will also write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many(a) single people and (b) married couples have been eligible for (i) free legal aid and (ii) contributory legal aid for each of the last five years; and what percentage of the adult population these figures represent for each of these years. [35543]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor's Department does not make separate estimates of the financial eligibility of single and married people.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the value of the savings to the legal aid fund of the 1993 abolition of the contributory element of green form advice in the financial years 1993–94 and 1994–95. [35544]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  It is difficult to identify separately the effects of each element in the package of changes made in April 1993. However, it is estimated that the abolition of contributory green form advice and assistance resulted in savings of about £4 million in 1993–94 and £9 million in 1994–95.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the difference in the level of disposable income above which(a) free legal aid and (b) contributory legal aid was not available before and after the 1993 changes in financial eligibility. [35546]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Free limit

  Upper limit

  April 1992

  Civil

  £3,060 per annum

  £6,800 per annum

  Civil (personal injury)

  £3,060 per annum

  £7,500 per annum

  Criminal

  £65 per week

  no upper limit

  April 1993

  Civil

  £2,294 per annum

  £6,800

  Civil (personal injury)

  £2,294 per annum

  £7,500

  Criminal

  £45 per week

  no upper limit

  Family Mediation
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what additional funding he is making available for mediation work following his changes to divorce law. [35536]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Government's proposal is to ask the Legal Aid Board to take on responsibility for the funding of family mediation for those who are financially eligible. The Lord Chancellor hopes to bring forward legislation to implement this in due course.

  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much his Department has spent on mediation services, directly and indirectly, through resources made available to other organisations in the last five years, by region. [35533]
  1299
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information requested is not readily available. I shall write to the hon. Member providing the information requested in so far as is possible.

  Court Service
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is his policy on the future of(a) magistrates courts and (b) county courts in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [36135]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  As far as the future of(a) magistrates courts in Wales is concerned, my policy is the same as that for England. That is, following implementation of part IV of the Police and Magistrates' Courts Act 1994, that magistrates courts will continue to be administered by magistrates courts committees made up mostly, if not entirely, of local magistrates. The powers and responsibilities of magistrates courts committees have been enhanced by the 1994 Act and they now have a clear statutory responsibility to conduct the administration of the magistrates' courts efficiently and effectively. So far as (b) the county courts in Wales are concerned, this is an operational matter for the Court Service. I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from Michael Huebner to Mr. Barry Jones, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the future of the county courts in Wales.
  The Court Service must continually review its network of courts to ensure that the best use is made of resources. Factors taken into account in that process include workload levels, the accessibility of alternative courts and the cost of providing satisfactory standards of service. There is no separate policy on county courts in Wales, which are subject to the same process of individual review and assessment as courts elsewhere.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, 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. [34699]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy.

  Government continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative and administrative and taxation burdens. It also provides direct assistance when appropriate.

  The second competitiveness White Paper announced in May 1955 outlines a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.

  My Department has improved its payment record to 93.5 per cent. of invoices paid on time, a fair proportion of which will be of benefit to small firms, and a target of 95 per cent. has been set for this financial year. Details of the special contracts arrangement have been sent to all my Department's purchasing officers.
  1300

  Inheritance Law
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ask the Law Commission to examine the law with regard to inheritance, with particular reference to its implications for those of Islamic faith. [34325]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  There are no plans to do so.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department 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. [34680]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  My Department has already published the current Courts Charter on the citizens charter pages of the Government world wide web server and the revised version will be made available in September. General information about the Department, with extracts from its strategic plan, and a summary of the recent legal aid consultation paper will be published in the next month. The Court Service is planning to make a wide range of explanatory material on how to use the courts available on its own section of the server in the near future. The Public Trust Office is planning a feasibility study to consider use of this service in the next year.

  Child Maintenance
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if legal aid is available to obtain child maintenance through the Child Support Agency; and if he will make a statement. [34296]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Full civil legal aid is only available for representation in proceedings through the courts and is not, therefore, available to obtain child maintenance through the Child Support Agency. However, if a person qualifies financially, he or she may obtain legal advice and assistance under the green form scheme.

  Working Group on Financial Penalties
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to the answer of 22 June,Official Report, columns 398–400, if he will list the membership of the working group on the enforcement of financial penalties; when he expects the working group on the enforcement of financial penalties to report; and if he will make a statement. [36176]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The working group on the enforcement of financial penalties is chaired by a senior official from my Department and, as well as other members of the Department, includes representatives from the Home Office, Magistrates' Association, Justices' Clerks' Society, Central Council of Magistrates' Courts' Committees, Association of Magisterial Offices and the Magistrates' Courts' inspectorate. The working group is expected to continue for at least a year, but it hopes to be in a position to
  1301
  issue guidance to the magistrates courts as and when conclusions are reached during that period.

  Asylum Appeals
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, columns 210–11, what proportion of without foundation asylum appeals were determined within the time-scale prescribed by the Asylum Appeals (Procedure) Rules, in (a) 1994 and (b) 1995 to date. [35752]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  In(a) and (b), no 'without foundation' appeals were determined within the time limit of seven days set out in the rules.

  The cases are usually listed for hearing within seven days. A proportion, however, are adjourned at the request of the appellants' representatives to a date outside the specified time limit.

  Defamation Law
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans the Government have to reform defamation law and proceedings. [36382]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor has today published a draft Defamation Bill which has been prepared to show in detail how the Government would implement proposals for a number of important reforms to bring defamation law up to date and to improve and simplify the procedures.

  The proposals include a new summary procedure to allow judges to dispose quickly of straightforward and less serious defamation claims; a new defence of offer of amends; and a reduction, from three years to one year, of the time within which defamation proceedings can begin.

  As drafted, most of these clauses would apply to England and Wales only. The Government will consider how far it may be appropriate for some or all of the reforms to be adopted in Northern Ireland and Scotland, taking into account the similarities as well as the differences which exist in the defamation laws and procedures applicable in those jurisdictions.

  Judges' Lodgings
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor expects to receive the report by the chief executive of the Court Service on his review of judges' lodgings. [36383]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Lord Chancellor's policy objective on judges' lodgings is to provide accommodation affording satisfactory working conditions and appropriate levels of security, privacy and comfort to High Court judges when they are on circuit; and to do so in an economic, efficient and accountable manner.

  Last July the Lord Chancellor instructed the chief executive of the Court Service to carry out a review of the current lodgings and to submit a report making recommendations concerning the optimum means of managing and staffing lodgings. Copies of the report have today been placed in the Library of the House.
  1302
  The Lord Chancellor will be considering the report in consultation with the Lord Chief Justice.

  Justices of the Peace
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will give the number of Labour and Conservative justices of the peace in(a) Grimsby and Cleethorpes, (b) Scunthorpe and (c) Hull and (d) Beverley. [36229]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The number of Labour and Conservative justices of the peace, based on the latest information available, is as follows:

  petty sessional division

  Conservative

  Labour

  Grimsby and Cleethorpes

  52

  36

  Scunthorpe, Bragg and Barton

  27

  8

  Hull

  80

  33

  Beverley

  3

  4

  Court Security
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to alter the security and security staffing arrangements at(a) London Crown court centres, (b) the Central Criminal Court and (c) the Royal Courts of Justice. [35741]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about plans to alter security and security staffing arrangements at:

  (a) London Crown Court Centres;

  (b) the Central Criminal Court; and

  (c) the Royal Courts of Justice

  I should begin by saying that security and security staffing arrangements at the Central Criminal Court are the responsibility of the Corporation of London, although they comply fully with the standards for all courts, which are laid down by the Department.
  There are no current plans to alter the security staffing arrangements at the other locations to which you referred.
  A general security review of all court buildings is being undertaken to ensure that current standards are appropriate and are being achieved. Following recommendations made in a separate review of security in the Royal Courts of Justice, a rolling programme of improvements is under way.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what progress has been made on the local county court system under the private finance initiative. [35744]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.
  1303
  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about progress on the local county court system under the Private Finance Initiative.
  The Court Service's requirement for the provision of information system services to county courts was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Community on 16 May 1995 under reference 95/S92–46794/EN. Potential suppliers were advised that the requirement was considered suitable for the application of the Private Finance Initiative. Thirty suppliers responded and were sent a detailed Statement of Operational Requirements. Initial proposals were subsequently received from a number of suppliers and these are being evaluated, prior to the announcement of a shortlist. The procurement exercise is being conducted under the EC Services Directive Negotiated Procedures. We expect to award a contract to commence in June 1996.

  Court Computer Systems
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many bids have been received for work on(a) the extension of the CASEMAN county court computer system and (b) the renewal of the CREST Crown court computer system; what is the likely cost to public funds of each of these projects; and if he will list the names of any companies, and the value of the contracts awarded to them, with respect to (i) value for money work and (ii) other consultancy work for these projects. [35740]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of bids that have been received and the likely cost of work on

  (a) the extension of the CASEMAN County Court computer system, and

  (b) the renewal of the CREST Crown Court computer system, with the names of any companies awarded consultancy contracts and the value of those contracts.

  The CASEMAN computer system forms part of the LOCCS project, which is designed to provide comprehensive computer support to local county courts. The project is subject to a Private Finance Initiative procurement exercise, which was advertised in the Official journal of the European Community on 16 May 1995.
  The following companies have been awarded contracts to provide consultancy advice and specialist skills to the procurement project:

  KERMON Ltd. of Amersham, Bucks

  AMTEC Consulting, of Farnham, Surrey

  CSS Trident, of Hemel Hempstead, Herts

  Charterhouse Bank Ltd.

  The value of these contracts is not fixed, but will be determined by the specific services delivered by each company. Since this is a competitive tendering exercise, I cannot, at this stage, give an estimate of the likely cost of the LOCCS project.
  There are no current plans to replace the CREST system. However, under the terms of the Private Finance Initiative, bidders are free to offer to provide other services, and it is possible that some might express an interest in the CREST system. If this is the case we will consider whether or not it should be included in the eventual contract.
  1304

  Court Functions
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representation he has received, and whether he has taken legal advice, as to whether some of the functions to be carried out by the local county court system are judicial in nature within the terms of schedule 16(2) to the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. [35775]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the functions to be carried out by the Local County Court Systems (LOCCS).
  The development of the system has not reached the point at which it covers any function which might be defined as judicial, under the terms of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. This would become an issue only if the system was developed to cover such functions and if its operation were to be considered for contracting out, for example in the context of the Private Finance procurement exercise which is currently under way. In that event legal advice would be taken before any decision was made.

  County Court Hearings
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in how many of the total number of cases before the county court, excluding family law cases, an individual plaintiff or defendant was opposed by(a) the Government or its representatives or a public body or its representatives (b) a company for each of the past five years. [35547]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of cases in which an individual plaintiff or defendant was opposed by the Government or a company.
  I am sorry to have to tell you that this information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Court Buildings (Access)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what research his Department has carried out in the last 10 years into disabled people's access to court buildings and courtrooms in England and Wales; and what plans he has to commission further research. [35539]
  1305
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about research into disabled people's access to court buildings and courtrooms in the last ten years.
  The Lord Chancellor's Department took over responsibility for the design of court buildings from the Property Services Agency (PSA) in 1992. Prior to 1992, the PSA consulted a number of groups representing disabled court users in developing its standards, which comply with statutory requirements including relevant Building Regulations. These standards have been maintained or improved since responsibility passed to the Lord Chancellor's Department. We plan to hold further consultations with disabled court users groups to discuss how best to meet the requirements of the Disability Bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords.

  Court Facilities
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many courts in England and Wales were equipped with(a) clearly marked signs using a minimum typeface of 12 points and materials in large print, (b) human aid to communications including sign language provision and (c) induction loops, for each of the last five years. [35541]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of courts, for each of the last five years, equipped with

  (a) clearly marked signs using a minimum typeface of 12 points and materials in large print,

  (b) human aid to communications including sign language provision, and

  (c) induction loops.

  I am afraid that, in the time available, it has not been possible to obtain the information sought under a) or to cover more than the current position under b) and c). The figures are as follows; b) 6 and c) 27.
  Courts in the Royal Courts of Justice and the Principal Registry of the Family Division do not have induction loops. However, four courtrooms have infrared hearing systems and there are also four portable hearing aid systems.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many courts in England and Wales were equipped with facilities, including toilet access for(a) blind and partially sighted people, (b) hard of hearing and deaf people and (c) wheelchair users for each of the last five years. [35542]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.
  1306
  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of courts, for each of the last five years, equipped with facilities, including toilet access, for

  (a) blind and partially sighted people,

  (b) hard of hearing and deaf people, and

  (c) wheelchair users.

  I am afraid that in the time available it has not been possible to obtain the information sought under a) or to cover more than the current position under b) and c). The figures are as follows; b) 27 and c) 69.

  Litigants in Person
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department in how many(a) matrimonial cases and (b) civil non-matrimonial cases in each of the last five years one of the parties was a litigant in person. [35540]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department has asked me to reply to his Question about the number of cases in which one of the parties was a litigant in person.
  I am sorry to have to tell you that this information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Liverpool Combined Court Centre
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what additional steps have been taken to ensure the personal safety and security of members of the public, the judiciary, the legal profession and court staff at Liverpool combined court centre; what additional powers of search and arrest have been given to court staff and private security contractual workers; on what legal authority those powers are to be exercised; and what steps are being taken to ensure that private security contractual workers are properly vetted, trained and equipped and that they comply fully with their contractual obligations. [35738]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about steps taken to ensure personal safety and security at the Liverpool Combined Court Centre.The Department sets minimum security standards, which apply to all courts, including Liverpool Combined Court. Neither court staff nor private security contractors have additional powers of search or arrest.1307 The Department's standard security contract requires contractors to demonstrate that they have effective systems in place for vetting and training their staff and that they will be properly equipped. Performance against the terms of each contract is closely monitored by local managers and is reviewed at regular meetings between the contractors and staff from the appropriate Circuit Office.

  Summons Production Centre
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has for the future of the work and the staff at the(a) Summons Production Centre and (b) County Court Bulk Centre in Northampton. [35743]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the future of the Summons Production Centre and the County Court Bulk Centre at Northampton.
  At present there are no plans affecting the future of the work and the staff at the Summons Production Centre. There are plans to extend the functions covered by the County Court Bulk Centre to provide for users to issue attachment of earnings applications. The centralisation of attachment of earnings payments is also under consideration. The work of both centres is supported by computer systems which have been included in the Local County Court System Private Finance Initiative project because of their link with local county courts.

  Civil Courts Recovery Programme
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish the latest figures on his Department's full-cost recovery programme in the civil courts. [35739]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Paul Boateng, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about the full-cost recovery programme in the civil courts.
  I am able to let you know that the cost recovery targets for the civil courts for each of the next three years are as follows:

  1995/96: £244 million

  1996/97: £281 million

  1997/98: £291 million

  Bilingual Forms
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all standard forms commonly issued to the public by the Probate Office in Wales, indicating which are available bilingually and which are available in the English language only; if he will make it his policy to secure the use of bilingual forms by all probate offices in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [35484]
  1308
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Cynog Dafis, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the availability of bilingual forms in probate offices in Wales.
  At present the only bilingual form issued to the public by the Probate Office in Wales is the Grant of Probate. However, in accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993, the Court Service is currently developing a Welsh Language Scheme which will set out its policy for accommodating the needs of Welsh speakers when delivering a service to all members of the public in Wales. This will build on the policy statement already in place for Welsh speakers who use the courts, and will include full details of the service which will be provided to welsh speakers using Probate Offices in Wales. It will set out a timetable for the provision of bilingual forms, concentrating on those which are most commonly used and taking account of the availability of resource. It is intended that the scheme will be in place by the end of the year.

  Local County Court System
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how the Woolf Commission recommendation of greater control of case progression by the judiciary will be achieved under the market testing of the County Courts LOCCS project. [35322]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. John McAllion, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about how greater judicial control of case progression will be achieved under the market testing of the county court Local County Court System (LOCCS) project.
  The Private Finance Initiative is not a market testing exercise but is a procurement project designed to obtain information technology services in support of the LOCCS project. Lord Woolf s interim report draws attention to the need for active judicial case management, supported by computer. The LOCCS system will provide a comprehensive electronic database to support a wide range of county court functions, including a case progression.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement in relation to the market test of the Department's county courts LOCCS project, on the judicial areas of work, or areas of work advising the judiciary, that will be prevented from being contracted out under the Courts Act 1991 as amended. [35332]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. John McAllion, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the market test of the Department's County Courts LOCCS project on the judicial areas of work, or areas of work advising the judiciary, that will be prevented from being contracted out under the Courts Act 1991, as amended.

  1309
  I should first say that the LOCCS project is not being market tested. It is however, the subject of a Private Finance Initiative procurement exercise, designed to obtain information technology services in support of the project.
  The Courts Act 1971, as amended by the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 permits the Lord Chancellor to contract certain functions of court staff. However, such functions do not include judicial functions nor giving advice on judicial functions. Before exercising the power to contract out, the Lord Chancellor must consult the Senior Judiciary. The power is exercisable by order which is subject to Parliamentary Scrutiny.
  Any decision to contract out the function of LOCCS will be subject to the above limitations.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the future of the 250 county courts in England and Wales following the market testing of the Department's LOCCS project and the need to retain local access to justice. [35321]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. John McAllion, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the future of county courts and the policy of retaining local access to justice, following the market testing of the Local County Court System (LOCCS) project.The Private Finance Initiative is not a market testing exercise, but it is a procurement project designed to obtain information technology services in support of the LOCCS project. The LOCCS computer system will provide high quality computer support to all local county courts and will improve both the quality of service we provide to court users and the efficiency with which that service is provided.

  County Court Bulk Centre
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the future of the county court bulk centre and the summons production centre in Northampton, including the possibility of privatisation under the private finance initiative or any chance of location. [35331]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. John McAllion, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the future of the County Court Bulk Centre (CCBC) and Summons Production Centre (SPC).
  The Department has not specifically proposed that the functions of either the CCBC or SPC be contracted out under the LOCCS PFI project. However, one of the fundamental principles of the Private Finance Initiative is that the Department is obliged to offer scope for suppliers to make wide proposals for the provision of services.
  I am not, at this stage, able to say what services bidders may propose to provide.
  1310

  Litigants (Travelling Time)
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will make a statement on the maximum time litigants should be expected to travel to a county court. [35110]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about the maximum travel times for litigants.There is no maximum time limit for how long litigants can be expected to travel to a county court. However, this is taken into account, along with a number of other factors, when consideration is given to where a court is best located. These factors include, for example, the availability of public transport, the level of workload likely to be generated in a particular location and the cost of providing appropriate facilities for court users.

  Courts (Travelling Times)
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if the Court Service business and corporation plan will include policies on the distribution of courts and travelling times to them. [35112]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about whether the Court Service Business and Corporate Plans will include policies for the distribution of courts and the travelling times to them.
  The purpose of the Court Service Business and Corporate Plans is to set out the aims and objectives of the Court Service, providing details of the activities through which it will seek to achieve them and the resources it has available to do so. There are no plans to include policy matters such as those you suggest. However, the Court Service Accommodation Plan, which is a published document, sets out the criteria to be considered in reviewing the location of a court, for example when considering the possibility of a closure. These include the availability of public transport, the location of the nearest alternative court and the cost of providing appropriate facilities for court users.

  County Court Closures
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what savings to his Department have accrued as a result of closing county courts since 1992. [35118]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about savings which have accrued as a result of closing county courts since 1992.

  1311
  At present day values the savings on accommodation costs amount to £196,000. There are still five properties in the process of being disposed of. In addition, there have been significant savings in terms of management overheads, maintenance, equipment rental. staff travel and general running costs which I am unable to quantify in the time available.

  Mr. Tim Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list by year, all the county courts upon which consultation for possible closure was issued in each year since 1992. [35114]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about the details of those courts that have been through the consultation process for possible closure since 1992.
  No separate record is kept of those courts that have been the subject of consultation but which did not proceed to closure. In the majority of cases where consultation has taken place it has led to the closure of the court. This is because any case for closure submitted by a Circuit Administrator must satisfy a series of stringent criteria before the Lord Chancellor will allow it to proceed to consultation. This means that only the strongest cases for closure ever reach the consultation stage.

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list all the county courts closed in(a) 1992, (b) 1993, (c) 1994 and (d) 1995 to date. [35113]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about the county courts closed during the years 1992–1995.
  The county courts closed since 1992 are:

  1992

  Northallerton

  Maldon

  Westminster

  Bloomsbury

  Gainsborough

  Great Malvern

  Beverley

  1993

  East Grinstead

  Whitby

  Malton

  Hexham

  Thorne

  1994

  Devizes

  Frome

  Clacton

  Sevenoaks

  Sheerness

  1312

  Sudbury

  Bangor

  Stroud

  Lampeter

  Liskeard

  Axminster and Chard

  Launceston

  Ellesmere Port

  Shaftesbury

  Porthmadog

  Stockton on Tees

  1995

  Amersham

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list the county courts currently being considered for possible closure. [35115]

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

  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to the above Question about county courts currently being considered for closure.
  Those county courts currently under consideration for possible closure and which are the subject of public consultation, are:

  Alfreton

  Ammanford

  Bargoed

  Barry

  Brentwood

  Cardigan

  Chippenham

  Dover

  Folkestone

  Gravesend

  Ilkeston

  Llandrindod Wells

  Market Drayton

  Matlock

  Newton Abbott

  Otley

  St. Austell

  Sittingbourne

  Sleaford

  Spalding

  Wisbech

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what consideration was given to the report of Lord Woolf prior to the decision to close three county courts in Derbyshire. [35111]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The question concerns a specific operational matter on which the chief executive of the Court Service is best placed to provide an answer and I have accordingly asked the chief executive to reply direct.
  1313
  Letter from M. D. Huebner to Mr. Tim Devlin, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about what consideration was given to Lord Woolf s report prior to the decision to close three county courts in Derbyshire.
  I can confirm that no recent decisions have been made to close any county courts in Derbyshire. However, the Lord Chancellor has recently agreed to commence public consultation about the proposed closure of three courts in that County. These courts are at Alfreton, Ilkeston and Matlock. I should emphasise that no decision with regard to any of these proposed closures will be taken until after the public consultation exercise has been completed and responses analysed.
  Any implications flowing from Lord Woolf's report will be considered before a final decision is taken.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Gitarama Prison, Rwanda
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many prisoners have died at Gitarama prison in Rwanda since the end of the war; of what causes they have died; and what measures the international community is taking to reduce the number of deaths. [34368]

  Mr. Hanley
  The International Committee of the Red Cross believes that just over 2,000 people have died in 13 Rwandan prisons in the last year, most through health problems caused by overcrowding. Many of these were in Gitarama. The international community has committed $3.5 million through the United Nations Development Programme to improve prison conditions, including the construction of new facilities. Help is also being given to rebuild the judicial system to allow speedier processing of cases; Britain has committed over £750,000 for this purpose.

  St. Helena
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress has been made to improve communications with St. Helena with reference to(a) the purchase of a shuttle ship to Ascension and (b) the construction of an airstrip on the island. [34903]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  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, which consultants were employed in connection with the aid programme. [35489]

  Mr. Hanley
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: I will write to the hon. Member.

  China
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much the People's Republic of China received from the overseas aid budget during financial year 1994–95; and if he will list the major projects funded. [36239]
  1314
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list those Chinese provinces which(a) do not have systems of birth permits, birth quotas and birth targets and (b) do not have legislation limiting the right freely to found a family and decide the numbers and spacing of any children. [360901]

  (2) what steps he has taken to fulfil the recommendation of the Foreign Affairs Committee to seek further information on population control in China; [36107]

  (3) what specific discussions wee held by the delegation led by Lord Howe on the subject of coercive population control during its visit to China in December 1992; [35980]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the role of the Chinese Family Planning Association in promoting the one child policy; [36103]

  (5) if he will make a statement on the humane population policies that have been adopted by the Chinese Government as a result of United Nations Population Fund assistance with China's censuses in (a)1980 and (b) 1990; [35985]

  (6) if his Department classifies the one child policy in China as a coercive population policy; and if he will make a statement; [36101]

  (7) what information he has on the number of female contraceptive acceptors in China (a) in total and (b) expressed as a percentage of the number of potential child hearing women; [35982]

  (8) what account he takes of the (a) absence or presence of child safety insurance, (b) housing, (c) employment provision and (d) nursery and elementary education provision for Chinese families with more than one child in allocating funding from his Department; [36100]

  (9) what account he takes of the methods used to ensure compliance with China's one child policy in allocating ODA funding; and if he will make a statement on the methods; [36092]

  (10) if he will make a statement on the practice in China of X-raying women using IUDs every three months; and if he will make a statement; [36108]

  (11) if the delegation led by Lord Howe visited (a) the Chinese State Family Planning Commission, (b) the Chinese Family Planning Association, (c) the UNFPA mission and (d) any population control facility or offices during its visit to China in 1992; [35981]

  (12) if he will make a statement on the humane population policies that the UNFPA advocated to the Chinese Government in connection with China's censuses of (a) 1980 and (b) 1990; [35986]

  (13) in what respects China's one child policy breaches the UN guaranteed human right freely to found a family and decide the number and spacing of children; [36102]

  (14) if the issue of coercive population control was raised with the Chinese Vice Premier and Foreign Minister at the meeting in New York on 18 April; and if he will make a statement; [35984]
  1315
  (15) what account he takes of the number of Chinese regional laws that specify obligatory contraception and their origins in a national draft law in allocating ODA funding; [36090]

  (16) if he will make a statement on the incident reported on page 14 of "People and Development Challenges" of 3 May, a copy of which he has received in respect of coercive population control regulations against families in Feixian county, Shandong province; and what assessment he has made of the reliability of (a) the Chinese Family Planning Association and (b) the International Planned Parenthood Federation statements on coercive population control. [35955]

  Mr. Hanley
  I will write to the hon. Members.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what representations he has made to the government of Nigeria about the holding of political prisoners; and in respect of which individuals he has made representations; [35763]

  (2) what representations he has made to the government of Nigeria about the holding of secret trials; and which prisoners were involved; [35764]

  (3) what discussions he has had with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth about the situation in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement; [35765]

  (4) if he supports the sanctions imposed by the United States of America on Nigeria; and if he will impose similar sanctions; [35766]

  (5) what representations he has made to British oil companies about their activities in Nigeria; [35767]

  (6) which military links and arms trading with Nigeria he intends to sustain; [35768]

  (7) what consideration he has given to the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth; [35769]

  (8) what action had been decided upon by the European Union in respect of the conduct by the Government of Nigeria; [35770]

  (9) what aid support is given by (a) the British Government and (b) the European Union to Nigeria; and what proposals he has to end such support. [35771]

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

  Arms Exports (Rwanda)
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received concerning the activities of British companies exporting arms to Rwandan exiles, with particular reference to former members of the Rwanda Government via third countries. [36309]

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

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if he will list the annual expenditure of his Department on the Bandung TV studio 1316
  project in Indonesia before it was withdrawn from the overseas aid programme; [36325]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to monitor the post-training careers of Indonesian police officers who have received any form of training paid for by his Department; [36327]

  (3) which Indonesian companies were involved in the Bali and Medan airport security project in Indonesia; on what date his Department received from the DTI a formal request to appraise the project referring to his Under-Secretary's letter of 31 May; what considerations made it necessary for the DTI to submit the project to the sub-committee for aid and trade, SCAT before his Department had appraised the project; on what date his Department completed its appraisal of the project; who his Department engaged to appraise the project; on what date site visits were made for the purposes of the appraisal and by whom the visits were made; at the time of the economic appraisal, what were (i) the "present value" of the cost, (ii) the "present value" of the benefits of the project, and (iii) how the actual cost and benefits compared with those foreseen at the time of the appraisal; when his Department carried out an institutional appraisal in respect of the directorate general of air communications and what was the outcome of that appraisal; what factors were taken into account in assessing whether the project represented "value for money"; on what date the Treasury gave its consent to the project; on what date the project was approved by SCAT; on what date the project was approved by the Minister; in what respect and to what extent the project benefited the poorest people in Indonesia; what was (a) the approved cash cost and (b) the actual cash cost of the project; what were (1) the projected completion dates and (2) the actual completion date of the project; and if he will place a copy of the project completion report in the Library. [36319]

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

  Natural Resources Institute
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what performance targets he has set in the 1995–96 financial year for the Overseas Development Administration's executive agency, the Natural Resources Institute. [36609]

  Mr. Hanley
  This is a transitional year for the institute during which it will be undertaking a major restructuring exercise. It will be working during this period to the following principal targets:Restructuring. To implement, by the end of the 1995–96 financial year, an agreed programme of restructuring measures identified in the light of a recently completed study of the institute's future business prospects. Specifically:

  (a) to reorganise the institute's management commands;

  (b) to manage a voluntary severance programme aimed at reducing staff numbers to an indicative level of 360; and

  (c) to formulate an accommodation strategy for the smaller Institute.

  Unit revenue. While implementing this programme, to maintain an average revenue of £67,750 per operational year of time charged to clients for a minimum of 260 operational years.

  1317
  External business. To increase the number of operational years of work for non-ODA clients, and the value of retained income from this source, by 10 per cent.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Mr. Robert G. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what follow-up there has been to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report on the efficiency and costs of, and the service provided by, the Commonwealth Development Corporation (CDC). [36610]

  Mr. Hanley
  The Government's first response to the report on the Commonwealth Development Corporation by the MMC was reported to the House on 25 March 1993,Official Report, columns 653–54. I have today placed in the Library of the House a further and final response by the Government and the CDC. This reports on progress in implementation of MMC recommendations and updates earlier responses to these taking account of the outcome of the quinquennial review of the CDC as reported to Parliament on 3 May 1994 and the corporation's own reviews of strategy and management, and the passage of the Commonwealth Development Corporation Act 1995.

  Mr. Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if the Commonwealth Development Corporation has been authorised to operate in additional countries. [36611]

  Mr. Hanley
  Following a request from the corporation, approval has been given for the CDC to operate in the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Cuba. In accordance with the strategic targets set out in the quinquennial review CDC will aim to give priority in the private sector.

TRANSPORT

  Child Pedestrian Accidents
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will publish the recent Transport Research Laboratory reports on child pedestrian accidents. [35940]

  Mr. Norris
  The two TRL reports on this subject, project reports 116 and 117, have been published today and I have placed copies in the Library.

  Aston Clinton Bypass
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to announce his decision following the 1994 public inquiry into the proposed A41 Aston Clinton bypass; and if he will make a statement. [36384]

  Mr. Watts
  The Secretary of State for Transport has decided, jointly with the Secretary of State for the Environment, that the supplementary orders of the scheme should be made, subject to minor modifications. The decision is in accordance with the recommendations of the inspector. A copy of his report and a letter notifying the decision will be sent to interested parties shortly.
  1318

  Coach Safety
  Dame Jill Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether coach safety was discussed at the informal Transport Council on 15 July. [36629]

  Mr. Watts
  The matter of coach safety was added to the agenda of the informal Transport Council following the recent tragic accidents in France and the United Kingdom.

  I stressed the good safety record of buses and coaches and the value of spot checks such as our recent Operation Tourist crackdown in enforcing both standards of maintenance and drivers' hours regulations.

  I called upon all member states to give a greater commitment to reaching agreement on the proposed directive to require the fitting of seat belts on all new coaches and minibuses and referred to the consultation on our proposed regulations covering the fitment of seat belts to minibuses and coaches used for the transportation of children.

  I acknowledged the need for further work on standards to be set for bus and coach construction but defended the British double decker against any suggestion that it had any inherent safety problems.

  Fuel Duty Rebate
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will restore fuel duty rebate for all buses and coaches which conform to the revised Euro-emission standards. [34399]

  Mr. Norris
  There are no plans to do so.

  Transport Works
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what consideration was given to major transport works during the deliberations of the highway authorities and utilities committee working party before(a) the drafting and implementation of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and (b) before the drafting and implementation of the Street Works (Sharing of Cost of Works) Regulation 1992, SI No. 1690 of 1992. [34923]

  Mr. Norris
  The working party undertook its work in 1987 and 1988. It was concerned with highway works and bridge works, including cases where the works were initiated by a transport undertaking. Highway works carried out by a transport undertaking are "major transport works" in terms of the definition used in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he or his Ministers have met representatives of the national joint utilities group to discuss shared costs of diversionary transport works; and if he will make a statement. [34921]

  Mr. Norris
  Ministers from this Department have met representatives of the utilities, most recently in June 1994, to discuss the utilities' request for a change in the existing cost-sharing arrangements.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the application of section 85(1) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 as it applies to major transport works; [34933]
  1319
  (2) if he will make a statement on the application of the Street Works (Sharing of Cost of Works) Regulation 1992, SI No. 1690 of 1992 to major transport works. [34918]

  Mr. Norris
  Section 85(1) of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 provides that, where an undertaker's apparatus in a street has to be moved or protected—actions commonly known as "diversionary works"—as a result of major highway works, major bridge works or major transport works, the allowable costs of the diversionary works are to be shared between the undertaker and the promoter in such manner as may be prescribed. The Street Works (Sharing of Costs of Works) Regulations 1992 prescribe that costs are to be shared in the proportion 18 per cent. to the undertaker and 82 per cent. to the promoter in all three cases.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the definition of major transport works used by his Department includes public transport developments. [34919]

  Mr. Norris
  The definition to be used for the purposes of parts III and IV of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 is set out in sections 91(2) and 150(2) of that Act as follows:"'major transport works' means substantial works required for the purposes of a transport undertaking and executed in property held or used for the purposes of the undertaking".

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list those representations he received during his Department's consideration of shared costs of diversionary transport works; and if he will make a statement. [34922]

  Mr. Norris
  Some 35 representations were received in response to the consultation letter issued in February 1993. Others have been received subsequently. The representations include a number both from public transport operators and from utilities.

  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he or his Ministers have met representatives of the passenger transport executives group to discuss shared costs of diversionary transport works; and if he will make a statement. [34920]

  Mr. Norris
  No, but I am aware of the passenger transport executives' views on the subject and will invite them to a meeting if this seems likely to help in reaching a decision on it.

  Coach Parking (London)
  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to exclude the parking of commuter, tourist and shopping trip coaches within one mile of the Palace of Westminster. [34866]

  Mr. Norris
  No.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what controls are currently exercised over the parking of commuter, tourist and shopping trip coaches in central London. [34861]

  Mr. Norris
  Commuter, tourist and shopping trip coaches in central London are subject to the on-street parking controls that apply within special parking areas and on priority (red) routes.
  1320

  Northern Cruiser (Sailing)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what action he proposes to take against the captain of the Northern Cruiser for sailing on 17 May. [34862]

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

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Tony Banks, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your question about the NORTHERN CRUISER.
  The NORTHERN CRUISER was inspected by surveyors from the Marine Safety Agency (MSA) on 10 January 1995 and detained due to a defective rescue boat. She was released on the same day after the deficiency had been rectified.
  I am not aware of a reason for the MSA to take action against the captain of the NORTHERN CRUISER for sailing on 17 May 1995.

  Common Shipping Policy
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals he has received from the European Commission for the development of a common shipping policy; and what response he has made. [34931]

  Mr. Norris
  Over the last decade, the UK has supported Community legislation which seeks to ensure open access and fair competition on shipping routes both inside the Community and between member states and third countries. The Commission is currently preparing a strategy document on the future development of Community shipping policy which it intends to present to member states at the end of this year.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35454]

  Mr. Norris
  I have placed in the Library of the House a list of the grades employed by my Department, including executive agencies, as at 1 April 1995, broken down by gender and full/part-time working.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35689]

  Mr. Norris
  The information is not available in the form requested but details by grade and gender for the Department as a whole, including any executive agencies can be found in table 5 of civil service statistics for each year from 1985 and to 1994—copies available in the Library. Details for 1995 will be published later this year.
  1321

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35666]

  Mr. Norris
  The Department of Transport has been actively pursuing the civil service programme for action to achieve equality of opportunity for women. The Department has implemented an extensive programme of equal opportunities training and has encouraged part-time working and flexible working patterns. The proportion of women in management positions has increased significantly and women now make up 14 per cent. of the Department's three top grades.

  British Airways (Consolidated Fares)
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he has taken to encourage British Airways to increase the number of consolidators appointed on the Indian sub-continent route. [35708]

  Mr. Norris
  This is a commercial matter for British Airways.

  Road Humps
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what are his recommendations for the contours and size of road humps built to calm traffic and their positioning. [36178]

  Mr. Norris
  The rules for the design and location of road humps built to calm traffic are set out in the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990.

  Under the Highways Act 1980, as amended by the Road Traffic Act 1991, the Secretary of State may authorise the use of road humps which do not conform to the requirements of the regulations, and non-standard humps such as speed cushions have been authorised in this way. The Department has also issued traffic advisory leaflets on speed control humps—that is, standard road humps—(Leaflet 2/90); Fire and Ambulance Services Traffic Calming: a Code of Practice (3/94); Speed Cushions (9/94); and "Thumps" Thermoplastic Road Humps (7/94), all of which contain advice on various types of road hump. In addition, Department of Transport circular roads 3/90 contains general advice to local authorities. I am placing copies of these documents in the Library.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road humps for calming traffic have been built by Harrogate borough council; and what was the average cost of each. [36179]

  Accidents in England and Wales

  Accidents in Scotland

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  Total

  Fatal

  Non-fatal

  Total

  1989

  4,411

  235,740

  240,151

  496

  20,112

  20,608

  1990

  4,258

  234,016

  238,274

  490

  19,677

  20,167

  1991

  3,718

  213,071

  216,789

  440

  18,569

  19,009

  1992

  3,432

  211,576

  215,008

  423

  17,594

  18,017

  1993

  3,111

  209,068

  212,179

  359

  16,327

  16,686

  1994

  3,007

  214,317

  217,324

  319

  16,458

  16,777

  1322
  Mr. Norris
  This information is not held by the Department.

  Rail Delays (King's Cross)
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received about the nature and cause of delays in travelling by rail to King's Cross on 17 July; and if he will ensure that those responsible(a) announce some form of compensation to those affected and (b) offer relevant information during such journeys. [36237]

  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for British Rail and its train operating units and Railtrack. British Rail has advised that a West Anglian Great Northern train was discovered at Holloway at around 12.30 on Monday 17 July with a damaged pantograph, which had damaged overhead power lines in the area. Services were severely disrupted until the mid-evening, with some trains being delayed for three to four hours.

  Trains to London were stopped at Finsbury park and passengers were advised to take the underground to make connections.

  Bull Bars
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has been given of changes in policy, of advertising, presenting and sale of bull bars and bull bar substitutes since he urged the industry to reduce its advertising of metal bull bars. [35873]

  Mr. Norris
  My predecessor wrote in April 1993 to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders urging it not to fit bull bars as standard and to avoid marketing of them.

  Although no official reply was received, we understand that some motor manufacturers are no longer, as a matter of general practice, advertising the availability of bull bars on their vehicles. There has also been a move towards the production of bull bars which would be significantly less aggressive if the vehicle were involved in an accident.

  Road Traffic Accidents
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road traffic accidents there have been in each year since 1989(a) in England and Wales and (b) in Scotland (i) involving fatalities, (ii) involving injuries and (iii) in total. [35835]

  Mr. Norris
  The table shows for England and Wales, and for Scotland, the number of accidents involving fatalities, non-fatal injuries and the total number for each year 1989 to 1994.
  1323

  Isle of Skye Car Ferry
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library a copy of the advice which he gave to the acting chairman of the Scottish Rail Users Consultative Committee in respect of the procedures to be followed over the withdrawal of the existing Isle of Skye car ferry: and if he will make a statement. [35851]

  Mr. Watts
  Yes. My letter of 21 April to the acting chairman of the Rail Users Consultative Committee for Scotland set out the Department's view of the duties and powers of the committee with regard to ferry services operated by Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd. A copy is being placed in the Library.

  Sudden Noise (Effect on Drivers)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research has been commissioned by his Department or by the Highways Agency into the effects of sudden noise on traffic; and if he will make a statement. [35823]

  Mr. Watts
  In response to concerns expressed by the Ministry of Defence, there is a research programme in progress at the Transport Research Laboratory on the effects on drivers of sudden noise from artillery ranges. When this has been completed I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Unsafe Vehicles
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 13 July,Official Report, column 707, if he will break down the figures on unsafe vehicles to show (a) the number in a dangerous or defective case and (b) the number of offences of using a vehicle in a dangerous condition and other related offences. [35855]

  Mr. Norris
  The available information does not permit us to break down the data to show separately offences relating to a vehicle or vehicle part found to be in a dangerous or defective condition and offences of using such a vehicle together with other related offences.

  My previous answer made it clear that the statistics are recorded in terms of offences and not vehicle numbers.

  West Coast Main Line
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what further progress has been made on the west coast main line reinvestment project under the private finance initiative; and whether he will make a statement about the contract to undertake the upgrading work. [36346]

  Mr. Watts
  The development of the signalling system will be within the framework of the private finance initiative. Railtrack informs me that the detailed tender documentation for the signalling system was issued on 14 July. It aims to let the contract by the end of the year.

  Vehicle Licensing
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the number of vehicles licensed for use in(a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom in each year since 1979. [35657]
  1324
  Mr. Norris
  The numbers of vehicles licensed for use in(a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom since 1979 are as follows:

  Scotland

  Thousands United Kingdom

  1979

  1,353

  18,625

  1980

  1,398

  19,210

  1981

  1,397

  19,347

  1982

  1,416

  19,762

  1983

  1,464

  20,209

  1984

  1,524

  20,988

  1985

  1,528

  21,062

  1986

  1,560

  21,607

  1987

  1,599

  22,235

  1988

  1,678

  23,351

  1989

  1,736

  24,196

  1990

  1,811

  24,673

  1991

  1,845

  24,511

  1992

  1,900

  24,851

  1993

  1,929

  25,089

  1994

  1,962

  25,534

  British Rail Engineering Ltd., Swindon
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when the Swindon BREL works were closed; and how many people were employed at the works(a) one, (b) two and (c) three years before its closure. [34454]

  Mr. Watts
  The BREL works at Swindon closed in 1986. The BREL employee information was not contained in the BR central database and therefore is not readily available from BR and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Property (Discretionary Purchase)
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he is now able to introduce new guidelines for the discretionary purchase of property seriously affected by a proposed trunk road, or motorway widening scheme. [35943]

  Mr. Norris
  My right hon. Friend has today issued new guidelines for considering applications for discretionary purchase of property seriously affected by proposed trunk road or motorway widening schemes.

  The new guidelines do not affect owner-occupiers' existing statutory rights under part 1 of the Land Compensation Act 1973 and apply only to those who have a pressing need to sell their property in advance of these provisions coming into play. Owner-occupiers who do not qualify under the guidelines may, nevertheless, be eligible for noise insulation. The new guidelines indicate the general manner in which cases will be considered by the Highways Agency acting on the Secretary of State's behalf, but each application for discretionary purchase will be considered on its merits.

  I recommend detailed study of the guidelines for a full understanding of the way the new scheme will work. Briefly, the Highways Agency will consider eligible applications in two stages:

  1325
  first to see if, in the agency's opinion, enjoyment of the property will be seriously affected and, if the agency thinks it will be—
  second to decide whether to offer to buy, taking account of the information in the application.

  The agency must be of the opinion that the enjoyment of the property will be seriously affected by either the construction or the use of the road. Serious effect may be caused by a number of factors, including noise and medical conditions which are likely to be severely aggravated by physical effects from either the construction of the road or its use. To these, the new guidelines add diminution in the value of the property as a result of the road proposal. Other factors, or combination of factors, may cause serious effect and the agency will take these into account when considering the application.

  The agency's decision on whether or not to offer to buy the property will depend on whether the applicant:

  had foreknowledge of the proposed road scheme;

  has made reasonable efforts to sell the property; and

  has a pressing need to move and therefore to sell the property—which normally must not be connected with the scheme.

  I should emphasise that the agency will normally also need to be of the opinion that the enjoyment of the property will be seriously affected by both diminution in value and noise arising during the construction period or during the first year following the opening of the road to traffic.

  The Highways Agency will aim to arrive at a decision on a properly completed application within three months of its receipt.

  I have arranged for a copy of the guidelines to be placed in the Library.

  Comparable guidelines will be used for considering applications for discretionary purchase of property seriously affected by the proposed channel tunnel rail link. I have arranged for a copy of these guidelines to be placed in the Library also.

  Both sets of guidelines come into immediate effect.

  Departmental Efficiency Plan
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has for reporting efficiency achievements and reviews planned.

  Sir George Young
  Efficiency achievements and reviews planned are included in the Department of Transport efficiency plan 1995 summary report, which is published today. Copies of this document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Euro-routes (Railways)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what representations he has received in relation to the designation of the Holyhead-Felixstowe railway route as a preferred Euro-route for(a) freight and (b) passenger purposes; what consultations he has had with the European Union Transport Commissioner concerning the practical implications of such a designation; and if he will make a statement; [35236]
  1326
  (2) if he will make a statement on the designation of international Euro-routes as they effect (a) the United Kingdom railway system in general and (b) the Holyhead-Felixstowe railway route. [35235]

  Mr. Watts
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: We have received a number of representations. The Holyhead-Felixstowe rail route has always featured on the draft trans-European rail network map. Its inclusion was supported by the UK Government. The Transport Council approved the draft map at its last meeting. At the Council, the UK also supported the addition of this route to the draft combined transport network map.

  It is for Railtrack to decide whether to apply for funding for any such projects. The UK Government will consider carefully all applications before submitting its bid for network funding.

  Investment projects on routes included in the TEN maps are eligible in principle for financial support from the TEN's budget.

  A1 (Ferrybridge)
  Mr. William O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what is the length of delay in contractors carrying out work on the A1 at Ferrybridge, in meeting agreed timetables on slip road closures; and if he will make a statement; [36139]

  (2) what is the agreed contract time for the road works on the Al from Ferrybridge to Selby Fork; [36132]

  (3) what is the agreed start and finish date for the A 1 road works involving and affecting Ferrybridge; [36130]

  (4) if he will make a statement on the arrangements for traffic management and alternative routes available for vehicles using the A1 during the major road works north of Ferrybridge; [36129]

  (5) what is the average number of vehicles passing the road works on the A 1 in Ferrybridge per hour per day. [36133]

  (6) how many hours have been worked on the A 1 road improvements at Ferrybridge (a) at the weekends and (b) during the night. [36131]

  Mr. Watts
  These are operational matters for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. William O'Brien,
  dated 19 July 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Questions numbered 337, 339, 343, 352, 355 and 358 on the Order Paper circulated on 17 July. All six questions are about the current roadworks on the Al at Ferrybridge.
  You asked (question 343) about the agreed start and finish date for the works and (question 339) the agreed contract time. The start date was 20 June, the agreed finish date is 9 August and the contract duration is 51 days. You also asked (question 355) the average number of vehicles passing these roadworks. It is about 3,400 vehicles per hour during the day (ie 7am to 7pm) but the number varies outside that period.
  In question 337 you asked about the length of delay in contractors carrying out the work in meeting agreed timetables on slip-road closures. The length of time that slip roads were originally planned to be closed for these works was 144 slip road days at Botherton/Ferrybridge and 50 slip road days at Fairburn. Due to

  1327
  having to carry out additional work at the River Aire Bridge the slip road closures at Botherton/Ferrybridge will now total 167 slip road days, but at Fairburn will become 80 slip road days. The effect on the overall contract period has been minimised by re-phasing some of the roadworks to be carried out concurrently with the additional bridgeworks.
  You also asked (question 358) how many hours have been worked at (a) weekends and (b) during the night, on this scheme. The contractor has worked all weekends and a number of nights. On 15 days, the contractor intends to work the full 24 hours and on 32 days he will work for 16 hours. On some phases of the work night operations are not possible due to noise restrictions imposed by the local environment health officer to avoid causing nuisance to adjacent residential properties.
  In question 352 you asked about the arrangements for traffic management and alternative routes available for vehicles using the A1 during the roadworks. The A1 north of Ferrybridge is a two lane dual carriageway without hard shoulders. In order to carry out the works to the River Aire Bridge and undertake resurfacing safely it has been necessary to close one carriageway at a time and keep open one lane in each direction on the other carriageway. There are no easy alternative routes for drivers to use to avoid this section of A1. In order to minimise delays and give drivers the opportunity to plan their journeys to avoid this section of Al, altogether or during peak periods, widespread publicity has been given to this scheme in advance of work starting and will continue until it has finished. Signs were erected at the site of the works about three weeks before lane restrictions were imposed and advertisements were placed in local newspapers during the week before work started. Leaflets have been printed and distributed throughout the north of England. Two of these give general information on planned roadworks, on motorways and on the Al. An additional leaflet gives specific details of this scheme. Local and national radio stations give frequent up to date reports about the traffic conditions in the vicinity of works.
  I should perhaps add that we fully understand the inconvenience caused to road users by the need to carry out essential maintenance works such as this to keep the A1 in a safe and serviceable condition. Whilst we do as much as possible to publicise likely delays, plan traffic management in advance, and minimise the duration of the contract, we cannot avoid the need to restrict the use of the existing road in the interests of the safety of both the workforce and the travelling public.

  A36T (South Newton)
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what traffic calming measures will be installed on the A36(T) at South Newton; when this will occur, and if he will make a statement. [35822]

  Mr. Watts
  When I visited South Newton on 25 November, at my hon. Friend's invitation, I announced that we planned to install experimental electronic speed limit warning signs on the A36 at either end of the South Newton village. Traffic counting loops for monitoring traffic speeds have recently been installed in the carriageway. The Highways Agency is currently monitoring and recording vehicle speeds through the village so that the effectiveness of the signs in reducing speed can be properly assessed. The project is on line for completion in the autumn.

  Roads (Public Inquiries)
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy that objectors to public inquiries into road building projects should not have to supply to the Highways Agency copies of reference documents which have been referred to which can be obtained through the public library system. [36156]
  1328
  Mr. Watts
  Under the Highways (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1995, the Secretary of State is required to make available for inspection free of charge at a public inquiry every document which he intends to refer to or put in evidence.

  It is open to the Secretary of State to require an objector, or any other person who wishes to appear at the inquiry, to provide a copy of every document, or the relevant part of any document, to which such person intends to refer.

  Ebbsfleet Passenger Station
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what studies relating to the proposed international passenger station at Ebbsfleet were carried out between the announcement of the intermediate stations in August 1994 and the publication of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link Bill in November 1994. [35824]

  Mr. Watts
  My right hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, South (Mr. MacGregor), the former Secretary of State, announced in January 1994 that Ebbsfleet was the preferred parkway station option, subject to a satisfactory offer of private finance. To meet the Bill timetable Union Railways started preliminary work for the environmental statement in May 1994. Work was stepped up in June when Ministers decided that the offer made by Blue Circle provided an acceptable basis for proceeding, subject to the negotiation of detailed heads of terms. By the time these negotiations were satisfactorily concluded and a decision announced at the end of August 1994, consultants had developed access road options and a comparative environmental appraisal of the results was nearly complete. Other work for the Ebbsfleet annexe to the ES started in late July. Work on this and on access arrangements, including validation of the appraisal of access options by external environmental specialists, continued after August. Despite the relative simplicity of the existing road network and the fact that Union Railways was able to draw on work already undertaken on behalf of Blue Circle, the highways arrangements were only finalised in October just in time for inclusion in the Bill.

  Road Schemes (Detective Agencies)
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the contracts for employment of private detective agencies by his Department in relation to road schemes were put to tender. [35060]

  Mr. Watts
  The agency does not generally employ detective agencies directly. They are employed by Treasury Solicitors on our behalf. The means of securing their employment are therefore a matter for the Treasury Solicitor. On one occasion that a detective agency was employed directly, for the M3 Twyford Down scheme, single tender action was used.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the total cost to date of the employment by his Department of Bray's Detective Agency, breaking down the figures by the road schemes covered. [35057]
  1329
  Mr. Watts
  This information is being collected and I will write to the hon. Member again as soon as it is available.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what allocation of funds has been made for the employment of Bray's Detective Agency in relation to the construction of the Newbury bypass. [35058]

  Mr. Watts
  No allocation of funds has been made for the employment of Bray's Detective Agency in relation to the construction of the Newbury bypass.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will place in the Library the terms of reference under which Bray's Detective Agency operates in the employment of his Department. [35062]

  Mr. Watts
  Bray's Detective Agency is employed by the Treasury Solicitor, not the Highways Agency, so the terms of reference for its employment are a matter for the Treasury Solicitor.

  Great Minster House
  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has been the cost of fitting out Great Minster house for use by his Department. [35779]

  Mr. Norris
  The estimated fitting out cost is £13,846,305 million, including VAT.

  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the rental charges and associated costs on his Department's new premises, Great Minster house, Horseferry road. [35781]

  Mr. Norris
  In a full year the Department will pay £4,228,000 in rent, including VAT, and an estimated £3,367,000 for the contribution in lieu of rates, management, maintenance and service charges.

  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what will be the total costs of the transfer of his Department to Great Minster house, Horseferry road. [35780]

  Mr. Norris
  The total estimated cost of the transfer is £19,364,000 including VAT. This includes the fit-out cost, professional fees, IT systems, telecommunications, furniture and other client items.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Attorney-General 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. [33443]

  The Attorney-General
  The information indicates, for each of the Departments for which I am responsible,(a) those consultancy firms with which the greatest number of consultancy contracts were concluded1 and (b) those consultancy firms with the contracts of greatest total monetary value2, in each case for the five years 1990–91 to 1994–95.
  1330

  Number of contracts

  Monetary value £ thousand

  Serious Fraud Office

  (a) 1. (ACT) Network SI Group Ltd.

  3

  2. Amtec Consulting Ltd.

  2

  Digitus Ltd.

  2

  Hedra Ltd.

  2

  Hoskyns Group plc3

  2

  Insight Consulting

  2

  Morgan Lovell Ltd.

  2

  SHL Systemhouse Inc.

  2

  (b) 1. Digitus Ltd.

  154

  2. Hoskyns Group plc

  121.2

  3. Hedra Ltd.

  73.4

  4. Ernst and Young

  58.8

  5. Central Office of Information

  56.3

  Crown Prosecution Service

  (a) 1. Shapes Graphic Design

  8

  2. PE International

  6

  3. Touche-Ross

  6

  4. Infact Ltd.

  4

  Sequelogic Ltd.

  4

  (b)4

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  (a) 1. BDO Consulting

  6

  2. Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency

  5

  3. J. Blair

  3

  4. Pannell Kerr Forster Associates

  2

  Recruitment Advisory Service

  2

  (b) 1. BDO Consulting

  601.3

  2. Pannell Kerr Forster Associates

  78.8

  3. Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency

  61.3

  4. J. Blair

  53.1

  5. Recruitment Advisory Service

  22.3

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  Nil

  1 Figures in (a) give the number of contracts entered into.

  2 Figures in (b) give the total monetary value of the contracts concerned.

  3 Includes ABT International.

  4 This information is available only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Attorney-General how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33500]

  The Attorney-General
  The information is set out in the table.

  £ thousand

  Department

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Crown Prosecution Service

  477(7)

  471(12)

  665(24)

  693(52)

  1699(52)

  Serious Fraud Office

  171(4)

  88(2)

  112(9)

  149(6)

  1242(10)

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  Not known

  54(6)

  335(8)

  428(14)

  125(8)

  1 Unaudited

  Note:

  Figures in brackets represent the number of contracts that year.
  1331
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will estimate the cost of employing consultants in connection with privatisation programmes in which his Department has been engaged since 1980. [33463]

  The Attorney-General
  Nil.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Attorney-General how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and agencies for which it is responsible to(a) Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries, (b) Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries, (c) Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries, (d) Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries, (e) Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries, (f) Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries, (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries, (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries and (i) Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33920]

  The Attorney-General
  The information with respect to the firms used by the Departments and agency for which I am responsible is as follows:

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Serious Fraud Office

  Cooper and Lybrand

  1,421 (0)

  361 (1)

  Peat Marwick

  612 (0)

  282 (1)

  Ernst and Young

  186 (1)

  217 (1)

  Price Waterhouse

  88 (2)

  48 (1)

  Grant Thornton

  59 (0)

  261 (0)

  Robson Rhodes

  8 (0)

  106 (2)

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  Arthur Anderson

  356 (3)

  8 (2)

  Pannell Kerr Forster

  —

  79 (2)

  Crown Prosecution Service

  Coopers and Lybrand

  —

  12 (1)

  Ernst and Young

  —

  37 (2)

  Price Waterhouse

  —

  17 (1)

  Government Property Lawyers

  Coopers and Lybrand

  1 (1)

  —

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  Nil

  Notes:

  1. Figures before the brackets represent expenditure in £000, to the nearest £1,000, on, contracts both new and continuing during the financial year in question.

  2. Figures in brackets represent the number of new contracts entered into during the financial year in question.

  Crown Prosecution Service
  Mr. Donald Anderson
  To ask the Attorney-General how many wasted costs orders have been made against the Crown Prosecution Service over the past four periods of six months or such other periods as are convenient for statistical purposes. [34849]

  The Attorney-General
  I have taken the hon. Member's question to refer to orders made under section 19(1) of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 and regulation 3 of the Costs in Criminal Cases (General) Regulations 1986. The numbers of such orders recorded against the Crown Prosecution Service are set out in the table.
  1332

  Costs against CPS

  Crown court

  Magistrates courts

  April to June 1993

  49

  148

  July to September 1993

  86

  200

  October to December 1993

  62

  102

  January to March 1994

  62

  89

  Total for year 1993–94

  259

  539

  April to June 1994

  57

  91

  July to September 1994

  40

  80

  October to December 1994

  68

  68

  January to March 1995

  54

  102

  Total for year 1994–95

  219

  341

  1. Information is not available to establish the enactment under which the orders were made and may include awards of costs made otherwise than in accordance with the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.

  2. The information is limited to Crown court and magistrates court cases. It does not include costs awards made in the higher courts.

  3. The figures relate to all cases dealt with by the CPS areas but do not include any orders made in the specialist casework handled by CPS headquarters.

  Mr. Keen
  To ask the Attorney-General what action the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to monitor its treatment of defendants from different ethnic backgrounds to ensure that it is fair; and what is the Crown Prosecution Service's timetable for(a) collecting, (b) analysing and (b) publishing data. [34750]

  The Attorney-General
  The Crown Prosecution Service is participating fully in the interdepartmental group co-ordinating ethnic monitoring in the criminal justice system and is exploring with the Commission for Racial Equality ways in which ethnic monitoring by the Crown Prosecution Service might be best introduced.

  Mr. Nick Leeson
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Attorney-General, pursuant to his answer on 22 May,Official Report, column 592, when he expects the Serious Fraud Office to complete its investigation into Mr. Nick Leeson. [34433]

  The Attorney-General
  Inquiries outstanding include the obtaining of information from Singapore. It is not possible at this stage to say when inquiries will be completed.

  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Attorney-General on what occasions representatives of(a) the Serious Fraud Office and (b) other investigative authorities have travelled to Germany to seek to interview Mr. Nick Leeson. [34418]

  The Attorney-General
  It is my practice not to give operational details about on-going criminal investigations being conducted by the Serious Fraud Office.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Attorney-General 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. [34707]
  1333
  The Attorney-General
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy.

  The Government continue to help smaller businesses 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 the small firms sector.

  Of the Departments for which I am responsible, the Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers and the Treasury Solicitor's Department provide services which are largely internal to Government. The functions of the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office relate purely to the criminal justice system.

  As regards purchasing, the Law Officers' Departments have regard to the desirability of promoting the interests of small businesses. However, no specific policies or performance indicators exist in those Department in this connection.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Attorney General 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. [34672]

  The Attorney-General
  The Departments for which I am responsible do not at present make direct use of the World Wide Web and have no plans to do so in the immediate future. However, the possibility of participating is kept under consideration.

  The Crown Prosecution Service makes its press releases available to the public via the Internet using the Central Office of Information's experimental service of the World Wide Web. This service commenced in April 1995.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Attorney-General if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department(a) the number of full-time employees and (b) how many of these are (i) male and (ii) female. [35476]

  The Attorney-General
  The information with respect to the Departments for which I am responsible, as at 1 July 1995, is as follows:

  Grade

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Crown Prosecution Service

  1

  0

  1

  1

  3

  5

  0

  5

  4

  14

  0

  14

  5

  42

  2

  44

  6

  163

  23

  186

  7

  37

  8

  45

  Principal Crown Prosecutor

  356

  158

  514

  Senior Crown Prosecutor

  613

  472

  1,085

  Crown Prosecutor

  97

  133

  230

  Legal Trainee

  28

  55

  83

  1334

  Grade

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Senior Executive Officer

  71

  28

  99

  Higher Executive Officer

  128

  142

  270

  Executive Officer

  382

  788

  1,170

  Administrative Officer

  331

  878

  1,209

  Administrative Assistant

  126

  330

  456

  Personal Secretary

  0

  79

  79

  Typing Manager

  0

  16

  16

  Typist

  2

  308

  310

  Support Manager 3

  0

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 1

  37

  17

  54

  Support Grade Band 2

  40

  34

  74

  Treasury Solicitor's Department

  1

  1

  0

  1

  2

  2

  0

  2

  3

  6

  0

  6

  4

  2

  0

  2

  5

  28

  7

  35

  6

  35

  10

  45

  7

  39

  37

  76

  Senior Legal Assistant

  2

  1

  3

  Legal Officer

  2

  3

  5

  Legal Trainee

  0

  3

  3

  Senior Executive Officer

  10

  4

  14

  Higher Executive Officer

  10

  13

  23

  Executive Officer

  29

  23

  52

  Divorce Enquiry Officer

  3

  0

  3

  Administrative Officer

  17

  20

  37

  Administrative Assistant

  0

  3

  3

  Librarian

  0

  1

  1

  Assistant Librarian

  0

  1

  1

  Chief Typing Manager

  0

  1

  1

  Senior Personal Secretary

  0

  8

  8

  Personal Secretary

  0

  15

  15

  Typing Manager

  0

  1

  1

  Typist

  0

  3

  3

  Support Manager 3

  0

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 1

  0

  4

  4

  Support Grade Band 2

  13

  3

  16

  Legal Secretariat to the Law Officers

  2

  0

  1

  1

  4

  1

  0

  1

  5

  5

  0

  5

  6

  4

  0

  4

  Higher Executive Officer

  1

  0

  1

  Executive Officer

  2

  0

  2

  Adminstrative Officer

  3

  1

  4

  Senior Personal Secretary

  0

  4

  4

  Support Grade Band 1

  0

  1

  1

  Support Grade Band 2

  3

  0

  3

  Government Property Lawyers

  3

  1

  0

  1

  5

  5

  0

  5

  6

  13

  0

  13

  7

  18

  2

  20

  Senior Executive Officer

  4

  1

  5

  Higher Executive Officer

  10

  4

  14

  Executive Officer

  4

  14

  18

  Administrative Officer

  8

  14

  22

  Senior Personal Secretary

  0

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  0

  6

  6

  Typing Manager

  0

  1

  1

  Typist

  0

  6

  6

  Support Grade Band 2

  4

  3

  7

  Serious Fraud Office

  2

  1

  0

  1

  3

  1

  0

  1

  4

  1

  0

  1

  1335

  Grade

  Male

  Female

  Total

  5

  8

  1

  9

  6

  10

  4

  14

  7

  12

  2

  14

  Senior Executive Officer

  11

  1

  12

  Senior Information Officer

  1

  0

  1

  Higher Executive Officer

  9

  4

  13

  Information Officer

  0

  1

  1

  Executive Officer

  14

  13

  27

  Administrative Officer

  5

  13

  18

  Senior Personal Secretary

  0

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  0

  6

  6

  Typing Manager

  0

  1

  1

  Typist

  0

  9

  9

  Support Grade Band 1

  1

  2

  3

  Support Grade Band 2

  2

  0

  2

  Notes:

  Figures relate only to full-time staff. Casual staff are not included.

EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT

  Assisted Places
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what was the average cost per pupil of an assisted place for each year since 1989. [35480]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The average cost to public funds of an assisted place in the Department's scheme in England for each academic year since 1989–90 is given in the table:

  Academic year

  Average cost of an assisted place1£

  1989–90

  2,364

  1990–91

  2,691

  1991–92

  3,101

  1992–93

  3,405

  1993–94

  3,544

  1994–95

  23,688

  1 Includes tuition fees and some incidental expenses such as uniform and travel grants.

  2 Estimate.

  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many people are employed in the management of the assisted places scheme. [35535]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The full-time equivalents of about 7.5 staff in the Department are directly engaged in the management of the assisted places scheme.

  Nursery Education
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what are the different levels of nursery vouchers that the Government propose to introduce and on what basis the differential is to be calculated. [35538]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The expectation is that a voucher worth around £1,100 will be exchanged for either a part-time place in a nursery class, nursery school or private nursery establishment, or a full-time place in a reception class where that is on offer, or up to a full-time place in a playgroup. The detailed funding regime will be considered further.
  1336
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimate she has made of the cost of administration of her voucher scheme for all four-year-olds(a) from April 1996–97 and (b) 1997–98. [35561]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The cost of issuing and redeeming vouchers is expected to be less than 1.5 per cent. of the value of the vouchers themselves.

  Mr. David Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her oral statement of 6 July,Official Report, columns 517–519, how much funding a voucher would provide to pay for a part-time place in a playgroup.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The detailed funding regime for playgroups is being considered.

  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how the proposals to give parents of four-year-olds vouchers for nursery education will take into account the varying costs of local authority provision.

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

  The need for regional variation in the value of the voucher will be tested in phase 1 of the voucher scheme.

  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in which areas her voucher scheme will be tested in February 1996; and what consultations or discussions she has had with the teaching unions on these proposals/pilot schemes.

  Mr. Squire
  My right hon. Friend has written to all leaders of county councils, metropolitan borough councils and new unitary authorities inviting them to volunteer their areas to participate in the first phase of the voucher scheme.

  My right hon. Friend discussed the voucher scheme with each of the teaching unions when the new policy was announced.

  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what account proposals to give parents of four-year-olds vouchers for nursery education will take of local authorities whose nursery provision is directed at three-year-olds and where children move to a receiving class at four years.

  Mr. Squire
  Pre-school education vouchers for four-year-olds will be redeemable at a wide range of establishments, including reception classes. The vouchers will allow parents to transfer their children from one establishment to another during the year, if they wish to do so.

  The proposed funding method for the voucher scheme will allow local education authorities to continue to spend on three year-olds as they judge appropriate.
  1337
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to her press statement of 6 July, 143/95, concerning pre-school proposals, if she will name the private sector company which will administer the scheme, or the manner in which she expects to advertise the terms for tendering for the relevant contract; and if she will place a copy of the relevant document in the Library. [35560]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: My right hon. Friend announced on 6 July her decision to select, by competitive tender, a private sector company to issue and redeem the pre-school voucher. Advertisements inviting expressions of interest have been published. A copy of the detailed specifications will be placed in the Library.

  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what calculations her Department has undertaken in respect of the real cost of nursery education for four-year-olds in(a) the state sector and (b) the private sector.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  With respect to costs in the state sector, I refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) on 15 May at columns 11–12.

  The official task force on under-fives has consulted a wide range of representatives of the private and voluntary sectors about the cost of providing places for four-year-olds in their sectors.

  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what estimates her Department has made of the operating costs of administering the scheme to give vouchers to parents of four-year-olds; and what level of profits the private company set up to administer the scheme is expected to make. [35281]

  Mr. Squire
  The cost of issuing and redeeming vouchers will be determined by a competitive tender. It is expected to be less than 1.5 per cent. of the value of the vouchers themselves.

  Class Sizes
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average class size in(a) city technology colleges, (b) grant-maintained secondary schools, (c) local education authority grammar schools, (d) local education authority secondary modern schools and (e) local education authority comprehensive secondary schools.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information for January 1994 for the average size of one teacher classes in the various categories of secondary school is as follows:

  School type

  Average class size

  LEA maintained schools:

  Grammar

  19.9

  Modern

  21.5

  Comprehensive

  21.4

  Grant Maintained Secondary Schools

  20.9

  City Technology Colleges

  19.1

  1338
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average class size in(a) grant maintained and (b) local education authority primary schools.

  Mr. Robin Squire
  In January 1994 the average size of one teacher classes in both grant maintained and local education authority maintained primary schools was 26.9.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the average class size in(a) primary and (b) secondary schools in each local education authority in England.

  Mr. Squire
  The average size of one teacher classes in maintained—including GM—primary and secondary for each LEA in England for January 1994 is given in the table.

  LEA

  Primary

  Secondary

  City

  27.0

  0.0

  Camden

  27.1

  20.4

  Greenwich

  26.1

  21.9

  Hackney

  25.7

  21.9

  Hammersmith

  25.2

  21.0

  Islington

  25.9

  23.1

  Kensington and Chelsea

  24.9

  19.1

  Lambeth

  24.2

  21.6

  Lewisham

  26.0

  22.6

  Southwark

  26.9

  24.3

  Tower Hamlets

  26.4

  22.4

  Wandsworth

  25.0

  21.2

  Westminster

  24.0

  20.8

  Barking

  26.1

  21.8

  Barnet

  26.4

  19.8

  Bexley

  27.5

  22.0

  Brent

  27.0

  20.9

  Bromley

  28.1

  21.1

  Croydon

  27.6

  21.9

  Ealing

  26.6

  22.2

  Enfield

  27.8

  21.2

  Haringey

  26.7

  21.2

  Harrow

  26.8

  23.4

  Havering

  27.5

  22.2

  Hillingdon

  27.1

  21.0

  Hounslow

  26.2

  21.3

  Kingston upon Thames

  28.9

  20.5

  Merton

  27.2

  22.0

  Newham

  27.5

  24.5

  Redbridge

  29.3

  20.9

  Richmond upon Thames

  25.7

  23.3

  Sutton

  28.3

  21.4

  Waltham Forest

  26.8

  22.5

  Birmingham

  28.2

  22.1

  Coventry

  27.1

  22.9

  Dudley

  27.0

  22.7

  Sandwell

  27.9

  21.2

  Solihull

  27.3

  21.8

  Walsall

  25.7

  20.6

  Wolverhampton

  25.9

  20.5

  Knowsley

  27.7

  22.1

  Liverpool

  26.9

  20.4

  St. Helens

  26.8

  19.7

  Sefton

  27.2

  20.9

  Wirral

  25.9

  20.9

  Bolton

  28.1

  21.1

  Bury

  27.5

  22.7

  Manchester

  26.5

  22.4

  Oldham

  28.6

  22.5

  Rochdale

  29.5

  22.8

  Salford

  27.1

  22.3

  Stockport

  27.7

  21.6

  Tameside

  29.6

  23.7

  Trafford

  29.0

  21.6

  1339

  LEA

  Primary

  Secondary

  Wigan

  27.9

  21.4

  Barnsley

  27.4

  22.9

  Doncaster

  27.5

  21.1

  Rotherham

  25.1

  20.5

  Sheffield

  26.3

  22.4

  Bradford

  27.3

  22.5

  Calderdale

  27.9

  20.2

  Kirklees

  27.2

  21.4

  Leeds

  27.9

  20.5

  Wakefield

  27.5

  21.8

  Gateshead

  25.8

  20.7

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  27.3

  21.5

  North Tyneside

  26.5

  21.9

  South Tyneside

  26.3

  22.5

  Sunderland

  25.6

  20.9

  Isle of Scilly

  18.7

  24.0

  Avon

  27.7

  21.2

  Bedfordshire

  26.3

  22.0

  Berkshire

  27.1

  20.1

  Buckinghamshire

  27.2

  21.1

  Cambridgeshire

  27.4

  22.3

  Cheshire

  27.4

  21.1

  Cleveland

  26.8

  22.1

  Cornwall

  26.8

  22.2

  Cumbria

  25.7

  20.6

  Derbyshire

  27.3

  21.4

  Devon

  26.4

  21.1

  Dorset

  27.5

  21.9

  Durham

  27.5

  21.6

  East Sussex

  27.4

  21.0

  Essex

  26.9

  21.9

  Gloucestershire

  26.4

  21.5

  Hampshire

  27.4

  22.2

  Hereford and Worcester

  25.1

  21.7

  Hertfordshire

  26.4

  20.1

  Humberside

  27.5

  22.6

  Isle of Wight

  26.0

  22.2

  Kent

  27.6

  20.9

  Lancashire

  27.7

  21.4

  Leicestershire

  25.8

  21.5

  Lincolnshire

  26.5

  19.9

  Norfolk

  25.1

  20.2

  North Yorkshire

  25.7

  20.8

  Northamptonshire

  26.4

  20.6

  Northumberland

  27.0

  22.0

  Nottinghamshire

  27.0

  20.5

  Oxfordshire

  25.6

  21.0

  Shropshire

  26.4

  21.1

  Somerset

  26.9

  22.1

  Staffordshire

  27.7

  22.1

  Suffolk

  24.8

  20.7

  Surrey

  25.5

  21.6

  Warwickshire

  26.5

  20.3

  West Sussex

  26.2

  21.6

  Wiltshire

  26.6

  21.3

  England

  26.9

  21.4

  Exclusion from School
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will review her Department's policy on exclusion from school; and if she will make a statement following the recent comments by the Commissioner of Police at the Metropolis on the contribution to certain types of crime by young black males who may have been excluded from school. [35446]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Government policy is to ensure that permanent exclusion is used as a last resort and that pupils out of school by reason of exclusion do not drop through 1340
  the education net. To that end the Education Act 1993 made a number of changes to the law on exclusions and placed a new duty on local education authorities to provide education otherwise than at school where necessary to meet a pupil's needs. These provisions came into effect on 1 September 1994 and we are keeping their implementation under review.

  Student Accommodation
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what information she has of the availability to students studying away from home, of satisfactory low cost housing, including that for which the student does not have to pay during the summer vacation; what trends in this matter have taken place since 1990; and what measures have been taken by her Department in conjunction with universities and similar institutions and local authorities. [35447]

  Mr. Forth
  We do not collect any information about the availability of student residential accommodation. This is a matter for universities and colleges which, as independent, autonomous bodies, are responsible for making their own decisions about residential accommodation requirements for their students, in the light of local circumstances. However, the Government introduced a package of measures in the Housing Act 1988 designed to encourage private landlords to bring more and better quality accommodation on to the market. In addition, the "Rent a Room" scheme is a tax incentive designed to encourage people to take in lodgers. These measures are of benefit to students among others.

  Higher Education Funding
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education, which institutions are in receipt of non-formula funding. [32033]

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 3 July 1995]: All higher education institutions with the exception of Chichester institute of higher education, Norwich school of art and Trinity college of music will receive non-formula funding from the Higher Education Funding Council for England in 1994–95. The following further education institutions will also receive HEFCE non-formula funding in 1994–95:

  Berkshire College of Art and Design

  Bracknell College

  Brooklands Technical College

  Chichester College

  Crawley College of Technology

  Croydon College

  Guildford College of Further and Higher Education

  Hammersmith and West London College

  Harlow College

  Havering College of Further and Higher Education

  North East Surrey College of Art and Technology

  Newham Community College

  College of North West London

  Thurrock College

  West Thames College

  Westminster College

  1341
  The Further Education Funding Council funds the following 11 designated institutions by non-formula methods:

  Adult Bursary Scheme for Long-term Residential Colleges

  The City Literary Institute

  Fircroft College of Adult Education

  Hereward College of Further Education

  Hilderstone College

  Hillcroft College

  The International Co-operative College

  The Marine Society College of the Sea

  Northern College for Residential AE Ltd

  Plater College

  Ruskin College

  Work Permits
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many work permit applications have been made to her Department for Premier and Endsleigh league footballers from overseas(a) during the past four years and (b) for 1995 to date; which English football clubs were involved; which countries of origin were involved; and how many applications were refused. [34871]

  Mrs. Gillan
  The number of work permit applications for footballers from overseas, including those for extensions to existing permits, received by the Department from clubs in Great Britain is shown in the following table. Information about which clubs applied, the nationality of these overseas players involved and the number of these applications which were refused is not available.

  Year

  Number of applications

  1991

  32

  1992

  30

  1993

  35

  1994

  22

  1995

  136

  1 To date.

  Child Care Provision
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how much her Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out of school provision for over fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35555]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Child care for the under-fives in England is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health.

  For school-age children, we have allocated £45 million to the out-of-school child care initiative which will help create up to 50,000 additional child care places in Great Britain over the three years which began in April 1993. The initiative is being delivered by training and enterprise councils in England and Wales and local enterprise companies in Scotland. By the end of March 1995 some
  1342
  26,000 child care places had been created in England with a further 5,000 in development, well on course to meet the planned target.

  We do not hold information about the number of children who attend full or part-time, although attendance patterns are flexible to parents' needs.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list for each civil service grade in her Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35468]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The numbers of permanent non-industrial staff on 1 April 1995—before the recent machinery of Government changes—on a head count basis are shown in table 1 for the former Employment Department group and table 2 for the former Department for Education. There are staff in over 118 civil service grades employed in the former ED group and DfE. For convenience, the information has been grouped into grade equivalents.

  Table 1: Former Employment Department Group

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  AA

  899

  20

  1,889

  591

  AO

  7,413

  148

  16,594

  5,218

  EO

  4,577

  53

  6,992

  2,070

  HEO

  1,977

  9

  1,274

  187

  SEO

  1,468

  5

  434

  67

  G7

  913

  11

  176

  32

  G6

  174

  3

  27

  1

  G5

  113

  1

  18

  1

  G4

  13

  0

  1

  0

  G3

  25

  0

  2

  0

  G2

  4

  0

  1

  0

  Gl

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  17,579

  250

  27,408

  8,167

  Table 2: Former Department for Education

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  AA

  101

  2

  186

  26

  AO

  148

  1

  378

  61

  EO

  183

  0

  254

  39

  HEO

  176

  1

  155

  23

  SEO

  77

  4

  40

  8

  G7

  109

  1

  41

  3

  G6

  12

  0

  3

  0

  G5

  31

  0

  14

  1

  G4

  2

  0

  0

  0

  G3

  11

  0

  0

  0

  G2

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Gl

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Total

  854

  9

  1,071

  161

  Departmental Staff
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if she will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each grade of the principal grades and

  1343
  the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in her Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35683]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Female Employees
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures her Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within her Department and its executive agencies. [35661]

  Mrs. Gillan
  A wide range of measures have been taken. All parts of the Department and the Employment Service have equal opportunities action programmes, most of which include targets, and these are monitored on a regular basis. In addition, all promotion boards include at lease one woman member and training in equal opportunities issues is mandatory for board members.

  Development training is available for all staff, including optional training specifically for women. There are "fast track" management programmes available on which women are well represented. A career break scheme is available to help men and women to combine work and family responsibilities and eligible staff will be considered for promotion while on career breaks. Part-time working is available to all staff who want it and all jobs are open to job sharers wherever practicable. In addition, an advisory group has been set up to look at ways of addressing the under-representation of women in senior grades.

  Unemployment Benefits (Cost)
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what is the current administration and overhead costs required to manage unemployment benefits including the current number of civil servants and job centres; and what was the figure in each year since 1980 at 1994 prices; [36304]

  (2) what is the latest total and average figure of the cost of spending on the jobless; and what were the figures in 1978–79 at constant prices. [36303]

  Mr. Forth
  I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Unemployment Assistance
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is the total annual cost of all programmes designed to assist the unemployed back into work or by way of training; and how much is allocated to each major programme. [36306]

  Mr. Paice
  Provision for all programmes to assist the unemployed back into work in 1995–96 is £811 million. Over 90 per cent. of this provision is allocated to the seven major training and employment programmes set out in the table:1344

  Programme

  £ million

  Training for Work

  574

  Community Action

  73

  Jobclubs

  56

  Jobplan

  26

  Job Interview Guarantee

  22

  1-2-1/Workwise

  16

  Restart Courses

  11

  1. Major programmes have been taken to mean those with expenditure of over £10 million.

  2. The list excludes Youth Training and Modern Apprenticeships.

  Barnsley-Doncaster TEC
  Mr. Martin Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what performance level was reached by the Barnsley-Doncaster training and enterprise council for the year 1994–95; [35975]

  (2) how many trainees are currently in training by the Barnsley-Doncaster TEC; [35971]

  (3) what was the current expenditure per head of population in the area covered by Barnsley-Doncaster TEC; and if she will make a statement; [35977]

  (4) what contribution Barnsley-Doncaster TEC is making to improve the technology in its area of responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the work of Barnsley-Doncaster TEC; [35973]

  (5) when she last met with representatives from Barnsley-Doncaster TEC; and what items were discussed; [35972]

  (6) how many NVQs were achieved by trainees from the Barnsley-Doncaster TEC for each of the last five years; and if she will make a statement. [35956]

  Mr. Paice
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my letter in the Library.

  Mr. Martin Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if she will list the chairman and directors of the Barnsley-Doncaster TEC indicating their experience, qualifications and period of office. [35979]

  Mr. Paice
  The information requested on the chairman and directors of the Barnsley and Doncaster Training and Enterprise Council is a matter for the TEC board. TECs are private limited companies who are free to appoint directors, including chairmen, as long as they meet the criteria set out on clause 7.1 of the licensing agreement.

  Mr Martin Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what research is being undertaken by the Barnsley-Doncaster TEC in the current financial year; and if she will make a statement; [35976]

  (2) how many organisations Barnsley-Doncaster TEC was involved with during the current financial year; [35970]

  (3) what is the amount of money spent by the Barnsley-Doncaster TEC on publicity and advertising during the last financial year and for each of the previous five years; and if she will make a statement; [35978]

  (4) what was the total cost incurred by the Barnsley-Doncaster TEC in travelling expenses for each of the last five financial years. [35974]
  1345
  Mr. Paice
  The information requested is operational information on the Barnsley and Doncaster training and enterprise council and the questions would be best addressed to it for answer.

  EU Contributions
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what financial contribution the European Union made to Government-funded work or training schemes in Northern Ireland in 1994–95; to which schemes the European Union contributed; and what percentage of the publicly-funded costs the European Union's contribution constituted. [34026]

  Mr. Ancram
  I have been asked to reply.

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

  Letter from J. S. Crozier to Mr. Tony Worthington, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Education and Employment has asked me, as Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency, to reply to your question.
  The financial contribution made by the European Union to Government-funded training places in Northern Ireland is affected by the allocation made to non-government schemes. Decisions on the latter have yet to be finalised. The final amounts that will be received therefore in respect of government and non-government schemes is not yet known. When the information you seek is available, I will send it to you.

DEFENCE

  Trident Missiles
  Mrs. Lait
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the United Kingdom proposes to order further quantities of Trident missiles; and if he will make a statement. [36608]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Over half our planned number of Trident missiles has been purchased. Orders for the remainder are likely to be placed within the next four years and we have recently begun to commit expenditure to this end. Overall the Trident programme remains well within its original estimate. Savings in real terms on the missile purchases exceed 30 per cent., partly due to intervening exchange rate movements.

  Joint Air Reconnaissance Centre
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about his plans for the joint air reconnaissance centre. [36385]

  Mr. Soames
  The joint air reconnaissance intelligence centre is a tri-service unit at Royal Air Force Brampton. The unit employs about 500 staff comprising military personnel from all three armed services and civil servants. The unit is the Department's centre of excellence for deriving intelligence from reconnaissance imagery. We have accepted a recommendation made by the defence costs study that the unit should be considered for Defence Agency status with a target launch date of 2 April 1996.
  1346

  Royal Navy (Manning, Pay and Pensions)
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about possible defence agency status for the Royal Navy's manning and pay and pensions organisations. [36386]

  Mr. Soames
  I have decided that the Royal Navy's manning and pay and pensions organisations, with their supporting information systems should be considered as candidates for defence agency status under the "next steps" initiative. The above organisations, located in Portsmouth and Gosport, currently employ some 750 staff, of whom about a third are service personnel.

  A "prior options" study will be undertaken to establish whether agency status or other options would be appropriate. I would welcome comments form interested parties. Comments should be sent, by 15 September 1995, to:

  Mr. J. M. Moss

  Command Secretary to the Second Sea Lord and Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command, and Assistant Under-Secretary of State (Naval Personnel) (CS/AUS(NP))

  Ministry of Defence

  Victory Building

  HM Naval Base

  Portsmouth

  Hants PO1 3LS

  Defence Intelligence and Security Training
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his plans for defence intelligence and security training in the armed forces. [36387]

  Mr. Soames
  Defence intelligence and security training is tri-service and carried out at units based at Ashford, Kent, and Garats Hay stations; Royal Air Force North Luffenham and Wyton; and HMS Mercury. The units currently employ about 650 staff comprising military personnel from all three armed services and civil servants. Their task is to provide training and advice on intelligence and security disciplines and policy to the armed forces. I have accepted a recommendation made by the defence costs study that these units be rationalised. A new defence intelligence and security centre is to be formed and considered as a candidate for defence agency status under the "next steps" initiative. This will start with a "prior options" review and, if agency status is approved, a target launch date of 1 October 1996 will he set.

  Service Children's Schools
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the key targets for the financial year 1995–96 which have been set for the Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) defence agency. [36391]
  1347
  Mr. Soames
  The chief executive of Service Children's Schools (North West Europe) has been set the following key targets for 1995–96, the agency's fifth year of operation:

  1. Maintain percentage of pupils gaining A to C grades in five or more subjects at GCSE at not less than 45 per cent.

  2. Maintain the 'A' level pass rate at grades A to E at 84 per cent. whilst increasing the proportion in grades A to C to 50 per cent.

  3. Achieve an overall pass rate for BTEC first diploma of 85 per cent.

  4. For standard attainment tasks and tests (SATs) at ages 7, 11 and 14 achieve a position for the agency in the top 25 per cent. of published national league tables.

  5. Improved efficiency to the value of 2.5 per cent. of net expenditure for 1995–96 as set out in the agency's efficiency plan.

  6. For all children in key stage 2, by 31 March 1996 every school to have an educationally sound programme of contact with a host nation and/or partner school or community with predetermined educational objectives appropriate to the age of the children.

  7. Maintain the index of satisfaction with Service Children's Schools within the army wives continuous attitude survey at above 350.

  8. Parental response surveys to be conducted in three spheres of education, results published and follow up action initiated, where necessary by 31 March 1996.

  9. Introduce by 31 March 1996, and thereafter maintain, the new code of practice for assessing children's special educational needs set by the Department of Education.

  10. Achieve charter mark status by 1 December 1995.

  Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation
  Mr. Michael Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation defence agency has reported its financial performance for the financial year 1994–95; and what targets have been agreed for 1995–96. [36392]

  Mr. Soames
  Copies of the Naval Aircraft Repair Organisation defence agency's annual report and accounts for financial year 1994–95 have been placed in the Library of the House.

  In respect of financial year 1995–96 the Direct General Aircraft (Navy), acting as owner of the agency on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence under the terms of the agency's framework document, has set the following key targets:

  Quantity

  To complete 100 per cent. of the identified core task as detailed in DGA(N)'s Tri Service Schedule of Identified Repair Work.

  Quality

  To improve by four the NARO Quality Index, which represents the weighted number of AQAP non conformances.

  Timeliness

  To complete 93.5 per cent. of contracts on time.

  Productivity

  To improve annual productivity to 620 Direct Output Units per employee.

  Cost

  To reduce the cost of a Direct Output Unit by more than 7.5 per cent. below 1991–92 (pre Agency Launch) levels.

  1348

  Efficiency Index

  To improve the NARO Efficiency Index to 0.635.

  RAF Training Group
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the key targets for the financial year 1995–96 for the Royal Air Force Training Group defence agency. [36393]

  Mr. Soames
  The chief executive of the Royal Air Force Training Group defence agency has been set the following targets for financial year 1995–96.

  1. By 31 March 1996 to take forward the recommendations of the Quality Management Workshop Report.

  2. By 31 March 1996 to achieve the planned elements of Future Flying Training Implementation and Group Training Rationalisation, including the associated Defence Costs Study measures, in accordance with the relevant schedules.

  3. By 31 March 1996 to deliver efficiency measures to achieve a 2.5 per cent. reduction in running costs.

  4. By 31 March 1996 to achieve the planned elements of the Agency's contribution to the RAF manpower savings programme.

  5. By 31 March 1996 to complete the planned work against the Agency's Competing for Quality programme.

  6. By 31 March 1996 to develop and implement the Agency's fixed asset management strategy, procedures and reporting systems.

  7. By 31 March 1996 to report on business process re-engineering and the development of associated financial and accounting systems required by the Department's move to Resource Accounting and Budgeting

  Personnel Security Vetting
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about possible defence agency status for personnel security vetting within his Department. [36394]

  Mr. Soames
  Defence costs studies conducted in my Department have concluded that the personnel security vetting function in the MOD should be considered for defence agency status under the "next steps" initiative. A "prior options" study will be undertaken to establish whether agency status or some other option is the more appropriate. The result of this study will be made known to the House in due course.

  Queen's Flight (Incident at Islay)
  Mr. Butcher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the findings of the inquiry into the incident at Islay in June 1994 involving an aircraft of the Queen's flight. [36349]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The inquiry into the incident on 29 June 1994 when a BAe 146 of the Queen's flight ran off the runway after landing at Islay has been completed and I have placed a summary in the Library of the House. The captain and navigator were responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft and the supervision of HRH the Prince of Wales, who was flying as a pilot under instruction. The inquiry judged that the captain and navigator had been negligent in failing adequately to plan and to correct the approach and landing. Procedures for appointments of aircrew to the Queen's Flight—now part of No. 32 (The Royal)
  1349
  Squadron—flight deck procedures and evaluation of standards have been reviewed as a result of this incident and changes have been made.

  Disposal Sales Agency
  Mr. Jacques Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement detailing the key targets which have been set for the Disposal Sales Agency for financial year 1995–96.

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The chief executive of the Disposal Sales Agency has been set the following targets for financial year 1995–96. The agency made significant efficiency savings in 1994–95 and the 1995–96 targets build on that achievement.

  1. To achieve disposal sales revenue of £53 million within budgetary cost allocation.

  2. To improve efficiency through the contractorisation of sales and introduction of further viable storage and marketing agreements (joint ventures with industry) to limit the Agency's direct selling to Government-to-Government sales and to those direct sales offering best value for money.

  3. To secure efficiency savings of 2.5 per cent. against the Agency's net annual budget.

  4. To achieve full recovery on non-MOD work.

  5. To achieve customer satisfaction as measured by satisfaction surveys.

  To implement Performance Indicators covering Timeliness, Financial Performance, Quality and Output.

  Swansea Symposium (Environment and Defence)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel from his Department, and of what grades, will participate in the University of Wales conferenc e in Swansea on the environment and defence from 13 to 15 September; and if he will list the titles of papers being presented by members of his Department at the conference. [35633]

  Mr. Soames
  The Swansea symposium is being held in association with the NATO committee on the challenges of modern society and will provide an opportunity for NATO and former Warsaw pact countries to exchange information and views about environmental problems arising from defence-related activities. My Department will play a key role in the symposium, but representation has not been finalised. In addition to keynote addresses, papers by Ministry of Defence staff will be presented in the planned technical sessions on pollution prevention, low flying, information technology in defence land management, military land use issues, environmental assessment of defence activities and environmental training.

  Exercise Chameleon
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on(a) the purpose and (b) the participating forces in Exercise Chameleon at Brawdy in April. [35638]

  Mr. Soames
  Exercise Chameleon was a routine exercise that took place between 23 April and 1 May designed to test the abilities of the three services to work together effectively in an operational environment. Elements of the French armed forces also took part.
  1350

  NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the NATO committee on the challenges of modern society pilot study groups in which his Department currently participates; and how many personnel, and of what grades, participate in each. [35632]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department is actively involved in two NATO CCMS pilot studies: defence environmental expectations and environmental aspects of the re-use of former military lands. A grade 5 officer is the co-chairman of the former study. A grade 5 officer is a member of the executive board of the latter study with a grade 7 attending sub-group meetings of the study.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel from his Department, and of what grades, participated in the NATO committee on the challenges of modern society meeting on environmental aspects of re-using former military lands in Munich in October 1994; and if he will make a statement on the changes in his policy on use of former military lands arising from the pilot study on this subject. [35631]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department was represented by one grade 5 officer at the meeting. This meeting is one of a series associated with this NATO CCMS pilot study. Work is continuing and MOD policy will be examined in the light of any future recommendations.

  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration his Department is giving to authorising operations by military unmanned aerial vehicles in controlled airspace over the United Kingdom. [35645]

  Mr. Soames
  Military unmanned aerial vehicles currently only operate within MOD controlled airspace within existing danger areas. There are no plans at present for them to operate within any other controlled airspace within the United Kingdom.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties were undertaken by Tornados of the tri-national Tornado training establishment from RAF Leuchars under the winter venture deployment scheme in winter 1994–95; and how many of these involved low level flying. [35648]

  Mr. Soames
  A total of 198 sorties were flown, of which 184 involved low level flying.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many sorties were conducted by(a) B-52s and (b) F-111s of the US Air Force during their recent deployment to RAF Fairford; how many of each were authorised low flying sorties; and if he will list the numbered low flying areas used by these aircraft during their deployment to the United Kingdom. [35641]

  Mr. Soames
  United States Air Force B-52s conducted 60 sorties during their deployment to RAF Fairford, eight of which involved flying within the UK low flying system. United States Air Force F-111s conducted 122
  1351
  sorties during their deployment, 48 of which involved flying within the UK low flying system. The aircraft used the following low flying areas during their deployment to the UK: 2, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16 and 17. Of these only low flying areas 13 and 14 were used by USAF B-52s.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many low flying sorties by British military aircraft have taken place over Slovakia since August 1994; and how many sorties are planned for 1995. [35647]

  Mr. Soames
  RAF aircraft have to date flown no low flying sorties over Slovakia and at present there are no plans for them to do so. We shall, however, continue to explore the prospects for low level flying with our partners in the region.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for increased Royal Air Force use of the low flying training facilities at Goose bay following the completion of the environmental assessment report on operations from the base. [35646]

  Mr. Soames
  We have no plans at present to seek an increase in the RAF's annual allocation of low level sorties at the Goose bay facility. Operational and other training commitments do mean, however, that actual usage within the agreed ceiling varies from year to year.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the nature and purpose of the deployments of Italian air force Tornados to RAF Cottesmore from 3 to 7 July, 24 to 28 July and 4 to 8 September; and what written agreements exist between his Department and the Italian authorities governing Italian air force combat aircraft deployments to the United Kingdom for low flying, weapons and electronic warfare training. [35639]

  Mr. Soames
  The purpose of the Italian air force Tornado detachments to RAF Cottesmore is to utilise the electronic warfare range at RAF Spadeadam and to carry out low flying training within the United Kingdom low flying system. No written agreements exist; I refer the hon. Member to the replies to his questions of 10 January,Official Report, c.103 and 2 December last year, Official Report, c.943.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many instances have been recorded in each of the last three years in which investigation of a complaint about low flying found that no aircraft had booked in to the relevant low flying area at the reported time of the incident. [35643]

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

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the nature of the aerial activity at low level(a) in the vicinity of Bargrennan on 27 June, (b) in the vicinity of Waterside, Doon Valley, on 28 June, (c) in the vicinity of Lochinvar, New Galloway, on 29 June, (d) in the vicinity of Auchenstroan Craig, Moniaive, on 30 June, (e) in the vicinity of Stroanfreggan on 3 July and (f) in the vicinity of Kendoon Loch on 4 July and in the vicinity of Craighead in the Dalwhat Valley and other locations in the south-west of Scotland throughout this period as notified in "Notice to Airmen J1477". [34351]
  1352
  Mr. Soames
  The activity notified in "Notice to Airmen J1477/95" on the dates and at the locations listed in the question was close air support training down to 100 ft by Harrier aircraft of No. 4 Squadron. This training was part of the squadron's work-up before deployment in support of NATO air operations over Bosnia-Herzogovina

  Military Activities (Environmental Impact)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many personnel from his Department, and of what grades, participated in the United Nations Environment Programme meeting on military activities and the environment in Linkoping, Sweden, from 27 to 30 June; and if he will make a statement on the proposals arising from this meeting for the development of his policies in respect of mitigating the environmental impact of his Department's activities. [35630]

  Mr. Soames
  The defence attaché at the British embassy, Stockholm attended the Linkoping conference. MOD will review the proceedings and recommendations of the Linkoping conference when these are received.

  RAF Aldergrove (Chinooks)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many Chinook captains are currently assigned to Royal Air Force Aldergrove; how many of these have self-authorising status; and if he will make a statement. [35933]

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

  Chinook ZD 576
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the forecast height of the +4 Celsius isotherm along the route of Chinook ZD 576 on 2 June 1994. [35948]

  Mr. Soames
  Approximately 4,500 ft above mean sea level.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many hours of sleep were obtained by the pilot and co-pilot of Chinook ZD 576 in the 24 hours prior to their accident on 2 June 1994. [35946]

  Mr. Soames
  It was not possible for the board of inquiry to ascertain how much sleep the two pilots had in the 24 hours prior to the accident. There is no evidence, however, to suggest that either officer had anything other than a relaxing evening with adequate rest.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what were the minimum forecast visibility and cloudbase on the planned route of Chinook ZD 576 from Royal Air Force Aldergrove to Fort George on 2 June 1994; [35942]

  (2) on how many occasions the pilot and co-pilot of Chinook ZD 576 on 2 June 1994 had flown at low level from Royal Air Force Aldergrove to Fort George in the previous 12 months; [35932]
  1353
  (3) what is the maximum permitted number of (a) flying hours and (b) duty hours in any 24-hour period for Chinook aircrew assigned to Royal Air Force Aldergrove; what are the differences between these limits and those applying to Chinook aircrew assigned to other stations; and what changes have been made to the limits at Aldergrove since 2 June 1994; [35947]

  (4) how many complete Chinook flight crews were (a) assigned to and (b) available for duty at Royal Air Force Aldergrove on 2 June 1994; and what is the normal planned number of available flight crews. [35944]

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

  RAF Jaguar (Accident)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the loss of an RAF Jaguar in the Adriatic sea in June. [35635]

  Mr. Soames
  A Jaguar GRIA on detachment from RAF Coltishall to Gioia del Colle was engaged in a routine training sortie on 21 June when it crashed into the Adriatic sea off the Italian coast. The pilot ejected safely and sustained only minor injuries. A RAF board of inquiry has been convened and a summary of its findings will he placed in the Library of the House in due course.

  Tornado Training Establishment
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on future plans for the organisation and location of the tri-national Tornado training establishment. [35636]

  Mr. Soames
  The requirement for tri-national Tornado training establishment is kept under review by the participating nations. Any proposal affecting its future organisation or location would require detailed discussions between the parties involved before any announcement could be made.

  Defence Conversion Strategies
  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 Study Institute on defence conversion strategies held in Pitlochry from 1 to 14 July; and if he will list the titles of papers presented by members of his Department at the conference. [35634]

  Mr. Soames
  The Ministry of Defence's chief scientific adviser attended the conference on 7 July to deliver a paper on "Dual-use technology". A grade 3 official from the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency presented a paper on "Civil/Defence Strategies in the United Kingdom." These apart, I understand that one other grade 6 Ministry of Defence official attended.

  Chemical Weapons
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what were the conclusions of the tests and studies conducted by the Chemical and Biological Defence 1354
  Establishment, Porton Down, involving service volunteers to determine the degree of incapacitation following exposure to CR gas; and what was the nature of the exercise tests; [35080]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 24 February, Official Report, column 377, how much CR gas was produced at Nacekuke in total; [35083]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 24 February, Official Report, column 378, when the results of the physiological tests to determine the effects of CR gas on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems were first exchanged with the United States of America. [35079]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 19 July 1995:
  Your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence asking about the degree of incapacitation caused by agent CR, how much of the agent was produced, and whether results were shared with the USA, 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 all three questions.
  Approximately two tonnes of CR were manufactured at the Chemical Defence Establishment Nancekuke, most of the production occurring in the mid 1970's. The tests which were carried out at CDE Potion Down with CR involving Service Volunteers concluded, as Dr Pearson informed you in his letter of 19 December 1994, that CR caused sensory irritation and was ten time more potent than CS. Exercise tests would have involved walking and stretching routines. As to date on which this information was exchanged with the United State of America I am afraid I can add no more of Dr Pearson's letter to you of 12 May 1993, a copy of which I attach for ease.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 20 December,Official Report, column 1175, in which years the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment carried out the work to reach the assessment that, with an appropriate stabiliser, there was little decomposition of GD over three years; what was the stabiliser in this case; and when the results of this work were first shared with the United States of America; [35078]

  (2) what assessment the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment has made of the shelf life of thickened GD; [35076]

  (3) pursuant to his answer of 24 February, Official Report, column 377, in which years the work into the ease of acquisition of the precursors for GD was carried out; when the results of this research were first exchanged with the United States of America; and under which defence agreements these results were exchanged with the United States of America. [35075]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.
  1355
  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 19 July 1995:
  Your Questions to the Secretary of State for Defence about the acquisition of the precursors to nerve agent GD, the assessments made on its stability and shelf life 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 all three questions.
  Work to determine the ease of acquisition of the precursors of synthesis of GD was carried out as part of the research into the synthesis of the agent. It is not possible to determine the exact date on which work on precursor acquisition was carried out but it is likely this type of information was available by 1954. The work you refer to on the stability of GD was carried out at Chemical Defence Establishment Nancekuke between 1965–1968 and the stabiliser used was diisopropylcarbodiimide. No long term studies have been made to assess the shelf life of thickened GD.
  Results of both of these programmes of work would have been shared as part of the continuing programme of information exchange and collaboration between the United States of America and the United Kingdom but specific dates for the exact time of exchange are now difficult to ascertain.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 24 February,Official Report, columns 378–79, when the results of the research into GF were first exchanged with the United States of America. [35077]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 19 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking when the results of research into GF were first exchanged with the USA 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
  From the records available it is difficult to determine the exact date on which results of the work were first communicated to the United States but the exchange of this type of information would appear to have begun in 1947.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what were the conclusions of the skin and eye sensitivity tests conducted by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment, Porton Down, involving CS gas and service volunteers; [35082]

  (2) from what source the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment obtained the CS gas for its tests and studies involving service volunteers. [35081]

  Mr. Soames
  These matters are for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency, under its framework document. I have asked the chief executive, DERA, to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 19 July 1995:
  Your questions to the Secretary of State for Defence asking about the tests into the skin and eye sensitivity of CS gas and the source of the CS have been passed to me to reply as the Chief Executive of the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) which
  1356
  now includes the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment (CBDE) as one of its Divisions. This reply covers both questions.The tests of eye and skin sensitivity conducted using Service Volunteers concluded that CS caused short term irritation to the sensory nerve endings giving rise to watering of the eyes and a burning or stinging sensation in the skin. The studies showed the value of CS as a non lethal gas for use in circumstances such as military training. The research quantities of CS used in these studies were manufactured at Chemical Defence Establishment, Nacekuke until shortly before its closure and then subsequently at CBDE Porton Down until 1990. Since 1990 CS has been manufactured by a commercial operator using the processes developed at CBDE.I hope this information is helpful.
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what work has been carried out by the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment into the sensory irritant agent bromobenzyl cyanide; when this work was carried out; where this work was carried out; what were the purpose and conclusions of this work; and if this work involved service volunteers. [35084]

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

  Letter from John Chisholm to Mr. Harry Cohen, dated 19 July 1995:
  Your Question to the Secretary of State for Defence asking for information on the work carried out on the sensory irritant agent bromobenzyl cyanide (BBC) at 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 includes CBDE as one of its Divisions.Studies involving the sensory irritant BBC were carried out between the First and Second World Wars at the Chemical Defence Establishments at Porton Down and Sutton Oak. Exposure of Service Volunteers to BBC would have been part of the research programme and the conclusions of the investigations were that BBC caused sensory irritation and would be a useful tear gas. As a result of this work BBC was employed as the standard in-service tear gas during World War II.

  Explosives and Propellants
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Leyton on 10 July,Official Report, column 466, what is his Department's calculation of the financial benefits to Royal Ordnance of the EPREP—explosives, propellants and related end products—agreement. [35133]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Ministry of Defence can assess the financial benefit of the EPREP agreement to Royal Ordnance only in terms of its total value which amounts to orders to the value of £560 million during the five-year tenure of the agreement.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the explosives. propellants and end products agreement. [35132]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The explosives, propellants and related end products agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Royal Ordnance plc, now the Royal Ordnance Division of British Aerospace Defence Ltd., is "commercial-in-confidence". It is not the practice of Government to place commercial-in-confidence documents in the House of Commons Library.
  1357
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what agreement, formal or informal, covered the matters now covered by the explosives, propellants and related end products agreement before its signing. [35051]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The explosives, propellants and end products agreement subsumed two previous agreements: the explosives and propellants agreement of 18 August 1986, as amended by subsequent side letters, and the small arms ammunition agreement of September 1986. The E and P agreement attempted to secure the capability of producing certain military explosives and propellants in the UK by the MOD undertaking to procure its requirements from the Royal Ordnance for the duration of the agreement, that is, until August 1989. The SAA agreement derived from the E and P agreement and specifically committed the MOD to placing non-competitively with RO its requirements for 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ammunition for the period 1986–87 —to 1988–89 and 9 mm ammunition for the period 1987–88 to 1988–89.

  Radiation Tests (Compensation)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many claims for compensation his Department has received since 1965 relating to radiation tests on humans; and if he will make a statement. [34478]

  Mr. Soames
  We are not aware of any such claims, other than in relation to alleged exposure to ionising radiation during the atmospheric nuclear test programme in the 1950s and early 1960s. If those involved had been subjected, accidentally or otherwise, to dangerous levels of radiation, however, an overall excess of death and of cancer would have been expected among British nuclear test veterans subsequently. In fact, studies by the National Radiological Protection Board of over 20,000 British nuclear test veterans have found no overall excess of death or cancer.

  Bosnia (Rapid Deployment Force)
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much of the British contribution to the rapid deployment force in Bosnia is still in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [35267]

  Mr. Soames
  A British battalion group of over 800 personnel is already in Bosnia as part of our contribution to UNPROFOR's rapid reaction force. In addition, the deployment of 24 Airmobile Brigade is continuing with some 1,100 troops in theatre to prepare for the arrival of the main body of the brigade. It is planned to have completed the deployment of over 4,000 personnel by mid-August.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [34706]
  1358
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Government continue to place a high priority on helping small businesses through improvements to the business climate, through deregulation and through specific programmes of support and assistance.

  Measures operated by my Department to assist small businesses include:

  1. The services of the Defence Suppliers Service which meets and corresponds annually with several thousand suppliers, a very large proportion of which are small firms, offering advice on ways in which they can bring their goods and services to the attention of our buyers. The DSS also supports business links, which provide business counselling and support small businesses.

  2. The promotion of the many opportunities which exist to sell to the Department by publicising contracts in various publications including the Defence Contracts Bulletin, which is a particularly useful source of sub-contract opportunities.

  3. Systematically reviewing our contracting processes to ensure that all administrative procedures are still required and to reduce any unnecessary burdens on businesses. When considering new contracting policies and procedures, we take particular account of the implications for businesses of all sizes.

  Human Remains (Underwater Searches)
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many underwater searches for human remains have been conducted in(a) British, (b) international and (c) foreign waters in each of the last five years. [35736]

  Mr. Soames
  This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what facilities his Department possesses for the underwater searching and detection of human remains. [35735]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department does not possess facilities with an area search capability which could be used to locate human remains underwater. Searches could be carried out by divers, but would be limited in depth and duration due to decompression requirements.

  Music Teaching Courses
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, columns 182–83, if he will provide the number presently taking part in each higher music teaching course and the annual cost of running each course. [36120]

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

  Military Assistance (Training)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 3 April,Official Report, columns 968–69, if for each year he will state the countries and the number from each who were trained. [35265]

  Mr. Soames
  Details of the military assistance provided to other countries are confidential between
  1359
  Governments. Over the period in question training costs for students from the following non-NATO countries were wholly or partially waived by the Ministry of Defence:

  1989–90

  Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Chile, Dominica, Egypt, Fiji, Grenada, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Senegal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE and Yemen.

  1990–91

  Antigua, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Chile, Dominica, Egypt, Fiji, Grenada, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and UAE.

  1991–92

  Antigua, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Dominica, Egypt, Fiji, Grenada, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and UAE.

  1992–93

  Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Chile, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Montserrat, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Senegal, Thailand, UAE and Uruguay.

  1993–94

  Albania, Antigua, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Hungary, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Senegal, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago and UAE.

  Military Hardware (Accidents)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all items of military hardware over £25,000 in value lost through accidents in each of the last five years. [35445]

  Mr. Soames
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Homosexuals (Armed Forces)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to improve the situation of gay men and lesbian women within the armed forces; and if he will make a statement. [35444]

  Mr. Soames
  We are considering at present the High Court judgment in the recent judicial review cases involving four former service personnel who were discharged on the grounds of homosexuality. Appeals in these cases are pending. In the meantime, it remains our policy to exclude homosexuals from the armed forces.

  Livestock Exports (Airfields)
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has(a) for allowing the use of airfields for exporting livestock from the United Kingdom and (b) for the sale of airfields to exporters of livestock; and if he will make a statement. [34860]

  Mr. Soames
  No plans exist to allow the use of my Department's airfields for the export of livestock, or for the disposal of any surplus airfields for this purpose.
  1360

  Aircraft (British Grand Prix)
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many aircraft belonging or chartered to Her Majesty's armed forces were present at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on 16 July; and for what purposes. [36206]

  Mr. Soames
  I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital
  Mr. Austin-Walker
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the legal obstacles to the transfer of services from the Brook hospital to the Queen Elizabeth Military hospital, Woolwich; and if he will make a statement. [35937]

  Mr. Soames
  There are a number of important contractual issues to be resolved before my Department will be in a position to sell the Queen Elizabeth Military hospital to the Greenwich Healthcare trust. As negotiations are still subject to contract, we regard the specific details of such matters as in confidence between the two parties. Officials from the MOD are, however, in close contact with the Greenwich Healthcare trust, and we are optimistic about reaching an amicable solution on all outstanding issues shortly.

  Mast Manning
  Mr. Viggers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the future of mast-manning in the Royal Navy. [35139]

  Mr. Soames
  Personnel who form the Royal Navy mast manning display team are drawn from the pool of manpower that is temporarily surplus to requirements. This surplus which has enabled formation of the team in recent years, will not be available in future as strengths are brought more into line with naval requirements. Any future formation of the team could be achieved only by the diversion of ratings from priority tasks.

  Royal Yacht
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the latest estimate of savings to his Department's budget of the proposed decommissioning of the Royal Yacht Britannia. [34758]

  Mr. Soames
  As a result of the Government's decision to decommission HMY Britannia in 1997, her planned refit in 1996–97 will not be necessary; this will save some £17,000,000. In addition, Britannia's running costs of about £10,000,000 per annum will be saved.

  Early Retirement and Redundancy
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of early retirement and redundancy packages for armed forces personnel in the last year for which figures are available. [35129]

  Mr. Soames
  During financial year 1994–95 redundancy payments of £453,000,000 were made. This figure includes special capital payments, early payment of terminal grants, commuted pension payments and the first year's early payment of immediate pensions.
  1361
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the total amount of redundancy payments paid to British service personnel who have left the armed forces under the "Options for Change" policies as of 1 July. [34077]

  Mr. Soames
  The current redundancy programme began in financial year 1992–93. In that year redundancy payments of £232,000,000 were made. In 1993–94 and 1994–95 the payments totalled £509,000,000 and £453,000,000 respectively.

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

  Surplus Land and Houses
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the surplus land and houses sold by his Department by auction in each of the last three financial years; if he will give the price obtained; and if he will make a statement. [35028]

  Mr. Soames
  From the available records the following properties have been identified as having been sold by auction in the financial years as shown:

  £

  Financial year 1992–93

  Two building plots adjacent to 5/10 Dobbie Road, Long Marston

  75,000

  Building plot at rear of 24–28 Norton Close, Worcester

  35,500

  White Lodge, HMS Mercury, Petersfield

  95,000

  4 Cranfield Drive, London

  47,000

  4 Married Quarters and 5 garages, Golden Valley Estate, Folkstone

  145,000

  2 Married Quarters, Dagets Wood, Chatham

  65,750

  20 acres (sportsfield) Coldblow near Deal

  21,000

  Financial year 1993–94

  St. Albans Hall, Lynchford Road, Farnborough

  117,000

  Four lots of land RAF Greatworth, Northamptonshire

  109,000

  Horse Sands Fort, The Solent

  45,860

  Nos 4–27, 9, 12, 15 and 17 Poplar Way, Colerne, Wiltshire

  145,000

  Nos 1–21 (odd) Elm Road, Colerne, Wiltshire

  190,000

  Nos 2–6 Cherry Road, 2–12 (even) Elm Road, 6–10 Hazel Way, Colerne, Wiltshire

  330,000

  Sopley Bunker, Harpway Lane, Christchurch

  151,000

  50 Fareham Road, Gosport

  27,000

  52 Beechwood Drive, Woodford Green, Essex

  32,000

  Financial year 1994–95

  Ex Warning and Monitoring Post, Church Lawford, Rugby

  248,200

  2 x Woodside Cottages, Lyneham

  101,500

  180 Priory Road, Gosport

  30,500

  Departmental Property (Evictions)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many proceedings to evict irregular occupants for non-payment of rent have been initiated in each of the last five years for which information is available; and if he will make a statement. [35031]

  Mr. Soames
  In the last five years, my Department has initiated 370 proceedings to evict irregular occupants for 1362
  non-payment of rent, although there is very rarely any need for an actual eviction to take place, and in the last two years for which figures are available there have been no evictions. A year by year breakdown of this figure is given in the table:

  Number

  1991

  16

  1992

  77

  1993

  142

  1994

  112

  1995

  233

  1 Note that the figure for 1991 is for Royal Air Force only.

  2 To date.

  Manadon Engineering School
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many bids have been received for the Royal Navy's engineering school at Manadon, Plymouth; if he will name the successful bidder, indicating the price obtained; and if he will make a statement. [35030]

  Mr. Soames
  A recent marketing campaign for Royal Naval Engineering College Manadon produced six serious responses from prospective purchasers. Following analysis of the proposals, it was decided that the sale should be completed by formal tender. Invitations to tender will be issued shortly with a closing date for bids approximately one month thereafter.

  MOD Properties (Illegal Occupation)
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in respect of the illegal occupation of empty Ministry of Defence premises; how many premises have been illegally occupied; and if he will make a statement. [35029]

  Mr. Soames
  I am aware of no representations having been received in respect of the illegal occupation of empty Ministry of Defence premises. We are aware of five married quarters which have been illegally occupied during the last year.

  Ferry Purchases
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what military requirements two ferry vessels are required as set out in "Future Purchase No. NSSB3B/60758"; what consideration has been given to leasing or contract hiring of such vessels; what equivalent vessels were in use at Portland for the purpose of transfer of naval training staff to warships; and if he will make a statement. [34755]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The requirement set out in "Future Purchase No. NSSBSB/60758" of the June 1995 issue of the MOD "Contracts Bulletin" is for two specialist passenger craft to transfer naval personnel from Plymouth to and from warships and auxiliaries in open water in support of Flag Officer Sea Training when this task moves from Portland. We are currently considering a number of procurement options, including leasing, before establishing procurement strategy aimed at achieving best value for money for the defence budget. The vessels currently in use at Portland are not capable of meeting the
  1363
  requirement to transfer personnel safely in the significantly rougher seas experienced off Plymouth.

  Memoranda of Understanding
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations led him to diverge from his policy of not divulging details of memoranda of understanding in his answer to the honourable Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) of 27 October 1992,Official Report, columns 614–15, on the memorandum of understanding signed in September 1992 by the United Kingdom and Indonesian Governments. [36326]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The memorandum of understanding referred to was signed at the Farnborough air show and the answer given to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley at the time may have reflected the possibility of some information about it being in the public domain.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what considerations led him to diverge from his policy of

  Grades within the Open Structure and Occupational

  Full-time staff

  Part-time staff

  Groups—1 April 1995

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Open Structure Grade 1 (including 1A)

  5

  0

  5

  0

  0

  0

  Open Structure Grade 2 (including UIPP (Higher))

  8

  0

  8

  0

  0

  0

  Open Structure Grade 3 (including UIPP (Lower))

  43

  2

  45

  0

  0

  0

  Open Structure Grade 4

  29

  1

  30

  0

  0

  0

  Open Structure Grade 5

  259

  15

  274

  0

  1

  1

  Open Structure Grade 6

  703

  23

  726

  1

  0

  1

  Open Structure Grade 7

  2,654

  130

  2,784

  16

  13

  29

  Senior Executive Officer

  1,114

  195

  1,309

  2

  6

  8

  Administration Fast Stream HEO(D))

  12

  10

  22

  0

  0

  0

  Administration Fast Stream (AT(HEO)(NEW))

  3

  1

  4

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Executive Officer

  2,097

  954

  3,051

  2

  54

  56

  Administration Fast Stream (AT)

  6

  0

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Executive Officer

  2,931

  2,792

  5,723

  7

  193

  200

  Administrative Officer

  3,969

  9,375

  13,344

  20

  902

  922

  Administrative Assistant

  1,375

  4,425

  5,800

  26

  786

  812

  Senior Economic Assistant

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Senor Assistant Statistician

  0

  1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant Statistician

  2

  1

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Information Officer

  30

  7

  37

  0

  0

  0

  Information Officer

  35

  23

  58

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant Information Officer

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Librarian

  10

  7

  17

  0

  0

  0

  Librarian

  19

  29

  48

  0

  0

  0

  Assistant Librarian

  12

  33

  45

  0

  5

  5

  Museum Curatorial Group Grade D

  5

  0

  5

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Curatorial Group Grade E

  7

  2

  9

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Curatorial Group Grade F

  7

  2

  9

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Curatorial Group Grade G

  1

  5

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Mapping and Charting Officer

  85

  20

  105

  1

  5

  6

  Higher Mapping and Charting Officer

  191

  38

  229

  0

  2

  2

  Mapping and Charting Officer

  355

  96

  451

  0

  41

  41

  Mapping and Charting Technical Grade 1

  108

  61

  169

  1

  10

  11

  Mapping and Charting Technical Grade 2

  31

  32

  63

  1

  9

  10

  Senior Professional and Technology Officer

  2,320

  19

  2,339

  2

  1

  3

  Higher Professional and Technology Officer

  3,726

  53

  3,779

  4

  2

  6

  Professional and Technology Officer

  4,561

  85

  4,646

  1

  5

  6

  Professional and Technology Officer IV(obs)

  3

  0

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Technical Grade 1

  268

  105

  373

  0

  0

  7

  Technical Grade 2

  16

  14

  30

  0

  0

  2

  Graduate Trainee

  50

  0

  50

  0

  0

  0

  Trainee Incorporated Engineer

  12

  2

  14

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Graphics Officer

  10

  1

  11

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Graphics Officer

  47

  2

  49

  0

  0

  0

  Graphics Technical Grade

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Graphics Officer

  166

  29

  195

  0

  1

  1

  1364
  not divulging details of memoranda of understanding in his answer to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) of 27 October 1992, Official Report, columns 614–15, on the memorandum of understanding signed in September 1992 by the United Kingdom and Indonesian Governments. [36326]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The memorandum of understanding referred to was signed at the Farnborough air show and the answer given to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley at the time may have reflected the possibility of some information about it being in the public domain.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35466]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The number of male and female full-time and part-time staff employed by my Department and its agencies is set out in the table.
  1365

  Grades within the Open Structure and Occupational

  Full-time staff

  Part-time staff

  Groups—1 April 1995

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Senior Research Officer (R)

  44

  7

  51

  1

  0

  1

  Research Officer (R)

  6

  1

  7

  0

  0

  0

  Chief Typing Manager

  0

  16

  16

  0

  0

  0

  Typing Manager

  0

  160

  160

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Personal Secretary

  0

  91

  91

  0

  0

  0

  Personal Secretary

  3

  800

  803

  0

  23

  23

  Typist

  7

  2,635

  2,642

  0

  600

  600

  Senior Scientific Officer

  1,659

  166

  1,825

  23

  25

  48

  Higher Scientific Officer

  1,567

  261

  1,828

  4

  28

  32

  Scientific Officer

  1,103

  255

  1,358

  1

  19

  20

  Assistant Scientific Officer

  460

  103

  563

  2

  8

  10

  Senior Instructional Officer

  65

  0

  65

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Instructional Officer

  333

  2

  335

  0

  0

  0

  Instructional Officer I

  1,072

  9

  1,081

  1

  0

  1

  Instructional Officer II

  168

  5

  173

  1

  1

  2

  Catering Manager 3

  3

  0

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Chef 1/Chief Cook 1

  17

  1

  18

  0

  0

  0

  Chef 2/Chief Cook 2

  21

  2

  23

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Technician Grade 2

  2

  0

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Technician Grade 3

  1

  1

  2

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Support Grade 1

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Support Grade 2

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Support Grade 3

  22

  0

  22

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Support Grade 4

  3

  0

  3

  0

  0

  0

  Museum Support Grade 5

  5

  0

  5

  1

  0

  1

  Senior Photographic Officer

  6

  0

  6

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Photographic Officer

  37

  1

  38

  0

  0

  0

  Photographic Officer

  126

  8

  134

  0

  1

  1

  Process & Supervisory Group Grade A

  11

  0

  11

  0

  0

  0

  Process & Supervisory Group Grade B

  35

  0

  35

  0

  0

  0

  Process & Supervisory Group Grade C

  116

  0

  116

  0

  0

  0

  Process & Supervisory Group Grade D

  303

  11

  314

  0

  2

  2

  Process & Supervisory Group Grade E

  120

  8

  128

  0

  0

  0

  Senior Psychologist

  9

  16

  25

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Psychologist

  4

  7

  11

  0

  0

  0

  Stores Officer Grade A

  17

  0

  17

  0

  0

  0

  Stores Officer Grade B

  131

  2

  133

  1

  0

  0

  Stores Officer Grade C

  326

  9

  335

  0

  0

  0

  Stores Officer Grade D

  653

  61

  714

  0

  1

  1

  Support Manager 1

  2

  2

  4

  0

  0

  0

  Support Manager 2

  17

  17

  34

  0

  0

  0

  Support Manager 3

  72

  101

  173

  0

  0

  0

  Support Grade Band 1

  279

  699

  978

  3

  47

  50

  Support Grade Band 2

  435

  411

  846

  5

  50

  55

  Senior Telecommunications Technical Officer

  48

  0

  48

  0

  0

  0

  Higher Telecommunication Technical Officer

  149

  1

  150

  0

  0

  0

  Telecommunications Technical Officer

  338

  1

  339

  4

  1

  5

  Assistant Telecommunications Technical Officer

  429

  15

  444

  0

  1

  1

  Trainee Telecommunications Technical Officer

  17

  1

  18

  0

  0

  0

  Trainee Telecommunications Technical Officer

  1

  0

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Communications Officer I

  18

  1

  19

  0

  0

  0

  Communications Officer II

  38

  9

  47

  0

  0

  0

  Communications Officer III

  93

  28

  121

  0

  0

  0

  Communications Officer IV

  234

  100

  334

  1

  4

  5

  Total staff in open structure and occupational groups

  37,915

  24,614

  62,529

  132

  2,856

  2,988

  Total staff in departmental non-industrial grades

  13,818

  1,522

  15,340

  74

  110

  184

  Industrial staff

  30,230

  5,266

  35,496

  126

  1,290

  1,416

  Total non-industrial and industrial staff

  81,963

  31,402

  113,365

  332

  4,256

  4,588

  Anti-personnel Mines
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the oral answer of 4 July to the hon. Member for Blaby,Official Report, column 137, (1) when the Government announced a policy of testing to ensure the procurement of additional anti-personnel land mines is safe, tested and reliable; [35453]
  1366
  (2) what research his Department intends to carry out to ensure that self-destruct anti-personnel land mines that his Department intends to procure are safe, tested and reliable; and how he intends to ensure that present stocks are safe, tested and reliable. [35452]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  All equipment procured for use by Her Majesty's armed forces is subject to testing to ensure that it is safe, reliable and fit for purpose. If we procure anti-personnel mines in the future these would be subject
  1367
  to such tests to ensure that they comply with out requirements for safety and reliability at that time. Stocks of all types of in-service ammunition, including mines, are tested regularly to assess their continued safety and suitability for service. No stocks of self-destruct anti-personnel mines are currently held by my Department.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the oral answer of 4 July to the hon. Member for Blaby,Official Report, column 137, (1) what steps he has taken to consider the military usefulness of anti-personnel land mines; [35451]

  (2) pursuant to his oral answer of 6 June to the hon. Member for Islwyn, Official Report, column 13, what measures were taken to consider the justifiable military use of some anti-personnel land mines; and if he will list the recipient and nature of Government spending on mine-clearance work. [35470]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The need for anti-personnel land mines is kept under review. Such reviews include investigation of possible alternative ways of carrying out the important defensive role which is currently fulfilled by anti-personnel land mines. Recent operational analysis has not identified any weapon system which could act as an effective alternative to anti-personnel land mines.

  Government support towards the humanitarian clearance of land mines is undertaken through the Overseas Development Administration.

  Child Care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for over-fives, either directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, or indirectly through resources made available to local authorities or other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35450]

  Mr. Soames
  Excluding provision made for staff and service personnel, my Department has no responsibility for meeting costs of child care either directly or indirectly.

  Stealth Fixed-wing Aircraft
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on plans for the development of a stealth fixed-wing aircraft. [35642]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Our plans for future combat aircraft and associated technologies are kept under constant review. Following the recently approved mid-life update, the Tornado GR4 aircraft will not need replacing until well into the next century.

  Chinook Helicopters
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to buy additional Chinook helicopters for special forces use. [35637]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  It is our policy not to discuss requirements for special forces use.
  1368

  Hawk Aircraft
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on plans for replacement of the RAF's Hawk T1 and T1A aircraft. [35640]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We are assessing a number of options for the Hawk fleet including extending the life of the aircraft or purchase or lease of a replacement in due course. This work will take some time.

  Market Testing
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, c. 272, what is the value of (a) those activities subject to market testing that included a bid from the respective in-house organisation and (b) those activities where an in-house bid was not allowed. [35027]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The total value of activities which have been subject to market testing that included a bid from the respective in-house organisation in the last three reporting periods, covering 1 April 1992 to 31 March 1995, was £80 million. The total value of activities where an in-house bid was not allowed, that is, where the activity was strategically contracted out, in the same period, was £409 million. This latter figure includes AWE contractorisation valued at £275 million.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, c. 272, if he will (a) name the organisations awarded contracts to carry out the activities where an in-house bid was not allowed and (b) express as a percentage of the total number of activities market tested the number of activities where an in-house bid has not been allowed; and if he will make a statement. [35026]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The organisations awarded contracts to carry out the activities where an in-house bid was not allowed, that is, where the activity was strategically contracted out, in the last three reporting periods, are listed in the table. This is 39 per cent. of the total number of activities completed under the competing for quality process within the same periods.

  MINISTRY OF DEFENCE—ACTIVITIES STRATEGICALLY CONTRACTED OUT

  1992–93

  Gardening, Royal Marine School of Music, Deal—Oaklands plc

  Harrier Aircraft Service Support, H.M.S. HERON—Hunting A/C Ltd.

  Helicopter Maintenance and Engineering Support, H.M.S. OSPREY, H.M.S. HERON and H.M.S. SEAHAWK—Hunting A/C Ltd.

  Simulator Helicopter Control Operations, H.M.S. OSPREY—Hunting A/C Ltd.

  Bielefeld bakery—NAAFI

  Works Services, H.M.S. SEAHAWK—PSA Building Management

  Works Services, H.M.S. DOLPHIN—PSA Building Management

  Central Engineer Resources, Plant Hire, Long Marston—various local contractors

  Food distribution in BAOR—NAAFI

  Food distribution in rear combat zone (BAOR)—NAAFI

  1369

  Line of Communications—Freight Service, (Low Countries)—DEPAIRE

  Engineering and Supply (multi-activity contract), RAF Scampton—Hunting A/C Ltd.

  RAF/RN Elementary Flying Training Topcliffe—Hunting A/C Ltd.

  Domestic Services, MOD Police, Wethersfield—Gardner Merchant

  Works Services Maintenance, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Falkland Islands, Belize—Turner (FM) Ltd./Balfour Beatty/ACO

  Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston—Hunting Brae Ltd.

  Combat Systems Information Management Team—EASAMS Ltd.

  Guarding, Abbey Wood—CHUBB Wardens Ltd. Relocation Reconnaissance Visits, Bristol—Peter Carol Executive Coaches

  1993–94

  Tri Service food study—NAAFI

  Verbatim Court Recorders, Salisbury—Harry Counsell and Co

  Catering strategy study, UK Land Forces—various contractors across a range of sites

  Air Weapons Range, Rosehearty—Assessment Services Ltd. Electronic Warfare training tasks, 360 Sqn, RAF Wyton—FR Aviation Ltd.

  Government Pipeline and Storage System, (Operation and Maintenance)—Simon Storage Group/SERCO Gulf Engineering/Unipen

  Parachute Transport Flight, RAF Hullavington—Hallett Silbermann

  Station Engineering Management Aid, (Maintenance Analysis and Computing Division), RAF Swanton Morley—Bull Information Systems Ltd.

  Furniture repair, British Forces Hong Kong—Wing Cheung and Co Ltd.

  School bus service, British Forces Hong Kong—Hoi Tai Tours Ltd.

  Support Services, Akrotiri, Cyprus—Compass Catering Service (Cyprus) Ltd.

  Data entry, Met Office, Bracknell—Alpha Numeric 1994–95

  Wireless Stations (Operation and Maintenance), Inskip and Crimond—SERCO Services Ltd.

  Freight Service, Germany—TNT Express Holding GmbH

  Mobile Civilian Artisan Groups, Germany—Procurement of services as and when required

  Support for Parachute Training—Hunting Aviation Ltd.

  The Queen's Flight, (engineering support) RAF NortholtFLS Aerospace (Lovaux) Ltd.

  Repair of Defence Accommodation Stores, RAF Quedgeley— HiFburb Ltd./Thackers Ltd./Gordons of Hemingford

  Curtain manufactures, British Forces Hong Kong—FCO Procurement Unit

  Food supply, British Forces Hong Kong—various contractors

  Support Services, British Forces Hong Kong—SERCO/Gardner Merchant

  Overseas Trips
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 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. [32262]
  1370
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Monday 10 July 1995]During the period in question, Ministers in my Department have carried out the following overseas visits:

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  Financial year 1993–94

  April

  20 to 23

  USA

  To represent Her Majesty's Government at opening of Holocaust Museum, and to have bilateral talks

  Civil

  May

  16 to 21

  Far East (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore)

  Bilaterals

  RAF

  25

  Belgium (Brussels)

  NATO Ministerial Meeting

  RAF

  August

  2 to 4

  Bosnia/Croatia, Italy

  To visit British Forces in Bosnia nad Croatia, and for bilateral talks in Croatia and Italy

  RAF

  September

  19 to 24

  CIS (Russia and Ukraine)

  Bilaterals

  RAF

  October

  20 to 21

  Germany (Travemunde)

  NATO Ministerial meeting

  22

  Germany (Bielefeld)

  To visit British Forces

  RAF

  23 to 24

  Germany (Bonn)

  To participate in Bertelsmann Forum

  24 to 26

  France

  Bilateral

  November

  21 to 22

  Austria (Vienna)

  Anglo-German Summit

  RAF

  25

  Germany (Bonn)

  NATO Ministerial

  RAF

  December

  8 to 9

  Belgium (Brussels)

  NATO Ministerial

  RAF

  January

  5 to 10

  Far East Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, (Bahrain)

  Bilateral discussions

  RAF

  February

  4

  Germany (Laarbruch, Bruggen)

  To visit British Forces

  RAF

  5

  Germany

  Conference on Security Policy

  RAF

  6 to 7

  Italy/Former Yugoslavia

  To visit British Forces

  RAF

  10 to 11

  Sweden

  Bilateral

  RAF

  19 to 20

  Italy

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  March

  17 to 18

  Former Yugoslavia

  Visit to British Forces

  RAF

  22

  Norway

  Engagement with the King of Norway

  RAF

  23

  Netherlands

  Bilateral

  RAF

  1371

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  Financial year 1994–95

  April

  1 to 5

  Nepal

  To visit British Forces

  RAF

  12 to 15

  USA

  Bilateral

  Civil

  May

  5 to 8

  Bermuda

  To visit British Forces

  RAF

  9

  Luxembourg

  WEU Ministerial

  RAF

  23 to 25

  Belgium (Brussels)

  NATO Ministerial meeting

  RAF

  26

  USA

  Witness missile firing

  RAF

  27 to 28

  Belize

  To visit British Forces

  RAF

  June

  2 to 3

  Switzerland

  Bilateral

  RAF

  6

  France

  D Day

  RAF

  September

  8

  Germany

  Berlin commemorations

  RAF

  11

  Denmark

  Bilateral

  RAF

  28 to 30

  Spain

  NATO Ministerial

  RAF

  October

  2 to 5

  Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania)

  Bilateral

  RAF

  20 to 24

  Israel

  Bilateral

  RAF

  24 to 25

  Jordan/Kuwait

  Bilateral

  RAF

  28

  Germany

  To attend BAOR drawdown parade

  RAF

  30 to 1 November

  USA

  Bilateral

  RAF

  November

  18

  France

  Summit

  RAF

  December

  5 to 6

  Former Yugoslavia

  Visit to British Forces

  RAF

  13 to 14

  Belgium (Brussels)

  NATO Ministerial

  RAF

  January

  16 to 18

  Middle East (Saudi Arabia Abu Dhabi, Dubai)

  Bilateral talks

  RAF

  February

  3

  Germany

  Visit German Forces

  RAF

  4 to 5

  Germany (Munich)

  Security Policy Conference

  RAF

  12 to 15

  Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia

  Bilateral talks

  RAF

  March

  2 to 5

  USA

  Quadrilateral meeting

  Civil

  Financial year 1995–96

  April

  7 to 13

  Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe

  Bilaterals

  RAF— £133,404

  28 to 30

  Germany

  Ditchley Foundation Conference

  RAF— £6,796

  May

  14 to 15

  Portugal

  WEU Ministerial

  RAF—£4,970

  June

  3

  France

  Ministerial meeting

  RAF—£3,271

  1372

  Secretary of State for Defence

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  June 8 to 9

  Brussels

  NATO Ministerial meeting

  RAF— £2,782

  12 to 13

  Sweden and Finland

  Bilateral

  RAF—£5,594

  19 to 21

  USA

  Bilateral and WEU Conference

  Civil

  Minister for the Armed Forces

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  Financial Year 1993–94

  5–9 April

  Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria and Slovakia

  Bilaterals

  RAF

  13–15 May

  Germany

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  19 May

  Rome

  WEU Ministerial meeting

  Civil

  26 July

  Luxembourg

  WEU Ministerial meeting

  RAF

  28–30 July

  Germany

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  13–16 September

  Italy, Bosnia and Croatia

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  20–29 September

  Belize, USA and Brazil

  Visit British Forces, Prime Minister and members of Belizean government, meetings with members of the US administration

  Civil

  12–14 October

  Hungary

  Bilaterals

  RAF

  15–18 November

  Cyprus, Gibraltar, Sardinia

  Meet British Forces and Chief Minister, Gibraltar

  RAF

  Financial Year 1994–95

  23 February

  Brussels

  Visit SHAPE Headquarters

  RAF

  13–15 June

  Bosnia

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  30 June-1 July

  Norway

  HQ AFNORTH closure ceremony

  RAF

  19 August

  Brussels

  Represent UK at Mandred Worner's funeral

  RAF

  1 September

  Germany

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  4–8 September

  Oman

  Bilaterals

  Civil

  26–28 September

  Bosnia

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  1–7 October

  Hong Kong Brunei

  Visit British troops and Bilaterals

  Civil

  7–10 November

  Cyprus Gibraltar

  Visit British troops

  RAF

  5 December

  Germany

  Bilaterals

  RAF

  3–6 January

  Bahrain

  Anglo Bahrain Defence Committee and Bilaterals

  Civil

  25 January

  Furstenfoldbruck, Germany

  British/German Peacekeeping seminar

  RAF

  28–29 February

  Norway

  Visit British Forces on NATO Exercise

  RAF

  15 March

  Germany

  Visit British Forces

  RAF

  1373

  Minister for the Armed Forces

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  FINANCIAL YEAR 1995–96

  21–25 April

  Bosnia/Turkey

  Visit UK troops and represent the UK government at Gallipoli commemorations

  RAF— £26,973

  2–3 May

  Hamburg, Germany

  Attend VE commemorations

  RAF

  The RAF cost of this visit was borne by The prince of Wales, who was accompanied by the
  Minister for the Armed Forces.

  Minister of State for Defence Procurement

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  FINANCIAL YEAR 1993–94

  5 April

  Germany

  Bilateral talks

  RAF

  16–18 April

  Oman

  Promoting defence sales

  Civil

  28June

  Netherlands

  Promoting defence sales

  RAF

  16 September

  Poland

  To accompany HRH the Duke of Edinburgh

  RAF

  8–10 October

  Kuwait

  Promoting defence sales

  Civil

  6–7 November

  Dubai

  Promoting defence sales

  RAF

  18 November

  Germany

  Promoting defence sales

  RAF

  15–17 December

  Saudi Arabia

  Promoting defence sales

  Civil

  20–22 December

  Bosnia

  Visiting British troops

  RAF

  6–9 January

  Oman

  Promoting defence sales

  Civil

  28–31 January

  Riyadh

  Promoting defence sales

  Civil

  FINANCIAL YEAR 1994–95

  26–29 April

  USA

  Bilateral talks

  Civil

  12 September

  Germany

  Bilateral talks

  RAF

  18–21 September

  Far East

  Five power defence arrangements ministerial meeting

  Civil

  27–29 September

  USA

  Bilateral talks

  Civil

  22–23 October

  UAE

  Bilateral talks and promoting defence sales

  Civil

  2 February

  France

  Bilateral talks

  Civil

  5–6 February

  Germany

  Bilateral talks

  RAF

  17–20 March

  UAE

  Bilateral talks and promoting defence sales

  Civil

  23 March

  France

  Bilateral talks

  RAF

  FINANCIAL YEAR 1995–96

  21–23 April Kuwait

  Promoting defence sales

  Civil

  1374

  Minister of State for Defence Procurement

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  27 April

  France

  Bilateral talks

  RAF— £1,807

  19 May

  Germany

  Bilateral talks

  RAF— £2,152

  12 June

  France

  Visit to Paris air show and bilateral talks

  RAF— £1,430

  Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence

  Date

  Destination

  Purpose

  Aircraft type

  FINANCIAL YEAR 1993–94

  20 April

  RAF Bruggen

  Disbandment of RAF Germany

  RAF

  23 April

  Germany

  Meet Federation of Army Wives BAOR

  Civil

  12 May

  Bielefield, Germany

  Visit ACE Rapid Reaction Corps

  Civil

  24 June

  Germany

  Disbanding of the Northern Army Group and 2nd Allied Tactical Air Force

  RAF

  14–17 September

  Turkey

  Defence Sales visit to IDEF

  Civil

  29 September

  Bielesfeld, Germany

  Federation of Army Wives Conference

  RAF

  21–23 October

  Albania

  Bilateral

  RAF

  1–3 December

  Russia

  125th Anniversary of St. Petersburgh Declaration followed

  RAF

  6–9 December

  Malaysia

  Defence sales visit to LIMA 93

  Civil

  13 December

  Normandy

  Looking at sites for D Day Celebrations

  RAF

  19 January

  Grafenwoker, Germany

  View Combined Arms Tactical Trainer

  RAF

  20–22 February

  Singapore

  Bilateral

  Civil

  28–30 March

  Bosnia

  Visit British troops

  RAF

  FINANCIAL YEAR 1994–95

  19–20 April

  Malaysia

  Bilateral

  Civil

  6 June

  Normandy

  D Day

  RAF

  29 June

  Sennelager, Germany

  British Forces Germany Environmental Day

  RAF

  26–27 August

  Slovakia

  50th Anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising

  RAF

  3–7 October

  Greece and Slovenia

  Defendory 94 and Bilateral

  Civil to Athens then RAF

  19 October

  Herford, Germany

  Federation of Army Wives Conference

  RAF

  7–11 November

  Turkey

  Bilateral

  Civil

  1375

  Total Ministerial expenditure on commercial foreign air travel for 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 to date is as follows:

  Financial year

  Expenditure £

  1993–94

  73,767

  1994–95

  72,455

  1995–96 to date

  5,660

  Before April 1995 the cost of RAF flights was not separately identified and, together with the numbers of officials, could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

  On visits of this kind, accommodation is normally provided by Her Majesty's Ambassador, Higher Commissioner, other Government representative, or by the hosts.

  S6 Respirator
  Mr. Livingstone
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 276, who was in control of the user acceptability trials with the S6 respirator; and where these trials were carried out. [35622]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Tuesday 18 July 1995]The S6 respirator which preceded the current S10, was brought into service about 30 years ago. Remaining records relating to this period are held in archives and to establish whether they contain information concerning user trials and acceptance would incur disproportionate costs. It is known that a study conducted in 1957 by the Army operational research group of the Department of the Scientific Adviser to the Army Council recommended the acceptance of the S6 concept.

  Trafalgar Square Rally
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if his Department sent observers to the rally in Trafalgar square on 16 July, marking the 50th anniversary of the first atomic bomb test in New Mexico. [36234]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  No.

  Nuclear Weapons Research
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what has been the cost in each year since 1979 of sending scientists and departmental officials to United States nuclear weapons research laboratories and production facilities under the provisions of the 1958 United States—United Kingdom mutual defence agreement on atomic energy matters. [36228]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Records are not kept in a manner which allows this information to be provided.

  Female Employees
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since.1985. [35687]
  1376
  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information is not available in the form requested, but details for each year from 1985 to 1994, by grade and gender for the Department as a whole, including its executive agencies, can be found in table 5 of "Civil Service Statistics", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Details for 1995 will be published later this year.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35669]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  My Department is committed to equality of opportunity for all its employees, and the vigorous application of our equal opportunities policy in such areas as recruitment, career development and promotion has resulted in some progress in promoting women into senior positions.

  A range of measures aimed at improving the position is in place, and plans to develop these further and to introduce new initiatives are included in an annual action plan.

  Separate action plans are produced by the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency and the Meterological Office.

  Arms Export Policy
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what changes have been made to arms export policy in the last five years. [17527]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Friday 31 March 1995]: It remains Government policy to support the sale of British defence equipment overseas wherever this is compatible with our political, strategic and security interests, and does not conflict with our international obligations.

  Longbow Radar
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the total cost of the longbow radars to be fitted to the Army's attack helicopter. [35746]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The cost of longbow radars to be fitted to the Army's attack helicopter is a matter of commercial confidentiality between MOD and the prime contractor.

  TRACER Reconnaissance Vehicle
  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which anti-tank missiles his Department are assessing in relation to the TRACER vehicle requirement; and if he will make a statement. [35745]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The next planned stage of the feasibility study into the TRACER reconnaissance vehicle requirement will include further analysis of all the options for missiles to meet the identified threat. In framing the requirement to be met, the Department has not identified specific missile type for consideration.
  1377

  Surplus Military Equipment
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which Minister in his Department is responsible for the disposal of surplus military equipment. [35747]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The Minister of State for Defence Procurement is responsible for the disposal of surplus military equipment.

  Nuclear Test Programme
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the National Radiological Protection Board study's analysis of leukaemia and multiple myeloma; and if he will make a statement. [31773]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Friday 30 June 1995]: The National Radiological Protection Board analysis indicated no evidence to suggest that leukaemia, multiple myeloma or any other cancer was caused by ionising radiation from the nuclear test programme.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when his Department decided that a 10-year continuation of the National Radiological Protection Board study was no longer to be conducted. [31772]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Friday 30 June 1995]: A follow-up to the original NRPB study has already been conducted and its results were published in December 1993. We have no plans to sponsor any further studies.

  Dr. Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence from whom his Department has received requests that a third survey for the National Radiological Protection Board study be conducted; what response he gave; and what plans he has for such a survey. [31771]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Friday 30 June 1995]: The National Radiological Protection Board study concluded that there has been no overall excess of death or malignant disease among British nuclear test participants. We therefore have no plans to sponsor any further studies.

  Textile Products
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the value of contracts for the supply of textile products in 1995–96 financial year; how many contracts and to what value have already been let; and what proportion of this work was awarded to Remploy. [20392]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  [holding answer Friday 28 April 1995]: The value of contracts for the supply of textile products for delivery in financial year 1995–96 is expected to be £114.7 million, VAT inclusive. A total of 472 contracts are currently in place with expected expenditure in financial year 1995–96 of £42.9 million.

  Remploy currently has 26 contracts which include a total expected spend of £11.1 million in financial year 1995–96.
  1378

  Fuel Servicing Trucks
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for what military requirements the 17 fuel servicing trucks referred to in tender No SM21ARAF4330 are required; what consideration he has given to leasing or contract hiring of such vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [34754]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The 17 fuel servicing trucks are dual purpose refueller/defuellers and are required to support on-base operations: the most common use is for small aircraft and helicopters. The leasing of equipment is routinely considered as part of the replacedment decision. In general however, there is no commercial equipment available which meets the specific military requirements and the leasing or contract hiring of purpose-built fuel servicing trucks has been shown to be uneconomic. As the specialist nature of these vehicles rule out the leasing of commercially available types, and the high cost of refurbishment of existing vehicles precludes that option, purchase was assessed to be the most economic means of meeting this operational requirement.

  Apache Helicopters
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the in-service date for the first Apache helicopters his Department proposes to purchase for use by the British Army. [36094]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Subject to the negotiation of satisfactory contract terms, we expect Apache to enter service around the end of this decade.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps his Department will take to ascertain that the additional defence work for British industry provided by Westland's US Sub-contractors following the decision to purchase Apache attack helicopters will be directly the result of that decision. [36096]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Westland's US sub-contractors have entered into formal industrial participation agreements with the United Kingdom MOD regarding the amount of new work that they will place in the UK as a result of the selection of Apache. The placement of this work will be closely monitored using the MODs standard procedures.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the unit cost of the Apache helicopter his Department proposes to purchase for the British Army compares with the unit cost of a Challenger II tank at present on order for the British Army. [36082]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The unit production cost of each of the equipments mentioned is information treated as a matter of commercial confidentiality between MOD and its suppliers and cannot therefore be published. This is a long-standing convention of Government.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the weight and power output of the version of the Rolls-Royce RTM 322 engine which his Department has specified to be fitted to the Apache helicopter; and what is the weight and power output of the T700 engine at present fitted to this helicopter. [36088]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The take-off ratings of the RTM 322 T701C engines are 2113 shaft horse power and 1890 shaft horse power respectively and the wet weights are 261.8
  1379
  kg and 215.9 kg respectively. Although this information formed part of the Westland bid, it is also in the public domain. The current US Army Apache has a lower power variant of the T700 engine.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the unit cost of the 67 Apache helicopters which his Department proposes to purchase for use by the British Army. [36093]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The unit cost of Apache helicopters is a matter of commercial confidentiality between MOD and its prime contractor and cannot therefore be published.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the first Apache helicopter is expected to fly powered by the Rolls-Royce RTM 322 engine. [36095]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  Subject to the negotiation of satisfactory contract terms, test flying of the first Apache helicopter powered by Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM 322 engines is expected to begin at the end of 1997.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much greater the radar signature is of the Apache helicopter his Department proposes to purchase for the British Army, than the Eurocopter Tiger helicopter. [36089]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  All technical information provided to MOD for the attack helicopter competition by bidders or through the host Governments is a matter of commercial confidentiality or national security and cannot therefore be published.

  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how the unit cost of the Apache helicopter his Department proposes to purchase for the British Army compares with the unit cost of(a) the Eurocopter Tiger (b) the GEC/Bell Cobra-Venom. [36083]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  All costing information provided to MOD by bidders in the attack helicopter competition is a matter of commercial confidentiality and cannot therefore be published.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Life Sentence Review Board
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the cases which have been considered this year by the Life Sentence Review Board, indicating the background from which the offender came, how long he or she had served and what decision was taken. [33302]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Life Sentence Review Board's advice to the Secretary of State is confidential.

  During 1995 the Life Sentence Review Board has considered 24 cases. These figures include cases which were being considered for the first time at the 10-year stage of sentence, or earlier where appropriate, as well as a number of cases which had previously been considered by the review board and deferred for further consideration.

  The Secretary of State has decided during 1995 that 14 life sentence prisoners are suitable for release on licence. Some of these cases were considered by the review board
  1380
  in the latter half of 1994, although the decisions of the Secretary of State, following consultation with the judiciary were taken in 1995.

  National Nature Reserves
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals his Department has for the future management and conservation of national nature reserves in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [34270]

  Mr. Moss
  National nature reserves will continue to be managed to maintain or enhance their natural interest.

  In light of the establishment of a next steps agency for the Environment on 1 April 1996, the Department will explore the possibility of the management of those reserves which it owns or leases, being transferred to other competent organisations. This would be within the framework of a defined conservation regime.

  Prison Officer's
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what have been the rates of absenteeism by prison officers in each of Northern Ireland's prisons over the past five years; what have been the causes; and what are the proposed remedies. [34365]

  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. He will be writing to the hon. Member in due course.

  Education Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what expenditure was(a) excluding; and (b) including salary costs on (i) primary schools; (ii) secondary schools; and (iii) colleges of further education in both real and constant terms in each year since 1979. [34029]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information requested is set out in the tables for years 1979–80 to 1992–93, which is the latest year for which details are available.

  £ thousand

  Pay and non-pay expenditure

  At 1992–93 prices

  Non-pay expenditure

  At 1992–93 prices

  Primary schools

  1979–80

  77,848

  185,453

  12,996

  30,960

  1980–81

  96,844

  194,984

  14,995

  30,191

  1981–82

  107,728

  197,767

  16,819

  30,876

  1982–83

  112,571

  192,919

  17,337

  29,711

  1983–84

  116,789

  191,276

  17,176

  28,131

  1984–85

  122,802

  191,501

  18,093

  28,215

  1985–86

  132,147

  195,364

  19,263

  28,478

  1986–87

  149,596

  214,684

  25,789

  37,010

  1987–88

  163,853

  223,257

  22,581

  30.768

  1988–89

  182,094

  232,551

  24,328

  33,148

  1989–90

  203,660

  243,112

  30,347

  36,226

  1990–91

  224,444

  248,047

  31,803

  35,147

  1991–92

  243,328

  253,018

  35,621

  37,040

  1992–93

  267,558

  267,558

  41,180

  41,180

  Secondary schools

  1979–80

  97,921

  233,271

  17,473

  41,625

  1980–81

  123,134

  247,916

  20,961

  42,203

  1981–82

  140,316

  257,592

  23,799

  43,690

  1381

  £ thousand

  Pay and non-pay expenditure

  At 1992–93 prices

  Non-pay expenditure

  At 1992–93 prices

  1982–83

  149,797

  256,714

  25,332

  43,413

  1983–84

  158,569

  259,703

  25,875

  42,378

  1984–85

  171,091

  266,805

  30,964

  48,286

  1985–86

  180,747

  267,214

  30,480

  45,061

  1986–87

  201,330

  288,927

  37,603

  53,964

  1987–88

  214,279

  291,965

  35,633

  48,552

  1988–89

  231,756

  295,974

  37,975

  48,498

  1989–90

  250,888

  299,488

  42,974

  51,299

  1990–91

  269,086

  297,384

  45,962

  50,795

  1991–92

  300,279

  312,237

  47,704

  49,604

  1992–93

  325,757

  325,757

  50,600

  50,600

  Notes:

  1. Pupils attending preparatory departments of grammar schools included.

  2. In the 1992–93 financial year there were 189,995 full-time equivalent pupils at primary schools, 3,659 at preparatory departments in grammar schools and 144,773 at secondary schools.

  Pay and non-pay expenditure

  At 1992–93 prices

  Non-pay expenditure

  At 1992–93 prices

  Colleges of further education

  1979–80

  21,415

  51,016

  3,172

  7,556

  1980–81

  27,816

  56,004

  3,968

  7,989

  1981–82

  31,714

  58,220

  4,216

  7,740

  1982–83

  35,964

  61,633

  4,797

  8,221

  1983–84

  40,523

  66,368

  5,750

  9,417

  1984–85

  43,746

  68,219

  6,095

  9,505

  1985–86

  46,823

  69,223

  6,297

  9,309

  1986–87

  50,878

  73,015

  6,848

  9,828

  1987–88

  55,248

  75,278

  6,980

  9,511

  1988–89

  62,475

  79,786

  7,288

  9,307

  1989–90

  64,714

  77,250

  7,788

  9,297

  1990–91

  81,442

  90,007

  6,964

  7,696

  1991–92

  87,208

  90,681

  6,369

  6,623

  1992–93

  70,939

  70,939

  7,147

  7,147

  Notes:

  1. FE mandatory and discretionary awards have been excluded.

  2. Youth training programme expenditure included up to 1991–92, from 1992–93 the Department of Economic Development undertook responsbility for this programme.

  EU Habitats Directive
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on his Department's policy regarding compliance with the EU habitats directive with particular reference to the designation of special areas of conservation. [34269]

  Mr. Moss
  The Government welcomed the adoption of the EU habitats directive in May 1992 and is fully committed to its implementation. Sites identified as meeting the criteria for designation as special areas of conservation are selected on a UK basis by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, English Nature, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Countryside Council for Wales, co-ordinated through the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. On 31 March 1995 the Secretaries of State for Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Environment initiated a public consultation on these sites, and as a result of the responses received a first tranche of 137 was forwarded to the European Commission on 20 June 1995. There were 14 sites in Northern Ireland in this tranche.
  1382

  Integrated Schools
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) schools have integrated status and (b) pupils attend such schools; what is their (i) socio-economic, (ii) religious background (iii) geographical distribution; and what further proposals he has for such schools. [34373]

  Mr. Ancram
  From September 1995 there will be 28 integrated schools in Northern Ireland:

  Primary

  Acorn, Carrickfergus

  All Children, Newcastle

  Braidise, Ballymena

  Bridge, Banbridge

  Carhill, Coleraine

  Corran, Lame

  Cranmore, Belfast

  Enniskillen

  Forge, Belfast

  Hazelwood, Newtownabbey

  Lough View, Belfast

  Milstrand, Portrush

  Oakgrove, Londonderry

  Omagh

  Primary

  Portadown

  Saints and Scholars, Armagh

  Windmill, Dungannon

  Cedar, Crows

  Portaferry

  Secondary

  Bronwlow College, Craigavon

  Erne College, Enniskillen

  Hazelwood College, Belfast

  Lagan College, Belfast

  Oakgrove College, Londonderry

  Shimna College, Newcastle

  Armagh/South Tyrone College, Dungannon

  Drumrah College, Omagh

  New Bridge College, Loughbrickland

  The total enrolment of these schools is estimated to be just over 5,000 and the religious balance to be 48 per cent. Roman Catholic, 38 per cent. Protestant, 8 per cent. other Christian denominations, 1 per cent. non-Christian and 5 per cent. unattributed. Detailed information in the socio-economic background of pupils is not available.

  I expect to receive a number of proposals both for new integrated schools and for the transformation of existing schools to integrated status.

  Health Centre, Armagh
  Mr. John D. Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals there are to increase facilities at the health centre, Armagh; how many additional parking spaces will be provided; if there will be vehicular access direct from Dobbin street; and what is the estimated cost of these proposals. [34334]
  1383
  Mr. Moss
  The Southern Health and Social Services Board has plans to develop a new primary care services centre at the Dobbin lane site in Armagh to bring together all the general medical practice and community health and personal social services in the locality. The board has just recently set up project board to take forward the proposal. Information is therefore not yet available about parking facilities, vehicular access and estimated cost. A detailed business case is to be prepared for the proposed centre and presented to all interested parties.

  Department of Finance and Personnel
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what changes in the level of staffing occurred in the Department of Finance and Personnel in 1994–95; and what factors led to these changes. [35000]

  Sir John Wheeler
  During 1994–95, the level of staffing in the Department of Finance and Personnel reduced by 72 of which 21 were casual appointments. The principal factor leading to this reduction was the need to ensure that the Department provided its services in the most efficient and effective manner consistent with its running cost provision.

  Compensation Claims
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the cost of claims for(a) damage caused by terrorists and (b) compensation for disturbance and so on by the security forces in each of the last four years; and what is the cost of claims approved so far during the current year. [34774]

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

  Letter from D. A. Stanley to Mr. John Home Robertson, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Minister of State, Sir John Wheeler, has asked me to reply, on behalf of the Compensation Agency, to your recent Question regarding claims for compensation for criminal damage caused by terrorists and for compensation paid as a result of disturbance related to the activities of the security forces in each of the last four years and so far during the current year.

  Compensation paid under Criminal Damage Legislation

  £ million

  Year

  Criminal damage total expenditure

  Terrorist related expenditure

  1991–92

  33.1

  32.4 (estimate)

  1992–93

  75.9

  74.2 (estimate)

  1993–94

  67.9

  65.9

  1994–95

  53.8

  52.9

  First quarter 1995–96

  9.5

  9.3 (estimate)

  Figures for the amount of compensation which was solely related to criminal damage caused by terrorists are not readily available prior to 1993–94. The figures given for the two prior years are estimates based on percentages in the later years. The figure for terrorist related expenditure in the first quarter of 1995–96 is also an estimate which is subject to confirmation as claims are processed. It must also be noted that as criminal damage compensation is usually paid on a phased basis, consequent upon replacement or rebuilding work, expenditure each year includes compensation for damage which occurred in earlier years.
  1384

  Compensation paid under emergency provision legislation

  £ million

  Year

  Emergency provisions total expenditure

  1991–92

  1.9

  1992–93

  2.8

  1993–94

  2.6

  1994–95

  1.7

  First quarter 1995–96

  0.3

  The amounts under this heading relate to claims paid by the Compensation Agency under the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991, mainly in respect of damage resulting from military search operations.

  Compensation paid by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland

  £ million

  Common law total Year expenditure

  1991–92

  0.3

  1992–93

  0.3

  1993–94

  0.3

  1994–95

  0.3

  First quarter 1995–96

  0.02

  The amounts under this heading relate to payments made by the Police Authority for Northern Ireland in respect of damage incurred during bomb disposal operations, plus other general property claims against the police.
  None of the amounts in this letter include payments which the Ministry of Defence might make in Northern Ireland, details of which would have to be sought from the Secretary of State for Defence.

  EU Assistance
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on progress with the European special assistance package for Northern Ireland. [35002]

  Sir John Wheeler
  A draft programme under the European initiative for peace and reconciliation was jointly submitted by the United Kingdom and the Irish authorities on 9 June. Negotiations on the details of the programme are continuing with the European Commission with a view to its early adoption.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the changes in expenditure on superannuation and other allowances in the Department of Finance and Personnel; and if he will make a statement on anticipated future changes in expenditure. [35001]

  Sir John Wheeler
  Expenditure by the Department of Finance and Personnel on superannuation and other allowances includes expenditure on (i) pensions, lump sums and gratuities and ii) redundancy and early retirement costs to former civil servants and other members of the principal civil service pension scheme (Northern Ireland). Expenditure on item (i) is largely offset by income consisting of contributions from employing organisations—including Northern Ireland Departments and the Northern Ireland Office—and individuals. Expenditure on item (ii) fluctuates in line
  1385
  with the need of redundancies and, during the financial years 1993–94 and 1994–95, major redundancy programmes were implemented across the Northern Ireland civil service. It is likely that further redundancy schemes will be required in the present and future financial years.

  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the prior options study of the Northern Ireland Statistics, Census Office and General Register Office was completed; and what has been the outcome of the study. [36551]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  On 18 January my right hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Sir J. Wheeler) announced that the Statistics, Census Office and General Register Office functions of the Statistics and Social Division of the Department of Finance and Personnel would be subject to a prior options study. That study is now complete and I have decided that the statistics and social division of DFP should become a next steps agency and that preparations for its launch should proceed with a view to agentisation by 1 April 1996.

  Alcoholic Drink Production
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the contribution of alcoholic drinks production to the Northern Irish gross domestic product in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [34982]

  Sir John Wheeler
  There are only a very small number of companies involved in the production of alcoholic drinks in Northern Ireland and information from Government surveys on these companies cannot be released because of confidentiality constraints.

  Prisoners (Transfer)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there is presently adequate accommodation in Her Majesty's Northern Ireland prisons to facilitate the transfer of prisoners normally resident in Northern Ireland from prisons in Great Britain to complete their sentences in Northern Ireland prisons. [35594]

  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 M. A. Mogg to Mr. Roy Beggs, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked the Northern Ireland Prison Service to reply to your Parliamentary Question about the availability of accommodation in Northern Ireland prisons to facilitate the transfer of Northern Ireland residents who are in prison in Great Britain. I am responding on behalf of the Chief Executive.
  Information is not available on the total number of Northern Ireland prisoners held in Great Britain and it is not possible therefore to say whether sufficient accommodation would be available if all sought transfers to Northern Ireland.
  We are aware of requests from 28 serving prisoners and if all these requests were approved, there would be sufficient accommodation at present for them within the Northern Ireland prison estate.
  1386

  Ports Privatisation
  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.

  Prison Visits
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the annual cost of enabling relatives of Northern Ireland prisoners in Great Britain to travel and visit relations in Great Britain. [35593]

  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 M. A. Mogg to Mr. Roy Beggs, dated 18 July 1995:
  In the absence of the Chief Executive, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to reply to the Parliamentary Question you tabled relating to the annual cost of enabling relatives of Northern Ireland prisoners in Great Britain to travel and visit relations in prisons in Great Britain.
  The total expenditure on the Assisted Visits Scheme for the 1994/95 financial year was £127,702.22. This included an amount of £17,906.41 administration costs which was payable to the Department of Health and Social Services. I am afraid that it is not possible to extract from this figure the specific costs to which you refer.
  I hope this information is helpful.

  Breakdown by 4 Boards, Central Services Agency and National Board September 1994

  Number

  WTE

  Administration and clerical staff in Northern Ireland

  National Board

  100

  95.53

  Central services agency

  527

  496.22

  Eastern

  4,303

  3,846.38

  Northern

  1,767

  1,557.66

  Southern

  1,220

  1,087.65

  Western

  1,182

  1,086.57

  Northern Ireland total

  9,099

  8,170.01

  Nursing and midwifery staff in Northern Ireland

  National Board

  249

  241.86

  Eastern

  9,626

  7,662.31

  Northern

  2,954

  2,509.25

  Southern

  3,150

  2,511.20

  Western

  2,930

  2,473.00

  Northern Ireland total

  18,909

  15,397.62

  WTE = Whole Time Equivalent. Number = Headcount.

  Arable Area Payments
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list by county the number of landowners receiving payments under the arable area payments scheme of(a) less than £25,000 (b) between

  1387
  £25,000 and £50,000 (c) between £50,000 and £1 million and (d) above £1 million, for the latest year for which figures are available. [35362]

  Mr. Ancram
  The number of landowners receiving payments under the scheme by county for 1994–95 was:

  County

  £-£25,000

  £25,000-£50,000

  £50,000-£1 million

  Over £1 million

  Antrim

  641

  0

  nil

  nil

  Armagh

  230

  1

  nil

  nil

  Down

  1,081

  4

  nil

  nil

  Fermanagh

  2

  0

  nil

  nil

  Londonderry

  666

  3

  nil

  nil

  Tyrone

  302

  0

  nil

  nil

  Total

  2,922

  8

  nil

  nil

  Child Care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much his
  Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school
  provision for the over-fives both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and
  indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what
  form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided.
  [35552]

  Mr. Moss
  The Department of Health and Social Services directly assists the
  development of child care for pre-school and school age children by grant-aiding regional

  voluntary child care organisations in Northern Ireland working in this field. In the current
  financial year over £249,000 is being provided in this way.

  The Department also administers the Early Years Development Fund, which supports day care
  initiatives for young children, particularly those under five. In 1994–95 the fund
  allocated over £381,000 to regional local projects.

  In 1993–94, the latest year for which the information is available, health and social
  services boards in Northern Ireland spent £1.4 million on support for local day care
  projects, either through direct provision, or in support of voluntary and community facilities.
  In that year, hoards also spent £2.2 million on family day centres, but these do not cater
  exclusively for parents with young children.

  Female Employees
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will
  list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b)
  female staff (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35462]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The numbers of permanent industrial and non-industrial
  staff on 1 April 1995 on a head-count basis were as follows:

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  Department

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i)Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Health and Social Services

  639

  3

  460

  55

  Social Security Agency

  1,654

  11

  2,878

  526

  Child Support Agency

  297

  nil

  506

  41

  Agriculture

  1,789

  3

  957

  127

  Economic Development

  1,255

  2

  999

  135

  1388

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  Department

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Education

  256

  1

  261

  47

  Environment

  3,631

  12

  1,876

  250

  Finance and Personnel

  671

  2

  572

  118

  Northern Ireland Office

  677

  nil

  756

  107

  Police Authority

  583

  1

  1,575

  204

  Others

  24

  1

  22

  nil

  Total

  11,476

  36

  10,862

  1,610

  Notes:

  The figures for the Northern Ireland Office include both Northern Ireland Civil Service and
  Home Civil Service staff.

  The figures do not include casual staff, staff on career breaks and Prison personnel.

  The figures for the Social Security Agency and the Child Support Agency include staff who are
  undertaking work on behalf of and who are financed by the Home Civil Service.

  The breakdown by grade of non-industrial staff was as follows:

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Grade 1

  2

  nil

  nil

  nil

  Grade 2

  8

  nil

  nil

  nil

  Grade 3

  35

  1

  nil

  nil

  Grade 4

  6

  nil

  nil

  nil

  Grade 5

  101

  nil

  11

  nil

  Grade 6

  23

  nil

  nil

  nil

  Grade 7

  331

  nil

  51

  8

  Deputy Principal

  436

  nil

  143

  10

  Staff Officer

  517

  nil

  336

  36

  Officer I

  559

  4

  640

  95

  Executive Officer II

  511

  nil

  861

  105

  Administrative Officer

  1,016

  3

  2,248

  364

  Administrative Assistant

  758

  nil

  2,110

  219

  Other General Service Grades

  977

  7

  1,790

  344

  Total General Service Grades

  5,280

  15

  8,190

  1,181

  Other Grades

  6,196

  21

  2,672

  429

  Total non-industrials Industrials

  11,476

  36

  10,862

  1,610

  Total Northern Ireland Civil Servants

  14,898

  77

  10,913

  1,636

  Notes:

  No breakdown of industrial staff is available. Figures are for the quarter April - June 1995.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35670]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the number and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [356686]
  1389
  Sir John Wheeler
  The information is not readily available in the detail requested and could be produced only at disproportionate cost. The relevant figures for the Northern Ireland civil service for the years 1985, 1987, 1991 and 1993, inclusive of its executive agencies where appropriate, are contained in the regular series of biannual reports published by the central equal opportunities unit of the Northern Ireland civil service, the first of which was published in 1986 and the latest, containing the 1993 figures in June 1994. Copies of the reports are available in the Library.

  Police Boxes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the location of the remaining in-situ blue police boxes. [35953]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Nursery Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on the basis on which he calculated that his nursery education voucher scheme will cost £8 million in a full year; [35791]

  (2) pursuant to his answer of 11 July, Official Report, column 519, what are the present annual costs of a full-time place in a play group or a reception class; [35783]

  (3) what will be the maximum cash value of a nursery education voucher in Northern Ireland; [35787]

  (4) what plans he has to increase the number of public sector nursery places before 1997; by how many; and in what locations; [35789]

  (5) how many children will receive (a) one term's nursery education; (b) two terms' nursery education; and (c) three terms' nursery education as a result of the voucher scheme in 1997; [35790]

  (6) how many children in Northern Ireland currently start their primary education before the compulsory school starting age; at what cost to public funds; and how their education and educational funding will be affected by the voucher scheme for nursery education; [35784]

  (7) how many children in Northern Ireland currently receive reception class provision; how this is defined; how it is costed; and how current provision will be affected by the nursery voucher scheme; [35786]

  (8) how many extra children he calculates will be entitled to receive nursery education through the voucher scheme. [35788]

  Mr. Ancram
  The figure of £8.3 million is the additional, not the total, cost of the pre-school initiative in Northern Ireland and as such represents the costs of providing vouchers at the appropriate level for those children who would not otherwise attend grant-aided nursery or reception classes.

  The maximum cash value of a voucher in Northern Ireland will be £1,100 and I estimate that some 4,300 children will be entitled to a voucher for three terms provision, some 8,700 to a voucher for two terms provision and 6,500 to a voucher for a single term's provision.
  1390
  There are no children below compulsory school age in primary education, but there are approximately 2,400 reception age pupils in primary schools in Northern Ireland, of whom about half are in reception classes which are classes in primary schools consisting entirely of children below compulsory school age and where the provision made does not differ substantially from that available in nursery schools or classes.

  Pupils in reception classes are funded through the normal LMS formulae for schools and the average age-weighted pupil unit for reception age pupils in 1994–95 was £1,235 a year. Vouchers will be capable of being redeemed for reception class provision on the same basis as for other forms of pre-school provision. Costs for playgroup provision are not readily available in the form requested and I will write to the hon. Member.

  Currently a total of some 7,700 children are receiving pre-school education in grant-aided nursery schools or reception classes and the voucher scheme will provide resources to enable a further 11,800 children to avail of pre-school provision.

  Detailed proposals for the implementation of this initiative in Northern Ireland, including proposals for the expansion of nursery education in the public sector, will be the subject of consultation with the main interest groups and will be announced in due course.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many four-year-olds are currently receiving private sector nursery education; and at what cost to their parents. [35785]

  Mr. Moss
  There is no private sector nursery education in Northern Ireland.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 11 July,Official Report, column 519, how many playgroups in Northern Ireland have full-time places. [35782]

  Mr. Moss
  Play groups operate on a sessional basis. Where a play group operates two sessions per day, each session would generally cater for different children. The number of such play groups is not readily available.

  Mental Health
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what procedures exist to assess the mental health of people, in relation to personal and public safety, who are detained in prisons or mental hospitals, or voluntarily present in mental hospitals, prior to(a) their release on licence at the completion of their sentences and (b) their voluntary discharge. [35797]

  Mr. Moss
  Prisoners with a mental health disorder are assessed by the prison medical service during their sentence and transferred to and detained in hospital where this is considered appropriate. Particularly dangerous offenders can be made subject to restriction orders.

  On each occasion a detained or voluntary patient is being considered for leave of absence or discharge from hospital, personal and public safety are factors taken into account. This is a matter for clinical judgment made by the patient's responsible medical officer in consultation with professional colleagues. Patients who are subject to

  1391
  a restriction order cannot be granted leave of absence or discharged without the approval of the Secretary of State.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to amend the Northern Ireland legislation relating to the compulsory detention of dangerously mentally disordered individuals; and what other measures he proposes to ensure public safety in respect of such individuals. [35798]

  Mr. Moss
  There are no plans at present to amend the Northern Ireland legislation relating to the compulsory detention of mentally disordered people. The Department of Health and Social Services is currently considering comments received on draft guidance on the discharge and continuing care in the community of mentally disordered people who are thought to represent a potential risk to themselves or others.

  Postal Votes
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of postal votes cast at the 1992 general election in each Northern Ireland

  Board Members Remuneration—Trusts—1994–95

  £ thousand

  Executive Directors

  Health and social services trust

  Non-executive directors

  Basic salary

  Performance pay

  Employers pension contributions

  Compensation for loss of office

  Benefits in kind

  Pensions paid to former directors

  Total

  Belfast City Hospital

  44

  285

  4

  11

  0

  3

  0

  347

  Down and Lisburn

  44

  276

  11

  11

  0

  5

  0

  347

  Eastern Ambulance

  33

  112

  0

  5

  0

  10

  0

  160

  Greenpark

  44

  251

  0

  10

  0

  7

  0

  312

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital

  40

  237

  0

  9

  0

  0

  0

  286

  North Down and Ards Community

  25

  174

  0

  10

  0

  0

  0

  209

  North and West Belfast Community

  44

  279

  0

  10

  0

  5

  0

  338

  Royal Group of Hospitals

  44

  222

  20

  8

  0

  9

  0

  303

  South and East Belfast Community

  44

  213

  0

  9

  0

  0

  0

  266

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals

  31

  273

  0

  11

  0

  0

  0

  315

  Craigavon Area Hospital

  38

  191

  5

  8

  0

  3

  0

  245

  Craigavon and Banbridge Community

  40

  246

  0

  9

  0

  0

  0

  295

  Newry and Mourne

  42

  186

  0

  7

  0

  0

  0

  235

  Total

  513

  2,945

  40

  118

  0

  42

  0

  3,658

  Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he has given to opening a dedicated ME clinic in Northern Ireland. [35794]

  Mr. Moss
  There are no proposals to open such a centre at present.

  Pupil Exclusions
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many(a) secondary; and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each local education authority in each of the last five years and as a proportion of the total school roll; [35844]
  1392
  constituency; and what percentage of the poll that represented. [35802]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Health Board Remuneration
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 13 July,Official Report, column 767, if he will provide the information for trust board and health authority members on allowances for 1994–95 as broken down in his answer. [35854]

  Mr. Moss
  The information requested is disclosed in the annual financial accounts of health and social services boards and health and social services trusts. The information requested for 1994–95 relating to board members of HSS trusts is set out in the table. The financial accounts from which these figures have been extracted are unaudited and therefore may be subject to change.

  Updated information requested relating to board members of health and social services boards is not yet available.

  (2) how many (a) secondary; and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each of the last five years; [35847]

  (3) how many (a) secondary; and (b) primary school children who have been permanently excluded have received tuition (i) at home; and (ii) in a pupil referral unit in each of the last five years. [35841]

  Mr. Ancram
  This information is not available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Out-patient Appointments
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people, by speciality, have been awaiting initial out-patient appointments with consultants at the Ulster hospital for(a) more than one

  1393
  year and (b) more than two years; and if he will give the comparable figure for the Belfast City hospital. [35795]

  Mr. Moss
  Information held centrally relating to patients waiting for their first outpatient appointment cannot be attributed to individual hospitals. Figures given in the table are trust totals and relate to out-patients who are still waiting for their first out-patient appointment at the end of March 1995.

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  Ulster, North Down and Ards hospitals Trust

  Speciality

  12–23 months

  24 months and over

  12–23 months

  24 months and over

  Trauma and Orthopaedics:

  130

  0

  179

  171

  Rheumatology

  4

  0

  0

  0

  Oral Surgery

  0

  0

  42

  2

  Plastic Surgery

  0

  0

  85

  62

  Cardiology

  0

  0

  6

  0

  Dermatology

  0

  0

  50

  0

  Gynaecology

  0

  0

  1

  0

  ENT

  0

  0

  2

  0

  Marches
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will specify the date of the meeting of the Anglo-Irish Conference when the Government of the Irish Republic first made the proposal that there should be a policy of voluntary re-routing of disputed marches, and the date at which he first concurred with the Chief Constable's policy of seeking the voluntary re-routing of such marches up to the commencing time of the march in question. [35800]

  Sir John Wheeler
  All decisions about the re-routing of particular parades are matters which fall entirely within the operational responsibilities of the Chief Constable of the RUC. The Irish Government have been so advised on any occasion when they have raised this issue.

  Orange Halls
  Mr. Robert McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list those Orange halls which have been destroyed or seriously damaged by sectarian arson attacks since 1 January 1969 indicating the name, location, date and county. [35805]

  Sir John Wheeler
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Postal Votes
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the postal vote application time limits after an election is called and on the improvements required in the voter identification rules in Northern Ireland. [35803]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of permanent postal vote applications presently granted in each Northern Ireland constituency; and what percentage of the electorate this represents. [35801]
  1394
  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  I shall write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Water Supply, Bangor
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what factors underlie the lack of usable water available to Mrs. Malcolm of 2 Owenroe drive, Bangor; for how long Mrs. Malcolm has not had access to usable water; when the Department of the Environment will rectify the situation; and if Mrs. Malcolm will be compensated. [35793]

  Mr. Moss
  The Department of the Environment's Water Executive has carried out extensive investigations into the quality of water supplied to the boundary of Mrs. Malcolm's property and found it to be satisfactory. Responsibility for deterioration in the quality of water within the boundary of the property rests with the owner.

  Race Relations Agency
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the estimated annual cost of the Government's proposal to set up a Northern Ireland Race Relations Agency; what is the cost per head of population, the cost per ethnic minority individual and the equivalent actual costs in these categories in Great Britain; and if he will estimate the cost of extending the existing Race Relations Agency's remit to cover Northern Ireland. [35796]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  On 27 April 1995, I announced the Government's intention to introduce race relations legislation in Northern Ireland by means of an Order in Council. As part of that process, a draft proposal will be published in due course which, among other things, will suggest how that legislation might be administered. The institutional arrangements for enforcing the legislation, including the establishment of a race relations body, are therefore still under consideration.

  Growth Challenge Initiative
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public funding is available to support the Northern Ireland growth challenge initiative for each of the next three years. [34087]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: My noble Friend will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34610]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The total number of staff leaving the Northern Ireland civil service on redundancy terms during the period 12 July 1994 to 11 July 1995 amounted to 524. Of these, 466 were voluntary.

  The amount spent on redundancy payments during that period was £12,637,306.79.
  1395

  Computer Equipment
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 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. [34559]

  Sir John Wheeler
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Auditors' Remuneration
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much have(a) health authorities and (b) trusts spent on auditors' renumeration in each year since 1992, by region. [34165]

  Mr. Moss
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: The information is as follows:

  1991–92: £109,999

  1992–93: £166,091

  1993–94: £200,818

  1994–95': £42,587

  1To date

  Figures exclude VAT.

  The remuneration was paid to the firms by the Department of Health and Social Services without recharge to the boards and trusts.

  Private Training Agencies
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public funds have been used to assist private training agencies to establish themselves in Northern Ireland, and in what circumstances in the last five years. [31427]

  Mr. Ancram
  [holding answer 30 June 1995]: My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

WALES

  Food Related Industries
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the contribution of alcoholic drinks production to the Welsh gross domestic product in the latest year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [34981]

  Mr. Richards
  The available industrial breakdown of Welsh GDP does not separately identify alcoholic drink production.

  Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will express general Government expenditure in Wales on museums and galleries as a proportion of the corresponding United Kingdom figure; and if he will make a statement. [34962]

  Mr. Richards
  In 1993–94 general Government expenditure in Wales on museums and galleries was about 5 per cent. of the corresponding United Kingdom figure.
  1396

  Trade Missions
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many trade missions were(a) led and (b) supported by his Department in each year since 1992–93; what was the cost of those trade missions; and if he will make a statement. [34951]

  Mr. Hague
  The information is as follows:

  Year

  Number of missionsled and supported bythe Welsh Office

  Total cost (£)1

  1992–93

  2

  26,287

  1993–94

  6

  106,791

  1994–95

  7

  126,061

  1995–96 (to date)

  3

  82,609

  1 These costs do not include staff and Establishment costs which cannot be disaggragated.

  2 current subsidy did not begin until 1993–94. These missions are a very successful and cost effective way of helping Welsh companies to export to new overseas markets.

  Further and Higher Education
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of state-funded postgraduate students as a proportion of the entire student population at Welsh higher education institutions and if he will make a statement. [34966]

  Mr. Richards
  Information provided by the Higher Education Statistical Agency shows that, as at 1 December 1994, there were 81,200 students participating in courses of study at Welsh higher education institutions excluding the Open university. Of these, 12,000 were state-funded postgraduates. The state-funded postgraduates thus form 15 per cent. of the total population at Welsh higher education institutions.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what is the number of state-funded students pursuing postgraduate degrees at Welsh institutions of higher education; and if he will make a statement. [34967]

  Mr. Richards
  Information provided by the Higher Education Statistical Agency shows that, as at 1 December 1994, there were 12,000 postgraduate students participating in courses of study at Welsh Higher Education Institutions (excluding the Open University) whose major source of finance was from either government departments, other government funded bodies or the European Commission.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales which colleges of further education in Wales have reported that they are suffering financial difficulties, and if he will give details of the extent of those difficulties. [35262]

  Mr. Richards
  A forecast accumulated deficit of approximately £601,000 was identified for Deeside college up to the end of financial year 1994–95 and a recovery plan is currently in place. More recently, coleg Ceredigion is forecasting an accumulated deficit of approximately £800,000 up to the end of financial year 1994–95. The Further Education Funding Council for Wales has taken swift action to deal with the problem and a full recovery strategy will be presented by college
  1397
  management to coleg Ceredigion's governors on 20 July. The funding council is closely monitoring the financial health of two other colleges and further action will be taken if it is considered necessary.

  Bee Stings
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people died in Wales as a result of being stung by bees between 1984 and 1994; and if he will make a statement. [35016]

  Mr. Richards
  There were no deaths of Welsh residents certified by the Office of Population and Censuses and Surveys as due to toxic reaction as a result of being stung by hornets, wasps and bees—ICD E905.3—during the period 1984 to 1993. Figures for 1994 are not yet available.

  Libraries
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will express general Government expenditure in Wales on libraries as a proportion of the corresponding United Kingdom figure; and if he will make a statement. [35126]

  Mr. Richards
  In 1993–94, general Government expenditure in Wales on libraries was about 4 per cent. of the corresponding United Kingdom figure.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if his Department has now considered the report by management consultant KPMG Peat Marwick into the library service; and if he will make a statement; [36148]

  (2) how many branch libraries there are in each county in Wales; [36144]

  (3) which libraries in Wales he has visited; [36146]

  (4) how many people are employed in the library service in Wales; [36145]

  (5) if he will make a statement on the future of the library service in Wales; [36143]

  (6) if he will list the libraries in Wales his ministerial team has visited; on what dates; and if he will make a statement. [36147]

  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.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wale how much his Department spent on identifying food safety risks in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34963]

  Mr. Richards
  Expenditure incurred by the Welsh Office on identifying food safety risks is not separately identified.

  Harbours
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the secretary of Secretary of State for Wales how much money his Department has spent in the past 10 years on improving Welsh fishing harbours; and if he will make a statement. [34886]
  1398
  Mr. Richards
  The Welsh Office has provided grant aid totalling £263,542 in the past 10 years for the improvement of Welsh fishing harbours, through the fishery harbour grant scheme under the Fishing Act 1955. In addition, considerable investment has been undertaken by local authorities on improving fishing harbours which has attracted public support from schemes such as the former rural initiative, urban programme and the projects of regional and national importance—PRNI—and special projects schemes. All these schemes are now subsumed in the strategic development scheme. The investment of almost £426,000 in a number of projects to improve the harbour at Holyhead is an example.

  Fish Stocks
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many applications to shoot cormorants or goosanders in order to protect fish stocks in Welsh rivers were received by his Department in each of the past three years for which figures are available; and how many such licences were issued. [34929]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is as follows:

  Applications received

  Licences issued

  1992

  2

  0

  1993

  13

  0

  1994

  16

  9

  1 This figure includes 1 composite application on behalf of 23 Fishery Owners.

  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps his Department has taken to study the impact of river barrages on anadromous fish, with particular reference to experience in France. [34930]

  Mr. Jones
  The Welsh Office is not carrying out any research into the impact of river barrages on anadromous fish as a direct result of the experience of such barrages in France. However, research into the problems associated with the passage of salmonids past estuarine barrages is currently being carried out by the directorate of fisheries research on behalf of the Welsh office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The work forms part of a collaborative research programme with the National Rivers Authority, which is also studying the effect on fish migration of barrage construction at Swansea and Cardiff bay.

  Departmental Staff
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35463]

  Mr. Hague
  The total numbers of persons employed by my Department are:

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Grade

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Total

  G1 and equivalents

  1

  —

  —

  —

  1

  G2 and equivalents

  2

  —

  —

  —

  2

  G3 and equivalents

  10

  1

  —

  —

  11

  G4 and equivalents

  5

  2

  —

  —

  7

  G5 and equivalents

  45

  8

  —

  2

  55

  1399

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Grade

  Male

  Female

  Male

  Female

  Total

  G6 and equivalents

  23

  3

  1

  3

  30

  G7 and equivalents

  122

  30

  —

  12

  164

  SEO and equivalents

  113

  23

  —

  5

  141

  HEO and equivalents

  166

  87

  —

  17

  270

  Admin Fast Stream

  12

  10

  —

  1

  23

  EO and equivalents

  209

  211

  2

  75

  497

  AO and equivalents

  157

  321

  1

  110

  589

  AA and equivalents

  152

  221

  —

  46

  419

  Industrials

  97

  17

  3

  8

  125

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the numbers and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35691]

  Mr. Hague
  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. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35667]

  Mr. Hague
  My Department is committed to providing equality of opportunity for all its employees. In 1994, a revised action programme for women was launched which seeks to identify and address their specific needs and to encourage them to achieve their full potential. My Department is also a member of Opportunity 2000 and fully supports its aims and objectives. Currently women comprise 52 per cent. of the Department's employees and the proportion of women in management grades is increasing steadily.

  Agricultural Subsidies
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by county the number of landowners receiving payments under the arable area payments scheme of(a) less than £25,000, (b) between £25,000 and £50,000, (c) between £50,000 and £1,000,000 and (d) above £1,000,000, for the latest year for which figures are available. [35363]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  It is not possible to differentiate between landowners and tenants who claim aid.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list how much the owner of Castell Cenlas farm, Mathry, Pembrokehsire, Caerau farm, Rhosycaerau, Pembrokeshire, Llandruidon farm, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire and Pantywrach farm, Trecwn, Pembrokeshire, has received in sheep annual premiums, beef annual premiums, suckler cow premiums, set-aside payments and any other agricultural-based payments through his Department in each of the last 10 years. [35988]
  1400
  Mr. Jones
  For reasons of commercial confidentiality, it is not my policy to disclose information about payments to individual farmers.

  Child Care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for the over-fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35548]

  Mr. Hague
  Most central Government funding of local authority functions is through revenue support grant and redistributed non-domestic rates. This funding is not hypothecated to particular services. It is for each local authority to decide, in line with its statutory duties and local needs and priorities, how much it provides for these services. In 1993–94, the latest year for which information is available, local authorities spend(a) £2.3 million on day nurseries and playgroups and (b) £3.4 million on child minding, day fostering, family and other day care centres for children. At 31 March 1994, local authorities provided, or bought in from the independent sector, 388 places in day nurseries, 1,126 places in playgroups, 258 places with child minders and 284 places in holiday schemes for children aged five to seven. It is not possible to distinguish between full-time and part-time places.

  The Welsh Office has made available £150,000 in 1995–96 to the training and enterprise councils to develop demonstration projects in child care for children below school age and £954,000 under the out-of-school child care grant initiative. Grants in support of child and family services and for the promotion of the Welsh language in 1995–96, together amounting to some £1,190,000, have been awarded to voluntary organisations whose members provide day-care services for young children.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many statements of special educational need have been completed in each local education authority in each of the past 10 years; and how many assessments for statements have been made but not confirmed. [36240]

  Mr. Richards
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible and place a copy of my reply in the Library.

  Local Education Authorities (Complaints)
  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many complaints against local education authorities have been made to the local government ombudsman in each of the past three years; and what was the nature of the complaint in each case. [36241]

  Mr. Richards
  The Commission for Local Administration is an independent statutory body and questions relating to its activities are for the commission itself to answer.
  1401
  Information on the numbers of complaints made to the Commission for Local Administration, by type of service, is provided in the annual reports of the Commission, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Blood Bags
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if blood bags from Tuta have been used in the national health service in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [36136]

  Mr. Richards
  Tuta blood bags were used in the NHS in Wales between 1 June 1995 and the discovery of a fault in the product at the end of that month. Since then, all stocks have been recalled and use of Tuta bags discontinued.

  M4
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the assessment of the effect of the proposed M4 relief road in Gwent on local sites of special scientific interest. [35875]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The M4 relief road is estimated to occupy less than 2 per cent. of the area of the sites of special scientific interest in the Gwent levels. I am satisfied that the relief road can be developed without the scientific resource being seriously affected.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what has been the effect on traffic numbers travelling through the Brynglas tunnel and through main routes in Newport since the opening of the tunnel bypass schemes. [35866]

  Mr. Jones
  There has been a reduction of 22 per cent. in traffic flows through the Brynglas tunnels; and on other routes the reduction has been as follows:

  Per cent.

  Malpas Road north of M4

  31

  Malpas Road south of M4

  23

  B4596 Caerleon Road South of M4

  23

  Town Bridge

  4

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for an environmental impact assessment on the proposed M4 relief road from the second Severn crossing and Castleton. [35874]

  Mr. Jones
  An environmental impact assessment on the M4 relief road Magor to Castleton scheme will be carried out and a full environmental statement under the European directive will follow at the time when statutory powers are sought to construct the road.

  Educational Psychologists
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by local education authority the ratio of educational psychologists to children and young people in the age range 0 to 19 years. [36245]
  1402
  Mr. Richards
  The information is as follows:

  Local Education Authority

  Number of full-time equivalent educational psychologists in post at January 1994

  Ratio of educational psychologists to population (estimated, June 1993) aged 0 to 19 years

  Clwyd

  17

  1:6100

  Dyfed

  13

  1:6600

  Gwent

  20

  1:5800

  Gwynedd

  6

  1:9800

  Mid Glamorgan

  15

  1:9600

  Powys

  5

  1:5800

  South Glamorgan

  10

  1:10900

  West Glamorgan

  12

  1:7700

  Wales

  98

  1:7600

  Source:

  STATS2 form; Registrar General's mid-year population estimates.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make a statement on the additional duties placed on educational psychologists since 1978; and what action he proposes to take over the ratio of educational psychologists to young people in the age range 0–19 years of 1:5,000 recommended in the Warnock report. [36243]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to change the recommended ratio of educational psychologists to children from 1:5,000 to 1:4,000; and what would be the additional cost to each local education authority to meet such a target. [36242]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the number of educational psychologists that each local education authority will require to carry out its legal responsibilities under the code of practice for the identification and assessment of special educational needs. [36244]

  Mr. Richards
  The roles and responsibilities of educational psychologists reflect the statutory and non-statutory service provided for those with special education needs, which have significantly improved since 1978. The number of educational psychologists employed by each LEA is a matter for those LEAs.

  The Welsh Office continues to support financially the initial training of educational psychologists but I have no plans at present to make recommendations on the ratio of educational psychologists to children and have made no estimate of the additional costs of adopting the ratio suggested by the hon. Gentleman.

  Mr. Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list by local education authority the number of educational psychologists employed in each of the last 10 years; and what was the proportion of men to women in each year. [36238]

  Mr. Richards
  Data have been collected centrally since 1992 but gender is not distinguished. Complete figures for 1995 have not yet been returned.

  Number of full time equivalent educational psychologists in post at January

  Local education authority

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Clwyd

  19

  20

  17

  Dyfed

  8

  10

  13

  Gwent

  18

  21

  20

  Gwynedd

  6

  5

  6

  1403

  Number of full time equivalent educational psychologists in post at January

  Local education authority

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Mid Glamorgan

  15

  15

  15

  Powys

  4

  4

  5

  South Glamorgan

  10

  10

  10

  West Glamorgan

  10

  10

  12

  Wales total

  90

  95

  98

  Source:

  STATS2 form.

  Coleg Ceredigion
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will institute an inquiry into the finances of Coleg Ceredigion. [35879]

  Mr. Richards
  No. The Further Education Funding Council for Wales is dealing with the matter.

  Wrexham-Bidston Railway
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had concerning an improved rail service between Bidston and Wrexham; and if he will make a statement. [36138]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Officials discussed this line when they met the director of Regional Railways North West on 15 June.

  Pupils (Exclusion)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, how many(a) secondary and (b) primary school children who have been permanently excluded have received tuition (i) at home and (ii) in a pupil referral unit in each of the past five years. [35840]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is not collected centrally.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many(a) secondary and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each local education authority in each of the last five years, and if he will give the figures as a proportion of the total school roll; [35843]

  (2) how many (a) secondary and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each of the past five years. [35845]

  Mr. Richards
  Following the Elton committee of inquiry into discipline in schools, the Welsh Office monitored through the national exclusions reporting system, the incidence and circumstances of permanent exclusions over a two-year period from the summer of 1990. A total of 192 exclusions reported, of which 11 per cent. were in the primary sector. The breakdown by local education authority is as follows:

  Number

  Clwyd

  32

  Dyfed

  10

  Gwent

  49

  Gwynedd

  9

  Mid Glamorgan

  63

  1404

  Number

  Powys

  7

  South Glamorgan

  11

  West Glamorgan

  11

  Since then, no information on exclusion has been collected centrally.

  Health Authorities and Trust Boards (Members' Allowances)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 13 July,Official Report, columns 771–72, if he will break down the figures on trust board and health authorities' members' allowances. [35856]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is as follows:

  £ thousand

  District health authorities

  Fees

  Other emolumentsincluding pensioncontributions

  Clwyd

  44

  236

  East Dyfed

  0

  198

  Gwent

  41

  239

  Gwynedd

  47

  293

  Mid Glamorgan

  44

  233

  Pembrokeshire

  0

  105

  Powys

  42

  231

  South Glamorgan

  43

  185

  West Glamorgan

  45

  288

  Special health authorities

  Health Promotion

  40

  27

  Wales Welsh Health Common Services Authority

  16

  0

  Family health services authorities

  Clwyd

  61

  87

  Dyfed

  56

  50

  Gwent

  53

  34

  Gwynedd

  56

  43

  Mid Glamorgan

  54

  49

  Powys

  53

  43

  South Glamorgan

  61

  45

  West Glamorgan

  52

  41

  NHS trusts

  Bridgend and District

  44

  286

  Carmarthen and District

  40

  178

  Ceredigion and Mid Wales

  37

  142

  Clwydian

  46

  283

  Glan Clwyd

  39

  228

  Glan Hafren

  46

  294

  Gwent Community

  47

  254

  Llandough

  62

  288

  Llanelli Dinefwr

  42

  239

  Pembrokeshire

  42

  273

  Powys

  44

  268

  South and east Wales Ambulance

  40

  200

  Swansea

  41

  194

  Wrexham Maelor

  29

  281

  Note:

  1993–94 data is provisional.

  Source:

  Annual Accounts of DHAs, SHAs, FHSAs and NHS Trusts.
  1405

  Holyhead-Crewe Railway
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with Railtrack concerning the upgrading of the Holyhead-Crewe rail line; and if he will make a statement. [36137]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Officials discussed this line when they met the director of Railtrack, North-West Zone on 3 May.

  Cadw
  Mr. Sweeny
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to publish a revised framework document for Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments executive agency. [36376]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I have now agreed a revised framework document for Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments which I will be publishing shortly. Copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Sweeny
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to publish the Cadw Welsh Historic Monuments annual report. [36378]

  Mr. Jones
  The report has been laid before the House today and will be published in August.

  Planning
  Mr. Sweeny
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will draft planning policy guidance for Wales. [36377]

  Mr. Hague
  Tomorrow I shall issue for consultation two planning guidance documents, "Planning Policy Guidance (Wales)" and "Planning Guidance (Wales): Unitary Development Plans in Wales." Copies of the documents will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what performance targets he has set for the Planning Inspectorate agency's work in Wales for the financial year 1995–96. [36379]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The key objectives for the agency in 1995–96 continue to be to preserve the impartiality and quality of the Inspectorate's work while seeking to improve its efficiency. I have set the following key performance targets for the agency's work in Wales:

  Timeliness

  (a) Eighty per cent. of planning appeals by written representations to be decided within 17 weeks.

  (b) To provide an Inspector for local plan inquiries on request within 26 weeks of the end of the objection period.

  Financial

  (a) Unit costs of planning appeals decided by written representations not to exceed £690.

  (b) Recover 90 per cent. of receipts due within 8 weeks of invoice date.

  Efficiency

  Generate a 3 per cent. efficiency improvement in the use of running costs compared with 1994–95.

  Quality

  (a) The number of justified complaints about the way Inspectors have carried out their duties, and the number of successful challenges in the High Court, should be less than one in every hundred decisions issued.

  1406

  (b) The number of justified complaints about the way in which the Inspectorate handled the procedural aspects of casework should be less than one on every hundred decisions issued.

  Volume

  To determine 1,005 appeals, subject to intake not declining.

ENVIRONMENT

  Private Rented Sector
  Mr. Coe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his plans to boost the private rented sector. [33375]

  Mr. Gummer
  The recent White Paper announced measures which will build on the progress we have achieved since 1988.

  We are legislating to make it easier for landlords to let their property. This will increase the supply of good quality accommodation available to rent. We will introduce housing investment trusts to encourage institutional investment in privately rented housing. Trusts will benefit from exemption on capital gains, and a reduced rate of corporation tax.

  Rented Accommodation
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps are being taken to encourage the availability of affordable rented accommodation. [33383]

  Mr. Curry
  This year, public funding will produce 70,000 new social lettings. Around 250,000 existing tenancies become available for reletting each year.

  Housing Renovation (Lancashire)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many homes in Lancashire require major renovation to bring them up to acceptable standards. [33395]

  Mr. Clappison
  On the basis of the data from the most recent returns, it is estimated that 55,000 dwellings in Lancashire were statutorily unfit on 1 April 1994. However, more than a third of these could be made fit by the owners at relatively little expense.

  Inner-city Funding
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account he is taking of the political control of local authorities when allocating inner-city funding. [33396]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None. The quality and the likelihood of success are the prime considerations in this competition.

  Repossessions
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the number of home owners who will lose their homes through repossession in the next 10 years. [33397]

  Mr. Clappison
  The only prediction the Government make in this area is that we expect there to be 1.5 million more homeowners over the next 10 years.
  1407

  Social Rent Homes
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many publicly owned social rent homes were started in 1979; and how many will be started in 1995. [33398]

  Mr. Curry
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for Ealing, Southall (Mr. Khabra).

  Houses in Multiple Occupation
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further plans he has to deal with problems arising from the proliferation of houses in multiple occupation, with particular reference to seaside resorts. [33399]

  Mr. Curry
  The planning powers introduced in April 1994, requiring planning permission for a change of use from hotel or guest house to hostel, together with our proposals to strengthen local authorities' existing housing powers, published last week, will provide considerable control over the impact on local tourism in seaside resorts.

  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his reasons for not introducing a national licensing scheme for houses in multiple occupation. [33644]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave the hon. Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney) on 13 July,Official Report, column 723.

  Disused Oil Rigs (Dumping)
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the environmental implications of the dumping of disused oil rigs in the North sea or in deeper water. [33400]

  Mr. Gummer
  All the Governments of the North sea states agreed to the procedure for dumping disused oil rigs. I shall continue to evaluate these matters on the basis of environmental criteria rather than publicity campaigns.

  Local Government
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has to extend local democracy and accountability in local government in England. [33401]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I thank the hon. Member for his support, and hope that he will help us to encourage the extension of local accountability in achieving, among other things, further improvement in the capital freedom proposed for grant-maintained schools and an increase in the number of sales which will result from the private sector bidding for housing association grant.

  Air Quality
  Mr. Cyril D. Townsend
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new initiatives he will be bringing forward to improve air quality in south-east London. [33402]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Government have brought forward provisions in the Environment Bill to implement a new framework for air quality management and we will 1408
  publish later this year our proposals for a national strategy for improving air quality.

  Mr. Touhig
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds are being made available to enable industry to comply with the latest air quality emission standards. [33403]

  Mr. Clappison
  Industry must comply with the latest air quality emission standards by the BATNEEC—best available techniques not entailing excessive cost—objective to minimise emissions, and must also aim to achieve any statutory air quality standards. It is the polluter and not the taxpayer who must pay.

  Water Authority Board Members
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is planning to take to limit the annual income of water authority board members. [33404]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Government are examining the recommendations of the recently published reports by the Employment Select Committee on the remuneration of directors and chief executives of the privatised utilities and the Greenbury committee on directors' pay. A considered response will be made in due course.

  Office of Water Services
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to review the scope of the statutory responsibilities of Ofwat. [33405]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Government have tabled an amendment to the Environment Bill that would give the Director General of Water Services powers to determine the actions that water companies should take to promote the efficient use of water by their customers, and to publish standards of performance in this respect. My right hon. Friend has no plans, at present, further to review the statutory responsibilities of Ofwat.

  Rough Sleeping
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to reduce rough sleeping. [33406]

  Mr. Curry
  The housing White Paper, published on 27 June, included a commitment to continue a programme to help people sleeping rough in central London beyond March 1996. It also said that we would consider assisting the development of the successful rough sleepers initiative model in areas outside central London where rough sleeping can be demonstrated to be a major problem.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to extending the duration of the rough sleepers initiative for central London and extending it to other parts of the United Kingdom. [34927]

  Mr. Clappison
  The housing White Paper—"Our Future Homes", Cm 2901—published on 27 June, included a commitment to continue a programme to help people sleeping rough in cental London beyond March 1996. It also said we would consider assisting the development of the successful rough sleepers initiative model in areas outside central London where rough sleeping can be demonstrated to be a major problem. For
  1409
  information relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, I refer the hon. Member to the responsible Secretaries of State.

  East Thames Corridor
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many acres of brown land are available in the east Thames corridor for potential future development. [33407]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Work by consultants Llewelyn-Davies, published in 1993, suggests that there are more than 4,000 hectares of mostly recycled urban land with potential for development within the east Thames corridor, extending from docklands to Tilbury in Essex and Sheerness in Kent. The Government have identified the area, now known as Thames gateway, as the major opportunity for growth in the south-east.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Miller
  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. [33408]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The 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.

  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much each regional government office has available to allocate for new single regeneration and budget schemes. [35471]

  Mr. Clappison
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North-West (Mr. Bellingham) on 15 June,Official Report, column 611.

  Sewage Treatment Works
  Mr. Stephen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of sewage treatment works failed their consent standards in 1986; and what is the equivalent figure now. [33409]

  Mr. Clappison
  In 1986, 23 per cent. of those sewage treatment works tested were non-compliant with their discharge consents. In 1993, the latest year for which data are available, the equivalent figure was 6 per cent.

  Local Government Finance (Essex)
  Mr. Amess
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on Essex county council's revenue support grant. [33410]

  Mr. Curry
  We received no representations on Essex county council's revenue support grant during the consultation period for 1995–96, which ended on 9 January 1995. Since then, we have received five written representations.
  1410

  Intergovernmental Panel on Forests
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of the United Kingdom Government towards the intergovernmental panel on forests. [33393]

  Mr. Gummer
  Britain has been determined to repair the failure to tackle world forestry issues at the Rio summit. We have taken the lead in international efforts, both in the Commission for Sustainable Development and elsewhere, which culminated in the successful creation of the intergovernmental panel on forests.

  Management Information System for Ministers
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to publish his Department's annual MINIS return. [29154]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [pursuant to his reply, 19 June 1995, c.127.]: I am pleased to announce that my Department published its MINIS return today. I can also announce, on behalf of my colleagues the President of the Board of Trade, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and the Secretary of State for Transport, that the first MINIS document in respect of Government offices—GO—MINIS 1—is also published today. Copies of the documents have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment 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 results and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34703]

  Mr. Gummer
  In pursuing its various policies which have an impact on small firms, my Department takes full account of their crucial role in the economy. Those policies include our sponsorship of the construction industry as well as our responsibility for regeneration and energy efficiency, where our programmes provide direct assistance to small firms. In other policy areas, such as planning and environmental protection, our concern is to ensure that regulation does not impose unnecessary burdens on business. Details of programmes and policies and their achievements are set out in the Department's annual report, copies of which are in the Library of the House.

  Water Pollution
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many cases of water pollution have been recorded in each year for the last five years, by region. [34631]

  Mr. Clappison
  The number of substantiated pollution incidents recorded in each year since 1991 in each region of the National Rivers Authority is set out in the table. For 1990, due to differing recording practices between regions, the figures are in some cases of reported rather than substantiated incidents. As a result, the 1990 data are not directly comparable with those for later years. For
  1411
  consistency, all data are given on the basis of the current combined regions although the mergers of the Northumbria and Yorkshire regions and the South West and Wessex regions respectively took place in 1993.

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Anglian

  1,647

  2,140

  2,462

  2,625

  2,819

  Northumbria/Yorkshire

  3,650

  3,378

  3,059

  3,642

  3,243

  North West

  4,171

  3,020

  3,270

  3,656

  3,532

  Severn Trent

  4,421

  4,355

  4,420

  4,876

  4,895

  Southern

  1,521

  1,735

  1,089

  1,355

  1,316

  Wessex/South West

  4,442

  3,953

  4,278

  4,129

  4,340

  Thames

  1,928

  1,939

  1,955

  2,071

  2,006

  Welsh

  1,474

  1,949

  2,798

  2,945

  3,264

  Total

  23,254

  22,469

  23,331

  25,299

  25,415

  Ozone Levels
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice his Department gives to the public when ground level ozone exceeds 90ppb. [34636]

  Mr. Clappison
  Health advice, up-to-date information on ozone levels and daily forecasts are available to the public at all times on the Government's freephone 0800 556677. Information on daily levels and forecasts is also carried on Ceefax page 404, and on Teletext page 106 and is now also accessible through the internet. Reports and forecasts are sent twice daily to broadcast and print media.

  Mr. Peter Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the likely effect of his abatement strategies for oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds upon future levels of ozone in(a) urban, (b) suburban and (c) rural areas of Surrey. [35866]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Government believe that harmonised action at an international level is necessary to ensure cost-effective reductions in ozone levels in the United Kingdom. The Government have pressed for early consideration of an ozone strategy for Europe within the United Nations Commission for Europe and the European Union. The Government are currently undertaking assessments of the national and international practicability and costs of achieving the recommended air quality standard of the expert panel on air quality standards within the timeframe of the sustainable development strategy.

  Mr. Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions in the last five years ozone levels in Surrey have exceeded the standard for ozone recommended by his expert panel on air quality standards. [35867]

  Mr. Clappison
  The Department of the Environment does not monitor ozone in Surrey. The nearest monitoring site is situated at Lullington Heath in East Sussex where levels are expected to represent some of the highest in the United Kingdom. The expert panel on air quality standard's recommended air quality standard for ozone was exceeded at Lullington Heath on 83 days in 1990, 39 days in 1991, 50 days in 1992, 46 days in 1993 and 55 days in 1994.
  1412

  Rivers and Canals
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the National Rivers Authority to publish its next report on the quality of rivers and canals in England and Wales. [34629]

  Mr. Clappison
  Publication of the report on the latest five-yearly review of the quality of rivers and canals in England and Wales is expected in the second half of 1996. However, the report and accounts of the National Rivers Authority for 1994–95, to be published later this month, will contain interim information about improvements in fresh water quality between 1990 and 1994. A copy will be placed in the Library and I have asked the NRA to send a copy of it to the hon. Member.

  Sewer Pipes
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the new BSI specification for sewer pipes will ensure that all concrete, clay or plastic pipes will include a 100-year life expectancy. [34515]

  Mr. Clappison
  Many factors affect the life span of pipes. These include pipeline design, pipe handling and laying and subsequent ground movement. It is not therefore possible to ensure any particular life expectancy.

  Mrs. Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the adequacy of twin-walled plastic tubing as a material for the construction of sewer pipes; and if he will make a statement. [34517]

  Mr. Clappison
  This is a matter for water and sewerage undertakers.

  Mrs. Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the new BSI specification for sewer pipes will guarantee a strength which will withstand a jetting pressure of(a) 2,500 or (b) 10,000 psi. [34516]

  Mr. Clappison
  This is a matter for the BSI. I cannot comment on a specification which is still under development.

  Mrs. Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment up to what psi pressure jetting contractors operate in the removal of obstructions from sewer pipes. [34514]

  Mr. Clappison
  This is a matter for the contractors. Guidance is being developed within industry on the use of water jetting for cleaning sewers, which will cover a number of factors such as pressure losses in transmission and the design and control of the nozzle as well as the pressure developed at the pump.

  Computer Equipment Suppliers
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment 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. [34552]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 14 July 1994]: In the three years 1992–93, 1994–94 and 1994–95—the period for which records are available—£12.37 million worth of contracts/orders were placed with the following 10 computer equipment suppliers:

  1413

  Suppliers

  £

  Apricot

  Hardware

  4 million

  Dell

  Hardware

  4 million

  ICL

  Hardware

  2 million

  Probrand

  All purpose

  900 thousand

  WordPerfect UK

  Software

  500 thousand

  Software Corp

  Software

  300 thousand

  Action Comp Supplies

  All purpose

  300 thousand

  AMA UK

  All Purpose

  150 thousand

  Orion Media Marketing

  Consumables

  120 thousand

  HMSO

  All purpose

  100 thousand

  Leasehold Enfranchisement
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence he has received on the obstacles to leasehold enfranchisement. [34767]

  Mr. Clappison
  Leasehold enfranchisement is a private transaction between the leaseholders and the landlord, and it is therefore not possible to obtain comprehensive information on a regular basis of the reasons why leaseholders may not have proceeded with enfranchisement. My Department does, however, monitor the number of cases coming before leasehold valuation tribunals where the parties cannot agree terms. To date, 31 cases have been heard and 10 are listed to be heard in the near future.

  We have let a research contract to Sheffield Hallam university to follow up the progress with enfranchisement, of a sample of the people who have approached the Leasehold Enfranchisement Advisory Service. We expect to publish the final report towards the end of 1996.

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the council of English Nature expects to consider a proposal to denotify as a site of special scientific interest all or part of(a) Thorne Moors site of special scientific interest and (b) Hatfield Moor site of special scientific interest. [34789]

  Proportion of owner-occupying households

  1991

  1993

  Total households

  Owner-occupiers

  Percentage owner occupiers

  Total households

  Owner-occupiers

  Percentage owner occupiers

  Married couples

  Under 25

  204,761

  126,952

  62

  177,789

  110,229

  60

  25 to 29

  744,382

  461,517

  73

  685,237

  424,847

  72

  30 to 34

  1,060,990

  657,814

  76

  1,045,846

  648,425

  75

  35 to 39

  1,104,933

  685,058

  76

  1,106,285

  685,897

  76

  40 to 44

  1,291,287

  800,598

  77

  1,157,296

  717,524

  76

  45 to 49

  1,124,844

  697,403

  76

  1,255,145

  778,190

  76

  50 to 54

  995,202

  617,025

  72

  1,003,630

  622,251

  72

  55 and over

  4,020,733

  2,492,854

  64

  4,026,337

  2,496,329

  67

  Cohabiting couples

  Under 25

  252,389

  156,481

  49

  240,143

  148,889

  53

  25 to 29

  319,665

  198,192

  65

  329,564

  204,330

  65

  30 to 34

  206,493

  128,026

  60

  241,457

  149,703

  66

  35 to 39

  133,994

  83,076

  69

  149.235

  92,526

  58

  1414
  Mr. Clappison
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Peatland sites of special scientific interest are currently being surveyed and assessed. Once this work is complete, English Nature will consider later this year whether any boundary changes are necessary.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations English Nature has received from the Peat Producers' Association or any of its member organisations on(a) revision of sites of special scientific interest boundaries on any peatland sites of special scientific interest with valid planning permission for peat extraction and (b) on any peat bogs listed as possible special areas of conservation on its consultation document dated 31 March; and if he will list the sites involved. [34788]

  Mr. Clappison
  [holding answer 17 July I995]: In response to consultations by the Government, Levingtons Horticulture Ltd. welcomed the inclusion of Wedholme Flow and Thorne Moors on the list of candidate special areas of conservation. They suggested the removal of certain areas which did not contain a habitat of the type listed in the directive.

  Housing Statistics
  Mr. Raynsford
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will estimate the number and proportion of households that have owner-occupiers in each of the years 1991 to 1994, according to(a) the age bands under 25, 25 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, 40 to 44, 45 to 49, 50 to 54 and 55 years and over and (b) household types, married couples, cohabiting couples, lone parents, other multi-person households, and one-person households, on a basis consistent with the evidence recently made available to the Environment Select Committee on the need for provision for social housing. [35189]

  Mr. Curry
  The latest available estimates of the number and proportion of owner occupiers by age and household types are given in the table. These relate to the years 1991 and 1993.

  Estimates for 1992 and 1994 are not available.

  Sources:

  1991 Labour Force Survey.

  1993 Survey of English Housing.
  1415

  Proportion of owner-occupying households

  1991

  1993

  Total households

  Owner-occupiers

  Percentage owner occupiers

  Total households

  Owner-occupiers

  Percentage owner occupiers

  40 to 44

  109,878

  68,124

  68

  110,858

  68,732

  61

  45 to 49

  71,595

  44,389

  70

  87,097

  54,000

  58

  50 to 54

  45,053

  27,933

  53

  49,620

  30,764

  68

  55 and over

  83,242

  51,610

  60

  90,287

  55,978

  59

  Lone parents

  Under 25

  134,210

  83,210

  5

  135,533

  84,030

  3

  25 to 29

  190,346

  118,015

  12

  205,239

  127,248

  14

  30 to 34

  189,911

  117,745

  27

  213,488

  132,363

  24

  35 to 39

  170,467

  105,690

  42

  181,551

  112,562

  38

  40 to 44

  153,840

  95,381

  55

  147,690

  91,568

  47

  45 to 49

  84,907

  52,642

  59

  100,234

  62,145

  51

  50 to 54

  35,275

  21,871

  53

  38,071

  23,604

  47

  55 and over

  21,612

  13,399

  45

  22,924

  14,213

  34

  Other multi person

  Under 25

  97,285

  60,317

  18

  96,613

  59,900

  14

  25 to 29

  126,068

  78,162

  47

  137,989

  85,553

  37

  30 to 34

  79,488

  49,283

  46

  99,915

  61,947

  52

  35 to 39

  64,703

  40,116

  64

  73,972

  45,863

  64

  40 to 44

  93,920

  58,230

  42

  96,267

  59,686

  48

  45 to 49

  107,381

  66,576

  56

  129,322

  80,180

  62

  50 to 54

  116,692

  72,349

  49

  123,293

  76,442

  53

  55 and over

  664,488

  411,983

  49

  668,103

  414,224

  51

  One person

  Under 25

  223,502

  138,571

  29

  223,225

  138,400

  29

  25 to 29

  389,819

  241,688

  59

  423,593

  262,628

  56

  30 to 34

  301,205

  186,747

  65

  377,306

  233,930

  65

  35 to 39

  225,782

  139,985

  64

  266,033

  164,940

  57

  40 to 44

  242,044

  150,067

  59

  251,644

  156,019

  57

  45 to 49

  227,763

  141,213

  58

  277,450

  172,019

  59

  50 to 54

  240,172

  148,907

  53

  259,773

  161,059

  51

  55 and over

  3,264,770

  2,024,157

  45

  3,315,167

  2,055,404

  48

  Drinking Water (Lead)
  Mr. Merchant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the drinking water inspectorate will give advice to consumers about lead in drinking water. [36078]

  Mr. Clappison
  The drinking water inspectorate today published "Lead in Drinking Water". This leaflet gives consumers advice on how to find out if they have lead pipes in their home. whether the amount of lead in their drinking water exceeds the standard and how to minimise the level of lead in their drinking water.

  Copies of the leaflet has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Going for Green
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made by the Going for Green initiative. [36079]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Going for Green national committee has taken responsibility for managing the eco-schools project and I am pleased to announce that 155 schools have already joined, with 500 more expected to do so by the end of the year. The committee has also recommended the development of a green code for the general public to follow and a number of demonstration projects will be established to test its practicability.

  Negotiations on detailed proposals are taking place with Lancashire county council, Sedgefield district council and
  1416
  the London borough of Merton, while discussions are at an earlier stage with three other communities, including one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. In the light of these developments, the committee has proposed that it should examine the feasibility of establishing a company limited by guarantee to take forward the campaign and to attract private sector sponsorship to supplement and partner the public sector support we are able to give I welcome this proposal by the committee. I hope that it will be in a position to decide in the autumn whether to proceed with this option.

  Brent Spar
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the responsibilities of his Department in relation to the final disposal of the Brent Spar. [33560]

  Mr. Clappison
  Unless and until action is required under one of the statutory functions of the Secretary of State for the Environment, to ensure that decisions are consistent with the Government's general policies on the marine environment.

  Education Funding (Northumberland)
  Mr. Jack Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to respond to the letters sent to him by school governors and parents who
  1417
  support the Fairshares campaign for educational funding in Northumberland. [34820]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  So far as I am aware, my Department has replied to every letter received from members of the public during this campaign.

  Mr. Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to how many letters sent to him by school governors and parents who support the campaign for increased educational funding in Northumberland he has so far replied. [34821]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I refer to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Regeneration to the right hon. Member for Berwick upon Tweed (Mr. Beith) on 29 June,Official Report, column 756.

  Private Utilities (Pricing Structure)
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what discussions he has had with the private utilities in respect of pricing structure with special reference to the balance between standing charges and unit costs. [35477]

  Mr. Clappison
  None. So far as the water industry is concerned, this is a matter for the Director General of Water Services and the water companies.

  Housing Investment Programmes
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the housing investment programme for each local authority in 1978–79, 1994–95 and 1995–96 in cash and in constant prices. [35473]

  Mr. Clappison
  Information on housing investment programme allocations for 1978–79, 1994–95 and 1995–96 for each local authority in England is available in the Library.

  The GDP market price deflator can be used to exclude the effect of general inflation.

  GDP deflator 1978–79=100

  1978–79

  100.0

  1994–95

  292.3

  1995–96

  301.8

  Health and Safety
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what responsibilities for health and safety, formerly held by the Department of Employment, have been transferred to his Department. [35584]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department has taken over responsibility for the Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive. The allocation of other responsibilities relating to health and safety at work is still under consideration.

  Child Care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much his Department spends on 1418
  (a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for the over-fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisation; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35549]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department's only direct spending on child care provision for under-fives and out-of-school provision for over-fives, is limited to provision for departmental staff.

  My Department does not make resources available to local authorities specifically for child care. My Department is responsible for distributing revenue support grant to English local authorities. Local spending decisions on child care are, however, a matter for each local authority. It is likely that some local child care and out-of-school provision is supported through commitments under the single regeneration budget and, since March 1995, under the single regeneration budget challenge fund, although this information is not held centrally.

  Departmental Employees
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35464]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The following information is for 1 April 1995 and covers non-industrial staff in my Department, excluding Ordnance Survey and PSA Services.

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  5

  0

  2

  0

  Grade 3

  26

  0

  4

  0

  Grade 4

  5

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  108

  3

  17

  5

  Grade 6

  283

  9

  23

  6

  Grade 7

  596

  3

  108

  30

  SEO and equivalent

  576

  5

  116

  19

  HEO and equivalent

  616

  6

  251

  51

  EO and equivalent

  651

  4

  478

  45

  AO and equivalent

  557

  4

  796

  135

  AA and equivalent

  231

  1

  352

  82

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list(a) the number of (i) male (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35680]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information is not available in the form requested but details by grade and gender for the Department as a whole, including the executive agencies, can be found in table 5 of "Civil Service Statistics" for each year from 1985 to 1994—copies are available in the Library. Details for 1995 will be published later this year.
  1419

  Women (Promotions)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35672]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department is committed to equality of opportunity for all employees. In relation to women there is a departmental action plan to achieve equality of opportunity based on the programme for action for women in the civil service. Initiatives taken to improve the development and promotion of women staff include equal opportunities training and seminars for staff and senior managers; a women in management training course; at least one woman on each promotion panel; part-time working; and nursery and holiday play schemes are available.

  Sikh Turban Wearers
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment by what means Her Majesty's Government continued exemption, notwithstanding the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations, for Sikh turban wearers employed in construction and serving in the armed forces. [35583]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Section 11 of the Employment Act 1989 exempts Sikh turban wearers from any statutory requirements to wear protective headgear while on a construction site. The position of Sikh turban wearers in the armed forces is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.

  Regional Funds
  Mr. Alton
  To ask Secretary of State for the Environment if he will report on the stage the 1994 objective 1 bid of Liverpool chamber of commerce and industry has reached; and if he will ensure that the telematics service is implemented as quickly as possible. [36099]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Five projects form Liverpool chamber of commerce were approved in principle last October. Four have received offers of grant and have been completed or are in the progress. Offer letters can only be issued when all requirements for award of grant have been fulfilled. The Government office is working with the Liverpool Chamber to progress the fifth project which concerns a telematics service.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many 1994 objective 1 bids were successful; how many received some or all of the cash they were granted; how many have received no funding; what factors underlie failure to collect funding; and if he will make a statement. [36098]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  A total of 797 projects were approved in principle. Grant payments have been made for 699 projects. More than 70 projects have yet to claim and a small number are with the Government office for processing.

  There are a number of factors which can affect the draw down of grant aid. For the European social fund, grant payments are made in three stages. The overwhelming majority of stage 1 and 2 claims have been paid. In a small number of cases inaccuracies in the paperwork have
  1420
  resulted in delay. Final claims are not due to be paid until September. For the European regional development fund, project sponsors must incur expenditure before claims for grant payment can be submitted and the spend profile of a project can span a number of years.

  Planning Enforcement
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will carry out a policy review of the new and strengthened planning enforcement provisions introduced into part VII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by the Planning and Compensation Act 1991; [35934]

  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will carry out a policy review of the new and strengthened planning enforcement provisions introduced into part VII of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by the Planning and Compensation Act 1991. [36400]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We have completed a review of local planning authorities' use of the planning enforcement provisions in the Planning and Compensation Act 1991, based on a planning consultants' research project involving a representative sample of more than 100 local planning authorities in England and Wales. The research report's conclusions are that planning authorities are generally using the new provisions effectively; and the wider range of available enforcement powers enables authorities better to implement whatever remedial action is most suited to each breach of planning control.

  The research report is being published tomorrow and copies will be placed in the Library of the House.

  County Hall, London
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who gave permission for a pop concert and party to be held at county hall, London SE1, on 15 July; what licences were issued; and why the event was cancelled. [35838]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The county hall main building is now privately owned by the Shirayama Corporation of Japan. It would be for the owners of the building and the organisers of any event proposed to be held there to obtain any permissions or licences which might be required, and to decide whether to proceed with or to cancel that event.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment for what reasons the freehold of county hall, London SE1, was transferred to Shirayama Shokusan Co. Ltd.; when this occurred; and what was the amount involved. [35970]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The sale to Shirayama Shokusan of a 999-year lease on the riverside building of county hall in October 1993 provided for the transfer to Shirayama of the freehold interest in the building, for a nominal sum—£1—, upon the earlier (i) completion of listed building works, and (ii) transfer of the freehold of the rest of the site.

  The freehold of the remainder of the site was subsequently sold to Shirayama in April 1995.
  1421

  Local Government Finance (Isle of Wight)
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he has made of the effect of the data on the new earnings survey from the Isle of Wight and its effect on the area cost adjustment formulae for the Isle of Wight and if he has seen the correspondence from Mr. Orchard of the Department of Employment and the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight. [35871]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I will write to my hon. Friend.

  Mr. Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take into account the Island Apart evidence when looking at the area cost adjustment formulae and the effects any changes to that formulae will have on the Isle of Wight's local government finance. [35941]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We will consider all the evidence available to us on the area cost adjustment when forming our proposals for the 1996–97 local government finance settlement later this year.

  London Residuary Body
  Mr. Tony Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what grounds the royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea was chosen to prepare the accounts for 1995–96 following the wind-up of the London residuary body. [35860]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The detailed arrangements for winding up the London residuary body, including the preparation of the final accounts, are matters to be decided when the order winding-up the London residuary' body is made.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make an order winding up the London residuary body. [35859]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My right hon. Friend intends to make such an order as soon as practicable, having regard to the outstanding responsibilities of the residuary body.

  Mr. Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many hours a week each London residuary body board member worked in 1994–95 on London residuary body business; what emoluments each received; and what payments will be made to the board members when the London residuary board is finally wound-up. [35861]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The board members of the London residuary body received the following emoluments in 1994–95:

  Sir Godfrey Taylor (Chairman): £15,430 for 1 day per week

  M. C. Roberts Esq.: £9,320 for 1 day per week

  W. J. Mackenzie Esq.: £9,320 for 1 day per week

  J. Wolkind Esq.: £9,320 for 1 day per week

  In practice, board members frequently commit more time and energy to their duties than required by their contracts.

  There will be no extra payments to the board members of the LRB upon its wind-up.
  1422

  Irish Sea Science
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what further progress has been made by the Irish sea science co-ordinator in reviewing Irish sea science. [35987]

  Mr. Clappison
  The co-ordinator, a joint UK-Irish appointment, has submitted his final report to the UK and Irish Governments as the "Third Report of the Irish Sea Science Co-ordinator". Building on the two previous reports, it proposes a set of studies to fill important gaps in scientific knowledge of the area and to form the basis of a structured and integrated programme to enhance abilities to protect the Irish sea and manage its resources. Further discussions between sponsoring Departments are proceeding to consider implications for research requirements and future marine policies. I am placing copies in the Library of the House today.

  Special Areas of Conservation
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 20 June,Official Report, columns 140–43, if he will list for each proposed special area of conservation (a) the relevant parliamentary constituency and (b) the relevant European parliamentary constituency. [35880]

  Mr. Clappison
  The relevant constituencies for the candidate special areas of conservation submitted to the European Commission are as follows:

  Proposed special area of conservation

  Parliamentary constituency

  European parliamentary constituency

  Amat Woods

  Caithness and Sutherland

  Highlands and Islands

  Ardmeanach

  Argyll and Bute

  Highlands and Islands

  Ballynahone Bog

  East Londonderry

  Northern Ireland

  Barry Links

  Angus East

  Scotland North East

  Beer Quarry and Caves

  Honiton

  Dorset and East Devon

  Benacre to Easton Bavents Lagoons

  Waveney

  Suffolk and South West Norfolk

  Berwyn

  Meirionydd Nant Conwy Montgomery, Clwyd South West

  (1) Mid and West Wales (2) North Wales

  Birklands and Bilhaugh

  Sherwood

  Nottinghamshire North and Chesterfield

  Black Bog

  Mid-Ulster

  Northern Ireland

  Black Wood of Rannoch

  Tayside North

  Scotland North East

  Blawhorn Moss

  Livingston

  Lothians

  Blean Complex

  Canterbury

  Kent East

  Borrowdale Woodland Complex

  Workington, Penrith and the Border

  Cumbria and Lancashire North

  Braehead Moss

  Clydesdale

  South Scotland

  1423

  Proposed special area of conservation

  Parliamentary constituency

  European parliamentary constituency

  Bredon Hill

  Worcestershire South

  Worcestershire and South Warwickshire

  Cilfach Burry: Twyni/Burry Inlet: Dunes

  Gower and Carmarthen

  Mid and West Wales

  Cannock Extension Canal

  Aldridge Brownhills, Cannock and Burntwood, Staffordshire South

  Birmingham West, Staffordshire East and Derby, Staffordshire West and Congleton

  Carrine Common

  Truro

  Cornwall and West Plymouth

  Castle Eden Dene

  Easington

  Durham

  Castle Hill

  Lewes

  East Sussex and Kent South

  Chilmark Quarries

  Westbury

  Wiltshire North and Bath

  Chilterns Beechwoods

  Wycombe, Aylesbury, Henley

  Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire East

  Cockinhead Moss

  Cunninghame North

  Strathclyde West

  Coed y Cerrig

  Monmouth

  South Wales East

  Coedydd a Cheunant, Rheidol/Rheidol Woods

  Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire North

  Mid and West Wales

  Coedydd Derw, Meirion/Merionnyd Woods

  Meririonydd Nant Conwy

  Mid and West Wales

  Coleg Glynllifon

  Caernarfon

  North Wales

  Cors Caron

  Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire North

  Mid and West Wales

  Cors Fochno

  Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire North

  Mid and West Wales

  Corsydd Mon/Angelsea Fens

  Ynys Mon

  North Wales

  Cothill Fen

  Oxford West and Abingdon

  Hampshire North and Oxford

  Craigengar

  Linlithgow

  Lothians

  Cranley Moss

  Clydesdale

  South Scotland

  Creag nan Gamhainn

  Moray

  Highlands and Islands

  Cors Crymlyn/Crymlyn Bog

  Swansea West

  South Wales West

  Cuileagh Mountain

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Northern Ireland

  Culbin Bar

  Moray

  Highlands and Islands

  Culm Grasslands

  Devon West and Torridge

  Devon

  Cwm Cadlan

  Cynon Valley

  South Wales Central

  Derryleckagh

  South Down

  Northern Ireland

  Drostre Bank

  Brecon and Radnor

  Mid and West Wales

  1424

  Proposed special area of conservation

  Parliamentary constituency

  European parliamentary constituency

  East Hampshire Hangers

  East Hampshire

  South Downs West

  Eastern Mournes

  South Down

  Northern Ireland

  Ebernoe Common

  Chichester

  South Downs West

  Eilean na Muice Duibhe

  Argyll and Bute

  Highlands and Islands

  Elenydd

  Montgomery

  Mid and West Wales

  Eryri/Snowdonia

  Conwy

  North Wales

  Fairy Water Bogs

  Mid-Ulster

  Northern Ireland

  Fenland

  Cambridgeshire South, East Huntingdon

  Cambridgeshire

  Feur Lochain

  Argyll and Bute

  Highlands and Islands

  Flow of Dergoals

  Galloway and Upper Nithdsale

  South Scotland

  Gang Mine

  West Derbyshire

  Peak District

  Garron Plateau

  East Antrim/North Antrim

  Northern Ireland

  Garry Bog

  North Antrim

  Northern Ireland

  Garry na Criche

  Argyll and Bute

  Highlands and Islands

  Glannau Mon: Cors heli/ Angelesa Coast: Saltmarsh

  Ynys Mon

  North Wales

  Glannau Mon: Twyni/Anglsea Coast: Dunes

  Ynys Mon

  North Wales

  Glanau Ynys Gybi/Holy Island Coast

  Ynys Mon

  North Wales

  Glen Coe

  Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber

  Highlands and Islands

  Godrevy Head to St. Agnes

  St. Ives, Falmouth and Cambourne, Truro

  Cornwall and West Plymouth

  Pen Y Gosgarth/Great Orme's Head

  Conwy

  North Wales

  Great Yews

  Salisbury

  Itchen Test and Avon

  Helvellyn and Fairfield

  Penrith and the Border, Workington

  Cumbria and Lancashire North

  Hascosay

  Orkney and Shetland

  Highlands and Islands

  Hill of Towanreef

  (1) Banff and Buchan

  (1) Scotland North East

  (2) Moray

  (2) Highlands and Islands

  Holme Moor and Clean Moor

  Taunton

  Somerset and North Devon

  Hoy

  Orkney and Shetland

  Highlands and Islands

  Inchnadamph

  Caithness and Sutherland

  Highlands and Islands

  Invernaver

  Caithness and Sutherland

  Highlands and Islands

  1425

  Proposed special area of conservation

  Parliamentary constituency

  European parliamentary constituency

  Isle of Wight Downs

  Isle of Wight

  Wight and Hampshire South

  Keen of Hamar

  Orkney and Shetland

  Highlands and Islands

  Cynffig/Kenfig

  Bridgend

  South Wales West

  Kilhern Moss

  Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

  South Scotland

  Kingley Vale

  Chichester

  South Downs West

  Kirkcowan Flow

  Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

  South Scotland

  Lewes Downs

  Lewes

  East Sussex and Kent South

  Clogwyni Calenfaen De-Orllewin

  Pembroke and Gower

  (1) Mid and West Wales

  Cymru/Limestone seacliffs of South West Wales

  (2) South Wales West

  Lismore Lochs

  Argyll and Bute

  Highlands and Islands

  Llyn Syfaddan/Llangorse Lake

  Brecon and Radnor

  Mid and West Wales

  Loch Watten

  Caithness and Sutherland

  Highlands and Islands

  Lydden and Temple Ewell Downs

  Dover

  Kent East

  Magheraveely Marl Loughs

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Northern Ireland

  Merrick Kells

  (1) Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley(2) Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

  (1) South Scotland (2) South Scotland

  Minsmere to Walberswick Heaths and Marshes

  Suffolk Coastal

  Suffolk and South West Norfolk

  Mochrum Lochs

  Galloway and Upper Nithsdale

  South Scotland

  Monadh Mor

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  Highlands and Islands

  Monawilkin

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Northern Ireland

  Moniack Gorge

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  Highlands and Islands

  Morrone Birkwood

  Kincardine and Deesside

  Scotland North East

  Mound Alderwoods

  Caithness and Sutherland

  Highlands and Islands

  Newham Fen

  Berwick upon Tweed

  Northumbria

  Norfolk Valley Fens

  Norfolk North West, Norfolk South West and Mid Norfolk

  Norfolk

  North Northumberland Dunes

  Berwick upon Tweed

  Northumbria

  1426

  Proposed special area of conservation

  Parliamentary constituency

  European parliamentary constituency

  North Pennines Dales Meadows

  Richmond, Skipton and Ripon, Hexham, Durham North West, Bishop Auckland, Penrith and the Border, Westmorland and Lonsdale

  Northumbria, Cumbria and Lancashire North, Durham, Cleveland and Richmond, North Yorkshire

  Oak Mere

  Eddisbury

  Cheshire West and Wirral

  Oldshoremore and Sandwood

  Caithness and Sutherland

  Highlands and Islands

  Oxford Meadows

  Oxford West and Abingdon

  Hampshire North and Oxford

  Pasturefields Salt Marsh

  Stafford

  Staffordshire West and Congleton

  Safleodd Ystlumod, Penfro/Pembrokeshire bat sites

  Pembrokeshire

  Mid and West Wales

  Pettigoe Plateau

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Northern Ireland

  Pewsey Downs

  Devizes

  Wiltshire North and Bath

  Pitmaduthy Moss

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  Highlands and Islands

  Prescombe Down

  Salisbury

  Itchen Test and Avon

  Preseli

  Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire North

  Mid and West Wales

  Queendown Warren

  Mid Kent

  Kent West

  Reidside Moss

  Banff and Buchan

  Scotland North East

  Rex Graham Reserve

  Bury St. Edmunds

  Suffolk and South West Norfolk

  Rhinog

  Meirionydd Nant Conwy

  Mid and West Wales

  Rhos Goch

  Brecon and Radnor

  Mid and West Wales

  Rhos Llawr-cwrt

  Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire North

  Mid and West Wales

  Rooksmoor

  Dorset North

  Dorset and East Devon

  Rum

  Inverness, Nairn and Lochaber

  Highlands and Islands

  Slieve Beagh

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Northern Ireland

  TY Ddewi/St. Davids

  Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire North

  Mid and West Wales

  Staverton Park and the Thicks, Wantisden

  Suffolk Coastal

  Suffolk and South West Norfolk

  Strath

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  Highlands and Islands

  Stromness Heaths and Coast

  Orkney and Shetland

  Highlands and Islands

  1427

  Proposed special area of conservation

  Parliamentary constituency

  European parliamentary constituency

  Safleodd Ystlumod Tanat ac Efyrnwy/Tanat and Vyrnwy Bat Sites Taynish Woods

  Montgomery, Clywd South West

  (1) Mid and West Wales (2) North Wales

  Teal Lough

  Mid-Ulster

  Northern Ireland

  The Mens

  Chichester

  South Downs West

  The New Forest

  New Forest

  Itchen Test and Avon

  The Stiperstones and the Hollies

  Ludlow

  Herefordshire and Shropshire

  Thorne Moor

  Doncaster North and Boothferry

  Yorkshire South and Humberside

  Thrislington

  Sedgefield

  Durham

  Tingon

  Orkney and Shetland

  Highlands and Islands

  Tregonning Hill

  Cornwall South East

  Cornwall and West Plymouth

  Trotternish Ridge

  Ross, Cromarty and Skye

  Highlands and Islands

  Tulach Hill and Glen Fender Meadows

  Tayside North

  Scotland North East

  Tyne and Allen River Gravels

  Hexham

  Northumbria

  Upper Lough Earne

  Fermanagh and South Tyrone

  Northern Irleand

  Wasdale Screes

  Copeland

  Cumbria and Lancashire North

  West Midland Mosses

  Eddisbury, Stafford, Crewe and Nantwich, North Shropshire

  Cheshire West and Wirral, Staffordshire West and Congleton, Herefordshire and Shropshire

  Whitlaw and Branxholme

  Tweeddale, Etterick and Lauderdale

  South Scotland

  Windsor Forest and Great Park

  Windsor and Maidenhead, Surrey North West, Berkshire East

  Thames Valley, Surrey

  Wye and Crundale Downs

  Ashford

  Kent East

  Urban Development Areas
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many permanent jobs have been created in each urban development area net of losses and relocations since the inception of each urban development corporation. [36123]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Reliable data on net employment in urban development areas are not available. Gross jobs created by each urban development corporation up to 31 March are as follows:1428

  Number

  London Docklands

  63,025

  Merseyside

  14,458

  Teesside

  7,682

  Black Country

  13,357

  Trafford Park

  16,197

  Tyne & Wear

  19,649

  Bristol

  3,830

  Sheffield

  11,328

  Central Manchester

  4,909

  Leeds

  9,066

  Birmingham Heartlands

  1,773

  Plymouth

  0

  Total

  165,274

  Skin Disease
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Environment what plans his Department has to examine skin disease in the context of health and safety at work. [35969]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Since 1993, the Health and Safety Executive—HSE—has been funding a surveillance scheme for occupational skin disease—EPI-DERM—to determine the major causes of work related skin disorders and to identify the occupations most at risk. The initial findings confirm that occupational dermatitis is still the most widespread form of work related skin disease.

  The HSE is therefore to focus on reducing the incidence of occupational dermatitis as part of its "Good Health is Good Business Campaign". This phase of the campaign, which will be launched in the spring next year, aims to raise awareness of the causes of work-related dermatitis and the steps employers need to take to prevent it.

  The HSE is also acting to reduce the harm that can be caused by exposure to ultra-violet light at work. It has published guidance for outdoor workers alerting them to the dangers of over-exposure to the sun and advising them of the precautions that they should take to protect their skin.

  Planning Inspectorate Agency
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what performance targets he has set for the Planning Inspectorate agency for the financial year 1995–96. [36397]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The key objectives for the agency in 1995–96 continue to be to preserve the impartiality and quality of the inspectorate's work while seeking further to improve efficiency. I have set the following key targets for the agency's work in England:

  Timeliness

  (a) 80 per cent of planning appeals by written representations to be decided within 18 weeks;

  (b) to provide an Inspector for local plan inquiries on request within 26 weeks of the end of the objection period;

  Financial:

  (a) unit costs of planning appeals decided by written representations not to exceed £690;

  (b) recover 90 per cent. of receipts due within 8 weeks of invoice date;

  1429

  Efficiency

  (a) generate a 3 per cent. efficiency improvement in the use of running costs compared with 1994–95;

  Quality:

  (a) the number of justified complaints about the way inspectors have carried out their duties, and the number of High Court challenges, should be less than one in every one hundred decisions issued;

  (b) the number of justified complaints about the way the Inspectorate have handled the procedural aspects of casework should be less than one every hundred new cases received;

  Volume:

  to determine 14,900 appeals, subject to intake not declining.

  Latent Defects Liability and BUILD Insurance
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what responses he has received to his Department's consultation document on latent defects liability and BUILD insurance. [36398]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Department received a total of 109 responses to the consultation paper on latent defects liability and BUILD insurance which it published on 12 April. The paper put forward proposals for legislation resulting from recommendations in the report by Sir Michael Latham, "Constructing the Team". The responses will be taken into account in making decisions on any future legislation.

  A list of the 99 non-confidential responses received has been placed in the Library of the House, together with a summary. Copies of individual responses and a report on the response may be obtained through the Library.

  An analysis of responses to a second consultation document on fair construction contracts is now being prepared. A total of 135 responses have been received. A list of non-confidential responses received together with a summary will be available from the Library shortly.

  Town Centres
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to issue for consultation his revision of planning policy guidance note 6 on town centres and retail developments; and if he will make a statement. [36399]

  Mr. Gummer
  Following the strong support given by the Environment Committee for the Government's policy on town centres and retail developments, I undertook to revise or planning policy guidance, PPG6, to clarify various issues. I have today issued for consultation revised guidance on this subject. Comments on the revised draft PPG6 are invited by 2 October 1995. I have arranged for copies of the draft revised PPG6 to be placed in the Library of the House.

  The Government are strongly committed to urban regeneration and many of its policies are directed to this end. As part of this, the guidance reflects the Government's determination to revitalise our town centres by encouraging developers to invest in town centres. This applies not only to shopping developments, but to
  1430
  other uses such as offices and other businesses, entertainment, leisure, and higher education. We are determined that town centres should be attractive and competitive locations for investment.

  The draft guidance encourages local planning authorities, consulting business interests and the wider community, to draw up strategies for retail developments in their local development plans. This should provide greater certainty for investors. The draft advocates the sequential approach, whereby retail developments should look first to town centres, next edge-of-centre sites and only then out-of-centre sites, if not suitable sites are available. It advises local planning authorities to plan positively and identify suitable sites in their local plans. This does not mean a complete ban on out-of-centre shopping developments, but such proposals will continue to need to be assessed against the tests of impact on existing centres, accessibility by a choice of means of transport and impact on overall car travel.

  The main changes to this guidance are:

  (i) on planning for town centres and retailing:

  emphasis on a plan-led approach to promoting development in town centres, both through policies and the identification of locations and sites for development;

  emphasis on the sequential approach to selecting sites for development, whether for food or comparison shopping; and support for local and neighbourhood centres.

  (ii) on town centres:

  promotion of mixed-use development and retention of key town centre uses, including cinemas;

  emphasis on the importance of a coherent town centre parking strategy in maintaining urban vitality, through a combination of location, management and pricing or parking for different user groups—it clarifies the relationship between PPG6 and PPG 13;

  promotion of town centre management to develop clear standards of service and improve quality for town centre users; and

  promotion of good urban design, including attractive and secure car parks.

  (iii) on assessment of retail proposals:

  clarifying the three key tests for assessing retail developments: impact on vitality and viability of town centres; accessibility by a choice of means of transport; and impact on overall travel and car use;

  how to access out-of-centre developments; and, finally

  how certain new types of retail developments should be assessed.

  Development Quality
  Mr. Lidington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what role planning conditions can play in improving the quality of development; and if he will make a statement. [36401]

  Mr. Gummer
  The Government consider that the sensitive use of conditions can improve development control and enhance public confidence in the planning system. If used properly, planning conditions can play a valuable role in enhancing the quality of development.
  1431
  Advice to this effect is contained in Department of the Environment circular 11/95—Welsh Office 35/95—which was published today. The circular updates policy advice and guidance on the use of planning conditions. Among other things, the circular reflects guidance in planning policy guidance notes on the use of conditions in respect of transport, retail development, contaminated land, noise, and affordable housing. The circular also gives additional advice on the use of conditions in respect of design and landscape, access for disabled people, nature conservation and endangered species; and contains many more examples of "model" conditions.

  Local Government Reorganisation (Staff Compensation)
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he will put in place to compensate staff who suffer a reduction in salary as a result of local government reorganisation. [36402]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We are today launching a consultation on draft regulations which will give effect to the scheme for detriment compensation which my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 30 March,Official Report, column 733. The scheme provides for compensation of staff who suffer a drop in salary as a result of local government reorganisation. Such staff will, in effect, have their salary maintained for a transitional three-year period if they work in a reorganised authority and are appointed to a job at a lower salary with a relevant authority during the prescribed period. By avoiding the need for redundancy payments and encouraging councils to retrain existing employees in new jobs, the scheme should benefit staff, employers, and the taxpayer. There will be a period of eight weeks in which local authorities, local authority associations and other interested parties will be able to make comments on these draft regulations.

  Public Income and Expenditure, London
  Mr. Tracey
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to publish statistics quantifying public income and expenditure in London. [36403]

  Mr. Gummer
  I propose to publish "London: Facts and Figures 1995", later this month. It will provide, in a single source, data on a wide range of London issues and activities.

  During the preparation of this publication, we asked our consultants to examine data on public spending and revenues to see if it is possible to calculate the position for London. More work needs to be done before a firm conclusion can be reached and, through the Government office for London, I will be issuing a consultation paper shortly on the subject.

  Regional Boundaries
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 26 June,Official Report, columns 541–42, if he has completed his consideration of the recommendations of the Environment Agency advisory committee on regional boundaries. [36549]
  1432
  Mr. Gummer
  I have today confirmed the Government's acceptance of the regional boundaries of the Environment Agency proposed by the Environment Agency advisory committee, modified so that the region covered by the Welsh regional environment protection advisory committee corresponds to Wales alone. These proposals build on the successful river catchment based approach developed by the National Rivers Authority, while ensuring integration of pollution control functions in a way which maximises continuity and scope for close and responsive relationships at a local level. For those who deal with the agency, it will ensure the full benefits of bringing together the different environmental regulators while enabling continuation of the best features of existing arrangements. The agency will keep its boundaries under review, so that adjustments can be made in the light of experience if necessary.

  Bristol Development Corporation
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Bristol development corporation will be wound up; and if he will make a statement. [36550]

  Mr. Curry
  Statutory orders will be laid before Parliament later this year to effect the wind-up and dissolution of Bristol development corporation. Subject to parliamentary approval, the corporation will cease to act from 1 January 1996, except for the purpose of preparing its final accounts and report and winding up its affairs. The corporation will be dissolved on 1 April 1996.

  Urban development corporations were set up, with finite lifetimes, to regenerate their designated areas. Since designation on 30 June 1988, Bristol development corporation has provided major infrastructure investment which has already revitalised much of east Bristol.

  The corporation expects its activities to lead, in total, to the reclamation of 81 hectares of land, the creation of 450,000 sq m of commercial floorspace and 1,220 housing units, the creation of 16,500 permanent jobs and the attraction of £650 million of private sector investment. Bristol will continue to reap the benefits of the corporation's activities well into the new millennium.

  Countryside Commission Chairman
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to announce the appointment of a new chairman of the Countryside Commission. [36601]

  Mr. Gummer
  Selection of a new chairman of the Countryside Commission has been made by following a new process, involving advertisement of the post in the national press and the employment of executive search consultants. More than 120 candidates were produced by these methods, form whom we are able, with the advice and assistance of the consultants, to identify a shortlist of names of a high standard meriting serious consideration. Mr. Richard Simmonds clearly emerged from that shortlist as the best candidate and I am pleased to announce his appointment as the new chairman of the Countryside Commission to take effect from 1 October.
  1433
  Richard Simmonds has all the qualities which are needed for this post: in particular, he has wide and relevant experience, a considerable knowledge of countryside matters, leadership skill and the clear vision and sense of purpose required. He will make an excellent chairman.

  2 Marsham Street
  Mr. Thomason
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about progress on the 2 Marsham street development. [36659]

  Mr. Gummer
  The dreadful towers of the DOE's headquarters building have set a poor example to the nation. We now have a welcome opportunity to put right past mistakes and I am determined that the redevelopment of this site will set a better standard.

  We need a development which will underpin the continuing regeneration of this part of Westminster by creating a welcoming environment, by attracting more life and providing for a mixture of uses. We also need to show how new and viable city centre redevelopment can complement its neighbourhood and fit in more closely with the existing urban fabric.

  I have decided that these aims can best be secured through an open competition in which designers and architects will be invited to devise a new urban design framework for this site, which will make the most of the opportunity we now have. This competition will throw the field open to fresh and creative ideas for an urban design which will be attractive to those who live or work in the area.

  The competition will concentrate initially on urban design rather that the architecture of individual buildings. We need a broad and flexible masterplan, not a detailed blueprint. There are several reasons for this: Many aspects of urban design on a specific site can be considered independently of detailed decisions about the use of individual buildings. This is currently often overlooked in developments on this scale; The Government are still considering whether it wishes to occupy part of the redevelopment, and if so how much; I want to keep the option of having the individual buildings which make up the redevelopment designed by different architects within the agreed urban design framework.

  Concentrating on urban issues will have an important additional advantage. Since detailed architectural issues will not be considered at this stage, designers will be able to prepare competition entries more easily and at less expense. I hope that this will make it easier for smaller design practices to compete with the giants, that many young architects, from the UK and abroad, will therefore be encouraged to enter. The best entries to the competition will be exhibited to the public next year.

  The next step will be to prepare the brief for this competition. This we shall do with the help of professional advisers and in consultation with the local community. In particular, our advisers will be asked to prepare an urban context study of the area which will form part of the brief for the competition. I will announce further details about this shortly.
  1434

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police (Civilian Support Staff)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the ratio of police officers to civilian support staff in(a) each police force in England and i(b) overall in England. [34302]

  Mr. Maclean
  The ratio of police officers to civilian support staff in each police force in England as at 31 March 1995 is set out in the table. Overall in England the ratio is 2.2:1.

  Ratio of police officers to civilians support staff1 in each police force in England as at 31 March 1995

  Force

  Ratio

  Avon and Somerset

  2.3:1

  Bedfordshire

  2.2:1

  Cambridgeshire

  2.6:1

  Cheshire

  3.0:1

  Cleveland

  2.6:1

  Cumbria

  2.5:1

  Derbyshire

  2.7:1

  Devon and Cornwall

  2.3:1

  Dorset

  2.0:1

  Durham

  2.7:1

  Essex

  2.2:1

  Gloucestershire

  2.8:1

  Greater Manchester

  2.4:1

  Hampshire

  2.5:1

  Hertfordshire

  2.2:1

  Humberside

  3.1:1

  Kent

  2.6:1

  Lancashire

  2.6:1

  Leicestershire

  2.4:1

  Lincolnshire

  2.3:1

  Merseyside

  2.7:1

  Norfolk

  2.6:1

  Northamptonshire

  2.4:1

  Northumbria

  2.6:1

  North Yorkshire

  2.4:1

  Nottinghamshire

  2.4:1

  South Yorkshire

  2.5:1

  Staffordshire

  2.8:1

  Suffolk

  2.2:1

  Surrey

  2.1:1

  Sussex

  2.5:1

  Thames Valley

  2.1:1

  Warwickshire

  2.6:1

  West Mercia

  2.0:1

  West Midlands

  2.5:1

  West Yorkshire

  2.4:1

  Wiltshire

  2.6:1

  City of London

  2.6:1

  Metropolitan

  1.7:1

  Overall in England

  2.2:1

  Child Care Facilities
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for the over-fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35554]
  1435
  Mr. Howard
  The information is not available precisely in the form requested. However, I can advise the hon. Member that the following kinds of provision are funded:

  (i) Ethnic minority grant (Wales)—there is a project in Wales which meets the costs of providing child care facilities for children of people attending training courses. For 1995–96, this amounts to £5,798.

  (ii) Section 11 grant—the costs of providing child care facilities are met in 12 projects. Some 14.75 posts are funded at an estimated cost of £77,000.

  (iii) Facilities for children in prisons—some creche and play scheme facilities exist in prisons for the benefit of children accompanying visitors. These are normally funded by the Governor's operational budget, but precise details of how much is spent are not held centrally and to compile them would incur disproportionate costs.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35460]

  Mr. Howard
  The numbers of permanent industrial and non-industrial staff on 1 April 1995 on a head count basis for the main Home Office and its agencies were as follows. Figures for the Prison Service shown are as from 17 July 1995.

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Home Office Main (includes IND)

  4,605

  34

  3,739

  705

  UKPA

  538

  10

  825

  150

  FSS

  339

  0

  249

  116

  FSC

  109

  2

  74

  7

  Prison Service

  31,715

  280

  6477

  1,014

  Total

  37,306

  326

  11,364

  1,992

  The breakdown by grade of non-industrial staff was as follows:

  Prison service staff: Administrative and other staff shown by grade equivalent. Prison service grades shown separately

  Grade level equivalents

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Administrative grades

  Grade 1

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 21

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 31

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 4

  9

  0

  2

  0

  Grade 5

  53

  0

  9

  8

  Grade 6

  98

  5

  14

  0

  Grade 7

  132

  86

  17

  4

  Senior Executive Officer

  332

  97

  71

  25

  Highest Executive Officer

  373

  1

  244

  15

  Executive Officer

  1,413

  6

  885

  56

  Administrative Officer

  529

  15

  1,512

  329

  Administrative Assistant

  1,672

  38

  853

  457

  Total

  4,611

  248

  3,536

  886

  1436

  Prison service staff: Administrative and other staff shown by grade equivalent. Prison service grades shown separately

  Grade level equivalents

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Prison service grades

  Gov 1

  45

  0

  2

  0

  Gov 2

  72

  0

  5

  0

  Gov 3

  111

  0

  16

  0

  Gov 4

  282

  0

  41

  0

  Gov 5

  395

  0

  23

  0

  Gov 5 (APS)

  25

  0

  10

  0

  Principal Officer

  1,265

  0

  46

  0

  Principal Officer (APS)

  29

  1

  22

  0

  Senior Officer

  3,369

  0

  169

  1

  Prison Officer

  17,320

  20

  2,016

  22

  Prison Aux

  1,499

  3

  354

  12

  Total

  24,412

  24

  2,703

  35

  Grand total

  29,023

  272

  6,241

  921

  1 Posts at these levels are centrally managed and the staff concerned are included within the figures for Home Office staff.

  Home Office staff by grade equivalents (including agencies other than the prison service)

  (a) Male

  (b) Female

  Grade level equivalents

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  (i) Full-time

  (ii) Part-time

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  7

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 3

  24

  0

  4

  0

  Grade 4

  7

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 5

  61

  2

  10

  5

  Grade 6

  76

  0

  9

  4

  Grade 7

  354

  0

  106

  20

  Senior Executive Officer

  475

  3

  123

  31

  Higher Executive Officer

  948

  2

  413

  91

  Executive Officer

  2,081

  13

  1,487

  227

  Administrative Officer

  786

  14

  1,565

  302

  Administrative Assistant

  675

  11

  1,171

  295

  Total

  ,5,495

  45

  4,888

  974

  Prisoners (Repatriation)
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans there are for arranging to transfer prisoners held in the United Kingdom, who are Irish citizens, to serve out their sentences in the Irish Republic under the convention on the transfer of sentenced persons. [35585]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The United Kingdom ratified the Council of Europe convention on the transfer of sentenced persons in 1985. The Republic of Ireland has not ratified the convention and repatriation of prisoners between the two jurisdictions is not therefore possible.

  Metropolitan Police (Uniforms)
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the current costs of police uniforms in the Metropolis; how many officers are involved; and if he will make a statement. [33727]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the current cost of a standard police uniform is £500 plus VAT. All 27,909 officers in
  1437
  the Metropolitan police are issued with a uniform: 23,900 are assigned to uniformed duties.

  Wrongful Convictions
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the number of personnel engaged in work relating to allegations of wrongful conviction. [35725]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The relevant section of the Department deals with allegations of wrongful conviction and with other casework elated to miscarriages of justice. Staffing levels are kept under review in the light of work load, which may fluctuate. There are currently 20 staff engaged on this work and the number is expected shortly to rise to 23.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 June,Official Report, column 491, how many of those applying for asylum upon arrival at Waterloo station since 1 January have subsequently withdrawn their asylum applications and made a voluntary departure from the United Kingdom. [35757]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Of the 173 principal applications for asylum received from people arriving at Waterloo station during the period 1 January to 19 June 1995, as at 17 July six had withdrawn their applications and departed from the United Kingdom prior to a decision being made.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 4 July,Official Report, columns 284–86, how many of those asylum seekers detained under Immigration Act powers and held in criminal prisons are held in such accommodation because their current behaviour or past history indicates that they require a greater level of control or medical observation than can be provided in immigration service detention accommodation. [35758]

  Mr. Baker
  The information requested is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State or the Home Department to what extent the number of asylum seekers detained under Immigration Act powers has changed in the past 12 months. [35751]

  Mr. Baker
  Comparable information for the last 12 months is not available. However, the available information is that, as at 3 July 1995, 690 people who had sought asylum at some stage were detained, compared with 616 people as at 31 May 1994.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 26 June,Official Report, column 405, what progress was made at the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 20 to 21 June on the draft resolution on minimum guarntees for asylum procedures. [35759]

  Mr. Baker
  The resolution on minimum guarantees for asylum procedures was adopted at the Justice and Home Affairs Council held on 20 to 21 June.
  1438

  C3 Division
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received about delays in the processing of cases with C3 division. [35724]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Representations about the handling of cases including the time taken to examine them are made from time to time, usually by petitioners or their representatives in relation to a particular case.

  Detainees
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average weekly cost of holding an Immigration Act detainee in the temporary immigration detention centre at Gatwick airport. [35756]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The average weekly cost is approximately £580 per detainee.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 284, how much of the total cost of detaining persons under Immigration Act powers his Department expects to reclaim from carriers in the current financial year. [35754]

  Mr. Baker
  It is forecast that £1.3 million will be reclaimed from carriers in the current financial year in respect of the cost of detaining and escorting people under Immigration Act powers.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 5 July,Official Report, column 284, what his Department expects the notional cost of holding Immigration Act detainees in (a) Prison Service accommodation and (b) police cells to be in the current financial year. [35753]

  Mr. Baker
  The notional cost of detaining people in Prison Service accommodation is £411 per week, excluding departmental overheads. The estimated notional cost of using Prison Service accommodation for the financial year 1995–96 is approximately £9 million.

  It is not possible to forecast accurately the extent to which it will be necessary to use police cells for detention under Immigration Act powers during the current financial year. The intention remains to keep the use of police cells to a minimum and the increase in the number of places available with the immigration service detention estate will have an important part to play in this.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Coventry, North-East (Mr. Ainsworth), of 5 July,Official Report, column 284, which companies have provided short-term accommodation for Immigration Act detainees; where this accommodation is situated; how much each company is paid per detainee place per 24-hour stay; and how many detainee nights were spent in this accommodation in each of the past five years. [34537]

  Mr. Baker
  Private companies which provided short-term accommodation for Immigration Act detainees in the financial year 1994–95, together with their locations, are Maritime and Aviation Security, Newhaven and Harwich; Port of Felixstowe, Hoverspeed, Dover; and
  1439
  Stena Sealink, Newhaven. It is not possible to discover, except at disproportionate cost, how many detainee nights were spent in this accommodation in any of the past five years.

  Information about the cost of detention by private companies is commercially sensitive.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the expected total cost to his Department of building the planned new detention centres, for persons held under Immigration Act powers, at(a) Gatwick airport, (b) Manchester airport, (c) Stansted airport and (d) Heathrow airport. [35755]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The cost of building the new detention centres at Gatwick and Manchester airports has been borne by the private sector. It is anticipated that the further planned accommodation will be provided in the same way. There will therefore be no capital cost to the Department, which will instead pay rental charges. These are commercially sensitive.

  Mr. Colin Ivor Dunning
  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he instructed the Metropolitan police to undertake inquiries requested by solicitors acting for Colin Ivor Dunning. [35722]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Officials in my Department wrote to the Metropolitan police on 16 December 1994. Further information received from Mr. Dunning's solicitors was passed on to the police by facsimile transmission on 16 May 1995.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to give a decision on the case of Mr. Colin Ivor Dunning. [35726]

  Mr. Baker
  The police report into Mr. Dunning's case was received in the Department last month. Further information was provided by Mr. Dunning's solicitors on 17 July. A decision about the case will be reached as soon as possible.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he received an application for the case of Mr. Colin Ivor Dunning to be referred to the Court of Appeal under the provisions of section 17 of the Criminal Appeals Act 1968. [35721]

  Mr. Baker
  Representations were received from Mr. Dunning's solicitors on 3 February 1994.

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to reply to the questions put in the letter dated 26th May, from solicitors acting for Mr. Colin Ivor Dunning. [35723]

  Mr. Baker
  A reply will be sent very soon.

  Female Employees
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and
  1440
  (c) the number of staff employed at administration grades and the number and percentage of these staff that are women, in his Department and each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35664]

  Mr. Howard
  The information is not available in the form requested but details by grade and gender for the Department as a whole, including executive agencies, can be found in table 5 of "Civil Service Statistics" for each year from 1985 to 1994—copies are available in the Library. Details for 1995 will be published later this year.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35675]

  Mr. Howard
  The Home Office is committed to the implementation of the Office of Public Service and Science programme for action to achieve equality of opportunity for women in the civil service. In line with the programme, the Department monitors regularly the number of women in each grade, their annual report markings and their performance on promotion boards. Career breaks, flexible working arrangements and subsidised child care are available to assist women who want to combine work with domestic responsibilities. The Home Office is also a founder member of Opportunity 2000, which aims to increase opportunities for women and promote the achievement of a balanced work force.

  Criminal Justice Act 1993
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993 to come into force; and if he will make a statement. [35679]

  Mr. Maclean
  We are considering the practicabilities of bringing into force the provisions of part I of the Criminal Justice Act 1993.

  Court Buildings (Security)
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what effect on the security of court buildings will result from the Home Office scrutiny of police duties; and if he will make a statement [35737]

  Mr. Maclean
  The recommendations of the recent efficiency scrutiny, which examiend the administrative burdens on the police in the context of their role in the criminal justice system, are still under consideration.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the decision was taken, and by whom, to end the police presence at Liverpool combined court centre; when that decision was implemented; how many complaints have been made about that decision; and what security incidents have taken place since that decision was implemented. [35742]

  Mr. Maclean
  Decisions regarding the level of policing in public places, for example the Crown court, are operational matters for the chief officer of the force concerned.
  1441

  Young Offenders
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of(a) 16-year-olds, (b) 15-year-olds and (c) 14-year-olds held in adult prisons for more than 24 hours after being convicted of a section 53 offence under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 in each of the last five years. [36246]

  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. Alun Michael, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking what was the number of (a) 16 year olds, (b) 15 year olds and (c) 14 year olds held in adult prisons for more than 24 hours after being convicted of a section 53 offence under the Children and Young Persons Act in each of the last five years.
  The information requested is not available.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional secure places he intends to provide(a) under the undertaking of February 1991, for 15 and 16-year-olds on remand; (b) for 15 and 16-year-olds on remand in addition to (a), (c) for 15 and 16-year-olds sent to secure accommodation by a court following conviction, (d) for 10 to 14-year-olds on remand, (e) for 10 to 14-year-olds following conviction other than those sentenced to a secure training order and (f) for 12 to 14-year-olds made subject to a secure training order; and what timetable he has set for the provision of the secure places listed above. [36235]

  Mr. Maclean
  Local authority secure places are not designated for specific purposes. Places are made available, as appropriate, from within overall provision for:

  children and young people placed under section 25 of the Children Act 1989.

  juveniles sentenced under section 53 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933; and

  remanded juveniles other than those 15 and 16-year-old boys remanded to a Prison Service establishment.

  A building programme of 170 new secure local authority places is in hand. We expect a majority of these places to be finished in 1996. We are committed to ending the remand of 15 and 16-year-old boys to Prison Service establishments as soon as there are sufficient secure local authority places to accommodate them.

  Five planned secure training centres will provide 200 places for 12 to 14-year-olds subject to a secure training order. Opening dates of the centres will depend on the terms of the contracts. A tendering process is in progress for the first two centres.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the longest time spent in an adult prison on remand in England and Wales by(a) a 14-year-old, (b) a 15-year-old, and (c) a 16-year-old in the current year and in each of the last five years. [36255]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I will write to the hon. Member.
  1442

  British Board of Film Censors
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the normal tenure for senior officials at the British Board of Film Censors; what proposals he has for changing this period; and if he will make a statement. [36182]

  Mr. Maclean
  The British Board of Film Classification is an independent organisation and my right hon. and learned Friend has no responsibility for its internal affairs.

  Reconviction Rates
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the reconviction rates of juveniles, young adults and adults for(a) 1993 and (b) 1994. [36252]

  Mr. Maclean
  Reconviction rates for 1993 and 1994 are not yet available. Information for 1991 and earlier years is given in chapter 10 of "Prison Statistics England and Wales 1993" and in chapter 11 of "Probation Statistics England and Wales 1993", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Prisoners (Disciplinary Offences)
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners have been placed on report for disciplinary offences from 1 September 1994 to 30 June 1995 at(a) the Wolds, (b) Blakenhurst, (c) Doncaster and (d) Buckley Hall prisons. [36157]

  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. Doug Hoyle, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of prisoners placed on report for disciplinary offences from 1 September 1994 to 30 June 1995 at the Wolds, Blakenhurst, Doncaster and Buckley Hall prisons.
  The available information is for the number of adjudication charges heard during this period and is shown in the attached table.

  Adjudication charges heard 1 September 1994 to 30 June 19951

  Number

  The Wolds

  682

  Blakenhurst

  1,655

  Doncaster

  3,036

  Buckley Hall2

  169

  1 Provisional

  2 Opened December 1994.

  Church of Scientology
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will institute an investigation into the effects on young people in the United Kingdom of the Church of Scientology; and if he will make a statement. [35868]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Government have no plans for an inquiry.
  1443

  Video Classifications
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations have taken place with the video industry about retrospective review of video classifications; how the review will take place; when he expects to bring forward an order setting out statutory arrangements for the review before the House; and if he will make a statement. [36097]

  Mr. Maclean
  We have had extensive consultations with the video industry about the proposed arrangements for reviewing previously classified videos. My right hon. and learned Friend hopes shortly to make an order under section 90 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 setting out the practical arrangements.

  Former Prison Service Staff
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list by company the number of ex-Prison Service personnel who now work for private prison and escort contractors, the dates on which they joined, and their present duties with those companies. [36200]

  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. Doug Hoyle, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of former Prison Service personnel who now work for companies running contractually managed prisons and court escort services, the dates on which they joined and their present duties with those companies.
  Much of the information requested is unavailable centrally, as it is for the contractors to recruit, train and employ their own staff.
  Under the terms of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, the directors of contractually managed prisons have to be approved by the Home Secretary. The Directors of Blankenhurst, Buckley Hall, Doncaster and Wolds prisons were all previously employed by the Prison Service.

  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the cost to the Prison Service of training staff who have left the Prison Service to join private prison and escort contractors. [36201]

  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. Doug Hoyle, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about the cost to the Prison Service of training staff who have left the Prison Service join private prisons and escort contractors.
  The information requested is not available as we do not, in general, record details of the jobs subsequently taken by staff who have resigned or retired from the prison Service. Staff below grade 3 level are only required to seek approval for outside employment in certain specified circumstances, for a period of two years after leaving Crown employment.
  1444

  Crime Statistics
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the change in reported crimes of vandalism and theft between 1979 and 1994. [36307]

  Mr. Maclean
  The available information is in terms of notifiable offences of criminal damage and theft recorded by the police in England and Wales and is contained in the following table:

  Year

  Change

  Number of offences

  19791

  1994

  Number

  Percentage

  Criminal damage

  320,469

  928,127

  +607,658

  +190

  Theft and handling stolen goods

  1,416,143

  2,559,023

  +1,142,880

  +81

  1 Figures for 1979 are not strictly comparable with those for later years because of changes to improve the consistency of recording multiple, continuous and repeated offences.

  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total number of offences recorded in England and Wales in 1993 and 1994 in total and for(a) violence against the person, (b) sexual offences, (c) robbery, (d) burglary, (e) fraud and forgery, (f) criminal damage, (g) theft from the person, (h) theft from a shop, (i) theft of motor vehicle, (j) theft from motor vehicle, (k) theft of a pedal cycle, (l) handling and (m) other theft. [36250]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is available in the Home Office Statistical Bulletin 5/95 "Notifiable Offences, England and Wales 1994", copies of which are available in the Library.

  Blue Police Boxes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the locations of the remaining in-situ blue police boxes. [35954]

  Mr. Maclean
  This information is not held centrally.

  Super Maximum Security Prison
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions his Department has had with private prison contractors or consultants regarding a future super maximum security prison; and if he will make a statement. [36195]

  Miss Widdecombe
  No such discussions have taken place.

  Police Cautions
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many local authority areas help and advice is provided to young people(a) under 18 and (b) over 18 years who are cautioned; and if he will provide comparable information for each of the last three years. [36267]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not available.
  1445

  Firearms
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what restrictions there are on private individuals in possession of a valid firearms licence bringing guns bought abroad into the United Kingdom. [36128]

  Mr. Maclean
  Prior authorisation for the purchase of the firearm in question, noted on the firearm certificate by the local chief officer of police, is required. Where the firearm is purchased in another EC state, a transfer licence is required. If the firearm is imported from outside the EC, it is necessary to satisfy the import licensing controls administered by the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Homicide
  Dame Jill Knight
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government intend to respond to the report of the Home Affairs Select Committee on the year and a day rule in homicide. [36344]

  Mr. Howard
  We have today published our response to the report of the Home Affairs Select Committee. Copies of the response are available in the Vote Office.

  We agree with the Committee that the year and a day rule should be abolished. This will entail difficult decisions for prosecutors in some cases, and we have decided that the consent of the Attorney-General should be required for a homicide prosecution where either the defendant has previously been convicted of another offence for the injury which resulted in death, or there has been an interval of three years or more between the injury and death.

  Voluntary Organisations
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the total amount of funding given by central Government Departments to voluntary bodies in the financial year 1993–94; and if he will make a statement. [36345]

  Mr. Howard
  Central Government funding of voluntary organisations in 1993–94 amounted to £3,567 million. Of this, £2,955 million was payments to housing associations and £612 million went directly to voluntary organisations to support the provision of services and a wide range of activities and projects. This latter figure shows that Government funding of the voluntary sector excluding housing associations increased in cash terms by 9 per cent. and in real terms by 5 per cent. over the level of provision in 1992–93.

  The amount spent by each Department in 1993–94 was as follows:

  £

  Attorney General's Office (Crown Prosecution Service)

  Direct grants

  20,000

  Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

  Direct grants

  242,500

  Defence

  Direct grants

  18,919,259

  1446

  £

  Education

  Direct grants

  5,907,649

  Employment

  Direct grants

  50,057,200

  Equal Opportunities Commission

  38,108

  Environment

  Direct grants

  27,981,147

  Countryside Commission

  4,178,000

  English Nature

  804,183

  Housing Corporations

  2,510,000,000

  Rural Development Commission

  4,743,870

  Urban Development Corporations

  11,036,000

  Urban Programme

  28,305,927

  Foreign and Commonwealth Office

  Direct grants

  3,594,248

  Health

  Direct grants

  49,433,555

  Alcohol and drug misuse

  2,300,000

  Health Education Authority

  1,250,000

  Home Office

  Direct grants

  59,204,588

  Commission for Racial Equality

  5,213,000

  Lord Chancellor's Department

  Direct grants

  182,500

  Legal Aid Board

  942,052

  National Heritage

  Direct grants

  832,420

  Sports Council

  20,218,645

  Northern Ireland Office

  Direct grants

  19,764,035

  Housing associations

  49,292,631

  Sports Council for Northern Ireland

  728,484

  Youth Council for Northern Ireland

  1,421,339

  Overseas Development Administration

  Direct grants

  158,499,755

  Scottish Office

  Direct grants

  24,230,855

  Highland and Islands Enterprise

  1,075,000

  Housing associations

  273,302,000

  Mental Illness Specific Grant

  5,141,834

  Scottish Arts Council

  176,164

  Scottish National Heritage

  2,900,000

  Sports Council for Scotland

  1,897,932

  Urban Programme

  48,062,000

  Social Security

  Direct grants

  13,109,895

  Trade and Industry

  Direct grants

  14,434,830

  Transport

  Direct grants

  422,000

  Welsh Office

  Direct grants

  14,070,944

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation

  285,000

  Development Board for Rural Wales

  575,093

  Flexible Community Care

  1,602,508

  Housing for Wales (Tai Cymru)

  122,082,000

  Rural Initiative

  1,705,984

  1447

  £

  Sports Council for Wales

  1,645,080

  Urban Programme

  4,631,691

  Wales Tourist Board

  287,140

  Welsh Development Agency

  398,000

  Grand total

  3,567,097,045

  These figures have been collected and presented as far as possible on the same basis as the 1992–93 figures. We intend to review the way in which the data are collected and presented before announcing Government funding of the voluntary sector in 1994–95.

  I shall shortly be placing in the Library a list of voluntary bodies funded by the Government in 1993–94, other than those funded under housing programmes and the urban programme or via non-departmental public bodies.

  European Parliamentary Constituencies
  Mr. Luff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Boundary Commission has to conduct a supplementary review of European parliamentary constituencies in Wales. [36396]

  Mr. Howard
  The commission has informed me that it intends to consider making a supplementary report on the European parliamentary constituencies in Wales, and to commence forthwith a general review of the European parliamentary constituencies in Wales.

  Metropolitan Police Committee
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds the Metropolitan Police Committee meets in private; and if he will make a statement. [35183]

  Mr. Maclean
  I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche) on 3 July,Official Report, column 26. Policy advice to Ministers is confidential.

  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list all the members of the Metropolitan Police Committee; how they were chose; and what were their attributes and qualifications for being appointed to the committee; [35054]

  (2) if he will make public (a) all the recommendations of the Metropolitan Police Committee and (b) whether they have been accepted or rejected. [35055]

  Mr. Maclean
  I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on 9 February to my hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire (Mr. Mates),Official Report, columns 382–83; to the answer I gave on 20 February to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), Official Report, column 19; and to the answer I gave on 3 July to the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green, Official Report, column 26.

  Child Abuse (Witnesses)
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce legislation addressing the treatment of child witnesses in cases of child abuse. [35323]
  1448
  Mr. Maclean
  We have no present plans to amend the law in this area. We are, however, currently considering the evaluation of the child evidence provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 which was carried out by Professor Graham Davies.

  Abdul Qayyum Raja
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if prisoner Abdul Qayyum Raja, C43848, Her Majesty's prison, Long Lartin, has been given full access to all reports which presently determine his status as a category A prisoner; [35286]

  (2) for what reasons the status of prisoner Abdul Qayyum Raja, C43848, Her Majesty's prison, Long Lartin remains category A; and when he expects this status will change. [35285]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Roger Godsiff, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about Mr. Abdul Qayyum Raja, a category A prisoner at Long Lartin prison.
  It is not the policy of the Prison Service to provide prisoners or their representatives with copies of reports prepared for the purposes of security category reviews. In accordance with the High Court judgement, in December 1993, in the case of Regina v. the Secretary of State for the Home Department, ex-parte Duggan, a prisoner is, subject to any necessary exceptions arising out of public interest immunity, informed of the gist of any matter of fact and/or opinion relevant to the determination of his security category; and given reasons for any decision which results in him remaining as a category A prisoner.
  Mr. Raja's security category was reviewed by the category A Committee on 21 June. The Committee's recommendations will shortly be submitted to the Prison Service Director of Security for consideration. Mr. Raja will be informed of the outcome as soon as practicable. His security category was previously reviewed in October last year when it was decided that he should remain as a category A prisoner. Mr. Raja was provided with the reasons for that decision.

  Public Houses (Children's Certificates)
  Mr. Hawksley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his Department's monitoring of conditions being imposed by magistrates when issuing children's certificates. [35333]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  We hope to complete our assessment of evidence of concerns about the operation of the system of children's certificates by the early autumn.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action his Department is taking to support the restrictions on smoking associated with children's certificates in pubs granted by magistrates; [35020]

  (2) what guidelines his Department has issued to magistrates regarding the issuing of children's certificates in pubs and restrictions on smoking. [35065]

  Mr. Baker
  It would not be proper for us to seek to intervene in the exercise by the licensing justices of their statutory discretion to attach specific conditions to the
  1449
  grant of children's certificates, whether as to smoking or on other matters.

  Prisoners (Northern Ireland Residents)
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons normally resident in Northern Ireland are currently serving sentences in prisons in Great Britain. [35592]

  Mrs. 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. Roy Beggs, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking how many persons normally resident in Northern Ireland are currently serving sentences in prisons in Great Britain.
  No information is available centrally for England and Wales regarding a person's place of residence before being committed to custody. Information for Scotland may possibly be obtained from the Scottish Office.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when section 117 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 will be brought into effect. [35326]

  Mr. Maclean
  There are no plans to bring into force any of the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 relating to the criminal injuries compensation scheme.

  Clause 11 of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Bill currently before Parliament will repeal sections 108 to 117 of, and schedules 6 and 7 to, the 1988 Act. Clause 7 of the Bill will, however, introduce a provision similar to section 117 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

  Prisons (Fire Prevention)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date a fire prevention survey last took place in each prison in England and Wales. [34762]

  Mrs. 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 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question asking the date a fire prevention survey last took place in each prison in England and Wales.
  Fire prevention surveys have been carried out in most prisons by local fire brigades as part of their familiarisation procedures. These surveys may be of a part or all of the establishment.
  The Prison Service Fire Safety Section was formed in 1992 and fire safety advisers from the section paid preliminary visits to all establishments. A total of 52 prisons have subsequently received comprehensive fire prevention inspections and reports prepared and distributed to relevant departments.
  The dates of the last fire brigade survey and Fire Safety Section inspections are set out in the attached table.
  1450

  Establishment

  Date of last survey by local fire brigade

  Date of prison service fire safety section survey

  Acklington

  10 February 1989

  May 1994

  Albany

  —

  —

  Aldington

  5 January 1987

  August 1993

  Ashwell

  —

  —

  Askham Grange

  9 December 1988

  —

  Aylesbury

  14 December 1989

  —

  Bedford

  19 June 1989

  —

  Belmarsh

  —

  —

  Birmingham

  23 May 1989

  —

  Blakenhurst

  —

  June 1993

  Blantyre House

  7 March 1989

  April 1994

  Blundeston

  1 November 1988

  —

  Brinsford

  —

  —

  Bristol

  27 February 1986

  —

  Brixton

  1 June 1987

  June 1993

  Brockhill

  1 June 1986

  December 1933

  Buckley Hall

  —

  —

  Bullingdon

  —

  —

  Bullwood Hall

  —

  July 1993

  Camp Hill

  3 May 1989

  —

  Canterbury

  1 April 1986

  February 1994

  Cardiff

  31 January 1989

  February 1993

  Castington

  8 March 1988

  September 1994

  Channings Wood

  10 November 1989

  —

  Chelmsford

  6 January 1989

  —

  Coldingley

  —

  April 1993

  Cookham Wood

  9 May 1989

  July 1995

  Dartmoor

  1 October 1991

  September 1994

  Deerbolt

  18 January 1989

  July 1995

  Doncaster

  —

  —

  Dorchester

  5 December 1988

  —

  Dover

  —

  —

  Downview

  —

  —

  Drakehall

  11 April 1988

  —

  Durham

  15 May 19989

  —

  East Sutton Park

  1 March 1990

  July 1995

  Eastwood Park

  24 July 1990

  —

  Elmley

  —

  —

  Erlestoke

  27 June 1988

  —

  Everthorpe

  23 June 1989

  March 1994

  Exeter

  16 September 1991

  March 1993

  Featherstone

  —

  —

  Feltham

  25 May 1989

  —

  Finnamore Wood

  1 June 1989

  —

  Ford

  2 May 1989

  March 1994

  Frankland

  7 July 1988

  January 1993

  Full Sutton

  5 October 1988

  March 1994

  Garth

  18 November 1988

  April 1993

  Gartree

  10 April 1989

  February 1993

  Glen Parva

  11 August 1989

  June 1994

  Gloucester

  1 November 1986

  —

  Grendon

  17 October 1991

  —

  Guys Marsh

  7 January 1987

  —

  Haslar

  8 September 1989

  —

  Hatfield

  14 June 1989

  —

  Haverigg

  1 January 1990

  —

  Hewell Grange

  26 September 1990

  —

  Highdown

  —

  —

  Highpoint

  25 July 1990

  —

  Hindley

  9 August 1988

  February 1995

  Hollesley Bay

  —

  August 1994

  Holloway

  —

  January 1994

  Holme House

  —

  —

  Hull

  5 May 1989

  June 1993

  Huntercombe

  —

  June 1993

  Kingston

  17 August 1988

  —

  Kirkham

  31 October 1985

  —

  Kirklevington

  1 November 1990

  —

  Lancaster

  23 January 1989

  —

  Lancaster Farms

  —

  —

  Latchmere House

  —

  1 December 1994

  Leeds

  12 August 1991

  —

  1451

  Establishment

  Date of last survey by local fire brigade

  Date of prison service fire safety section survey

  Leicester

  1 April 1989

  March 1993

  Lewes

  5 June 1989

  —

  Leyhill

  —

  —

  Lincoln

  29 March 1989

  —

  Lindholme

  10 October 1991

  —

  Littlehey

  —

  —

  Liverpool

  4 November 1987

  —

  Long Lartin

  29 April 1989

  —

  Low Newton

  —

  —

  Maidstone

  —

  —

  Manchester

  9 March 1989

  —

  Moorland

  —

  —

  Morton Hall

  —

  —

  The Mount

  1987

  —

  New Hall

  8 December 1988

  March 1995

  Northallerton

  12 April 1988

  —

  Northeye

  27 November 1989

  —

  North Sea Camp

  19 April 1990

  —

  Norwich

  —

  September 1992

  Nottingham

  1 May 1990

  —

  Onley

  23 October 1987

  —

  Oxford

  —

  January 1994

  Parkhurst

  8 November 1988

  September 1994

  Pentonville

  —

  —

  Portland

  —

  June 1993

  Preston

  13 April 1987

  May 1993

  Pucklechurch

  28 September 1988

  —

  Ranby

  —

  August 1994

  Reading

  9 January 1990

  —

  Risley

  13 January 1987

  September 1993

  Rochester

  1 May 1987

  —

  Rudgate

  1 October 19

  July 1993

  Send

  1 December 1989

  March 1993

  Shepton Mallet

  28 November 1989

  —

  Shrewsbury

  10 January 1989

  —

  Stafford

  18 April 1988

  —

  Standford Hill

  2 September 1988

  —

  Stocken

  10 April 1989

  February 1993

  Stoke Heath

  3 October 1988

  —

  Styal

  6 November 1986

  March 1993

  Sudbury/Foston Hall

  —

  September 1994

  Swaleside

  11 July 1988

  —

  Swansea

  22 February 1990

  —

  Swinfen Hall

  —

  —

  Thorn Cross

  —

  February 1994

  Thorp Arch

  19 December 1989

  —

  Usk/Prescoed

  —

  March 1994

  The Verne

  31 October 1990

  —

  Wakefield

  9 April 1986

  October 1993

  Wandsworth

  —

  December 1994

  Wayland

  14 August 1990

  —

  Wellingborough

  13 April 1987

  February 1993

  Werrington

  23 December 1987

  July 1995

  Wetherby

  1 October 1986

  December 1994

  Whatton

  10 November 1989

  July 1994

  Whitemoor

  —

  —

  Winchester

  9 August 1985

  January 1993

  The Wolds

  —

  —

  Woodhill

  —

  —

  Wormwood Scrubs

  24 May 1991

  —

  Wymott

  14 March 1988

  —

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many full-time qualified fire officers are employed at each prison in England and Wales. [34761]

  Mrs. 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.
  1452
  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary of has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the number of full-time qualified fire officers employed at each prison in England and Wales.There are no fire officers holding recognised fire safety qualifications employed on a full-time basis in prisons in England and Wales. All prison governors are however required to appoint a fire officer, the majority of these having part-time duties in relation to fire safety.Prison fire officers are required to attend an approved fire brigade training course on fire awareness.The Prison Service also has a Fire Safety Section comprising a senor fire safety adviser and three area fire advisers all holding statutory and professional qualifications. This section advises the Prison Service on all fire matters and carries out full fire prevention surveys.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [34679]

  Mr. Howard
  My Department has used the World Wide Web server known as "www.open.gov.uk:" since March 1995 to publish some summary statistics about crime and the criminal justice system, and information about statistical publications. Home Office press notices, and those of the national criminal intelligence service and the Police Complaints Authority, are made available on the Internet via a linked server provided by the Central Office of Information since April 1995. Consideration is currently being given to what further information about the work of the Home Office might be published on the Internet.

  Stops and Searches
  Mr. Keen
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the total people stopped and searched by the police during the 12 months from April 1994 to March 1995 in each police force in England, Wales and Scotland were(a) white, (b) black, (c) Asian, (d) of other ethnic origin and (e) of unknown ethnic origin. [34751]

  Mr. Maclean
  At present, information collated on stops and searches distinguishes only between white and ethnic minority persons. Statistics for 1994–95 are not yet available.

  I understand that in Scotland there are no common procedures for monitoring the ethnic origin of those people stopped and searched by the police.

  Knives
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the number of convictions in magistrates courts governing the Greater London area over the carrying of a knife as an offensive weapon in the first six months of 1995. [34764]
  1453
  Mr. Maclean
  Information on 1995 court proceedings data will not be available until autumn 1996.

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 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. [34700]

  Mr. Howard
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom 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 the small firms sector.

  Since July 1994, the Home Office has demonstrated its continued commitment to helping small businesses by deregulating across a wide range of areas affecting business. Steps taken have included:
  Shopping hours: restrictions on shopping hours have been relaxed through the implementation of the Sunday Trading Act 1994 and by removing restrictions on weekday shopping hours.
  Liquor licensing: accompanied children under 14 are now allowed into the bars of suitable licensed premises and we have introduced the Licensing (Sunday Hours) Bill to abolish the compulsory afternoon break in Sunday licensing hours.
  Gambling: provision has been made for Sunday racing with on-and off- course betting; some of the restrictions on betting offices have been removed; the maximum prize in the national bingo game has been increased from £75,000 to £250,000; and the first use has been made of the deregulation order-making power with a view to relaxing the rules on greyhound racing.
  Charities: close attention has been paid to the recommendations of the charities and voluntary organisations task force and to comments received during consultation on the draft regulations and other intended provisions, for example new controls on fund-raising—which was brought into force 1 March 1995—and charity accounting—intended to be brought into force 1 March 1996.
  Other areas: we have also removed the prohibition on admission charges to sporting events and activities on Sundays, and introduced a draft deregulation order permitting charging for public dancing on a Sunday.

  The Government's White Paper on competitiveness in May 1995 set out some of our proposals for the further use of the deregulation order-making power and enforcement powers. The Government hope to be in a position soon to announce their views following the inter-departmental scrutiny of fire safety Legislation and enforcement.

  Much of the deregulatory work undertaken in the past year in the Home Office has taken forward work which had been started in the previous 12 months. This had included the introduced of the Sunday Trading Bill, simplifying various aspects of the law on gambling, and
  1454
  the introduction of a range of measures in the Deregulation and Contracting Out Bill, including proposals for a system of children's certificates in licensed premises, changes in weekday shopping hours, changes to the law in charities and to enable betting on Sundays.

  Other work undertaken by the Home Office which benefits small businesses includes crime prevention and assisting firms who wish to bid for Home Office business.

  On crime prevention, we have continued to help small businesses to protect themselves against crime. In January this year, the Retail Action Group, the sub-group of the National Board for Crime Prevention—a non-departmental public body—published guides for shopkeepers on preventing robbery and burglary. Similar guides on preventing customer theft, violence to staff and external fraud will be published in due course. The Home Office crime prevention unit has published a research paper entitled "Crime on Industrial Estates", which incudes an assessment of the relevant security measures that are available.

  On procurement, the Home Office gives encouragement and assistance to small businesses wherever possible. To that end, we provide potential suppliers to the Department with the booklet "Selling to the Home Office", which details the Department's purchasing needs and gives specific contact points for initial approaches. A central contact point is also available. The Home Office does not, however, hold detailed information on the volume of business placed with small firms.

  On performance indicators, over 30 Home Office regulations which have an impact on business have been identified as possible candidates for amendment or repeal.

  Prisoners (Families)
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy on keeping prisoners in suitable accommodation as close to their families as possible; and what are the exceptions to that policy. [34018]

  Mrs. 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. Tony Worthington, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about the policy on keeping prisoners in suitable accommodation as close to their families as possible and the exceptions to that policy.
  The 1991 White Paper "Custody, Care and Justice" confirmed the Prison Service's commitment to preparing prisoners for release by providing opportunities where practicable for prisoners to maintain links with their families. The White Paper also endorsed the principle of holding prisoners as close to their homes as possible, subject to consideration of their status, security category, behaviour and sentence needs.
  The Prison Service continues to adhere to this policy although, although the pressure of numbers often makes this difficult. The Service's plans for the development of the prison estate are directed to providing a better match between accommodation needs and provision in each area of the country, and to providing greater flexibility in the use of accommodation.
  1455

  Northern Ireland Peace Process
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what contribution his Department has made or proposes to make to the Northern Ireland peace process. [34021]

  Mr. Howard
  Government policy towards Northern Ireland is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Office. My Department in common with other Departments, contributes as necessary according to its departmental responsibilities.

  Prisoners (Home Leave)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what policy exists within the Prison Service for training and advice for home leave by prison inmates. [34080]

  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 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about policy on training and advice for home leave.Following the Home Secretary's announcement on 18 November last year the existing arrangements for home leave and temporary release have been replaced by a new system of release on temporary licence, which came into effect on 25 April.Before its implementation, an Instruction to Governors (36/1995) setting out detailed guidance on the operation of the new scheme was issued to all establishments. A copy of this Instruction is in the Library of the House.In addition, a series of fifteen regional training seminars, were held for representatives from all prisons. These were also attended by representatives of local police and probation services. Those attending the seminars were provided with training material suitable for other members of staff in their organisations.There are three helpline telephone numbers in operation at Prison Service Headquarters to give advice and assistance on the new policy to prison staff, as well as the police and probation services. A pocket handbook on the new scheme for prison staff is now being prepared for distribution.

  Prisoners (Ages)
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the age of the oldest(a) man and (b) woman prison inmate being held in a prison in England and Wales; what sentences they are serving; and what period of those sentences have now been served. [34078]

  Mrs. Widdecombe
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Penile Plethysmograph Tests
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) if he will list the Prison Service establishments at which the equipment is available for conducting penile plethysmograph tests; [32249]

  (2) how many plethysmograph tests have been carried out in Prison Service establishments (a) during 1994 and (b) during 1995 to the latest convenient date; [32250]

  (3) under what circumstances a prisoner not convicted of a sexual offence or with a spent conviction for such an
  1456
  offence may be made to take a penile plethysmograph test; on how many occasions this has occurred; and what right of appeal prisoners have against such decisions. [32248]

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

  Letter from Derek Lewis to Mr. George Howarth, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Questions about Penile Plethysmograph (PPG) testing.PPG is one element in the comprehensive process of assessment which precedes the Sex Offender Treatment Programme. Prisoners who are believed to present a risk of future sex offending may be asked to participate in assessment so that appropriate treatment can be offered to them, but their participation is voluntary. No prisoners have been or would be forced to participate.Concern about the risk of future sex offending is normally based on the nature of the offence for which the offender is serving a prison sentence. This might be either a conviction for a sexual offence or for a murder which involved a sexual element. Previous convictions are also taken into account as these are known to be predictive of future sexual offending.During the financial year ending 31 March 1995, 103 prisoners took the PPG test. Of these, there were 10 prisoners who had not been convicted of a sex offence but who were thought to pose a risk of future sexual offending for other reasons.The following establishments have the equipment available for conducting PPG tests: Albany, Dartmoor, Full Sutton, Leyhill, Maidstone, Swinfen Hall, Wakefield, Wandsworth and Whitemoor.

  Terrorist Prisoners
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 12 July,Official Report, column 594, if he will list the names of the five life prisoners convicted for terrorist offences to whom he referred. [35602]

  Mrs. Widdecombe
  [holding answer 10 July 1995]: The five life sentence prisoners convicted for terrorist offences referred to in my answer of 12 July are: Sean Kinsella, Brendan Dowd, Stephen Nordonne, Paul Norney and Noel Gibson.

  Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if competitive tendering in the accounting, auditing and consulting professions is a policy aim of the Government in relation to charities and voluntary organisations in receipt of statutory funding. [35048]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The Home Office looks to the voluntary sector organisations which it funds to have in place effective arrangements for all the services it requires, including accounting, audit and consultancy services. It is for the organisation concerned to decide whether it is appropriate to proceed by way of competitive tendering in obtaining these services.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Museums and Galleries
  Mr. Andrew Faulds
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will publish the attendance figures
  1457
  for the financial year ended 31 March reported by the national museums and galleries for which he is responsible, broken down into the individual institutions, but including their outstations, with figures in each case of the percentage increase or decrease on the attendance figures for the preceding year. [16754]

  Mr. Sproat
  [pursuant to the reply, 3 April 1995, Official Report, columns 939–41]: I list the actual numbers of visits to the 11 national museums and galleries in England for which I am responsible for the financial year ended 31 March 1995.

  Number of visits in 1993–94 (million)

  Number of visits in 1994–95 (million)

  percentage increase/decrease over the previous year

  British Museum

  6.03

  6.24

  +3.5

  Imperial War Museum

  1.19

  1.27

  +6.7

  National Gallery

  4.02

  4.36

  8.5

  National Maritime Museum

  0.53

  0.62

  +17

  National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside

  1.34

  1.34

  —

  National Portrait Gallery

  0.79

  0.95

  +20

  National History Museum

  1.74

  1.64

  -5.7

  National Museum of Science and Industry

  2.67

  2.51

  -6

  Tate Gallery

  2.74

  2.75

  +0.4

  Victoria and Albert Museum

  1.58

  1.60

  +1.3

  Wallace Collection

  0.15

  0.15

  —

  Total

  22.78

  23.43

  2.8

  It is not possible to identify the number of visits to the royal armouries because it at present forms part of the Tower of London.

  Sport
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what information she has about the financing of sport in other advanced countries. [36218]

  Mr. Sproat
  Comprehensive information on the financing of sport in other countries is not available.

  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what funds are available for improving(a) sports facilities, (b) sports equipment and (c) sports tuition in Southwark. [35935]

  Mr. Sproat
  Funding for improving sports facilities, sports equipment and sports tuition throughout the country is available from the Sports Council, Sportsmatch, and the Foundation for Sport and Arts. Capital projects are also eligible for funding from the national lottery.

  Proposals in the sports policy statement, published last Friday, include increased investment in coaching for teachers with the opportunity for them to acquire coaching qualifications, a further £1 million to be provided by the Sports Council for coaching opportunities via the National Coaching. Foundation and the governing bodies of sport,
  1458
  and a new £2 million challenge fund for promoting links between schools and clubs.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the means by which funding for mass participation in sport will be generated as a result of changes to the Sports Council; and what the main sources of income are expected to be. [34769]

  Mr. Sproat
  I would expect local authorities to continue to encourage sporting and recreational opportunities for the public at large as they always have done. The Sports Council is not a significant provider in this area—the main provision has always been by local authorities, with expenditure of approximately £950 million. Our aim is that the Sports Council should operate in the areas to which it is uniquely suited and can add greatest value to the overall picture. Of course, the Sports Council will consider applications to the national lottery from local authorities and others in support of projects offering a wider appeal.

  Library Service
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage on what grounds the report by management consultants KPMG Peat Marwick into the Library Service has not been published; what conclusions the report reached in respect of the case for compulsory contracting out of the library service; and what is her policy in respect of these conclusions. [35449]

  Mrs. Bottomley
  I am publishing the report on contracting out in public libraries prepared to my Department's brief by the consultants KPMG and CPI today.

  The preparation of the report involved experts from public libraries and local authorities. But I now wish to open up the issue for wider public consultation. It is important that this issue is considered in the wider context of the future direction of the public library service. So this report will clearly need to be seen in the light of other developments such as the recommendations of the Aslib review of public libraries in England and Wales—for example on what should constitute the core of a public library service. In this context I wish to make clear the Government's continuing commitment to a public library service, the core of which remains free of charge to the user.

  To allow sufficient time for consideration of this detailed report, I suggest that comments reach my Department by 31 October 1995.

  I should state that at this stage the Government has no firm views on the findings of the KPMG/CPI report. We will be considering them in the light of comments received, and conclusions emerging from other pieces of work such as the Aslib report. I expect to make a more detailed statement following the end of the consultation period.

  I am placing a copy of the report in the Library of the House.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Stephen Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many national lottery tickets are
  1459
  sold each week from outlets in the London borough of Newham. [35882]

  Mr. Sproat
  While this is an operational matter for the director general of the National Lottery, I understand that the information requested is not available.

  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what proportion of applications for national lottery funding have come from areas of social and economic deprivation; and what plans she has to encourage such applications; [35120]

  (2) pursuant to the reply of 26 June to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby, Official Report, column 495, if she will analyse by category and region the applications for national lottery funding. [35218]

  Mr. Sproat
  Information relating to applications for national lottery funding is not held by this Department. A list of all awards made and project locations was placed in the Library of the House on 26 June. A similar report will be produced and placed in the Library of the House every month.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if she will make a statement on the use of national lottery money for financing developments in the state sector, with particular reference to sport in schools; [36119]

  (2) how much money has been provided by the lottery fund to date to provide public facilities in deprived areas. [36225]

  Mr. Sproat
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage, how many grants of national lottery funding have been made to date to applicants from the London borough of Newham; how much money was awarded in each case; and what proportion of the total amount of grants these grants represent. [35881]

  Mr. Sproat
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much money will be distributed to good causes from the national lottery in 1995; how much will go to(a) England, (b) Wales, (c) Scotland and (d) Northern Ireland; how much is not geographically identifiable; and if she will make a statement. [34944]

  Mr. Sproat
  The amount distributed to good causes from the proceeds of the national lottery is dependent on the number and quality of the applications put to the eleven distributing bodies.

  Lappa Valley Railway Company
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what financial support her Department has made available to Lappa Valley Railway Company since April 1992. [35849]
  1460
  Mr. Sproat
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Female Employees
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) if she will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in her Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985; [35682]

  (2) what measures her Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within her Department and its executive agencies. [35662]

  Mr. Sproat
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  Community Radio
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he expects to invite proposals for community radio stations in Southampton; and when he expects a decision to be taken on the successful applicant. [35229]

  Mr. Sproat
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  London Film Commission and Royal Palaces
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) when she intends to announce the amount and duration of pump-priming funding for the London Film Commission; what sum she intends to allocate; and what budget heading it will come from; [35709]

  (2) pursuant to her answer from the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull North (Mr. McNamara) of 20 June, Official Report, column 178, regarding his future plans for privatisation in the Department or its departmental agencies, if she will indicate on what grounds the privatisation proposals at the historic royal palaces were excluded from the list. [36330]

  Mrs. Bottomley
  I regret that it has not been possible to provide an answer before the summer recess. I shall therefore write to the hon. Member and place a copy of the letter in the Library.

  BBC Governors
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many vacancies exist for BBC governors; and when she proposes to have them filled. [36181]

  Mr. Sproat
  There are at present three vacancies on the BBC board of governors. Replacement candidates for these vacancies are being considered and an announcement will be made shortly.
  1461

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list for each civil service grade in her Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35467]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage currently employs staff as shown in the table. The figures exclude staff from the Department's two agencies, the Historic Royal Palaces Agency and Royal Parks Agency.

  Male

  Female

  Grade

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  G1A

  1

  nil

  nil

  nil

  G3

  3

  nil

  1

  nil

  G4

  1

  nil

  nil

  nil

  G5

  14

  nil

  5

  nil

  G6

  5

  nil

  2

  nil

  G7

  33

  nil

  12

  3

  SEO

  10

  nil

  6

  nil

  HEO

  39

  nil

  24

  3

  HEO(D)

  2

  nil

  2

  nil

  EO

  34

  nil

  25

  2

  AO

  27

  nil

  27

  nil

  AA

  10

  nil

  19

  nil

  CUR E

  nil

  nil

  2

  nil

  CUR F

  2

  nil

  nil

  nil

  CUR G

  1

  nil

  nil

  nil

  LIB

  1

  nil

  1

  nil

  SIO

  3

  nil

  1

  nil

  10

  2

  nil

  nil

  nil

  TYP

  nil

  nil

  8

  nil

  PS

  nil

  nil

  15

  nil

  SPS

  nil

  nil

  6

  nil

  SPTO

  1

  nil

  1

  nil

  STOF

  nil

  nil

  1

  nil

  MTIII

  1

  nil

  nil

  nil

  SGB 1

  nil

  nil

  1

  nil

  SGB 2

  2

  nil

  7

  nil

  Total

  192

  nil

  166

  8

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the achievements of(a) her policies and (b) her Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if she will publish the performance indicators by which her Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34698]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy. Government continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative and administrative and taxation burdens. They also provide direct assistance where appropriate. The White Paper, "Competitiveness—Forging Ahead" Cm 2867 published in May 1995 outlines a programme of measures the Government are taking to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.

  My Department has a particular interest in two sectors of the economy in which small firms play a substantial role. These are television and audio-visual media production and tourism. The Secretary of State established
  1462
  a broadcasting and audio-visual sponsorship division in my Department in April 1995, to work in partnership with the firms in the sector, as detailed in my right hon. Friend's answer to the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 19 June, Official Report, column 47.

  Discussions with other Government Departments to reduce the burden of regulations affecting the tourism industry have continued since last year. In particular, my Department has had a major input to the Department of Transport's review of sign posting regulations, opening eligibility to a wider range of tourism businesses, including smaller establishments. As part of our strategy to assist the industry in improving competitiveness, set out in "Tourism; Competing with the Best", we have launched a "benchmarking" initiative for the small hotel sector. A sample of some 80 hotels with between 10 and 50 bedrooms will participate in an exercise to establish "benchmarks". The results will be published so that hoteliers can compare their performance with others, particularly the excellent performers. Guidance will be published to help them to understand what they need to do to improve the quality of their product and their own profitability.

  The national lottery, which began in November 1994, has also benefited many small business; in particular the thousands of small retailers who sell tickets, and businesses offering ancillary services to the lottery operators.

  My Department intends to continue its work to reduce legislation and administrative burdens on business, and to improve its links and consultation arrangements with businesses operating within the areas where I have a policy interest.

  Rugby Union Football
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what assessment she has made of the effect on the culture and traditions of rugby union football of the actions of media owners, with special reference to Rupert Murdoch; and what measures she proposes to take in respect of such actions. [35205]

  Mr. Sproat
  I have made no such assessment and have no plans to take any measures in respect of such actions.

  Sport (Television)
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what is her policy in respect of requiring key national sport events to be shown live on national television; [36226]

  (2) what plans she has to ensure that major sporting events are shown live on terrestrial television. [36183]

  Mr. Sproat
  Whether any particular sporting events are shown live on television is a matter for the broadcasters concerned.

  Sports (Drugs)
  Miss Hoey
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the action being taken to promote anti-drug activities inside British sport; and if he will make a statement; [34449]
  1463
  (2) what assessment she has made of the efficiency of the current drug testing programme run by the Sports Council. [34448]

  Mr. Sproat
  I have made no specific assessment of the Sports Council's drug testing programme, but am confident that, combined with its education and information programmes, it provides an efficient and effective method of controlling drug abuse in sport in the United Kingdom. This view was endorsed by the Sports Council's survey of elite competitors, a summary of which was published on 7 July. The council is also currently carrying out a consultation exercise aimed at enhancing and improving its existing doping control programmes.

  Ethiopian Manuscripts
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what plans exist to return to Ethiopia the ecclesiastical manuscripts, artifacts an other items taken by the British Army from Ethiopia in 1868 and currently stored in the British Library, India Office collections and the royal library at Windsor castle. [35275]

  Mr. Sproat
  There are no plans at present to return to Ethiopia objects obtained in 1868 which are in the British Library, including the India Office collections.

  The disposal of objects in the royal collections is entirely a matter for Her Majesty's the Queen.

  BBC
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when she expects to produce the Government's plans for the future of the BBC's transmission services. [35706]

  Mr. Sproat
  I refer to the answer given to the hon, Member for Nottingham, North (Mr. Allen) on 13 July 1995,Official Report, column 785.

  Departmental Sickness
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many days were lost in sickness in the last 12 months by employees in her Department(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34582]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The total number of days lost through sick absence in my Department in the last 12 months was 2,190 days, including absences which spanned weekends and bank holidays. This represents 2.7 per cent. of the total number of working days in the Department during the last 12 month period.

  The cost of this absence could only be calculated at disproportionate cost.

  Millennium Commission
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what arrangements she will make to reply to the letter sent by Norman Robson of 167 Ninian Park road, Riverside, Cardiff, to the Millennium 1464
  Commission dated 4 July referring to an unanswered question in previous letters concerning the Commission's policy and procedures for establishing a degree of public support for projects seeking grant aid; and what is her policy on the speed with which letters to the Millennium Commission should be answered. [35983]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  This is a matter for the Millennium Commission. I shall reply to the hon. Member in my capacity as chairman of the commission and place copies of my reply in the Libraries of the House.

  Channel 4
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proposals she has for ending the annual levy on Channel 4 for ITV. [36104]

  Mr. Sproat
  I have no plans to change the Channel 4 funding formula set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage 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 known 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. [34681]

  Mr. Sproat
  The Department of National Heritage is aware of the pilot Government World Wide Web server. The Department is considering the publication of material on the World Wide Web and DNH press notices are already available on the World Wide Web from the COI on http://www.coi.gov.uk/coi/depts/GHE/GHE.html.

  Computer Equipment
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will list the top 10 suppliers of computer equipment to her Department and its agencies in the last five years, indicating the total value of the contracts received. [34557]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The Department of National Heritage was established on 13 April 1992 and the Royal Parks Agency was established on 1 April 1993 so figures are only available from those dates. The top 10 suppliers of computer equipment to the Department of National Heritage and its agencies were:

  £

  Sema

  1,280,000.00

  MHG Systems

  155,000.00

  Fraser Associates

  133,000.00

  Select Ticketing

  111,000.00

  Apricot

  74,000.00

  TET

  42,000.00

  Sky High Computers

  34,000.00

  Dell

  34,000.00

  IBEX

  25,000.00

  INMAC

  22,500.00

  1465

  Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many redundancies occurred in her Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34583]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: No redundancies have occurred in my Department over the last 12 months.

  Unfair Dismissals
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many unfair dismissal cases were brought against her Department during the last 12 months; how many were successful; and what were the total costs including legal fees and compensation. [34581]

  Mr. Sproat
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: No unfair dismissal cases were brought against my Department during the last 12 months.

  Royal Palaces
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) how many consultants have been asked to review the security services at Kensington palace; what they recommended regarding the administration of the service; and what was the cost of consultants used. [36314]

  (2) how much money the Historic Royal Palaces agency has spent on consultants since its establishment in 1988; and if she will list the consultants concerned; [36310]

  (3) what is the current annual cost of running the security and warding service in the royal palaces; and if she will break the cost down (a) for the standard service, (b) for staffing special functions and (c) for overheads, separately identified for the security services at Hampton Court palace, the security service at Kensington palace, and the warding service at the Jewel house, Tower of London; [36318]

  (4) what financial or other redress the Historic Royal Palaces agency has had to obtain from Group 4 in relation to the state apartment warding at Hampton Court palace

  Year

  1988/89

  1989/90

  1990/91

  1991/92

  1992/93

  1993/94

  1994/95

  Value £k

  N/A

  N/A

  44

  478

  2,956

  3,708

  1,381

  HRPA has used a large numner of consultants in a wide variety of fields including management, catering, gardening, security, building syrveying, architecture, quantity surveying, structural engineering, service engineering, project management, security advice, health and safety advice, fire advice and archeology. This breakdown is all that can be supplied without incurring disproportionate costs. Note: the above figures do not include any consultancy work commissioned by PSA, who were responsible for all building works until the end of 1991/92. The peak in 1993/94 was principally caused by the New Jewel House at the Tower of London.

  No 664

  How many consultants have been asked to review the security services at Kensington Palace; what they recommended regarding the administration of the service; and what was the cost of the consultants used.
  1466
  arising from (a) unsatisfactory staffing levels and (b) other factors; [36316]

  (5) how many consultants have been asked to review the warding services at the Tower of London; what these consultants recommended regarding the administration of the service; and what was the cost of consultants used; [36312]

  (6) since the contract for state apartment warding at Hampton Court palace was placed with Group 4 in april, what complaints there have been either from (a) the Historic Royal Palaces agency and (b) members of the public; [36315]

  (7) how many reports have been commissioned regarding security at each of the royal palaces; and what these reports have recommended; [36311]

  (8) what particular skills are regarded as being essential in relation to the warding of (a) the Jewel house in the Tower of London, (b) Kensington palace and (c) Hampton Court palace; and what aspects of these skills prohibit the mounting of an in-house bid for the administration of the service in each case; [36317]

  (9) how many consultants have been asked to review the security services at Hampton Court palace; what they recommended regarding the administration of the service; and what was the cost of consultants used. [36313]

  Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
  Responsibility for the subjects of these questions has been delegated to the Historic Royal Palaces agency under its chief executive, Mr. David Beeton. I have asked him to write to the hon. Member and place copies of his letter in the Libraries of the House.

  Letter from David Beeton to Mr. Chris Smith, dated 26 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for the National Heritage has asked me to reply to your questions concerning security, warding and consultancies within the Historic Royal Palaces Agency. Your questions and my responses are set out below.
  No 666
  How much money the Historic Royal Palaces Agency has spent on consultants since its establishment in 1988; and if she will list the consultants concerned.
  The Agency has spent the following amounts on consultancies.
  Two consultancies have reviewed the security services at Kensington Palace, within the last 2 years, as part of an overall review of these services at all the Historic Royal Palaces. Whilst the content of these reports must remain confidential for security reasons, their recommendations will continue to be taken full account of in the contracting out process which will not alter security standards. These will remain HRP's responsibility.
  The cost of these consultancies was £9,276.
  No 669
  What is the current annual cost of running the Security and Warding Services in the Royal Palaces; and if she will break the cost down (a) for the standard service, (b) for staffing special functions and (c) for overheads, separately identified for the Security Services at Hampton Court Palace, the Security Service at Kensington Palace, and the Warding Service at the Jewel House Tower of London.
  1467

  Security and Warding

  Hampton Court Palace £k

  Kew Palace £k

  Kensington Palace £k

  Jewel House (ToL) £k

  Other (ToL) £k

  Banqueting House £k

  Total £k

  Security

  Warding

  Total

  820

  1,200

  40

  269

  553

  2,392

  46

  5,320

  The cost of staffing for special functions and the cost of overheads are together not thought to exceed 10 per cent. of the total but to produce a more detailed analysis would incur disproportionate cost.

  No 671

  What financial or other redress the Historic Royal Palaces Agency has had to obtain from Group 4 in relation to the State Apartment Warding at Hampton Court Palace arising from (a) unsatisfactory staffing levels and (b) other factors.
  Financial redress during the first three months of the contract was less than 0.5 per cent. of the contract value due to temporary shortfalls in manning levels. That is no more than occurred with the previous in-house operations. No redress has been required in respect of any other factors during that period.

  No 673
  How many consultants have been asked to review the warding services at the Tower of London; what these consultants recommended regarding the administration of the service; and what was the cost of consultants used.Two consultancies have reviewed various aspects of the warding services at the Tower of London within the last 3 years and made a number of recommendations regarding the administration of the service which have been taken full account of in the contracting out process. The cost of the consultancies was £47k.
  No 675
  Since the contract for State Apartment Warding at Hampton Court Palace was placed with Group 4 in April, what complaints there have been either from (a) the Historic Royal Palaces Agency and (b) members of the public.The Historic Royal Palaces Agency has recently discussed with Group 4 a shortfall in its manning levels during July. These were the result of a backlog in security clearances, not caused by Group 4, nor by the security status of their proposed employees. This shortfall is now resolved.There have been 2 complaints from members of the public concerning the State Apartment Warders, during that period, together with many more letters of praise.
  No 676

  How many reports have been commissioned regarding security at each of the Royal Palaces; and what these reports have recommended.
  In the last 2 years 12 security reports were commissioned as part of a general security review at each of the Palaces and for some specific projects (e.g. Crown Jewels project). Whilst the contents of these reports must remain confidential for security reasons their recommendations will, where relevant, continue to be taken full account of in the contracting out process which will not alter standards.

  No 680

  What particular skills are regarded as being essential in relation to the warding of (a) the Jewel House in the Tower of London, (b) Kensington Palace and (c) Hampton Court Palace; and what aspects of these skills prohibit the mounting of an in-house bid for the administration of the service in each case.
  The essential skills are those needed to provide the high standards of warding service in the Palaces including honesty, integrity, security awareness and good communications. These skills are already available through the existing staff who will transfer over to the new contractor. It was not any perceived lack of skills which prompted the decision not to allow an in-house bid, but the considered view of the Historic Royal Palaces Agency that in future the warding of the Palaces could be provided more effectively with no loss in standards by contracting out day to day operation of the service to manpower management specialists. The Agency will work
  1468
  in close partnership with them and will continue to be responsible for setting the standards of service and monitoring them. It will also ensure that the staff employed have all the necessary skills to deliver the specified service.

  No 681

  How many consultants have been asked to review the security services at Hampton Court Palace; and what they recommended regarding the administration of the service; and what was the cost of consultants used.
  One concultant was employed to review the security services at Hampton Court Palace during the last 2 years at a cost of £17,000. Whilst the content of this review must remain confidential for security reasons, the recommendations will continue to be taken full account of in the contracting out process which will not alter security standards.

LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL

  Small Businesses
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the Lord President of the Council 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 results of such monitoring.

  Mr. Newton
  The functions of the Privy Council Office do not include the provision of assistance to small businesses.

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMISSION

  National Audit Office
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission what is the annual expenditure for the National Audit Office for the last year for which figures are available. [27969]

  Sir Peter Hordern
  The appropriation account for 1994–95 for the National Audit Office, class XIX B, was published on 5 July as House of Commons Paper No. 476. Gross expenditure for the year totalled £42.2 million, and net expenditure, after taking account of appropriations in aid, totalled £36.2 million, a saving of about £0.3 million on planned net expenditure for the year.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Chairman of the Public Accounts Commission how many staff were employed by the National Audit Office during the last year for which figures are available. [27970]

  Sir Peter Hordern
  During 1994–95 the National Audit Office employed around 750 staff, comprising 650 permanent employees and around 100 on short-term contract or seconded in, the latter mainly in support of value-for-money investigations.
  1469

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Members' Pension Scheme
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will estimate the number of surviving relatives of former hon. Members who may have suffered financial loss as a result of the delay in implementing the Senior Salaries Review Body's recommendations in improvements in the hon. Members' pension scheme; and if he will make a statement. [35318]

  Mr. Newton
  The proposal I put to the House envisages implementing the increase in death-in-service benefit with effect from 1 April 1995. This is one month after I received the report of the Senior Salaries Review Body. The period in question would affect one surviving relative, but no dependants.

  Temporary Secretarial Assistance
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make a statement concerning the operation of temporary secretarial assistance in hon. Members' staff [27628]

  Mr. Newton
  Temporary secretarial assistance is intended to meet the costs of a member who incurs further expenses in respect of his or her duties in obtaining temporary secretarial or research assistance while a person to whom a salary is paid by him or her is prevented through illness or pregnancy from providing such assistance. A number of practical modifications were made earlier this year as indicated by my answer to the hon. Member for Dewsbury (Mrs. Taylor) on 5 April 1995,Official Report, column 1232. They were the subject of a circular issued by the accountant in that month.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Cocoa
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the UK's share of the proceeds arising from the liquidation of the cocoa buffer stock will be directed towards cocoa research. [36552]

  Mr. Baldry
  The UK share of the buffer stock liquidation proceeds will, as required by Government accounting rules, be returned to the Consolidated Fund. In view of the way the buffer stock levy was collected, and in the light of strong representations from the cocoa trade and industry on the need to intensify the UK effort in advanced cocoa research, I am pleased to announce that subject to the necessary approvals, £2.2 million of voted provision will be reallocated by the Ministry in order to provide money for new research in the United Kingdom into cocoa production.

  This sum will be administered through a newly established trust fund enabling key cocoa research projects to be funded and managed from the income generated by the trust fund capital. I plan to make a further announcement about the details later this year.
  1470

  Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
  Mr. Garnier
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the BSE epidemic. [36395]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The BSE epidemic continues to decline. Some 44.6 per cent. fewer suspect cases are being reported now compared with the same period—January to June—1994. There are now about 300 new cases a week compared with over 1,000 at the peak of the epidemic.

  The decline in the number of cases demonstrates that the ruminant feed ban, the key control measure, is proving successful in bringing the epidemic under control. It is estimated that the total number of cases is at least—150,000 fewer than would have occurred in the absence of the ban. However, we are continuing to see cases of BSE in animals born after the introduction of the feed ban in July 1988. This suggests that there has been some continued leakage of BSE infective material into animal feed.

  We have already taken steps to prevent this by:

  introducing new requirements, in April 1995, on the staining of specified bovine offal.

  reviewing the controls on SBO to consolidate and strengthen them;

  introducing new EC standards at rendering plants and withdrawing from use a system which was found, in experiments, not to inactivate the BSE agent;

  identifying, with the industry, the potential for cross-contamination in feed mills so that systems can be tightened up;

  introducing the use of a new test to detect the presence of ruminant protein in animal feed.

  I will shortly be making the Specified Bovine Offal Order 1995 which will consolidate and streamline the existing rules on SBO and strengthen them in some respects. The main changes to be introduced by the order will be:

  (i) to require all rendering plants, head-boning plants, incinerators and collection points for specified bovine offal to be approved by Ministers. Rendering plants will have to have a totally dedicated processing line for specified bovine offal;

  (ii) movement permits for specified bovine offal issued by local authorities will no longer be required in view of tighter controls being introduced on approval and record keeping throughout the disposal chain;

  (iii) the brains and eyes of a bovine animal of six months or more may no longer be removed from the head so that the part of the skill containing brains and eyes, after removal of the head meat and tongue for human consumption, will have to be disposed of as specified bovine offal.

  It is clear from the surveillance of slaughterhouses and head-boning plants that has been undertaken by my officials since the Government took over full responsibility for control of such premises in April this year that current practice on the separation and staining of the specified bovine offals can be improved. Most of the failings we have identified are comparatively minor in nature—for instance, using the wrong stain—and plant operators have been given clear instructions on what they must do to put things right. But some could have resulted in BSE infected material entering the animal feed chain. Further follow-up visits are being made to ensure that the faults have been rectified. Where failings are not corrected we are prepared to bring prosecutions if necessary.
  1471
  Although these lapses in our animal health control system are unsatisfactory, consumers have no cause for alarm. I am satisfied that these findings have no implications for human health and that measures to ensure that no infective material enters the human food chain are working effectively.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the cost of compensating Welsh farmers with suspected BSE cases in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34974]

  Mrs. Browning
  It is not possible without disproportionate costs to identify separately the payments made to farmers in Wales. The total amount paid out in BSE compensation in Great Britain during 1993–94 and 1994–95 was £35.2 million and £18.4 million respectively. The total number of cattle compulsorily slaughtered as BSE suspects on which compensation would have automatically have been paid in Wales during 1993–94 and 1994–95 was 3,708 and 2,080 respectively. The total number of cattle slaughtered as BSE suspects in Great Britain for those periods was 35,274 and 22,205 respectively.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has from his Ministry or other institutions of the maternal transmission of BSE. [35590]

  Mrs. Browning
  None. There is no experimental or epidemiological evidence available to confirm that maternal transmission of BSE occurs. Results of research to test the hypothesis that the disease might be transmitted maternally will not be available for another two years. It is clear, however, that if maternal transmission does occur, it does so too infrequently to be detected with our current statistical techniques.

  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many recent cattle identified as suffering from BSE are within the age range that could account for the disease being passed on by maternal transmission. [35591]

  Mrs. Browning
  Age at clinical onset is not an indicator of the route of transmission, and other routes of transmission, most notably by feed, cannot be excluded simply on the basis of the date of birth.

  Central Science Laboratory
  Mr. Bill Walker
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to make a statement on the future of the Central Science Laboratory, Torry in Aberdeen. [36069]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I confirm that the Torry laboratory will be closed in 1996 as previously announced on 6 June,Official Report, columns 1–2, by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary, then Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I will make a further announcement soon on the consequential changes for the work currently undertaken by the laboratory.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to reconsider the financial provisions for environmentally sensitive areas. [33384]
  1472
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  None. The financial provisions for environmentally sensitive areas in England are set at levels considered sufficient to meet the needs of this voluntary scheme over the next few years.

  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to increase the number of environmentally sensitive areas in England. [33388]

  Mr. Boswell
  We have no plans at present to increase the number of environmentally sensitive areas in England.

  Bovine Immunodeficiency-like Virus
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research his Department is undertaking to produce a reliable serological test for BIV. [34437]

  Mrs. Browning
  A three-year programme of research on molecular studies to improve the serological diagnosis of bovine immunodeficeincy-like virus is under way at the Central Veterinary Laboratory and Glasgow university veterinary school.

  Food Safety
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will specify the areas of food safety under investigation for deregulation. [34411]

  Mrs. Browning
  The food law deregulation plan, prepared jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, was issued on 14 September 1993. The plan, which recognises both the important need for consumer protection and the need to work with our partners in Europe to achieve greater harmonisation, is divided into six sectors. Two of these—hygiene and food additives and contaminants—deal with food safety.

  The Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995 will implement the EC General Food Hygiene Directive from 15 September. In addition, the Department of Health is planning revisions to statutory food temperature controls. Together, these will result in the repeal of 11 sets of regulations when they enter into force later this year.

  The Dairy Products (Hygiene) Regulations 1995, which implement the EC Directive on milk hygiene, have resulted in the repeal of nine sets of regulations and the consolidation of existing milk hygiene regulations in England and Wales.

  We are encouraging the European Commission to simplify and rationalise product-specific EC food hygiene rules.

  Food Additives and Contaminants
  My Department has issued draft UK regulations for consultation on implementing EC directives on sweeteners and colours. It shall also be issuing shortly draft UK regulations for consultation on implementing an EC directive on food additives other than sweeteners and colours. These directives fully harmonise legislation controlling the use of the principal classes of food additives throughout the EC. They will enable six sets of UK regulations to be revoked.
  Consolidation of the regulations setting limits for lead, arsenic and aflatoxin in food, is in abeyance, whilst discussions about introducing EC harmonising regulations in this area are on-going.

  Bananas
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make an estimate of the impact on the consumption of bananas in the United Kingdom of abolishing all impediments to trade in the banana industry; and if he will make a statement. [34996]

  Mr. Baldry
  Consumption of bananas in the United Kingdom has almost doubled in the last 10 years and retail prices are now at historically low levels in real terms. Since the single market for bananas came into force two years ago, consumers have been offered a wider choice than ever before.

  Intervention Board (Prosecutions)
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many(a) successful and (b) unsuccessful prosecutions have been undertaken by the Intervention Board for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [34731]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I have asked the chief executive of the Intervention Board to reply direct.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question about prosecutions due for answer on 18 July 1995, as this is a matter within my operational responsibility.
  The position on prosecutions undertaken by the Intervention Board since 1990 is:

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Total

  Successful

  8

  6

  6

  7

  2

  1

  30

  Unsuccessful

  2

  1

  0

  1

  1

  0

  5

  The success rate over the period is 83‥ which is commendable given the generally complex nature of the EC support systems managed by the Intervention Board.
  The reduced levels of activity in 1994 and 1995 substantially reflect the extent to which support is not targeted directly to farmers through the Agriculture Departments, following the reform of the CAP in 1992.
  Prosecutions covering the external trade area of the Agency's business are conducted by HM Customs and Excise. The achievements over the same period were:

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Total

  Successful

  1

  1

  3

  3

  0

  0

  8

  Unsuccessful

  1

  0

  0

  0

  1

  0

  2

  The success rate for external trade cases is 80‥, quite close to the level achieved on internal market support schemes.

  Food Disposal
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of illegal or irregular disposal of food have been brought to the attention of the Intervention Board for each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [34732]
  1474
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I have asked the chief executive of the Intervention Board to reply direct.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question about reports to the Agency of illegal or irregular disposal of food as this is a matter within my operational responsibility.
  Reports of irregular disposals of food under the Surplus Food Scheme in the last five years were:

  Calendar Year

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Number of reports

  1

  1

  6

  15

  7

  Four of the current cases under investigation by the Intervention Board's Anti-Fraud Unit or the Police. The investigation of 2 further cases has been concluded. The papers on one have been sent to the Procurator Fiscal for this consideration; the other case has proceeded to court but has been adjourned after the initial hearing until September.
  The introduction of the Surplus Food Regulations (SI 184/95) with effect from 1 February 1995 enables the Intervention Board to address vigorously any case of abuse under the arrangements, to prosecute offenders and to seize all misappropriated produce and re-direct it to those whom the Scheme is intended to benefit.

  Salmonella
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many incidents of salmonella in farm animals were recorded in Wales in each year since 1990; and if he will make a statement. [34973]

  Mrs. Browning
  The number of incidents of salmonella in farm animals in Wales reported to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food under the Zoonoses Order 1989 since 1990, and up to 13 July 1995, are shown in the table:

  Species

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  1995

  Cattle and Calves

  202

  156

  139

  237

  249

  159

  Sheep

  20

  17

  13

  14

  30

  36

  Pigs

  2

  3

  2

  4

  3

  1

  Poultry

  135

  95

  45

  43

  16

  4

  Other Species

  23

  7

  1

  14

  12

  14

  Total

  382

  278

  200

  312

  310

  214

  The reporting system was enhanced in 1993. Data for earlier years are not directly comparable with that collected since 1993.

  It is encouraging to note that reported incidents of salmonella in poultry continue to decline. Recent data show that cases of salmonella typhimurium DT104 infection have been increasing in other farmed animals, most notably cattle. A case control study in cattle has been set up to try to discover why the incidence of this organism has increased.

  The Government remain committed to firm but proportionate action against salmonella and continued protection for the consumer while avoiding disproportionate burdens on producers.
  1475

  Set-aside Scheme
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of accepted applicants for the five-year set-aside scheme between 1988 and 1991 were Welsh farmers; and if he will make a statement. [34985]

  Mr. Baldry
  Approximately 1 per cent. of accepted applicants in the UK for the five-year set-aside scheme between 1988 and 1991 were Welsh farmers.

  Welsh Fishing Vessels
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total number of fishing vessels operating out of Welsh ports in 1993; and if he will make a statement. [34883]

  Mr. Baldry
  Information about the number of fishing vessels operating out of Welsh ports in 1993 is not readily available. However, at 31 December 1993 there were 574 vessels licensed in Wales.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of Welsh fishing vessels are 40 ft and over; what is the corresponding proportion for the United Kingdom fishing fleet; and if he will make a statement. [34885]

  Mr. Baldry
  As at 1 January 1995, 13 per cent.—75 vessels—of the Welsh fleet, and 23 per cent.—1,923—of the UK fleet were 40 ft—12.20 m—or over in length.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the nominal value of landings by Welsh fishing vessels in each year between 1990 and 1993; and if he will make a statement. [34884]

  Mr. Baldry
  The first-hand sale value of all landings by vessels licensed in Wales in the years 1990 to 1993 were respectively £12.1 million, £20.4 million, £22 million and £26.7 million respectively.

  North Sea Fisheries
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider proposing measures to limit the voting powers of EU member states on matters concerning the North sea to nations with a coast on the North sea, as part of the common fisheries policy review. [34877]

  Mr. Baldry
  I am committed to effective conservation and enforcement in all waters where European Community vessels fish. If voting rights were to be limited only to EU member states with a coastal interest, the UK's scope for influencing decisions on matters concerning waters where we do not have a coastline would be lost.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make an estimate of the impact on average British food bills of eliminating state intervention in European agriculture; and if he will make a statement. [35130]

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Waldegrave) to the hon. Member for Taunton 1476
  (Mr. Nicholson) on 9 March 1995, Official Report, column 328.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was(a) the total number of employees of the Intervention Board and (b) the cost for each of the last five years. [34735]

  Mr. Baldry
  I have asked the chief executive of the Intervention Board to reply direct.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Mr. Martin Redmond, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question about (a) the total number of employees of the Intervention Board and (b) the cost for each of the last five years as this matter is within my operational responsibility.
  The total number of employees and pay bill costs are published in the Departmental Report for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Intervention Board, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.
  The figures are as follows and include the cost of overtime and casual staff:

  Period

  Total Number of Employees (Staff Years-Fulltime Equivalent)

  Pay Bill Costs (£ million)

  1990–91

  997

  12

  1991–92

  1,030

  14

  1992–93

  1,049

  16

  1993–94

  1,006

  17

  1994–95

  989

  17

  Beef and Sheep Extensification Schemes
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proportion of the participants in the beef and sheep extensification schemes in 1990–91 were Welsh farmers; and if he will make a statement. [34984]

  Mr. Baldry
  Approximately 13 per cent. of UK participants in the beef and sheep extensification schemes in 1990–91 were Welsh farmers.

  Fruit and Vegetables (Destruction)
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the amount of each fruit and vegetable destroyed, even though fit for consumption, by(a) the United Kingdom and (b) the whole European Community as a result of the common agriculture policy in each of the last three years. [35092]

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: Information for the last three years for which statistics are available is as follows:

  Destruction of fruit and vegetables for which EU withdrawal compensation was paid

  (tonnes)

  Product

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Apples

  179,589

  26,088

  968,617

  Pears

  5,422

  652

  55,079

  Cauliflowers

  15,365

  40,480

  126,727

  Tomatoes

  7,122

  44,179

  32,850

  Apricot

  36,880

  937

  19,503

  Nectarines

  39,660

  36,387

  164,690

  1477

  Destruction of fruit and vegetables for which EU withdrawal compensation was paid

  (tonnes)

  Product

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Peaches

  409,734

  337,120

  720,262

  Lemons

  17,334

  13,448

  80,941

  Aubergines

  82

  553

  148

  Grapes

  85

  291

  3,222

  Satsumas

  —

  —

  3,587

  Mandarins

  3,296

  2,723

  2,492

  Clementines

  578

  1,655

  43,856

  Oranges

  204,396

  154,877

  504,794

  of which the UK statistics were:

  Apples

  9,969

  669

  20,019

  Pears

  56

  40

  17

  Cauliflowers

  3,369

  4,657

  13,810

  Tomatoes

  0

  0

  3

  Source:

  European Commission

  Milk (Butterfat Content)
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will calculate the cash value at current prices to a milk quota holder of the additional annual production which would be allowed if the butterfat content of that milk was underestimated as being 3.5 per cent. instead of an assumed 4 per cent. base. [35103]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: An underestimation of the butterfat content of milk deliveries would normally have the effect of allowing a producer to deliver more milk against his or her quota. But the precise volume and value of those extra deliveries would depend on a number of factors including the amount of quota held by the producer, the butterfat base of that quota and the price of the milk. Milk with a lower butterfat content generally attracts a lower price.

  Mrs. Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he takes to ensure standardisation in the testing of butterfat content of milk in the assessment of compliance with milk production quotas; and if he will make a statement. [35102]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The Intervention Board executive agency, which is responsible for administering milk quotas, has commissioned the Central Science Laboratory to check standards at laboratories which are approved to carry out butterfat tests on milk. The first round of proficiency testing will start this month. All approved laboratories will be required to participate. Any laboratory failing to meet an acceptable standard will be excluded from testing for milk quota purposes.

  Mrs. Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has concerning the size of the black market in milk associated with systematic underestimation of butterfat content; and what action is being taken to tackle his problem. [35104]
  1478
  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The Intervention Board is investigating allegations that butterfat contents have been deliberately underestimated. It is not possible at this stage to say whether there is any substances to these allegations.

  "Foodsense"
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's booklet "Foodsense" has been distributed bilingually throughout Wales; and if he will make a statement. [34892]

  Mrs. Browning
  I have been asked to reply.

  The "Foodsense" publications have not been produced in Welsh. I understand, however, that the Welsh Office produces a range of publications in Welsh about food safety matters.

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate
  Mr. Sykes
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 1994–95 annual report and accounts for the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is due to be published. [36388]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  I am pleased to report that the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's annual report and accounts for 1994–95 was published today. Copies are available in the Library of the House.

  The report confirms the continuing success of the directorate as a next steps agency, and I would like to congratulate the chief executive and his staff on their considerable achievements during the year.

  Central Veterinary Laboratory
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the annual report and accounts for the Central Veterinary Laboratory is due to be laid before Parliament. [36553]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Central Veterinary Laboratory's annual report and accounts were laid before Parliament today. Copies are available in the House Library. The report demonstrates the continuing progress and success of the laboratory as a next steps agency and I would like to congratulate the chief executive and his staff on their considerable achievements during the year.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Income-Related Benefit Recipients
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was(a) the number of children, and (b) the number of children as a proportion of all families that were living in families dependent on income-related benefits for each year since 1979 for each region. [32928]
  1479
  Mr. Roger Evans
  Information is not available on a consistent basis for all benefits or prior to 1991. The

  Proportion of children in each region living in families receiving income-related benefits

  Region

  North

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  East Anglia

  London (Inner and outer)

  South east (including London)

  South West

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Wales

  1991

  Number of children aged 0–15 (thousands)

  628

  1,012

  816

  415

  1,340

  2,154

  900

  1,095

  1,345

  591

  1,024

  Number of children in families receiving income-related benefits (thousands)

  200

  280

  180

  70

  410

  380

  190

  320

  420

  290

  160

  Proportion in families receiving income-related benefits (percentage)

  31.9

  27.7

  22.1

  16.9

  30.6

  17.6

  21.1

  29.2

  31.2

  49.1

  15.6

  1992

  Number of children aged 0–15 (thousands)

  634

  1,024

  827

  432

  1,365

  2,177

  910

  1,104

  1,355

  596

  1,026

  Number of children in families receiving income-related benefits (thousands)

  210

  310

  220

  80

  510

  440

  210

  340

  440

  320

  170

  Proportion in families receiving income-related benefits (percentage)

  33.1

  30.3

  24.2

  18.5

  37.4

  20.2

  23.1

  30.8

  32.5

  53.7

  16.6

  1993

  Number of children aged 0–15 (thousands)

  639

  1,035

  835

  415

  1,391

  2,196

  920

  1,114

  1,367

  602

  1,032

  Number of children in families receiving income-related benefits (thousands)

  210

  310

  220

  100

  560

  510

  240

  360

  480

  320

  190

  Proportion in families receiving income-related benefits (percentage)

  32.9

  30

  26.3

  24.1

  40.3

  23.2

  26.1

  32.3

  35.1

  53.2

  18.4

  Notes:

  1. Child population figures have been rounded to the nearest 1,000. Children in families receiving income-related benefits has been rounded to the nearest 10,000. All percentages have been rounded to one decimal place.

  2. Children in families receiving income-related benefits does not include those in families receiving Family Credit or Disability Working Allowance only—a regional breakdown is not available.

  3. Children may be in families receiving more than on income-related benefit. Overlaps between benefits have been taken into account.

  4. Children are defined as aged 15 and under.

  5. Standard statistical regions have been used.

  Proportion of children in Great Britain in families receiving an income-related benefit.

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Number of children aged 0–15 (thousands)

  11,318

  11,433

  11,547

  Number of children in families receiving Family Credit or Disability Working Allowance only (thousands)

  430

  500

  620

  Number of children in families receiving one or more income-related benefits (thousands)

  3,340

  3,720

  4,100

  Proportion of children in families receiving one or more income-related benefits (per cent.)

  29.5 per cent.

  32.5 per cent.

  35.5 per cent.

  Notes:

  1. Child population figures have been rounded to the nearest 1,000. Children in families receiving income-related benefits has been rounded to the nearest 10,000. All percentages have been rounded to one decimal place. 2. Children may be in families receiving more than one income related benefit. Overlaps between benefits have been taken into account.3. Children are defined as aged 15 and under.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics May 1991–1993.

  Family Credit Statistics April 1991-April 1993.

  Disability Working Allowance Statistics 1992–1993.

  Office of Population, Censuses and Survey mid term estimates 1991–1993.

  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for each year from 1979 to the latest year for which information is available, what was the estimated number of(a) males and (b) females aged (i) under 10, (ii) 10–13, (iii) 14–16 and (iv) 17–20 years
  1480
  information that is available is set out in the tables. Data on population are not yet available for 1994.

  respectively in households receiving (1) supplementary benefit/income support and (2) supplementary benefit, income support or housing benefit. [34465]

  Mr. Evans
  The information available is set out in the tables.
  1481

  Table 1: Supplementary Benefit/Income Support—thousands

  Number of dependents

  Number of claimants

  Number of partners

  Aged under 10

  10–13

  14–16

  17–20

  Males

  Females

  All claimants aged 16–20

  Aged 16–20

  1979

  574

  236

  135

  9

  89

  105

  194

  15

  1980

  693

  271

  149

  12

  152

  147

  299

  27

  1981

  949

  369

  214

  18

  235

  187

  422

  42

  1982

  1,097

  424

  244

  28

  320

  238

  558

  48

  1983

  1,145

  433

  261

  29

  333

  268

  601

  51

  1984

  1,267

  449

  287

  30

  339

  270

  608

  51

  1986

  1,420

  458

  313

  36

  323

  270

  593

  44

  1987

  1,458

  421

  309

  48

  256

  246

  501

  38

  1988

  1,472

  410

  275

  39

  188

  203

  391

  33

  1989

  1,463

  384

  250

  42

  146

  161

  307

  30

  1990

  1,480

  382

  245

  43

  148

  164

  312

  25

  1991

  1,713

  466

  264

  54

  190

  184

  373

  30

  1992

  1,946

  544

  303

  81

  219

  202

  420

  29

  1993

  2,097

  620

  346

  101

  238

  213

  452

  33

  1994

  2,080

  629

  369

  106

  214

  199

  412

  30

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand. Due to rounding some of the totals may not tally.

  2. Income Support replaced Supplementary Benefit in 1988.

  Source:

  Supplementary Benefit/Income Support Statistics Annual Enquiries 1979–93.

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry May 1994.

  Table 2: Housing Benefit without Supplementary Benefit/Income Support—thousands

  Number of dependants

  Number of claimants

  Number of partners

  Age under 10

  10–13

  14–16

  17–20

  Males

  Females

  All claimants aged 16–20

  Aged 16–20

  1979

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1980

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1981

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1982

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1983

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1984

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1986

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1987

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1988

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1989

  187

  69

  51

  8

  —

  57

  —

  6

  1990

  205

  78

  56

  11

  —

  60

  —

  5

  1991

  213

  87

  55

  14

  1

  17

  —

  5

  1992

  227

  95

  55

  15

  —

  17

  —

  5

  1993

  254

  101

  59

  14

  1

  18

  —

  6

  1994

  284

  104

  61

  16

  1

  17

  —

  4

  Notes:

  1. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand. Due to rounding some of the totals may not tally.

  2. "—" denotes nil or negligible.

  3. Information is not available prior to 1989.

  4. Tables does not include HB recipients with IS.

  Source:

  Housing Benefit Management Information Systems 1 per cent. sample at May each year.

  Fraud
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the annual cost to public funds of social security fraud; and if he will set out in detail how he arrives at his total. [35050]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information is not available in the form requested.

  The Department is currently undertaking a series of systematic review of the major benefits to gauge the level of incorrectness in the benefit system. We have recently published the results of the review of income support and unemployment benefit. The findings indicate that £1.4 billion a year is lost through fraudulent claims to these benefits.
  1482
  A copy of the report, which includes details of the methodology used, has been placed in the Library.

  Young People (Leaving Care Grant)
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce a leaving care grant to ensure young people leaving care are financially supported. [35014]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  There are no plans to introduce a leaving care grant. However, community care grants from the social fund are available for people who are leaving care and are receiving, or are likely to receive, income support.
  1483

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will exclude specialist housing and services, provided to vulnerable persons, from forthcoming housing benefit changes limiting rents to averages for property; and if he will make a statement. [35134]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Regulations laid before the House on 29 June—SI 1995 No. 1644—provide that the following accommodation which caters for tenants with particular needs will be exempt from the forthcoming housing benefit changes for tenants in deregulated private sector accommodation:Hostel accommodation for people without a fixed way of life which is funded under Schedule 5 of the Supplementary Benefits Act 1980;
  Accommodation provided by housing associations, registered charities or voluntary organisations where care, support or supervision is provided by, or on behalf of, the provider to residents.

  Mortgage Interest
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what discussions he has had or proposes to have with mortgage lenders in respect of mortgage protection insurance and mortgage indemnity insurance and the need to explain fully the cover offered by these policies with particular reference to exclusion clauses; and what assessment he has made of the views of the Building Societies Ombudsman on this matter. [35379]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  This Department has had frequent meetings with the Council of Mortgage Lenders to discuss the new arrangements for income support mortgage interest. We share the view of the Building Society Ombudsman that lenders who sell mortgage protection policies should abide by the code of practice of the Association of British Insurers.

  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much money his Department expects to save as a result of the new regulations relating to assistance for mortgage interest payments; and what the estimate is of the average saving per claimant. [35472]

  Mr. Evans
  The projected savings are estimated to be £200 million in the long run; this equates to about £7 per claimant per week.

  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research his Department has conducted and what consultations he has had with mortgage lenders concerning the categories of home owners who currently do not qualify for mortgage insurance indemnity policies and if he will make a statement. [35327]

  Mr. Evans
  The Department has conducted no research on this form of insurance.

  The term "mortgage insurance indemnity policies" is conventionally used to cover insurance for the risk of a mortgaged property selling for less than its valuation, and such may be a condition of granting the mortgage in some cases, as the parties may determine.

  The issue is not a responsibility of this Department. However, this Department has regular consultations with the Council for Mortgage Lenders concerning mortgage matters.
  1484
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends to introduce a standardised rate of interest payment on behalf of borrowers on income support; what estimate he has made of the number of borrowers for which its introduction will constitute a shortfall in payments; and what estimate his Department has made of the present arrears of borrowers who will receive a shortfall in payments. [35368]

  Mr. Evans
  This Department is committed to introducing a standard rate of interest at or around the average rate charged and to change the rate in response to fluctuations in this rate. The standard rate will be introduced on 2 October and will be based on the average rate published in the August edition of "Financial Statistics". Precise estimates of gainers and losers can be made only once this baseline has been established.

  National Insurance
  Ms Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what assessment he has made of the extent of anomalies in the benefit system caused by the extent of a person's NI contribution liability depending on the length of the pay interval or earnings period; and if officers are allowed to exercise discretion in cases when the person would have satisfied the qualifying conditions for benefit had the pay interval been different. [35266]

  Mr. Heald
  We have made no assessment of the effect of different earnings periods on the qualifying conditions for benefit. However, we are aware that cases can arise where someone just fails to qualify because he is not liable to pay national insurance contributions on earnings in a particular pay period.

  Broad rules are inevitable in a national insurance scheme which must cater for a wide variety of methods by which earnings may be calculated and paid. The earnings period for national insurance contributions is the interval at which an employee is normally paid. The interval of payment depends upon the employee's contract of employment with the employer. When an employee starts work, the expected regular earnings period operates from the outset even if the employee starts work part way through that period. The Secretary of State has no discretionary powers to alter the earnings period in these circumstances.

  Arrangements already exist within the national insurance system which may help someone to qualify for benefit in certain circumstances. For example, if an employee starts work towards the end of the tax year and the salary is paid after the end of the tax year, there are provisions which enable the Secretary of State to re-allocate primary (employee) class 1 contributions from one tax year to another.

  Income Support
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the numbers of income support claimants in(a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom in each year since 1979. [35222]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The available information is set out in the table.
  1485

  Numbers of Income Support claimants in Scotland and the United Kingdom since 1979

  SupplementaryBenefit/Income Supportclaimants in Scotland (000s)

  Supplementary Benefit/Income Support claimants in UK (000s)

  1979

  286

  2,969

  1980

  304

  3,233

  1981

  371

  3,823

  1982

  423

  4,422

  1983

  440

  4,518

  1984

  468

  4,785

  1985

  —

  —

  1986

  506

  5,122

  1987

  535

  5,086

  1988

  499

  4,536

  1989

  486

  4,344

  1990

  481

  4,369

  1991

  487

  4,683

  1992

  519

  5,293

  1993

  543

  5,858

  1994

  550

  —

  Notes:

  Source: Supplementary benefit/Income Support Statistics Annual/Quarterly Enquiries 1979–1994.

  2. Figures are rounded to the nearest thousand.

  3. Income Support replaced Supplementary Benefit in 1988.

  4. The UK figure for 1981 is incomplete because industrial action affected the Northern Ireland count.

  5. Figures are not available for 1985 due to industrial action.

  6. A UK figure for 1994 cannot be compiled because data for Northern Ireland is not yet available.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what difficulties have been experienced in the last two months with the retrieval by computer of income support details(a) in north Tyneside and (b) nationally in each case how many records have had to be retrieved manually; and what has been the additional cost. [36111]

  Mr. Evans
  The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Stephen Byers, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about difficulties with the retrieval by computer of Income Support details in North Tyneside and nationally.
  The North Tyneside District Office have had difficulty retrieving information on only one case in the last few months. There are problems with the retrieval of information from the Income Support Computer System (ISCS) that could affect all offices. This will only be experienced on a limited number of cases, for example, if a customer moves address on more than one occasion over a short period of time.
  Where problems do occur with the retrieval of information on ISCS, a record print is obtained from the Information Technology Service Agency (ITSA).
  In the period since the beginning of May 1995, the ITSA have received 27 requests for record prints which could not be obtained locally. Each case requires an average of half a days action by a computer technician. The associated computer costs and action taken locally make it difficult to establish the exact cost.
  Work is continuing to resolve the data retrieval problems, for example, a backlog of information has been moved from one part of the ISCS system to another. As a result, data previously unavailable on a local basis has now become available. The Benefits Agency and ITSA recognise that there are problems with data
  1486
  retrieval and every effort is being made to resolve these problems as a matter of urgency.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  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. Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: Yes. It is planned to disregard the value of such vouchers in income support and family credit.

  Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has as to when the Industrial Injuries Advisory Council will publish its review of the qualifying criterion for PD D12 (chronic bronchitis and emphysema); and if he will make a statement. [35376]

  Mr. Heald
  I understand that the council expects to complete its review by the end of the year. The council's reports are usually published within two or three months of their submission to Ministers. The Government will consider carefully any recommendations that the council may make.

  Domiciliary Services
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what information he has on the number of local authorities which have introduced new systems of paying for domiciliary services which take into account a person's attendance/disability allowance in the financial assessment; what guidance he has issued to the Benefits Agency in respect of the introduction of these new systems and if both existing and new claimants are being warned or compensated in regard to new deductions that will occur. [35324]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  Payment of attendance allowance and the care component of disability living allowance is not affected by any charges that a local authority might make for domiciliary services. This is not a matter, therefore, on which it would be appropriate to issue guidance to the Benefits Agency. Information about the number of local authorities whose financial assessments take into account attendance allowance or the care component of disability living allowance is not collected centrally by the Department of Health.

  Incomes
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what were the shares of total income for each decile of the population, after housing costs were deducted, in(a) 1979 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available. [35223]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the table. Figures for 1992–93 may be subject to slight revision. The information is presented including and excluding the self-employed, whose reported income may be an unreliable guide to their actual standard of living. A further response will he given as soon as possible.
  1487

  Percentage shares of total weekly income after housing costs received by individuals in each decile group of the UK income distribution

  Decile group

  Including self-employed

  Excluding self-employed

  1979

  1992–93

  1979

  1992–93

  Bottom

  4.0

  1.9

  4.1

  2.3

  2

  5.6

  4.1

  5.7

  4.2

  3

  6.5

  5.0

  6.6

  5.2

  4

  7.5

  6.3

  7.6

  6.4

  5

  8.5

  7.6

  8.6

  7.8

  6

  10

  9.0

  10

  9.2

  7

  11

  11

  11

  11

  8

  12

  12

  12

  13

  9

  14

  15

  14

  15

  Top

  21

  28

  20

  26

  Notes:

  1. Estimates for the bottom 10 per cent. should be treated with caution as they are sensitive to data of uncertain reliability at the bottom end of the income distribution.

  2. All members are presented to two significant figures.

  3. Income is current weekly disposal income.

  Social Security Expenditure
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the current average social security cost per claimant and in each year since 1980 at 1994 prices. [36290]

  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available. A claimant can receive more than one benefit at a time and therefore it is not possible to identify the overall number of people receiving benefits.

  Mr. Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what would be the estimated reduction in expenditure on social security benefits and on welfare foods and free school meals for social security benefits recipients if everybody between the ages of 16 to 65 years who was fit and able to work entered(a) £120 per week gross of tax and national insurance contributions, (b) £140 per week gross and (c) £160 per week gross. [36289]

  Mr. Burt
  I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the current total administrative and overhead costs required to administer social security claims and payments, including the current numbers of civil servants and benefit centres, and what was the costs in each year since 1980 at 1994 prices. [36296]

  Mr. Burt
  Available information on administrative costs is drawn from table 10 of the social security departmental report (Cm 2813). Total costs of administration 1994–95 are estimated to be £4,408 million. This includes the cost of collecting national insurance contributions, administering the child support system, expenditure by the Department of Employment administering benefits for the unemployed and expenditure by local authorities administering housing and council tax benefits.

  Figures at 1994–95 prices for previous years are as follows:
  1488

  Costs of administration (at 1994–95 prices)

  Year

  £ million

  1994–95

  4,408

  1993–94

  4,373

  1992–93

  4,203

  1991–92

  3,954

  1990–91

  3,725

  1989–90

  3,530

  1988–89

  3,392

  1987–88

  3,366

  1986–87

  3,129

  1985–86

  2,911

  1984–85

  2,774

  1983–84

  2,839

  1982–83

  2,720

  1981–82

  2,599

  1980–81

  2,392

  Notes:

  (a) 1983–84 and prior year costs include the estimated DSS proportion of total DHSS administrative costs.

  (b) 1987–88 and prior year costs relate to gross running costs. From 1988–89 the costs include capital costs.

  At the last count—1 April 1995—the Department of Social Security employed the equivalent of 89,334 full time civil servants. The Benefits Agency currently uses 11 disability benefit centres and three benefit centres, handling clerical work relocated out of some London offices.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what cognisance has been taken of the recent findings of the King's Fund in relation to the high incidence of illness and disability among those living on low incomes in the setting of levels of incapacity benefits; and what safeguards exist for the protection of those sufferers of less overt disabilities who are refused cover under private insurance arrangements. [36172]

  Mr. Burt
  We have noted the contents of the report. The level at which benefits for incapacity are set reflects our commitment to provide national insurance benefits for people who are incapable of work within a structure that is sustainable and affordable in the long term. Income support is available for people whose income, from private health insurance or elsewhere, is insufficient to meet their needs.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many medical examination's for the all work test of incapacity have taken place(a) in total and (b) by region; and how many (i) in total and (ii) by region have been scheduled for examination but have not yet taken place. [35251]

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of incapacity benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of medical examinations for the all work test of incapacity that have taken place (a) in total and (b) by region; and how many (i) in total and (ii) by region have been scheduled for examination but have not yet taken place.

  1489
  Figures for the total number of examinations that have been carried out and for the number of scheduled are available to the end of May 1995. There are as follows:

  Examinations carried out: 650

  Examinations scheduled but not carried out: 5,284

  Figures are not available by region.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how may IBSO all-work test questionnaires have been issued by his Department(a) in total and (b) by region; how many of these have (i) been returned and (ii) not been returned by the claimant within the time allowed; and how many are still outstanding. [35296]

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of incapacity benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about Incapacity Benefit all-work questionnaires.The information requested is not available by region and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. The total number of IB50 all-work test questionnaires issued by computer system up to an including 31 May 1995 is 200,311.From this total, 77,203 were returned up to and including 31 May 1995, 2,800 were not returned by customers within the time allowed and the number still outstanding is 123,108.In addition to system produced questionnaires, a small number of questionnaires are issued clerically by Benefits Agency district offices. Statistics relating to the numbers of questionnaires issued clerically could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.I hope you find this reply helpful.
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what training has been given on mental health to the Benefits Agency Medical Service staff who have been recruited to undertake the new test of incapacity. [35298]

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of invalidity benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the training given on mental health to the Benefits Agency (BA) Medical Service staff who have been recruited to undertake the new test of incapacity.All doctors employed by BA Medical Services are full registered medical practitioners with previous clinical experience. The majority of the doctors employed on a sessional basis are either practising or retired General Practitioners with experience of treating patients with mental health problems. In addition, every doctor who will carry out all work test assessments has to undergo specific training to do the work.All full-time and short-term contract doctors attend a two day further medical education conference during which there is a session devoted specifically to the assessment of mental health problems. This session is led by a consultant psychiatrist and covers the latest thinking in the treatment of mental health problems. It also includes discussion of a video recording of demonstration assessment interviews.In addition, all doctors, full-time, contract and sessional, who are to carry out the all work test assessment undergo a process of approval to do the work. The approval process starts with four days of classroom based training. This includes a module designed 1490 specifically to cover the assessment of mental health problems. The module also incorporates discussion of demonstration mental health interviews.I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Motability
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure that the vehicle leasing market for disabled users will in future benefit from competitive tendering; [35032]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the procedures for contracting out of goods and services by the directors of the Motability charity; [35036]

  (3) what is his policy in relation to competitive tendering in relation to the expenditure by Motability of money provided by his Department; [35033]

  (4) if he will make it his policy that the governors of the Motability charity should not enter into any contracts for goods or services in excess of £50,000 without prior departmental approval; [35037]

  (5) if it is his policy that the governors or directors of Motability may not issue guarantees, indemnities or letters of comfort except with the consent of the Secretary of State; [35046]

  (6) if he will list the amounts paid in grant in aid to the Motability charity in each of the last three years; and if future payments of grant in aid are to be made conditional upon the efficiency with which Motability is managed; [35034]

  (7) if he is informed by the governors of Motability, on an annual basis, of the charity's performance on providing best value for money services to its disabled users; [35038]

  (8) if, in the event of Motability's articles being revoked, all assets acquired with grant in aid moneys would revert to his Department after all creditors claims had been met; and if he will make a statement. [35045]

  Mr. Burt
  The detailed conditions on payments of the grant in aid for administration are set out in the financial memorandum, a copy of which is in the Library. The financial memorandum contains a requirement that the charity should endeavour to provide best value for money for both the disabled customer and the tax payer. One method of providing would be through competitive tendering. The amounts paid in grant in aid to Motability in each of the last three years are given in the table.

  £million

  Grant-in-aid

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Mobility equipment fund

  1.075

  2.050

  1.935

  Administration

  1.835

  2.085

  3.260

  Total

  2.910

  4.135

  5.195

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will make a statement on the charitable status of the Motability Tenth Anniversary Trust in relation to Motability Finance Ltd.'s charitable donations; and what sums of public money were involved in respect of the Motability Tenth Anniversary Trust; [35041]
  1491
  (2) if funds held in the Motability Finance Ltd. Contingency and Tenth Anniversary funds are considered to be assets acquired with grant-in-aid monies provided by his, or any other, Department; and if he will make a statement; [35044]

  (3) if he will list the beneficiaries of Motability Finance Ltd.'s charitable donations in each year between 1990 and 1993; and what assessment his Department has made of the beneficiaries in allocating funding of motability for disabled people; [35042]

  (4) what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the arrangements for the auditing and accounting in respect of Motability Finance Ltd. in each year between 1988 and 1995; what assessment he has made of the independence of the senior auditor at KPMG responsible for the affairs of the charity; and if he will make a statement. [35035]

  Mr. Burt
  Motability Finance Ltd. is an independent company and its audit and accounting arrangements have to comply with company law. It is for MFL to make arrangements for auditing its accounts. It is not a matter for the charity.

  Mr. Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what discounts Motability users were offered in hire purchase and contract hire price lists sent to them in(a) 1992 and (b) 1995; what sums of public money were involved; and if he will make a statement; [35040]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the status of Motability Finance Ltd. in relation to the Motability charity; and what assessment he has made of the status in determining the provision of public funds; [35043]

  (3) if he will instruct independent experts to advise him as to the size of the discounts available to fleet leasing purchasers, in relation to the funding by his Department of the mobility of disabled people. [35047]

  Mr. Burt
  Motability Finance Ltd. is a supplier to the Motability scheme. It is a wholly separate organisation neither funded from, nor accountable to, the Department of Social Security. Motability's governors have the responsibility to ensure that suppliers to the scheme offer good value for money. Motability reviews its financial arrangements annually. The financial memorandum requires Motability to provide good value for money for its disabled customers.

  Any questions on the discounts offered by manufacturers through the Motability scheme should be directed to Motability.

  Disability Issues
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to consult organisations representing people with learning difficulties in respect of the implementation of future disability discrimination legislation. [34831]

  Mr. Burt
  The Government intend to consult extensively over the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Bill. These consultations will include contact with organisations representing people with learning difficulties.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his Department's policy towards making available publications concerning disability 1492
  issues in pictorial and simple text format for people with learning difficulties. [34832]

  Mr. Burt
  The Disability Discrimination Bill will ensure that information, including Government information, is made more accessible to disabled people. This Department will comply with these requirements while ensuring that its information is accurate and unambiguous.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make it his policy that any future disability discrimination legislation will be made available in pictures and will adopt a simple text format for people with learning difficulties. [34833]

  Mr. Burt
  The Disability Discrimination Bill will ensure that information, including Government information, is made more accessible to disabled people. The Government intend to publish information—in the simplest terms possible—explaining the provisions of the Bill once it receives Royal Assent. However, while every effort it made to ensure that legislation is as clear and understandable as possible, only an exact reproduction of parliamentary legislation can have any legal validity, and this is not achievable in pictorial form or in simple language.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what policies will be implemented in legislation to ensure that the right of people with learning difficulties are protected following the enactment of the Disability Discrimination Bill. [34836]

  Mr. Burt
  The Disability Discrimination Bill defines a disabled person as one who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. It will, therefore, protect those with learning difficulties who fall into this category by introducing new rights in employment and in relation to access to goods and services. The Bill also establishes a new National Disability Council and will ensure that advice and support is available to help disabled people secure their rights under the new legislation.

  Child Care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how much his Department spends on(a) child care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for the over-fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35551]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  In October 1994, we introduced help with child care charges in family credit, disability working allowance, housing benefit or council tax benefit. The scheme applies where the charges are incurred for a child under 11 who is cared for by a registered childminder, play scheme or day nursery. In the long term, we estimate 150,000 families will benefit, including 50,000 taking up work, and that the help will cost up to £60 million.
  1493
  The new provisions will provide a substantial contribution to child care charges and increase the effectiveness of family credit, in particular, as an incentive for families to find and remain in employment.

  Civil Servants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female
  (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35465]

  Mr. Burt
  The numbers of permanent industrial and non-industrial staff as at 1 April 1995 on a head-count basis were as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Benefits Agency

  21,445

  514

  37,731

  11,323

  Child Support Agency

  1,831

  67

  3,437

  1,056

  Contributions Agency

  3,084

  47

  4,818

  1,536

  Information Technology Services Agency

  2,262

  1

  1,179

  161

  Resettlement Agency

  74

  1

  51

  14

  War Pensions Agency

  374

  8

  821

  149

  DSS Headquarters and Independent Statutory Bodies

  1,136

  15

  1,503

  218

  Total

  30,206

  653

  48,540

  14,457

  The breakdown of staff by grade is as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Grade (including equivalent professional and other grades)

  Full time

  Part time

  Full time

  Part time

  Grade 1

  1

  0

  0

  0

  Grade 2

  3

  0

  1

  0

  Grade 3

  12

  0

  4

  0

  Grade 4

  7

  0

  2

  0

  Grade 5

  84

  0

  22

  3

  Grade 6

  263

  12

  71

  22

  Grade 7

  522

  0

  158

  12

  Senior Executive Officer

  982

  5

  360

  18

  Higher Executive Officer/Higher Executive Officer (D)

  3,180

  12

  2,241

  239

  Executive Officer

  9,520

  126

  11,346

  3,546

  Administrative Officer

  11,691

  297

  27,236

  8,418

  Administrative Assistant

  3,921

  200

  7,035

  2,182

  Others

  20

  1

  64

  17

  Totals

  30,206

  653

  49,540

  14,457

  Note:

  1. Staff on loan or secondment and not being paid by the Department.

  2. Staff on unpaid leave for more than 3 months or on unpaid maternity leave.

  3. Casual staff.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number of officials employed at each of the principal grades and the numbers and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its agencies for each year since 1985. [35685]
  1494
  Mr. Burt
  The information is not available in the form requested but details by grade and gender for the Department as a whole, including the executive agencies, can be found in table 5 of civil service statistics for each year from 1985 to 1994—copies available in the Library. Details for 1995 will be published later this year. I also refer the hon. Member to my reply today to the hon. Member for Durham, North-West (Ms Armstrong).

  Mr. Donohue
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35671]

  Mr. Burt
  This Department is committed to equality of opportunity for all members of staff. It is also fully committed to the Cabinet Office programme for action to achieve equality of opportunity for women in the civil service. In addition, the Department was an early member of Opportunity 2000, a national campaign to improve the quantity of women's participation in the workplace

  All parts of the Department, including its executive agencies, have equal opportunities action plans and all staff are encouraged to develop to their full potential. Women's development courses are widely available and all senior promotion panels include at least one woman.

  The proportion of women is increasing at all management levels, women make up 67 per cent. of the Department and over half of all management grades. Over a quarter of the top three grades are currently held by women, two of the Department's agency chief executives are women and in September this year, the Department will have a female permanent secretary, Ann Bowtell.

  Invalidity Benefit
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the current position of the appeal against the commissioner's decision concerning the rate of invalidity benefit paid to women after they reach pension age, with particular reference to the deliberations of the European Court of Justice; and when he expects the appeal to be(a) heard by the Court of Appeal and (b) concluded. [35705]

  Mr. Burt
  The hearing before the European Court of Justice took place on 6 April 1995 and the Advocate General's opinion was published on 15 June. The timing of the European Court's judgment, and of the subsequent hearing by the Court of Appeal, are matters for the courts.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the number of people present claiming invalidity benefit in the London borough of Wandsworth. [34075]

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of invalidity benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefit Agency. He will write to the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of people claiming Invalidity Benefit in the London Borough of Wandsworth.
  With effect from 13 April 1995, Invalidity Benefit (IVB) and Sickness Benefit were replaced by Incapacity Benefit (IB). Claims for IB from customers resident in the Borough of Wandsworth are

  1495
  dealt with by the Benefits Agency (BA) South West Thames District. These claims are, however, processed at the BA Broadstairs Benefit Office which also administers IB claims for residents of London Central District.
  Separate statistics relating to the numbers of IB customers resident in the Borough of Wandsworth are not kept and could only be available at disproportionate cost.
  I am sorry that this reply could not be more helpful.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when Mr. P. Sutton, national insurance number ZS 06 67 D, will receive information about the gross earning figures used to calculate his additional pension paid with invalidity benefit. [35152]

  Mr. Burt
  The administration of invalidity benefit is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about when Mr. P. Sutton, national insurance number ZS 06 52 67 D, will receive information about the gross earnings figures used to calculate his additional pension paid with his Invalidity Benefit.
  A full reply, informing Mr. Sutton of the earnings figures used in the calculation of his Invalidity Benefit and subsequent Incapacity Benefit, was issued on 14 July 1995.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Number in receipt of one or more means-testedbenefit000s

  Number in receipt of Income Support 000s

  Average weekly payment

  Number in receipt of Family Credit 000s

  Average weekly payment

  Number in receipt of Housing Benefit 000s

  Average weekly payment

  Number in receipt of Council Tax Benefit 000s

  Average weekly payment

  Number in receipt of Community Charge Benefit 000s

  Average weekly payment

  Number in receipt of Disability Working Allowance 000s

  Average weekly payment

  1990

  8,090

  4,180

  38.52

  315

  28.23

  3,975

  21.48

  0

  0

  6,500

  5.53

  0

  0

  1991

  7,970

  4,487

  46.52

  347

  31.32

  4,022

  25.40

  0

  0

  6,330

  3.43

  0

  0

  1992

  8,410

  5,088

  51.89

  397

  37.69

  4,320

  30.03

  0

  0

  6,550

  4.23

  0

  0

  1993

  8,530

  5,643

  54.77

  488

  43.34

  4,520

  33.73

  5,251

  6.11

  0

  0

  3

  36.90

  1994

  8,480

  5,675

  55.78

  551

  47.10

  4,650

  36.55

  5,497

  6.38

  0

  0

  4

  42.38

  Notes:

  1. Figures for recipients are rounded to the nearest thousand except for "Numbers in receipt of one or more means-tested benefit" which have been rounded to the nearest ten thousand.

  2. Average amounts for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit have been rounded to the nearest penny.

  3. Figures are for benefit units which may be a single person or a couple.

  4. Disability Working Allowance was introduced in April 1992.

  5. Council Tax Benefit replaced Community Charge Benefit from April 1993.

  6. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit figures exclude cases where there is no entitlement only because of non-dependent deductions.

  7. Council Tax Benefit figures do not include second adult rebates.

  Benefits
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 17 July, what information he holds relating to the percentage of the population receiving funds from his Department. [36264]

  Mr. Mitchell
  Exact information in the form requested is not available but, in the 1993–94 family resources survey, 76 per cent. of responding households included at least one member in receipt of a benefit—including state retirement pension—at the time of interview. The survey relates to private households in Great Britain only and therefore excludes people in institutions like nursing homes and bed and breakfast accommodation. Although the survey is designed to be representative, survey responses are subject to biases which would have to be corrected to give a reliable estimate for the total population.
  1496

  Social Security Claimants
  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what are the latest figures indicating the number of social security claimants who are in employment and the weekly average level of benefit paid to this category; [36301]

  (2) what are the latest figures for the number of social security claimants who are unemployed and the weekly average benefit paid to this category. [36302]

  Mr. Evans
  I will write to the hon. Member shortly.

  Sir Ralph Howell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the latest figures for the number of means-tested benefit claimants, broken down into those in receipt of income support, family credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit; and what have been the average weekly payment levels made to claimants in each category; and what were the figures for each year from 1990 to 1994. [36297]

  Mr. Andrew Mitchell
  The information is in the table. Figures relate to benefit units.

  Column 1 provides the total number of benefits units in receipt of one or more means-tested benefit after overlaps have been taken into account. The remaining columns show the number of benefit units who receive each individual benefit and give the average amount of that benefit in payment.

  Social Fund
  Sir Rhodes Boyson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to make changes to the discretionary social fund; and if he will make a statement. [36599]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  We are introducing some small amendments to the Secretary of State's directions and guidance on the help available for minor repairs and improvements from the discretionary fund, in the light of the proposed changes to the Social Security (Income Support and Claims and Payments) Amendment Regulations 1995 from 2 October 1995.

  In addition, as part of our routine monitoring of the social fund, we have identified scope for some minor improvements to the Secretary of State's directions and guidance.
  1497
  Details of the amendments and a revised copy of the Secretary of State's directions and guidance to take effect from 2 October 1995 have been placed in the Library.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements he proposes to make for the reorganisation of fraud investigations under the jobseeker's allowance. [36600]

  Mr. Lilley
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment and I have agreed that, with the introduction of jobseeker's allowance, the work of fraud investigators in the Employment Service and the Benefits Agency will be brought together within the Benefits Agency, which is responsible for the financial aspects of the allowance.

  Skin Disease
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many working days are currently estimated to be lost as a result of skin disease. [35968]

  Mr. Heald
  The information is not available in the form requested. The only figure which can be provided relates to the number of days of certified incapacity where a claim has been made to sickness and/or invalidity benefit as a result of diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue.

  In the period 6 April 1992 to 3 April 1993, this was 4,589,000.

  Employers are not required to keep information on the nature of incapacity in statutory sick pay cases.

  Source: based on a 1 per cent. sample of claims in the period 6 April 1992 to 3 April 1993 and rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Note: diagnosis code group 52 from "International Classification of Diseases, 1975" has been used to compile the table.

  Figures are for Great Britain.

  Child Support Agency
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many man-hours were expended in total on Child Support Agency business in the financial year 1994–95; how many man hours were expended in total on matters relating to the Child Support Agency by staff within the Department of Social Security that are not employed by the Child Support Agency; and if he will give a breakdown of the figures. [34458]

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

  Letter from Tony Ward to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 19 July 1995:
  In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about man-hours expended on Child Support Agency business.
  An estimated 8,674,568 man-hours were expended on. Child Support Agency business by our own staff in Great Britain in the financial year 1994–95.
  1498
  Information on the number of man-hours expended in total on matters relating to the Child Support Agency by staff within the Department of Social Security is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the current number of Child Support Agency assessments in respect of which part, but not the whole, of the amount currently payable, excluding any arrears, is being actually received by the Child Support Agency itself; what is the average weekly amount currently payable, excluding any arrears, under these assessments; and how many of these assessments are interim assessments of category A or D; [34439]

  (2) what is the current number of CSA assessments, other than nil assessments, in respect of which the full amount currently payable, excluding any arrears, is actually being received on a regular basis by the Child Support Agency itself; what is the average weekly amount currently payable, excluding any arrears, under these assessments; and how many of these assessments are interim assessments of category A or D. [34440]

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

  Letter from Tony Ward to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 19 July 1995:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Questions to the Secretary of State for Social Security about child maintenance paid in full or part, excluding any arrears.
  You asked for this information broken down between full maintenance assessments and Category A and D interim maintenance assessments (IMAs). As Category D IMAs were only introduced in April this year and none have so far been issued, we have therefore assumed that you were interested in Category B IMAs which have been used since April 1993. These are imposed when the absent parent fails to provide information on a second partner's income.
  Although the information is not available in the specific form you request, I hope you will find the following, which reflects the position as at 29 May, helpful. It relates to payments of regular maintenance and maintenance due for the period before the assessment was completed (known as the initial payment period).

  Full payment1

  Partial payment2

  Average assessment3

  Full maintenance assessment4

  25,676

  55,943

  5£43.46

  Interim maintenance

  5,756

  12,921

  £96.34

  1 Full means nothing due at 29 May 1995.

  2 Partial means at least one scheduled payment had been received.

  3 Data obtained from a one per cent, statistical sample carried out on 11 March 1995. Includes cases in which no payment has been made.

  4 Includes Category B interim maintenance assessments.

  5 Relates to cases in which the absent parent is in employment. Excludes absent parents on income support.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what will be the effect on manpower of moving some of the operations of Child Support Agency into local offices as stated in the agency's most recent business plan;
  1499
  and what measures will be adopted to monitor the costs of such a development. [34459]

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

  Letter from Tony Ward to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 19 July 1995:
  In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the effect on manpower of moving some work into local child support offices.
  As with any transfer of work within an organisation there will be a commensurate movement of resources. This will ensure that staff in local child support offices are properly equipped and trained to complete some maintenance assessments. Proper management controls will be in place to monitor costs arising from the movement of this work.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what changes he will be making to the Child Support Agency's computer system to allow assessments to be carried out in local offices; what will be the cost; who will be the contractor and how they will be chosen; what quality assurance measures will be taken; when the changes will be completed; and what measures are to be taken to guarantee the security of the system. [34457]

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

  Letter from Tony Ward to Ms Liz Lynne dated 19 July 1995:
  In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the changes to the Child Support Agency's computer system to maintenance assessments to be carried out locally.
  Full access to the child support computer system which will allow staff in local offices to make some maintenance assessments will be introduced in early 1996 and we have asked the Information Technology Services Agency to arrange for this work to be carried out. Details such as the total cost of the plan, quality assurance, security of the system and final rollout will be addressed during the planning process.

  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the number of Child Support Agency offices in the United Kingdom at 19 June. [34766]

  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. she will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Tony Ward to Mr. Tom Cox, dated 19 June 1995:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of Child Support Offices in the United Kingdom.
  As at 19 June 1995 there were 320 local Child Support Agency offices in Great Britain. I am unable to provide you with information for the whole of the United Kingdom as the operations of the Agency in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will provide a monthly breakdown of the number of parents with care who cease to claim benefit within four weeks of intervention by the Child Support Agency. [34834]
  1500
  Mr. Mitchell
  The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Tony Ward to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 19 July 1995:
  I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of parents with care who cease to receive benefit within four weeks of being contacted by the Child Support Agency.
  During 1994/95 over 60,000 parents with care ceased their claim to Income Support within four weeks of action by the Child Support Agency. The table at annex A shows a monthly breakdown of this figure.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Cases where parent with care ceased to claim Income Support within four weeks of contact from the Child Support Agency: April 1994 to March 1995

  Month

  Volume

  April

  5,737

  May

  5,977

  June

  6,282

  July

  4,791

  August

  4,565

  September

  5,352

  October

  5,109

  November

  5,129

  December

  3,329

  January

  4,163

  February

  4,448

  March

  5,344

  Total

  60,226

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many forms 676 indicating that parents with care have been moved off benefit as a result of the payment of child support maintenance have been issued from the Child Support Agency to the Benefits Agency; and if he will provide a monthly breakdown for the financial year 1994 to 1995. [34835]

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

  Letter from Tony Ward to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 19 July 1995:
  In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the number of parents with care who have moved off benefit following the payment of child maintenance assessed by the Child Support Agency (Maintenance Cessations).
  The information that you have requested is shown in the table below.

  Month

  Maintenance Cessations

  April

  614

  May

  403

  June

  905

  July

  1,378

  August

  655

  September

  560

  October

  451

  November

  975

  1501

  Month

  Maintenance Cessations

  December

  552

  January

  546

  February

  628

  March

  511

  1994–95

  8,178

  I hope this is helpful.

  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of hon. Members' queries to the Child Support Agency are fully answered within the time laid down in the Child Support Agency charter; and what percentage of the general public's queries are fully answered within the charter time. [35039]

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

  Letter from Tony Ward to Mr. Ken Purchase, dated 19 July 1995:
  In the absence of Miss Chant, the Chief Executive, I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about the Child Support Agency's performance in replying to correspondence.
  The Agency does not use a charter standard for measuring the time taken to reply to MP's correspondence. Instead, it follows the Departmental target of replying to MP's letters within 20 days. The table below shows the performance against this target which highlights the improvements achieved over recent months.

  Percentage

  1–20 days

  21–40 days

  Over 40 days

  September 1994

  14

  55

  31

  May 1995

  56

  44

  0

  The Agency has a charter standard to reply to written enquiries from the public "within 10 working days". During 1994/95 the Agency replied to 35% of written enquiries within the charter standard.

  I hope this is helpful.

  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 22 May,Official Report, column 432, to the hon. Member for Newham, North-East (Mr. Timms) how the figure for benefit savings achieved by the Child Support Agency was arrived at; and if he will give a detailed breakdown. [27998]

  Mr. Mitchell
  [pursuant to the reply of the Minister of State for Social Security 12 June 1995, c. 492]: The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the chief executive, Miss Ann Chant. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ann Chant to Ms Liz Lynne, dated 19 July 1995:
  I wrote to you in reply on 13 June in reply to PQ2406/1993/94 which concerned the benefit savings achieved by the Child Support Agency during 1994/95.
  Unfortunately there was a small typographical error in the annex attached to my letter. The entry in the table "Income Support exceeded rate of benefit" should have read "Maintenance exceeded rate of benefit". Please find a corrected copy of the table attached.
  Please accept my apologies for this error.
  1502

  Category of benefit savings

  Amount (£ million)

  Resulting from pre-CSA assessments:

  Paid direct by absent parent to parent with care

  119.52

  Paid through Agency collection service to Secretary of State

  7.00

  Resulting from CSA assessments:

  Paid direct by absent parent to parent with care

  13.76

  Paid through Agency collection service to Secretary of state

  47.94

  Deductions from income support payments made to absent parents

  2.38

  Income Support claim cessation:

  Maintenance exceeded rate of benefit

  23.83

  Income support claim withdrawn within 4 weeks of CSA action

  199.53

  Reductions in Family Credit or Disability Working allowance resulting from CSA assessments

  12.84

  Housing benefit/Council tax reductions resulting from CSA assessments

  52.25

  Total

  479.05

  Contributions Agency
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish the internal guidance that is currently available to local DSS staff which enables them to determine whether a person should be regarded as employed or self-employed. [34572]

  Mr. Heald
  The administration of the Contributions Agency is a matter for Mrs. Faith Boardman, the chief executive. She will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. Ian McCartney, dated 19 July 1995:
  As Chief Executive of the Contributions Agency, I have responsibility for answering questions about operational matters relating to the Agency and the National Insurance (NI) scheme. I have been asked to reply to your question about the publication of the internal guidance which enables staff to determine whether a person should be regarded as employed or self-employed.
  The Agency has decided against publishing its current internal guidance at this time because there appears to be little likelihood of sufficient demand for a sight of them to warrant the cost of formal publication. But under the Government's Code of Practice we will respond to any individual request for copies of our internal guidance; and we intend to keep the options under review in the light of demand.
  I hope this reply proves helpful. Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

  Home Visits
  Mr. Godsiff
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the present circumstances and conditions under which officials from his Department evaluate a home visit to claimant as necessary; and what plans he has for changes in procedures as a result of his announced proposals to reduce benefit abuse. [35369]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Home visits are the responsibility of the chief executives of the Benefits Agency and of the War Pensions Agency, who will write to the hon. Member.
  1503
  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Roger Godsiff, dated 18 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the reasons for home visits by officials of the Department and the planned changes in procedures.
  Benefits such as Child Benefit, Family Credit, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Disability Working Allowance, Attendance Allowance (AA), Invalid Care Allowance, Disablement Benefits and Retirement Pensions are centrally administered by the Benefits Agency (BA) and if a home visit is required BA District staff are locally based to carry them out. A visit may be appropriate if a customer is having difficulty in completing their claim form, perhaps because of illness or disability or because a customer has failed to return an order book that had been requested.
  As well as carrying out visits for centrally administered benefits, BA District staff routinely visit customers in connection with claims to Income Support (IS), Social Fund, Incapacity Benefit and Severe Disablement Allowance. As a result of the announced proposals to reduce benefit abuse 300,000 additional home visits will be made on new claims for IS during the financial year 1995/96. An additional 187,500 home visits will be made to customers currently in receipt of IS. These home visits will be targeted at claims where there is a significant risk that they are incorrect. The criteria for these visits has been determined through a detailed examination of the outcome of a number of home visits. The aim is not only to reduce benefit abuse but also to reduce customer error and errors by the BA. It will also allow the BA to identify circumstances in which customers are entitled to additional Social Security benefits.
  The Benefits Agency Medical Service (BAMS) doctors conduct medical examinations in connection with claims for DLA and AA in the customer's own home in order to assess needs within the home environment. Most other claims for benefit that require a medical examination are carried out at the Medical Service's examination centres. A BAMS Medical advisor will consider the available evidence and recommend a home examination if in his opinion it is required because of the customer's medical condition.
  Annex A outlines the existing criteria for visits to customers claiming locally administered benefits. This list is not exhaustive. Priority would always be given to visits that involved questions of benefit entitlement. Attached at Annexes B and C are the additional criteria applied to new and existing IS claims from which cases may be selected for home visits.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Existing criteria for visit by BA staff Annex A
  The customer is unable to complete a postal claim form or Social Fund application and is not able to attend the office for interview.
  The customer, excluding those that are required to be available and actively seeking work, requests a visit after the issue of a claim form, even if the form has been completed.
  Difficulties are revealed which cannot be resolved by any other method.
  In IS cases where a routine case check is due in respect of pensioners appointees.
  The customer, excluding those that are required to be available and actively seeking work, fails to return a review form A2.
  It is the only way of verifying the customer's identity and/or address or the validity of the claim.
  Appointee action is required, if a customer is unable to handle their own affairs.
  A visit to a customer with a chronic or mental illness who has for no apparent reason stopped submitting medical evidence.
  The case is included in the random selection of claims made under Trade Dispute procedures.
  The case is selected for a random check.
  Visits to UK nationals who are approaching 100 years of age.
  Retrieval of order books when postal methods have failed.
  Where there is suspicion of fraud or other irregularity.
  1504
  Additional criteria for visits on new IS claims Annex B
  Unexplained background to claim or claim incomplete.
  Number of children inconsistent with the amount of Child Benefit declared.
  Customer has no National Insurance Number.
  Customer has recently separated from partner.
  Customer has no fixed address, claim form gives address but customer states he is not residing there.
  Customer requests that their claim is backdated more than one month.
  Customer indicates on their claim form that the Habitual Residence Test is appropriate.
  Customer lives at a multi occupancy address or address where there are problems with the postal arrangements.
  Customer may be living as husband and wife with another person not declared as their partner.
  Additional criteria for visits on current IS claims Annex C
  Customer is a Lone Parent and not receiving One Parent Benefit.
  Child Benefit inconsistent with the number of children the customer is claiming for.
  Non-householders aged 25 to 35.
  Customer, or their partner, was self employed prior to claiming IS.
  Customer, or their partner, is currently self employed.
  Customer, or their partner, is working as an employed earner.
  Customer, or their partner, has income other than earnings or other Social Security Benefit.
  Customer is over 75 years of age.
  Payment of IS is made by Automated Credit Transfer (ACT).

  Letter from Brian Sweet to Mr. Roger Godsiff, dated 19 July 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Peter Mathison, Chief Executive of the War Pensions Agency, to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about home visits. Mr. Mathison is away from the office today and has asked me to reply on his behalf.
  Within the War Pensions Agency, home visits are carried out by the War Pensioners' Welfare Service (WPWS). The visiting policy of the WPWS was agreed by consultation with staff, ex-service organisations and War Pensions Committee members and sanctioned by the Central Advisory Committee following ministerial approval.

  The policy is as follows:

  1. To respond to requests for assistance within set target times.

  2. To visit war widows pensioners aged 60 plus, assessed at 30 per cent. or more disabled and all widows aged 60 plus.

  3. To visit all current invaliding cases.

  4. To visit all war widows within 6 weeks of the receipt of notification of a pensioner's death.

  5. To offer a visit to all inter-war cases by arrangement with the Ministry of Defence.

  6. To offer a visit to all pensioners whose accepted disablement suggests:

  a) life threatening condition

  b) attendance/mobility needs

  c) psychiatric disorder

  d) greater disablement.

  A standard formula is in use to fully evaluate the visit and an action plan is produced, for resolution of any problems, in each case.
  There are no plans for changes in WPWS procedures as a result of the Secretary of State for Social Security's proposals to reduce benefit fraud; as such matters are dealt with by the Benefits Agency on our behalf.
  1505
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many home visits have been made by Benefits Agency staff in the course of their duties in the latest period for which figures are available; and what were the equivalent figures(a) three, (b) five, (c) 10 and (d) 15 years ago. [34444]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  [holding answer 14 June 1995]: I am unable to provide the figures for all of the home visits

  Annex A

  April 1994-March 1995

  April 1991-March 1992

  April 1989-March 1990

  April 1984-March 1985

  April 1979-March 1980

  Effective IS visits

  498,819

  552,191

  803,795

  3,001,362

  6,686,752

  Effective CB visits

  49,186

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  IS Income Support CB Contributory Benefit

  Data is provisional and is subject to amendment.

  Retirement Pension
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was his most recent estimate of the average sum paid to(a) female pensioners and (b) male pensioners over their period of entitlement; and if he will make a statement. [33086]

  Mr. Heald
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The information is not available in the form requested. An estimate of the average amount of retirement pension paid over their lifetimes to (a) male pensioners retiring now at 65 and (b) single female pensioners (never married) retiring now at 60 is given in the table.

  Estimated RP receipt1

  1994 prices

  Age in 1994

  Average receipt in 1994

  Average lifetime2 receipt3

  Male4

  65

  £73.79 per week

  £61,800

  Female, never married

  60

  £62.72 per week

  £78,900

  1 RP includes Basic RP, SERPS and GRADS. Dependent additions are excluded.

  2 Life expectancies are for GB.

  3 Individuals are assumed not to suffer any change in circumstances, marital or otherwise, which may affect pension entitlement. RP is assumed to be uprated in line with prices.

  4Excluding widowers.

SCOTLAND

  National Roads Directorate
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has reached a conclusion on the prior options study of the Scottish Office National Roads Directorate and whether he will make a statement. [36602]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The prior options study examined a number of options for the future conduct of the management of the trunk road network. It took into account that, over a number of years, the Scottish Office has successfully pursued a series of policies which have increased the level of private sector involvement in the directorate's activities, through contracting out and the development of new contract forms. The directorate made
  1506
  we make as the figures on some areas of work are not collated nationally.

  I have, however, attached at annex A a table giving the available figures. It includes income support visits for all the periods requested and contributory benefits visits for the year April 1994 to March 1995 only.

  a valuable contribution to the study through identification of further scope for private sector involvement, some of which is already being pursued. The study concluded that this can best be achieved by retaining the National Roads Directorate within the Scottish Office. I do not therefore propose to create a next steps executive agency.

  Past policy development in relation to trunk roads has been consistent with next steps principles; and the directorate will seek to extend the application to its work of those principles as developed in "Taking Forward Continuity and Change", Cm 2748.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the framework which is being proposed for the transfer of property on 1 April 1996 from existing councils to their successors. [36603]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The Scottish Office is today issuing for consultation a draft order which sets out the arrangements by which it is proposed that existing local authority property should transfer on 1 April 1996 to the new councils, joint boards and the Scottish Children's Reporter Administration. I am placing copies of the draft order in the Library. Views on the draft property transfer order have been invited by 14 August 1995. The finalised order will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible thereafter.

  It is proposed that, wherever possible, new councils should come together to agree on the allocation of property. I hope that most property will be allocated in this way but I acknowledge that this may not always be possible. Accordingly my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will be setting up a small independent property commission which will be charged with determining the authority to which disputed property should be transferred. The draft order contains proposals for the principles to which the commission should adhere in making its determinations. It is intended that the property commission will be set up from September 1995. Consideration is currently being given to its membership and precise remit.
  1507

  Veterinary Services
  Sir Hector Monro
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made on reviewing the Highlands and Islands veterinary services scheme and if he will make a statement. [36604]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  A review of this scheme has been completed and revised arrangements, which have been agreed with the British Veterinary Association, will be introduced which will ensure the availability of an adequate veterinary service at reasonable cost to crofters and persons of like economic status in the former crofting counties in respect of animals kept for agricultural purposes. Grants paid to participating veterinary practices will include mileage grant, supplementary travel grant and, in certain of the western islands, difficult area practice grant. The standard visit fee to be paid by the crofters will also be increased to £12.50.

  I am very glad that we have been able to introduce this revised scheme of assistance towards the provision of veterinary services to crofters. It will protect animal health and welfare and contribute to improving the productivity of livestock which is of such importance to the economy of the crofting areas. The scheme targets resources at the areas where there is greatest need and makes provision for additional veterinary practices to join the scheme.

  The revised scheme will be introduced with effect from 1 April 1995. Further details have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Trade Missions
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the occasions on which he and his ministerial colleagues have been on overseas trade missions in(a) 1992–93, (b) 1993–94 and (c) 1994–95; how many such visits are programmed for 1995–96; and if he will give the out-turn, estimated or anticipated cost for each year. [19219]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Electronic Data Systems
  Mr. Mullin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the contracts his Department has with the computer company EDS. [33172]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The Scottish Office has no contracts with EDS—Electronic Data Systems.
  1508

  Departmental Staff (Shareholdings)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many staff in his Department or its agencies have(a) declared any company shareholdings they hold or (b) been advised to dispose of shareholdings in the past five years, indicating the companies concerned. [33424]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  None.

  Civil Servants (Party Political Activity)
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what rules apply to the provision by his Department, including his special advisers, of advice, briefing notes, draft speeches or other information to Conservative Members; what such material has been made available in the last two years; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  It is an established principle that civil servants should not engage in activities likely to call in question their political impartiality, or to give rise to criticism that officials paid for out of public funds are being used for party-political purposes.

  Accordingly, the following rules apply:

  (a)civil servants in their official capacity are prohibited from attending conferences arranged by political parties;

  (b) they may not attend meetings of policy or subject groups of the parliamentary parties;

  (c) they may not attend all-party subject groups or committees except to accompany a Minister and to respond to factual questions;

  (d) these rules need not inhibit factual briefings by officials of MPs on overseas or regional visits;

  (e) Ministers may also arrange factual briefing by officials, for MPs of one party provided that a Minister attends the meeting and similar facilities are offered to MPs of other parties;

  (f) Ministers should always be present when MPs are to discuss sensitive areas of public policy with officials.

  Written briefing material provided by officials to Ministers may be distributed to Back-Bench Members provided that it would be released to any genuine inquirer and that hon. Members of all parties may have access to it.

  The rules do not prevent agency chief executives and managers of local offices, with the Minister's approval, from communicating with hon. Members about problems of individual constituents.

  A record of the material made available to hon. Members could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Civil Servants (Party Political Activity)
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions over any recent convenient period he has granted leave to civil servants, at a level to be in contact with himself as Secretary of State, to participate in party political activity. [33004]

  .Mr Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 10 July 1995]: None.
  1509

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) 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; [33435]

  (2) if he will estimate the cost of employing consultants in connection with privatisation programmes in which his Department has been engaged since 1980; [33454]

  (3) how many contracts his Department has had with consultants; and what has been the total cost in each of the last five years. [33565]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The information requested is currently not held centrally and is therefore not available. Steps are, however, being taken to establish a central record of such information.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and agencies for which it is responsible to(a) Coopers and Lybrand and its subsidiaries, (b) Peat Marwick and its subsidiaries, (c) Ernst and Young and its subsidiaries, (d) Arthur Andersen and its subsidiaries, (e) Price Waterhouse and its subsidiaries, (f) Grant Thornton and its subsidiaries, (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries, (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries and (i) Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33908]

  Mr. Forsyth
  The information requested is currently not held centrally and is therefore not available. Steps are, however, being taken to establish a central record of such information.

  Guidance to staff considering the use of external consultants is available from my Department's efficiency unit and purchasing and supply division.

  Woodland Grant Scheme
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list all recipients of woodland grant scheme payment over £1,000 in Scotland in 1993–94 by(a) name, (b) location of woodland, (c) amount and (d) date paid. [33758]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I have arranged for a list to be placed in the Library.

  Fisheries
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total catch of(a) sandeels and (b) other fish in the Shetland sandeel fishery during 1995. [34128]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  In total 1,165 tonnes of sandeels were caught and under 10 tonnes of by-catch taken from the Shetland sandeel fishery during 1995.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many vessels fished, and for how many days in 1995, within 5 km of the special protection areas(a) around Noss, (b) around Foula and (c) in Mousa Sound; [34130]
  1510
  (2) what was the total catch of sandeels during 1995 within 5 km of the special protection areas (a) around Noss, (b) around Foula and (c) in Mousa Sound. [34129]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information requested cannot be provided as fisheries statistics are not collected in this form.

  Departments of Employment and Education (Merger)
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effect of the Department of Employment and Department of Education merger for the Scottish Education Department; and what responsibilities the Secretary of State for Scotland will take over from the Department of Employment.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister today.

  Water Pollution
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of water pollution have been recorded in each year of the last five years, by region. [34630]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Statistics recording the number of water pollution incidents for 1992–93 and 1993–94 are set out below for each river purification board area in Scotland. Figures for earlier years are not available on a comparable basis.

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Clyde

  1,036

  791

  Forth

  711

  622

  Highland

  271

  283

  North east

  324

  439

  Solway

  238

  347

  Tay

  289

  394

  Tweed

  151

  205

  Departmental Computer Equipment
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [34560]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Redundancies
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [34613]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  There were 159 redundancies in my Department in 1994–95, all of which were voluntary.

  The costs of redundancies are met from the Department's running costs provision and accounted for along with the costs of various forms of early retirement.

  1511
  A breakdown of the costs of redundancy alone could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  However, the gross cost to the Scottish Office in 1994–95 of all early leavers was £2.4 million including £0.9 million for the Scottish Prison Agency. This sum will be more than offset over time by consequential salary savings as staff numbers reduce.

  Agricultural Subsidies
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [35123]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The estimated outturn for the financial year 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 is £90.1 million. This represents 22.7 per cent. of the United Kingdom total.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the beef special premium scheme for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34989]

  Mr. Robertson
  Payments under the beef special premium scheme in Scotland in the financial year 1994–95 totalled £27.4 million.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost of the Suckler Cow Premium Scheme for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [34990]

  Mr. Robertson
  The estimated outturn for the financial year 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995 is £48.7 million.

  Mr. Tipping
  to ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by region the number of landowners receiving payments under the arable area payments scheme of(a) less than £25,000, (b) between £25,000 and £50,000, (c) between £50,000 and £1 million and (d) above £1 million, for the latest year for which figures are available. [35361]

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

  Mr. Maclennan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of producers excluded from the 1994 suckler cow premium scheme by virtue of late submission of an application. [35720]

  Mr. Robertson
  Four applications under the 1994 suckler cow premium scheme were formally lodged with the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department after the final date for receipt of valid applications.

  European Regional Development Fund
  Mr. Watson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what aspects of European regional development fund moneys channelled through the Scottish Office were the subject of the recent inquiry by the EU Regional Aid Commissioner; what information was provided by the Scottish Office in response; and if he will make a statement. [35140]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
  1512

  Scottish National Heritage
  Mr. Galbraith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 29 June,Official Report, column 790, if he will list the (a) conservation bodies, (b) farmers, (c) landowners, (d) countryside sports body and (e) other bodies addressed by the chairman of Scottish National Heritage since its inception.

  Mr. Kynoch
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Agri-environment Programme
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to review the operation and effectiveness of the agri-environment measures operating in Scotland. [34845]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  All aspects of the operation and effectiveness of the agri-environment measures are kept under review.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will outline his policy towards environmentally sensitive areas; for what reasons farmers and crofters in Scotland are subject to financial limits on the annual environmentally sensitive area payments they receive; and what plans he has to harmonise their treatment to accord with practice in the rest of the United Kingdom. [34843]

  Mr. Robertson
  The environmentally sensitive areas scheme is an important part of Scotland's agri-environmental programme and has operated since 1987, for the benefit of many farmers and crofters and Scotland's unique natural heritage. The financial limits are designed to ensure that the resources available for the scheme are not absorbed by a small number of large farms at the expense of smaller units which could demonstrate conservation benefits. The scheme has been tailored specifically to reflect Scottish conditions and I have no plans to harmonise the detail of the scheme to accord with the approach adopted elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what community environmental objectives will be met by the agri-environment programme in Scotland as required by article 3.3(c) of the EU Agri-Environment Regulations 2078/92. [34846]

  Mr. Robertson
  The objectives of the environmentally sensitive areas scheme, the heather moorland scheme, the habitats scheme, the organic aid scheme and the set-aside access scheme are in compliance with respectively, article 2.1(a), (b), (c), (d) and (g), 2.1(c) and (d), 2,1(f), 2.1(a) and (d) and 2.1 (g) of regulation (EEC) 2078/92.

  In addition, the environmentally sensitive areas scheme, the heather moorland scheme and the habitats scheme also reflect the objectives of the habitats directive—92/43/EEC—and the birds directive–79.409/EEC.

  Alcoholic Drinks
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the contribution of alcoholic drinks production to the Scottish gross domestic product in the latest year for which figures are available, and if he will make a statement. [34983]
  1513
  Mr. Kynoch
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Environmentally Sensitive Areas
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the annual budget for each of the Scottish environmentally sensitive areas, the number of agreements approved to date in each environmentally sensitive area and the number remaining to be processed; and if he expects the budget to be fully spent in 1995–96. [34842]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Financial provision for the environmentally sensitive areas scheme as a whole in Scotland for 1995–96 is £5.7 million. Funds are not allocated to individual environmentally sensitive areas. The number of plans approved in each area and the number under consideration as at the end of May are set out in the table:

  Number of ESA plans approved

  Number of ESA plans under consideration

  Breadalbane

  177

  17

  Loch Lomond

  68

  6

  Stewartry

  240

  24

  Central Borders (formerly Whitelaw and Eildon)

  35

  10

  Machair of the Uists and Benbecula Barra and Vatersay

  612

  52

  Central Southern Uplands

  115

  34

  Western Southern Uplands

  51

  32

  Cairngorms Straths

  14

  30

  Argyll Islands

  55

  36

  Shetland Islands

  14

  13

  Total

  1,381

  254

  It is too early to say whether the budget for 1995–96 will be fully utilised.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the number of staff hours taken up in assessing whether applications breach the financial limits on annual payments in environmentally sensitive areas, indicating how much time elapses, on average, between receipt of environmentally sensitive area applications and their approval. [34844]

  Mr. Robertson
  There is an automatic computer check on the extent to which applications comply with the specified financial limits but this is only one of many aspects covered in the assessment process and it is not possible to estimate how much time is devoted to any single part of the process. The average period of time between receipt of an acceptable application and the issue of an offer of agreement is 111 days.

  Algrade Trust
  Mr. Home-Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the consideration of the affairs of the Algrade trust by the Scottish Charities Office; if he will make further provision, to improve the accommodation and care of 1514
  residents on the trust's premises at Humbie; and if the Crown Office intends to take any action against the former trustees. [34773]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Housing
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses in Scotland were affected by(a) dampness and (b) condensation in the last year for which figures are available. [35220]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Local authorities estimated that the number of public sector houses affected by(a) dampness total 55,554 and (b) condensation total 142,684 as at 31 March 1994.

  Information for Scottish Homes and the new town is not held centrally.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses in Scotland were classified as below the tolerable standard in the last year for which figures are available. [35221]

  Mr. Robertson
  The latest available information on the number of houses in Scotland below the tolerable standard is published in the statistical bulletin HSG/1994/8 "Dwellings below the Tolerable Standard (BTS) in Scotland: Estimates by Local Authorities for March 1994 and Details of Action on such Dwellings". This bulletin is available in the Library.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the Government guidelines or circulars issued by his Department to islands councils and district councils in Scotland since 1 January 1993 relating to the discharge of these councils' functions as housing authorities. [35711]

  Mr. Raymond Robertson
  The list of guidelines or circulars issued by the housing group of the Scottish Office Environment Department since 1 January 1993 to district and islands councils in Scotland is as follows:

  Date

  Guidelines/Circulars

  1993

  ENV 7/1993

  Local Authorities Etc (Allowances) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 1993.

  ENV 12/1993

  New Style Housing Plans, Annual Policy Statements and Housing Capital Programmes.

  ENV 14/1993

  Guidance on Strategic Priorities and Option Appraisal in Housing Investment.

  ENV 15/1993

  Housing and Community Care: Bridging Finance.

  ENV 19/1993

  Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993: Commencement of Provisions Relating Exclusively to Scotland.

  ENV 20/1993

  Extension of Rent to Mortgage Scheme to Local Authority Tenants

  ENV 21/1993

  Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993: Commencement of Part II, Chapter II Provisions.

  1515

  Date

  Guidelines/Circulars

  ENV 24/1993

  Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993: Commencement Order and Associated Orders.

  ENV 26/1993

  Housing for People Leaving the Armed Forces.

  1994

  ENV 2/1994

  Housing and Crime Prevention.

  ENV 8/1994

  Right to Compensation for Improvements.

  ENV 12/1994

  Right to Repair.

  ENV 23/1994

  Housing Management Plans.

  ENV 27/1994

  Community Care—The Housing Dimension.

  ENV 30/1994

  Improvement and Repairs Grant System: Aims and Objectives.

  ENV 32/1994

  Housing (Scotland) Act 1987: Part XIV: Defective Housing Ending of Scheme of Assistance.

  September 93

  Refurbishment Contracts: Guidelines for the more effective involvement of tenants in the repair and improvement of their homes. Tenant Feedback: A Step-by-Step Guide to Tenant Satisfaction Surveys.

  1993–95

  A series of 5 Housing Management Good Practices Notes on Rent Collection and Rent Accounting, Rent Arrears Management, Void Management, Tenant Participation and Tenancy Management.

  1994

  9 reports of pilot studies carried out in England by the Department of the Environment on housing management CCT covering aspects including organisational change, tenants consultation, contract specification and information technology.

  May 95

  Housing Management CCT—Issues for Authorities with Dispersed or Sparse Housing Stock.

  Unemployment
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many registered unemployed there were in Scotland on the latest date for which figures are available; and what was the equivalent figure for 1979. [35226]

  Police establishment

  Police strength1

  Civilian establishment2

  Civilian strength2

  At 1 April 1994

  Central

  650

  658

  203

  173

  Dumfries and Galloway

  384

  386

  177

  147

  Fife

  780

  791

  273

  237

  Grampian

  1,178

  1,193

  479

  422

  Lothian and Borders

  2,522

  2,558

  1,183

  965

  Northern

  654

  658

  352

  321

  1516
  Mr. Kynoch
  In June 1995, seasonally adjusted claimant unemployment in Scotland was 197,600. The equivalent figure in 1979 was 138,500.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many registered unemployed there were who had been out of work for more than a year in Scotland on the latest date for which figures are available; and what was the equivalent figure for 1979. [35227]

  Mr. Kynoch
  In April 1995, 70,100 people in Scotland had been claimant unemployed for more than a year.

  An equivalent figure for 1979 is not available.

  Nurses
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many nurses in training there were in Scotland in each year since 1979; [35652]

  (2) how many nurses were employed in the Scottish NHS in each year since 1979. [35651]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Residential and Nursing Homes
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the numbers of people being cared for in private nursing homes and private residential homes for the elderly in Scotland in(a) 1979, (b) 1990 and (c) the last year for which figures are available. [35655]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The table shows the available information:

  1985

  1987

  1990

  1993

  1994

  Private nursing homes

  n/a

  15,063

  110,311

  117,012

  15,676

  Private residential homes for the elderly

  901

  1,960

  3,195

  3,295

  n/a

  1 Number of places.

  The earliest year for which information is available for private residential homes is 1985 and 1987 for nursing homes.

  Police Force
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is(a) the establishment and (b) the manpower of each police force in Scotland in terms of (i) numbers of police officers and (ii) numbers of civilian support staff as at (1) 1 April 1994 and (2) 1 April 1995. [34322]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is set out in the table.
  1517

  Police establishment

  Police strength1

  Civilian establishment2

  Civilian strength2

  Strathclyde

  6,954

  6,860

  2,066

  1,548

  Tayside

  1,079

  1,070

  438

  364

  Total

  14,201

  14,174

  5,171

  4,177

  At 1 April 1995

  Central

  652

  656

  217

  185

  Dumfries and Galloway

  384

  391

  177

  162

  Fife

  780

  789

  284

  235

  Grampian

  1,178

  1,194

  487

  427

  Lothian and Borders

  2,522

  2,539

  1,222

  1,003

  Northern

  654

  649

  368

  318

  Strathclyde

  6,954

  7,014

  2,231

  1,618

  Tayside

  1,085

  1,091

  464

  399

  Total

  14,209

  14,323

  5,450

  4,347

  1 Includes officers on secondment.

  2 Includes traffic wardens, clerical and technical staff, cadets, domestics, cleaners, and Dart-time staff.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current ratio of police officers to civilian support staff in(a) each police force in Scotland and (b) overall in Scotland. [34323]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is as follows:

  Force

  Ratio of police officers to civilian support staff at 1 April 1995

  Central

  3.5:1

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2.4:1

  Fife

  3.3:1

  Grampian

  2.8:1

  Lothian and Borders

  2.5:1

  Northern

  2.0:1

  Strathclyde

  4.3:1

  Tayside

  2.7:1

  Scotland

  3.3:1

  Police numbers include officers on secondment. Civilian numbers include traffic wardens, clerical and technical staff, cadets, domestics, cleaners (except in the case of Strathclyde where cleaning services have been contracted out) and part-time staff.

  Human Rights
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department or the Lord Advocate were consulted on Scottish issues in connection with the Government's fourth periodic report to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. [34669]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish office was fully involved in the preparation of the United Kingdom's fourth periodic report to the human rights committee under article 40 of the international covenant on civil and political rights.

  Wildlife
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the globally endangered and endemic species of wildlife found in Scotland and their current conservation status; and what sum is currently being spent by Scottish Natural Heritage on safeguarding these species. [34924]
  1518
  Mr. Kynoch
  The information requested is given below:

  List of globally threatened and threatened endemic species occurring in Scotland

  Globally threatened species

  Common name

  Red data book status

  Fungi

  Tulostoma niveum

  —

  Vulnerable

  Lichens

  Collema dichotomurn

  River jelly lichen

  Vulnerable

  Schistmatoma

  —

  Vulnerable

  graphidioides

  Bryophytes

  Lejeuna mandonii

  —

  Endangered

  Gymnostonum insigne

  —

  (Localised)

  Vascular plants

  Artemisia norvegica

  Norwegian mugwort

  Rare

  Euphrasia spp (x5)

  Eyebrights

  Rare

  Trichomanes

  Killarney fern

  Endangered

  speciosum

  Invertebrates

  Hirudo medicinalis

  Medicinal leech

  Rare

  Margaritifera

  Freshwater pearl

  Scarce

  margaritifera

  mussel

  Formica aquilonia

  —

  Scarce

  Formica lugubris

  —

  Scarce

  Vertigo angustior

  —

  Endangered

  Vertigo genesii

  —

  Endangered

  Vertigo geyeri

  —

  Endangered

  Herpetofauna

  Dermochelyidae/

  Marine turtles

  Endangered

  Cheloniidae (x4)

  Birds

  Crex Crex

  Corncrake

  Red data book listed

  Mammals

  Delphinapterus leucas

  white whale, beluga

  Insufficiently known

  Monodon monoceros

  narwhal

  Insufficiently known

  Phocoena phocoena

  harbour porpoise

  Insufficiently known

  1519

  List of globally threatened and threatened endemic species occurring in Scotland

  Globally threatened species

  Common name

  Red data book status

  Lagenorhynchus albirostris

  white-beaked dolphin

  Insufficiently known

  Lagenorhynchus acutus

  Atlantic white-sided dolphin

  Insufficiently known

  Grampus griseus

  Risso's dolphin

  Insufficiently known

  Tursiops truncatus

  bottlenose dolphin

  Insufficiently known

  Stenella coeruleoalba

  striped dolphin

  Insufficiently known

  Delphinus delphis

  common dolphin

  Insufficiently known

  Pseudorca crassidens

  false killer whale

  Insufficiently known

  Orcinus orca

  killer whale

  Insufficiently known

  Globicephala melas

  long-finned pilot whale

  Insufficiently known

  Mesoplodon bidens

  Sowerby's beaked whale

  Insufficiently known

  Mesoplodon densirostris

  Blainville's beaked whale

  Insufficiently known

  Mesoplodon nurus

  True's beaked whale

  Insufficiently known

  Ziphius cavirostris

  Cuvier's beaked whale

  Insufficiently known

  Hyperoodon

  northern bottlenose

  Insufficiently

  ampullatus

  whale

  known

  Physeter

  sperm whale

  Insufficiently

  macrocephalus

  known

  Kogia breviceps

  pygmy sperm whale

  Insufficiently known

  Eubalaena glacialis

  northern right whale

  Endangered

  Balaenoptera

  minke whale

  Insufficiently

  acutorostrata

  known

  Balaenoptera borealis

  sei whale

  Vulnerable

  Balaenoptera musculus

  blue whale

  Endangered

  Balaenoptera physalus

  fin whale

  Vulnerable

  Megaptera

  humpback whale

  Vulnerable

  novaeangliae

  Threatened endemics

  Bryophytes

  Bryoerythrophyllum

  —

  (Localised)

  caledonicum2

  Pictus scoticus2

  —

  Data deficient

  Pohlia scotica2

  —

  (Localised)

  Spagnum Skyense2

  —

  Data deficient

  Bryum dixonii2

  —

  Scarce

  Fossombronia

  —

  Scarce

  fimbriata1

  Algae

  Chara muscosa

  Mossy Stonewort

  Indeterminate

  (possibly extinct)

  Vascular plants

  Athyrium flexile2

  Newman's lady fern

  Scarce

  Calamagrostis scotica
  22

  Scottish small-reed

  Vulnerable

  Cerastium nigrescens2

  Shetland mouse-ear

  Rare

  Cochlearia micacea2

  Mountain scurvy-grass

  Rare

  Epipactis youngiana2

  Young's helleborine

  Vulnerable

  Senecio cambrensis2

  Welsh groundsel

  Rare

  Primula scotica2

  Scots primrose

  Scarce

  Invertebrates

  Procas granulicollis

  —

  Indeterminate

  Thinobius newberyi

  a rove beetle

  Vulnerable

  Aricia artaxerxes

  northern brown argus

  Scarce

  1520

  List of globally threatened and threatened endemic species occurring in Scotland

  Globally threatened species

  Common name

  Red data book status

  Birds

  Loxia scotica

  Scottish crossbill

  Red data book listed

  1 Endemic to Britain and Ireland rather than Britain alone.2.Species that occur in Scotland only

  NB. The sea mammals listed are those which have been recorded in the UK.Few acutlly breed ing UK waters.

  During the financial year 1994–95 the amount spent by Scottish Natural Heritage—SNH—on safeguarding these species was £66,000. For the year 1995–96, the amount allocated is £120,000. The 1995–96 figures include expenditure under SNH's species action programme.

  Homelessness
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consideration has been given to extending the coverage of the rough sleepers initiative to Scotland; [34928]

  (2) what is the amount of public funding which has been specifically targeted on people sleeping rough in Scotland in each year since 1991–92; and how many units of accommodation have been provided through such funding. [34925]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Information is not available centrally on publicly funded services provided specifically for rough sleepers by housing, health and social work agencies, including voluntary bodies receiving grants from public funds. Facilities for rough sleepers are usually also used by other categories of homeless people; though some will be of particular benefit to rough sleepers, for example temporary accommodation and drop-in centres. We would expect local housing authorities, which have the primary statutory responsibility for tackling homelessness, to give particular priority to assisting those who are, or are at risk of, sleeping rough, and to work closely with other agencies. Future policy on rough sleepers will be informed by research into the prevalence of rooflessness in Scotland, from which findings will be available in mid 1996.

  Nursery Education
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what are the intended and actual frequencies of inspection by Her Majesty's inspector of schools for(a) local authority-run nursery schools and (b) private nursery schools. [34814]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  Her Majesty's inspectors of schools—HMI—inspect a sample of about 6 per cent. of local authority nursery schools and nursery classes attached to primary schools each year leading to a published report and follow-up inspection. They inspect nursery provision attached to independent schools. In addition, HMI has promoted self-evaluation in the pre-school sector by the recent publication of performance indicators for pre-school provision. Further inspection visits lead to the publication of aspect reports such as the HMI report "The Education of Children Under Five in
  1521
  Scotland." Further consideration will be given to future patterns of inspection in the context of the Government's current initiative on pre-school education.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will estimate the cost of administering a voucher scheme for nursery education; and if such administration will include checks on fraud and exchange or the sale of vouchers. [34815]

  Mr. Robertson
  As my right hon. Friend announced on 6 July, we shall be consulting on the detail of the voucher scheme in Scotland. It would be premature to comment on specific details of the scheme in advance of that consultation but necessary safeguards will be included.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate how many new private nursery schools will open in the highlands and islands following the introduction of a voucher scheme. [34816]

  Mr. Robertson
  At this stage, it is not possible to forecast how many private nurseries or playgroups may open in the highlands and islands following the introduction of the voucher schemes. The position will become clearer in due course.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the capital and revenue of providing nursery school places for all children in the three to five-year age group. [34817]

  Mr. Robertson
  The revenue cost of local authority nursery schools and classes for children aged two to five in 1993–94, the most recent year for which returns are available, was £62.2 million. In September 1993, 47,682 children aged three to five were in a mix of full-time and part-time local authority nursery schools or classes. Children generally enter primary school in Scotland in August where their fifth birthday falls between the previous March and the following February. Excluding five-year-olds, the estimated revenue cost of providing the same mix of nursery education for all three and four-year-olds in the year given would have been around £162 million. Information on the associated capital costs is not available centrally.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will provide(a) a breakdown of the completed nursery school building programme, and the conversion of primary school classrooms for nursery education in each year since 1979 and (b) a breakdown of present such programmes by local education authority, together with location and cost of each proposed development. [34818]

  Mr. Robertson
  Information in the form requested is not available centrally.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish the information collected for the Scottish Education Department's 1988 review of provision for under-sixes; and if he will order and publish an update of that information. [34819]

  Mr. Robertson
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to do so. The position regarding pre-school provision has changed significantly since that review was undertaken. Since then, there has been a large increase in provision by education authorities as well as by the voluntary and private sector. The new initiative,1522
  based on vouchers, which my right hon. Friend announced on 6 July 1995 will build on that progress but also offer parents real choice.

  More generally, information on levels of provision for pre-school education in Scotland is now published on a regular basis by the Scottish Office in statistical bulletins.

  Child Sexual Abuse
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he proposes to publish guidelines on the interviewing of children in cases of suspected child sexual abuse; and if he will make a statement. [34926]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Guidance on interviewing children in cases of suspected child abuse forms part of wider guidance on joint investigation of such cases by police and social work. This has been prepared by a working group set up by the Secretary of State and the Lord Advocate following the publication of Lord Clyde's report of the Orkney inquiry. It will be issued shortly for consultation and copies will be placed in the Library.

  Libraries
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy that public libraries will remain in the public sector. [34859]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to change local authorities' statutory duty to secure the provision of adequate library facilities for all persons resident in their area. The report on the scope for contracting out in the public library service prepared for the Government by the consultants KPMG and CPI is being published today and the Scottish Office Education Department will consult local authorities and interested bodies about it.

  A92
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will announce when construction on dualling of the A92 between the Balmedie bypass and Tipperty is to begin. [35373]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I am unable to say when construction on the upgrade of the A92 trunk road between the Balmedie bypass and Tipperty will commence. Officials in the Scottish Office Industry Department are currently considering a report prepared by consultants which recommends a route for the A92. Following the identification of a detailed scheme statutory authority to proceed will be sought. The scheme will thereafter compete with others for resources in the trunk road construction programme.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by region the number of dental practices(a) in Scotland and (b) in Gordon which continue to register national health service patients. [35263]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No information is held on dental practices. The number of individual dentists registered at 31 March 1995 on health board
  1523
  dental lists to provide national health service general dental services in Scotland was 1,763, of whom 20 practised in Gordon district. General dental practitioners are independent contractors who are free to decide whether to offer NHS treatment to each individual patient.

  Courts Administration
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans there are to terminate the existing immunity of the Scottish courts administration from the consequences of negligence, following the case of Meekison v. Uniroyal Englebert Tyres Limited 1995, GWD 336. [35365]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The basis of the judgment of sheriff principal Gordon Nicholson QC in the appeal in this case was that courts in Scotland do not have a power at common law to make an award of expenses against someone who is not a party to a litigation, except in the cases of a dominus litis and a law agent. The Government have no plans to change the law in this respect.

  Departmental Staff
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each civil service grade in his Department the number of(a) male and (b) female (i) full-time and (ii) part-time employees. [35456]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  The number of permanent industrial and non-industrial staff on 1 April 1995 on a head-count basis were as follows:

  Male

  Female

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  The Scottish office and its executive agencies (excluding the Scottish Prison Service)

  3,310

  24

  2,009

  336

  The Scottish Prison Service

  3,815

  94

  406

  31

  The breakdown by grade of non-industrial staff in the Scottish Office and its executive agencies other than the Scottish Prison Service was as shown in the table. No breakdown of industrial staff by grade is available. The Scottish Prison Service has undergone a pay and grading review, and no longer uses civil service grades: it is therefore not possible to provide a breakdown of staffing numbers as requested.

  Department: The Scottish office and its executive agencies

  Male

  Female

  Grade

  Full-time

  Pan-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Unified Gl

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Unified G2

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Unified G3

  20

  —

  2

  1

  Unified G4

  13

  —

  3

  —

  Unified G5

  92

  1

  9

  8

  Unified G6

  68

  —

  11

  1

  Unified G7

  308

  3

  61

  16

  SEO

  130

  1

  23

  3

  HEO(D)

  13

  —

  6

  —

  HEO

  342

  2

  153

  35

  AT

  3

  —

  4

  —

  EO

  246

  2

  287

  45

  AO

  299

  3

  432

  84

  AA

  215

  —

  367

  43

  Senior Econ Assistant

  10

  —

  1

  1

  Econ Assistant

  3

  —

  —

  —

  1524

  Department: The Scottish office and its executive agencies

  Male

  Female

  Grade

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Senior Assistant Statistician

  3

  —

  11

  1

  Assistant Statistician

  3

  —

  1

  —

  Senior Information Officer

  9

  1

  3

  —

  Information Officer

  6

  —

  5

  —

  Assistant Information Officer

  1

  —

  2

  —

  Librarian

  1

  —

  5

  —

  Assistant Librarian

  2

  —

  6

  —

  Legal Officer

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Legal Trainee

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Curatorial Grade D

  3

  —

  4

  —

  Curatorial Grade E

  4

  —

  2

  1

  Curatorial Grade F

  2

  —

  4

  —

  Conservation Grade D

  4

  —

  —

  —

  Conservation Grade E

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Conservation Grade F

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Map and Chart Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Map and Chart Officer

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Map and Chart TGI

  1

  —

  1

  —

  SPTO

  84

  1

  7

  —

  HPTO

  36

  —

  —

  —

  PTO

  83

  —

  —

  —

  TGI

  2

  —

  2

  —

  TG2

  1

  —

  3

  —

  Graphics Officer

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Research Officer (S)

  4

  1

  6

  2

  Senior Research Officer (R)

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Chief Typing Manager

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Typing Manager

  —

  —

  7

  —

  Senior Personal Secretary

  —

  —

  11

  —

  Personal Secretary

  1

  —

  186

  29

  Typist

  4

  —

  189

  43

  Trainee Typist

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Senior Scientific Officer

  40

  —

  3

  1

  Higher Scientific Officer

  54

  —

  16

  —

  Scientific Officer

  30

  —

  22

  3

  Asset Scientific Officer

  20

  —

  28

  4

  Museum Support Grade 1

  4

  —

  —

  —

  Museum Support Grade 2

  7

  —

  1

  —

  Museum Support Grade 3

  4

  —

  5

  —

  Museum Support Grade 4

  36

  5

  12

  6

  Museum Support Grade 5

  12

  —

  9

  5

  Higher Photographic Officer

  3

  —

  1

  —

  Photographic Officer

  5

  —

  —

  —

  Proc. and Gen. Super Group Grade D

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Stores Officer C

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Support Manager 2

  1

  —

  1

  —

  Support Manager 3

  4

  —

  4

  —

  SGB1

  18

  —

  8

  —

  SGB2

  122

  —

  31

  4

  Agricultural Officer

  113

  —

  5

  —

  Area Meat and Livestock Inspector

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Asset Inspector Fire Service

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Asset Chief Inspector Social Work

  3

  —

  1

  —

  Chief Dental Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Chief Executive NHS

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Chief Food and Dairy Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Chief Ind. Pollution Inspector

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Chief Medical Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Chief Nursing Officer

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Commandant (Fire School)

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Commandant (Police College)

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Dental Officer

  2

  —

  1

  —

  Department Chief Ind. Pollution Inspector

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Farm Manager

  2

  —

  —

  —

  1525

  Department: The Scottish office and its executive agencies

  Male

  Female

  Grade

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  First Officer (Executive)

  13

  —

  —

  —

  Food and Dairy Officer

  —

  —

  2

  —

  Higher Agricultural Officer (T)

  43

  —

  —

  —

  Higher Agricultural Officer

  16

  —

  1

  —

  Higher Horticultural Officer

  —

  —

  1

  —

  Higher Marketing Officer (Horticulture)

  4

  —

  —_

  —

  Higher Marketing Officer (Poultry)

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HM Chief Inspector of Prisons

  —

  1

  —

  —

  HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HM Inspector of Fire Services

  1

  —

  —

  —

  HM Inspector of schools

  42

  1

  12

  —

  HM Staff Inspector

  24

  —

  3

  —

  HM Inspector of Constabulary

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Horticultural Officer

  1

  —

  —

  1

  Inspector of Social Work Services

  6

  —

  3

  —

  Marketing Officer (Horticulture)

  4

  —

  2

  —

  Marketing Officer (Poultry)

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Nursing Officer

  2

  —

  4

  —

  Principal Agricultural Officer

  10

  —

  —

  —

  Principal Horticultural Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Principal Reporter

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Reporter

  9

  —

  1

  —

  Senior Asset Inspector of Fire Services

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Agricultural Officer

  45

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Dental Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Horticultural Officer

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Planner

  8

  —

  —

  —

  Senior Agricultural Officer (Poultry)

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Telecoms Engineering Technician

  8

  —

  —

  —

  Telecoms Technical Engineer 1

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Telecoms Technical Engineer 2

  2

  —

  —

  —

  Chief Engineer

  8

  —

  —

  —

  Collector of Fisheries Statistics

  —

  1

  —

  —

  Commander

  8

  —

  —

  —

  First Officer (Safety)

  8

  —

  —

  —

  Engineer Superintendent

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Fishery Officer 1

  21

  —

  —

  —

  Fishery Officer 2

  40

  —

  1

  —

  Inspector of Sea Fisheries

  9

  —

  —

  —

  Marine Superintendent

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Second Engineer

  8

  —

  —

  —

  Second Officer

  12

  —

  2

  —

  Third Engineer

  6

  —

  —

  —

  Constable (Royal Parks)

  9

  —

  1

  —

  Sergeant (Royal Parks)

  1

  —

  —

  —

  Total

  2,914

  24

  2,005

  336

  Child care
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much his Department spends on(a) child
  1526
  care provision for under-fives and (b) out-of-school provision for the over-fives, both directly, excluding provision for departmental staff, and indirectly through resources made available to local authorities and other organisations; what form of provision is provided; and how many full-time and part-time places are provided. [35550]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish Office supports the provision of various forms of day care through the urban programme and through grants under section 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. In 1994–95, over £6.7 million was made available from these sources. Local enterprise companies are also now funding child care projects for children under five and also for older children. The Government have in addition put some £45 million into expanding after-school care and this is being delivered in Scotland through local enterprise companies.

  Within the local authority expenditure settlement for 1994–95 provision of £28.106 million was made for day care for children.

  The latest available information about the form and level of day care provision in Scotland at March 1994 is follows:

  Number of places

  Day nurseries

  116,000

  Playgroups

  43,335

  Childminders

  31,797

  1 Estimated

  Ayrshire and Arran Health Board
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what tendering procedure was adopted by Ayrshire and Arran health board in appointing Allan Clark Associates to conduct its public relations. [35749]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  South Ayrshire NHS Trust
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what tendering procedure was adopted by the South Ayrshire NHS Trust in appointing its public relations advisers; and which companies were involved in this process. [35748]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Non-Domestic Properties (Valuation)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many appeals have been lodged against the valuation of non-domestic properties arising out of the 1995 valuation in each valuation area; how long it takes to deal with each appeal on average; how many appeals have been dealt with so far; and how many have been successful. [35718]

  Mr. Kynoch
  As the initial period for lodging appeals is not yet concluded, none of this information is currently available centrally. Information will be sought on a regular basis once that period has passed and while the disposal of appeals continues.
  1527
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of appeals lodged against the valuation of non-domestic properties in each valuation area on the last occasion this was undertaken; and what was the average amount of time it took to deal with these appeals and number of appeals which were successful. [35681]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The table shows the number of appeals, by region and island areas, arising from the 1990 revaluation. A total of 79,467 appeals were lodged with assessors throughout Scotland. No information was collected centrally concerning the time taken to dispose of appeals or the eventual outcome of individual appeals.

  Number of appeals from 1990 revaluation

  Borders

  2,073

  Central

  4,282

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2,347

  Fife

  5,247

  Grampian

  8,100

  Highland

  4,168

  Lothian

  9,740

  Strathclyde

  35,679

  Tayside

  7,136

  Orkney

  174

  Shetland

  228

  Western Isles

  293

  Scotland

  79,467

  Source:

  Appeals returns submitted to LGF Statistics Unit by the Scottish Assessors.

  Development Corporations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what procedure was adopted by Irvine development corporation in replacing the managing director of the development corporation; and what was the involvement of the Scottish Office in this matter. [35750]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Irvine development corporation, as the employer, sought applications for the post of managing director from senior staff serving in the five new town development corporations in Scotland. Following consideration and interviews, John Murdoch was appointed to succeed Brigadier Rickets on his retiral. The matter was discussed as part of the regular exchanges between the chairman of the board and officials of the Scottish Office Industry Department.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount spent by each development corporation in supporting housing associations or co-operatives within their areas; and if he will list the bodies which have received this funding and the amounts involved. [35729]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Expenditure up to 30 June 1995 is set out in the table:

  Development corporation

  Housing association

  Amount £

  Cumbernauld

  Abronhill housing association

  10,500

  East Kilbride

  East Kilbride and district housing association

  105,990

  Glenrothes

  Glenrothes community housing association

  25,782

  1528

  Development corporation

  Housing association

  Amount £

  Irvine

  Irvine housing association

  1311,770

  Livingston

  Almond housing association

  68,205

  1 This figure includes the costs of two staff seconded from Irvine
  development corporation to Irvine housing association.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is(a)
  the number of residential properties in each of the new towns which thus far have been
  transferred to other landlords and (b) the number of properties transferred in each case;
  to which landlord the properties were transferred; and what was the capital receipt accruing to
  the development corporation in each case. [35727]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The information as at 30 June is set out in the table.

  Development corporation

  Housing association

  Number of properties transferred1

  Capital receipts £ million2

  Glenrothes

  Kingdom

  234

  7.58

  Link

  30

  1.35

  Collydean

  190

  6.65

  Hillcrest

  216

  *3.14

  Total

  670

  18.72

  East Kilbride

  Loretto

  20

  .90

  Link

  60

  2.70

  East Kilbride and District

  294

  *2.28

  Total

  374

  5.88

  Cumbernauld

  Bield

  64

  2.10

  Link

  163

  *4.30

  West of Scotland

  136

  5.07

  GAP

  57

  *1.22

  YWCA

  23

  0.51

  Abronhill

  146

  *0.94

  Total

  589

  14.14

  Livingston

  Almond

  184

  *1.06

  Castle Rock (Livingston)

  76

  *0.45

  Edinvar in Livingston

  44

  *0.21

  Canmore

  92

  2.41

  Total

  396

  4.13

  1 These are made up of new build and, except in Glenrothes, older
  stock. The split is different in each of the 3 towns and affects the level of receipts and the
  average price paid.

  2 The basis of valuing housing stock for transfer was changed in May 1993 to a basis compatible with the RICS Guidance "The Valuation on Transfer of Local Authority Housing Stock". This approach reflected more closely the conditions of sale, in particular retention in the socially rented sector, and ended the need for purchasers to receive Housing Association Grant (HAG) from Scottish Homes. The Associations which have not received HAG are marked with an asterisk.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which companies indicated an interest in the industrial assets of Irvine development corporation. [35693]
  1529
  Mr. Kynoch
  Sale particulars of Irvine's industrial portfolio were circulated widely and strong interest was noted from nine companies, six of which submitted informal bids. Five companies, whose bids were above the asking price, were invited to submit, and submitted, formal offers. The names of companies are commercially sensitive and, save for the successful purchasers, are not made public.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when Irvine development corporation first entered into negotiations with Ashtenne Irvine Ltd. relating to their purchase of Irvine new town's industrial assets. [35694]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Astenne Irvine Ltd., along with the other four companies asked to submit a formal bid, were interviewed by the corporation over a two-day period on 8 and 9 November 1994.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much was raised by the sale of Irvine development corporation's industrial assets; and how much of this revenue will be used for investment in Irvine new town after the wind-up of Irvine development corporation. [35695]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Information about sales prior to April 1992 is not held centrally. For the period from April 1992 to June 1995 industrial disposals by Irvine development corporation realised £30.2 million. These resources have been allocated by the Secretary of State to his programmes, including those for the new towns, in the year in which they were generated. Accordingly, none of these particular receipts will be available for investment after the winding up of the development corporation.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been spent by Irvine development corporation in supporting the Irvine housing association. [35730]

  Mr. Kynoch
  At 30 June 1995, Irvine development corporation had provided £311,770 to support Irvine housing association. This included the costs of the two staff on secondment to the association from the corporation.

  Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd.
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many companies were invited by his Department to tender for the study into how the private sector might be involved in all or part of the business of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. [35714]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Nine companies were invited to submit written proposals for the study.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the estimated cost to the public purse of the study into how the private sector might be involved in all or part of the business of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd. [35715]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The overall cost of the study will not exceed £60,000 including VAT.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the precise terms of reference given to Quayle Munro Ltd in respect of their study of how the private sector might be involved in all or part of the 1530
  business of Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd; and if he will eventually publish the finding of the study.

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  A copy of the terms of reference for the consultancy study has been placed in the Library. No decision has yet been made on whether any findings will be published. [35713]

  Equal Opportunities
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within the Scottish Office and its executive agencies.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  My Department and its executive agencies are committed to equality of opportunity for all its enployees. Women represent 45 per cent. of non-industrial staff in the Scottish Office, excluding the Scottish Prison Service.

  The proportion of women is increasing at all management levels—at executive officer level—the first management level—up from 26 per cent. in 1987 to 42 per cent. in 1995. At higher executive officer level, the proportion of women has risen from 19 per cent. in 1987 to 30 per cent. in 1995. This is an important breakthrough for the future. The proportion of women at the top is rising steadily as more and more women's careers develop. At grade 3 the proportion of women is currently 16 per cent. a fourfold increase on 1987.

  Part-time work operates in the Scottish Office as elsewhere. Since 1990 the number of part-time staff has risen to 326 to 390—over 15 per cent. of all women now work part-time. Part-time work is an option for all staff—some individuals in all grades up to grade 3 work part-time, 47 per cent. of grade 5s work part-time.

  The Scottish Office, in common with other civil service Departments, has set a clear benchmark against which to measure progress; that, by the year 2000, 15 per cent. of top Scottish Office posts grades 1 to 3 are expected to be held by women.

  Recruitment and promotion are on merit. Recruits to the senior grades as to any grade in the civil service, are selected on the basis of fair and open competition, unless one of the exceptions permitted under the Civil Service Order 1991 applies.

  My Department had made considerable progress on equal opportunities for women. Its initiatives have been based on the 1984 and 1992 report on equality of opportunity in the civil service.

  Details of these initiatives can be found in the following Cabinet Office publications:
  Equal Opportunities for Women in the Civil Service —10 Year Progress Report 1984–94.

  Annual Progress Reports on Equal Opportunities for Women in the Civil Service 1992–93

  Head Teachers
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 28 March, Official Report, column 593 if he will list the numbers of (a) staff and (b) women employed at head teacher, assistant head

  1531
  teacher and deputy head teacher levels for (i) secondary and (ii) primary schools for each education authority within Scotland for each year since 1992. [35713]

  Education authority primary schools—total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1994 (provisional)1

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  2,201

  1,612

  710

  631

  777

  708

  Borders

  72

  48

  14

  14

  6

  5

  Central

  111

  85

  51

  46

  39

  36

  Dumfries and Galloway

  104

  64

  24

  22

  12

  8

  Fife

  141

  101

  57

  55

  43

  40

  Grampian

  257

  175

  80

  70

  59

  52

  Highland

  184

  129

  29

  27

  14

  11

  Lothian

  225

  151

  130

  113

  86

  78

  Strathclyde

  850

  683

  259

  228

  446

  416

  Tayside

  181

  117

  62

  53

  51

  43

  Orkney

  18

  15

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Shetland

  26

  18

  3

  2

  8

  7

  Western Isles

  32

  27

  1

  1

  11

  10

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  71

  52

  8

  7

  6

  6

  Ayr

  145

  106

  45

  37

  73

  67

  Dunbarton

  110

  92

  45

  41

  66

  62

  Glasgow

  216

  180

  64

  61

  109

  103

  Lanark

  204

  169

  45

  38

  107

  98

  Renfrew

  103

  83

  52

  44

  86

  81

  1 Totals may not be equal to the sum of their rounded components.

  Education authority secondary schools—Total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1994 (provisional)

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  394

  18

  395

  47

  1,031

  250

  Borders

  9

  0

  9

  1

  27

  5

  Central

  17

  1

  20

  1

  49

  5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  16

  0

  16

  0

  32

  4

  Fife

  19

  0

  18

  4

  69

  18

  Grampian

  38

  1

  37

  5

  98

  24

  Highland

  26

  0

  26

  1

  42

  6

  Lothian

  44

  3

  44

  6

  123

  30

  Strathclyde

  167

  11

  174

  22

  491

  126

  Tayside

  30

  1

  30

  4

  86

  28

  Orkney

  6

  0

  2

  0

  5

  1

  Shetland

  8

  1

  8

  1

  3

  1

  Western Isles

  14

  0

  12

  2

  7

  2

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  10

  0

  10

  1

  22

  2

  Ayr

  29

  2

  27

  3

  80

  12

  Dunbarton

  23

  1

  27

  4

  77

  30

  Glasgow

  40

  3

  44

  5

  120

  36

  Lanark

  37

  3

  36

  2

  111

  26

  Renfrew

  28

  2

  30

  7

  81

  20

  Local Authorities (Circulars and Guidelines)
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if it is his policy to place in the Library copies of all circulars and guidelines issued by his Department to local authorities in Scotland. [35712]

  Mr. Kynoch
  It is not regular policy to place copies of circulars and guidelines issued to local authorities in the Library. These documents are publicly available and may be obtained on request to the Department.
  1532
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information is collected biennially. Provisional figures for 1994 are given.

  Piers (Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin)
  Mr. Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has given to Highland regional council in respect of the future availability and usage of the piers at Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin for future ferry use; and if he will make a statement. [35850]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  We have not given advice to Highland regional council on the usage of the piers at Kyle of Lochalsh and Kyleakin for future ferry
  1533
  use. This is a matter for Highland regional council. The Scottish Office, however, would not be prepared to permit any parking or queuing for a ferry on the trunk road in Kyle.

  Pupils (Exclusion)
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many(a) secondary and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each of the last five years; [35846]

  (2) how many (a) secondary and (b) primary school children have been permanently excluded in each local education authority in each of the last five years and as a proportion of the total school roll. [35842]

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  The information sought is not at present held centrally. However, under the terms of a circular issued by the Scottish Office Education Department, education authorities are to collect and provide information on exclusions on a school by school basis for school year 1994–95, and subsequent years, as part of the annual exercise to collect statistics on attendance and absence.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) secondary and (b) primary school children who have been permanently excluded have received tuition (i) at home and (ii) in a pupil referral unit in each of the past five years. [35839]

  Mr. Robertson
  The information sought is not held centrally.

  Police Boxes
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will have the remaining in-situ blue police boxes made listed buildings; and if he will make a statement. [35950]

  (2) what action he has taken in conjunction with his agency Historic Scotland to preserve and renovate the remaining in situ blue police boxes; and if he will make a statement. [35951]

  (3) if he will list the locations of the remaining four in-situ blue police boxes. [35952]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Since these are matters for Historic Scotland, I have asked the agency's chief executive, Mr. Graeme Munro, to write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. A copy of Mr. Munro's letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

  Selected staff employed in the NHS in Scotland1 by health board area: at 30 September 1994

  Whole time equivalent

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  (a) General and senior managers

  79.4

  148.2

  26.0

  33.5

  79.7

  73.0

  167.2

  138.1

  (b) Administrative and clerical staff

  1,391.1

  870.7

  308.6

  462.8

  942.6

  702.4

  1,586.4

  3,736.9

  (c) Nursing and midwifery staff3

  4,118.2

  3,094.2

  1,021.1

  1,686.8

  3,004.2

  2,986.6

  5,070.6

  11,122.0

  1534

  Brent Spar
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the effects on deep ocean eco-systems likely to have resulted from the dumping of the Brent Spar and other installations. [32680]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Inward Investment
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the Scottish share of inward investment projects into the United Kingdom for each of the last 10 years, as measured by(a) number of projects and (b) numbers of jobs created. [35174]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 19 July 1995]: The information is as follows:

  Scottish share of inward investment projects recorded by the Invest in Britain Bureau

  Per cent.

  Year

  Projects

  Jobs created

  Jobs safeguarded

  1985–86

  12.4

  16.7

  24.2

  1986–87

  9.8

  11.7

  2.5

  1987–88

  15.4

  16.3

  14.5

  1988–89

  12.4

  17.6

  4.5

  1989–90

  9.3

  21.7

  1.3

  1990–91

  11.0

  23.9

  1.5

  1991–92

  10.8

  17.2

  2.9

  1992–93

  18.3

  25.2

  9.6

  1993–94

  20.2

  25.0

  6.7

  1994–95

  18.7

  20.8

  6.1

  These figures are based on information provided by the companies concerned at the time of the decision to invest and take no account of subsequent developments.

  Health Service
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [35391]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The information requested is shown in the table:
  1535

  Whole time equivalent

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian2

  Orkney

  Shetland

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  (a) General and Senior Managers

  114.9

  121.3

  289.3

  5.2

  8.0

  143.6

  13.9

  (b) Administrative and Clerical Staff

  588.4

  1,200.5

  2,532.5

  32.2

  56.0

  1,419.2

  78.5

  (c) Nursing and Midwifery Staff3

  2,083.6

  4,478.8

  7,521.7

  222.0

  223.8

  5,036.4

  344.3

  Thousands

  Argyll and Clyde

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries arid Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Greater Glasgow

  (a) General and Senior Managers

  80

  149

  26

  34

  80

  73

  170

  141

  (b) Administrative and Clerical Staff

  1,605

  1,002

  376

  554

  1,130

  829

  1,884

  4,270

  (c) Nursing and Midwifery Staff3

  5,069

  3,692

  1,250

  2,130

  3,617

  3,533

  6,148

  13,254

  Number

  Highland

  Lanarkshire

  Lothian

  Orkney

  Shetlands

  Tayside

  Western Isles

  (a) General and Senior Managers

  118

  122

  292

  6

  6

  144

  15

  (b) Administrative and Clerical Staff

  708

  1,382

  3,074

  37

  65

  1,667

  86

  (c) Nursing and Midwifery Staff5

  2,541

  5,468

  9,222

  271

  260

  6,013

  447

  Notes:

  1 Excludes State Hospital and Common Services Agency.

  2 Revised.

  3 Excludes teachers, nurses in training and students on '1992' courses in nursing and midwifery.

  Source:

  National Manpower Statistics (NAMS) Information and Statistics Division of the CSA.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance the Scottish Office has issued to Scottish health boards relating to the provision of private medical insurance as part of the benefit packages of senior management staff within these bodies. [35731]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No such guidance has been issued.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment the Scottish Office has made of savings within the senior management of health boards and NHS trusts arising out of trusts status and general practitioner fundholding initiatives. [35696]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No such assessment has been made.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State, pursuant to his answer of 9 December, Official Report, columns 427–8 if he will provide the latest annual figure for NHS trust start-up costs. [35443]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: There have been no further start-up costs incurred since the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 9 December.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many beds within each NHS trust in Scotland he has designated amenity beds for each financial year since their establishment. [35701]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
  1536
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the date of establishment of each NHS trust in Scotland. [35699]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information is set out in the table.

  NHS Trust

  Establishment date

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals NHS Trust

  25 March 1992

  Angus NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Argyll and Bute NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Borders Community Health Services NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Borders General Hospital NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Caithness and Sutherland NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Central Scotland Healthcare NHS Trust

  17 June 1994

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Dumfries and Galloway Community Health NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Dundee Healthcare NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  East and Midlothian NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Edinburgh Healthcare NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Edinburgh Sick Children's NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Fife Healthcare NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Glasgow Dental Hospital and School NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Grampian Healthcare NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust

  24 January 1994

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  1537

  NHS Trust

  Establishment date

  Highland Communities NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Inverclyde Royal NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Kirkcaldy Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Lanarkshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Law Hospital NHS Trust

  31 March 1995

  Lomond Healthcare NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Moray Health Services NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  North Ayrshire and Arran NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Perth and Kinross NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Queen Margaret Hospital NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Raigmore Hospital NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Royal Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust

  31 March 1995

  Scottish Ambulance Service NHS Trust

  29 November 1994

  South Ayrshire Hospitals NHS Trust

  1 January 1992

  Southern General Hospital NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Stirling Royal Infirmary NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Stobhill NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  Victoria Infirmary NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  West Glasgow Hospitals University NHS Trust

  6 December 1993

  West Lothian NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Western General Hospitals NHS Trust

  1 December 1993

  Yorkhill NHS Trust

  1 January 1993

  Senior management and administrative and clerical staff employed in the NHS in Scotland; whole time equivalent at 30 September

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Senior management1

  —

  —

  623.6

  800.6

  1,151.60

  1,720.0

  Chief executives and general managers2

  —

  —

  71.0

  73.0

  83.0

  254.0

  Senior managers—grades 0–121 3

  X

  X

  X

  X

  X

  1,212.9

  Senior managers—old grades

  —

  —

  452.6

  727.5

  1,068.60

  453.1

  Administrative and clerical

  15,222.9

  15,923.8

  16,060.6

  16,839.0

  17,386.9

  17,754.4

  Grades 1–104

  15,002.9

  15,703.8

  15,741.5

  16,519.0

  17,076.1

  17,441.7

  Ambulance and control officers

  220.0

  220.0

  223.0

  221.0

  227.8

  229.0

  Miscellaneous6

  —

  —

  96.0

  99.0

  83.0

  83.7

  Notes:

  1The increase in numbers can be partially accounted for by the assimilation of nursing, professional and A and C staff to senior manager grades.

  2 Some chief executives may be included in "senior managers-old grades" or they may not be correctly identified as chief executives under the new grading system.

  33 From 30 September 1993, a new grading system was introduced for general and senior managers. There is no correspondence between the old and new pay spines which would allow staff to be shown in a common grade (spine point range) analysis.

  4For the years prior to September 1991, management grades are included in A and C grades 1–10.

  5Includes obsolete management grades and management trainees.Source:

  National Manpower Statistics (NAMS).

  Information and Statistics Division of the CSA.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of Sate for Scotland what has been the cost of supplying cars to senior management in the Scottish NHS in each year since 1989. [35649]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the administrative cost of running the NHS in Scotland in(a) 1979 and (b) in the last year for which figures are available as expressed in (i) 1994–95 prices and (ii) as a percentage of the NHS budget. [35654]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The administrative cost of running the NHS in Scotland in 1979–80, adjusted to 1994–95 prices was £166,263,000. This represented 6.8 per cent. of the total NHS budget. Comparable figures for the year 1993–94 adjusted to 1994–95 prices are
  1538
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what guidance the Scottish Office have issued to NHS trusts concerning target times for dealing with correspondence. [35697]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The code of practice on openness in the NHS in Scotland, issued by the management executive of the Scottish Office Home and Health Department in May 1995 to all health boards and NHS trusts makes it clear that requests for information, whether made in person or in writing, must be answered promptly. An acknowledgement must be sent within four working days and, where possible, the information should follow within 20 working days.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many employees were in senior management, administrative and accountancy posts in the Scottish health service in each year since 1989. [35650]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Information on whole-time equivalents of employees in senior management and administrative and clerical posts are shown in the table. Information on identifying staff employed in accountancy posts in the NHS in Scotland is not available centrally.

  £212,678,000 which represents 5.6 per cent. of the total NHS budget.

  However, changes in the methods of reporting in annual accounts allows a more detailed analysis of costs. This means certain areas of administration at hospital and community level can be separately identified in the annual accounts. The actual adjusted cost of administration in 1993–94 was £324,851,000. This represented 8.6 per cent. of the total NHS budget for 1993–94. In 1979–80 these costs were contained within running expenses and the figures for this year are not directly comparable with those for 1993–94.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list details of travel expense rates for(a) members of health boards, (b) senior management of health boards, (c) members of NHS trusts and (d) senior management of NHS trusts. [34753]
  1539
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what guidance the Scottish Office issued to Scottish health boards on adjustments to the pay and conditions of board general mangers following the implementation of trust status and GP fundholding within their health board's areas. [35719]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  No such specific guidance has been issued. New arrangements for the pay of board general mangers were introduced as from 1 September 1993. These arrangements take account of the new roles of health boards.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer on 13 July, Official Report, column 741, if he will provide information on expenditure on trust board members as broken down in his answer for each of the last three years. [35857]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many calls have been made to the NHS helpline in Scotland both(a) interactive and (b) non-interactive in each month since the end of June 1994. [35728]

  Accidents involving injury to school age children (5 to 16 years) travelling in public service vehicles or minibuses, by region and whether travelling to or from school, 1993–19941

  Number of accidents

  1993

  1994

  Region

  Travelling to/from school

  Not travelling to/from school

  Total

  Travelling to/from school

  Not travelling to/from school

  Total

  Borders

  1

  —

  1

  2

  1

  3

  Centra]

  2

  3

  5

  3

  6

  9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2

  1

  3

  —

  —

  —

  Fife

  2

  1

  3

  2

  1

  3

  Grampian

  1

  1

  2

  2

  2

  4

  Highland

  1

  2

  3

  1

  1

  2

  Lothian

  5

  11

  16

  6

  24

  30

  Strathclyde

  10

  31

  41

  16

  27

  43

  Tayside

  2

  1

  3

  1

  3

  4

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  1

  1

  Scotland

  26

  51

  77

  33

  66

  99

  Departmental Staff (Absence through Sickness)
  Mr. Ian McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many days were lost in sickness in the last 12 months by employees in his Department(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34612]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The table shows the required information, covering the period 1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995, separately for the Scottish Office and its executive agencies other than the Scottish Prison Service, and for the Scottish Prison Service. Information on the cost of absence per individual could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
  1540
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many private prescriptions were issued in each financial year since 1979–80 in each health board. [35677]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  This information is not available.

  Legislative Programme
  Mr. Kirkwood
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what legislation he plans to introduce; and if he will make a statement. [35304]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]:The Government's plans for legislation will be announced in the Queen's Speech at the start of the 1995–6 Session.

  Public Service Vehicles and Minibuses
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by region the number of accidents involving public service vehicles and minibuses carrying school children in the last two years for which figures are available. [34794]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The information available is given in the table.

  Total days lost

  Average staffing over year(headcount)

  Days lost divided by (Average staffing x 365)

  The Scottish Office (excluding the Scottish Prison Service)

  77,940

  5,997

  0.036

  Scottish Prison Service

  77,490

  4,371

  0.049

  The figures are extracted from the Department's own records: it has not been possible to adjust the figures to discount weekends and bank holidays, as is the case with the standardized statistical analysis on sickness absence across the civil service prepared by the Occupational Health and Safety Agency.
  1541
  The figures on average staffing levels during the year have been calculated by averaging levels as recorded at the first of each month. In calculating days lost as a proportion of days worked, 365 has been used to gross up the staffing figures.

  Algal Blooms
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many rivers, canals and lakes have been deemed a hazard to public health as a result of algal blooms in each of the last five years. [34628]

  Mr. George Kynoch
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: A total of 124 episodes of blue green algae—cyanobacteria—occurring in fresh waters in Scotland have been reported to he Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health since surveillance commenced in 1992. The annual numbers of episodes reported were:

  1992: 15

  1993: 36

  1994: 45

  1995: 28 (to 30 June)

  In each episode, action has been taken to prevent risk to public health. This has focused principally on the provision of advice to avoid skin contact with, or ingestion of, aigal scums. No human health effects have been associated with blue green algal episodes by the surveillance programme.

  Computer Consultancy
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland 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. [33854]

  Table A: Expenditure on sewerage per council tax band 1993–94–2 or more adults

  £

  Valuation bands

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  H

  Authority

  Borders

  52.36

  61.09

  69.81

  78.54

  95.99

  113.45

  130.90

  157.08

  Central

  43.54

  50.80

  58.05

  65.31

  79.82

  94.34

  108.85

  130.62

  Dumfries and Galloway

  47.04

  54.88

  62.72

  70.56

  86.24

  101.92

  117.60

  141.12

  Fife

  38.00

  44.33

  50.67

  57.00

  69.67

  82.33

  95.00

  114.00

  Grampian

  31.33

  36.56

  41.78

  47.00

  57.44

  67.89

  78.33

  94.00

  Highland

  40.15

  46.84

  53.53

  60.22

  73.60

  86.98

  100.37

  120.44

  Lothian

  33.61

  39.22

  44.82

  50.42

  61.62

  72.83

  84.03

  100.84

  Strathclyde

  33.61

  39.22

  44.82

  50.42

  61.62

  72.83

  84.03

  100.84

  Tayside

  42.15

  49.17

  56.20

  63.22

  77.27

  91.32

  105.37

  126.44

  Orkney

  30.00

  35.00

  40.00

  45.00

  55.00

  65.00

  75.00

  90.00

  Shetland

  44.23

  51.60

  58.97

  66.34

  81.08

  95.82

  110.57

  132.68

  Western Isles

  64.67

  75.44

  86.22

  97.00

  118.56

  140.11

  161.67

  194.00

  Table B: Expenditure on sewerage per council tax band 1994–95–2 or more adults

  £

  Valuation bands

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  H

  Authority

  Borders

  51.12

  59.64

  68.16

  76.68

  93.72

  110.76

  127.8

  153.36

  Central

  43.58

  50.84

  58.11

  65.37

  79.90

  94.42

  108.95

  130.74

  Dumfries and Galloway

  45.56

  53.15

  60.75

  68.34

  83.53

  98.71

  113.90

  136.68

  Fife

  39.33

  45.89

  52.44

  59.00

  72.11

  85.22

  98.33

  118.00

  Grampian

  31.95

  37.28

  42.60

  47.93

  58.58

  69.23

  79.88

  95.86

  Highland

  40.65

  47.43

  54.20

  60.98

  74.53

  88.08

  101.63

  121.96

  Lothian

  34.57

  40.34

  46.10

  51.86

  63.38

  74.91

  86.43

  103.72

  1542
  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: The amount spent by my Department and its agencies on computer consultancy in each of the last five financial years is as follows:

  Year

  Amount £ million

  1990–91

  0.10

  1991–92

  0.16

  1992–93

  0.85

  1993–94

  1.09

  1994–95

  2.13

  Expenditure on computer consultancy is estimated at around £4 million for the current 1995–96 financial year, and £0.8 million for each of the following four years.

  Sewerage Services
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the figures per each house valuation banding in each Scottish local authority for(a) the costs of sewerage services per household in the years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 and (b) what each household pays for sewerage services in money terms and as a percentage of its council tax bills in the years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96. [33310]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 11 July 19951: Costs of sewerage services for households of two or more adults in each valuation band by authority for the years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 are given in the tables.

  Domestic sewerage services are funded from the council tax and, with other services, receive support via the revenue support grant element of aggregate external finance. Actual payments per household for individual services are not separately identified.
  1543

  Table B: Expenditure on sewerage per council tax band 1994–95–2 or more adults

  £

  Valuation bands

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  H

  Strathclyde

  33.69

  39.31

  44.92

  50.54

  61.77

  73.00

  84.23

  101.08

  Tayside

  39.59

  46.18

  52.78

  59.38

  72.58

  85.77

  98.97

  118.76

  Orkney

  32.29

  37.67

  43.05

  48.43

  59.19

  69.95

  80.72

  96.86

  Shetland

  46.92

  54.74

  62.56

  70.38

  86.02

  101.66

  117.3

  140.76

  Western Isles

  74.67

  87.11

  99.56

  112.00

  136.89

  161.78

  186.67

  224.00

  Table C: Expenditure on sewerage per council tax band 1995–96–2 or more adults

  £

  Valuation bands

  A

  B

  C

  D

  E

  F

  G

  H

  Authority

  Borders

  51.72

  60.34

  68.96

  77.58

  94.82

  112.06

  129.30

  155.16

  Central

  41.11

  47.97

  54.82

  61.67

  75.37

  89.08

  102.78

  123.34

  Dumfries and Galloway

  48.05

  56.06

  64.07

  72.08

  88.10

  104.12

  120.13

  144.16

  Fife

  38.93

  45.42

  51.91

  58.40

  71.38

  84.36

  97.33

  116.80

  Grampian

  33.50

  39.08

  44.67

  50.25

  61.42

  72.58

  83.75

  100.50

  Highland

  44.85

  52.32

  59.80

  67.27

  82.22

  97.17

  112.12

  134.54

  Lothian

  35.15

  41.00

  46.86

  52.72

  64.44

  76.15

  87.87

  105.44

  Strathclyde

  36.09

  42.11

  48.12

  54.14

  66.17

  78.20

  90.23

  108.28

  Tayside

  40.15

  46.85

  53.54

  60.23

  73.61

  87.00

  100.38

  120.46

  Orkney

  41.52

  48.44

  55.36

  62.28

  76.12

  89.96

  103.80

  124.56

  Shetland

  46.41

  54.15

  61.88

  69.62

  85.09

  100.56

  116.03

  139.24

  Western Isles

  72.09

  84.10

  96.12

  108.13

  132.16

  156.19

  180.22

  216.26

  Departmental Travel Expenses
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail the amount of travel claims at constant prices in his Department in(a) 1993–94 and (b) 1994–95 broken down by (i) public transport, (ii) car mileage allowance and (iii) bicycle allowance.

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 4 July 1995]: The information requested is kept, and provided, at actual prices. Figures on the very small amount claimed for bicycle allowance are not separately identified.

  1993–94 £

  1994–95 £

  (i) Public transport

  2,000,933

  1,871,524

  (ii) Car mileage

  496,013

  559,628

  Public Access (Tax Exemptions)
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will state the total average of land in Scotland where landowners benefit from conditional exemption form inheritance tax by virtue of there being a right of public access; and what is the total number of estates and buildings in Scotland granted exemption from tax for the granting of public access. [33759]

  Mr. Jack
  I have been asked to reply.

  The area, rounded, of land in Scotland of outstanding scenic interest which is conditionally exempt from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax is 47,000 hectares. There have been a total of 68 designations of land and historic buildings in Scotland. Some of the designations of historic buildings will have extended to surrounding land. Some designations of historic buildings have been for the purposes of the tax exemptions for maintenance
  1544
  funds rather than for exemption of the buildings themselves.

  Councils of Ministers
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many meetings of the European Council of Ministers have taken place since April 1994; how many Scottish Office Ministers have attended in each case; which minister attended; and what was the subject discussed at each of these meetings. [32231]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 5 July 1995]: The various European Councils of Ministers meet on average about 125 times per year. The subject matter of their meetings is often not a direct responsibility of the Scottish Office—for example, the Foreign Affairs Councils. Where, however, the matters under discussion are relevant to my responsibilities, Scottish Ministers are consulted on the line to take or attend the meetings as part of the United Kingdom delegation.

  Since April 1994 my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries, then Minister for Fisheries in Scotland, attended 6 Fisheries Councils, my noble and learned friend the Minister of State at the Department of Trade and Industry, then Minister for Home Affairs in Scotland, attended two Justice/Interior Issues Councils and one Fisheries Council and my honourable friend the Member for Eastwood, then Minister for Industry in Scotland, attended one Regional Policy Council.

  Agendas for meetings of the Council of Ministers usually cover a number of different subjects, but all within the area of responsibility of the particular Council.
  1545

  Health Service (Computers)
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what valuation was placed on national health service computer assets on their last two valuations; and when the last valuation took place; [35215]

  (2) what capital transfer has been made to Scottish health boards to compensate them for the revaluation of national health service computer centre assets; [35214]

  (3) what was the cost and the remit of his Department's contract with Coopers and Lybrand to draw up a service profile relating to the market testing of Scottish national health service computer services; [35213]

  (4) if he will list the service specifications included in the contract put out to tender for running Scottish national health service computer services; and if he will list the bidders who have applied for the contract. [35216]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much has been allocated to GP fundholders in management allowances in each year since the start of the scheme. [35392]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The information is set out in the table.

  £ million

  1990–91

  0.025

  1991–92

  0.252

  1992–93

  1.554

  1993–94

  3.114

  1994–95

  4.336

  Total

  9.281

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the costs of assisting GP fundholders with information technology expenditure in each year since 1991–92. [35387]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: Information available centrally relates only to direct payments to GP fundholders for computing costs made by health boards under the statement of fees and allowances. This information from 1992–93—the first year in which it was available centrally—until 30 September 1994 the latest date available, is set out in the table.

  £ million

  Financial Year

  1992–93

  1993–94

  6 months to 30 September 1994

  Total computer costs

  1.247

  2.045

  0.607

  1546
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what studies his Department has undertaken on the effectiveness of general practitioner fundholding and trust status. [35692]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Hospital Closures
  Mr. McAvoy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on how many occasions since 1979 he or his predecessors have refused to accept a recommendation to close a hospital; and if he will list the hospitals. [34801]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Ayshire and Arran Community Healthcare Trust
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what tendering procedure was adopted by the Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare Trust in appointing its public relations advisers; and what companies were involved in this process. [35732]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Political Activities
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will place in the Library a copy of the terms of contract relating to the conditions other than levels of pay, and the conditions of contract, of Mr. Gregor Mackay, pursuant to the oral answer by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Office of Public Service and Science, to the hon. Member for Gateshead, Official Report, column 15, and if he will define the term "leave" in relation to political activity. [33005]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 10 July 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 24 April 1995, Official Report, 24 April, col 373. Special advisers, like other civil servants, have an annual leave allocation which they can use for their own pursuits.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Nuclear Holding Company
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the appointment of the chief executive of the proposed nuclear holding company. [36542]

  Mr. Lang
  In consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, I have agreed to the appointments of Dr. Robert Hawley as chief executive of the holding company, Mr. Michael Kirwan as finance director and Mr. Robert Armour as company secretary. Over the next eight months, Dr. Hawley and Mr. Kirwan will progressively reduce their involvement with Nuclear Electric. Their involvement in Nuclear Electric is expected to cease completely at the end of March 1996.
  1547
  Further appointments will be announced in due course.

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to publish the draft Bill pertinent to the chemical weapons convention; and if he will make a statement. [33284]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 12 July 1995]: My hon. Friend the Minister for Trade and Technology announced to the House on 24 April 1995, Official Report, column 638 that the Government intended to publish a draft of the Chemical Weapons Bill for consultation with a view to its introduction in the coming session. The draft Bill has been published today and I have arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Civil Service Pension Scheme
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has for the administration of the principal civil service pension scheme in his Department; and if he will make a statement. [36545]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Office of Public Service and Science, informed the House on 27 June 1995, Official Report, column 551, that parliamentary approval is to be sought to permit Departments to market test the administration of the principal civil service pension scheme. Subject to this being given, our preferred option would be to contract the work out, provided that it is demonstrated to offer better value for money than continued in-house provision. It will be open to appropriate bodies within Government to compete for this work. In the meantime, officials have been instructed to undertake preparatory work to pursue this option.

  Simpler Trade Procedures Board
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he has completed his review of the Simpler Trade Procedures Board; and if he will make a statement. [36546]

  Mr. Nelson
  The purpose of the review, begun in May 1994, was to decide how SITPRO's work should be taken forward. The review, which has taken into account the report of a departmental review team and extensive representations by the SITPRO board, senior staff and other interested parties, is now complete. I am grateful to all those who contributed.

  I am pleased to acknowledge the value of the work undertaken by SITPRO on trade facilitation and in stimulating the application of best practice, including electronic data interchange. A wide range of business representatives has made an extensive contribution over the years to the work of the board and its committees.

  I have decided that the core trade facilitation function should continue, and be conducted at arm's length from the Department, with input from business. My Department, in conjunction with the chairman and the board, will be re-defining SITPRO's role in the light of the Government's wider trade and other policies. The focus will be on international trade procedures and associated information flows.

  I recognise that SITPRO, in co-operation with other
  1548
  bodies, has made a pioneering contribution to the development of EDI standards. However, I believe that it is now appropriate to consolidate this work with other IT standards work led by the private sector. Although SITPRO will cease to play a leading role, it will provide input on the implications for international trade procedures. The Department is therefore negotiating with relevant bodies to ensure that the future focus for EDI standards work will be the relevant EDI standards BSI committee through the United Kingdom Confederation for Electronic Data Interchange Standards, UKCEDIS. To provide a stronger UK voice, with wider industry support, in the UN/EDIFACT process, the Department is negotiating to transfer SITPRO's EDI standards team to the private sector, where its expertise will continue to provide a resource for the lead standards body and the EDI community. The Department will fund this support activity on a tapering basis, to allow the private sector time to put alternative funding in place.

  I share the board's view that SITPRO's software business could now make a greater contribution by being in the private sector. Consequently, preparations are being made to sell the business.

  I believe that this programme of changes represents a way forward which will meet the wider governmental policies and key international trade facilitation needs.

  British Antarctic Survey
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the President of the Board of trade what progress has been made on the restructuring programme on the British Antarctic Survey, with particular reference to the proposed transfer of the Faraday research station in Antarctica to the Government of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement. [36548]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The House was informed on 9 May 1993 that funds to the order of £4 million would be provided to the Natural Environment Research Council from the science budget for the three years up to 1995–96 for restructuring of the British Antarctic Survey's facilities in Antarctica. Work is progressing.

  At the Rothera station, the first year of the construction programme on new accommodation and laboratory facilities has been completed. Work is expected to be finished by the end of the next austral summer. This will enable a greatly expanded inshore marine and terrestrial biology programme to be developed at Rothera. At Signy station, preparation of the site for construction has started. It is anticipated that work on new accommodation and laboratory facilities will be completed next season. In addition, automated equipment has been developed to record meteorological and sea ice conditions.

  On completion, these projects will sustain the world-class research conducted by the survey and will provide enhanced opportunities for visiting scientists from our higher educational institutes and will facilitate international scientific collaboration.

  Negotiations for the handover of the Faraday station to the Government of Ukraine announced to the House on 7 February have been successfully concluded. The terms of agreement to be signed on 20 July provide for the transfer of ownership of the Faraday research station to the Ukraine. It is proposed that the transfer will be concluded before 31 March 1996. The Ukrainian

  1549
  Government have agreed that Faraday will continue to be used for scientific research and that key scientific observations, shall be continued.

  Under the terms of the agreement, the United Kingdom and the international community will continue to receive, free of charge, scientific data to complement existing long term datasets. The Ukraine has also agreed to ensure that its scientific, logistic and support services in the Antarctic are fully in accord with the provisions of the Antarctic treaty and its protocol on environmental protection.

  The arrangement will avoid the expenditure that would otherwise have been incurred had the base been closed and deemed abandoned. Clean-up of abandoned former British bases in Antarctica continues. Four of these bases were designated as historic sites at the XIXth Antarctic treaty consultative meeting in May this year.

  Coal Industry
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the future of British Coal Enterprise. [36547]

  Mr. Page
  Following careful consideration of the options, the Government have accepted British Coal's recommendation that British Coal should invite competitive proposals for all or part of its British Coal Enterprise subsidiary. This will enable British Coal to take a clear view on the best way forward for BCE, having regard to its statutory duties and the importance of ensuring continuation of effective assistance to the coalfield communities. British Coal expects that the process will be concluded by March 1996.

  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the timetable for transferring remaining liabilities from the British Coal Corporation to the Secretary of State. [36544]

  Mr. Page
  The Department had already taken on responsibility for a number of British Coal liabilities, including for concessionary fuel, for certain pension fund contributions, and for health and injury liabilities to former British Coal employees who transferred to the private sector successor companies and the Coal Authority in respect of their past service with British Coal.

  Where remaining liabilities, including those arising in connection with health-damage claims for former British Coal employees who have not transferred to private sector successor companies, are not otherwise dealt with, they will similarly be transferred by the end of 1997.

  The Coal Industry Act 1994 provides that the corporation may be dissolved as soon as it appears to the Secretary of State that it is no longer necessary for the corporation to continue to exist. I would not expect to reach such a conclusion without being satisfied that there was proper provision for all outstanding liabilities to be honoured.

  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those organisations and individuals who made representations to his Department supporting the sale of CINven separately from CINMan. [36299]

  Mr. Eggar
  The Department and British Coal have received a number of representations on the separate sale of CINVen. The decision to allow for a separate sale was 1550
  made after consideration by all the interested parties, including CINMan, CINVen and trustees of the British Coal pension schemes as well as by British Coal and my Department.

  Dual-use Exports
  Mr. Carrington
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the list of destinations subject to special licensing procedures for the export of dual-use goods published on 9 February, Official Report, column 353–54, has been revised. [36543]

  Mr. Nelson
  Yes. Some licence applications for dual use goods to the following destinations are subject to special licensing procedures:Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Burma, China (Peoples Republic of), Croatia, Cuba, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, India, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrghystan, Latvia, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Korea, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekhistan, Vietnam, Zaire.

  This list is subject to regular review. In addition, some licence applications for destinations not listed are also subject to special licensing procedures.

  The use of these procedures does not preclude the granting of an export licence.

  Regional Assistance
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what were the amounts of regional preferential assistance of each type invested in each region in each year since 1978–79 in cash and constant prices. [35474]

  Mr. Eggar
  Details of regional preferential assistance from 1978–79 to 1992–93 at current prices and at 1991–92 prices can be found in the Official Report, 31 March 1994, columns 1005–6.

  A regional breakdown of regional preferential assistance at cash and constant prices for 1993–94 and 1994–95 is given in the table.

  More detailed analysis of regional preferential assistance could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Current prices

  1991–92 prices

  Current prices

  1991–92 prices

  Northern

  52.7

  49.2

  38.2

  35.0

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  35.6

  33.2

  23.0

  21.1

  East Midlands

  1.9

  1.8

  5.2

  4.8

  South West

  9.5

  8.9

  9.2

  8.4

  West Midlands

  14.4

  13.4

  14.7

  13.5

  North West

  40.3

  37.6

  17.4

  15.9

  Merseyside1

  —

  —

  15.0

  13.7

  East

  —

  —

  0.7

  0.6

  South East

  —

  —

  0.9

  0.8

  London

  —

  —

  0.6

  0.5

  England

  154.4

  144.1

  124.9

  114.3

  1551

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Current prices

  1991–92 prices

  Current prices

  1991–92 prices

  Wales

  118.8

  110.8

  2109.2

  2100.1

  Scotland

  121.2

  113.1

  134.5

  123.2

  Great Britain

  394.4

  368.0

  368.6

  337.6

  1 Figures for Merseyside for earlier years are included in those for the North West.

  2 Welsh figures for 1994–95 are provisional.

  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the cost per job year of the financial inducements given under the regional selective assistance scheme in each year since 1993–95; and if he will make a statement. [34954]

  Expenditure on regional assistance at 1994–95 prices

  Regional development grant

  £ million

  Region

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Northern

  306.5

  248.9

  277.8

  229.2

  174.4

  145.9

  104.7

  154.1

  North West

  147.0

  223.9

  276.8

  175.3

  142.9

  131.1

  96.6

  152.8

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  53.8

  82.0

  90.9

  65.6

  40.4

  43.9

  37.6

  40.9

  South West

  12.5

  18.0

  19.9

  19.8

  13.4

  15.6

  13.4

  23.1

  East Midlands

  6.0

  6.8

  13.9

  15.9

  14.1

  6.2

  6.8

  12.7

  West Midlands

  0.0

  0.2

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  England

  525.9

  579.9

  679.3

  505.8

  385.2

  342.8

  259.1

  383.6

  Expenditure on regional assistance at 1994–95

  Regional Development Grant

  £ million

  Region

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Northern

  87.5

  109.0

  81.4

  41.3

  17.9

  8.7

  1.5

  0.2

  North West

  64.9

  62.4

  35.6

  22.6

  14.3

  1.4

  0.6

  —

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  25.2

  25.8

  12.3

  6.4

  1.9

  1.2

  0.2

  —

  South West

  10.0

  8.9

  4.4

  1.2

  0.3

  0.0

  0.0

  0.2

  East Midlands

  10.0

  10.5

  10.2

  4.5

  1.6

  0.3

  0.4

  —

  West Midlands

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  England

  197.7

  216.5

  143.9

  76.1

  36.1

  11.6

  2.8

  0.4

  Expenditure on regional assistance at 1994–95 prices

  Regional selective assistance

  £ million

  Region

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Northern

  37.3

  39.0

  46.9

  40.2

  28.6

  29.8

  28.3

  27.5

  North West

  75.1

  45.6

  30.5

  34.8

  25.3

  26.6

  22.2

  29.1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  22.0

  13.3

  14.7

  20.2

  16.4

  18.9

  14.5

  16.1

  South West

  8.8

  5.7

  3.5

  5.2

  3.8

  4.3

  4.4

  8.3

  East Midlands

  3.0

  1.3

  2.1

  7.7

  16.0

  12.5

  6.8

  3.5

  West Midlands

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  0.0

  9.6

  15.7

  Merseyside1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  South East

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  England

  146.3

  104.9

  97.7

  108.1

  90

  92

  85.8

  102.2

  1 Figures for Merseyside for earlier years are included in those for the North West.

  Expenditure on regional assistance at 1994–95 prices

  Regional selective assistance

  £ million

  Region

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Northern

  36.7

  48.2

  40.9

  33.3

  30.5

  29.5

  33.5

  36.7

  North West

  28.9

  27.9

  39.5

  29.8

  24.7

  19.1

  20.6

  16.4

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  20.8

  28.7

  14.2

  12.8

  9.6

  8.8

  20.9

  19.1

  South West

  6.3

  6.2

  5.9

  5.1

  6.0

  5.4

  6.7

  8.2

  1552
  Mr. Oppenheim
  The figures requested are as follows: Regional Selective Assistance—England

  Average cost per job

  1992–93: £4,473

  1993–94: £4,083

  1994–95: £4,364

  Based on offers of grant accepted during the specified periods.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much his department provided by way of regional assistance to industry in constant prices by region in each year since 1979–80. [34644]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: The figures requested are as follows:
  1553

  Expenditure on regional assistance at 1994–95 prices

  Regional selective assistance

  £ million

  Region

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  East Midlands

  3.4

  1.3

  1.3

  1.5

  0.9

  0.6

  0.7

  3.1

  West Midlands

  26.9

  33.8

  24.8

  20.9

  9.5

  11.3

  14.1

  13.7

  Merseyside1

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  14.4

  East

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.4

  South East

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.7

  London

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.4

  England

  123.1

  146.2

  126.6

  103.5

  81.2

  74.8

  96.5

  113.1

  Electro-shock Equipment
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action his Department has taken to follow up allegations made in January 1995 in relation to the production, export and arrangement of sale of electro-shock weapons and equipment; if he has anything to add to previous parliamentary answers in respect of the allegations relating to electro-shock weapons and equipment; if he will initiate an inquiry in relation to the specific allegations made in respect of(a) ICL Technical Plastics of Glasgow and (b) British Aerospace/Royal Ordnance; and if he will make a statement. [31106]

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 27 June 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to him and to the hon. Member for Rossendale and Darwen (Ms Anderson) on 6 February, Official Report, column 5 and to the answer given to the hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Mrs. Clwyd) on 23 January, Official Report, column 23. I have nothing to add to previous answers.

  Exports to Iran
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [35335]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: No arrangements exist for the provision of information by overseas customs authorities to the Department of Trade and Industry. Any such information would be provided to HM Customs and Excise.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [35342]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: It is not clear what the hon. Member is alluding to. However, if he believes that he has information relevant to a breach of export controls, it would be helpful if he could please provide it to the Department.

  East Midlands Electricity
  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information he holds on the use of compulsory purchase orders by East Midlands Electricity to obtain leasing rights in connection with the provision of sub-stations on, and wayleaves over, public land; and if he will make a statement. [33698]
  1554
  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is currently considering an application for a compulsory wayleave under paragraph 6 of schedule 4 to the Electricity Act 1989 over land in Leicester whose ownership cannot be identified.

  There is no information that the company has applied for any compulsory purchase orders to obtain rights over public land.

  Mr. Barnes
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information he holds on the levels of payments for leases by East Midlands Electricity in connection with the provision of sub-stations on, and wayleaves over, public land; and if he will make a statement. [33697]

  Mr. Page
  [holding answer 13 July 1995]: This information is unavailable since payments for leases and wayleaves are commercial matters for the company.

  Utilities (Pricing)
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he has had with the private utilities in respect of pricing structure with special reference to the balance between standing charges and unit costs. [35475]

  Mr. Eggar
  This is a matter for the companies and the directors general.

  Cabling Operations, Essex and Kent
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade under what conditions he has granted a licence to United Artists Communications to install a cable communication network in Essex and north Kent; if those conditions require the company to make good the pavements which they have disrupted; and if he will make a statement. [35792]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  United Artists Communications has been granted powers under section 10 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 to install cable systems in the maintainable highway, and with appropriate consent, on private land. The Telecommunications Act licences it holds for its franchises in Essex and north Kent include conditions designed to ensure the company operates in a responsible manner and adheres to all relevant street works legislation. The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, and its associated regulations, set the standard of street works. The Act places a duty on the undertaker to carry out the reinstatement of the road surface to standards prescribed in regulation and set out in a code of practice. Local highways authorities are responsible for
  1555
  enforcement of the code. Both interim and permanent reinstatements must conform with the statutory national specification and all cases of defective reinstatement which are identified by the local highway authority must be rectified at the undertaker's expense.

  British Nuclear Fuels
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which posts within his Department are currently filled by staff seconded from BNFL. [36298]

  Mr. Eggar
  There are currently two staff seconded from BNFL working in the Department. One is in environment and energy technologies division, and the other is in atomic energy division. Both are at grade 7 level.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his status as a shadow director of BNFL; what powers this gives him; to whom he answers for the exercise of his responsibilities, and if the Companies Act 1985 section 741(2) applies to this role. [36202]

  Mr. Eggar
  The appointment of the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry as a shadow director, within the meaning of section 741(2) of the Companies Act 1985, of British Nuclear Fuels plc has been notified to the Registrar of Companies. The appointment of itself confers no powers on him. In broad terms, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade answers in Parliament on matters directly relating to Government policy, in so far as BNFL is concerned while day to day affairs of the company are for the board of BNFL.

  Small Business, Yorkshire
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment his Department made of the effect on employment in south Yorkshire of the withdrawal at the end of December 1995 of special aid to small and medium-sized businesses in areas affected by the decline of mining, shipbuilding and textile industries. [34535]

  Mr. Page
  This particular aid which was made under the flexible business support measures scheme was made available by the Government, in mining and shipbuilding areas, through some of the European structural funds programmes during the period 1989–93. These have all been monitored and will be evaluated to assess their impact.

  The needs of small and medium-sized businesses in south Yorkshire have been and will continue to be met, and on a larger scale, in the implementation of the successor structural funds programmes. For example, the Yorkshire and Humberside objective 2 area single programming document approved for 1994–96 provides £10.3 million to be used to increase expenditure on DTI measures to help SMEs.

  Export Promotion Service
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the relative level of satisfaction in respect of the export promotion service recorded for(a) small service businesses and (b) other exporters. [36300]
  1556
  Mr. Nelson
  My Department has a regular customer satisfaction survey that collects information on the satisfaction levels for all chargeable services. This quarterly survey employs a random sample methodology of users. It is not possible, therefore, to separate out the small service companies from the rest.

  However, it should be noted that the overall satisfaction level for all services is 75 per cent.

  Military Exports
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 25 May, Official Report, column 676, if copies of contracts and purchase orders are supplied in every case of military list exports to overseas Governments; and from which date contracts and purchase orders have been insisted upon in every case. [29761]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The guidance notes on completing an export licence application state that details of contracts or purchase orders are required in support of all export license applications for military list exports to overseas governments. In the past it was not insisted upon in every case: to establish the practice operated at earlier dates would involve disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade in what circumstances copies of contracts or purchase orders from Government Departments of military list export destination countries were not supplied to the export licensing unit in the case of arms contracts with governments; and, in the case of Jordan, the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia, for what reasons such exceptions were allowed. [27341]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  It is not possible to establish from my Department's records the circumstances in which, in operating the procedure described in my answer Official Report, 15 May 1995, column 21, licensing officers decided that particular types of supporting material were not required in particular cases. The statement by the right hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine) on 13 June 1995 referred to a sample taken of licence applications to discover what percentage did not have supporting documentation and for no other purpose. It is not the present practice to allow any exception to the requirements to provide the necessary documents in support of applications for export licences for sales of military equipment to Governments.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many export licences for goods on the military list were granted to Royal Ordnance in 1985 and 1986; and how many did not have full supporting documentation.[35338]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  BMARC
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the intelligence reports of July and September 1988 referred to in his recent statement on BMARC were distributed to members of the restricted enforcement unit. [29725]
  1557
  Mr. Ian Taylor
  It is long-standing Government policy not to provide detailed information on the activities of the security and intelligence agencies. The effectiveness of the restrictive enforcement unit depends on preserving the confidentiality of its work.

  The Trade and Industry Select Committee has announced an inquiry into the role of DTI in granting licences to BMARC for the export of naval guns to Singapore, and this is the proper forum for further research.

  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to reply to the question from the hon. Member for Wallsend concerning directors of BMARC due for answer on 19 June. [36105]

  Mr. Nelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 14 July,Official Report, column 841.

  Offshore Oil and Gas
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the total revenue received by the United Kingdom Government from the selling of offshore oil or gas licenses since 1979. [34760]

  Mr. Eggar
  Since 1979, tender receipts from offshore licensing have totalled £154 million, of which £33 million was received from the 8th round in 1982–83 and £121 million from the 9th round in 1984–85.

  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information he has on the use already made of pseudo-oil-based drill muds in oil and gas exploration in the Celtic sea. [35531]

  Mr. Page
  Information is submitted to my Department in respect of the fluids to be used in the drilling of any well on the UK continental shelf, including the Celtic sea. In the case of pseudo-oil-based muds, that information relates to the characteristics of the particular mud and the amount of pseudo-oil on the drill cuttings.

  Monopolies and Mergers Commission Reports
  Ms Roseanna Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what were the total costs involved in producing the Monopolies and Mergers Commission reports on(a) Stagecoach Holdings plc and Mainline Partnership Ltd., (b) Stagecoach Holdings plc and SB Holdings Ltd., (c) North East of England Buses Monopoly and (d) Stagecoach Holdings plc and Ayrshire Bus Owners (A1 Service Ltd.). [35366]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The estimated total costs in producing each of these reports is:

  (a) Stagecoach Holdings plc and Mainline Partnership Ltd.: £194,000

  (b) Stagecoach Holdings plc and SB Holdings Ltd.: £185,000

  (c) Monopoly report on bus services in North East England: £646,000

  In the case of Stagecoach Holdings plc and Ayrshire Bus Owners (Al Services Ltd.), this inquiry is still under way so it is not possible to provide an estimated total final cost.
  1558

  Lloyd's
  Mr. Darling
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations his Department has received from Lloyd's of London in connection with proposed amendments to the Lloyd's Act 1982; and if he will make a statement. [35678]

  Mr. Nelson
  I have received no formal proposals, but the chairman of Lloyd's has from time to time suggested that it would be helpful to the evolution of Lloyd's if future chairmen could be selected from a wider pool than the working community at Lloyd's. Such a change would require an amendment to the private Lloyd's Act 1982 and would be for Lloyd's itself to promote.

  Post Office Savings Account
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what stage the Post Office had reached in planning its own savings account; and if he will make a statement. [33649]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Post Office already offers a savings account on behalf of the department of national savings. The two organisation are considering ways in which existing arrangements might be improved for the benefit of customers but the outcome of this work should not be prejudged.

  Female Employees
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures his Department has taken to encourage the promotion of women into senior positions within his Department and its executive agencies. [35673]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Department is committed to equality for all its employees, including female staff. This includes ensuring that recruitment and promotion is made on merit.

  The Department is a member of Opportunity 2000 and has drawn up a number of goals aimed at achieving a better balance work-force. This is supported by a three-year rolling programme of action.

  The proportion of women is steadily increasing at all management levels in the Department. Women now make up 10.6 per cent. of staff at grades 1 to 3. This compares well with the private sector, where women are believed to make up 3 per cent. of directors and 4 per cent. of board members. Women also comprise 18.8 per cent. and 16.2 per cent of staff at grade levels 4 and 5 respectively. Some 5.2 per cent. of staff at grade level 1 to 5 work part time.

  In 1993, the DTI published a summary of progress on equal opportunities for female staff in the Department since 1984. This also includes the departmental action plan and Opportunity 2000 goals. A copy is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list(a) the number of (i) male and (ii) female employees, (b) the number officials employed at each of the principal grades and percentages of women employed at these grades and (c) the numbers of staff employed at administrative grades and the number and percentages of these staff that are women, in his Department and for each of its executive agencies for each year since 1985. [35684]
  1559
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The information requested is not readily available in the time available. I will write separately to the hon. Member.

  Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations his Department has received from the security services opposing legislation to outlaw mobile phone cloning; [35704]

  (2) what contracts have taken place between his Department and the Ministry of Defence relating to the legislative position of the cloning of mobile phones. [35703]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  In accordance with precedent. the Government do not comment on issues relating to national security. On 13 June I established an industry and Government study group to examine the serious problem of mobile phone fraud, and any recommendations for action coming out of that group, which will report back in September will be subject to consultation within Government in the normal way.

  Departmental Staff, Coventry
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list separately, by each office of his Department, the numbers and grades of casuals, fixed appointments and vacancies in the Coventry travel-to-work area. [33779]

  Mr. Page
  The only DTI staff working in the Coventry travel-to-work area are to be based at Coventry business link which opened in May 1995. The permanent staff transferring to work on 24 July will be the higher executive officer, one executive officer and one administrative officer. The remaining administrative assistant post was advertised to Government Departments in the Coventry area but could not be filled. Arrangements are in hand for this remaining vacancy to be filled by a casual appointment.

  Supermarket Pricing Policies
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what studies have been made of supermarket pricing policies; and what percentage are supermarket prices in the total shopping basket monitoring that comprises the retail prices index data. [35192]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Office of Fair Trading keeps supermarket behaviour under review. A 1992 OFT review of market concentration and the profitability of the leading supermarket chains provided no basis for concluding action under the competition legislation was needed.

  For the calculation of the retail prices index, the major supermarkets are given weights proportionate to their estimated market shares. These weights vary from item to item and from month to month. An estimate of supermarkets' share of the total RPI basket could be produced only at disproportionate cost.
  1560

  Lackenby-Picton-Shipton Power Line
  Mr. John Greenway
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to receive the inspectors report on the public inquiry into the National Grid proposal for the Lackenby-Picton-Shipton power line. [33652]

  Mr. Page
  The timing of the report is a matter for the inquiry inspectors.

  Nigeria (Military Exports)
  Mr. Keith Hill
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many licences have been issued for the export of lethal military equipment to the Nigerian police force since December 1993. [29206]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  It has been the practice of successive Governments not to reveal details of export licences or applications for licences unless the requirements of confidentiality are outweighed by the public interest.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under ML1 classification included rifles, carbines, revolvers, pistols, machine pistols, machine guns, smooth bore weapons specially designed for military use or weapons using caseless ammunition; [32622]

  (2) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML2 classification included guns, howitzers, cannon, mortars, tank destroyers, projectile launchers, military flame throwers or recoilless rifles; [32623]

  (3) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML3 classification included ammunition for rifles, carbines, revolvers, pistols, machine pistols, machine guns, smooth bore weapons specially designed for military use, weapons using caseless ammunition, howitzers, cannon, mortars, tank destroyers, projectile launchers, military flame throwers recoilles rifles; [32624]

  (4) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML4 classification included bombs, torpedoes, grenades, smoke canisters, rockets, mines, missiles, depth charges, demolition charges, devices and kits, military pyrotechnics, cartridges or simulators; [32625]

  (5) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML6 classification included tanks, self-propelled guns, armed armoured vehicles and vehicles fitted with mountings for arms, gun-carriers or tractors and trailers specially designed for towing or transporting ammunition or weapons systems; [32626]

  (6) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML7 classification included biological agents and radioactive materials adapted for use in war to produce casualties in humans or animals, degrade equipment, or damage crops, or the environment, chemical warfare agents or riot control agents; [32627]

  (7) if the export licence for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML8 classification included military explosives or propellants; [32628]
  1561
  (8) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML9 classification included vessels of war, special naval equipment or accessories; [32629]

  (9) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML10 classification included aircraft, aero-engines, aircraft equipment and related equipment specially designed or modified for military use; [32630]

  (10) if the export licence granted for non-lethal military equipment to Nigeria in 1994 under the ML14 classification included specialised military training equipment. [32631]

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answers 10 July 1995]: It has been the practice of successive Governments not to reveal details of export licences or applications for licences unless the requirements of confidentiality are outweighed by the public interest.

  Swimming Pool Safety
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent studies he has evaluated into swimming pool safety at holiday resorts; what steps he is taking to ensure that(a) tour operators guarantee minimum safety standards for tourists equivalent to those in the United Kingdom, (b) that tour operators check the safety provisions at all facilities which are advertised for holidays from the United Kingdom and (c) to make tour operators fully liable for any damage or injury to tourists from the United Kingdom incurred as a result of poor or dangerous facilities that they have advertised. [36190]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I am aware of the recent report by the Consumers Association.

  All major holiday companies operating from the United Kingdom observe a strict code of safety practice drawn up, at the instigation of the Association of British Travel Agents, by the International Federation of Tour Operators. This covers swimming pool safety.

  Organisers of packages are liable for the proper performance of the obligations under the contract, irrespective of whether such obligations are performed by the tour operator himself, or by another supplier of services. They may also owe a duty of care to their customers. I am not persuaded of the need to go further.

  National Engineering Laboratory
  Mr. Ingram
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the future of the National Engineering Laboratory. [34568]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave him on 17 July 1995,Official Report, column 897.

  Insolvency Service
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish the names and addresses of those individuals, firms and companies who have expressed an interest in tendering for the work of the Insolvency Service. [34527]
  1562
  Mr. Oppenheim
  No, this information is commercially confidential.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, if the £1.3 million allocated to the Insolvency Service for the contracting out exercise has been found from savings from his Department's allocation from the Treasury for this financial year. [34523]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The money allocated to cover the contracting out exercise will be found from within the Department's agreed budget for this financial year.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action he is taking to ensure that bankrupts and those who became insolvent are able to comply with the investigation of a contracted-out Insolvency Service with no more travel than is presently necessary. [35073]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  A benchmark service standard for any contracting out would be accessibility at current levels. Any reorganisation of official receivers' offices will need to ensure that bankrupts and company directors do not have to travel excessive distances to attend interviews with the official receiver.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many staff his Department estimates will be required to fulfil the official receiver's investigatory role following the contracting out of his case administration functions. [350175]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Only when negotiations with potential providers have been completed and decisions taken on contracting out will it be possible to determine the size and shape of the Insolvency Service necessary to carry out its investigative and other remaining functions.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Insolvency Service staff will be made redundant or transferred should the functions of the official receiver be contracted out. [35194]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Only when negotiations with potential bidders have been completed would it be possible to determine the type of bids to be received—for instance, TUPE or non-TUPE—and, as a result the residual size and shape of the Insolvency Service. If a decision were made to contract out we would wish to avoid redundancies wherever possible.

  Bankruptcies, Huddersfield
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many(a) bankruptcy orders and (b) winding-up orders have been made in Huddersfield county court for each of the last six years. [35015]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The total numbers of bankruptcy and winding-up orders made in the Huddersfield county court in each of the last six years were as follows:

  Year ended 31 December

  Number of bankruptcy orders

  Number of winding-up orders

  1989

  31

  3

  1990

  26

  4

  1991

  83

  7

  1992

  87

  3

  1993

  74

  2

  1994

  66

  2

  1563

  Official Receiver, Sheffield
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many bankruptcies and companies in liquidation, whose administration has not been finalised, are being dealt with by the official receiver's office, Sheffield at the present time. [34525]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The total number of cases in which the official receiver, Sheffield is still to obtain his release as at 30 June 1995 are bankruptcies: 189, companies: 35.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about the future of the official receiver's office, Sheffield, if the work of the Insolvency Service is partially contracted out. [34524]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  No decisions have yet been taken in relation to the residual size and location of the Insolvency Service, should contracting-out go ahead. It is not expected that a decision will be able to be made regarding the future of the official receiver's office, Sheffield, until conclusions on contracting out have been reached.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement as to the effects the contracting out of the administrative functions of the official receiver will have on investigation of fraud in the Sheffield area. [34526]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Advice received from consultants was that the contracting out of their administrative functions would enable official receivers throughout the country to concentrate more on their investigatory role.

  Rom Data Corporation
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what date Mr. John Dawson and Mr. Brad Shephard, formerly directors of Rom Data Corporation in Cornwall, were last interviewed by his Department, and for what reason; and when his Department next intends to interview Mr. Dawson in relation to the company. [34652]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: A departmental official met Mr. Brad Shephard on 29 October 1993 in connection with earlier grant payments. So far as the future is concerned, the company is in the hands of the liquidators, and the Department will review any action following their report.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations were received by his Department in relation to the grant to Rom Data Corporation of Falmouth in 1994; and whether they contained any unfavourable reports about the company or its directors. [34651]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: No grant was paid to the company in 1994. Various exchanges took place with the company and its bankers in connection with the small firms loan guarantee. My hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Coe) wrote to the Government office for the south-west in December 1994 drawing attention to the company's problems.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 2 March,Official Report, column 720, what action he intends to take against the directors of Rom Data Corporation in Cornwall. [34653]
  1564
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The company is still in the hands of the liquidators who have yet to report their findings. When they have done so I will consider what action, if any, it is necessary to take.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 2 March,Official Report, column 719, if his Department was aware of the previous business and bankruptcy records of directors of Rom Data Corporation in Cornwall before making grants to the company in (a) 1991–92 and (b) 1994. [34648]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The Department made certain inquiries into the background of the directors prior to the offer of grant in 1991. However, the bankruptcy record referred to did not come to light at the time.

  No grants were offered in 1994.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what factors influenced his Department when making a grant in 1994 to Rom Data, Cornwall; and if he will make a statement. [34649]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: No grant was offered to the company in 1994. The National Westminster Bank decided to make a loan available to the company under the Department's small firms loan guarantee scheme.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade on what date his Department was first contacted by hon. Members in relation to Rom Data Corporation in Cornwall. [34650]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: Contact was first made on 3 December 1992.

  Small Company Liquidations
  Mrs. Liddell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many petitions to put small companies into liquidation have been started by Government Departments in each of the last four years. [34505]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  This information is not maintained by my Department.

  Regulatory Policy
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what attempts his Department has made to repatriate regulatory policy in line with the principle of subsidiarity; and if he will make a statement. [34955]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Government attach considerable importance to the remit given by the Cannes European Council to the Commission to report on progress in applying subsidiarity across the range of the Community's policy areas. The Commission is to present this report for discussion at the Madrid European Council in December. Over the last two years my Department, with others in Whitehall, has suggested to the Commission EC measures which we consider should be withdrawn or amended under the principle of subsidiarity. We shall continue to press them to apply this principle.
  1565

  Samsung, Cleveland
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total cost to public funds of the financial package offered to Samsung to induce its investment in Cleveland; and if he will make a statement. [35010]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  My Department offered regional selective assistance grant and loans totalling £58 million, against a proposed investment of £450 million by the company, in 1994 to secure the Samsung investment for the United Kingdom. The project is expected to create at least 3,000 jobs in Cleveland. RSA assistance will be paid out over the next ten years or so as the various elements of the Samsung investment proceed and the jobs involved are created. In addition, a number of other agencies agreed to provide local support covering training and employment allowances, the development of a dedicated training centre and necessary infrastructure and premises development related to the investment. Much of this local support will not be in the form of grant to Samsung but will fall in the current and future work and training programmes of the agencies concerned.

  India (Trade Barriers)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations his Department has made to the Indian Government regarding trade liberalisation; and if he will make a statement. [34934]

  Mr. Nelson
  My Department has regularly lobbied the Indian Government regarding trade liberalisation particularly in the context of the Indo-British partnership. Recently India has followed a programme of removal of trade barriers but more needs to be done, particularly on high tariffs, restrictions on imports of consumer goods, transparency of procedures, protection of intellectual property rights, and the opening up of public sector monopolies particularly in finance and insurance.

  In line with the strategy on trade barriers launched by the then President of the Board of Trade on 28 June this Department will continue to press India to remove barriers to trade in bilateral contacts and where appropriate through the World Trade Organisation in concert with our EU partners.

  Sri Lanka (Exports)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the annual value of United Kingdom exports to Sri Lanka; what proportion of this amount can be attributed to the armaments industry; and if he will make a statement. [34958]

  Mr. Nelson
  The annual value of United Kingdom exports to Sir Lanka are as follows:

  £ million

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Exports

  103.2

  126.2

  153.9

  Statistics showing the proportion of this amount that can be attributed to the armaments industry are confidential.
  1566
  Sri Lanka has been designated a priority market by the DTI for British trade and investment. Two-way trade is on the increase and there are substantial opportunities for British firms across a wide range of sectors.

  Teaching Company Scheme Centres
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the universities at which teaching company scheme centres have been established; and if he will make a statement. [34940]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Barnsley, West and Penistone (Mr. Clapham) on 4 July 1995,Official Report, column 148.

  Elimination of Trade Barriers
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is his policy in respect of the unilateral eliminations of barriers to trade by the EU; and if he will make a statement. [34935]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  My Department is working for the removal of barriers to trade, both within the European Union and in third markets. Fair and open access to markets throughout the world is vital to the prosperity of the United Kingdom.

  British Investment Overseas
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the value of direct British investment overseas in each year since 1992–93; and if he will make a statement. [34950]

  Mr. Nelson
  Direct investment overseas by UK residents amounted to £10.8 billion in 1992, £17.1 billion in 1993 and £16.4 billion in 1994. The UK's earnings from overseas direct investment were a record £21.9 billion in 1994.

  Inward Investments
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of jobs created or safeguarded by inward investment in Wales in each year since 1992–93; and if he will make a statement. [34947]

  Mr. Eggar
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave on 18 July to the hon. Member for Caernarfon (Mr. Wigley).

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will give for each of the statistical regions of England the share of all inward investment projects coming to the United Kingdom in each of the last 10 years as measured by(a) numbers of projects and (b) numbers of jobs to be created. [35170]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: For the financial years 1984–85 to 1994–95 the proportion of inward investment decisions and number of jobs created in each of the regions of England are as follows:

  1567

  Region

  Percentage of projects

  Percentage jobs created

  1984–85

  East Midlands

  2.5

  2.2

  North east

  8.3

  5.6

  North west

  13.4

  7.7

  South east

  21.2

  23.6

  South west

  4.2

  5.3

  West Midlands

  6.3

  7.9

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  3.7

  1.0

  1985–86

  East Midlands

  5.4

  3.7

  North east

  6.1

  7.5

  North west

  9.2

  8.5

  South east

  22.3

  14.4

  South west

  4.3

  7.0

  West Midlands

  19.7

  21.6

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  3.5

  7.7

  1986–87

  East Midlands

  2.8

  1.9

  North east

  10.6

  13.1

  North west

  6.7

  6.0

  South east

  18.5

  12.1

  South west

  3.0

  2.2

  West Midlands

  18.8

  27.1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  5.6

  1.8

  1987–88

  East

  0.5

  0.08

  East Midlands

  3.3

  1.4

  North east

  6.0

  10.3

  North west

  9.0

  5.7

  South east

  16.2

  29.7

  South west

  3.0

  2.6

  West Midlands

  17.6

  10.4

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  7.4

  5.7

  1988–89

  East

  0.2

  0.06

  East Midlands

  6.3

  5.1

  North east

  10.6

  10.1

  North west

  11.4

  7.5

  South east

  9.7

  9.0

  South west

  1.7

  1.4

  West Midlands

  21.2

  14.1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  6.6

  6.5

  1989–90

  East

  0.8

  0.8

  East Midlands

  3.4

  9.1

  North east

  10.4

  11.1

  North west

  16.0

  8.5

  South east

  4.0

  2.1

  South west

  1.6

  4.1

  West Midlands

  25.4

  20.3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  5.0

  5.6

  1990–91

  East

  1.6

  1.8

  East Midlands

  3.2

  7.0

  North east

  10.9

  9.0

  North west

  18.4

  9.5

  South east

  4.6

  3.3

  South west

  0.8

  2.4

  West Midlands

  19.5

  19.3

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  7.1

  5.2

  1991–92

  East

  3.1

  2.6

  East Midlands

  1.4

  1.3

  North east

  11.0

  16.4

  North west

  21.2

  6.6

  South east

  8.2

  5.1

  1568

  Region

  Percentage of projects

  Percentage jobs created

  South west

  2.5

  9.7

  West Midlands

  13.3

  8.4

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4.8

  7.3

  1992–93

  East

  2.4

  2.0

  East Midlands

  2.1

  1.0

  North east

  10.5

  12.9

  North west

  9.0

  5.5

  South east

  6.0

  6.8

  South west

  2.1

  1.5

  West Midlands

  12.9

  8.7

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  13.2

  7.2

  1993–94

  East

  3.2

  1.5

  East Midlands

  5.1

  10.5

  North east

  8.8

  7.3

  North west

  7.4

  7.6

  South east

  4.6

  2.9

  South west

  2.7

  3.4

  West Midlands

  19.4

  11.0

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  9.2

  7.6

  1994–95

  East

  2.7

  2.2

  East Midlands

  10.1

  8.2

  North east

  8.7

  15.0

  North west

  11.2

  5.3

  South east

  8.5

  8.7

  South west

  4.8

  3.7

  West Midlands

  14.2

  13.0

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  4.8

  6.2

  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of new and safeguarded jobs brought by inward investors into each of the standard regions of the United Kingdom and for the United Kingdom as a whole for each year since 1992–93; and if he will indicate the percentage of the United Kingdom total for each standard region, and the average increase or decrease in proportional terms of this percentage during the last year. [34858]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The number of new and safeguarded jobs associated with inward investment decisions in each of the regions of the United Kingdom for each year since 1992–93 are as follows:

  Region

  New jobs (percentage)

  Safeguarded jobs (percentage)

  1992–93

  East

  363 (2.0)

  10,632 (24.2)

  East Midlands

  183 (1.0)

  405 (0.9)

  North east

  2,312 (12.9)

  3,210 (7.3)

  Northern Ireland

  2,742 (15.3)

  1,357 (3.0)

  North west

  992 (5.5)

  3,763 (8.5)

  Scotland

  4,497 (25.2)

  4,198 (9.5)

  South east

  1,212 (6.8)

  6,128 (13.9)

  South west

  285 (1.5)

  995 (2.2)

  Wales

  2,382 (13.3)

  4,949 (11.2)

  West Midlands

  1,568 (8.7)

  2,669 (6.0)

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  1,286 (7.2)

  5,529 (12.6)

  Total

  17,822

  43,825

  1569

  Region

  New jobs (Percentage)

  Safeguarded jobs (Percentage)

  1993–94

  East

  482 (1.5)

  1,231 (1.7)

  East Midlands

  3,218 (10.5)

  210 (0.3)

  North east

  2,256 (7.3)

  3,981 (5.7)

  North Ireland

  3,030 (9.9)

  601 (0.8)

  North west

  2,322 (7.6)

  2,312 (3.3)

  Scotland

  7,635 (24.9)

  4,639 (6.6)

  South east

  916 (2.9)

  5,950 (8.5)

  South west

  1,065 (3.4)

  1,112 (1.5)

  Wales

  3,913 (12.8)

  2,651 (3.8)

  West Midlands

  3,370 (11.0)

  42,069 (61.7)

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2,329 (7.6)

  3,998 (5.7)

  UK total

  30,536

  69,754

  Region

  New jobs (Percentage)

  Percentage of change

  Safeguarded jobs (Percentage)

  Percentage of change

  1994–95

  East

  842 (2.2)

  +1.7

  1,620 (3.1)

  +1.4

  East Midlands

  3,028 (8.2)

  -2.3

  8,642 (16.9)

  +16.6

  North east

  5,550 (15.0)

  +7.7

  3,649(7.1)

  +1.4

  Northern Ireland

  3,138 (8.5)

  -1.4

  2,008 (3.9)

  +3.1

  North west

  1,956 (5.3)

  -2.3

  5,267 (10.3)

  +7.0

  Scotland

  7,678 (20.8)

  -14.1

  3,117 (6.0)

  -0.6

  South east

  3,213 (8.7)

  -5.8

  14,775 (28.8)

  +20.3

  South west

  1,386 (3.7)

  +0.3

  707 (1.3)

  -0.2

  Wales

  2,989 (8.1)

  -4.7

  2,014 (3.9)

  +0.1

  West Midlands

  4,797(13.0)

  +2.0

  7,469 (14.6)

  -47.1

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  2,299 (6.2)

  -1.4

  1,865 (3.6)

  -2.1

  UK total

  36,876

  51,133

  The unsually high number of safeguarded jobs for the west midlands in 1993–94 includes those arising from BMW/Rover.

  The 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 not account of subsequent developments.

  Manufacturing Productivity
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which region of the United Kingdom has seen the largest proportionate increase in manufacturing productivity since 1979; and if he will make a statement. [34953]

  Mr. Nelson
  Regional estimates of manufacturing productivity are not available.

  SMART and SPUR Awards
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what proportion of SMART awards in 1994 were given to Welsh individuals or firms; and if he will make a statement; [34941]
  1570
  (2) what proportion of SPUR awards in 1994 were given to Welsh firms; and if he will make a statement. [34959]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  In 1994 the number of SMART awards—stages 1 and 2—in Wales was 31, with a total value of £1.414 million. This was 10 per cent. of the national total. The number of SPUR awards in Wales was 13, with a total value of £1.331 million. This was 13 per cent. of the national total. From 1 April 1994, financial responsibility for SMART and SPUR in Wales has rested with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  Invest in Britain Bureau
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many people are employed by his Department's Invest in Britain Bureau; and if he will make a statement. [34953]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  There are currently 52 people employed by the Invest in Britain Bureau. This number is expected to increase shortly to about 60, as part of the strengthening of the national inward investment promotional effort.

  Export Promoters (Salary)
  Mr. Llwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the average annual salary paid to his Department's export promoters; and if he will make a statement. [34956]

  Mr. Nelson
  Companies are asked to bear the full pay roll costs of seconding senior executives, typically for two years. The Department has negotiated a pay roll contribution in some cases where smaller companies cannot bear the full cost of loss of a person and the salary or for geographical markets in which there are fewer experienced executives available. The Department's current average pay roll contribution per export promoter is £19,500, which is considerably less than the average cost to companies of secondment.

  We have now successfully completed the first two and a half years of the initiative. This partnership between Government and the private sector is helping British business to win in overseas markets. We have recruited 124 export promoters so far and have assurances from a number of companies that they are identifying high-calibre people to put forward in order to maintain the numbers at 100 in post.

  Departmental Redundancies
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many redundancies occurred in his Department over the last 12 months; how many were voluntary; and what was the total sum spent on redundancy payments. [34619]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: In the 12 months starting 1 July 1994 there were 74 redundancies from the Department, of which 61 were voluntary.

  The information requested on the sum spent on redundancy payments will take some time to prepare. I shall write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
  1571

  Sick Absences
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many days were lost in sickness in the last 12 months by employees in his Department(a) in total and (b) as a proportion of the number of days worked; and what was the cost of this absence. [34618]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 14 July 1995]: The number of days lost in the 12 months ended 31 May 1995 was 55,107, excluding the Department's executive agencies. It has not been possible in the time available to adjust this figure to take account of sickness absence that has spanned weekends or public holidays and these extra days are included in the total.

  In 1994, the Department's average absence rate, adjusted for weekends and public holidays, was 3.9 per cent. but it is not practicable to calculate an adjusted rate for the 12 months ended 31 May 1995. The cost to the Department of the sickness absence could be provided only at disproportionate expense.

  Gas Supply (Hampshire)
  Mr. David Martin
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the potential effect on domestic consumers of the introduction of competition with gas supplying Hampshire. [34757]

  Mr. Eggar
  Domestic consumers in Hampshire will be able to benefit from competition in gas supply which is scheduled to be introduced nationally in 1998. Competition will exert a powerful downward pressure on average prices and provide strong incentives for efficiency and providing the quality of service that customers want. Independent suppliers have said they expect to be able to offer domestic customers average savings of 10 per cent. compared with British Gas's current prices.

  Manuactured Goods
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list in percentage change order the 50 classifications of manufactured goods which have shown greatest import growth since 1979 and the balance of trade deficit of surplus n each since then. [35409.]

  Mr. Nelson
  [Holding answer 18 July 1995]: The available information is given in the table.

  United Kingdom Trade £ million, current prices

  Classification

  Imports percentage change 1979–94

  Crude balance1994

  Medical and pharmaceutical products

  898

  1,697

  Office machines and ADP machines

  702

  -1,162

  Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliance nes

  648

  -690

  Essential oils and resinoids and perfume materials

  586

  790

  1572

  United Kingdom Trade £.million, current prices

  Classification

  Imports percentage change 1979–94

  Crude balance 1994

  Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing equipment

  531

  -211

  Prefabricated buildings; plumbing, heating and lighting fixtures and fitting

  470

  -162

  Miscellaneous manufactured articles nes

  449

  -803

  Dying tanning, and colouring materials

  383

  664

  Rubber manufactures nes

  381

  -68

  Power generating machinery and equipment

  366

  2,133

  Professional, scientific and controlling instruments nes

  364

  709

  Furniture and parts thereof

  347

  -428

  Plastics

  347

  -938

  Travel goods, handbags and similar containers

  326

  -279

  Footwear

  311

  -973

  Road vehicles (including air-cushion vehicles)

  310

  -6,774

  Articles of apparel and clothing accessories

  307

  -2,179

  General industrial machinery and machine parts nes

  295

  209

  Manufactures of metal nes

  273

  -243

  Chemical materials and products nes

  253

  1,061

  Organic chemicals

  244

  1,207

  Paper, paperboard and articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard

  240

  -2,233

  Fertilisers (other than those of group 272)

  236

  -238

  Photographic and optical equipment; watches and clocks

  230

  -272

  Other transport equipment

  205

  412

  Machinery specialised for particular industries

  184

  1,018

  Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles nes and related products

  166

  -1,570

  Iron and steel

  141

  739

  Inorganic chemicals

  141

  36

  Cork and wood manufactures (excluding furniture)

  122

  -863

  Non-ferrous metals

  94

  -793

  Metalworking machinery

  80

  61

  Non-metallic mineral manufactures nes

  36

  163

  Leather, leather manufactures nes and dressed furskins

  20

  102

  Consultants
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and 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 Thorton and its subsidiaries, (g) Stoy Hayward and its subsidiaries, (h) Robson Rhodes and its subsidiaries and (i) Pannell Kerr Forster and its subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993–94 and 1994–95. [33907]
  1573
  Mr. Lang

  Company

  Value

  Number

  1993–94

  Coopers and Lybrand

  550,149

  6

  Ernst and Young

  87,102

  7

  KPMG Management Consultants

  588,870

  13

  Price Waterhouse

  1,698,975

  4

  Stoy Hayward

  118,000

  2

  1994–95

  Coopers and Lybrand

  225,980

  3

  Anderson Consulting

  101,200

  2

  Ernst and Young

  57,399

  4

  The figures shown relate to contracts issued centrally and do not include those let independently by the Department's executive agencies.

  I have asked the agency chief executives to reply separately to this question.

  Letter from R. D. Worswick to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 18 July 1995:
  I have been asked to answer with respect to the Laboratory of the Government Chemist your question to the President of the Board of Trade tabled on 6 July 1995.In 1993–94 LGC did not let any contracts to any of the firms listed.In 1994–95 we let four contracts to Coopers and Lybrand. The total value of these (excluding VAT) was £241,000.
  Letter from S. Reid to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to provide you with information relating to the Patent Office as part of the reply to your question about consultancy contracts for the years 1993–94 and 1994–95.According to our records, the Patent Office did not let any contracts during the period in question to Coopers and Lybrand, Peat Marwick, Ernst and Young, Arthur Andersen, Price Waterhouse, Grant Thornton, Stoy Hayward, Robson Rhodes, Pannell Kerr Forster or any of these firms' subsidiaries.
  Letter from Peter Clapham to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  I am writing in response to your question to the President of the Board of Trade about the number and value of contracts let to named consultancy organisations and their subsidiary companies in 1993/94 and 1994/95.NPL awarded one, small contract to Pannel Kerr Forster Recruitment for the services of a temporary accountant during the specified period. The value of the contract was £3,550 excluding VAT. No other contracts have been awarded to the organisations named or to any other company known to be a subsidiary organisation.
  Letter from W. Edgar to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  I refer to the above PQ from you to the President of the Board of Trade concerning contracts let by NEL to named consultants. I can confirm that the only contract in this category placed by NEL was to KPMG and was in respect of the installation of a Job Evaluation System. The contract was placed in 1994/95 at a value of £40,000 excluding VAT.I trust you will find this information to be satisfactory for your purposes.1574
  Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 11 July 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about the number of contracts and total sum spent on employing Consultants associated with the Companies specified in your question or their subsidiaries.
  This Agency has not had any contracts with any of the companies named.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  CONTRACTS WITH IDENTIFIED CONSULTANCY FIRMS Chief Executives of DTI agencies have been asked to reply direct to your parliamentary question about contracts with a number of specified consultancy firms or their subsidiaries during 1993/94 and 1994/95 as it involves an operational matter for which they are responsible. I am replying in respect of the Radiocommunications Agency.I am aware of only one contract let by this Agency with any of the firms during the period in question. This was with Coopers and Lybrand in 1994/95. I am afraid that, in the circumstances, to disclose the amount would breach commercial confidentiality. I'm sorry that I cannot be more helpful.
  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about contracts let to particular accountancy and consultancy firms and their subsidiaries in the last two years.The Insolvency Service has let the following:

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Firm

  Number of contracts

  Amounts £

  Number of contracts

  Amounts £

  (a) Coopers and Lybrand

  nil

  nil

  1

  60,000

  (b) KPMG (Peat Marwick)

  1

  45,000

  nil

  nil

  (c) Ernst and Young

  1

  107,800

  1

  13,100

  (d) Arthur Andersen

  nil

  nil

  nil

  nil

  (e) Price Waterhouse

  nil

  nil

  1

  124,800

  (f) Grant Thornton

  nil

  nil

  nil

  nil

  (g) BDO Stoy Hayward

  1

  76,670

  2

  94,150

  (h) Robson Rhodes

  nil

  nil

  nil

  nil

  (i) Pannell Kerr Forster

  nil

  nil

  nil

  nil

  Totals

  3

  229,470

  5

  292,050

  Additionally, accountancy work on individual disqualification cases and accounting support for the work of the Agency has been provided by some of the firms you list, but it is not possible, without incurring disproportionate costs, to provide figures for such work.

  Letter from David Durham to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  You tabled the following question:To ask the President of the Board of Trade, how many contracts and for what total sum were let out by his Department and agencies for which it is responsible to (a) Coopers and Lybrand, (b) Peat Marwick (c) Ernst and Young, (d) Arthur Andersen, (e) Price Waterhouse, (f) Grant Thornton, (g) Stoy Hayward, (h) Robson Rhodes, (i) Pannel Kerr Forster and their subsidiaries for privatisation, market testing, management advice, accounting, audit, consultancy and other services in 1993/94 and 1994/95.I have been asked to respond direct to you as Chief Executive of Companies House Executive Agency.The answer is none.1575

  Auditors (Removal from Office)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many auditors have resigned or been removed from office in each of the last five years. [34100]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  This is a matter for Companies House. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Peter Cann to Mr. Austin Mitchell, dated 19 July 1995:
  You tabled a Parliamentary Question regarding how many auditors have resigned or been removed from office in each of the last five years.I have been asked to reply to you directly as Chief Executive and Registrar of Companies House Executive Agency.The number of notices of auditors' resignation received by the Registrars of Companies for England and Wales and for Scotland was as follows:

  Year

  Number of notices of resignation of auditors

  1990

  12,494

  1991

  15,790

  1992

  18,664

  1993

  17,789

  1994

  20,300

  1995 (to 14 July)

  11,987

  The number of forms notifying removal of auditors' received by the Registrars of Companies for England and Wales and for Scotland was as follows:

  Year

  Number of forms notifying removal of auditors

  1990

  651

  1991

  647

  1992

  616

  1993

  661

  1994

  519

  1995 (to 14 July)

  175

  I hope this is helpful.

  Companies Act Inspectors
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if any partner from an accountancy or legal firm criticised in any of the inspectors' reports published since 1979 is currently acting as an inspector for his Department. [34093]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Two current Companies Act inspectors are partners in accountancy firms which have been the subject of criticism in an inspectors' report published since 1979.

  Ernst and Young
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many of the inspectors' reports published since 1988 have been critical of Ernst and Young and its constituents; and what action he has taken against the firm or its partners. [35097]
  1576
  Mr. Oppenheim
  Since 1988 there have been six inspectors' reports published which have been critical of chartered accountants Ernst and Young or its constituents. A copy of each report has been passed to the Institute of Chartered Accountants for it to consider the conduct of its members.

  Manufacturing Trade
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a table showing the British shares of the market for manufacturers in(a) the EFTA group, (b) the EEC six, (c) the Irish Republic and (d) the Commonwealth in (i) 1970, (ii) 1979, (iii) 1985 and (iv) 1994. [36204]

  Mr. Nelson
  The information for the Commonwealth and for 1970 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The available information is given in the following table.

  UK share percentage of imports of manufacturers (SITC 5–8)

  1979

  1985

  1993

  EFTA

  9.4

  7.5

  6.41

  EC6

  7.4

  7.5

  7.7

  Irish Republic

  51.4

  37.1

  39.5

  1 1992.

  Source:

  Eurostat Intra and Extra EU Trade Data, OECD Database Series C.

  Inspectors' Reports
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade which inspectors' reports he is considering publishing; on what dates the inspectors were appointed; on what dates the report were completed; and what were their costs. [34095]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The following table lists those Company Act inspections—all under section 165 of the Companies Act 1948, now section 432 of the Companies Act 1985—where the inspectors have submitted their completed report but where no decisions on publication have yet been made:

  Company

  Date of appointment of inspectors

  Date of report

  Link Service Stations Ltd.

  11 March 1983

  28 November 1989

  Graylaw Holdings Ltd.

  11 March 1983

  28 November 1989

  British Anzani Plc

  11 March 1983

  28 November 1986

  Bank Street Securities Ltd.

  4 October 1983

  28 November 1989

  Medway Secondry Metals Ltd.

  16 February 1984

  21 October 1987

  The inspections are all related to Pennine Commercial Holdings plc where the inspectors are reviewing their interim report with a view to submitting a final report, following the conclusion in April 1995 of appeals against criminal convictions. When the inspectors have submitted their completed report on Pennine Commercial Holdings, publication of the reports will be considered. The cost of the investigation of Pennine Commercial Holdings plc to date is £391,000 and of related investigations is £74,600.
  1577
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the inspectors' reports relating to public limited companies which have been completed since 1979 but remain unpublished. [34092]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The table lists all inspections into public companies under sections 432 and 442 of the Companies Act 1985 or their predecessor sections where the inspectors' reports have been completed and the reports remain unpublished.

  Date of appointment

  Company name

  Date of report

  12 May 1975

  Bryanston Finance Ltd. (now Ramor Investments Ltd.)

  27 April 1987

  25 July 1980

  Dunlop Holdings Ltd.

  12 November 1981

  8 March 1982

  Euroflame Holdings Ltd.

  27 June 1987

  11 March 1983

  British Anzani plc

  28 November 1986

  25 February 1983

  Hartley Baird plc

  21 December 1983

  9 May 1985

  Hartley Baird plc

  4 June 1991

  Substantial interim reports on Bryanston Finance Ltd. and Dunlop Holdings Ltd. were published on 22 March 1983 and 17 February 1981 respectively. The decision to publish British Anzani plc remains under consideration.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the date on which the inspectors' report on Graylaw Holdings Limited was completed; and when he will be able to publish it. [34094]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Elizabeth Appleby QC and Peter Wilfred Foss FCA of Moores Rowland were appointed inspectors of Graylaw Holdings Limited on 11 March 1983 under the provisions of Section 165(1)(b) of the Companies Act 1948 (now Section 432 of the Companies Act 1985). The inspectors are reviewing their interim report on Pennine Commercial Holdings Plc, a related investigation, with a view to submitting a final report, following the conclusion in April 1995 of appeals against criminal convictions. When the inspectors have submitted their completed report on Pennine Commercial Holdings, publication of the reports will be considered.

  Takeover Bids
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the rights of shareholders and employees when companies receive a hostile takeover bid. [34102]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The city code on takeovers and mergers, administered by the takeover panel, applies to takeover bids involving public companies and some private companies. The code and the panel operate principally to ensure fair and equal treatment of all shareholders in relation to takeovers. The code's general principles and its detailed rules are designed to ensure, amongst other things: that all shareholders of the same class receive similar treatment; that they have sufficient information and advice to enable them to reach a properly informed decision and have sufficient time to do so; and that the board of the target company may not take action without the approval of the shareholders which could result in a bona fide offer being frustrated or in the shareholders being denied an opportunity to decide on its merits.
  1578

  Accountants Acting as Receivers
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has for legislation under which individuals or firms acting as reporting accountants for a bank would be prevented from acting as receivers for the same business. [34099]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I have no proposals for legislation in this area.

  Mr. Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to commission research into the number of reporting accountants who subsequently become receivers. [34098]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I have no such plans.

  Oil Rigs (Disposal)
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what study his Department made of routine onshore dismantling of oil rigs before giving permission to dump the Brent Spar at sea; [36282]

  (2) if the Government ordered an independent body to sample and analyse the contents of the Brent Spar during the currency of the proposal for deep sea disposal; [36279]

  (3) what assessment he has made of the time-scale for the length of time the Brent Spar would take to break up if dumped at sea; and what considerations led him to his conclusions; [36281]

  (4) what is now his policy toward the deep-sea dumping of oil rigs. [36283]

  Mr. Eggar
  Several options, including onshore disposal, were considered for the abandonment of the Brent Spar before the judgment was made that deep-sea disposal was the best practicable environmental option in this case.

  Independent surveys were carried out which enabled Shell to assess the contents of the Brent Spar. Copies of the impact hypothesis, which examines the long-term fate of the structure on the seabed, have been placed in the Library of the House.

  It remains Government policy to consider every proposal on a case-by-case basis and in the light of a comparative assessment of the alternative options. This will have proper regard for environmental considerations and other users of the sea, as well as risk, technical feasibility and cost in order to arrive at the best practicable environmental option.

  Single Market Compliance Unit
  Sir Cranley Onslow
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the outcome of the single market complaints raised by his Department's single market compliance unit with the internal market advisory committee. [34932]

  Mr. Nelson
  Of the 14 cases listed in the answer given by my right hon. Friend the then Minister for Trade on 24 May 1995,Official Report, column 643–44, those concerning Dutch waste water regulations, the testing of stack gas analysers to German standards and Greek soft

  1579
  drink regulations have been resolved. The single market compliance unit is monitoring the outcome in each case. The unit is pressing for the successful resolution of the other cases.

  World Wide Web
  Mr. David Shaw
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement of 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. [34685]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  In his speech to the Institute of Directors super-highways conference on 14 June 1995, my right hon. Friend the Member for Henley (Mr. Heseltine) announced the launch of the Department's own Internet server on that day, containing publications and practical information such as the DTI guide for business, ministerial speeches, DTI command papers, and so on. This is known as "www.dti.gov.uk" and is complementary to the CCTA GIS Server "www.open.gov.uk", which has made information available since last autumn. Due to the nature of the world wide web, these connect seamlessly to each other. To date, there have been some 9,000 inquiries to the DTI server.

  I am encouraging the Department and others to consider making greater use of this medium, not only for the supply of information—such as export opportunities, scientific reports, DTI services, and so on—but also to enable more efficient and effective methods to be employed in the collection of data from industry, for instance, in order to award licences. The DTI has one of the largest internal E Mail networks in the country and increasingly our dialogue with industry is being enhanced by the use of electronic mail. My own office now regularly corresponds with people outside the Department via the Internet.

  My E Mail address is "taylor @ mintech.demon.co.uk"

  Aircraft Purchases
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what will be the effect on the balance of trade between the United Kingdom and the United States of America of the decision to buy Boeing 777 aircraft with United States rather than United Kingdom manufactured engines. [36184]

  Mr. Eggar
  The estimated life-time value, including spares, of British Airways' purchase of United States manufactured engines for 30 Boeing 777 aircraft is £880 million.

  Inntrepreneur Leases
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of the Office of Fair Trading report on Inntrepreneur leases; and if he will make a statement; [35773]

  (2) if he will make available to affected parties copies of the Office of Fair Trading report on Inntrepreneur leases. [35774]
  1580
  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I am unable to place a copy of the Director General of Fair Trading's report on his inquiry into brewer's wholesale pricing policy in the Library of the House. This is because the report contains information on particular businesses whose disclosure, without the consent of the businesses in question, is prohibited by section 133 of the Fair Trading Act 1973. Such consent has not been given. However, the director general issued a press notice on 16 May which contained a summary of the inquiry's findings. A copy of this is already available in the Library of the House. In addition, the affected parties have been provided with some more information on the conduct of the inquiry and its conclusions.

  Telephone Sex Lines
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions exist on where credit card telephone sex lines can be advertised; what agency has responsibility for monitoring such lines; what restrictions exist on the use of credit card facilities to provide explicit sexual services; and what plans he has to introduce regulation similar to premium rate telephone services. [35393]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: The advertising of telephone information services paid for by credit card is presently regulated under the indecent Displays (Control) Act 1981 and the Obscene Publications Act 1959, and the content of messages under section 43 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. The Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services is currently consulting on its future remit, and this consultation includes discussion with credit card providers and network operators about the use of credit cards in paying for telephone services.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, on what occasions Oftel has been asked to investigate credit card telephone sex lines. [35394]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 18 July 1995]: Oftel has received a negligible level of complaints about these services. Oftel is not responsible for the regulation of the content of telephone information services billed by credit card.

  Iraq (Military Exports)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if live biological organisms which could be cultured and grown in fermentation chambers to develop biological warfare agents were sold to Iraq between 1980 and 1990. [35121]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what anti-chemical protective devices were sold to Iraq between 1980 and 1990, with particular reference to anti-nerve gas injectors, gas masks, protective clothing or chemical agent detectors. [35145]
  1581
  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 17 July 1995]: I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Anti-personnel Mines Exports (Singapore)
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information his Department holds on the trading relationship between the British company Casabee and Charter Industries of Singapore in regard to the export of anti-personnel mines. [30517]

  Mr. Nelson
  None.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade 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.

  Mr. Lang
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Oriana Cruise Ship
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the United Kingdom content on importation of the £2 million Oriana. [35319]

  Mr. Eggar
  I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

  Earnings
  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what were the number of workers in(a) Scotland and (b) the United Kingdom earning less than two-thirds of median male earnings in each years since 1979. [35224]
  1582
  (2) what were the numbers of workers earning less than 68 per cent. of full-time average earnings in each year since 1979. [35225]

  Mrs. Angela Knight
  I have been asked to reply.

  The information requested cannot be provided without incurring disproportionate cost.

  Some relevant information is available in the reports of the New Earnings Survey, copies of which are in the Library.

  Table 16 of part A of the reports contain median and average gross hourly earnings of full-time adults. The 1989 report has data for 1979 to 1989 and the 1994 report has data for 1990 to 1994.

  Table 17 contains similar information on gross weekly earnings. The 1993 report contains data for 1983 to 1993 and the 1994 report contains data for 1984 to 1994. The available information for the years between 1979 and 1983 is for full-time men aged 21 and over and full-time women aged 18 and over. The information for 1983 to 1979 is in table 30 of the 1988 report.

  Distributions of gross hourly earnings for categories of employee are in table 20, for the years 1979 to 1981 and 1989 to 1994, and in table 35 for the years 1982 to 1988.

  Corporation Tax
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many small and medium-sized enterprises have paid corporation tax in each year since 1975. [35068]

  Mr. Jack
  I have been asked to reply.

  Information on the numbers of companies charged to corporation tax at the small, marginal and main tax rates is given in table 11.3 of "Inland Revenue Statistics", a copy of which is available in the House of Commons Library. Some further analyses of mainstream corporation tax by size of payment are given in tables 11.6 and 11.8. Further information is not readily available.

  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Commonwealth Development Corporation
  Natural Resources Institute: Performance Targets
  Natural Resources Institute: Performance Targets
  Rough Sleepers Initiative
  Rough Sleepers Initiative
  Sheep Dipping: Protective Clothing
  Sheep Dipping: Protective Clothing
  Rent Guarantees for Homeless People
  Rent Guarantees for Homeless People
  Private Bills
  Private Bills
  Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  Joint Service Command and Staff College
  Joint Service Command and Staff College
  Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment: Responsibilities
  Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment: Responsibilities
  Defamation Law
  Defamation Law
  Judges' Lodgings: Review
  Judges' Lodgings: Review
  Privatised Utility Regulators: Parliamentary Scrutiny
  Privatised Utility Regulators: Parliamentary Scrutiny
  Potatoes: Units of Weight
  Potatoes: Units of Weight
  Road Pricing
  Road Pricing
  Social Fund 1994–95 Costs
  Social Fund 1994–95 Costs
  Social Fund: 1989–94 Costs
  Social Fund: 1989–94 Costs
  Social Security Fraud
  Social Security Fraud
  Information Technology Services Agency
  Information Technology Services Agency
  Listed Buildings and VAT
  Listed Buildings and VAT
  Greenwich Park
  Greenwich Park
  Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  Royal Naval College, Greenwich
  Prisoners: Statistics
  Prisoners: Statistics
  Prisoners Serving Mandatory Life Sentences
  Prisoners Serving Mandatory Life Sentences
  Defence of Self-Preservation: Proposal
  Defence of Self-Preservation: Proposal
  Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence
  Ministerial Group on Domestic Violence
  Wales: Boundary Commission Reviews of European Constituencies
  Wales: Boundary Commission Reviews of European Constituencies
  Voluntary Bodies: Government Funding
  Voluntary Bodies: Government Funding
  Homicide: Year and a Day Rule
  Homicide: Year and a Day Rule
  Prisoners Transferred to Northern Ireland: Jurisdiction
  Prisoners Transferred to Northern Ireland: Jurisdiction
  Prisoners Self-inflicted Deaths
  Prisoners Self-inflicted Deaths
  Unconvicted and Unsentenced Prisoners: Reception and Outcome
  Unconvicted and Unsentenced Prisoners: Reception and Outcome