Written Answers of 8 June 1995

TREASURY

  Debtor Countries
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer of 80 per cent. official bilateral debt write-off for all severely indebted low-income countries; [25375]

  (2) what is the cost to the Exchequer of bilateral debt write-off of 67 per cent. for developing countries under the Naples terms. [25374]

  Mr. Nelson
  The face value of debt reduction as a result of a 67 per cent. write-off of official bilateral debt owed to ECGD and ODA by developing countries which are eligible for Naples terms would be approximately £630 million. The corresponding figure for an 80 per cent. write-off of official bilateral debt owed to ECGD and ODA by severely indebted low-income countries would be approximately £750 million.

  However, these figures represent only the face value written off. Debt reduction under the Naples terms is implemented on the recognition that the beneficiaries would never have been able to pay the debt in full: 67 per cent. debt reduction reflects the ability of those countries to pay and cannot therefore be said to represent a cost to the Exchequer.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what is the current total of outstanding debt owed to the United Kingdom by developing countries. [25377]

  Mr. Nelson
  The total outstanding debt owed to ECGD and the ODA by developing countries—excluding Russia and eastern Europe—is £6.4 billion.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value to the United Kingdom of debt interest payments from developing countries in 1994–95 from(a) payments to the Overseas Development Administration, (b) payments to the Export Credits Guarantee Department, (c) payments to the Commonwealth Development Corporation and (d) in total. [25378]

  Mr. Nelson
  Debt interest payments from developing countries—excluding Russia and eastern Europe—in 1994–95 were(a) ODA £6.8 million, (b) ECGD £150 million, (c) CDC £105.8 million, (d) total £262.6 million.

  Statistics
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the price charged at current prices for a complete set of Business Monitors in 1979, and Prodcom statistics in 1995, to (a) a private company and (b) a public library; and what calculations have led to the difference. [26363]

  Mr. Nelson
  The price in 1979 for a full set of Business Monitors, adjusted to today's prices, was £1,430 to a private company. The price charged in 1995 for a full set of "UK Markets", a considerably expanded and more
  262
  comprehensive set of reports which include trade data as well as Prodcom, is £4,950 to a private company. Sales of Business Monitors to public libraries in 1979 would have attracted a discount of 50 per cent. In 1995 a complete set of "UK Markets" is available to public libraries in hard copy at £4,950, but is also available on CD-ROM in a special library edition at £3,950.

  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if Taylor Nelson AGB plc has a monopoly on the publication of statistics; what plans he has to allow a private statistics company to produce the complete Prodcom statistics on microfiche and sell those complete tables in that medium to libraries, and if he will make a statement. [26365]

  Mr. Nelson
  Taylor Nelson AGB does not have a monopoly on the publication of Government or Central Statistical Office statistics. HMSO remains the major publisher of CSO data. There are currently no plans for a private sector company to release Prodcom on microfiche. It is already available in hard copy, CD-ROM and I-Fax, and plans are in hand to include it on the CSO's electronic databank. If any proposals are received they will be considered on their merits.

  City Institutions (Assets)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the value of assets controlled by City institutions indicating the proportion which are British-owned and controlled. [27078]

  Mr. Nelson
  Information on holdings of financial assets by UK financial institutions are shown in tables 9.1E to 9.1H of Financial Statistics, which is available from the Library of the House.

  Investment in Industry
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update his written answer to the (then) hon. Member for Dagenham, Mr. Gould, of 28 July 1983,Official Report, columns 568–9, showing the level of investment in British industry. [27128]

  Mr. Nelson
  Estimates at 1990 prices of capital expenditure by the industries covered by the index of industrial production1 and by manufacturing for the years 1965 to 1994 are shown in the following table.

  £ million at 1990 prices

  Year

  IOIP industries

  (Of which) manufacturing

  1965

  18,404

  10,466

  1966

  19,628

  10,796

  1967

  20,017

  10,583

  1968

  19,290

  11,370

  1969

  19,016

  12,107

  1970

  19,481

  13,022

  1971

  18,138

  12,190

  1772

  15,963

  10,591

  1973

  16,511

  10,998

  1974

  18,882

  12,153

  1975

  20,326

  11,214

  1976

  21,216

  10,641

  1977

  20,801

  11,074

  1978

  22,353

  12,838

  1979

  22,298

  13,558

  1980

  21,058

  12,307

  1981

  18,984

  9,985

  1982

  18,772

  9,518

  1983

  18,661

  9,413

  263

  £ million at 1990 prices

  Year

  IOIP industries

  (Of which) manufacturing

  1984

  19,825

  10,975

  1985

  21,136

  12,710

  1986

  20,014

  12,097

  1987

  19,843

  12,641

  1988

  21,383

  13,846

  1989

  23,330

  14,984

  1990

  23,669

  14,227

  1991

  24,516

  12,803

  1992

  24,516

  11,590

  1993

  24,543

  10,989

  1994

  21,266

  11,239

  1 Industry groups section C, D and E of the standard industrial classification 1992.

  UK Companies (Overseas Earnings)
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 3 April,Official Report, column 908, providing information on the overseas earnings of United Kingdom companies, if he will list the corresponding net return on capital invested in each of the years in question. [27072]

  Mr. Nelson
  The information available is given in table:

  Direct investment by United Kingdom companies overseas: Rate of return on direct investment1

  Percentage

  Manufacturing Industry2

  All Industries

  1989

  14.2

  13.0

  1990

  13.9

  12.8

  1991

  13.4

  10.0

  1992

  10.9

  9.2

  1993

  10.7

  9.9

  1 Net earnings after depreciation and tax as a percentage of the outstanding level of investment in book values at the end of the relevant year. Excludes interest receipts from overseas affiliates.

  2 Classified by main industrial activity of overseas affiliate.

  Source:

  Central Statistical Office.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 3 April,Official

  Percentage of gross national product1

  1970

  1971

  1972

  1973

  1974

  1975

  1976

  1977

  1978

  1979

  Whole economy Gross domestic fixed capital formation

  All assets

  18.6

  18.7

  18.3

  19.5

  20.5

  19.7

  19.3

  18.5

  18.3

  18.5

  Plant and machinery

  7.0

  6.8

  6.2

  6.5

  6.7

  6.3

  6.6

  6.6

  6.8

  6.8

  Net domestic fixed capital formation

  All assets

  9.8

  9.5

  8.9

  9.8

  9.9

  8.8

  8.3

  7.2

  6.9

  7.1

  Manufacturing industries2

  Gross domestic fixed capital formation

  3.9

  3.6

  3.0

  3.0

  3.5

  3.2

  3.0

  3.2

  3.5

  3.5

  Net domestic fixed capital formation

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  Industrial and commercial companies

  Undistributed profits

  8.8

  9.3

  10.4

  12.5

  11.9

  10.0

  11.6

  12.3

  12.3

  13.1

  1 Gross national product (GNP) at market prices has been used as the denominator for investment percentages and GNP at factor cost for the calculation related to undistributed profits.

  2 Manufacturing is defined as all industries which contribute to Section D of the Standard Industrial Classification 1992.

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  Report, column 908, relating to the overseas earnings of UK companies, if he will publish the corresponding figures for 1979 and 1970. [26929]

  Mr. Nelson
  The information available is given in the table. Prior to 1984 the earnings from direct investment overseas by oil companies are not available, hence figures for all industries cannot be given.

  Direct investment by UK companies overseas: net earnings 1

  £million

  Manufacturing Industry2

  1970

  350

  1979

  1,597

  1 Earnings from branches, subsidiaries and associate companies. Earnings are defined as profits net of losses, plus interest receipts net of claims.

  2 Classified by main industrial activity of overseas affiliate.

  Source:

  Central Statistical Office.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 3 April,Official Report, column 908, on the overseas earnings of UK companies, if he will publish the corresponding figures and rates of return on domestic investment distinguishing between (a) manufacturing and (b) other companies. [26928]

  Mr. Nelson
  No corresponding figures and rates of return are available for domestic investment. However information on rates of return on capital employed are published in the annual CSO First Release [CS0(94)205] "Profitability of UK Companies", last published on 30 September 1994, a copy of which is available in the Library.

  Investment
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 July 1982,Official Report, columns 291–92, if he will update the table showing gross and net investment for the whole economy and for manufacturing industry together with undistributed profits. [27125]

  Mr. Nelson
  The latest estimates of gross and net investment for the whole economy and for manufacturing industry, together with undistributed profits, are shown in the following table.
  265

  Percentage of gross national product1

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Whole economy

  Gross domestic fixed capital formation

  All assets

  17.9

  16.1

  16.0

  15.8

  16.7

  16.9

  16.7

  17.6

  19.2

  20.3

  19.5

  17.0

  15.6

  15.0

  14.6

  Plant and Machinery

  6.5

  5.9

  5.8

  5.8

  6.1

  6.6

  6.3

  6.3

  6.6

  7.0

  6.7

  6.0

  5.7

  5.6

  5.6

  Net domestic fixed capital formation

  All assets

  5.9

  3.8

  4.0

  4.1

  5.0

  5.2

  5.1

  6.3

  8.2

  9.4

  8.4

  5.9

  5.0

  4.7

  n/a

  Manufacturing industries2

  Gross domestic fixed capital formation

  3.2

  2.5

  2.3

  2.2

  2.5

  2.9

  2.6

  2.6

  2.6

  2.7

  2.6

  2.3

  2.0

  1.9

  1.9

  Net domestic fixed capital formation

  n/a

  n/a

  -0.5

  -0.5

  -0.1

  0.3

  0.1

  0.2

  0.4

  0.5

  0.3

  0.0

  -0.2

  -0.2

  n/a

  Industrial and Commercial Companies

  Undistributed profits

  9.3

  9.1

  9.1

  10.1

  11.1

  11.2

  10.3

  11.7

  11.3

  9.2

  7.8

  7.3

  7.2

  9.6

  11.3

  1 Gross national product (GNP) at market prices has been used as the denominator for investment percentages and GNP at factor cost for the calculation related to undistributed profits.

  2 Manufacturing is defined as all industries which contribute to Section D of the Standard Industrial Classification 1992.

  Public Access Arrangements
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many owners of land in Lancashire which is conditionally exempt from inheritance tax by virtue of agreed public access arrangements have agreed with the appropriate heritage advisory agencies that access arrangements in(a) should be notified to the local tourist office and town hall, (b) should be publicised by notice or the perimeter of the land itself and (c) are not required to be publicised because public access is already widely known. [26976]

  Sir George Young
  All six owners of land in Lancashire which is currently conditionally exempt from inheritance tax or capital transfer tax are required to publicise the arrangements for public access to their land as agreed with the appropriate heritage advisory agency.

  The heritage advisory agencies discuss with each owner the appropriate level and nature of publicity. Each case is considered individually and all relevant factors, including the existing level of publicity, are taken into account. Although the extent of public access may already be widely known—for example, where substantial public access is already giventhe owner will normally be required to ensure due publicity for the agreed access arrangements, where appropriate, by advertising the access arrangements in a local tourist office or town hall. For new designations of scenic land in England, owners are required to display at all points of entry on to their land map boards showing the agreed public access.

  I am unable to provide more specific information as this would help to identify individual cases of tax exemption, thus compromising the normal rules on taxpayer confidentiality.

  Credit Unions
  Mr. Purchase
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what action is being taken to establish a voluntary share protection scheme for credit unions; what consultation or discussion with credit unions and their promoting bodies has taken place on the need to provide this additional protection for members; and if he will make a statement. [26915]

  Mr. Nelson
  Section 16 of the Credit Unions Act 1979 gives unions the power to set up or join a share protection scheme, to protect members in the event of the collapse of their union. Any such scheme must be approved by the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies, but he has no statutory power to require that one be set up.
  266
  With the growth of the movement in recent years, there should now be sufficient resources within the sector to support a scheme. The Registry of Friendly Societies has strongly encouraged the establishment of one covering all credit unions. The registry is currently in discussions with credit unions' promoting bodies and is offering them its help and advice.

  Privatisation
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the nationalised industries that have been privatised since 1979; and if he will calculate the total revenue the Government has received from the sale of, and in taxation from, each of the privatised companies since their privatisation. [27263]

  Sir George Young
  For a list of privatisations and the gross equity proceeds from each, I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave on 30 November 1994,Official Report, column 758. Details of the tax affairs of each company cannot be made public without the prior approval of that company. However, in total, privatised companies paid about £50 million per week in tax in 1994–95.

  Inheritance Tax
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to raise the limit below which delivery of an inheritance tax account is not required for administering a deceased person's estate. [27983]

  Sir George Young
  The Inland Revenue has today laid regulations increasing the limit from £125,000 to £145,000. The increased limit will come into operation on 1 July 1995 for estates of persons dying on or after 6 April 1995. It will simplify the administration of some 7,500 estates.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer—what are his latest estimates for(a) the south-east and (b) Greater London for (i) the number of income taxpayers, (ii) the number of income taxpayers with gross earnings above £70,000, (iii) the number of income taxpayers with gross earnings above £80,000 and (iv) the number of income taxpayers with gross earnings above £100,000. [25951]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 25 May 1995]: The table provides estimates for 1992–93, the latest

  267
  available year for which information can be provided below the United Kingdom level.

  Thousands

  South East

  Greater London

  Number of income taxpayers

  8,440

  3,190

  Number with gross earnings over £70,000

  90

  47

  Number with gross earnings over £80,000

  70

  39

  Number with gross earnings over £100,000

  46

  27

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  British Coal Loans
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish a table of loans made by British Coal for each year between 1985 and 1993. [26994]

  Mr. Page
  British Coal makes loans to its employees and to members of the corporation, and to its wholly owned subsidiary undertakings—the latter with the consent of the Secretary of State and the approval of the Treasury. The aggregate outstanding balances on these loans are published in the corporation's report and accounts, copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Newspaper Carriage Charges
  Mr. Madden
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many newsagents have referred to arbitration carriage charges levied by news wholesalers; what was the outcome in each case; and if he will make a statement. [27032]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  An appeals system to consider disputes between retailers and newspaper wholesalers concerning serious breaches of terms and conditions of supply has been established voluntarily by the industry. Information about cases handled may be obtained from the Association of Newspaper and Magazine Wholesalers.

  Export Unit Values
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 3 April,Official Report, columns 902–3, concerning the percentage change in United Kingdom export unit values relative to those of the Six, if he will publish the corresponding figures (a) the non-EEC countries and (b) the other EEC countries. [26559]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  The information requested relating to non-EEC countries is given in the table. Unit value indices for manufactured goods are only readily available for those EEC countries listed in table D6 of the Monthly Review of External Trade Statistics, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.
  268

  Percentage change on previous quarter in UK export unit values relative to those of the non-EEC countries1

  Change on previous quarter

  1987q1

  5.5

  1987q2

  3.5

  1987q3

  -0.7

  1987q4

  5.6

  1988q1

  1.6

  1988q2

  0.0

  1988q3

  -4.0

  1988q4

  2.6

  1989q1

  -3.5

  1989q2

  -4.4

  1989q3

  0.2

  1989q4

  -0.6

  1990q1

  2.2

  1990q2

  2.2

  1990q3

  5.9

  1990q4

  1.2

  199 lql

  -0.2

  1991q2

  -7.0

  1991q3

  0.9

  1991q4

  3.2

  1992q1

  0.0

  1992q2

  1.5

  1992q3

  2.1

  1992q4

  -12.2

  1993q1

  2.3

  1993q2

  2.7

  1993q3

  1.5

  1993q4

  1.0

  1994q1

  -2.9

  1994q2

  0.4

  1994q3

  n/a

  1994q4

  n/a

  1 US, Japan, Canada, Sweden and Switzerland. 1. Unit value indices in US․ for EEC(6) are weighted together using total trade weights.

  2 n/a—not available.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27279]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  In addition to their statutory entitlements, permanent employees within DTI and its agencies with over year's service are entitled to enhanced levels of maternity leave up to a total of 52 weeks. They are also entitled to a period of 14 weeks' maternity leave at full pay, which includes statutory maternity pay, subject to returning to work for a month after maternity leave. Other entitlements for women include time off to attend ante natal appointments and the right to apply for a career break of up to five years to care for her child/children.

  Fathers employed by DTI and its agencies are entitled to take two days paid paternity leave at the time of the birth or during the weeks following the birth of the child.

  The Department's maternity and paternity entitlements and those of its agencies are based on the civil service management code.

  Non-fossil Fuel Obligation
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade at what rate funding for renewables will continue under the non-fossil fuel obligation when the nuclear industry is privatised. [27132]

  Mr. Eggar
  Renewables will continue to be funded through the fossil fuel levy. The amount of this support will reflect the excess cost above the pool price to the
  269
  regional electricity companies of renewables-sourced electricity generated within the non-fossil fuel obligation. This support is likely to build up over the next few years to a maximum of about £150 million annually.

  Nuclear Industry
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) how much the proposed new privatised nuclear power company will be required to set aside annually to meet the eventual costs of decommissioning the pressurised water reactor and advanced gas cooled reactor power stations; [25288]

  (2) how much the proposed privatised nuclear power company will be required to set aside for the long term storage of the nuclear waste produced by its reactors. [25289]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 22 May 1995]: The Government will ask all nuclear operators to draw up strategies for decommissioning their redundant plant. The Government have made it clear that the privatised nuclear generators will have to meet their obligations in respect of all their long-term nuclear liabilities, including those for decommissioning, in full and that they should make sufficient financial provision to do so. The Government believe that segregated funds are the best way of ensuring public confidence that the nuclear generators will meet their obligations and will consider carefully the detailed

  Income support recipients—Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale district

  Quarter ending 31 May

  Quarter ending 31 August

  Quarter ending 30 November

  Quarter ending 28 February

  Annual average

  1992–93

  22,654

  23,760

  23,336

  25,162

  23,728

  1993–94

  24,988

  25,540

  24,421

  24,744

  24,923

  1994–95

  24,949

  25,633

  24,560

  25,153

  25,074

  Data is provisional and subject to amendment.

  Frozen Pensions
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 17 May,Official Report, column 273, which country initiated negotiations for the agreements of 1975 and 1979 with (a) Spain and (b) Portugal; what reasons were given for the initial approach; and what estimates he has of the current number of Spanish and Portuguese retired citizens in the United Kingdom whose pensions are paid by their Governments. [26373]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  At the request of Her Majesty's Government, a Spanish delegation met UK officials in February 1956 with a view to negotiating a social security agreement between the two countries to protect the benefit rights of migrant workers moving from one country to the other and to ensure that they pay into only one country's social security scheme. Negotiations ceased in 1960 and subsequently resumed again in 1971. The agreement with the Spanish Government was signed on 13 September 1974. On 1 December 1976 the Portuguese Government requested the negotiation of a social security agreement along the lines of that between the UK and Spain. The number of retired Spanish and Portuguese citizens in the UK whose pensions are paid by their Governments is not known.
  270
  implications of this approach. The privatised generators will need to satisfy their auditors that sufficient cash is placed in these funds for each year. The precise level of the liabilities to be met will be a matter for the companies and their auditors in due course.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Income Support
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons were in receipt of income support in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale districts for each year since 1992. [26570]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration of income support is a matter for Mr. Ian Magee, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Gordon Prentice, dated 7 June 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply your recent Parliamentary Question about the number of persons in receipt of Income Support in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale districts for each year since 1992.
  I have provided, at Annex A, the quarterly figures and the annual average figures since 1992 in the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale District.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27280]

  Mr. Hague
  Subject to the conditions set out in the civil service management code, permanent staff and staff on fixed-term appointments of two years or more are entitled to three calendar months and one week paid maternity leave if monthly paid, or 14 weeks if weekly paid. This will include entitlement to statutory maternity pay.

  Paid maternity leave may be followed by an optional period of unpaid leave which, together with the paid leave, cannot exceed 52 weeks in total.

  Casual staff and staff on fixed term appointments of less than two years are entitled to 14 weeks' unpaid maternity leave plus an optional period of four weeks unpaid special leave.

  Where an officer is not entitled to paid maternity leave she may nevertheless qualify for statutory maternity pay.

  All staff are allowed paid time off for ante-natal care.

  Fathers are allowed two days' paid paternity leave at the time of the birth or at a later date if this is more helpful. This can be increased to a maximum of 10 days when there are medical complications or acute domestic difficulties in caring for other children in the household.

PRIME MINISTER

  Parliamentary Questions
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the occasions in the last 12 months when answers to hon. Members given at Prime Minister's Question Time were subsequently corrected or otherwise qualified. [26970]

  The Prime Minister
  I have answered in excess of 750 questions during Prime Minister's Question Time over the last 12 months. My records show that I have subsequently clarified three answers by means of written questions.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27284]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  In addition to the statutory maternity leave and statutory maternity pay entitlements, women with one year's service at the start of their maternity leave who state their intention to return to work after their babies are born are entitled to 14 weeks' maternity leave on full pay and a period of unpaid maternity leave thereafter, up to a total maximum absence of 52 weeks. They return to work on no less favourable terms than these enjoyed prior to their maternity leave.

  Women with 40 weeks' service by the expected date of birth, who qualify for statutory maternity leave—of 14 weeks—and statutory maternity pay, are given the option to extend their period of absence by four weeks, to enable them to benefit from the full entitlement to 18 weeks' statutory maternity pay. They, too, return to work on no less favourable terms than those held prior to their maternity leave.

  Fathers are entitled to two days' paternity leave and there are provisions for staff to apply for additional paid and unpaid special leave for compassionate or domestic reasons. Staff with dependant care responsibilities may apply for a career break of 12 months, renewable on an annual basis to a total of five years if required, because of genuine family reasons or difficulties.

  The above arrangements currently apply throughout the Lord Chancellor's Department, including the Court Service and the Public Trust Office.

  Victims' Relatives
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how he communicates to the families of victims their right to be seated in the well of the court rather than in the public gallery. [27276]

  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 Mrs. Barbara Roche, dated 8 June 1995:
  The Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, has asked me to reply to your Question about the right of families of victims to be seated in the well of the court.
  272
  I should first explain that the Prosecution is responsible for contacting victims of crime and their families. There is no "right" for anyone other than those actively taking part in the hearing to be seated in the well of the court. However, if the judge considers it appropriate, a relative of a victim may be allowed to sit in the well of the court. In addition, court staff may be able to make arrangements to seat the relatives of victims away from the other side in the case.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Attorney General what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27285]

  The Attorney-General
  Entitlements are available in accordance with the civil service management code. They provide for:Reasonable paid time off for ante-natal care.
  A maximum of 52 weeks paid and unpaid maternity leave for permanent staff1 with one year's service who state an intention to return to work. Of this, three months and one week2 will be paid leave.
  Staff may also apply for an unpaid career break of up to 5 years. Other staff, regardless of employment status, are entitled to 14 weeks' unpaid maternity leave and to return to work.
  Staff3 are entitled to two days' paid paternity leave.

  1 Excluding casual staff and those on fixed-term appointments of less than two years.

  2 14 weeks if paid weekly.

  3 Other than those on temporary appointments of less than two years in the Treasury Solicitor's Department.

SCOTLAND

  Scottish Homes
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for further measures to require Scottish Homes to be more accountable to its tenants; and if he will make a statement. [24064]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no plans for further measures to require Scottish Homes to be more accountable to its tenants.

  Within its objective of contributing to improved quality in housing and its management, Scottish Homes has finalised its tenant participation policy, which was developed with the assistance of tenants. The policy encourages increasing involvement of tenants in the management of their own homes. Scottish Homes has also issued a revised tenants handbook and is establishing a panel with tenant representation to review the effectiveness of communication with tenants.

  Crofting
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the annual administrative running costs of the Crofters Commission, including its share of the cost of administering the crofting agriculture scheme, the township development scheme, the various livestock schemes and the building grants and loan scheme. [26344]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The Crofters Commission's approved running costs budget for 1995–96, including the
  273
  cost of administering the crofting counties agricultural grants scheme and the township development scheme, is £1.444 million. The commission has no involvement in the administration of the crofters building grants and loans scheme or the livestock improvement schemes for crofters.

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the annual administrative cost of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of (i) the crofting agricultural loan scheme, (ii) the crofting township development scheme, (iii) the crofting building grant and loan scheme (iv) the livestock improvement scheme. [26343]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The estimated cost to the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department in 1994–95 of administering crofting schemes is set out in the table.

  Scheme

  Administrative cost £000

  Crofting counties agricultural grants scheme

  680

  Crofting township development scheme

  2

  Crofters building grants and loans scheme

  870

  Livestock improvement schemes

  330

  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of applications under the crofting agricultural grants scheme for projects not requiring prior approval and the number of applications for comparable projects in each year since 1991–92. [26382]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The information requested is set out in the table.

  Financial year

  Number of applicants claiming grant

  1991–92

  2,731

  1992–93

  2,688

  1993–941

  2,537

  1994–952

  2,334

  1 Applications for assistance towards cost of improving virgin hill land not accepted after 1 April 1993.

  2 Minimum level of claims increased from £100 to £500 with effect from 15 April 1994.

  Local Enterprise Companies
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made on the proposed boundary changes for local enterprise companies with particular reference to Dumbartonshire Enterprise. [26858]

  Mr. Kynoch
  As the hon. Member knows from my letter of 31 May, my right hon. Friend announced his decision on local enterprise company boundaries on 31 May. A copy of his statement has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Primary School Closures
  Mr. Connarty
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what criteria are used to decide whether to close a small primary school. [26856]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Such decisions will depend on the merits of individual proposals.

  Heart Disease
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many(a) cases of heart disease and (b) deaths due to heart disease were recorded for each year since 1990. [27214]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The number of recorded deaths in Scotland from heart disease in the years in question were as follows:

  1990: 19,798

  1991: 19,598

  1992: 19,336

  1993: 19,922

  1994: 17,922

  Information on heart disease morbidity is not available. Data are however, held on hospital admissions. The information for the period requested is set out for both admissions and cases since an individual patient can be admitted more than once during the year.

  Year

  Hospital admissions

  Cases

  1990

  68,024

  42,120

  1991

  73,791

  44,156

  1992

  78,718

  46,031

  1993

  82,228

  48,039

  1994

  183,781

  n/a

  1 Provisional.

  n/a=not available.

  Offshore Oil Installations
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the consequences for fishing of the disposal by Shell of the Brent Spar in the North sea. [25822]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The site selected for the disposal operation is in the north-east Atlantic in an area where the water is over 2,300 m deep. This is well beyond the current limit of deep-water trawling activity and hence disposal at this location will not present a hazard to fishing.

  Environmental Education
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy for environmental education. [28002]

  Mr. Lang
  The working group on environmental education chaired by Professor John Smyth reported to me in April 1993, making more than 90 recommendations for action by a wide range of organisations in Scotland. The report set out a strategy for taking forward environmental education in Scotland over the next 10 years. Public consultation following the report overwhelmingly endorsed the proposals made.

  One of the central recommendations was that there should be a national advisory panel. I am pleased that the advisory group on sustainable development has accepted my invitation to provide that central point around which environmental education can develop in Scotland, offering advice and targets for others to take up. This is an important initiative enabling environmental education to provide a significant tool with which to achieve our primary objectives for sustainable development.

  I am today publishing "A Scottish Strategy for Environmental Education" which commends "Learning for Life" to all seeking a guide as to my policy on

  275
  environmental education. I intend to adopt it as the foundation on which developments in my policy will be based, recognising that some of the recommendations within it may not be feasible or necessarily appropriate to implement immediately. I shall expect all organisations for which I have responsibility to have regard to its advice on environmental education. I will place copies of the publication in the House Library.

  Charity Funds
  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to lay regulations before Parliament in respect of section 12 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990. [27254]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 6 June 1995]: Regulations in respect of section 12 are in the course of preparation and will shortly be laid before Parliament.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the amount spent by the Scottish Office in regional selective assistance for each financial year since 1979–80. [25347]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 23 May 1995]: The available information relates to payments to companies with projects in Scotland. For earlier years, this is published in the Scottish Economic Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Library. Expenditure in 1994–95 amounted to £77.1 million.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27293]

  Mr. Horam
  My right hon. Friend is responsible for the Office of Public Service and Science, its agencies, Her Majesty's Stationery Office and the Central Office of Information. Each of these departments follows the relevant chapters of the civil service management code in respect of maternity and paternity entitlements. Copies of the code are available in the House Library. Maternity arrangements are provided in conjunction with the statutory entitlements available.

TRANSPORT

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27278]

  Mr. Norris
  The main maternity benefits provided by the Department depend on the individual's length of service. Women are allowed 18 to 52 weeks' maternity leave. The first 18 weeks are paid at normal or statutory maternity pay rates as appropriate.

  All have the right to return to work at the end of their maternity leave. In addition, while at work, they are
  276
  allowed paid time off to attend any necessary medical appointments.

  Men are currently allowed two days' paid paternity leave.

  In all, the arrangements are in line with legislation and Treasury guidance.

  Vehicle Testing, Hampshire
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many officers responsible for enforcing heavy goods vehicle legislation are employed in Hampshire; [27143]

  (2) how many heavy goods vehicles were inspected in roadside checks in Hampshire in each year since 1979; [27144]

  (3) how many inspections of MOT testing stations were conducted in Hampshire; and how many testing stations were operating in each year since 1979; [27145]

  (4) how many inspections of public service vehicles were conducted in Hampshire; and how many public service vehicles were operating in Hampshire in each year since 1979. [27146]

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

  Rail Closures
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many lines intended for closure British Rail is currently running with only a limited service of a few trains a day which otherwise would be subject to the formal closure process; and if he will list the lines involved. [27190]

  Mr. Watts
  British Rail is currently operating the following limited services for which statutory closure procedures are likely to begin in the near future: Derby to Sinfin and Watford junction to Croxley Green. The Croxley Green branch is subject to a major development proposal linking it to the LT Metropolitan line Watford branch to provide through Metropolitan services to Watford junction.

  Public Weighbridges
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the average capital and net revenue cost to his Department of providing a public weighbridge. [27147]

  Mr. Norris
  The cost of providing a public weighbridge is £60,000 with running costs of £5,000 per annum.

  Port Waste Facilities
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to improve port waste reception facilities. [26116]

  Mr. Norris
  My Department is currently consulting interested bodies on a number of measures to improve port waste reception facilities, including financial mechanisms to encourage use, improved communications between the users and providers of facilities and measures to aid the enforcement of vessels which do not make appropriate use of waste reception facilities.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many ships annually used United Kingdom port
  277
  facilities; and how much each port charges for the use of its facilities. [26113]

  Mr. Norris
  A total of 144,919 ships arrived at UK ports in 1993. Information on their use of port waste reception facilities is not available; nor is information on the charges levied by individual ports for the use of such facilities.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what was the result of research conducted on the issues raised by the Donaldson report referred to in the press notice No. 055 of 28 February on port waste reception facilities. [26115]

  Mr. Norris
  The Department of Transport's research has shown that while port waste reception facilities are generally adequate to meet the UK's international commitments, there is scope for improvement in the planning and organisation of facilities. This research has formed the basis of a consultation exercise with interested parties to consider how waste reception facilities could be improved, in the light of the recommendations of the report of Lord Donaldson's inquiry.

  Marine Pollution
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his Department's estimate of the amount of illegal discharges made by ships into the North sea for the last 10 years(a) including and (b) excluding accidental discharges. [26112]

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

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what proposals the United Kingdom Government will put forward or support at the forthcoming North sea ministerial conference in relation to controlling non-accidental pollution from ships with particular reference to oil. [26114]

  Mr. Norris
  In addition to a number of proposals on marine pollution generally, the Government will put forward and support specific proposals on the designation of the North sea as a special area for oil discharges under annex I of the international convention on the prevention of pollution from ships 1973–78 and on the improvement of the availability and quality of port waste reception facilities for oily wastes.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how his Department intends to police the limits of discharge by ships set by the amendments to annexe 1 of MARPOL 73/78 in 1992. [26117]

  Mr. Norris
  Port state control inspectors assess discharges of oil by studying oil record books and quantities of oil on board vessels. Inspectors also inspect oil pollution prevention equipment and the ability of ships' staff to use it correctly, when carrying out port state control inspections of foreign vessels and general inspections of UK vessels.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Library Services
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when he intends to issue his response to the KPMG/capital planning report on library services; and if the report itself will be published. [26734]
  278
  Mr. Sproat
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stratford on Avon (Mr. Howarth) on 16 May 1995,Official Report, columns 150–51, referring to the KPMG contracting out study. No decision has yet been made about the handling of the study, but we expect to make a further statement in due course.

  Cable Television, Thurrock
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage when cable television franchises will be able to offer a service to areas in Thurrock; and if he will make a statement. [27342]

  Mr. Dorrell
  United Artists Communications holds the Thames estuary north cable television franchise, which includes the Thurrock area. Construction is in progress, but is a time-consuming process. I understand that the franchise holder has not yet announced a target date for providing a service in Thurrock.

  Royal Palaces (Admission Charges)
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much was raised from admission charges to Windsor castle and Buckingham palace in 1994. [26971]

  Mr. Sproat
  The royal collection is responsible for visitor admissions and the related income and expenditure for Buckingham palace and Windsor castle. The royal collection is a department of the royal household and is not a responsibility of my Department.

  However, I understand that gross income, excluding VAT, from admission charges in the year to 31 March 1995 for Windsor castle, including precincts, state apartments and St. George's chapel, was £5,309,000 and for Buckingham palace state apartments was £2,662,000, in both cases subject to audit. Audited figures and further explanation will be provided in the annual report of the royal collection trust which will be available in early July.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what maternity and paternity entitlements are available for employees within his Department. [27283]

  Mr. Dorrell
  The maternity and paternity entitlements available to employees of my Department are consistent with the provisions of the civil service management code, copies of which are held in the House Library. A woman who satisfies the criteria set out in chapter 5 of the code is entitled to three months and one week's paid maternity leave. She is also entitled to a period of unpaid maternity leave; the total of paid and unpaid maternity leave should not normally exceed 52 weeks. All permanent male staff in the Department are entitled to two days' paid paternity leave, as outlined in chapter 3.1 of the code. These maternity and paternity provisions will be incorporated into the departmental staff handbook in due course.

  Churchill Papers
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what agreement has been reached with the Churchill family on the circumstances in which they can raise their fees for the reproduction of the documents purchased by the National Heritage Memorial Fund. [27339]
  279
  Mr. Dorrell
  No agreement has been reached with the Churchill Archive Settlement Trust on reproduction fees since these are always a matter for the individual copyright owner.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will publish, for each of the countries of the United Kingdom and for the United Kingdom as a whole, his estimate of(a) total receipts of the national lottery and (b) proceeds of the Treasury tax on the national lottery receipts. [25679]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 6 June 1995]: The total receipts of the national lottery to date stand at £2099.2 million. The proceeds of Treasury tax on the national lottery receipts to date stand at £201 million. These figures are available only for the United Kingdom as a whole.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Metropolitan Police (Overtime)
  Mr. Straw
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the effect of overtime restrictions on the operation of specialist squads of the Metropolitan police, with particular reference to the drug squad and flying squad. [27189]

  Mr. Maclean
  I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that no special overtime restrictions have been applied to these specialist squads. However, they are, of course, required to operate within their agreed overall budget for the financial year. Action against drug-related violence, street and commercial crime and burglary are all specific objectives for the Metropolitan police and will continue to receive priority for resources within the overall budget for the force.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27286]

  Mr. Howard
  Chapters 3.1 and 5 of the leave section of the civil service management code—a copy of which is in the Library—set out the paternity and maternity arrangements and entitlements available to staff in the Home Office. These arrangements are provided in conjunction with the statutory entitlements.

  Prisoners (Home Leave)
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prisoners from HMP Holloway and HMP Styal were granted home leave in each complete month of 1995. [26891]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  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 Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 8 June 1995:
  The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent Question about how many prisoners from Holloway and Styal
  280
  prisons were granted home leave in each complete month of this year.
  Home leave, as such, has not occurred since 24 April when the systems of temporary absence were revised and figures for this period are not yet available. The available information is on the table below:

  Prisoners granted home leave from Holloway and Styal, January to April 1995

  Holloway

  Styal

  January

  4

  7

  February

  2

  3

  March

  0

  4

  April

  1

  0

  Radio Phone-in Programmes
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is his policy towards convicted prisoners participating in radio phone-in programmes; [22770]

  (2) if he will undertake an inquiry into the participation of Mr. Jeremy B amber in a radio phone-in programme on Talk Radio UK; and if he will make a statement. [22769]

  Mr. Michael Forsyth
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: I do not think it appropriate for prisoners to participate in radio phone-in programmes. I share my hon. Friend's concern that Jeremy Bamber was allowed to do so. I have asked the Director General of the Prison Service to take immediate steps to change the appropriate standing order and governors will be advised that any breach by prisoners will be contrary to these regulations and will lead to disciplinary action.

  I am very concerned about the inappropriate use of telephones by inmates and have asked the Prison Service to take action. New technology which will allow prisoners to access only approved telephone numbers is about to be tested and, if effective, will be introduced throughout the prison system.

EMPLOYMENT

  Restart Interviews
  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many restart interviews were conducted in each year from 1988–89 to 1994–95 for Great Britain and in each standard region; and as a result of these how many claimants(a) were placed directly in a job, (b) claimed other benefits, (c) entered his Department's programmes or (d) signed off from claiming benefit. [26616]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility for the subject of the question has been delegated to the Employment Service under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

  Letter from A. G. Johnson to Mr. Terry Rooney, dated 6 June 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me, in the absence of the Chief Executive, to reply to your question regarding Restart Interviews from 1988–89 to 1994–95.
  I have set out the information you have requested in the attached tables. You will wish to note however, that information on people who sign off from claiming benefit for reasons other than those in the three listed categories of total Restart Interviews, job placings and programme starts, has been collected only since 1990/91 and

  281
  covers only those cases where a direct connection between the interview and the client leaving unemployment can be demonstrated.
  It may be helpful if I explain the scope and purpose of the Restart Interviews which are offered at regular six monthly intervals as part of an advisory and information service aimed at helping people back into work. These interviews provide clients with the opportunity to discuss with a Client Adviser the steps they are taking to find work, how to access the employment and training opportunities that are available to them and the course of action which, if followed, will offer the best prospects of returning to work.
  While the primary aim of this service is to help people back into work, advisers also have a duty to make sure those claiming benefit understand and comply with the conditions under which they are paid. These conditions require people to be available to start work immediately; not to place such restrictions on the work they are

  1988–89

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  157,562

  211,306

  176,822

  445,594

  101,764

  118,408

  210,344

  349,122

  282,658

  2,053,580

  Job Placings

  408

  938

  1,183

  3,476

  480

  962

  1,198

  1,977

  1,745

  12,367

  Other Benefit Starts

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Programmes Starts1

  23,756

  27,887

  22,093

  50,813

  11,201

  19,877

  27,074

  42,570

  45,110

  270,381

  Other Sign Offs

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1 Jobclub, Enterprise Allowance Scheme (EAS), Restart Course, Employment Training (ET), Job Training Scheme, Community Programme, Voluntary Projects Programme.

  2 Statistics not collected.

  1989–90

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  150,571

  170,328

  180,598

  459,332

  98,485

  132,341

  230,541

  330,892

  279,545

  2,032,633

  Job Placings

  436

  839

  1,926

  6,475

  754

  1,688

  2,441

  1,909

  1,971

  18,439

  Other Benefit Starts

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  Programmes Starts1

  22,496

  24,206

  19,801

  53,414

  12,063

  19,060

  30,644

  36,195

  43,468

  261,347

  Other Sign Offs

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  2—

  1 Jobclub, EAS, Restart Course, ET.

  2 Statistics not collected.

  1990–91

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  142,603

  184,999

  144,714

  448,869

  93,505

  114,717

  167,843

  313,342

  277,786

  1,888,378

  Job Placings

  639

  1,090

  1,151

  9,059

  619

  1,452

  1,285

  1,799

  1,972

  19,066

  Other Benefit Starts

  3,772

  3,288

  3,209

  8,918

  1,722

  2,485

  3,534

  5,505

  5,006

  37,439

  Programmes Starts1

  17,266

  18,185

  14,369

  37,989

  10,519

  12,705

  21,803

  28,145

  31,782

  192,763

  Other Sign Offs (Fraud/Found Work)

  3,258

  4,647

  8,084

  12,373

  5,997

  5,748

  6,258

  10,618

  7,586

  64,569

  1 Jobclub, EAS, Restart Course, ET

  1991–92

  Northern

  Yorks and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  173,776

  226,727

  211,000

  646,400

  147,202

  151,821

  237,165

  404,875

  296,974

  2,495,940

  Job Placings

  794

  1,052

  2,456

  7,720

  1,094

  1,466

  1,599

  2,413

  2,591

  21,185

  Other Benefit Starts

  5,054

  6,483

  6,476

  14,959

  3,690

  5,111

  5,958

  11,400

  10,147

  69,278

  Programmes Starts1

  27,745

  30,714

  26,554

  80,583

  20,297

  20,500

  36,948

  54,571

  45,092

  343,004

  Other Sign Offs (Fraud-Found Work)

  6,651

  5,192

  9,881

  22,110

  11,987

  8,248

  7,845

  10,540

  13,807

  96,261

  1 Jobclub, EAS, Restart Course, ET, Job Review Workshop (JRW), Employment Action (EA), Job Interview Guarantee (JIG).

  1992–93

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  172,212

  209,592

  252,469

  854,311

  200,833

  148,542

  258,437

  441,163

  280,722

  2,818,281

  Job Placings

  2,730

  12,241

  10,005

  37,193

  6,325

  6,646

  11,297

  12,723

  12,583

  111,743

  Other Benefit Starts

  3,402

  5,437

  6,271

  15,338

  4,061

  4,482

  5,476

  10,970

  8,076

  63,513

  282
  willing to do as to leave them with no real prospects of finding a job; and to take those steps, each week, which offer the best prospects of obtaining work.
  As part of this process, advisers ensure that people are claiming the most appropriate benefit. If, during an interview, discussions between the client and the adviser identify that an alternative benefit is more appropriate, then the adviser will ensure a smooth transition to the correct benefit.
  I should emphasise that the figures shown in the tables represent only the immediate result of Restart interviews. Many other people subsequently take up a job or a place on an employment or training programme as a result of the guidance given to them at their interview. Independent researchers who have studied the Restart Interview programme have all concluded that this indirect effect is extremely significant.
  I hope this is helpful.
  283

  1992–93

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Programmes Starts1

  23,913

  31,980

  33,208

  120,924

  31,349

  21,783

  38,529

  56,170

  39,179

  397,035

  Sign Offs as a Direct Result of CA Action

  2,763

  4,457

  4,513

  18,024

  5,824

  2,942

  6,748

  7,006

  4,986

  57,263

  1 Jobclub, EAS, Restart Course, ET, JRW, EA, JIG, Job Search Seminar (JSS)

  1993–94

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  187,640

  269,231

  284,901

  1,090,855

  250,163

  166,216

  332,763

  456,682

  285,690

  3,324,141

  Job Placings

  717

  3,305

  2,640

  9,652

  1,967

  1,620

  5,021

  3,405

  7,557

  35,884

  Other Benefit Starts

  2,502

  6,728

  5,607

  14,923

  4,557

  4,003

  6,282

  9,395

  7,193

  61,190

  Programmes Starts1

  37,339

  60,523

  54,999

  267,664

  63,400

  32,829

  71,488

  83,207

  60,391

  731,840

  Sign Offs as a Direct Result of CA Action

  1,769

  4,650

  5,163

  29,954

  8,159

  2,479

  8,409

  6,473

  4,620

  71,676

  1 All Employment Group Programme starts

  1994–95

  Northern

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  East Midlands

  London and South East

  South West

  Wales

  West Midlands

  North West

  Scotland

  Total

  Total Restart Interviews

  215,683

  340,134

  343,155

  1,198,258

  271,335

  187,989

  364,259

  504,059

  333,721

  3,758,593

  Job placings

  1,583

  4,976

  6,080

  11,135

  3,121

  2,202

  5,946

  5,201

  9,249

  49,493

  Other Benefit Starts

  3,980

  11,218

  10,210

  22,408

  7,855

  6,172

  10,664

  15,236

  10,174

  97,917

  Programmes Starts1

  49,551

  73,054

  78,590

  310,001

  70,317

  40,284

  85,935

  103,620

  78,480

  901,832

  Sign Offs as a Direct Result of CA Action

  3,631

  7,034

  7,715

  52,271

  8,746

  5,309

  15,793

  12,098

  7,253

  119,850

  1 Jobclub, business start-up, Restart course, training for work, community action, learning for work, JIG, work trials, JSS, jobplan, job review workshop, workwise.

  Investors in People
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many employers currently holding investor in people status employ(a) 0 to 25 per cent., (b) 25 to 50 per cent., (c) 51 to 75 per cent. and (d) 76 to 100 per cent. of their staff on a part-time basis (i) for each of his Department's regions and (ii) nationally. [26504]

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

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27290]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Employment Department, the Health and Safety Executive and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service follow the maternity and paternity arrangements and entitlements set out in the civil service management code, a copy of which is available in the Library. Women in those organisations are entitled to three months and one week's paid maternity leave. A woman who qualifies for paid maternity leave is also entitled to unpaid maternity leave, but the total period of paid and unpaid maternity leave must not exceed 52 weeks. These arrangements are provided in conjunction with the statutory entitlements available. There is also a two-day entitlement to paid paternity leave for permanent male staff. The Employment Service also follows the arrangements in the code with the exception that permanent male staff in that organisation are entitled to five days' paid paternity leave.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Colonel Armando Avolio Filho
  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what information he has about Colonel Armando Avolio Filho, military attaché at the Brazilian embassy, and his role with respect to human rights violations; and when he became aware of this information. [27086]

  Mr. David Davis
  We first learned of the allegations against Colonel Avolio Filho from press reports on 24 May. Our ambassador in Brasilia was immediately instructed to seek the comments of the Brazilian Government. They have told us that President Cardoso signed on 1 June an order recalling Colonel Avolio Filho from his post as army attaché at the Brazilian embassy.

  Mr. Tony Lloyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contacts he has had with the Brazilian embassy concerning Colonel Armando Avolio Filho, military attaché. [27087]

  Mr. David Davis
  Following the allegations against Colonel Avolio Filho reported in the press on 24 May, our ambassador in Brasilia was instructed to seek the comments of the Brazilian Government. I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to his previous question.

  Cyprus
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the meeting that took place in London during the week of 22 May between Greek and Turkish Cypriots on the issue of Cyprus; and what role the British Government played in these discussions. [27075]
  285
  Mr. David Davis
  Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot representatives met in London from 21 to 23 May for exploratory discussions within the framework of the UN Secretary-General's efforts to achieve a settlement in Cyprus. These discussions were a helpful exchange of views, although they did not yield as much progress as we would have wished. American and British representatives were involved as facilitators.

  Rwanda
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by the international community in respect of the termination of arrests for genocide in Rwanda as a result of prison overcrowding. [27329]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Britain, together with the international community, strongly supports action against those responsible for genocide in Rwanda. At the same time, there is concern about overcrowded prison conditions resulting from delays in bringing cases to trial. Britain, and other donors, have responded with assistance to reconstruct the judicial system in Rwanda and to improve prison conditions.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which countries are financing the international genocide tribunal for Rwanda; what financial contribution each has made; and what steps are being taken to increase the number of contributors. [27328]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda will be financed from member states' assessed contributions to the United Nations. In addition, a trust fund has been established for voluntary contributions. We have seconded three police officers to work for the prosecutor's office and have pledged £200,000 toward these and other costs. Official contributions to the trust fund have also been pledged by the following states:

  New Zealand: $31,860

  Switzerland: $75,757

  Chile: $1,000

  Norway: $50,000

  Ireland: $79,225

  USA: $500,000

  Israel: $7,500

  Egypt: $1,000

  Lebanon: $3,000

  Greece: $20,000

  The Holy See: $3,000

  Sweden: $65,000

  A meeting of the Rwanda operational support group was held in Kigali on 19 May to discuss financing of the tribunal. We understand that the following contributions were pledged at this meeting:

  Belgium: $1,000,000

  USA: $4,600,000 = 10 investigators

  Netherlands: $3,000,000 = 21 investigators

  Germany: 1 investigator

  Norway: $100,000

  Spain: $150,000

  Sweden: $70,000

  Switzerland: $90,000 = 3 personnel

  The UK continues to encourage other member states to contribute.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions in the past 18 months in which each United Nations safe area in Bosnia has been used by(a) Bosnian Government Muslims and (b) Croatian forces for training troops and mounting attacks on Bosnian Serbian, Bosnian non-Government Muslim and Croatian Serbian positions. [272216]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  In accordance with UN Security Council resolutions Nos. 819, 824 and 836, Bosnian Government forces are permitted to remain in all the safe areas in Bosnia; there are no safe areas in which Croatian forces are present. We support the efforts of the UN to secure the demilitarisation of the safe areas and call on both sides to co-operate with the UN commanders on the ground in their efforts to achieve this.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what occasions since 1 May an ultimatum was given to(a) the Bosnian Government Muslims and (b) the Bosnian Serbs to return heavy weapons taken from United Nations control; how many weapons were taken by each of the two sides; and if all the weapons taken by the Bosnian Muslims were returned to United Nations control before the deadlines expired. [27339]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  On 24 May General Smith issued an ultimatum to the Bosnian Serbs to return four weapons they had removed from Osijek and Poljine weapons collections points. This did not apply to the Bosnian Government, who had not taken weapons from UN control. At the same time General Smith demanded that both sides remove their heavy weapons from the 20 km exclusion zone around Sarajevo. Neither side has complied with either ultimatum.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many ground attacks have been launched by the Bosnian Government Muslims against the Bosnian Serbs since Sarajevo was declared a United Nations safe area. [272209]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  There are no reliable statistics available regarding such attacks. We urge both sides to refrain from fighting and to co-operate with the UN in its efforts to renew the cessation of hostilities agreement which expired on 30 April.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on which side instigated the recent outbreak of hostilities in Sarajevo which led to United Nations military intervention. [27207]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The failure of both parties to renew the cessation of hostilities agreement on 30 April led to increased tension in Bosnia and an upsurge in fighting. Both sides used heavy weapons in and around Sarajevo. Following General Smith's ultimatum of 24 May, the Serbs continued shelling safe areas and refused to return the heavy weapons they had removed from UN collection points.

  Slovenia
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the numbers of Russian Orthodox Croatian Serbs killed by Catholic Croatian troops in western Slovenia. [27208]
  287
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  There are no reliable independent figures available on the numbers of Croatian Serbs killed in this Croatian army action which is still under investigation by the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross. The Croatian Government have stated that around 188 people died during the military operation.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27288]

  Mr. Goodlad
  The maternity and paternity entitlements available to FCO staff, as laid down in the FCO code of management, mirror those set out in leave chapters 3.1 and 5 of the civil service management code.

  Female officers are provided with three months and one week's paid maternity leave for the period of continuous absence before and after confinement. They are also entitled to unpaid maternity leave, the amount of which is subject to the following restrictions:

  a) the total of paid and unpaid maternity leave must not exceed 52 weeks;

  b) unpaid maternity leave cannot be terminated earlier than 41 weeks from the actual date of confinement, except:

  (i) where rule a) prevents this;

  (ii) with the officer's consent.

  Male officers, other than those on a temporary appointment of less than two years, are entitled to two days' paid paternity leave.

  World Conference on Women
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what briefing notes his Department has produced or intends to produce for those attending the United Nations world conference on women in Beijing; and if he will place copies in the Library. [27236]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  A background brief is being prepared and will be deposited in the Library.

  Father Joseph Jin Dechen
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has on the case of Father Joseph Jin Dechen, vicar-general of the Nanyang diocese and the reasons for his arrest, imprisonment and current confinement; and what representations have been made by his Department on Father Dechen's behalf. [27235]

  Mr. Goodlad
  Father Joseph Jin Dechen was arrested in 1981 after protesting about forced abortions, and was jailed in 1982. Father Dechen's case was raised by the Prime Minister with the Chinese authorities in 1991, and Father Dechen was released in 1992. We understand that Father Dechen is at present confined to his home village.

  Messina Conference
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the meeting held in Messina, Sicily on 2 and 3 June.

  Mr. David Davis
  The meeting was held to mark the 40th anniversary of the Messina conference which paved the way for the foundation of the EEC. The Italian Foreign Minster hosted a working lunch which was attended by Foreign Ministers of all 15 member states,288
  the President of the European Commission and the president of the European Parliament.

  The first meeting of the study group, which will prepare for the 1996 inter-governmental conference, took place on 3 June in Taormina, near Messina. The group consists of the personal representatives of the Foreign Ministers of the EU. I am the representative. During this short initial meeting the group considered its timetable and agreed the following schedule of meetings:

  13–14 June (venue: Luxembourg)

  30 June and 1 July (Spain)

  10–11 July (Strasbourg)

  24–25 July (Brussels)

  4–5 September (Brussels)

  11–12 September (Brussels)

  25–26 September (Brussels)

  3–4 October (Luxembourg)

  16–17 October (Brussels)

  23–24 October (Brussels)

  6–7 November (Brussels)

  13–14 November (Brussels)

  21–22 November (Brussels)

  5–6 December (Brussels)

  The group also considered the scope of its work on the basis of a paper circulated by its chairman, Carlos Westendorp, Spanish Minister for Europe. It was agreed that until the end of July the group should take a first look at the EU's institutions; citizenship; justice and home affairs issues; the common foreign and security policy and defence; and the procedural issues such as legislative instruments and budgetary procedures.

  The chairman stressed that the study group's task was not to negotiate. Its purpose was to present a range of options to Heads of Government to assist them in determining the scope of the inter-governmental conference.

  Members of the group agreed that the IGC next year would be designed to develop the EU, especially to prepare the way for further enlargement. The study group would consider the challenges facing the EU, which included the need to make it more relevant and comprehensible.

  In making my initial address to the study group, I stressed that the Union faced major challenges in the coming years. The challenges included enlargement to the countries of central and eastern Europe, improving European competitiveness, making Europe relevant and acceptable to its people and developing a more effective common foreign and security policy.

  I emphasised that none of these goals required greater centralisation. On the contrary, there should be a greater role for national parliaments and a reinforcement of subsidiarity and deregulation. I said that the UK would oppose extension of qualified majority voting. Seeking to out-vote states when their vital national interests were at stake would be likely to create more problems that it solved and could build up resentment.

  I pointed out that there was no need for a massive overhaul of the basic Maastricht structure, which provided the necessary framework for further enlargement. A major overhaul would bewilder and alienate the European public.

  Finally, I emphasised the importance of carrying the people of Europe along in any decisions reached later in the inter-governmental conference. The European Union

  289
  should be built for the benefit of Europe's citizens, not its politicians.

WALES

  Abattoirs
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for(a) 1970, (b) 1975, (c) 1980, (d) 1985 and (e) for each available year after 1990 the number of abattoirs operating in each county and in Wales as a whole; and if he will make a statement. [26554]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Figures for the numbers of abattoirs before 1993 are derived from records of state veterinary service visits made at the end of each year as set out in the chief veterinary officer's reports for those years. The information for 1970 and 1975 is not available in the form requested and information for individual counties up to 1993 can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The number of abattoirs operating in Wales was 62 in 1980, 72 in 1985, 60 in 1990, 55 in 1991 and 54 in 1992. From 1993, information on slaughterhouses relates to numbers licensed, and at the end of 1993 and 1994, the number of licensed abattoirs in Wales by county was as follows:

  County

  1993

  1994

  Clwyd

  10

  11

  Dyfed

  7

  7

  Gwent

  3

  3

  Gwynedd

  7

  7

  Mid Glamorgan

  2

  2

  Powys

  6

  6

  South Glamorgan

  —

  —

  West Glamorgan

  4

  4

  Total

  39

  40

  NHS Consultants (Leave)
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the guidelines establishing the maximum blocks of time that can be accumulated as leave by NHS consultants; and what are the maximum number of years during which accumulated leave entitlement can be carried over from the actual leave year into subsequent years. [27365]

  Mr. Redwood
  Under the terms and conditions of service for hospital medical and dental staff, NHS consultants are entitled to leave at the rate of six weeks a year; there are no specific guidelines in respect of accumulated leave.

  European Regional Development Fund
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the member of the European Commission responsible for regional policy concerning the funding of the Welsh Development Agency via(a) grant in aid and (b) the European regional development fund. [27366]

  Mr. Redwood
  None.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of correspondence between himself and the European Commission member 290
  responsible for the European regional development fund concerning additionality and the levels of grant in aid to the Welsh Development Agency and European regional development fund assistance to the agency; and if he will make a statement. [27367]

  Mr. Redwood
  There has been no such correspondence.

EDUCATION

  Peripatetic Music Teachers
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will supply for each local education authority area the number of peripatetic music teachers employed for each of the last five years. [26432]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is not collected centrally by the Department.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within her Department. [27291]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Department's established employees qualify for, maternity and paternity benefits in accordance with the civil service management code chapters 3.1 and 5, which are set out in the Department's staff terms and conditions handbook. For mothers the main entitlements are: three months and one week'—14 weeks—of paid maternity leave, followed by four weeks of lower rate SMP; the right to resume work after 14 weeks' paid leave returning to the same job and the same terms and conditions as if she had not been absent. Staff also have the option to extend their unpaid maternity leave provided that the total amount of paid and unpaid leave does not exceed the maximum amount of 52 weeks. Officers who become fathers are entitled to two days' paternity leave at the time of the birth or afterwards.

  Casual staff and those on fixed—term appointments are also entitled to 14 weeks' maternity leave irrespective of the hours worked or length of service, in accordance with the EC pregnant workers directive.

  Parental Choice
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many parents secured the primary or secondary school of their first choice for their child in each of the last three years(a) in total and (b) for each local education authority. [27183]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is not collected centrally: The most recent evidence—from surveys commissioned by the Association of Metropolitan Authorities in 1992 and The Times in 1993—suggests that some 90 per cent. of parents gain a place at their first choice school.

  Regulations
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list the circulars, orders or regulations which have not been published or made by the due date; what was the due date in each case; and when was the date of publication or making of the order or regulation. [27184]
  291
  Mr. Boswell
  It is not the general practice of the Department to indicate in advance a due date for the making of an order or regulation or the publication of a circular although, in some cases, a broad indication may be given as to when a the order or regulation might be expected to be made or when a circular might be expected to be published. A consultation draft of an order or regulation may contain a commencement date but this, like other parts of the draft, is subject to change.

  Exceptionally, in the context of the Education Act 1993, the Department for education published a "timetable of DFE publications" which included dates for the coming into effect of the legislation and publication dates for relevant circulars. In relation to published circulars the cases where the timetabled date differed from the publication date are as follows:

  Subject

  Timetabled date

  Publication

  GM Schools Acquisition, Transfer and Governance

  November 1993

  December 1993

  Incorporation of governing bodies and dual use

  November 1993

  December 1993

  Local Management of Schools

  November 1993

  December 1993

  GM School: supply of school places etc.

  March 1994

  November 1994

  Behaviour and discipline

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Sex education

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Emotional and behavioural difficulties

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Time limiting on exclusions procedures

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Exclusions

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Exclusions: money following the child

  April 1994

  July 1994

  Pupil Referral Units

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Sick children

  April 1994

  May 1994

  Children looked after by LEAs

  April 1994

  May 1994

  School Closures
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many proposals from local authorities to close or re-organise schools have been awaiting a decision from her for(a) up to three months, (b) three to six months, (c) six to nine months, (d) nine to 12 months and (e) more than 12 months. [27185]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The number of proposals published under either section 12 or 13 of the Education Act 1980 which have been under consideration in the Department for the periods indicated is as follows:

  less than three months: 65

  three to six months: 58

  six to nine months: 65

  nine to 12 months: 11

  more than 12 months: 12

  Proposals received by the Department within the last four months may in certain cases fall to the local authority to determine.

  School Meals
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the percentage of school pupils entitled to free school meals for each year since 1979. [27186]
  292
  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information on the number of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals was collected from maintained schools in England for the first time in January 1993. At this time, 20 per cent. of pupils were reported as known to be eligible for free school meals. In January 1994, the figure was 21 per cent.

  National Youth Agency
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when she plans to announce her decision on the future of the National Youth Agency. [27187]

  Mr. Boswell
  We expect to announce our decisions on the future of the National Youth Agency before long.

  Grants for Education Support and Training
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what are the national totals under each heading of the GEST programme in 1995–96. [27188]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The national allocations under the grants for education support and training programme for 1995–96 are shown in the table.

  Grants for education support and training programme, 1995–96 allocations

  Grant number

  Grant title

  £ million

  1

  School Effectiveness

  121.5

  2(a)

  NC Assessment—Verification

  8.0

  2(b)

  NC Assessment—Supply Cover

  15.3

  3

  Primary Teachers' Subject Knowledge

  16.6

  4

  Training for SEN Specialisms

  10.4

  5

  Educational Psychologists

  2.8

  6

  School SEN Policies

  10.2

  7

  SEN Parent Partnership Scheme

  4.0

  8

  Articled Teachers' Bursaries

  0.7

  9

  Articled Teachers' Other Costs

  0.3

  10

  Induction of Newly Qualified Teachers

  6.0

  11

  Licensed and Overseas Teachers

  1.9

  12(a)

  Vocational Qualifications—Introduction

  11.6

  12(b)

  Vocational Qualifications—Piloting

  1.3

  13

  Truancy and Disaffected Pupils

  15.4

  14

  Youth Action Scheme

  2.9

  15

  Youth and Community Workers

  1.2

  16

  Bilingual Pupils

  5.9

  17

  Child Protection

  3.0

  18

  Training for Careers Teachers

  4.1

  19(a)

  Drug Prevention in Schools—Formula Allocations

  4.3

  19(b)

  Drug Prevention in Schools—Bids

  1.6

  20

  Specialists Schools (Voluntary Aided Technology Colleges)

  2.0

  Total

  251.0

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how grant-maintained schools will benefit from the school improvement programme announced by her on 25 May. [28111]

  Mr. Forth
  As my right hon. Friend made clear in her announcement, this programme of measures is designed to promote improvement in all publicly funded schools. The aim is to secure maximum benefit from the new system of inspection and the action plans for improvement which follow. Grant-maintained schools receive special purpose grant (development) to assist in this process; this grant replicates, in the different circumstances of GM
  293
  schools, the grants for education support and training available to LEA schools. The Funding Agency for Schools will consult GM schools on additional flexibility to enable them to focus some of their resources in the period immediately following an Ofsted inspection. GM schools will also be able to make use of the list of advisers and consultants produced by the Department to extend the range and choice of professional advice to support school improvement.

ENVIRONMENT

  Westminster Redevelopment
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 534–5, if he is now in a position to ensure that the block of Georgian buildings at 20A–32 Baker street can be saved from demolition; and if he will enforce the decision made by his predecessor in 1981 to preserve the buildings. [26736]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  In the event of a breach of planning or listed building control responsibility for day-to-day enforcement rests with the local planning authority.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer on 14 March,Official Report, column 534, if he has now completed his consideration of the issues raised by the chief executive of Westminster city council regarding the development of properties in Westminster; and if he will make a statement on his conclusions. [27094]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  No.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to obtain a copy of the legal opinion of Michael Barnes QC, regarding the conduct of Councillor Andrew Greystoke and Councillor David Weeks of Westminster city council, in relation to planning applications for the buildings at 20A–32 Baker street, London; and what account he intends to take of the legal opinion in making a decision on whether he should call in the planning permission concerned. [27019]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I am in receipt of a copy of the legal opinion of Michael Barnes QC. All relevant information will be taken into account in deciding whether the planning applications should be called in for the Secretary of State's determination.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 15 March,Official Report, column 595, what assessment he has made of any material considerations which indicated that the planning permission sought for the block bounded by Baker street, Blandford street and Manchester street in Westminster should be granted contrary to the major policies contained in the local authorities' statutory plans. [27082]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Department was notified of the information on the outstanding applications and is currently considering all the relevant information.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what account he will take of(a) the views of Westminster council officers, (b) the advice of English Heritage and (c) the previous appeal decision by his predecessor in his decision on whether
  294
  to call in the planning application at 20A–32 Baker street, Westminster. [27023]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I refer the hon. Gentleman to my previous reply.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to investigate the conduct of Councillor Andrew Greystoke and Councillor David Weeks with regard to planning decisions made by Westminster city council in 1990; and if he will make a statement. [27020]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Secretary of State has no such plans.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 14 March,Official Report, column 534, what plans he has to investigate the events surrounding the redevelopment of the block bounded by Baker street, Blandford street, George street and Manchester street in Westminster in the light of more recent information he may have received. [27093]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None at present. I refer the hon. Gentleman to my earlier reply.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27289]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The general provisions available to staff in DOE follow the provisions of the civil service management code, a copy of which is in the Library and are in line with current legislation. These include:

  Paid time off for ante-natal care;

  Up to 52 weeks maternity leave (including up to 18 weeks paid leave);

  The right to return to work at the end of maternity leave;

  2 days paternity leave for male staff.

  Pollution
  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the percentage changes in waterborne inputs of cadmium, mercury, copper, zinc and lead to the North sea and to all other coastal waters which have been achieved by the United Kingdom since 1985. [27362]

  Mr. Atkins
  Following are the figures set out in the progress report being considered by the North sea conference on 8 to 9 June.

  Reduction in UK inputs 1985–1995

  Substance

  North Sea: per cent. Reduction

  All other UK sea areas: per cent. Reduction

  Cadmium

  70

  43

  Mercury

  73

  80

  Copper

  47

  56

  Zinc

  16

  23

  Lead

  79

  39

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the annexe 1A substances for which he expects the 50 per cent. reduction target for North sea waterborne inputs will be met by the United Kingdom. [27363]
  295
  Mr. Atkins
  There are 36 substances listed in annexe 1A of the ministerial declaration of the third North sea conference in 1990. It is anticipated that the UK will meet the target of achieving a significant reduction of 50 per cent. or more of waterborne inputs of 24 of these substances to the North sea between 1985 and 1995. Reductions will exceed 45 per cent. for three others. The 27 substances are:

  Mercury

  Cadmium

  Copper (47 per cent.)

  Lead

  Arsenic

  Chromium

  Nickel (46 per cent.)

  Drins

  Hexachlorohexane (HCH) (46 per cent.)

  DDT

  Pentachlorophenol

  Hexachlorobenzene

  Hexachlorobutadiene

  Carbon tetrachloride

  Tributyltin compounds

  Tetrachloroethylene

  Trichlorobenzene

  Trichloroethane

  Simazine

  Atrazine

  Azinophos-ethyl

  Azinophos-methyl

  Fenthion

  Malathion

  Parathion

  Parathion-methyl

  Dichlorvos

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage changes in atmospheric and waterborne inputs taken together of mercury and cadmium to the North sea that he expects will be achieved by the United Kingdom between 1985 and 1995. [27364]

  Mr. Atkins
  It is anticipated that the UK will achieve reductions between 1985 and 1995 in a range of 59 per cent. to 66 per cent. for mercury and 52 per cent. to 62 per cent. for cadmium.

  Birds of Prey
  Mr. Nigel Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action is planned by Her Majesty's Government to examine the growth in populations of birds of prey and their impact on game bird management and racing pigeons. [28067]

  Mr. Atkins
  On 24 April, Environment Department officials met interested parties to discuss these issues. Following broad agreement reached at that meeting, the Government propose to establish a regular forum to consider the implications of the growth in the populations of birds of prey and to set up a working group to examine the facts and identify possible action.

  The working group will:

  consider population status of birds of prey;

  identify species alleged to be causing problems;

  identify, in particular, the impact of such species on game birds and moorland management and on racing pigeons;

  identify gaps in research and future needs, and identify possible sources of funding;

  296

  consider statutory and other mechanisms for the resolution of problems; and

  report back to the forum within one year.

  The working group, which will be chaired jointly by officials from my Department and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will reflect a wide range of interests. It will be set up as soon as possible.

  Surplus Land
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list those sales involving surplus land and property in which his Department has inserted a clause in the sale contract allowing his Department to obtain a share of any future development gain; and if he will make a statement. [26326]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  [holding answer 6 June 1995]: My Department's policy on disposals is to obtain the best price possible. To achieve that our consultants are required to investigate all feasible uses and development potential and to obtain town planning consent where it is appropriate to do so. Clawback clauses are used only where, despite the best efforts of our consultants, it is not possible to establish a property's potential with any degree of certainty. Thus there are relatively few cases where clawback clauses have been imposed and these are as follows:

  Mickle Trafford Buffer Depot, Lancashire;

  Land Border Post, Rosslea, Northern Ireland;

  Former Benefit Office, Drakewell, Cornwall;

  Rhodes House, Martlesham Heath, Ipswich;

  72 South Market Road, Great Yarmouth;

  Land at Northwood Hills, Pinner;

  56–60 Conduit Street, London, W1

DEFENCE

  Area Flag Officers
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of area flag officer posts. [27984]

  Mr. Soames
  A consultation document was issued on 2 March 1995 setting out the proposed reattribution of area flag officer tasks. Having given careful and sympathetic consideration to all the views expressed during the consultation period, I have decided to proceed to implementation of the proposals by 1 April 1996. This measure will save about £9,500,000 over the next 10 years. The posts of flag officer Plymouth and flag officer Portsmouth will be abolished and their tasks reattributed to other senior officers. Their representational tasks, which help maintain the Navy's strong links with these cities, will be undertaken by the remaining flag officers as appropriate, by the naval base commanders or by other senior officers if necessary. The post of flag officer Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland will be merged with that of Commodore, Clyde at two-star level and also become the naval base commander, Clyde, and will have a one-star deputy. There will be a small overall net reduction in posts at Plymouth and Portsmouth of 20 service and 10 civilian posts. No reductions will be required in the FOSNNI/COMCLYDE areas beyond those which were announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Defence Procurement on 16 February 1995 in his answer to the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Robertson) at column 832.

  Royal Naval Supplies Depot, Endsleigh
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if a survey of G Block, Ministry of Defence Endsleigh was carried out prior to the decision to relocate the CRISP computer there from RNSD Eaglescliffe. [26655]

  Mr. Soames
  Yes. A survey of G Block, Endsleigh, was carried out in 1991 prior to the decision in 1994 to close the CRISP mainframe computer operation at RNSD Eaglescliffe.

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the cost overrun of relocating the small parts stores from RNSD Eaglescliffe to Portsmouth. [26657]

  Mr. Soames
  No cost overrun is anticipated.

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what surveys have been carried out of G and C blocks at Ministry of Defence Endsleigh. [26654]

  Mr. Soames
  A survey of G block was conducted in September 1991 after which re-cladding work was completed in early 1993. A further survey, carried out earlier this year, revealed faults in the, structure of the annexe to G Block and this will shortly be vacated and demolished. Although no specific survey of C block has been conducted, in common with other upgrading on the site, windows are being replaced and the roof relayed; this work is due to be completed later this year.

  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost of demolishing, site clearance and construction of a replacement computer facility at Ministry of Defence Endsleigh. [26656]

  Mr. Soames
  No decisions have yet been taken on the location of the next generation of computer systems being developed for the Navy. It will not be possible to determine any costs, regardless of where they may be located, until the size and configuration of the type of hardware selected for this next generation of systems has been determined. A decision on this is expected later this year.

  Mutual Defence Agreement
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all projects on which his Department is working jointly with Los Alomos National Laboratories. [26879]

  Mr. Freeman
  Under the 1958 UK-US mutual defence agreement, the Atomic Weapons Establishment works closely with Los Alamos National Laboratory on a number of areas of research. These include:

  Neutron Sources

  Irradiation Effects on Materials and Components

  High Explosives for Nuclear Weapons

  Chemistry and Compatibility of Materials

  Metallurgy of Weapons Materials

  Non-Nuclear Components

  Non-Metallic Materials

  Weapons Material Management

  Nuclear Weapons Engineering

  Physics Design

  Weapons Hydrodynamics

  Computational Technology

  Nuclear Weapons Physics

  Nuclear Forces and Counter-Proliferation Studies

  Manufacturing Technology

  298

  Nuclear Warhead Accident Response Technology

  Nuclear Weapon Computer Code Development

  Nuclear Weapons Environment and Damage Effects

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all projects on which his Department is working jointly with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories. [26880]

  Mr. Freeman
  Under the 1958 UK-US mutual defence agreement, the Atomic Weapons Establishment works closely with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on a number of areas of research. These include:

  Irradiation Effects on Materials and Components

  High Explosives for Nuclear Weapons

  Chemistry and Compatibility of Materials

  Test Monitoring

  Metallurgy of Weapons Materials

  Non-Metallic Materials

  Weapons Material Management

  Nuclear Weapons Engineering

  Physics Design

  Weapons Hydrodynamics

  Computational Technology

  Nuclear Weapons Physics

  Nuclear Forces and Counter Proliferation Studies

  Manufacturing Technology

  Nuclear Warhead Accident Response Technology

  Nuclear Weapon Computer Code Development

  Nuclear Weapons Environment and Damage Effects

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much money is being paid annually to Sandia National Laboratory in return for them providing engineering services in support of the Trident systems re-entry body. [26881]

  Mr. Freeman
  The precise figure is commercially sensitive, but amounts to less than $1 million per year.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list all projects on which Sandia National Laboratories is working on behalf of the United Kingdom Government, in addition to those listed on page 7.69 of Sandia National Laboratories institutional plan, FY 1995–2000. [26882]

  Mr Freeman
  Sandia National Laboratory provides certain services in support of the UK Trident programme. Sandia also provides goods and services to support the UK nuclear research programme under contracts placed on the laboratory by the US Department of Energy on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence. These are described as "projects" in Sandia's institutional plan.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27292]

  Mr. Freeman
  Subject to certain qualifying conditions, most women who intend to return to work after their confinement are allowed three months and one week's maternity absence on full pay, and up to a further 38 weeks' unpaid absence. Service women are allowed 14 weeks on full pay and up to a further 34 weeks unpaid absence.

  Most fathers, except for service men, are allowed two days leave with pay at or soon after the date on which their children are born.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he and the management executive have taken in Northern Ireland as a consequence of the findings of the EOC (Great Britain) report into the gender impact of CCT in local government. [26012]

  Mr. Moss
  The health and personal social service management executive has examined the EOC (Great Britain) report and noted that the EOC policy recommendations arising from it are directed to local

  Number of men and women in each board trust employed in support services whose earnings are below the national insurance lower earnings limit

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Board trust

  Men

  Women

  Men

  Women

  Men

  Women

  Men

  Women

  Men

  Women

  Eastern HSSB

  2

  33

  3

  44

  4

  26

  1

  31

  0

  0

  Northern HSSB

  0

  30

  3

  33

  1

  13

  1

  25

  0

  15

  Southern HSSB

  4

  19

  0

  15

  0

  15

  1

  18

  0

  1

  Western HSSB

  0

  5

  0

  2

  0

  4

  1

  1

  0

  2

  Belfast City Hospital

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  1

  1

  3

  Royal Group of Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  1

  0

  0

  Greenpark

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Eastern Ambulance

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Ulster, North Down and Ards Hospitals

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  5

  0

  7

  Craigavon Area Hospital

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0

  0

  0

  South and East Belfast Community

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1

  4

  North and West Belfast Community

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  1

  2

  North Down and Ards Community

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  7

  Down and Lisburn

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  2

  3

  Mater Infirmorum Hospital

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0

  Newry and Mourne

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  6

  Craigavon and Banbridge Community

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  n/a

  0

  0

  Central Services Agency

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  0

  1

  Total

  6

  87

  6

  94

  5

  58

  4

  82

  5

  51

  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the change in the number of full-time and part-time jobs by gender immediately prior to and immediately after tendering of each support service contract tendered by the four health boards since 1990. [26000]

  Mr. Moss
  The detailed information requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. However, it is known that there was not necessarily a loss of jobs within the health and personal social service as a result of tendering. A number of contracts were awarded in-house and other staff moved to different posts within their organisation.

  NHS Support Services
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total annual expenditure on NHS support services, including catering, domestic, portering, grounds maintenance, estate services and telephones, by each of the health boards in each year since 1990. [26011]

  Mr. Moss
  The information is not available in the exact form requested. In 1992–93, the format of the boards' accounts were changed to allow for the appointment of overheads and capital charges to services. Comparison of
  300
  authorities in Great Britain, employers, trade unions and Government. With regard to the issues for Government, these mainly relate to proposed legislative changes for which the HPSS management executive has no responsibility.

  Health Boards (Staff)
  Mr. Soley
  to ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many(a) women and (b) men employed in support services in each health board fell below the national insurance lower earnings limit for each year since 1990. [26003]

  Mr. Moss
  The information is as follows:

  expenditure figures from that date with those before it is apt to mislead. Consequently, the information provided in the tables below commences with 1992–93.

  Health and Social Services Board/HSS Trust

  1992–93 £

  1993–94 £

  Catering

  Northern Board

  5,319,679

  5,230,055

  Southern Board

  4,403,175

  3,549,475

  Eastern Board

  15,132,404

  8,118,187

  Western Board

  5,512,582

  5,787,112

  Royal Group Hospitals HSS Trust

  n/a

  2,492,283

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  2,197,239

  Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,463,317

  Greenpark Healthcare HSS Trust

  n/a

  924,436

  Ulster North Down and Ards

  Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,672,137

  Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  Total

  30,367,840

  31,434,241

  Domestic

  Northern Board

  4,250,292

  4,392,266

  Southern Board

  3,311,888

  2,620,158

  Eastern Board

  13,966,737

  6,192,290

  Western Board

  2,824,806

  2,818,703

  301

  Health and Social Services Board/HSS Trust

  1992–93 £

  1993–94 £

  Royal Group Hospitals HSS Trust

  n/a

  4,094,951

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,656,460

  Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  736,213

  Greenpark Healthcare HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,170,682

  Ulster North Down and Ards Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,179,362

  Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  Total

  24,353,723

  24,861,085

  Portering and Transport

  Northern Board

  2,694,339

  3,569,974

  Southern Board

  1,391,971

  1,085,317

  Eastern Board

  9,071,087

  4,607,199

  Western Board

  2,120,395

  2,274,714

  Royal Group Hospitals HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,755,282

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,543,001

  Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  685,160

  Greenpark Healthcare HSS Trust

  n/a

  880,492

  Ulster North Down and Ards Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  804,653

  Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  Total

  15,277,792

  17,205,792

  Building and Engineering

  Northern Board

  6,721,512

  8,173,374

  Southern Board

  8,324,237

  5,790,577

  Eastern Board

  16,609,338

  9,342,908

  Western Board

  4,969,474

  4,589,090

  Royal Group Hospitals HSS Trust

  n/a

  4,747,962

  Belfast City Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  2,350,164

  Craigavon Area Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,436,264

  Greenpark Healthcare HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,795,674

  Ulster North Down and Ards Hospital HSS Trust

  n/a

  1,720,362

  Eastern Ambulance Service HSS Trust

  n/a

  n/a

  Total

  36,624,561

  39,946,375

  Market Testing Guidelines
  Mr. Soley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the findings when the management executive of the NHS in Northern Ireland applied the policy appraisal and fair treatment guidelines to its revised market testing guidelines in 1994. [26006]

  Mr. Moss
  The "Market Testing in the HPSS: Revised Guidance" was issued as a consequence of the specific commitment given in the White Paper "Competing for Quality", on page 21, that health departments would consolidate and improve existing best practice guidance, inter alia, to provide model contract terms and specifications; set out examples of good practice; provide procedure check lists; summarise financial arrangements; cover publicity for contracts; and describe reporting and monitoring procedures. The policy appraisal and fair treatment guidelines were not therefore applicable to this particular document.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27282]

  Sir John Wheeler
  In conjunction with the statutory entitlements available, and subject to certain conditions, a302
  female employee is entitled to maternity leave of three months and one week on full pay. Unpaid maternity leave is also allowed, provided that taken together with paid leave, the total period does not exceed 52 weeks.

  Male employees are entitled to two days paternity leave on full pay.

  Departmental Budget
  Mr. Hargreaves
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the 1995–96 running cost limits for the Northern Ireland Office and Norther Ireland Departments. [27981]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The gross running cost limit for 1995–96 for the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Departments is £789,017,000. There is also a net running cost limit of zero for the Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency. Details of the provision for individual Northern Ireland Departments are set out in the Northern Ireland estimates, which were laid before the House today.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Bangladesh
  Mr. Cox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Affairs if he will list the aid projects and which the United Kingdom is currently involved with Bangladesh. [26920]

  Mr. Baldry
  The information is given in the list of aid projects in Bangladesh, a copy of placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

  Family Planning
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information is provided to his Department by the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the United Nations population fund prior to the approval of his Department's grants to their core budgets. [26935]

  Mr. Baldry
  Decisions concerning the United Kingdom's contributions to the core activities of the United Nations population fund—UNFPA—and the International Planned Parenthood Federation are based on our assessment of the value of both organisations in contributing to better reproductive health. This assessment is based on reports of their programmes, our own monitoring of their work, and participation in UNFPA's governing body and IPPF's annual donors' meetings.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the transfer of buildings controlled by the Galton Institute to the International Planned Parenthood Federation. [26895]

  Mr. Baldry
  We understand from the International Planned Parenthood Federation that there has been no transfer of buildings, controlled by the Galton Institute, to it.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth affairs what information he has on the practice of some donor nations of tying aid to the implementation of family planning programmes; and in which countries where such conditions have been applied his Department is working. [26933]
  303
  Mr. Baldry
  We are not aware of any donor countries that currently tie aid to the implementation of family planning programmes.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what documentation he has other than annual reports of the use to which the core funds of the IPPF and UNFPA are put. [26934]

  Mr. Baldry
  We have access to a variety of documents, including evaluation and review reports, which describe the activities and programmes supported by the core funds of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and the United Nations population fund.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will place in the Library copies of the estimates of unmet family planning demand prepared by the United Nations population fund and similar organisations together with copies of studies undertaken by his own Department. [27297]

  Mr. Baldry
  A large number of country studies examining the unmet demand for family planning have been undertaken over the years. We will arrange for a sample of such studies to be placed in the Libraries of the House.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what amount was donated by the Overseas Development Administration in 1993–94 for primary health care projects excluding family planning provision in(a) India, (b) Pakistan, (c) Malaysia, (d) Sri Lanka, (e) Cambodia, (f) E1 Salvador, (g) Nicaragua, (h) Mexico, (i) Peru, (j) Oceania regional, (k) Russian Federation, (l) Africa regional, (m) Burkina Faso, (n) Ethiopia, (o) Ghana, (p) Kenya, (q) Nigeria, (r) Tanzania, (s) Togo, (t) Uganda, (u) Malawi, (v) Sierra Leone, (w) South Africa, (x) Zaire, (y) Zambia and (z) Zimbabwe. [27226]

  Mr. Baldry
  In most developing countries, primary health care incorporates reproductive health care, including the provision of means by which people can, if they wish, have children by choice. It is impractical to try and distinguish the proportion of our aid to countries which is given for primary health care "excluding family planning provision".

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what considerations underlie his Department's decision on the relative amounts to be spent on primary health care projects in Bangladesh and on reproductive health projects and family planning. [27298]

  Mr. Baldry
  The British aid programme helps promote strategic development objectives agreed with the Government of Bangladesh. Primary health care is a priority, within which reproductive health care, including the provision of means by which women and men can, if they wish, have children by choice, forms an essential part. Our emphasis within our primary health care programmes in Bangladesh is on preventive care and local capacity to use British aid effectively.

  China
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what liaison exists between officials of his Department and the China Family Planning 304
  Association and the representatives of the United Nations Population Fund in China. [26932]

  Mr. Baldry
  Officials from the British embassy in Peking do meet occasionally with representatives of the United Nations population fund based in China, but have not met with representatives of the China Family Planning Association.

  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 May,Official Report, column 514, (1) what information he has on the actions taken by the International Planned Parenthood Federation to fight against Chinese policies which discriminate on grounds of gender, race, creed and political beliefs in Tibet; [26894]

  (2) what information he has on the actions taken by the China Family Planning Association to fight against Chinese policies which discriminate on grounds of gender, race, creed and political beliefs in Tibet. [26936]

  Mr. Baldry
  The International Planned Parenthood Federation is opposed to any form of discrimination in the implementation of policies relevant to reproductive health. IPPF encourages its member organisations to pursue this stance. The information we receive, through our discussions with IPPF, indicates that the China Family Planning Association is helping to alert the relevant authorities at township and provincial levels in China to instances of discrimination in the implementation of population policies.

  Malaysia
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 18 May,Official Report, column 301, if he will list the 11 power projects rejected by the Overseas Development Administration because they did not meet the developmental, commercial and industrial criteria for the aid and trade provision scheme, for budgetary reasons or because they were not accepted by recipient governments. [26911]

  Mr. Baldry
  The list of the 11 projects is as follows:

  1. Sarawak Power Transmission

  2. Ulu Jelai Hydro Electric

  3. Accelerated Power Transmission

  4. Connaught Bridge II Gas Turbine

  5. Supply of Power Transmission Lines

  6. Sabah Hydro Electric Power Stations

  7. Paka and Pasir Gudang Power Station

  8. Diesel Power Extension

  9. Sabah Gas Turbine

  10. Liwagu Hydro Electric

  11. Transformers

  EU Programmes
  Mr. Robert Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the value in cash and constant prices of the United Kingdom contribution to the EU's programmes for central and eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and non-EU Mediterranean states in each year since 1990. [26975]

  Mr. Baldry
  United Kingdom contributions to EU programmes for central and eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and non-EU Mediterranean states since 1990 have been:
  305

  Figures in £ million

  1990

  1991

  1992

  19931

  CEE countries (PHARE)

  Cash value

  25.3

  31.3

  54.1

  61.5

  Value at constant 1993 prices

  28.5

  33.0

  54.6

  61.5

  FSU countries (TACIS)

  Cash value

  0

  0.04

  3.9

  21.2

  Value at constant 1993 prices

  0

  0.04

  3.9

  21.2

  Non-EU Mediterranean countries

  Cash value

  16.2

  16.5

  24.7

  45.2

  Value at constant 1993 prices

  18.2

  17.4

  24.9

  45.2

  1 Most recent year for which data are available.

  Liberia
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how British contributions to the Liberia trust fund have been spent. [27326]

  Mr. Baldry
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 21 February,Official Report, column 130.

  As the security situation in Liberia shows no sign of improvement, projects for which our funds are earmarked are not yet able to be implemented.

  Illegal Abortion
  Mr. Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what information he has on the numbers estimated to have died from illegal abortion, in the last year for which figures are available, by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Fund for Population Activities; and on what basis their figures were calculated; [27240]

  (2) what is his Department's estimate on the number of women who die worldwide annually from illegal abortion; and what is the basis for this figure. [27239]

  Mr. Baldry
  Estimates of deaths resulting from the termination of pregnancy—whether legal or illegal—are based on information collated by the World Health Organisation. The quality of data is very uncertain as there is a reluctance to attribute death to abortion where it is illegal. Although earlier estimates suggested that up to 200,000 women may die, per year, from abortion, a study, undertaken by WHO last year—based on data sources such as hospital admission records and maternal mortality studies—estimated that 70,000 women die each year as a result of complications following unsafe abortions.

HEALTH

  Mercury
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence she has evaluated on the migration of mercury from amalgam fillings to human organs; and if she will make a statement on the impact of increased levels of mercury fillings on recorded levels of mercury in human tissue. [26675]
  306
  Mr. Malone
  The Committee on Toxicity advised in 1986 that the use of dental amalgam is free from the risk of systemic toxicity and that only a few cases of hypersensitivity occur. The subsequent research findings, and recent evaluations by several authoritative national and international expert committees are consistent with that advice. The Department of Health will continue to assess and evaluate all research in this area.

  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of specific funding is available for research into toxicity levels of mercury in humans from potential sources with particular reference to(a) mercury in the food chain, (b) mercury in dental amalgam and (c) environmental mercury. [26676]

  Mr. Malone
  Research has been carried out in a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, about the health effects of mercury. Research to determine the long term biological safety of all types of materials used in primary dental care has been identified as a priority for the national health service primary dental care research and development programme; £175,000 has been allocated to the programme for the 1995–96 financial year and the first call for proposals will be made shortly. The NHS regions also fund research and development, including a project into the safety aspects of dental amalgam during pregnancy which is funded by South and West regional health authority at a cost of £45,000.

  The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council which receives its grant in aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. The Department of Health's policy research programme also commissions research to meet identified policy needs. There is no specific budget for research into toxicity from mercury. Decisions on whether to support research proposals are made on the basis of competing priorities and the scientific merit of the proposal.

  Suicide
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what progress is being made towards achieving the "Health of the Nation" target relating to suicides among severely mentally ill people; [26649]

  (2) how her Department (a) currently monitors and (b) proposes to monitor progress towards the "Health of the Nation" target relating to suicides among severely mentally ill people. [26648]

  Mr. Bowis
  Following the references to the limitations in available data in the "Health of the Nation" White Paper, we have carried out some detailed technical work to identify a viable measure. We have decided to introduce from next year district returns which show the incidence of suicide and unexplained death among severely mentally ill people, defined for the time being as people subject to a care programme. This will enable changes in the incidence to be tracked.

  Prescriptions
  Mr. Miller
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the top 100 prescribed items, giving their actual cost to the NHS. [26981]
  307
  Mr. Malone
  A list of the top 100 items by prescription volume dispensed in 1994 has been placed in the Library. The total net ingredient cost of these items was £941 million.

  Hepatitis C
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations she has received about the problems of haemophiliacs infected with hepatitis C. [27191]

  Mr. Sackville
  Representations this year include seven parliamentary questions, a short debate in the House of Lords and five early-day motions. In addition Ministers have received 214 letters.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her Department's most recent estimate of the number of people infected with hepatitis C from contaminated blood products; and how many of these are haemophiliacs. [27344]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Morning-after Pill
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to make post-coital oral contraceptives available in pharmacies without prescription. [27403]

  Mr. Sackville
  Any change to the legal classification of such medicines to allow them to be supplied by pharmacists without prescription would be subject to statutory consultation by the Medicines Control Agency with all interested organisations. No application has been received to reclassify any post-coital oral contraceptive from a prescription-only medicine to a pharmacy medicine.

  Neurosurgical Units
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will list all the neurosurgical units in Sussex and those in neighbouring counties with their distance in miles from the Sussex border; [27095]

  (2) what guidelines she has issued about the maximum distance any patient should be from a neurosurgical unit; [27096]

  (3) what is the total number of neurosurgical units in Sussex; what is the number of health authorities; and if she will list the health authorities that do not have a neurosurgical unit within their boundaries. [27097]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department has not issued guidelines about the siting of neurosurgical units, but a recently published report from the neuroscience review group of South Thames Commissioners concluded that specialist neurosurgical services should be centralised in major units which can attract a minimum of 2,000 patients per year, to allow the development and maintenance of expertise in the management of these less common surgical problems. The review group identified St. George's hospital, Tooting, as meeting this standard. The recommendations are currently being considered by the South Thames health authorities responsible for purchasing these services.

  The specific information requested is as follows:
  308

  Neurosurgical units in Sussex and neighbouring counties

  County/London Borough

  Location of unit

  Distance from Sussex county boundary1 (miles)

  West Sussex

  Hurstwood Park hospital

  —

  Wimbledon

  Atkinson Morley's hospital

  21

  Camberwell

  Kings College/Maudsley

  25

  Greenwich

  The Brook hospital2

  32

  Hampshire

  Southampton general hospital

  26

  1 Estimated shortest distance by road to nearst town or village on or close to the border.

  2 Until transfer of services.

  District Health Authorities in South Thames without neurosurgical units within their boundaries

  East Sussex (The one unit currently in Sussex is located in West Sussex, the other Sussex DHA)

  East Kent

  West Kent

  Eastern Surrey

  Western Surrey

  Bromley

  Croydon

  Bexley and Greenwich (On transfer of services from the Brook hospital)

  Kingston and Richmond

  Chemotherapy (Charges)
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on charging women for chemotherapy by Wigan and Leigh Health Service trust. [27098]

  Mr. Sackville
  Wigan and Leigh Health Service national health service trust issued a statement on Friday 26 May apologising unreservedly for having made charges and undertaking to reimburse those patients affected. The trust has changed its administrative procedures regarding prescription charges with immediate effect to ensure that these events are not repeated.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidelines cover charging patients for chemotherapy treatment as(a) out-patients and (b) in-patients; and if she will ensure that there is a consistent approach to charging for chemotherapy treatment throughout the NHS; [27099]

  (2) if she will make a statement on the definition of day care surgery and outpatient treatment; and whether prescription charges can be levied when clinicians administer drugs on hospital premises. [27100]

  Mr. Sackville
  Any medication administered in hospital, whether to in-patients or out-patients, does not attract prescription charges. This is the position under the National Health Service (Charges for Drugs and Appliances) Regulations 1989. Health authorities and trusts were reminded of this in guidelines issued in 1994, HSG(94)12, copies of which are available in the Library. A patient receiving treatment as a day case or as an out-patient—in other words who does not require the use of a hospital bed overnight—is liable for prescription charges for medication taken home.

  HIV/AIDS
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much compensation has been paid to people who contracted HIV from contaminated blood products; how
  309
  many people have received compensation; and how many were haemophiliacs. [27345]

  Mr. Sackville
  Payments totalling £87 million have been made to those who contracted HIV from infected blood and blood products, and to their families. Of 1,511 people who received payments, 1,238 were haemophilia patients.

  Parental Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within her Department. [27287]

  Mr. Sackville
  Female staff within the Department have the following maternity entitlements:

  i. paid time off to attend ante-natal appointments;

  ii. paid maternity leave of three months and one week;

  iii. unpaid maternity leave up to a maximum of 52 weeks, inclusive of any period of paid maternity leave;

  iv. an unpaid career break of up to five years.

  Where a member of staff does not satisfy the conditions for paid leave, she may take a period of unpaid leave.

  Male staff, except those on temporary appointments of less than two years, are entitled to two days' paid paternity leave; extra leave may be allowed where there are special difficulties.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Fisheries Regulations
  Mr. Butler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure that the proper enforcement of fisheries regulations is taking place. [25826]

  Mr. Jack
  Some £25 million is spent annually on inspection to enforce fisheries regulations both at sea and on land.

  Lindane
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Minster of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent studies he has commissioned into the use of lindane in pesticides. [25827]

  Mrs. Browning
  The non-agricultural uses of lindane were reviewed in 1995 by the independent advisory committee on pesticides, which advised that approvals for non-agricultural products containing lindane should continue. The agricultural uses of lindane are currently the subject of a review by the committee.

  Veal Calves
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to support the development of the humane United Kingdom veal market. [25828]

  Mrs. Browning
  We are establishing a demonstration unit to show how veal calves can be raised using high welfare standards, at the ADAS research centre at Rosemaund, near Hereford.

  Milk
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the operations of Milk Marque. [25829]
  310
  Mr. Waldegrave
  I have received several representations since vesting day about the operating practices of Milk Marque. Complaints about these practices are a matter for the competition authorities.

  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to seek changes in the European Community rules to permit trading in milk quota across member states' frontiers. [25839]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We proposed the transferability of milk quotas between member states during the debate on CAP simplification, in last year's CAP price fixing negotiations and in Council earlier this year, when I advocated transnational quota leasing. The European Court of Auditors made a similar recommendation two years ago, but there is, as yet, no support for our ideas in the Council of Ministers.

  Fish Stocks
  Mr. Cyril D. Townsend
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to ensure that stocks of fish are properly protected in the future. [25830]

  Mr. Jack
  Ensuring the sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in such a way that the livelihoods of this and future generations of fisheries are protected is one of my main priorities. A combination of R and D, currently running at £6.5 million a year, and strong enforcement of fishery rules will help to protect fish stocks for the future.

  Office of Science and Technology Panel
  Sir Graham Bright
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he will take to respond to the recent report from the OST Technology Foresight Panel on Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment. [25831]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  We will respond by ensuring that these recommendations are taken fully into account in developing our research strategy. We will of course contribute to the overall Government response.

  Set-aside Land
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to encourage public access to set-aside land. [25832]

  Mr. Jack
  Last September my right hon. Friend launched a new voluntary countryside access scheme which offers farmers annual payments in return for managing their set-aside land for public access under a five-year agreement.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new proposals he has to improve the working of the set-aside land scheme. [25841]

  Mr. Jack
  In addition to the measures mentioned in my reply of 20 October 1994,Official Report, column 418, my right hon. Friend has recently negotiated in Brussels agreement in principle that eligible land taken out of production under the forestry and agri-environment schemes may from next year count towards farmers' set-aside requirements under the arable area payments scheme.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from the abattoir industry to the proposed
  311
  level of charges to be levied by the Meat Hygiene Service. [25833]

  Mrs. Browning
  The Meat Hygiene Service has recently completed statutory consultation on its proposed charges. 91 responses were received in respect of the 1,866 premises consulted. These responses are currently being considered.

  Mr. O'Hara
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many members of the Federation of Fresh Meat Wholesalers have advised him of their opposition to the institution of the Meat Hygiene Service. [25838]

  Mrs. Browning
  Abattoir operators who write to us do not normally indicate whether they are members of a trade association.

  Organic Farming
  Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what schemes are now in place to encourage organic farming methods. [25834]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The Government are keen to assist the development of organic farming. The organic aid scheme for England was launched in August last year and provides financial assistance during conversion to organic production. Similar schemes are available in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. In addition, the organic sector also benefits from a substantial programme of research and development and from our support for the work of the independent UK Register of Organic Food Standards. My Department currently spends around £1 million annually on R and D into economic and practical aspects of organic farming.

  Meat Exports
  Mr. Mills
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to encourage on-the-hook meat exports. [25835]

  Mrs. Browning
  According to Meat and Livestock Commission estimates, our meat exports were worth nearly £1 billion in 1994. But it makes sense to increase these further. That is why in, for example, the beef sector we have in hand action to improve the quality of dairy beef, to open up new export markets; to develop the welfare friendly veal market; and to encourage the use of dairy breed beef in meat processing. We are also working with the industry on stepping up promotion of sheep carcass meat in our chief export markets.

  Agrifood Business
  Dr. Twinn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what contributions his Department is making to improving the prospects of sales from Britain's agrifood business on a world-wide basis. [25836]

  Mr. Jack
  MAFF has its own export promotion division, specifically designed to help UK agri-food exporters win business worldwide. My ministerial colleagues and I also take a personal interest in promoting UK capabilities abroad. This year we propose to take business teams to Mexico, Brazil, Indonesia, India where opportunities for UK exports exist. We are also representing UK interests at agri-food exhibitions in China, Poland, the Baltic States, the Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand and Kazakhstan.
  312
  In addition, Food From Britain, which is partly funded by my Department, has offices in key European markets as well as North America and has a substantial programme of action in support of British food exporters. Ministers give support by attending and speaking at major food and drink exhibitions around the world.

  Common Agricultural Policy
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what will be the total cost of the common agriculture policy in 1996. [25837]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The 1996 preliminary draft budget for common agricultural policy expenditure has been set at the level of the guideline of 40.8 billion ecu or £33.9 billion. If it proves necessary, the budgetary discipline decision provides for access to the monetary reserve of 500 mecu or £415 million for additional costs resulting from a weakening of the US dollar of from realignments of the exchange rate mechanism which took place in late 1992 and early 1993. In addition, the CAP also imposes a cost on consumers. A note on the impact on consumers and taxpayers is available in the Library.

  Sheep
  Ms Glenda Jackson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the amount of subsidy provided per sheep by(a) the British Government and (b) the European Union. [26905]

  Mr. Jack
  Payments under the 1994 sheep annual premium scheme were fixed at £16.96 per eligible ewe, with an additional supplement of £5.24 per ewe payable to producers in the less-favoured areas. Rates have not yet been fixed for 1995. The scheme is fully funded by the European Union.

  Hill livestock compensatory allowances are also payable on sheep in the LFAs. In severely disadvantaged areas, allowances under the 1995 scheme are paid at the rate of £5.75 per specially qualified ewe and £3.00 per qualified ewe. In disadvantaged areas, allowances are paid at the rate of £2.44 per qualified ewe. Up to 25 per cent. of expenditure under this scheme is reimbursable by the European Union.

  Maternity and Paternity Leave
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27294]

  Mr. Jack
  Maternity and paternity entitlements in the core department and its agencies, with the exception of the Meat Hygiene Service, follow those laid down in chapters 3.1 and 5 of the leave and attendance section of the civil service management code, a copy of which is to be found in the Library of the House. Such arrangements are provided in conjunction with the statutory entitlements available.

  The majority of the staff of the MHS which was launched as an agency on 1 April 1995, transferred from local authorities. Accordingly, the agency has currently based its draft policy on local government conditions.

  Consultants
  Mrs. Hodge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the level of expenditure on consultancy by(a) his Department and (b) agencies for

  313
  which his Department is responsible for (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what is projected for 1995–96. [25548]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The total costs of consultants employed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and its executive agencies for the years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 are detailed in the table. The figures for 1994–95 are provisional, and the figures for 1995–96 are current estimates. I will write to the hon. Member once the provisional figures are confirmed.

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Core MAFF

  10,288,234

  7,161,186

  7,625,378

  ADAS

  985,845

  700,000

  700,000

  Central Veterinary Laboratory

  463,037

  354,909

  350,000

  Central Science Laboratory

  149,731

  195,861

  150,000

  Veterinary Medicines Directorate

  34,281

  12,704

  5,000

  Pesticide Safety Directorate

  170,469

  89,572

  150,000

  Meat Hygiene Service

  n/a

  475,000

  434,000

  Total

  12,091,597

  8,989,232

  9,414,378

  Contracting Out
  Mrs. Hodge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) for each piece of work subject to a bidding process under the auspices of(a) his Ministry and (b) agencies for which his Ministry is responsible (i) where work was contracted out who the successful bidders were and (ii) which contracts were won by in-house bidders in (1) 1993–94, (2) 1994–95 and (3) 1995–96; [25549]

  (2) what work has been contracted out (a) by his Department and (b) by agencies for which his Department is responsible in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what is projected for 1995–96. [25547]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  My Department seeks to conduct its bidding processes in accordance with the consolidated guidelines for public purchasing policy laid down in chapter 31 of "Government Accounting". For the financial years 1993–94, 1994–95 and 1995–96 the information requested is as follows for the Ministry's market testing programme:

  1993–94

  Successful bidders

  (a) Contracted-out work

  Library Services (Books and Journals)

  Dawson UK

  Swets UK

  Hammicks

  Blackwell

  National History Book Service

  Dillons

  Eastlake Information

  General Recruitment (up to G7)

  MSL Advertising

  PA Consulting

  Austin Knight

  Research and Development (Part)

  Whitbread Plc.

  Paterson Institute: Christie

  Hospital NHS

  Animal Health Trust

  A. E. Johnston

  314

  1993–94

  Successful bidders

  Processors' and Growers' Research Organisation

  UMDS—Guys Hospital

  PE International

  Ashbourne Bio Sciences

  Cambridge Environmental Research Consultants

  RPS Clouston

  Land Research Associates

  W. S. Atkins

  Mylnefield Research Services Ltd.

  Fisheries Protection: Surface Surveillance

  Royal Navy

  Radionuclide Analysis

  National Radiological Protection Board

  (b) Work won by in-house bidders

  Free Pollution Advice to Farmers

  Agricultural Development and Advisory Service

  1994–95

  Successful bidders

  (a) Contracted-out work

  Inter-Despatch Service (IDS)

  Security Facilities Executive

  Term Commissions for Architectural and Engineering Design Services

  Jefferson Sheard

  Rogers and Grundy

  Ferguson Bucknall Austin

  Lawrence Hewitt Partnership

  Payroll and Associated Services

  Chessington Computer Centre

  Agronomic Evaluation of Set-Aside

  Institute of Terrestrial Ecology

  (with British Trust for Ornithology and ADAS as sub-contractors)

  Information Technology Outsourcing: MVS

  Data Sciences

  (a) Work won by in-house bidders

  In the 1994–95 market testing programme no contracts were won by in-house bidders in the Ministry.

  1995–96
  To date no contracts have been awarded to either in-house bidders or external contractors in connection with the Ministry's market testing programme. It is not possible to predict in advance of recommendations following competition or efficiency review which services or functions will be contracted out.

  Agency chief executives will reply separately to the hon. Member.

  Letter from J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 25 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1291. In this you asked for information on what work has been contracted out in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what is projected for 1995–96.
  ADAS was established as an Executive Agency in June 1992 and is jointly owned by MAFF and the Welsh Office.
  ADAS operates as a commercial consultancy within the food, farming, land and leisure sectors. In-house facilities may not always be able to support the work of the Agency. In such cases additional support is sourced from outside the organisation. Typically, work in such areas as information technology, training, collaborative research, payroll and banking services, property and facilities management, document and promotional media creation and vehicle hire may be contracted out.
  315
  Letter from G. K. Bruce to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 8 June 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply, in respect of the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD), to your questions about the contracting out of work and the bidding process which is employed.
  The Directorate has so far contracted out work on the evaluation of pesticides, IT consultancy and publications. The amount of work contracted out totalled £170,469 in 1993/94 and £89,572 in 1994/95. In 1995/96 the Directorate is likely to contract out approximately £150,000 worth of work.
  The number of pieces of work subject to a bidding process was four in 1993/94 and four in 1994/95. The successful bidders over the two years were:

  The Natural History Museum

  Campden Food and Drink Research Association

  ADAS

  Central Science Laboratory

  Severn Trent Laboratories

  Desbrow, Thompson, Chaffe

  All of these contracts were awarded to organisations outside PSD. It is anticipated that for 1995/96 the number of pieces of work which may be subject to a bidding process will be broadly similar to previous years.

  Letter from P. I. Stanley to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 27 May 1995:
  WORK SUBJECT TO A BIDDING PROCESS AND CONTRACTED OUT BY MAFF AND ITS AGENCIES
  The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) was first launched as an executive agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in April 1992 and was re-launched as an enlarged agency two years later following its merger with the MAFF Food Science Laboratories.
  CSL is currently located on five main sites in Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Norfolk and Aberdeenshire with several smaller outstations throughout England. It is planned in the summer of 1996 to collocate the major part of CSL to a single site in Yorkshire where a new, purpose-built laboratory is at present under construction. CSL's market testing and contracting out strategy has been aimed at reviewing the wide range of services in connection with ensuring efficient and effective operation of the new laboratory at York.
  You have asked two questions relating to the financial years 1993/94, 1994/95 and 1995/96; firstly about work that has been subject to a bidding process and secondly about work that has been contracted out. I can confirm that in 1993/94 and 1994/95 none of CSL's work was subject to a bidding process or contracted out. However, during the 1995/96 financial year, many support services including facilities management, security, catering, estate management, waste disposal, management of the day-care centre and fitness facilities and other services for the new laboratory at York will be subject to market testing and contracting out.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 27 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply for the Intervention Board to your Question about the outcome of market tests since 1993–94, as the matter is one within my operational responsibility.
  Contracts were awarded as follows:

  1993–94

  Messengerial services, post-room services, word processing, reprographics and switchboard—in house team

  Maintenance of Government-owned grain stores—Henry Boot Ltd

  Analysis of olive oil—Agricultural Development & Advisory Service

  Analysis of exported products—Campden & Chorleywood Food Research Association

  Internal audit services, Newcastle—in house team

  Analysis of livestock products—Agricultural Development & Advisory Service

  316
  1994–95

  Document handling & security services Newcastle—in house team

  Analysis of crops products—RHM Technology Ltd

  1995–96
  None to date.

  Letter from Guy Stampleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 27 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply for the Intervention Board to your Question about work contracted out since 1993–94, as the matter is one within my operational responsibility.
  New work strategically contracted out without an in-house bid:

  Contracts awarded

  1993–94

  Maintenance of Government owned grain stores

  Supervision of intake of cereals into store

  Analysis of sugar

  Analysis of exported products

  Analysis of olive oil

  Analysis of livestock products

  1994–95

  Travel services

  Banking

  Accounting systems development

  Analysis of crops products

  Contracts projected1

  1995–96

  Recruitment

  Certification of accounts

  1 Strategic contracting out only. The outcome of market tests cannot be anticipated.

  Letter from J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 23 May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about work which has been contracted out by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  Other than the work subject to a bidding process, about which I have written to you separately today in response to your specific Parliamentary Question, no other work has been contracted out by the Directorate in either 1993/94 or 1994/95, and none is projected for 1995/96.

  Letter from J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 23 May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about the outcome of work subjected to a bidding process by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  In 1993–94, a contract for general office cleaning of the Directorate was awarded to Quality Assured Services. No contracts were awarded in 1994–95. but on 1 April 1995, a contract was awarded to the Analytical Chemistry Unit of the Central Veterinary Laboratory for the provision of analytical services required under the National Surveillance Scheme for residues in meat.
  No in house bidders were involved in either of these contracts.

  Letter from J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 25 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1286. In this you asked for information on the work subject to a bidding process, where work was contracted out, who the successful bidders were and ii) which contracts were won by in-house 1) 1993–94 and 2) 1994–95 and 3) 1995–96.
  ADAS was established as an Agency in June 1992 under the joint ownership of MAFF and the Welsh Office. As an Agency, ADAS is not involved in market testing except where it bids for work from other Government Departments.
  317
  In respect of work (which has been interpreted as meaning the provision of works and services as distinct from goods and utilities) ADAS has the policy of subjecting to the bidding process a wide range of services. Thus far these include, collaborative research, consultancy, payroll and banking services, elements of laboratory analysis, areas of IT and telecommunications, and staff training.

  Some of the above have been contracted out to independent third party contractors throughout the period. Unfortunately, to provide greater detail would be disproportionate cost to this Agency.

  Staff
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what changes there have been in the number of staff employed by(a) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (b) agencies for which the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is responsible, listing the changes in the number of staff agency by agency in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what changes are projected for 1995–96; [25061]

  (2) how many posts were lost in (a) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (b) agencies for which the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is responsible, listing the total lost posts agency by agency in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and how many posts are proposed to be lost in 1995–96; [25081]

  (3) what changes there have been in the number of staff in employment by grade in (a) his Ministry and (b) each agency for which his Ministry is responsible in (i) 199394 and (ii) 1994–95; and what are the projected figures for 1995–96; [25623]

  (4) how many staff of (a) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (b) agencies for which MAFF is responsible, were employed on a casual or short-term basis in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what are the projected figures for 1995–96. [25489]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information on the number of casual staff employed in my Department in 1993–94, projected outturn for 1994–95, and plans for 1995–96 are published in my Department's annual report which is in the Library of the House. Separate information on posts is not available. No projections broken down by grade are available. I am asking the chief executives to reply for their agency.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 25 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1272. In this you asked for information on how many posts were lost in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and how many posts are proposed to be lost in 1995–96.
  ADAS was established in June 1992 as an Agency jointly owned by MAFF and the Welsh Office.
  Compared with the previous year the number of posts lost, within the Agency was as follows:

  1993–94: 121 posts

  1994–95: 392 posts

  There are no proposed figures for 1995–96.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 25 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1271. In this you asked for information on what changes there have been in the number of staff employed in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what changes are projected for 1995–96.
  ADAS was established as an Executive Agency in June 1992 and is jointly owned by MAFF and the Welsh Office.
  318
  My answer to this Parliamentary Question is the same given to PQ numbers 1272 and 1279. We do not have projected figures for 1995–96.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your Question about changes in the number of staff employed by this Agency since 1993–94 as the matter is one within my operational responsibility.
  The average number of staff employed by the Agency was 983 in 1993–94,973 in 1994–95, and is currently projected to be 991 in 1995–96.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your Question about the number of posts lost in this Agency since 1993–94 as the matter is one within my operational responsibility.
  The Intervention Board does not operate a system of complemented posts. The Agency operates within the annual salary cost limits agreed with the Treasury which are within the running costs totals approved by Parliament. Salary budgets are delegated to line managers, who use an appropriate mix of permanent and casual staff and overtime to meet workloads. Staff year figures are given in the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food and the Intervention Board Departmental Report 1995 (CM 2803).

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 23 May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about changes in the number of staff employed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  This information is published in Annex 6 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Departmental Report for 1995, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 23 May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about the number of posts lost in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  No posts were lost in the Directorate in 1993/94 or 1994/95, nor are any proposed to be lost in 1995/96.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your questions about the number of staff employed and posts lost at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL).
  The average number of staff employed is as follows:

  Permanent

  Casual

  1993–94

  636

  30

  1994–95

  621

  41

  1995–96

  619

  44½

  The 1995/96 figure is at 1 April 1995. However, you may be aware of the merger of the CVL with MAFF's Veterinary Investigation Service which was announced by the Minister on 4 May. This will result in an increase of approximately 300 in Agency staff numbers and a reduction in MAFF's.
  The posts lost are as follows:

  Number

  1993/94

  7

  1994/95

  5

  1995/96 (estimate)

  2

  The figure for 1995/96 reflects losses already agreed but other posts may arise during the course of the year.
  319
  Letter from G. K. Bruce to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 8 June 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply, in respect of the Pesticides Safety Directorate (PSD), to a number of questions you have raised about appointments, staffing levels and retirements.
  Information on the numbers of staff employed in the Agency in 1993–94, project outturn for 1994–95 and plans for 1995–96 are published in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's Annual Report which is in the Library of the House. PSD's Annual Report and Accounts, which is also available in the Library of the House, gives the total number of staff employed in the Agency and provides a general breakdown between scientific and administrative staff.
  The number of staff who have left, or are projected to leave PSD under early retirement, voluntary redundancy, compulsory redundancy or on medical retirement are:

  1993/94

  1994/95

  (i) Early Retirement

  0

  1

  (ii) Voluntary Redundancy

  0

  6

  (iii) Compulsory Redundancy

  0

  7

  (iv) Retired on Medical Grounds

  0

  0

  It is not possible to project the number of staff who will leave PSD in the current financial year through the Voluntary Early Retirement Scheme, redundancy or medical retirement.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes there have been in the number of staff in employment by grade in(a) his Ministry and (b) each agency for which his Ministry is responsible in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what are the projected figures for 1995–96. [25623]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information on the numbers of staff employed in my Department in 1993–94, projected outturn for 1994–95, and plans for 1995–96 are published in my Department's annual report which is in the Library of the House. No projections broken down by grade are available. I am asking the chief executives to reply for their agency.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 24 May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about the changes in staffing by grade at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  The information you requested is set out in, the attached table. Can I emphasise that the return is based on actual staff in post, both full time and part time, on 1 April for each of the financial years you identified. At 1 April 1995, some posts were vacant and the recruitment of replacements is being actively pursued.

  Staff in Post

  Grade

  1993–941

  1994–9522

  1995–963

  4

  1

  1

  1

  5

  2

  2

  2

  6

  2

  2

  2

  7

  9.5

  11.8

  11.8

  SROII

  5

  4

  4

  RO

  7

  7.8

  6.8

  PO1

  1

  1

  1

  SEO

  2

  2

  1

  SSO

  5

  7.3

  6.8

  HEO

  7

  7

  8

  EO/AT

  13.5

  12.5

  10.5

  AO

  14.5

  18.2

  16

  AA

  13

  15.6

  14.5

  Typing manager

  1

  1

  1

  320

  Staff in Post

  Grade

  1993–941

  1994–952

  1995–963

  Typists

  3.5

  4.6

  3.5

  Personal secretaries

  3

  3

  3

  Messengers

  2

  2

  2

  92

  102.8

  94.9

  1 As at 1 April 1993.

  2 As at 1 April 1994.

  3 As at 1 April 1995.

  Letter from Dr. J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 22 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1279. In this you asked for details of the changes that there have been in the number of staff in employment by grade in i) 1993/95 and ii) 1994/95; and what the projected figures are for 1995/96.
  I attach a sheet listing the details for 1993/94 and 1994/95. We do not have projected figures for 1995/96.

  Grade

  Total 1993–94

  Total 1994–95

  AA

  216

  136

  AO

  186

  139

  APPI

  5

  6

  APPII

  14

  13

  ASO

  192

  201

  Assistant Librarian

  1

  1

  Carpenter

  1

  —

  Consultant

  608

  472

  Craftsman

  56

  59

  EO

  56

  42

  Farm Manager

  9

  10

  Grade 2

  1

  1

  Grade 3

  1

  1

  Grade 4

  2

  2

  Grade 5

  15

  13

  Grade 6

  32

  34

  Grade 7

  90

  82

  General Farm Worker

  17

  31

  Graphics Officer

  3

  2

  GOTGI

  2

  —

  HEO

  22

  14

  HGO

  1

  1

  HMCO

  7

  7

  HPO

  1

  2

  HSO

  45

  36

  Industrial

  8

  5

  IT Specialist

  15

  10

  Librarian

  1

  1

  MCO

  50

  47

  MCTGI

  18

  15

  Photographic Officer

  1

  —

  Personal Secretary

  27

  24

  PTO

  24

  15

  Student

  22

  18

  SEO

  7

  7

  SGBI

  11

  10

  SGBII

  28

  24

  SGBII (Cleaner)

  25

  17

  SMCO

  1

  —

  Scientific Officer

  128

  87

  Senior Consultant

  297

  303

  Senior IT Specialist

  5

  9

  Senior Personal Secretary

  3

  3

  Statistician—Senior

  4

  Sampler Tester

  11

  10

  Team Leader

  93

  88

  Typing Manager

  1

  1

  Typist

  137

  99

  Total

  2,496

  2,104

  321
  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question about the number of staff by grade for 1993/94, 1994/95 and the projected figures for 1995/96 in the Intervention Board as this matter is within my operational responsibility.
  The numbers of permanent and casual staff employed by the Agency in 1993–94, projected outturn for 1994–95, and plans for 1995–96 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.
  A breakdown by grade for the last two financial years is below. The Agency's staffing for 1995/96 is being reviewed in the light of work changes, and no current projection by grade is therefore available.

  Grade

  1993–94

  1994–95

  G3

  1

  1

  G5

  5

  5

  G6

  4

  4

  G7

  21

  23

  SEO

  46

  47

  HEO

  113

  111

  EO

  203

  195

  AO

  406

  391

  AA

  102

  86

  ADAS1

  1

  1

  ADAS2

  1

  1

  Personal Secretary

  12

  12

  Chief Typing Manager

  1

  0

  Typing Manager

  2

  1

  Typist

  18

  14

  Support Grade Band 1

  9

  8

  Support Grade Band 2

  22

  18

  Supt. TLX

  1

  1

  Spec. TLX

  4

  3

  Sub total

  972

  922

  Casual staff

  11

  51

  Total

  983

  973

  The total of casual staff employed by the Agency are employed in the clerical grades. The figures provided are based on casual staff employed on short term work. Where casual staff are employed in established jobs while decisions are made about future overall staffing levels these are included in the overall grade totals.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many staff of(a) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (b) agencies for which the MAFF is responsible (i) took early retirement, (ii) took voluntary redundancy, (iii) took compulsory redundancy and (iv) were retired on medical grounds in (1) 1993–94 and (2) 1994–95; and what is the projected figure for 1995–96. [25474]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  The available information for core MAFF is as follows:

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–961

  Early retirement, voluntary redundancy and compulsory redundancy

  40

  130

  200+

  Medical retirement

  52

  44

  25+

  1 Provisional estimate.

  322
  A detailed breakdown of the retirement and redundancy categories could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  MAFF's agencies will be replying direct by letters from chief executives.

  Letter from T. W. A. Little to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated May 1995:
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your questions about the number of staff employed at the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) as well as other issues relating to early retirement and redundancy. I have also been asked to reply to your question about contracting-out of work and other work subject to a "bidding process". Your questions about expenditure on consultancy and the costs of redundancy/early retirement will, I understand, be answered by the Minister for the Department and its Agencies.
  I have already provided you with the average number of staff employed at CVL throughout a given year. Further outturn information on the numbers of staff employed at CVL for the years in which you are interested is published in MAFFs Departmental Report which is in the Library of the House. Details by grade are not available.
  Turning to information about staff medically retired, taking early retirement and redundancy etc, the information you require is as follows:

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  (i) Early retirement

  1

  —

  —

  (ii) Voluntary redundancy

  5

  5

  12

  (iii) Compulsory redundancy

  2

  —

  —

  (iv) Medical retirement

  2

  7

  13

  1 Estimate.

  You also asked about work that had been subject to a "bidding process" and work at CVL that has been contracted-out. In both cases you were interested in the information for the years 1993/94 and 1994/95 and proposals for 1995/96. CVL has a considerable number of contracts with private sector companies for the provision of services covering such areas as ground maintenance, refurbishment, cleaning and security. However, these have been in existence for many years and none have been let for the first time, contracted-out, during the years in which you are interested.
  CVL has run a market testing programme and in 1993/94 the in-house Library team were awarded a Service Level Agreement for the provision of library services. In the following year, 1994/95, the in-house Messenger and Driver team and Waste Disposal and Incineration teams were also awarded Service Level Agreements to provide these services. All this work was won in open competition. No contracts previously carried out in-house were awarded to outside bidders. For 1995/96 no decisions have been taken to contract-out any in-house activities although we are constantly questioning the relative value of each of our services and whether they are most effectively discharged in-house or whether they should, instead, be out-sourced.

  Letter from P. I. Stanley to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 22 May 1995:
  Numbers of staff in MAFF and its agencies who took early retirement, voluntary and compulsory redundancy, or were retired on medical grounds in 1993/94 and 1994/95 with projections for 1995/96
  The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) was first launched as an executive agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in April 1992 and was re-launched as an enlarged agency two years later following its merger with the MAFF Food Science Laboratories. The figures provided below therefore relate to the original CSL Agency for 1993/94 and the enlarged Agency thereafter.

  323

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Voluntary Early Retirement

  1

  4

  1

  Voluntary Redundancy

  0

  0

  0

  Compulsory Redundancy

  0

  0

  0

  Medical Grounds Retirement

  1

  2

  1

  1 Projected Figures. CSL is currently located on five main sites with several smaller outstations throughout England. It is planned in the summer of 1996 to collocate the major part of the Agency to a single site near York where a new, purpose-built laboratory is at present under construction. Details of the number of staff at existing sites wishing to relocate to York are not yet available but it is possible that a number of staff may wish instead to seek voluntary early retirement during 1995/96 or 1996/97.

  Letter from J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 22 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1281. In this you asked for how many staff i) took early retirement ii) took voluntary redundancy and iii) took compulsory redundancy and iv) were retired on medical grounds in (1) 1993/94 and (2) 1994/95; and what is the projected figure for 1995/96.
  ADAS was established in June 1992 as an Agency jointly owned by MAFF and the Welsh office.
  Defining early retirement as applying to people age 50, and voluntary redundancy as applying to staff under age 50, the information for ADAS is as follows:

  1993–94

  1994–95

  (i) Early retirement

  64

  36

  (ii) Voluntary redundancy

  6

  73

  (iii) Compulsory redundancy

  23

  95

  (iv) Medical retirement

  12

  9

  There are no projected figures for 1995/96.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 22 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your Question about early retirement and redundancy in the Intervention Board, as this is a matter within my operational responsibility.
  The figures for the last two financial years are:

  Number of staff

  1993–94

  1994–95

  (i) Took approved early retirement

  0

  1

  (ii) Took voluntary early retirement on compulsory terms

  0

  7

  (iii) Took compulsory redundancy

  0

  0

  (iv) Were retired on medical grounds

  3

  2

  On the projected figures for 1995–96, in category (i) there is an approved early retirement scheme in progress, and it is anticipated that 2 officers will retire early on these terms. In category (ii), 13 staff have already taken voluntary early retirement on compulsory terms during the current financial year. However, it is not possible to give an accurate total projected number in this category at this stage. This is because the Intervention Board may run another voluntary early retirement scheme towards the end of the financial year, depending on revised manpower requirements following the implementation of a major accounts project and changes in intervention work. In addition, forecasting is particularly difficult because reduction in staff numbers in some areas and in some grades have to be counterbalanced by possible increases in new work in
  324
  others. In category (iii), no compulsory redundancies are currently projected. In category (iv), it is impossible to give any total projections for retirement on medical grounds, because of the uncertainty and complexity of individual cases.

  Letter from J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 23 May 1995:
  PQ 4 17 MAY 1995
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about retirement and redundancy in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  The information you requested is set out in the table below:

  1993/94

  1994/95

  1995/961

  (i) Early retirement

  0

  3

  0

  (ii) Voluntary redundancy

  0

  0

  0

  (iii) Compulsory redundancy

  0

  0

  0

  (iv) Retired on medical grounds

  0

  0

  0

  1 Projected.

  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many staff of(a) the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and (b) agencies for which MAFF is responsible, were employed on a casual or short-term basis in (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what are the projected figures for 1995–96. [25489]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Information on the numbers of casual staff employed in my Department in 1993–94, projected outturn for 1994–95, and plans for 1995–96 are published in my Department's annual report which is in the Library of the House. I am asking the chief executives to reply for their agency.

  Letter from J. M. Rutter to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 24 May 1995:
  PQ 8 17 MAY 1995
  The Minister has asked me to reply to your question about the employment of casual or short term staff in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, as this is an operational matter for which I am responsible.
  This information is published in Annex 6 of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Departmental Report for 1995, a copy of which is in the Library of the House

  Letter from J. M. Walsh to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 22 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture has asked me to reply direct to you in answer to your Parliamentary Question number 1285. In this you asked for how many staff were employed on a casual or short-term basis in i) 1993/94 and ii) 1994/95; and what are the projected figures for 1995/96.
  ADAS is an agency of MAFF and the Welsh Office and was established in June 1992.
  The number of staff on casual or fixed term basis in ADAS was 237 at 1 April 1994 and 257 at 1 April 1995.

  Letter from Guy Stapleton to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated 22 May 1995:
  The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has asked me to reply to your question about the number of staff employed on a casual or short term basis in 1993/94, 1994/95 and the projected figures for 1995/96 in the Intervention Board as this matter is within my operational responsibility.
  The numbers of permanent and casual staff employed by the Agency in 1993–94, projected outturn for 1994–95, and plans for

  325
  1995–96 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 latest available figures are:

  Number of staff employed on a short term basis

  1993/94

  11

  1994/95

  51

  1995/96

  117

  1 Projected. In addition 40 casual staff in 1993/94 and 37 casual staff in 1994/95 were employed in established jobs pending decisions about future overall staffing levels. For 1995/96 we envisage a reduction in the number of casual staff employed taking into account the need to recruit permanent staff into some areas and the reductions in numbers required following implementation of

  326
  a new accounting system and an anticipated decline in intervention work.

  Letter from Dr. P. I. Stanley to Ms Margaret Hodge, dated May 1995:
  Details of the number of staff employed on a casual or short-term basis and changes in the number of staff employed in MAFF and its Agencies in 1993/94 and 1994/95, with projected 1995/96 figures.
  The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) was first launched as an executive agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in April 1992 and was re-launched as an enlarged agency two years later following its merger with the MAFF Food Science Laboratories.
  Information on the number of staff employed in CSL during 1993/94, projected outturn for 1994/95 and plans for 1995/96 are published in the MAFF Departmental Annual Report, a copy of which is held in the Library of the House. I am unable to provide the full detail you have requested as no projections broken down by grade are available and nor is separate information on posts.

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