Written Answers of 12 June 1995

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Staff Pension Payments
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Lord President of the Council how many staff employed by right hon. and hon. Members and funded by the office cost allowance had payments made to personal pension providers in each year since 1989; what is the average length of membership of such personal pension schemes for(a) those who have now left their employment in Parliament and (b) those who are still employed in Westminster; and for how many of such members are (i) regular premium payments and (ii) single premium payments made by the House.

  Mr. Newton
  The number of payments made to personal pension providers on behalf of staff employed by right hon. and hon. Members who are funded from the office costs allowance for the past five financial years is as follows:

  1990–91: 1,057

  1991–92: 1,113

  1992–93: 1,264

  1993–94: 1,375

  1994–95: 1,423

  Records are not centrally held to enable answers to be given to the remaining specific questions asked.

HEALTH

  NHS Trusts
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 23 November,Official Report, column 216, (1) when 1993–94 data on trust surpluses and deficits will be available;

  (2) if she will now publish a list of which trusts failed to (a) break even, (b) keep within the external financing limit and (c) record a 6 per cent. return on capital, and by what percentage and sum in 1993–94;

  (3) if she will now publish a list of trust turnover for 1993–94.

  Mr. Sackville
  [pursuant to his reply, 9 December 1994, c. 396]: I regret that there were errors in the table provided in my previous reply.

  An amended table has been placed in the Library.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has in respect of employment packages offered by an NHS trust which include private medical insurance as an integral or an optional part; and if she will make a statement. [27402]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally. National health service trusts have powers under the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 to employ staff on whatever terms they think fit.

  Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 24 May,Official Report, column 594, what information her Department holds centrally in respect of contracts for health and hospital services awarded by health authorities and NHS trusts under the competitive tendering process. [27414]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 6 June at column 28 for information about contracts for clinical services awarded after competitive tender by national health service trust in England. Information about the award of such contracts by district health authorities is not available centrally.

  Operating Theatres
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many dedicated private operating theatres there are in NHS hospital trusts; [27422]

  (2) how many dedicated private operating theatres have opened in NHS hospital trusts in the past year. [27421]

  Mr. Sackville
  Records of dedicated private operating theatres in national health service hospital trusts are not available centrally. Operating theatres should be organised in relation to the needs of the whole hospital.

  Clinical Negligence Scheme
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the members of the health authority in charge of the clinical negligence scheme for trusts, indicating their gender, occupation and any other NHS responsibility. [27094]

  Mr. Malone
  The regulations in respect of the special health authority to administer the clinical negligence scheme for trusts are being prepared and will be laid before Parliament for approval in the near future. An announcement of the membership of the proposed new health authority will be made in due course.

  Capital Underspending
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 25 May,Official Report, column 776, on capital underspending, when she expects to publish the 1994–95 figures. [27906]

  Mr. Sackville
  Details of underspending on 1994–95 regional health authority capital cash limits are expected to be available at the end of July.

  Great Yarmouth and Waveney Community Health Centre
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on her plans for the future of the Great Yarmouth and Waveney community health council. [27551]

  Mr. Malone
  This is a matter for the Anglia and Oxford regional health authority. It is responsible for ensuring that its local community health councils are able to reflect the views of the communities it serves. My hon. Friend may wish to contact Sir Stuart Burgess, chairman of the regional health authority, for details.

  Suspended Consultants
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many consultants are currently suspended in the national health service by region; and for how long each consultant has been suspended. [27783]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is not available centrally. Decisions on employment matters, including possible suspensions, rest with the employing authority.

  NHS Executive Letters
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she last updated NHS executive circular EL(93) 113. [27903]

  Mr. Sackville
  This executive letter is extant but will shortly be reviewed.

  GP Vacancies
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 25 May,Official Report, column 776, what information on GP vacancies her Department holds centrally. [27907]

  Mr. Malone
  None. Information on general practitioner vacancies is held by the medical practices committee.

  Cosmetic Surgery
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what percentage of cosmetic surgery operations that are currently carried out by NHS plastic surgeons are performed to correct previous cosmetic surgery performed in the private sector; [28174]

  (2) what is the annual cost to the national health service of cosmetic treatment and surgery in the last three years. [28180]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints her Department has received related to liposuction surgery in the last year. [28178]

  Mr. Sackville
  Five.

  Mrs Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to regulate private cosmetic surgery clinics. [28177]

  Mr. Sackville
  All private clinics where surgical procedures are carried out under anaesthesia are required to register with the local health authority under the Nursing Homes Act 1975. They have to satisfy requirements as to the facilities and the level and qualifications of staff. There are no plans further to regulate private cosmetic surgery clinics.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate she has made of the number of people who undergo cosmetic surgery each year; and what percentage of this number takes place in the private sector. [28181]

  (2)what percentage of plastic surgery performed by the NHS is for cosmetic purposes. [28175]

  Mr. Sackville
  Data available do not distinguish cosmetic surgery from other plastic surgery procedures.
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  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many complaints her Department has received related to cosmetic surgery in the last two years. [28179]

  Mr. Sackville
  Thirty-six.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations she has received on the regulation of cosmetic surgery in the private sector. [28176]

  Mr. Sackville
  Nine written representations in the last two years.

  Planned Expenditure
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the planned real change in spending on the national health service between 1995–96 and 1996–97 expressed(a) in percentage terms and (b) as an absolute sum; and if she will make a statement. [28143]

  Mr. Sackville
  Government spending on the national health service is planned to be £32.9 billion in 1996–97. This is an increase of 0.5 per cent. in real terms over 1995–96 plans, equivalent to some £160 million at 1995–96 prices. Plans for 1996–97 are subject to review in the public expenditure survey.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Deaths in Custody
  Mr. Chisholm
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people aged 25 years and under have died(a) in prison and (b) in police custody in Northern Ireland in (i) 1993, (ii) 1994 and (iii) so far this year. [26376]

  Sir John Wheeler
  No-one aged 25 or under died in prison or the young offenders centre in Northern Ireland in either 1993 or 1995. There was one death by suicide in 1994.

  No person aged 25 or under died in police custody during the period specified.

  Anglo-Irish Secretariat
  Mr. David Trimble
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what basis the Anglo-Irish secretariat collectively gave oral and written evidence to J. J. Rowe QC for his report on the operation of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991. [26577]

  Sir Patrick Mayhew
  In the preparation of his report, J. J. Rowe QC took views from the Irish side of the Anglo-Irish secretariat given on behalf of the Irish Government.

  Prior Options Study
  Mr. Faber
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the result of the prior options study of the estate services directorate within the health and personal social services management executive of the Department of Health and Social Services. [28540]

  Mr. Moss
  Following a prior options study, I have decided to begin preparations with a view to establishing the estate services directorate as a next steps agency in October 1995. The agency will be developed with a view to further private sector involvement, and to this end the
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  chief executive will consider the potential for the privatisation of aspects of the agency's business, and provide me with recommendations in due course.

  Codes of Practice
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he proposes to amend the police and criminal evidence codes of practice in Northern Ireland. [28541]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland PACE codes of practice have recently undergone a thorough review. A considerable number of amendments have been proposed including a new, shorter police caution and the introduction of a new code on tape-recording of interviews to replace the guidelines presently followed by police. Revised draft codes have been prepared and I shall be issuing them for public consultation shortly.

DEFENCE

  Service Accommodation
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the projected future use of the official service residence, Haymes Garth near Cheltenham. [27269]

  Mr. Soames
  The future of Haymes Garth is being assessed in the light of the recommendations made in Sir Peter Cazalet's review of representational entertainment in the armed forces. Subject to this work, it remains the intention that this property will be disposed of as soon as practicable, subject to the availability of suitable accommodation for the Air Officer Commander in Chief Personnel and Training Command.

  Nimrod
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the original date when the Nimrod maritime aircraft were due to come out of service; and what is the current out-of-service date. [26998]

  Mr. Freeman
  The original out-of-service date of the Nimrod MR2 was 1995; the current planned out-of-service date is 2006.

  Trident
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the in-service date of each of the Trident submarines. [26999]

  Mr. Freeman
  HMS Vanguard entered service in December 1994; HMS Victorious will enter service around the turn of the year; Vigilant in 1998; and Vengeance around the turn of the century.

  Treaty of Rome
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment his Department has made of the impact on Britain's defence industrial base from(a) the abolition of article 223 of the treaty of Rome and (b) the amendment of article 223 of the treaty of Rome. [27000]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government's review of article 223 of the treaty of Rome, which I mentioned in my previous answer on 1 May,Official Report, column 84, will take into account the implications of any change for the UK defence industry.

  Ballistic Missile Defence System
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what consultations he has had with his(a) NATO counterparts and (b) WEU counterparts concerning the creation of a ballistic missile defence system; and if he will make a statement. [26995]

  Mr. Freeman
  Consultations with NATO allies have covered a range of BMD issues including risk, prospective defensive architectures, the scope for collaboration and its contribution to our non-proliferation work. There has been no recent consideration of these issues within WEU, although there was some discussion in 1994 of the issues arising from the possible proliferation of ballistic missiles.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if any decision by his Department to acquire a ballistic missile defence system will be taken with full consultation with the UK's NATO and WEU allies. [26996]

  Mr. Freeman
  The UK continues to participate in work with our NATO allies to assess the potential threat from theatre ballistic missiles, and to assess any requirement for systems to counter it.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy concerning the development of a national ballistic missile defence system; and if he will make a statement. [26997]

  Mr. Freeman
  We are currently assessing whether we have a national requirement for ballistic missile defence, and this task will be informed by the outcome from a contract awarded last October to a consortium led by British Aerospace to provide advice on options, capabilities, time scales, costs and technical risk.

  Sonar 2054
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what technical problems have been experienced on the Sonar 2054 system for use in the Vanguard class strategic submarines ballistic nuclear; and if he will make a statement. [27558]

  Mr. Freeman
  The problems experienced with sonar 2054 and its associated towed array handling system relate to the inboard reeling system and operability issues. They do not affect the sonar's ability to support operational patrols. A programme of work to address these outstanding issues is in hand.

  Portland Naval Base
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on progress towards the sale of Portland naval base. [27822]

  Mr. Soames
  Portland Port Ltd. was selected to purchase the naval base on 6 April. Legal and other formalities are progressing. We expect to complete the sale when the naval base closes in March next year.

  Ethnic Origins
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what are the latest available figures, on the ethnic origin of those serving as officers in(a) the Army, (b) the Navy and (c) the Royal Air Force; and if he will make a statement. [27824]
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  Mr. Soames
  The latest available information on the ethnic origin of officers in the armed forces is contained in the tri-service personnel statistical return entitled "Ethnic Composition of the Regular Armed Forces", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it possible for those who volunteered to participate in experiments at the Chemical and Biological Defence Establishment at Porton Down to have access to their medical records; and if he will make a statement. [27825]

  Mr. Soames
  Service medical records are the property of the Department but, in common with civilian medical records, individual access to them by the patient concerned is allowed in accordance with the Access to Health Records Act 1990. Under the provisions of this Act, medical records are normally released to the individual concerned only if they were compiled after 1 November 1991. However, for service medical records of former personnel compiled before this date, it has long been my Department's policy to release them on request to the individual's general practitioner when they are required for the management of a particular case. It has also been standard practice for many years to include with the volunteer's service medical record an enclosure indicating the results of medical examinations carried out during their attendance at Porton Down.

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what dates he or other Ministers or former Ministers in his Department received extracts for comment from Sir Richard Scott's draft report; on what date comments were submitted to Sir Richard; and what requests have been made for an extension of the period within which comments should have been made. [27557]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Government do not disclose details of correspondence between the inquiry and individual witnesses. In the case of draft extracts in particular, the inquiry has asked that these be treated in the strictest confidence and we intend to respect this.

  Empty Service Dwellings
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received in the past 12 months from hon. Members regarding empty dwellings owned by his Department in Weymouth. [27789]

  Mr. Soames
  My Department has received three representations in the past 12 months from hon. Members about empty dwellings owned by it in the Weymouth area.

  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many dwellings owned by his Department have been empty for over six months. [27793]

  Mr. Soames
  The information is not held centrally in the form requested and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  RAF Turnhouse
  Mr. Home Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the future of RAF Turnhouse. [27595]
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  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 3 November last year to the hon. Member for Motherwell, North (Dr. Reid),Official Report, column 1238.

  Kinterbury
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what cargo was carried by the ship Kinterbury from Portsmouth to Coulport, arriving at Coulport on the morning of Wednesday 7 June. [28024]

  Mr. Soames
  As a matter of long-standing policy it is our practice not to comment on the details of particular operations.

  Nuclear Warhead Transportation
  Mr. Gerrard
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions nuclear warheads have been transported to Coulport by sea. [28025]

  Mr. Soames
  It is not our policy to provide details of the movement of nuclear weapons.

  Defence Costs Study
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will place in the Library a copy of the defence costs study into(a) catering and messes, (b) animals and vets, (c) travel and subsistence and (d) uniforms. [28023]

  Mr. Soames
  The reports prepared by the defence costs study teams are internal working documents. It is not our practice to publish such documents.

  Consultants
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the level of expenditure on consultancy by(a) his Ministry (b) by agencies for which his Ministry is responsible for (i) 1993–94 and (ii) 1994–95; and what are the projected figures for 1995–96. [25554]

  Mr. Freeman
  [holding answer 6 June 1995]: Individual budget holders in my Department have delegated powers to employ consultants as they see fit within the limit of their resources and consistent with all requirements for propriety and value for money. There are no centrally held records of the value of consultancy contracts let by the Department itself and such a record could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Total expenditure by agencies of the Ministry of Defence, as opposed to the Department directly, on consultants was £9.5 million in 1993–94 and £21.1 million in 1994–95. The projected figure for 1995–96 is around £23 million.

SCOTLAND

  Nursing Homes
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many people in Scotland aged over 64 years living in(a) private residential homes, (b) private nursing homes, (c) local authority residential homes and (d) national health service nursing homes have a spouse living elsewhere. [25974]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: The only information available centrally was obtained by the April 1991 census of population and is shown in the table.
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  Type of Communal establishment

  Number of married residents aged 65 and over other than staff

  (i) Residential Homes (not managed by the National Health Service, a local authority, or a housing association) including private and voluntary homes registered with the local authority or exempt from registration

  540

  (ii) Nursing Homes (not managed by the National Health Service, a local authority, a housing association)

  1,014

  (iii) Local Authority Homes

  509

  (iv) National Health Service Hospitals/Homes (all types)

  2,369

  It should be noted that residents are defined as those reporting the establishment as their usual residence. The numbers of married residents would include any persons married to another person in the same establishment.

  Kintore Bypass
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he expects to make an announcement on the line of route and the starting date for work on the proposed A96 Kintore bypass. [27948]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The public local inquiry into the A96 Kintore bypass raised issues which required to be considered before a formal decision could be announced. The essential consultations have now been undertaken and thus the decision can be made soon. Programming will of course depend on that decision and, if favourable, on the satisfactory subsequent completion of statutory procedures and the availability of finance.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many representations he has received from(a) organisations and (b) individuals on the proposed A96 Kintore bypass. [27949]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Forty nine formal objections were received to the draft orders and compulsory purchase order for the Kintore bypass, of which 28 were resolved by the adjustment and republication of the draft orders and by negotiations held thereafter. The remaining 21, which include one from a public body, were considered at a public local inquiry.

  Infertility Treatment
  Mr. Salmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each health board area(a) the annual funding for infertility treatment, (b) the number of patients receiving infertility treatment and (c) the number of patients waiting to receive infertility treatment. [27368]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: It is for individual health boards to decide on the level of infertility services to purchase. Information on the number of patients receiving or waiting on infertility treatment is not available centrally.

  NHS (Private Sector Involvement)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 12 March,Official Report, column 702, if he will make a statement on the
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  nature of the NHS projects which are being considered for the involvement of the private sector. [23405]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: All current proposals for capital projects in the NHS in Scotland have been considered, as opportunities under the private finance initiative. The NHS trusts managing the schemes in progress to build new hospital facilities in Edinburgh and Lanarkshire are seeking private sector partners to design, build and finance the new facilities and also to operate a range of non-clinical services within the new hospitals.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the number of grants of regional selective assistance made to Scottish companies and the number of companies involved for each financial year since 1979–80. [25346]

  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 23 May 1995]: The available information relates to payments to companies with projects to 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.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  MINIS
  Mr. Patrick Thompson
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he plans to publish his Department's annual MINIS return. [28342]

  Mr. Heseltine
  The MINIS 95 returns for the Department, which this year include the Department's efficiency plan, were published on 12 June 1995. A set has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Copyright Directive
  Sir Tom Arnold
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to implement in United Kingdom law the directive on the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights, 93/98/EEC, by 1 July. [27862]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  A draft of implementing legislation has been circulated to interested parties for comment. The consultation period ends on 26 June. This means that we will not be able to bring the legislation into force by 1 July as we had intended, but our aim is to submit the legislation to Parliament as soon as possible after the end of the consultation period.

  We shall be liaising with interested parties.

  Gas Licences
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 66, if he will identify the areas covered in the draft material sent on 27 January and the reasons for sending this material to Amerada Hess Gas Ltd. and no other company. [28087]

  Mr. Eggar
  The draft licence material covered technical matters relating to gas shippers. It did not relate to gas suppliers or consumer issues. The material was sent to Amerada Hess Gas Ltd. because the company was judged to have the appropriate expertise to assist DTI at that stage.

  Official Receivers
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if official receivers will be required to enter into contracts with private sector providers; if they will be personally liable as part of these contacts; and if they will be formally indemnified against the liability to the provider and for the acts or omissions of the provider. [27683]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Official receivers will be the contracting parties to any contract for the discharge of their functions. As such they would be liable under the terms of such contracts and, pursuant to the provisions of section 72 of the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994, for the proper discharge of those functions. Officials receivers will therefore need to be satisfied that any such liabilities are adequately provided for.

  Insolvency Service
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the local office information system computer project will be available for the private sector contractors in the Insolvency Service to use. [27682]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Yes.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what procedures will be put in place to guarantee a high quality level of service from the contracted out operations of the Insolvency Service. [27681]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The final specification and contract will clearly state the standards of service expected from contractors. Contract monitoring by official receivers offices will ensure these standards are met and maintained.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to provide training to Insolvency Service employees unused to contract management. [27685]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Planning to provide training to the Insolvency Service employees in aspects of contract management is currently under way. All staff likely to be involved in contract management will receive relevant training prior to the contracting out.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will consult Parliament before contracting out further services of the Insolvency Service, other than those that are already planned to be contracted out. [27677]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  There is no intention to contract out any additional functions of the official receiver other than those currently being considered.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what procedures will exist to ensure that the private sector will(a) operate impartially and (b) respect confidentiality, when Insolvency Service operations are contracted out to the private sector. [27679]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The final specification and contract will clearly state the standards of performance, including impartiality and confidentiality, expected from contractors. Contract monitoring by official receivers' offices will ensure these standards are met and maintained.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how much it will cost annually to monitor the contracts of providers in the Insolvency Service. [27686]
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  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  It is still too early in the process to determine any costs of contracting out. The cost of monitoring any contracts entered into with private sector providers will be dependent on the total number of contracts let.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals he has to ensure that an Insolvency Service investigation will not be prejudiced by part of the investigation being dealt with in the private sector and the other part being handled in the public sector. [27678]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The separation of the preliminary investigation and any further investigation currently works effectively in many official receivers' offices by increasing the efficiency of dealing with targeted cases in need of further investigation. Contract management and monitoring of private sector providers by official receivers' offices will ensure that contracting out will not have any detrimental effect on the investigation procedure.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to ensure that those people who will carry out the duties of the contracted-out services of the Insolvency Service will be obliged to hold the same qualifications as are required now of Insolvency Service employees. [27676]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The requirement scoping document which will be made available to selected potential bidders will set out levels of experience and competencies of staff that will be required by private sector providers. Any contractor must satisfy these requirements.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what response he has made to the suggestion of the official receivers that insolvency practitioners could be appointed either as a liquidator or trustee, with the payment of fees guaranteed. [27688]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  This option was considered by Stoy Hayward whose report concluded that it would expose far less of the official receivers' work to competition from the private sector and, if insolvencies were once again to rise, would not prevent the official receivers' specialist investigative resources from being increasingly consumed in the initial stages of casework.

  Contracting Out
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he plans to publish the detailed specification of the contracting-out process. [27687]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The draft specification will be made available to selected potential bidders on 15 June 1995.

  Private Insolvency Practitioners
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the National Audit Office's report in respect of the levels of rejection of private sector insolvency practitioners' reports. [27680]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  There is a significant proportion of cases where elements of unfit conduct have been identified by insolvency practitioners as well as by official receivers, but in relation to which, taking into account all the aspects of the insolvency, it is not in the public interest to institute proceedings under section 6 of the Company
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  Directors Disqualification Act 1986. There has been a discernible improvement in reporting by insolvency practitioners both in respect of completeness and timeliness and as a result of which the percentage not providing a basis for consideration of proceedings has fallen from 81 per cent. reported by the National Audit Office in October 1993 to 69 per cent. in 1994–95.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Arts Funding
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what assistance his Department is giving towards the restoration of the Grand theatre in Doncaster; and if he will make a statement; [27389]

  (2) what assistance his Department is giving for the conversion of the Square chapel at Halifax west Yorkshire to a recital room; and if he will make a statement; [27398]

  (3) what assistance his Department is giving to the creation of a theatre in the Odeon cinema at Scarborough; and if he will make a statement; [27399]

  Mr. Dorrell
  English Heritage has contributed £342,228 towards the cost of eligible repairs to the Square chapel, Halifax. The Arts Council announced last month an award of £1.4 million from the national lottery to the Stephen Joseph theatre, which is developing the Odeon cinema, Scarborough. I understand that plans for the development of the Grand theatre, Doncaster, are still at an early stage.

  Both the Square chapel and the Stephen Joseph theatre receive funding for their artistic programmes from the Yorkshire and Humberside arts board.

  Channel 4
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will estimate the expected deficit or surplus of Channel 4 in the years 1990 to 2000. [26444]

  Mr. Dorrell
  Forward financial planning is a matter for the Channel 4 television corporation. Figures for the period 1990–94 are contained within the annual reports published by the Independent Television Commission, for 1990–1992, and Channel 4, for 1993–1994. The figures are:

  Date

  £ million

  April-December 1990

  1.1 surplus

  January-December 1991

  0.2 surplus

  January-December 1992

  6.6 deficit

  From January 1993, when Channel 4 became a self-governing statutory corporation, its retained profit figures, after taxation and payments of excess qualifying revenue to the Independent Television Commission, were:

  Date

  £ million

  January-December 1993

  1.3 retained profit

  January-December 1994

  21.9 retained profit

  UNIDROIT Convention
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what action he is taking in respect of the draft UNIDROIT convention on the international return of stolen or illegally exported cultural objects; who will be attending from the United Kingdom the June conference to be held in Rome on this subject; what support his Department is giving; and if he will make a statement. [27396]

  Mr. Dorrell
  The UK will be represented at the conference in Rome by officials from the Department of National Heritage and the Treasury Solicitor's Department. There is still work to be done on the draft UNIDROIT convention. However, the objectives behind the draft are laudable; and we will continue to work constructively with other countries participating in the discussions, to achieve a convention that could be a mutually acceptable compromise to as many states, both importing and exporting, as possible.

  National Lottery
  Mr Alton
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will ensure that the odds of winning the national lottery are printed on the lottery ticket. [27794]

  Mr. Dorrell
  This is an operational matter for Camelot Group plc. I have therefore asked the Director General of the National Lottery, who is responsible for regulating the operation of the lottery, to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his response in the Libraries of the House.

PRIME MINISTER

  Competitiveness
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Prime Minister whether the proposals put forward by the President of the Board of Trade of intervention by Her Majesty's Government to improve the non-price competitiveness of British industry at home and overseas are intended to restore the balance between price and non-price competitiveness; and if he will publish his assessment of the likely cost of such intervention on(a) output and (b) employment in (i) 1996 and (ii) 1997. [27494]

  The Prime Minister
  The measures brought forward in the Government's recent White Paper on competitiveness are designed to improve the overall competitiveness of United Kingdom business and so help raise output and employment.

  Bosnia
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his speech on 31 May,Official Report, column 1001, how many Ukrainian United Nations peacekeeping soldiers were taken hostage by the Bosnian Government forces on 28 May; how long they were held; when and where they were released; what sanctions or threats were made against the Bosnian Government to secure their release; and on how many other occasions since 1992 UN forces have been taken hostage by the Bosnian Government side. [28112]
  373
  The Prime Minister
  We understand that six Ukrainian UN personnel were detained by Bosnian Government forces in Gorazde on 28 may. They were released later the same day and returned to their camp. We are not aware of any other occasion when the Bosnian Government took UN peacekeepers hostage.

  We condemn unreservedly all acts of hostage taking by all parties. The Serbs must release the hostages that they hold immediately and unconditionally co-operate with the UN in carrying out its mandate.

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Prime Minister on what dates he received extracts for comment from Sir Richard Scott's draft report; on what date comments were submitted to Sir Richard; and what requests have been made by his Department for an extension of the period within which comments should have been made. [27554]

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Prime Minister which Ministers have received a draft, or draft extract, of Lord Justice Scott's inquiry report into the sale of arms to Iraq affair. [27590]

  The Prime Minister
  The Government do not disclose details of correspondence between the inquiry and individual witnesses. In the case of draft extracts in particular, the inquiry has asked that these be treated in the strictest confidence.

  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the criteria for determining whether the legal costs arising from the Scott inquiry of(a) Ministers, (b) ex-Ministers and (c) senior civil servants, should be covered by the Government; and if he will list all possible costs incurred or committed; and if he will make a statement. [28139]

  The Prime Minister
  Legal advice is available to witnesses to Sir Richard Scott's inquiry in each of the three categories listed where it is requested by the individual concerned and where their departmental legal adviser or the Treasury solicitor's department agrees that the request for the provision of such advice is reasonable. The total cost to public funds of providing legal services to witnesses to date is approximately £568,000. This figure includes the costs of legal services provided by the Treasury solicitor's department and by external lawyers. Some legal advice has also been provided by departmental lawyers as part of their normal duties. The cost of this advice is not quantifiable.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Prime Minister (1) which civil servants, Government advisers or ministerial advisers, past or present, have sought legal advice from solicitors or barristers in respect of draft conclusions reached by the Scott inquiry; what is the estimated cost of such legal expenses to public funds; and if he will make a statement; [27882]

  (2) which Ministers, past or present, have sought legal advice from solicitors or barristers in respect of draft conclusions reached by the Scott inquiry; what is the estimate cost of such legal expenses to public funds; and if he will make a statement. [27781]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answers 9 June 1995]: Details of the costs of legal advice to witnesses to the Scott inquiry are not held centrally nor is the cost of advice in respect of draft conclusions identified separately from the cost of other advice. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It would not right to identify the nature of the advice given to particular
  374
  individuals. This is a matter of confidence between them and their legal advisers.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Prime Minister if he intends to establish an inquiry into the leak to the BBC of a provisional draft of the report by Mr. Justice Scott. [27894]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: Extracts of the draft report were sent by Sir Richard Scott to a number of people, some of whom are outside Government. Inquiries have been undertaken to establish whether there is any prima facie evidence that there has been an unauthorised disclosure of the information concerned from within Government. On the basis of these inquiries, there is no reason to suppose that the leak came from within Government.

  Intergovernmental Conference
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will make it his policy to include the future of British fishing stocks in the agenda for the intergovernmental conference in 1996; and if he will make a statement. [27244]

  The Prime Minister
  Intergovernmental conferences deal with treaty change rather than adjustment of the content of individual policies. We will of course continue to work for improvements in the operation of the appropriate fora.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what information he has received from his Russian and United States counterparts on the progress made by the Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission on the Iranian nuclear programme and nuclear exports to Iran. [27649]

  Mr. David Davis
  The Gore-Chernomyrdin Commission has not met since the US-Russian summit in May, but is due to do so before the end of June. Progress has already been made on the question of nuclear exports to Iran with President Yeltsin's commitment at the Moscow summit not to transfer gas centrifuge equipment to the Iranians.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what response Her Majesty's Government have made to the call by Colonel Gaddafi of Libya on 16 May that the Arab states should collaborate on the production of nuclear weapons. [27653]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  None. Libya, like most other Arab states, is a member of the non-proliferation treaty and we expect her to comply fully with her obligations not to acquire nuclear weapons.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy in respect of the letter, dated 9 May, from the permanent representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to the president of the non-proliferation treaty review and extension conference, NPT/Conf. 1995/30, claiming a special status for North Korea within the non-proliferation treaty; and if the United Kingdom within the non-proliferation treaty; and if the United Kingdom has discussed the implications of the letter with the other two depositary states for the treaty. [27655]
  375
  Mr. David Davis
  We have not discussed the North Korean letter with the other depositary states: we expect all states parties to the non-proliferation treaty to comply fully with their obligations. We have welcomed the framework agreement between the US and DPRK and we hope this will lead to a resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the proposals by Japan to create a nuclear co-operation organisation for states in Asia along the lines of the European Union's Euratom agency. [27654]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  We know of no Japanese Government proposals for a nuclear co-operation organisation in Asia on the lines of Euratom. However, there is considerable discussion at a non-government level on increasing nuclear co-operation in the east Asian and south-east Asian area, with particular emphasis on co-operation in the area of research, safety and operating standards. We welcome any moves by Japanese industry or Government to ensure that nuclear energy development in east Asia take place in a sound, safe and secure manner.

  Social Development
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the international commitments entered into by Her Majesty's Government through the signing by a Foreign Office Minister of the declaration agreed by participating states at the United Nations world summit for social development in Copenhagen in March. [27805]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The declaration and programme of action of the world summit for social development were adopted by the consensus. No legal commitment was entered into. The advance unedited texts of the declaration and programme of action have been placed in the Library of the House. When the final text issues from the United Nations they will be placed in the Library.

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the agreement between the European Union and the Ukraine on the financing of the closedown of the Chernobyl reactors. [27887]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  At the EU and G7 summits in 1994, substantial sums were committed to an action plan for Ukraine's energy sector, including the closure of Chernobyl. Following a visit to Ukraine in April by a senior delegation from the EU and the G7, President Kuchma undertook to close the remaining Chernobyl reactors by 2000, which we warmly welcome. Discussions are continuing with the Ukrainians to draw up a final plan on closure. The EU, the G7 and international financial institutions will continue to work closely with Ukraine to achieve this aim as well as the wider objectives of the action plan.

  World Service
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the current arrangements for broadcasts by the World Service to Iran and Iraq. [27459]
  376
  Mr. Baldry
  The World Service broadcasts to Iran in Persian for 22 hours a week. The emphasis is on news and current affairs, but programmes covering the arts, science, economics, medicine, culture and entertainment also form part of the output.

  The Arabic service is on the air for 12 hours and 15 minutes every day. All broadcasts are beamed to Iraq. As the World Service's biggest foreign language service, it broadcasts a wide range of programmes, with news and current affairs as the backbone.

  English language broadcasts are beamed to Iran for 18 hours a day and to Iraq for twenty-one and a half hours a day. English teaching programmes are also broadcast, either as part of the Persian and Arabic services, or as separate transmissions.

  World Service output reaches Iran and Iraq mainly through shortwave transmissions from relay stations at Masirah in Oman, Cyprus and from the UK. Some medium-wave transmissions from Masirah also reach the area. Arabic service transmissions have been jammed within Iraq in the past, but no jamming is taking place at present.

  Caribbean
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current expenditure incurred by Her Majesty's Government in the dependent territories in the Caribbean. [27982]

  Mr. Baldry
  The total expenditure by Her Majesty's Government on the five Caribbean dependent territories for the financial year 1994–95 is estimated to be £20.5 million.

  Eastern Europe
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the value of British investment for each of the last five years into(a) Hungary, (b) Poland, (c) the Czech Republic, (d) Slovakia, (e) Romania and f Bulgaria and also publish corresponding figures for German, French, Italian and Dutch investment into those countries. [26742]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The value of British direct investment for the five years 1989 to 1993, the latest available, is as follows:

  Stock of UK direct investment (book value, £ million)

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  Poland

  0

  4

  6

  16

  18

  Hungary

  0

  0

  26

  84

  68

  Czech Republic

  0

  0

  1

  13

  8

  Slovak Republic

  Romania

  0

  0

  0

  2

  11

  Bulgaria

  0

  0

  1

  6

  7

  Source: Central Statistical Office

  The value of other countries' investment into the region is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Turkey
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will urge the Government of Turkey to allow the Armenian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox churches in Turkey to re-open their theological seminaries. [26883]
  377
  Mr. David Davis
  Decisions on the operations of the specific religious or educational institutions are a matter for the Turkish authorities. We have raised with the Turkish Government our concerns on the rights of religious and other minorities in Turkey including on the position of the Armenian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox churches.

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what dates he or other Ministers or former Ministers in his Department received extracts for comment from Sir Richard Scott's draft report; on what date comments were submitted to Sir Richard; and what requests have been made for an extension of the period within which comments should have been made. [27591]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Government do not disclose details of correspondence between the inquiry and individual witnesses. In the case of draft extracts in particular, the inquiry has asked that these be treated in the strictest confidence.

  Entry Clearance
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if a young person is unable to remain within the United Kingdom without the requisite entry clearance whilst adoption formalities are being pursued. [27694]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I have been asked to reply.

  A child coming to the United Kingdom for adoption would on arrival normally be expected to be in possession of an entry clearance issued for the purpose. If my hon. Friend has in mind a particular case where an entry clearance has not been issued, I should be happy to advise him further.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Dumping at Sea
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether Her Majesty's Government are required to provide information to(a) the European Commission, (b) the London dumping convention and (c) the Oslo convention the past disposal at sea in the north Atlantic and Irish sea by the United Kingdom of surplus chemical weapon munitions, redundant explosives or other military origin toxic materials. [26701]

  Mr. Jack
  There are no requirements to report any information on disposal at sea to the European Commission. The reporting requirements of the London and Oslo conventions do not extend to military wastes which are covered by sovereign immunity. However, the UK no longer disposes of such wastes at sea.

  Dogs
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many dogs were exported from the United Kingdom to non-EU countries in the last three years; and what was their country of origin. [27107]
  378
  Mrs. Browning
  The information requested is not centrally available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Sewage Sludge
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being undertaken on the application of sludge to farm land. [26940]

  Mr. Jack
  My Department is spending about £0.7 million in 1995–96 on six research projects concerning sewage sludge applications to farm land. The project titles, contractors and estimated costs for 1995–96 are as follows:

  Effects of sewage sludge on agricultural productivity and soil fertility.
  This project is funded Jointly with the Department of the Environment, the Welsh Office and the United Kingdom Water Industry Research Limited. The Scottish Office is funding complementary work in relation to this project.
  Contractor: ADAS, IACR Rothamsted and WRc
  1995–96 costs: £393,000 (MAFF contribution £94,000).

  Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements by livestock grazing sludge grassland.
  Contractor: Chalcombe Agricultural Resource.
  1995–96 costs: £169.000.

  Assessment of the availability of heavy metals and their effects on soil microbiology.
  Contractor: IACR Rothamsted
  1995–96 costs: £145.000.

  The vulnerability of soils to pollution by heavy metals.
  Contractor: Reading University
  1995–96 costs £98,000.

  Effects of heavy metals from sewage sludge on the growth and yield of legumes.
  Contractor: ADAS
  1995–96 costs: £97,000.

  Effects of inorganic metal salt additions to agricultural soils on soil microbial activity and long-term fertility.
  Contractor: ADAS
  1995–96 costs: £28,000.

  In addition, the Scottish Office is spending £0.6 million in 1995–96 on research at the Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and the Scottish agricultural college and the Department of the Environment has an on-going £0.25 million per year research programme on sewage sludge utilisation.

  Pesticides
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list those nations which are members of the European Economic Community which impose more stringent regulations than those adopted by the United Kingdom on the application of pesticides or herbicides in agriculture and horticulture, in each case specifying the prohibitions or standards they apply additional to those of (i) the European Community and (ii) the United Kingdom. [27314]

  Mrs Browning
  The UK's regulatory system for pesticides, including herbicides, has the objective of protecting people and the environment while ensuring that pesticides are available to those who really need them. As the harmonised Community regime comes into effect, all member states will increasingly work to the same rules. Differences in decisions taken will then be attributable solely to differences in characteristics such as climate and farming practice.

  Fish Quotas
  Mr. McGrady
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with his ministerial counterpart in the Republic of Ireland about a permanent agreement on fish quota swaps; and if he will make a statement. [27151]

  Mr. Jack
  I have had no discussions with my opposite number in the Republic of Ireland about a permanent agreement on fish quota swaps. A permanent agreement would risk undermining the principle of relative stability. Agreement on fish quota swaps is reached, however, on a year-by-year basis in the light of prevailing fishing opportunities.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the organisations and individuals who have produced consultative documents to the proposed rural White Paper. [27224]

  Mrs. Browning
  My right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for the Environment have received written representations from 328 organisations and 53 individuals. A list of the organisations which had submitted representations by 20 February was deposited in the Library of the House on 22 February. I am today placing in the Library of the House an updated list of all organisations and individuals who have made written submissions. Copies of these submissions, except where confidentiality has been requested, are available for inspection in the Ministry's main departmental library.

  Genetically Modified Organisms
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list all products on sale in the United Kingdom controlled under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992. [27203]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I have been asked to reply.

  The Secretary of State for the Environment has not issued any consents under the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 for products consisting of or containing genetically modified organisms for placing on the market in Great Britain. The information relating to Northern Ireland is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

  The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992 together implement Council directive 90/220/EEC on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms. In accordance with this directive, the products which have been approved for sale in the European Community are a vaccine to control Aujeszky's disease in pigs, a vaccine to control rabies in foxes and seeds of herbicide-tolerant tobacco.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Science and Technology
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what progress has been made in the past six months in implementing the proposals in the science and technology White Paper. [26063]
  380
  Mr. David Hunt
  Excellent progress has been made, particularly in building improved partnerships between government and industry to enhance our research and development record.

  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement about the technology foresight programme. [26064]

  Mr. Horam
  The foresight programme is a resounding success. The Government are grateful for the voluntary efforts of Foresight panels. We need to follow up vigorously on foresight priorities.

  Civil Service
  Mr. Hawkins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to introduce and develop a code of conduct for civil servants. [26067]

  Mr. David Hunt
  I intend to introduce the civil service code after due consultation and consideration.

  Sir Irvine Patrick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to ensure that the civil service continues to be seen to be above party politics. [26066]

  Mr. David Hunt
  The Government will introduce a new civil service code summarising the values, including political impartiality, which civil servants are expected to hold.

  Internet
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to encourage more Government Departments to make more information available on Internet. [26068]

  Mr. Horam
  Staff at CCTA, the Government Centre for Information Systems, are working with Departments to increase the breadth and depth of information available over the Internet. Already, more than 40 Departments and agencies have information accessible via the CCTA Government Information Service, and there are, on average, more than 80,000 requests for information each week.

  Civil Service College
  Mr. Duncan Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what opportunities he has identified for the Civil Service College to co-operate with similar institutions overseas. [26069]

  Mr. Horam
  I mention the Civil Service College's services to overseas ministers and officials whenever appropriate. The college also makes direct contact and is co-operating with a number of similar institutions overseas.

  Charter Mark
  Mr. Spring
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to increase public awareness of the charter mark scheme. [26062]

  Mr. Horam
  Charter mark is going from strength to strength. Over 3,000 members of the public have been involved in this year's scheme by nominating
  381
  organisations they think deserve an award. We are delighted with this response and will give people the opportunity to nominate services again next year.

  Access to Information
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what new action he is taking to increase public access to information. [26057]

  Mr. David Hunt
  We are implementing the proposals contained in the White Paper on open government.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 56, on concessional loans agreements with Indonesia, what projects have been identified for funding under the concessional loan agreements which were signed in April 1993 and April 1994; and what progress has been made towards concluding agreements with the Government of Indonesia in respect of each of those projects. [28182]

  Mr. Baldry
  The current position on projects funded from the concessional loan arrangements signed in 1993 and 1994 is as follows:

  PROJECTS IDENTIFIED FOR FUNDING UNDER CONCESSIONAL LOAN ARRANGEMENT 1993

  Samarinda combined cycle power plant
  The agreement for the power station was concluded in March 1995 and for the transmission line in May 1995.

  Piston engines research laboratory
  The soft loan arrangement is being finalised and an agreement with the Government of Indonesia is expected within the next few weeks.

  PROJECTS IDENTIFIED FOR FUNDING UNDER CONCESSIONAL LOAN ARRANGEMENT 1994

  Cikampek to Cirebon railway Double Tracking
  An offer of aid was made to the Government of Indonesia on 23 May 1995 and their reply is awaited.

  Science and Technology Equipment for Java Universities
  Contract negotiations are in progress between the UK supplier and the Indonesians

  Navigational Aids
  The results of the appraisal were presented to the Government of Indonesia in April 1995. Their comments are awaited.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 58, if he will list the locations in Indonesia, at sea and on land, at which the lighthouses, light-beacons and lightbouys supplied under the navigational aids project have been installed. [28184]

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

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his letter of 31 May relating to his answer to the hon. Member for Sunderland, South (Mr. Mullin) of 6 December 1994,Official Report, columns 118–20, if (a) full and (b) formal appraisals were carried out in respect of each of the aid projects cited; and by whom each was undertaken. [28192]

  Mr. Baldry
  Appropriate appraisals were carried out in all cases. Details of these appraisals are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Ms Emma Humphreys
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to refer back to the Court of Appeal the case of Emma Humphreys who was convicted in 1986 of murder; at what Her Majesty's prison she is currently being held; and if he will make a statement. [27415]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Ms Humphreys has been granted leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal. I understand that the case has been listed for hearing on 29 June. She is currently held at Holloway prison.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measurable benefit has been achieved by the operation of the fast-track appeals procedure for safe third country asylum cases since July 1993; at what financial cost; and if he will make a statement. [27704]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Information from the first quarter of 1995 indicates that the period between receipt of the appeal and promulgation of the determination for without foundation appeals—which include fast-track appeals—was on average about a third of that for substantive appeals. Costs cannot be attributed separately for fast-track appeals.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been removed to Belgium on safe third country grounds since 26 July 1993; and how many of those so removed have been returned to the United kingdom by the Belgian authorities. [27705]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  One hundred people who had been refused asylum in the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds have been removed to Belgium since 26 July 1993. Of these, eight have been returned to the United Kingdom.

ENVIRONMENT

  Hampstead Heath
  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the level of capital expenditure on Hampstead heath(a) between 1981–82 and 1985–86 and (b) when it was under the control of the London residuary body; and what has been the level of capital expenditure since it became the responsibility of the City of London. [27320]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  This information is not collected by the Department.

  Air Pollution
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue bulletins to the public on air quality when the threshold of 50 parts per billion of ozone is exceeded over an eight-hour period; and if he will make a statement. [27393]
  383
  Mr. Atkins
  Up-to-date information on ozone levels is available to the public at all times on the Government's freephone 0800 556677, on Cefax page 404, and on Teletext page 106. Reports and forecasts are sent twice daily to broadcast and print media.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research he has commissioned into the economic impact of air pollution on agriculture, forestry and materials. [27852]

  Mr. Atkins
  The UK devotes of the order of £1.5 million to the determination of critical loads—maximum pollutant loading before the onset of damage—for various terrestrial ecosystems such as crops, vegetation and forests. Work has already been commissioned on the effects of acidifying pollutants on forests, soils and natural vegetation. The mapping of critical loads, and exceedances of them, across the UK allows the extent of environmental damage to be assessed, and the national materials exposure programme, which has been running continuously for the last eight years, has allowed determination of the rate of deterioration of various materials exposed to acidifying air pollutants. In addition, ozone damage to crop has been quantified as part of a programme of UK-led experiments within the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe's convention on the long-range transport of air pollutants. A new three-year research programme has also been commissioned in order to quantify the current and future effects and costs of damage to materials caused by ground-level ozone.

  Ms Ruddock
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has received on the potential economic costs of damage to materials in the UK from tropospheric ozone. [27851]

  Mr. Atkins
  In 1994, my Department commissioned a report to assess the potential economic costs of damage to materials by ozone. This scaled US estimates from the late 1960s, and provided a range of costs for the UK of £170 million—£345 million in current terms for damage to all stock at risk and antiozonant protection. I am pleased to announce that, following this report, I have commissioned a three-year research programme which will quantify the current and potential future extent and costs of damage to materials from atmospheric ozone.

  Hedgerows
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action his Department is going to take in respect of the hedgerow removal at(a) Stamford bridge, grid reference SE 663529, (b) Kilburn, north Yorkshire, grid reference SE 507805 and (c) Balne crossroads, grid reference SE 567197; what assessment he has made of whether the removal of these hedgerows is in contradiction of his countryside stewardship scheme and other initiatives; and if he will make a statement. [27397]

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

  Repossessions
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of repossessions which occurred(a) in Hornsey and Wood Green (b) Haringey, (c) Greater London and (d) England and Wales in each of the last 10 years. [27661]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The information requested is not available centrally.

  Berkshire
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will identify the geographical characteristics of Berkshire which justify its division into six unitary authorities. [27853]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Geography is among the factors considered in the Local Government Commission's final report for Berkshire which recommended a structure of five unitary authorities, based on existing districts but including a merger of Bracknell Forest and Windsor and Maidenhead. My right hon. Friend accepted the commission's reasons and recommendations for an all-unitary structure but rejected the proposed merger for the reasons given in his statement and written answers of 21 March,Official Report, columns 123 and 145.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how he will compensate the six new unitary authorities in Berkshire for the extra costs incurred by entering into separate contracts for highway maintenance, electrical engineering and highway and planning services. [27854]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The effect of the regulations that we have made is that contracts of an abolished authority will normally pass to its successor authorities on reorganisation. Authorities may negotiate different contractual arrangements if they wish: presumably, they would do so only if they judged that making the change would improve cost-effectiveness.

  Urban Development Corporations
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has made to other Government Departments within the last year regarding urban development corporations to ensure their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. [27790]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  None.

  Defective Housing
  Mr. Dunn
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the names, style and variety of precast concrete materials used in the construction of public sector housing; and which types were deemed to be faulty and as such qualified for financial compensation. [28154]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Precast concrete has been used for a wide variety of purposes in public sector housing since the early 1900s; a definitive list is not available. The following types of properties have been designated in England by the Secretary of State under part XVI if the Housing Act 1985:

  Type

  Main construction element

  Qualifying defect

  Airey

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Boot

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Boswell

  In Situ concrete

  C

  Cornish Unit

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Dorran

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Dyke

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Gregory

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Myton

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Newland

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Orlit

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Parkinson

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Reema Hollow Panel

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  385

  Type

  Main construction element

  Qualifying defect

  Schindler/Hawksley SGS

  In Situ concrete

  A

  Smith

  Precast concrete

  B

  Stent

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Stonecrete

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Tarran

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Underdown

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Unity/Butterley

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Waller

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Wates

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Wessex

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Winget

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Woolaway

  Precast reinforced concrete

  A

  Qualifying defect:

  A: Ineffective protection of the embedded steel in the reinforced concrete loadbearing parts of the buildings.

  B: In effective protection of the embedded steel handling reinforcement in the concrete panels forming part of the loadbearing walls.

  C:

  (a) Aggregate containing excessive quantities of unburnt coal in concrete forming the walls, floors or foundations of the dwelling; or

  (b) ineffective protection of the embedded steel in any precast reinforced concrete parts of the dwelling.

  Local Government Finance
  Dr. Goodson-Wickes
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his decision on the final caps for the nine local authorities which challenged their cap; and if he will make a statement. [28539]

  Mr. Gummer
  I have laid before the House a draft order, under section 57 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, setting out our decisions on the final caps for Devon, Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Somerset county councils, Barnsley, Newcastle and Sheffield metropolitan district councils, Norwich city council and Lincolnshire police authority.

  We have considered very carefully all the available relevant information, including the case made by the authorities in support of a higher cap, before taking our decisions. We have decided to increase the proposed caps for Somerset and Lincolnshire police by £2.6 million and £1.82 million respectively, to allow the budgets set by the authorities to remain unaltered; and to increase Barnsley's cap by £2 million, £1.09 million less than requested by the authorities.

  The cap proposed for the other authorities have been confirmed.

  The caps are, in our view, reasonable, appropriate and achievable in all the circumstances of the authorities concerned. These decisions will reduce public expenditure, and the burden on council taxpayers in the areas concerned by £24 million in 1995–96.

ATTORNEY-GENERAL

  Scott Inquiry
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Attorney-General on what dates he or other Ministers or former Ministers in his Department received extracts for comment from Sir Richard Scott's draft report; on what date comments were 386
  submitted to Sir Richard; and what requests have been made for an extension of the period within which comments should have been made. [27553]

  The Attorney-General
  The Government do not disclose details of correspondence between the Inquiry and individual witnesses. In the case of draft extracts in particular, the inquiry has asked that these be treated in the strictest confidence.

EMPLOYMENT

  New Earnings Survey
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to amend the new earnings survey to include low-paid workers. [24998]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  There are no plans to change the basis on which the new earnings survey is conducted.

  Epileptics
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what training is provided for disability employment advisers and special needs careers advisers to enable them to advise appropriately people with epilepsy about employment and training; [27764]

  (2) what training welfare rights officers receive to enable them to advise appropriately people with epilepsy about welfare benefits to which they are entitled. [27765]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The training currently provided by the Employment Service for disability employment advisers covers a wide range of disabilities, including epilepsy. From July this year, the training will be enhanced. Training will continue to include information on specific disabilities such a epilepsy.

  DEAs, like all ES client advisers, are trained on the full range of benefits available to unemployed jobseekers and to those in employment. Clients can be referred to benefits specialists within jobcentres or the Benefits Agency to assist them in making decisions about work and training opportunities or to ensure that they receive their correct entitlement to benefits. The new DEA training will include material on benefits for clients with all types of disabilities and special needs.

  The skills, knowledge and attitudes required of careers officers dealing with young people with special needs are included in the post-graduate diploma in careers guidance. Careers officers must hold this or an equivalent qualification. In addition, there are specific training courses run by higher education establishments in a range of topics relating to special needs.

  Employment Schemes
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list the numbers attending and leaving restart courses, for each year of their operation, including those who left before the completion of the course; [27520]

  (2) if he will list the numbers leaving restart courses, as an actual number and as a percentage of total leavers, for each year of its operation, including those who left before completion of the scheme, stipulating those who went into work, those who went into further employment schemes and those who become unemployed; and, of

  387
  these, if he will list the type and level of qualification each leaver obtained, including those who failed to obtain any qualification at all. [27510]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Frank Field, dated 12 June 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions about the number of people attending Restart Courses for each year of operation and the number of those who left to go into work or further employment schemes.
  It may help if I explain that Restart Courses have been in existence since 1986. In April 1994 a new two week Restart Course programme was launched. These new courses combine morning attendance on the course, with individual job search activities in the afternoon. They build on the success of the original shorter one week courses and are designed to boost confidence and job search

  Restart courses

  Starters

  Completers

  Non-completers

  Jobs

  Referrals1 Employment programmes

  Other

  1986/872

  108,885

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  1987/882

  48,812

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  1988/89

  43,010

  31,977

  11,033

  7,999

  12,714

  10,299

  1989/90

  41,940

  33,172

  8,768

  8,010

  19,372

  9,367

  1990/91

  57,976

  49,159

  8,817

  11,621

  23,891

  14,448

  1991/92

  133,840

  120,422

  13,418

  32,974

  43,176

  51,458

  1992/93

  124,705

  111,559

  13,146

  32,099

  55,885

  49,127

  1993/94

  143,280

  129,943

  13,337

  37,156

  57,844

  64,028

  1994/95

  147,120

  126,772

  20,348

  56,110

  71,605

  38,829

  Total

  849,568

  603,004

  88,867

  183,969

  284,487

  237,556

  1 Participants may be referred to more than one option.

  2 Information about completers and referrals is not available for this period.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list the numbers attending and leaving jobplan workshops, for each year of their operation, including those who left before the completion of the scheme; [27522]

  (2) if he will list the numbers leaving jobplan workshops, as an actual number and as a percentage of total leavers, for each year of its operation, including those who left before completion of the scheme, stipulating those who went into work, those who went into further employment schemes and those who become unemployed; and, of these, if he will list the type and level of qualification each leaver obtained, including those who failed to obtain any qualification at all. [27512]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Frank Field, dated 12 June 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about Jobplan workshops. You have asked about the number of attenders and outcomes since the programme was launched in April 1993.
  388
  activity. There is an emphasis on making real applications for jobs and opportunities. They give people an opportunity to take a fresh look at their situation, become aware of the options open to them locally and plan positive steps back to work. During the course each person can plan the steps that they need to take to help them back to work.
  The table attached shows the number of people who have attended Restart Courses and the number of referrals to a further option during the period April 1988 to March 1995. Prior to this we did not collect referral information.
  From April 1994 information has been collected on the total number of starts resulting from a referral. Between April 1994 and March 1995, 21% of Restart Course completers started a job, an Employment Department employment or training programme or another option.We do not keep records of the qualification that Restart Course leavers go on to obtain.
  From April 1995 we will be able to supply separate figures for starts into jobs, and Employment Department or training programme or another option.
  I hope this is helpful.
  It may help if I explain that Jobplan workshops are short five day courses for people who have been unemployed for a year, who decline or fail to take up a job or a place on an Employment Department programme at their Restart interview. It aims to help people compete more successfully for jobs and opportunities by allowing them to review their strengths and skills and establish clear job goals. This will help them draw up a comprehensive Action Plan, which maps out the steps they need to take to get them back to work.
  Jobplan workshops were launched in April 1993 and the figures in the table attached show the number of people who have taken part in the workshops and the subsequent opportunities to which they were referred during the period April 1993 to March 1995. We do not keep records of qualifications that Jobplan leavers go on to obtain.
  Since April 1993, 94% of workshop completers were referred to a job or an Employment Department employment or training programme or another option to help them back to work.
  From April 1994 information has been collected on the total number of starts resulting from such referrals. Between April 1994 and March 1995, 26% of Jobplan completers started either a job, an Employment Department employment or training programme or another option. From April 1995 we will be able to supply separate figures for starts in each of these categories.
  I hope this is helpful.
  389

  Jobplan

  Starters

  Completers

  Non-completers

  Jobs

  Referrals1 Employment programmes

  Other

  1993–94

  301,807

  276,864

  24,943

  86,774

  165,873

  96.80S

  1994–95

  248,388

  228,309

  20,079

  79,046

  150,223

  73,932

  Total

  550,195

  505,173

  45,022

  165,820

  316,096

  170,741

  1Participants may be referred to more than one option.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list the numbers attending and leaving job clubs, for each year of their operation, including those who left before the completion of the scheme; [27521]

  (2) if he will list the numbers leaving job clubs, as an actual number and as a percentage of total leavers, for each year of its operation, including those who left before completion of the scheme, stipulating those who went into work, those who went into further employment schemes and those who become unemployed; and, of these, if he will list the type and level of qualification each leaver obtained, including those who failed to obtain any qualification at all. [27511]

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

  Jobclub management information 1987–88 to 1994–95

  Year

  Number attending (entrants)

  Number leaving (leavers)

  Number leaving into jobs

  Leaving into jobs (per cent.)

  Other final outputs1

  Other final outputs (per cent.)

  Other leavers2

  Other leavers (per cent.)

  1987–88

  117,748

  105,677

  57,080

  54

  14,883

  14

  33,714

  32

  1988–89

  136,672

  132,262

  71,495

  54

  20,056

  15

  40,711

  31

  1989–90

  145,089

  140,095

  72,977

  52

  21,336

  15

  45,782

  33

  1990–91

  140,774

  134,712

  65,498

  49

  21,377

  16

  47,837

  36

  1991–92

  190,117

  176,140

  76,831

  44

  26,082

  15

  73,227

  42

  1992–93

  220,997

  216,679

  96,925

  45

  30,953

  14

  88.801

  41

  1993–94

  249,107

  231,325

  105,678

  46

  29,992

  13

  95,655

  41

  1994–95

  266,422

  264,790

  113,768

  43

  29,849

  11

  121,173

  46

  Total

  1,466,926

  1,401,680

  660,252

  47

  194,528

  14

  546,900

  39

  1 Other final outputs—people leaving Jobclub who go into ES/ED programmes, further/higher education, other training, voluntary work etc. We do not track the progress of people centrally, after they leave Jobclub.

  2 Other leavers—people leaving Jobclub who do not go into jobs or other final outputs. We do not keep information relating to the unemployment status of these people centrally.

  Part-time Employment
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of state for Employment how many people are currently in part-time employment; and what was the position in 1979. [26385]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  In December 1994, there were 6,290,000 part-time employees in employment in the United Kingdom. An equivalent figure for June 1979 is unavailable; however, the census of employment shows there were 4,472,000 part-time employees in the United Kingdom in June 1978.
  390
  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Frank Field, dated 12 June 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions to him about the numbers of people attending and leaving Jobclubs for each year of their operation and the outcomes from them. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.
  Jobclubs were first introduced in Great Britain in 1984, but comprehensive figures on entrants, leavers and outcomes have only been collected since 1987. These are shown in the attached table, together with explanations for each category.
  We do not keep a record of the qualifications obtained by Jobclub members. Additionally, we have no way of breaking down the "other leavers" category between those who remain unemployed and those who leave for other reason.
  It may be helpful if I explain that Jobclubs are for those people who have been unemployed for 6 months or more. Jobclubs offer a professional approach to jobhunting—they provide the support and resources to carry out an effective programme of job search. Jobclub is a long term programme and people may attend for a few weeks or up to 6 months depending on how long it takes to find work. Around 50 per cent. of members leave Jobclub with a job, and others go into training, further education or self employment.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Age Discrimination
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many outstanding vacancies have an upper age requirement on them(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of the total. [27592]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Employment Service conducts periodic sample surveys of age restrictions on jobcentre vacancies. The last survey was published in June 1994.

  Findings revealed that age restrictions were placed on 28 per cent. of all vacancies. This was an improvement

  391
  upon 1990 when 39 per cent. of vacancies had restrictions. An analysis of upper age limits revealed that 6 per cent. of the vacancies were closed to people aged 40 or over, while 8 per cent. were closed to those aged 60 and over.

  A copy of report entitled "A Study of Age Restrictions on ES Vacancies" will be placed in the Library.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) when he last issued guidelines to the Employment Service on how to combat age discrimination; [27593]

  (2) if he will publish the guidelines issued to the Employment Service about combating age discrimination. [27594]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The chief executive of the Employment Service is responsible for issuing guidance on operational matters.

  Guidance to ES staff on how to combat age discrimination was last issued in March 1994. This guidance instructs staff in jobcentres to challenge age restrictions placed on job vacancies and to persuade employers to consider jobseekers on their merits.

  Where employers insist on imposing age limits, they are reluctantly accepted. However, jobcentre staff are then encouraged to approach an employer on behalf of an otherwise suitable jobseeker who falls outside the stated age limit.

  While it is not normal practice to publish guidance prepared for ES staff, a copy of the leaflet "What's Age Got To Do With It?" is available in the Library. This leaflet brings together advice contained in a number of handbooks which are issued to ES staff.

TREASURY

  Caravans and Leisure Parks
  Mr. Hicks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the current position in respect of the 1995 revaluation of caravan and leisure parks following the discussions between representatives of the leisure caravan industry and the Valuation Office agency; when he expects a national agreement to be reached similar to the one reached in 1990; what further meetings are planned; and if he will make a statement. [27795]

  £ million

  Manufacturing companies

  Financial companies

  Unincorporated business in manufacturing

  Gross trading profits

  Capital allowance claimed

  Stock relief claimed

  Gross trading profits

  Other income

  Capital allowance claimed

  Interest payments

  Gross trading profits

  Capital allowance allowed

  Stock relief claimed

  1981

  11,703

  6,140

  n/a

  -6,750

  22,747

  2,130

  14,823

  998

  99

  14

  1982

  14,025

  5,637

  1,403

  -7,491

  24,508

  2,300

  15,923

  938

  127

  13

  1983

  15,764

  6,673

  1,815

  -5,831

  23,869

  3,638

  15,060

  1,280

  164

  13

  1984

  16,597

  6,668

  625

  -8,668

  27,409

  6,088

  18,448

  1,700

  217

  -

  1985

  18,560

  6,257

  -

  -8,478

  34,888

  4,607

  25,328

  1,730

  166

  -

  1986

  19,880

  5,631

  -

  -8,146

  36,986

  3,165

  25,404

  1,600

  110

  -

  1987

  22,096

  6,180

  -

  -6,830

  40,379

  4,441

  26,466

  1,970

  159

  -

  1988

  26,648

  7,883

  -

  -10,549

  47,483

  7,216

  31,059

  2,390

  214

  -

  1989

  28,103

  9,565

  -

  -13,631

  70,172

  7,172

  48,855

  2,490

  216

  -

  1990

  30,539

  9,413

  -

  -14,973

  85,398

  7,538

  64,245

  2,920

  258

  -

  392
  Mr. Nelson
  Two meetings took place in April between the representatives of the leisure caravan industry and the Valuation Office agency. At the second meeting on 28 April, the representatives of the industry undertook to select representative sites to be considered in detail. It is expected that they will assemble financial and other information on the individual sites by mid-June to enable discussions to resume. If, as is hoped, a national agreement can be reached on the way in which the sites should be valued, valuation officers will take steps to implement any changes which are necessary.

  Value Added Tax
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the cost to the Exchequer of reducing the rate of value-added tax on energy-saving materials from 17.5 per cent. to 8 per cent. [28148]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  There is no definitive list of energy-saving materials in existence; therefore it is impossible to quantify the cost to the Exchequer of taking such action.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what would be the annual cost to the Exchequer of reducing the top rate of value-added tax from 17.5 per cent. to 16.5 per cent. [28149]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The estimated cost in 1995–96, published by Her Majesty's Treasury in the "Tax Ready Reckoner and Tax Reliefs", was £2.6 billion. A new estimate will be published this July.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his estimate of the revenue impact on the Government of reducing the rate of value added tax on domestic fuel from 8 per cent. to 5 per cent. [28141]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The estimated loss in revenue in 1995–96 from a three percentage point reduction in VAT on domestic fuel is about £500 million. It will be revised this summer. The figure is based on the costings methodology in the "Financial Statement and Budget Report".

  Trading Profits
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring up to date the table given in his answer to the hon. Member for Great Grimsby dated 25 March 1982,Official Report, columns 393–94, concerning trading profits and relief from tax. [25619]

  Sir George Young
  The available information is shown in the table and notes.
  393

  £ million

  Manufacturing companies

  Financial companies

  Unincorporated business in manufacturing

  Gross trading profits

  Capital allowance claimed

  Stock relief claimed

  Gross trading profits

  Other income

  Capital allowance claimed

  Interest payments

  Gross trading profits

  Capital allowance allowed

  Stock relief claimed

  1991

  23,931

  10,010

  -

  -16,511

  78,700

  5,449

  59,914

  2,620

  221

  -

  1992

  23,078

  10,780

  -

  -15,480

  70,239

  5,329

  51,577

  n/a

  n/a

  -

  1993

  25,988

  n/a

  -

  -12,291

  57,333

  -

  38,741

  n/a

  n/a

  -

  n/a Not available.

  1. For companies and financial institutions gross trading profits are as defined for national accounts purposes and are before deducting capital allowances and interest payments.

  2. Manufacturing companies interest payments deducted from trading profits for tax purposes are not available.

  3. For unincorporated businesses in manufacturing, gross trading profits are estimated from tax assessments and are before deductions for capital.

  4. Stock relief was abolished during 1984.

  5. All estimates are subject to revision as more information becomes available.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 25 March 1982,Official Report, columns 393–94, concerning trading profits and reliefs for tax, if he will now provide and bring up-to-date the figures for taxable profits in each case. [27126]

  Sir George Young
  The available information is shown in the table and notes.

  Income chargeable to tax

  £ million

  Manufacturing companies

  Financial institutions

  Unincorporated businesses in manufacturing

  1960

  1,752

  144

  89

  1961

  1,549

  181

  84

  1962

  1,454

  166

  88

  1963

  1,531

  174

  94

  1964

  1,660

  229

  104

  1965

  1,815

  380

  115

  1966

  1,923

  610

  126

  1967

  2,069

  881

  130

  1968

  2,532

  1,114

  152

  1969

  2,326

  1,025

  161

  1970

  2,248

  1,000

  178

  1971

  2,203

  1,281

  202

  1972

  2,295

  1,791

  240

  1973

  1,915

  1,624

  293

  1974

  1,556

  1,590

  311

  1975

  2,285

  1,859

  344

  1976

  2,949

  2,421

  380

  1977

  3,456

  3,563

  470

  1978

  4,117

  3,566

  605

  1979

  3,771

  2,852

  741

  1980

  3,973

  3,060

  796

  1981

  4,155

  3,053

  885

  1982

  4,759

  2,923

  798

  1983

  5,373

  3,313

  1,103

  1984

  6,969

  4,254

  1,483

  1985

  10,240

  7,716

  1,564

  1986

  14,561

  10,147

  1,490

  1987

  17,278

  10,333

  1,811

  1988

  19,177

  11,117

  2,176

  1989

  18,870

  10,430

  2,274

  1990

  14,999

  10,081

  2,662

  1991

  13,426

  9,079

  2,399

  1992

  15,320

  10,413

  -

  1. For companies, the estimates relate to income in accounting periods ending in the corresponding financial year. For unincorporated businesses, the estimates broadly refer to income earned in the calendar year.
  2. For companies, the estimates include income derived from trading and non-trading sources. For unincorporated businesses, the income is from the trading activities only.

  Engineering Sales
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer further to his press notice CSO (95)78 concerning engineering sales, if he will list for the categories closest to those covered by SITC division 75 the corresponding information on sales for 1994 together with his estimate of the import content. [26546]

  Mr. Nelson
  Information on sales and orders can be found in the CSO publication "Engineering Sales and Orders", which is available in the House of Commons Library. The category closest to SITC 75 is the aggregate "Manufacture of Office Machinery and Data Processing Equipment". Data on a current price basis may be found in table 35 and constant price; seasonally adjusted information may be found in table 74. No estimates are available on the import content of these figures but data on all imports within SITC 75 may be found in the CSO publication MM20A "Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom with the World".

  Crown v. Abraham, Allen and Henderson
  Mr. Cousins
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much was paid to leading counsel in the prosecution of the Crown v. Abraham, Allen and Henderson; how much was paid to the costs of the entire prosecution team in the Crown v. Abraham, Allen and Henderson; and what additional costs were charged to the cost of the case by (a) Customs and Excise and (b) the Treasury solicitors. [27172]

  Mr. Heathcoat Amory
  Fees, including VAT, paid to leading and other counsel in relation to the prosecution were £156,980 and £109,859 respectively. Customs and Excise estimates that its solicitor's office costs for the prosecution were in the region of £40,000. Costs billed by the Treasury Solicitor amounted to £28,300.

  Eamon Collins
  Mr. Trimble
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any money or other inducement was paid or offered to Eamon Collins in respect of his claim for unfair dismissal against Her Majesty's Customs and Excise—reference No. 1710/87. [27386]

  Mr. Heathcoat Amory
  I can confirm that no inducement was offered or money paid to Eamon Collins in respect of his claim for unfair dismissal against Her Majesty's Customs and Excise.

  Nationalised Industries
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will update the figures for loans to nationalised industries in table B20 of the "Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts", 1993–94 to give figures for 1994–95 and plans for 1995–96. [27884]

  Mr. Nelson
  Outturn figures for loans to nationalised industries in 1994–95 are still being compiled. They will appear as usual in the supplementary statements to the "Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts", which is published each December. This exercise is constrained to outturn figures, and does not extend to the current year.

  Credit Expansion
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will bring up to date his written answer of 10 May 1993,Official Report, columns 277–78, showing the expansion of domestic credit each year since 1952 in terms of sterling and as a percentage of the money supply and add a fresh column to show domestic credit expansion as a percentage of gross domestic product. [27435]

  Mr. Nelson
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 21 July 1994,Official Report, columns 436–37.

  Information Technology Contracts
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what safeguards there are for(a) the public interest and (b) the individuals upon which information is kept, in the contracts with EDS in respect of Government data; what is the overall cost, estimated or actual, to the public purse of each of the contracts; what information his Department has of commissions paid in respect of these contracts; what increases in cost are allowable under the contracts; and if he will make a statement. [27570]

  Sir George Young
  There are two safeguards. The first is that the contract contains provisions obliging EDS to make all necessary arrangements to protect the privacy of personal information. The second is that contractors and their employees are subject, in the same way as Revenue employees, to the criminal sanctions—a fine, or imprisonment, or both—provided by section 182, of the Finance Act 1989, for unauthorised disclosure of personal tax information.

  The contract with EDS for the Inland Revenue's IT requirements is one which provides cost savings to the Department in cash terms of £225 million at 1994–95 prices with estimated expenditure of £1,033 million over the life of the contract to 2003–4.

  No commissions have been paid by the Inland Revenue in respect of the letting of the contracts to EDS.

  Price increases are allowable on the manpower element in the contract, subject to a cap calculated in accordance with the average earnings index.

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to table 15.10 of the April 1995 issue of the "Monthly Digest of Statistics", if he will now combine the table on page 96 with those on pages 97 and 98 by removing the words "manufacture of" at the beginning of each line; and if he will add to each line the relevant weight. [27499]
  396
  Mr. Nelson
  The information in table 15.10 of the "Monthly Digest of Statistics" is presented in accordance with its periodical collection. The data on page 96 relate to those sectors where quarterly information is available—annual information is also presented—and the data on paged 97 and 98 relate to those sectors where only annual information is available. The Central Statistical Office will continue to publish the quarterly information on page 96 separately from the annual information on pages 97 and 98.

  Details relating to "weights" for the manufacturing sector will not be added to table 15.10, but this information can be found in table 2.5 of the "United Kingdom National Accounts 1994".

  Bank of England
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement about the long-term viability of the Bank of England branch in Bristol. [27777]

  Mr. Nelson
  This is a matter for the Bank of England. The Bank has recently completed a review of the work of its branches and agencies. The Bank will continue and enhance the economic liaison work conducted through its regional agents, including in Bristol. It has, however, decided to cease branch banking operations and will discuss the branches' work on note distribution with the major clearing banks.

  Exchange Rates
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the reasons for the change in level of depreciation since 1955. [27580]

  Mr. Nelson
  Exchange rates are determined in foreign exchange markets.

  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what assessment he has made of the impact of Her Majesty's Government's exchange rate policy in 1993 in respect of sterling and the development on the United Kingdom's balance of trade in manufactures. [27500]

  Mr. Nelson
  Movements in the exchange rate were considered as part of the general assessment of monetary conditions in setting monetary policy during 1993, as they are now. The Government did not and do not set a target rate for sterling.

  Government Shares
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will provide a list of shares and securities held by Her Majesty's Treasury for the financial year 1994–95 on the same basis as table B13 of the "Consolidated Fund and National Loans Fund Accounts", 1993–94. [27883]

  Mr. Nelson
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Nominal amount £

  Description of Holding

  31 March 1994

  31 March 1995

  Bank of England

  Capital Stock

  14,553,000

  14,553,000

  BAA plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  14,736,394

  29,472,288

  British Airways plc

  25p Ordinary Shares

  793,616

  793,586

  397

  Nominal amount £

  Description of Holding

  31 March 1994

  31 March 1995

  British Petroleum plc

  25p Ordinary Shares

  25,305,722

  25,305,722

  £1 8 per cent. Cumulative Preference Shares

  1,000

  1,000

  British Steel plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  17,044

  17,044

  British Telecommunications plc

  25p Ordinary Shares

  15,148,074

  7,623,444

  Loan Stock

  1,220,000,000

  667,970,000

  Mersey Docks and Harbour Company

  10p Ordinary Shares

  1,241,180

  1,241,796

  Eastern Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  911,036

  911,036

  Debenture

  50,000,000

  Bonds 1999

  59,000,000

  -

  Bonds 2008

  59,000,000

  East Midlands Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  532,806

  474,850

  Debenture

  47,000,000

  -

  London Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  552,827

  559,496

  Bonds 1999

  70,000,000

  -

  Manweb plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  577,685

  582,666

  Bonds 1999

  20,000,000

  -

  Bonds 2008

  37,000,000

  -

  Midlands Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  628,562

  637,076

  National Grid Company plc

  Debenture

  150,000,000

  -

  Bonds 1997

  150,000,000

  -

  Bonds 2001

  150,000,000

  150,000,000

  Bonds 2008

  150,000,000

  -

  National Power plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  249,427,890

  2,958,821

  Bonds 1998

  350,000,000

  -

  Northern Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  438,505

  443,807

  Bonds 1999

  55,000,000

  55,000,000

  Northern Ireland Electricity

  25p Ordinary Shares

  -

  1,350,627

  Norweb plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  691,200

  697,741

  Bonds 1999

  77,000,000

  77,000,000

  Bonds 2008

  76,000,000

  76,000,000

  Powergen plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  156,516,610

  1,973,582

  Scottish Power plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  14,633,368

  9,332,184

  Bonds 2001

  142,000,000

  142,000,000

  398

  Nominal amount £

  Description of Holding

  31 March 1994

  31 March 1995

  Scottish Hydro-Electric plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  6,586,865

  3,813,749

  Bonds 2005

  116,000,000

  -

  Seeboard plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  1,135,607

  1,149,782

  Bonds 2008

  54,000,000

  -

  Southern Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  447,211

  460,289

  South Wales Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  307,591

  310,990

  South Western Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  577,424

  583,415

  Bonds 2008

  80,000,000

  80,000,000

  Yorkshire Electricity plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  612,483

  544,756

  Anglian Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  2,559,604

  2,571,791

  Northumbrian Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  256,411

  256,411

  North West Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  2,699,482

  2,699,482

  Seven Trent Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  3,557,938

  3,567,089

  Southern Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  1,201,801

  1,209,388

  South Western Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  105,174

  107,800

  Thames Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  3,487,833

  3,487,933

  Welsh Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  1,012,677

  1,024,302

  Wessex Water plc

  50p Ordinary Shares

  594,202

  604,189

  Yorkshire Water plc

  £1 Ordinary Shares

  1,485,628

  1,500,230

  Earnings
  Mr. Winnick
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 99, what are the numbers and percentage in self-employment who receive (a) £30,000 to £35,000, (b) £35,000 to £50,000, (c) £50,000 to £75,000, (d) £75,000 to £100,000 and (e) over £100,000 annually. [27821]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: The table covers people whose main source of income assessable to 1993–94 tax was from self-employment. The bands are of profits assessable to 1993–94 tax; that is, generally, profits arising in accounting periods ending in 1992–93. Estimates for later years are not yet available.
  399

  Profits from self-employment

  Estimated numbers

  Percentage of all whose main source of income assessable to 1993–94 tax was from self-employment

  (a) £30,000 to £34,999

  72,000

  2.1

  (b) £35,000 to £49,999

  106,000

  3.1

  (c) £50,000 to £74,999

  62,000

  1.8

  (d) £75,000 to £99,999

  18,000

  0.5

  (e) £100,000 and over

  27,000

  0.8

  Biodiesel
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to announce the rate of excise duty for biodiesel produced from crops under section 11 of the Finance Act 1993. [27090]

  Mr Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 6 June 1995]: The rates of excise duty to be applied to biodiesel when used as motor fuel are already known. They are the same as that applied to the equivalent fossil fuel.

  These are:

  When used as a motor fuel for road vehicles: 31.32p per litre.

  When used as motor fuel for other purposes: 2.14p per litre.

  No duty will be charged when used as a heating fuel.

  A Treasury order implementing these charges is currently being drafted and will be circulated to those concerned before the House rises for the summer recess, with a view to implementation in the autumn.

TRANSPORT

  Channel Tunnel Safety Authority
  Dame Peggy Fenner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Channel Tunnel Safety Authority to publish its annual report for the year 1993–94. [28253]

  Mr. Watts
  The Channel Tunnel Safety Authority has now published it sixth annual report, covering the period from 1 April 1993 to 31 March 1994. I have today arranged for copies to be placed in the Library of the House.

  A12
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the current status and timetable of the dualling of each section of the Al2 Ipswich to north Lowestoft; and if he will make a statement. [27246]

  Mr. Watts
  The roads programme contains six schemes on the A12 between Ipswich and Lowestoft as follows:

  A12 Martlesham—Wickham Market Improvement (dualling)
  Priority 2 (£11 million). Next step public consultation.

  A12 Wickham Market to Saxmundham Improvement (dualling)
  Priority 2 (£20 million). Decision awaited following March 95 public inquiry.

  A12 Toxford Bypass (single carriageway)
  Priority 2 (£4 million). Next stage preferred route announcement following public consultation.

  A12 Blythburgh Bypass (single carriageway)
  Priority 2 (£5 million). Possibility of local conference prior to public consultation in view of sensitive environment issues.
  400
  A12 Wrentham Bypass (single carriageway)
  Priority 2 (£3 million). Next stage preferred route announcement following public consultation.

  A12 Kessingland—Pleasurewood (standard not known)
  Longer term scheme.

  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he now expects to meet the commitment in the White Paper, "Roads to Prosperity", to dual the A12 from London to Great Yarmouth; and if he will make a statement. [27245]

  Mr. John Watts
  In March 1994, my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State announced the results of his review of the trunk road programme. He announced that we are to improve some sections of the existing dual carriageway between M25 and Ipswich, but no longer plan a continuous dual carriageway on the environmentally sensitive section north of Ipswich. Here we propose to dual some short sections, but otherwise will concentrate on bypasses to relieve local communities.

  Manchester Airport Rail Link
  Mr. Terry Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Manchester airport rail link, southern spur to begin operations. [28151]

  Mr. Watts
  In May 1996.

  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding the dispute between Railtrack plc and Regional Railways, North West, over the funding of the Manchester airport rail link, southern spur. [28150]

  Mr. Watts
  None.

  Mr. Lewis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the arrangements for the financing and operation of the Manchester airport link, southern spur. [28152]

  Mr. Watts
  These matters are for Manchester Airport plc and the local authorities concerned, who have promoted the scheme and funded it from their own resources.

  Highway Authorities
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made as to whether the proposed division of Berkshire into six highway authorities, including three covering the urban area of Reading, will facilitate an integrated approach to transport provision in the county area. [27993]

  Mr. Norris
  There is no reason why the proposed restructuring of Berkshire to create six unitary authorities should hinder the delivery of local transport services. It is likely that the new authorities will need to work together in this, and other areas, where strategic issues straddle authority boundaries. We already encourage such joint working between authorities, for example through the package approach for transport funding.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made as to the extent to which the targeting of expenditure on highway maintenance and road improvements will be as effective in achieving value for money and lessening road accidents if carried out within each of the six unitary authorities proposed for Berkshire as under the current arrangements. [27997]
  401
  Mr. Norris
  The Local Government Commission took account of the need for efficient and effective performance of all local authority activities in making its recommendations for the restructuring of local government in Berkshire.

  Drivers' Hours
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to expand liability for drivers' hours to employers; what plans he has to exclude as a defence that employers have complied with the regulations if they have warned drivers not to exceed the permitted hours; and if he will make a statement. [27760]

  Mr. Norris
  Under existing legislation employers can be, and are, prosecuted for drivers' hours and tachograph offences where it can be proven that they caused or permitted an offence to take place. In such circumstances, a warning given by the employer to the driver not to exceed the permitted hours might be taken into account but it would be up to a court to decide what weight, if any, to attach to such a warning.

  Automated First Registration and Licensing Project
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will provide the project timetable for the introduction of automated first registration and licensing and the estimated cost of the project; and by whom the cost will be met. [27866]

  Mr. Norris
  A firm timetable for the automated first registration and licensing project is not yet available.

  The cost of the project is to be met jointly by the DVLA and the motor industry. The DVLA's costs are a matter for negotiation with its computer contractor, EDS Ltd., and are subject to commercial confidentiality.

  Traffic Area Offices
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what estimate he has made of the saving to his Department from closing two traffic area offices; [27873]

  (2) what estimate he has made of the saving to an average coach or bus operator in operator licensing fees per vehicle per year from closing two traffic area offices; [27870]

  (3) what estimates he has made of the saving to an average haulage operator in operator licence and vehicle fees per vehicle per year from closing two traffic area offices. [27872]

  Mr. Norris
  No estimates have been made by the Department of the savings to operators of closing two traffic area offices.

  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average coach or bus operator pays in operator licence fees per vehicle per year; what element of this is directly attributed to traffic area office costs excluding his Department's headquarters and central on-costs; and what estimate he has made of the average running costs of an average coach or bus. [27869]

  Mr. Norris
  The cost of the licence for a PSV operator is £54 per vehicle per year; approximately £18 or 33.5 per cent. of the fee is directly attributed to traffic area office costs. The average annual running costs, for a new 53-seater diesel bus was estimated at the year end of 1993 to be £28,306. Running costs include depreciation, maintenance, fuel, tyres and lubricants.
  402
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of what the average haulage operator pays in operator licence fees, licence and vehicle fee, per vehicle per year; what element of this is directly attributed to traffic area office costs excluding his Department's headquarters' costs and central on-costs; and what estimate he has made of the annual running costs of an average heavy good vehicle. [27871]

  Mr. Norris
  The costs of operator licensing based on an average operator with three vehicles are £665 for a five-year licence. This produces an average annual cost of £133 or £44.33 per vehicle per annum. Traffic area office costs represent approximately 27 per cent. of the total costs of goods operator licensing which amounts to an average cost of £11.97 per vehicle per annum.

  Annual running costs of operating a heavy goods vehicle are not calculated by the Department.

  Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he has introduced with regard to(a) recommendation numbers 100 and 101, (b) recommendation numbers 98 and 99 and (c) recommendation number 102 of the 18th report of the Royal Commission on environmental pollution. [27865]

  Mr. Norris
  The Government have welcomed the Royal Commission on environmental pollution's report as a valuable contribution to the wider debate we are encouraging on transport policy.

  We recognise the value of cycling transport policies and programmes and we have made it plain in statements and within the recent transport policies and programmes guidance that we expect highway authorities to work with others to achieve better conditions for cyclists. That will inevitably include the development of sound cycle networks, building on the experience from our cycle routes programme. The Government believe that cycling proposals are most effective when they are fitted into a balanced set of measures. Accordingly, we have accepted 37 local authority transport packages for funding, the great majority of which include cycle networks or other measures that benefit cyclists. One notable example is the London cycle network, for which £3 million support will be provided in this financial year. In reaching decisions on funding, my Department looks for evidence that authorities are pursuing viable cycling policies and promoting cycling as a better alternative to the car for many journeys. In addition, I recently announced my intention to develop a national strategy for cycling.

  Fatalities to cyclists and pedestrians are at their lowest level since records began in 1927. We shall continue to seek the maximum reduction in casualties, through a wide range of measures, including education, penalties for dangerous driving, research, engineering schemes and substantial publicity campaigns.

  British Rail's commercial policy is to welcome cyclists and to convey bicycles whenever and wherever possible, subject to certain fees, provided this will not unduly inconvenience other passengers or displace other revenue earning traffic.

  The cyclists' public affairs group, with the assistance of the Department of Transport, has produced a guidance document for rail service operators explaining how they

  403
  can make their services more attractive to the growing number of cyclists. The franchising director will send copies of the document to all bidders for rail franchises. In addition, the franchising director is currently considering whether the franchise agreement should include any provision for the carriage of bicycles on trains.

  A38
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he hopes to complete his study of the options for increasing capacity on the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth; if he has ruled out the possibility of the A38 between Exeter and Plymouth being upgraded to motorway status; and what environmental assessment he has made should increased capacity on the road be recommended. [27355]

  Mr. Watts
  The Highways Agency has received the consultants' report. I await the agency's recommendations.

  M65 (Protestors)
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to his answer of 17 May,Official Report, column 245, (1) which teams of contractors and which specialist climbers were awarded the contract by the under sheriff of Lancashire to evict the protesters from Stanworth woods; if this contract went out to competitive tender; and what were the costs incurred; [27343]

  (2) what sums of money from public funds have been paid, and to whom, in respect of the costs incurred by the under sheriff of Lancashire in respect of contract work to clear tree protestors from Stanworth woods between 1 and 5 May. [27171]

  Mr. Watts
  These are operational matters for the Highways Agency. I have asked its chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Ms Joan Walley, dated 12 June 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to write in reply to your Parliamentary Questions asking the Secretary of State for Transport, which teams of contractors were appointed by the Under Sheriff of Lancashire to remove protestors from Stanworth Woods; what was the cost of the work undertaken; and whether the contracts were subject to competitive tendering.
  The action to evict protestors from Stanworth Woods was entirely the responsibility of the Under Sheriff. He directly recruited the specialist teams and there was no involvement by the Highways Agency.
  This is not a matter for which the Agency is responsible, but we understand that the cost, to date, of the work undertaken by the Under Sheriff is some £79,000.

  Overloaded Vehicles
  Mr. Denham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the annual cost of damage to roads and bridges caused by overloaded vehicles. [27148]

  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked its chief executive to write to the hon. Member.
  404
  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. John Denham, dated 12 June 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr. John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the annual cost of damage to roads and bridges caused by overloaded vehicles.
  In 1988 the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) published a report on road wear caused by overloaded lorries. This was based on the results of ten roadside surveys of goods vehicles carried out in different locations during the 1980s. The conclusion was that for the roads covered in the survey, overloading contributed directly to 5.7% of the road wear attributable to goods vehicles.
  The Highways Agency recently asked the TRL to review this figure. The latter concluded that, because of changes in the composition of the vehicle fleet, road wear caused by overloading had probably reduced slightly. Of the £360 million spent on maintaining roads comprising the trunk road network during 1994/95, we estimate that less than 5% (£18 million) was attributable to damage caused by overloaded vehicles.
  As for bridges, we use historical data on traffic distribution when developing the loading standards for their design. Although there is therefore some element of initial capital cost associated with overladen vehicles, we do not have an estimate of the annual cost of damage caused by them.

  Construction Industry
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what policy his Department has put to the working groups on the Latham report as to the desirability of a single exclusive register for public sector work. [24356]

  Mr. Watts
  None.

WALES

  Health Authorities
  Mr. Hanson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he has taken to date with regard to the establishment of new health authorities in Wales. [26044]

  Mr. Redwood
  No steps have been taken formally to establish the new health authorities. That will be accomplished by regulations, subject to enactment of the Health Authorities Bill.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many NHS patients in Wales have been informed by their dentist in the last 36 months that they will no longer treat them on the NHS. [26046]

  Mr. Richards
  Around 43,000 patients have been removed from dentists registers since 1 August 1992, but many of these will have subsequently registered with another dentist. Between 1992 and 1994 the number of patients registered has remained at about 58 per cent.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the(a) number of adult courses of treatment, (b) total national health service gross expenditure, (c) total cost borne by the Exchequer and (d) total cost borne by patients, for the general dental service, for each year between 1990 and 1994. [27196]

  Mr. Richards
  The information is given in the following table:
  405

  Adult courses of dental treatment (thousands)(1)

  Total NHS gross expenditure (£ million)(2)

  Total cost borne by Exchequer (net) (£ million)

  Total cost borne by patients (£ million)

  1990–91

  1,190

  57,055

  38,923

  18,132

  1991–92

  1,327

  69,513

  49,426

  20,087

  1992–93

  1,398

  73,794

  53,327

  20,467

  1993–94

  1,399

  67,964

  48,928

  19,036

  1 Revised figures from Dental Estimates Board.

  2 Excludes refunds, which are netted off against patients fees.

  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the percentage of people aged five to 18 years with permanent teeth which are actively decayed, filled or missing due to decay. [27201]

  Mr. Richards
  A national survey of children's dental health was carried out, for the third time, in 1993 by the social survey division of the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys and results published by HMSO in "Children's dental health in the United Kingdom 1993", ISBN O 11 691607 9, a copy of which is in the Library of the House. The information requested is shown in tables 3.3, 3.5, 3.7 and 3.9 of the publication. Sixteen to 18-year-olds are not covered by the survey.

  Welsh Language
  Mr. Fabricant
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what new programmes have been announced since the passing of the Welsh Language Act 1993 to encourage mature students to learn Welsh; and if he will make a statement. [26047]

  Mr. Richards
  The Further Education Funding Council for Wales is responsible for securing the provision of Welsh for adults in the further education sector. The council has ensured that Welsh for adults programmes have been maintained and developed. For the 1995–96 academic year, the council has established a new development fund which will provide an additional £300,000 in support of Welsh for adults projects to generate new provision and improve existing courses.

  Part-time Employment
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the percentage of part-time workers as a proportion of the overall working population(a) in 1985 and (b) at the latest date for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement. [26048]

  Mr. Redwood
  According to the labour force survey, in spring 1985, some 20 per cent. of employees of working age in Wales were in part-time employment. The figure for autumn 1994 was 24 per cent.

  Unemployment
  Mr. Roy Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the level of male unemployment in Newport, Gwent and Wales at the latest available date. [26049]

  Mr. Redwood
  In April 1995, the unadjusted, male unemployment rate in the Newport travel-to-work area was 11.2 per cent. The corresponding figures for Gwent and Wales were 11.9 per cent. and 11.3 per cent. respectively.

  Voluntary Organisations
  Sir David Knox
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the value of grants from his Department to voluntary organisations in the most recent year for which figures are available; and what were the figures for 1978–79 at constant prices. [26050]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The latest available figure at outturn prices for direct grants is £14.1 million for 1993–94. The earliest financial year for which a directly comparable figure can be determined is 1988–89 when the equivalent expenditure at 1993–94 prices was £8.2 million.

  Second Severn Crossing
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the effect of the second Severn crossing on(a) industry and (b) tourism in Wales. [26051]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The second Severn crossing, which is due to open next year, is likely to have a beneficial effect on many aspects of life in Wales. A report by Pieda plc in 1992, based on a survey of businesses in south Wales and Avon, concluded that the crossing would have positive effect on local trading and commercial activity and stimulate investment opportunities in south Wales. The report added that the crossing is unlikely of itself to increase tourism activities in these regions. Copies of the executive summary of the report, entitled "The Economic Impact of the Second Severn Crossing", are in the Library of the House.

  Schools (Information Technology)
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has taken to encourage investment in IT in Welsh schools. [26052]

  Mr. Redwood
  On 6 April, I announced an initiative which will allow all primary schools in Wales to bid for 100 per cent. funding for IT equipment. Schools can choose between multi-media suites or portables, together with the latest and best available software on the basic subjects of the national curriculum.

  The initiative will cost up to £3 million during the school year 1995–96, and will include training on the use of the equipment and follow-on training funded separately through grant for education support and training.

  In addition, substantial provision has been made for primary and secondary schools through GEST to support the acquisition and greater use of IT across the curriculum. In 1995–96, this amounts to £2.7 million.

  Coastal Discharges
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress is being made in reducing the amount of raw sewage being pumped from Wales into the sea.
  407
  Mr. Redwood
  Considerable progress is being achieved in improving the treatment of sewage discharges to Welsh costal waters. Dwr Cymru is aiming to complete its programme of improvements to discharges affecting EC identified bathing waters by 1998. It plans to invest over £400 million in the next five years, mainly at coastal sites, so that nearly all the waste water it collects will receive sewage treatment.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the National Rivers Authority report on toxic contaminants entering the sea, published on 23 May, in regard to its implications for the Welsh coastline. [26743]

  Mr Gwilym Jones
  The report "Contaminants Entering the Sea" outlines the results of the National Rivers Authority's monitoring programme over the period 1990 to 1993, in line with international agreements and commitments. Progress toward meeting the commitments to reduce the quantities of contaminants entering the sea has been encouraging. For some of the most toxic metals, the authority's estimate show that the reduction targets have already been met.

  The results highlighted in the report do not necessarily signify pollution of the Welsh coastline: rather, they are examples of dissolved substances which, in many cases, occur naturally in Wales. The authority advises that in the overwhelming majority of cases the concentrations of substances found are not a threat to the biology of the river or marine environment in Wales. Areas of potential concern, such as those affected by pesticides or minerals, are being reviewed by the authority's Welsh region to identify appropriate action to be taken.

  Teachers
  Mr. Win Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) primary and (b) secondary schools teachers have been employed by each local education authority in each of the last five years. [26489]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is shown, as at January each year, in the following tables:

  LEA

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Full-time equivalent primary school teachers

  Clwyd

  1,662

  1,657

  1,686

  1,690

  1,643

  Dyfed

  1,754

  1,776

  1,819

  1,828

  1,825

  Gwent

  1,927

  1,943

  1,929

  1,998

  2,005

  Gwynedd

  1,062

  1,039

  1,047

  1,052

  1,027

  Mid Glamorgan

  2,538

  2,688

  2,643

  2,648

  2,649

  Powys

  581

  600

  616

  593

  581

  South Glamorgan

  1,747

  1,748

  1,859

  1,909

  1,970

  West Glamorgan

  1,803

  1,817

  1,810

  1,787

  1,831

  Wales total

  13,074

  13,268

  13,409

  13,505

  13,531

  Full-time equivalent secondary school teachers

  Clwyd

  1,869

  1,842

  1,856

  1,819

  1,520

  Dyfed

  1,614

  1,639

  1,654

  1,732

  1,651

  Gwent

  1,982

  1,982

  1,953

  1,954

  1,931

  408

  LEA

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Gwynedd

  1,245

  1,188

  1,196

  1,189

  1,158

  Mid Glamorgan

  2,470

  2,456

  2,519

  2,614

  2,567

  Powys

  632

  602

  607

  595

  615

  South Glamorgan

  1,821

  1,809

  1,768

  1,839

  1,614

  West Glamorgan

  1,665

  1,655

  1,671

  1,541

  1,579

  Wales total

  13,298

  13,173

  13,224

  13,283

  12,635

  Source:
  618G teacher statistics returns collected by the Department for Education.
  The figures include: qualified teachers including on secondment; student teachers and instructors; and peripatetic teachers, advisory teachers and teachers in centres for special education.
  The figures exclude: teachers at grant maintained schools; teachers at LEA maintained nursery and special schools; and teachers providing education other than at schools.
  The two sixth form colleges, in Clwyd and South Glamorgan, left LEA control in April 1993 and are excluded from the January 1994 data.

  Full-time equivalent of teachers employed by GM schools

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Primary schools

  Clwyd

  -

  -

  -

  -

  19

  Dyfed

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Gwent

  -

  -

  -

  -

  9

  Gwynedd

  -

  -

  -

  -

  11

  Mid Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Powys

  -

  -

  -

  -

  2

  South Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  West Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Wales

  0

  0

  0

  0

  41

  Secondary schools

  Clwyd

  -

  -

  -

  65

  220

  Dyfed

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Gwent

  -

  -

  25

  64

  107

  Gwynedd

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Mid Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Powys

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  South Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  147

  West Glamorgan

  -

  -

  63

  62

  69

  Wales

  0

  0

  88

  191

  544

  Total

  Clwyd

  -

  -

  -

  65

  239

  Dyfed

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Gwent

  -

  -

  25

  64

  116

  Gwynedd

  -

  -

  -

  -

  11

  Mid Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  -

  Powys

  -

  -

  -

  -

  2

  South Glamorgan

  -

  -

  -

  -

  147

  West Glamorgan

  -

  -

  63

  62

  69

  Wales

  0

  0

  88

  191

  584

  Figures taken from the 618G returns. GM schools only.
  Staff employed by the LEA, but contracted to a GM school are excluded.
  The figures include: full-time qualified teachers in regular service including those on secondment; full-time equivalent of part-time qualified teachers in regular service; full-time qualified teachers in occasional service; and full-time equivalent of student teachers and instructors.

  Heart Disease
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many(a) cases of heart disease and (b) deaths due to heart disease were recorded for each year since 1990. [27213]

  Mr. Richards
  Available information on mortality from heart disease is as follows:

  Number

  1990

  10,972

  1991

  10,974

  1992

  10,751

  19931

  11,873

  Note:

  1 Due to changes in coding practice, 1993 data are not strictly comparable with earlier years.

  Source:

  OPCS.

  Information on the number of cases of heart disease is not available. However, the following table shows latest estimates of hospital in-patient or day case activity in Wales where heart disease was recorded as the principal diagnosis.

  Number

  1990–911

  24,493

  1991–922

  29,754

  1992–932

  32,590

  1993–942

  33,413

  1 Deaths and discharges.

  2 Completed consultant episodes.

  Heart disease is defined as international classification of diseases, injuries and causes of death, ninth revision codes 390–429.

  Countryside Council for Wales
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the transfer of resources from the Countryside Council for Wales to local authority control. [27651]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Where the Countryside Council for Wales and local authorities have general powers to act, we wish to move to a situation where a greater proportion of the work is undertaken by the local authorities. Much of this work is of a local nature and it therefore seems more appropriate that is should be undertaken by a local body. My right hon. Friend and I are consulting with local authority associations and wait their responses before deciding on the best way forward.

  Repossessions
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what are the latest figures for home repossessions in Wales, West Glamorgan and Neath. [26054]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Data on the number of homes repossessed are not available. Figures for mortgage possession actions taken in county courts are published by the Lord Chancellor's Department and not all orders result in repossession. The numbers of possession orders, including suspended orders, made during the first quarter of 1995 in Wales, West Glamorgan and Neath are 1,091, 174 and 82 respectively.

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Dafis
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list for each local education authority and for Wales as a whole(a) the number and (b) the proportion of pupils in grant-maintained (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools. [26788]

  Mr. Richards
  The information requested is shown in the following table.

  Full-time and part-time pupils in grant maintained:

  Primary schools

  Secondary schools

  Number

  As a percentage of the number of pupils in all maintained schools

  Number

  As a percentage of the number of pupils in all maintained schools

  Clwyd

  488

  1.2

  3,558

  13.3

  Dyfed

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Gwent

  216

  0.5

  1,485

  4.9

  Gwynedd

  254

  1.3

  0

  0

  Mid Glamorgan

  0

  0

  0

  0

  Powys

  27

  0.3

  0

  0

  South Glamorgan

  0

  0

  3,107

  11.4

  West Glamorgan

  0

  0

  967

  4.1

  Wales

  985

  0.3

  9,117

  4.7

  Source:

  Pupil numbers relate to January 1994 and are from the schools census. The status of the schools—grant maintained or LEA maintained—reflects the current position.

  General Practioners
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will list those family health services authorities which have made payments under part VI, paragraph 34, section 2(u) to single-handed general practitioners' practices in their areas; [28081]

  (2) how many single-handed general practitioners' practices were in receipt of additional payments under part VI, paragraph 34, section 2(u) of the NHS (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 in (a) 1992, (b)(c) 1994 and (d) in the current year in Wales; [28101]

  (3) what was (a) the lowest (b) the highest and (c) the average payment made to single-handed general practitioners' practices under part VI, paragraph 34, section 2(u) of the NHS (General Medical Services) Regulations 1992 in Wales in (a) 1992, (b) 1993, (c) 1994 and (d) in the current year. [28082]

  Mr. Richards
  No payments were made by any FHSA in Wales between 1992 and 1994.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those areas in which general practitioners' practices have qualified for additional payments for deprivation as defined under the Jarman index in each of the last five years and the current year. [28084]

  Mr. Richards
  From the introduction of the deprivation payments scheme in 1990–91 until April 1995, GP practices have qualified for payments for each patient who is resident in one of the wards in table 1. The wards qualifying for payments are derived in Wales using the Jarman index—based on 1981 census data—standardised morality ratios and an index derived from the housing conditions survey. The payments from June 1995 will be to GP practices for each patient resident in one of the wards in table 2. These wards qualify following the recalculation of the Jarman index using 1991 census data
  411
  and the updating of the SMRs. It is not possible to make meaningful comparisons between the two tables due to the restructuring of wards between the 1981 and 1991 censuses.

  Table 1

  FHSA

  District

  OPCS district code

  OPCS ward code

  OPCS ward number/name

  Clwyd

  Rhuddlan

  SJ

  AF

  No.6

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AA

  No.1

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AJ

  No.9

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AM

  No. 12

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AN

  No.13

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AP

  No.14

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AT

  No.18

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  AW

  No.20

  Gwent

  Newport

  SW

  AC

  No.3

  Gwent

  Newport

  SW

  AF

  No.6

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  AC

  No.3

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  AD

  No.4

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  AM

  No.12

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  AQ

  No.15

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  AT

  No.18

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  BB

  No.25

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  BC

  No.26

  Gwynedd

  Ynys Mon

  TC

  AG

  No.7

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AA

  No.1

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AB

  No.2

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AC

  No.3

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AD

  No.4

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AG

  No.7

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AH

  No.8

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AL

  No.11

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AM

  No.12

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  AP

  No.14

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AA

  No.1

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AB

  No.2

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AC

  No.3

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AD

  No.4

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AF

  No.6

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AG

  No.7

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  AH

  No.8

  Mid Glamorgan

  Ogwr

  TF

  AF

  No.6

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  AA

  Ferndale

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  AB

  Llwynypia

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  AD

  Penygraig

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  AE

  Porth

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  AJ

  Tylorstown

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  AL

  Ystrad

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  AF

  No.6

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  AT

  No.18

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  AU

  No.19

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  AW

  No.20

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  AX

  No.21

  Powys

  Montgomery

  TL

  AX

  No.7

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff

  TN

  AA

  No.1

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff

  TN

  AD

  No.4

  West Glamorgan

  Afan (Port Talbot)

  TQ

  AK

  No.10

  West Glamorgan

  Swansea

  TT

  AA

  No.1

  West Glamorgan

  Swansea

  TT

  AP

  No.14

  Table 2

  FHSA

  District

  OPCS district code

  OPCS ward code

  OPCS ward name

  Clwyd

  Rhuddlan

  SJ

  FN

  Rhyl West

  Clwyd

  Wrexham Maelor

  SK

  GH

  Plas Madoc

  Clwyd

  Wrexham Maelor

  SK

  GK

  Queensway

  Dyfed

  Dinefwr

  SN

  FU

  Myddnfych

  Dyfed

  Dinefwr

  SN

  FZ

  Quarter Bach

  Dyfed

  Llanelli

  SP

  FG

  Felinfoel

  Dyfed

  South

  SR

  FN

  Pembroke

  412

  Table 2

  FHSA

  District

  OPCS district code

  OPCS ward code

  OPCS ward name

  Dyfed

  Pembrokeshire South Pembrokeshire

  SR

  FR

  Dock Llanio Pembroke Monkton

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  FF

  Cwm

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  FH

  Ebbw Vale North

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  FJ

  Ebbw Vale South

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  FM

  Llanhilleth

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  FN

  Nantyglo

  Gwent

  Blaenau Gwent

  SS

  FR

  Six Bells

  Gwent

  Newport

  SW

  FN

  Pillgwenlly

  Gwent

  Newport

  SW

  FT

  Stow Hill

  Gwent

  Newport

  SW

  FU

  Tredegar Park

  Gwent

  Newport

  SW

  FW

  Victoria

  Gwent

  Torfaen

  SX

  FY

  Trevethin

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  FD

  Deiniol

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  FK

  Hendre

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  FU

  Marchog

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  FW

  Menai (Bangor)

  Gwynedd

  Arfon

  SZ

  FZ

  Peblig

  Gwynedd

  Dwyfor

  TA

  FM

  Llanaelhaeam

  Gwynedd

  Dwyfor

  TA

  FS

  Nefyn

  Gwynedd

  Dwyfor

  TA

  FX

  Pwllheli North

  Gwynedd

  Dwyfor

  TA

  FY

  Pwllheli South

  Gwynedd

  Dwyfor

  TA

  FZ

  Tremadog

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FA

  Aberaman North

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FB

  Aberaman South

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FC

  Abercynon

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FD

  Aberdare East

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FF

  Cwmbach

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FG

  Hirwaun

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FJ

  Mountain Ash East

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FK

  Mountain Ash West

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FL

  Penrhiwceiber

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FM

  Pen-y-waun

  Mid Glamorgan

  Cynon Valley

  TD

  FP

  Ynysybwl

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FA

  Bedlinog

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FB

  Cyfarthfa

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FC

  Dowlais

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FD

  Gurnos

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FE

  Merthyr Vale

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FF

  Park

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FG

  Penydarren

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FH

  Plymouth

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FJ

  Town

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FK

  Treharris

  Mid Glamorgan

  Merthyr Tydfil

  TE

  FL

  Vaynor

  Mid Glamorgan

  Ogwr

  TF

  FA

  Bettws

  Mid Glamorgan

  Ogwr

  TF

  FL

  Llangeinor

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FA

  Cwm Clydach

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FB

  Cymmer

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FC

  Ferndale

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FD

  Llwyn-y-pia

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FE

  Maerdy

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FF

  Pentre

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FG

  Pen-y-graig

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FH

  Porth

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FJ

  Trealaw

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FK

  Treherbert

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FL

  Treorchy

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FN

  Tylorstown

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FP

  Ynyshir

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhondda

  TG

  FQ

  Ystrad

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FA

  Aberbargoed

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FB

  Abertysswg

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FF

  Darran Valley

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FN

  Moriah

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FQ

  New Tredegar

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FS

  Pontlottyn

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FU

  St. James

  Mid Glamorgan

  Rhymney Valley

  TH

  FY

  Twyn Carno

  Mid Glamorgan

  Taff-Ely

  TJ

  FG

  Glyncoch

  Mid Glamorgan

  Taff-Ely

  TJ

  FK

  Ilan

  413

  Table 2

  FHSA

  District

  OPCS district code

  OPCS ward code

  OPCS ward name

  Powys

  Montgomeryshire

  TL

  GQ

  Welshpool Castle

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff

  TN

  FA

  Adamsdown

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff

  TN

  FB

  Butetown

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff

  TN

  FG

  Ely

  South Glamorgan

  Cardiff

  TN

  FX

  Riverside

  South Glamorgan

  Vale of Glamorgan

  TP

  FL

  Gibbonsdown

  West Glamorgan

  Lliw Valley

  TQ

  FK

  Graigfelen

  West Glamorgan

  Swansea

  TT

  FR

  Penderry

  West Glamorgan

  Swansea

  TT

  FX

  Townhill

  University Hospital of Wales Healthcare NHS Trust
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, columns 72–73, what was the amount of the short-term loan, the time for which it was requested, the day on which the loan was made and the day on which it was repaid [27899]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: A short-term loan of £1.3 million was made on 3 April. It was requested for a period of 15 days and repaid on 21 April, three days later than planned.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, columns 72–73, what steps he has taken to reconcile the financial viability consultation work carried out by Secta Consultation Ltd. on the University Hospital of Wales Healthcare national health service trust with the financial deficit currently reported; and if he will make a statement. [27849]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: None. The financial viability of the trust was independently confirmed by Secta Consulting Ltd. as part of the process of assessing the application for trust status. The trust have now identified a potential deficit and are introducing measures to address in this year.

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on his latest estimate of the cost of local government reorganisation in Wales. [27540]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: The costs of reorganisation will decided primarily by local government itself.

  I decide how much to allocate towards local government reorganisation costs in the light of estimates submitted by local authorities in Wales. The public expenditure statement sets out the grant and capital provision available.

  GP Fundholders
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer to the right hon. Member for Conwy (Sir W. Roberts), of 22 May,Official Report, column 460, if he will list the figures separately for the financial years 1990–91 and 1994–95; and if he will list the principle components making up the £9 million authorised retrospectively, by means of extra statutory payments. [27896]
  414
  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: The level of expenditure by general practitioner fundholders from their management allowances between 1990–91 to 1993–94 was:

  £

  1990–91

  111,630

  1991–92

  519,556

  1992–93

  1,622,538

  1993–94

  2,004,934

  Expenditure figures for 1994–95 are not yet available, but provisional accounts suggest that the total sum amounted to some £3.8 million.

  Detailed information on the principal components are not held centrally.

  Cardiff Bay
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 22 May,Official Report, column 461, what further approaches he has had from the World Wide Fund for Nature. [27897]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: My Department responded on 6 June to a letter dated 30 May from the head of UK programmes and European liaison, World Wide Fund for Nature about Cardiff bay barrage bird compensation measures.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 6 June,Official Report, column 80, what approaches have been made to landowners in Caldicot, Uskmouth and the Lougher estuary with a view to the acquisition of their land for the bird reserve connected with the Cardiff bay barrage development; on what date the landowners were approached; and if he will list the responses received. [27898]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: This is an operational matter for the corporation and I have asked the chief executive to reply.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 4 April,Official Report, column 1090, what proportion of the transfer costs agreed on 27 March 1990 comprised the redundancy costs; and if he will list the non-redundancy items making up the total that his Department approved on that date. [27405]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 9 June 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 4 April 1995. The costs agreed on 27 March 1990 did not separately identify redundancy or other items.

  TACP Architects
  Dr. Marek
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 19 April,Official Report, column 206, which of the work was obtained by competitive tender. [25086]

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 22 May 1995]: The following Welsh Office work was obtained by competitive tender:
  Landscaping at Cadoxton Barry
  Commission for landscape advice
  I understand from the non-departmental public bodies concerned that the following work was obtained by competitive tender:
  415

  Development Board for Rural Wales: Landscaping Ystradgynlais

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation: Landscaping design services and 19 individual projects

  Countryside Council for Wales: Research on traditional orchards

  Welsh Development Agency: Warren Hall feasibility study

  Development Board for Rural Wales: Landscaping Ystradgynlais

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation: Landscape design services and 19 individual projects

  Countryside Council for Wales: Research on traditional orchards

  Welsh Development Agency: Warren Hall feasibility study

EDUCATION

  Higher Education
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of Education what is the total number of students in higher education in the United Kingdom; and what were the figures in 1979 and 1985; [27758]

  (2) what is the current number of overseas students studying in higher education in the United Kingdom; and what were the figures in 1979 and 1985. [27757]

  Mr. Boswell
  The readily available information is given in the table:

  Enrolments in higher education1 in the United Kingdom (thousands)

  Year

  Total

  Of which overseas students

  1979–80

  795

  256

  1985–86

  937

  254

  1992–93

  1,444

  110

  Sources: Education Statistics for the United Kingdom, 1994 and 1983 editions, HMSO.

  Notes:

  1 Excludes enrolments on nursing and paramedical courses—85,000 in 1992–93.

  2 Full-time only.

  Epilepsy
  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) what steps are taken to ensure that practising schoolteachers in all types of school continue during their teaching service to be provided with adequate and correct information concerning children with epilepsy; [27647]

  (2) what steps are taken to ensure that teachers in training are provided with adequate and correct information concerning children with epilepsy. [27646]

  Mr. Forth
  The Department is planning to issue later this year guidance on managing children who require medication in schools, which will help inform both serving and trainee teachers about epilepsy.

  Mr. Battle
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps are taken to ensure that all pupils are in receipt within their school curriculum, of appropriate and correct epilepsy awareness information. [26789]

  Mr. Forth
  There is scope within national curriculum science for the teaching of issues which relate to health and well-being. Opportunities also exist within the wider curriculum, for example, through programmes of 416
  personal, social and health education, for schools to provide information about a broad range of health issues, including epilepsy.

  Under-fives Education
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the standard spending assessment for under-fives education by each local education authority; and what was the actual spending on under-fives education by each local education authority at the latest date for which figures are available. [28017]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information on the standard spending assessment for under-fives education by each local education authority is contained in "The Standard Spending Assessment Handbook 1995–96", a copy of which is in the Library. Information on spending on under-fives is not available disaggregated by LEA.

  Further Education Lecturers
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many further education lecturers have taken early retirement; and how many did so on grounds of ill health for each of the last five years. [27556]

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

  Education Course Costs
  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the total cost and the average cost per student of the BEd/BAQTS in(a) year one, (b) year two, (c) year three and (d) year four on courses in England and Wales. [27994]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I will write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Mr. Pickthall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the total cost and the average cost per student of the postgraduate certificate of education courses in England and Wales. [27995]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I will write to the hon. Gentleman as soon as possible.

  Teachers Superannuation Scheme
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if the Government's proposals to privatise the administration of the teachers pension fund will require secondary legislation. [28153]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Before a contractor could administer the teachers superannuation scheme, secondary legislation would be needed to delegate functions of administration to the contractor.

  We have made it clear that we shall let a contractor only if it would provide better value for money than keeping the administration of the teachers superannuation scheme in the public sector.

  Ethnic Monitoring
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when she expects to make an announcement on the consultation document on ethnic monitoring of school pupils. [28020]

  Mr. Forth
  The consultation paper invited responses by the end of May. They are still arriving. My right hon. Friend is carefully considering them, and hopes to announce her conclusions as soon as practicable.
  417
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many responses she has received to the consultation on ethnic monitoring. [28021]

  Mr. Forth
  About 100, to date.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to ensure that the ethnic monitoring of pupils analyses variations in achievement between different ethnic groups. [28022]

  Mr. Forth
  This is one of the issues raised in the consultations. My right hon. Friend is considering it in the light of the responses.

  Teachers' Salaries
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to her answer of 25 May,Official Report, column 690, if she will list the figures for the average teacher's salary in each of the education authorities who (a) do not receive and (b) receive area cost adjustment. [28086]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The latest available data are set out in the table. The area cost adjustment reflects relative costs across all salaries as well as other expenses such as higher rates.

  Average Salary, as at March 1993 (provisional), of full-time teachers in the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special education sector

  LEAs which receive area cost adjustment

  Average salary £

  Corporation of London

  22,168

  Inner London Boroughs

  Camden

  22,801

  Greenwich

  22,922

  Hackney

  23,225

  Hammersmith

  22,633

  Islington

  22,501

  Kensington and Chelsea

  22,490

  Lambeth

  23,680

  Lewisham

  23,153

  Southwark

  23,475

  Tower Hamlets

  23,062

  Wandsworth

  22,546

  Westminster

  22,920

  Outer London Boroughs

  Barking

  21,926

  Barnet

  21,508

  Bexley

  21,572

  Brent

  23,743

  Bromley

  22,001

  Croydon

  21,881

  Ealing

  21,960

  Enfield

  21,841

  Haringey

  23,232

  Harrow

  21,437

  Havering

  21,646

  Hillingdon

  21,683

  Houslow

  21,136

  Kingston upon Thames

  21,698

  Merton

  22,307

  Newham

  22,603

  Redbridge

  21,849

  Richmond upon Thames

  21,171

  Sutton

  21,770

  Waltham Forest

  21,721

  418

  Average Salary, as at March 1993 (provisional), of full-time teachers in the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special education sector

  LEAs which receive area cost adjustment

  Average salary £

  Shire Counties

  Bedfordshire

  20,461

  Berkshire

  20,672

  Buckinghamshire

  20,554

  East Sussex

  20,402

  Essex

  20,945

  Hampshire

  20,415

  Hertfordshire

  20,835

  Kent

  20,787

  Oxfordshire

  20,545

  Surrey

  20,955

  West Sussex

  20,646

  Isle of Scilly

  20,361

  Isle of Wight

  20,294

  Average salary, as at March 1993 (provisional), or full-time teachers in the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special education sector

  LEAs which do not receive area cost adjustment

  Average Salary £

  Metropolitan Authorities

  Birmingham

  20,552

  Coventry

  20,877

  Dudley

  20,368

  Sandwell

  20,644

  Solihull

  20,452

  Walsall

  20,571

  Wolverhampton

  20,586

  Knowsley

  20,559

  Liverpool

  20,573

  St. Helens

  20,888

  Sefton

  20,511

  Wirral

  20,782

  Bolton

  20,155

  Bury

  20,372

  Manchester

  21,367

  Oldham

  20,158

  Rochdale

  20,880

  Salford

  20,434

  Stockport

  20,469

  Tameside

  20,415

  Trafford

  20,584

  Wigan

  21,059

  Barnsley

  20,182

  Doncaster

  20,431

  Rotherham

  20,340

  Sheffield

  20,989

  Bradford

  20,231

  Calderdale

  20,553

  Kirklees

  20,443

  Leeds

  20,778

  Wakefield

  20,295

  Gateshead

  20,777

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  20,495

  North Tyneside

  20,506

  South Tyneside

  20,397

  Sunderland

  20,196

  Shire Counties

  Avon

  20,402

  Cambridgeshire

  20,285

  Cheshire

  20,641

  419

  Average salary, as at March 1993 (provisional), or full-time teachers in the maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special education sector

  LEAs which do not receive area cost adjustment

  Average Salary £

  Cleveland

  20,425

  Cornwall

  20,752

  Cumbria

  20,511

  Derbyshire

  20,651

  Devon

  20,441

  Dorset

  20,525

  Durham

  20,414

  Gloucestershire

  20,453

  Hereford and Worcester

  20,732

  Humberside

  20,671

  Lancashire

  20,512

  Leicestershire

  20,556

  Lincolnshire

  20,663

  Norfolk

  20,653

  North Yorkshire

  20,526

  Norhtamptonshire

  20,372

  Northumberland

  20,623

  Nottinghamshire

  20,732

  Shropshire

  20,655

  Somerset

  20,795

  Staffordshire

  20,656

  Suffolk

  20,372

  Warwickshire

  20,551

  Wiltshire

  20,491

  Source: Database of Teacher Records.

  Note:

  Average salary includes all allowances eg London allowance.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Disability Living Allowance
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the total number of claimants experiencing delays in respect of appeals over disability living allowance giving the figures(a) in total and (b) for each month of delay. [26785]

  Mr. Hague
  The information is not available in the form requested. However, I am advised by the President of the Independent Tribunal Service that, as at 31 May, the case load of the disability appeal tribunal central office, which has responsibility within the independent tribunal service for processing appeals to disability appeal tribunals, was 19,808. This figure includes, in addition to disability living allowance appeals, appeals against attendance allowance, mobility allowance and disability working allowance decisions. It is made up as follows:

  (i) Appeals which have been lodged with DATCO but are awaiting the adjudication officer's submission from the Benefits Agency—4,782;

  (ii) Adjourned appeals which are awaiting further information before they can be prepared for re-listing—1,648;

  (iii) Appeals for which DATCO has received the submission but which are not yet ready to list for hearing because they have not completed the pre-listing procedures—6,945;

  (iv) Appeals on which the pre-listing procedures have been completed and which are ready for listing—3,506;

  (v) Appeals which have been listed but not yet heard—2,927

  The average clearance time for an appeal to a disability appeal tribunal, that is from lodgment of the appeal to date of hearing, is 23 weeks.>

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the proposed changes in the calculations of housing benefit entitlement will not put at risk people with special needs whose rent covers a degree of social support given to them by their landlords. [26874]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently received the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee following its public consultation on the proposed changes to housing benefit. We will be considering carefully the position of housing where the rent covers a degree of social support as part of our response to the report.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he plans to lay the new housing benefit regulations before Parliament. [28193]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently considering the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee following its public consultation on the proposed changes. He is also considering views expressed by the local authority associations. We intend to lay regulations before Parliament around the end of June.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the total amount of money spent by the Government on their family credit scheme in each year since the scheme's inception. [27261]

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

  Family credit

  Financial year

  Expenditure (£ million)2

  1988–89

  394

  1989–90

  425

  1990–91

  494

  1991–92

  626

  1992–93

  929

  1993–94

  1,208

  1994–95

  31,480

  1 Source:

  Social security departmental report.

  2 The figures for the cost to public funds include benefit expenditure only. They exclude administration costs.

  3 Estimate.

  Incomes and Benefits
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the real income changes in the value of benefits to(a) single person, (b) a single parent with one child, (c) a single parent with two children, (d) a married couple and (e) a married couple with one and two children between 1979 and the latest available date; and if he will estimate the real increase in the average take-home pay of (i) a single person, (ii) a single parent and (iii) a married couple, including child benefit, over the same period. [27221]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  It is not possible to provide information in the form requested. Average earnings are not available by family type and benefits payable to different family types will depend on their individual circumstances and, in some cases, family composition.
  421
  Government policy is to uprate benefits each year in line with inflation. In addition, since 1988, extra help now worth over £1 billion in real terms has been made available to low-income families with children through income-related benefits.

  EU Social Security Costs
  Mr. Cash
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to require the funding in each member state of(a) social security costs and (b) state pension costs under the budgetary and expenditure arrangements of the Community. [27771]

  Mr. Hague
  No. The Government believe that member states should remain responsible for the funding of their own social security and state pension costs through their own budgetary and expenditure arrangements.

  Incapacity Credits
  Ms Primarolo
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if people in receipt of invalidity or incapacity benefit are entitled to class 1 national insurance payments. [27901]

  Mr. Hague
  Yes. A person in receipt of invalidity benefit prior to 13 April this year or incapacity benefit thereafter is entitled to be credited with earnings equal to the lower earnings limit for class 1 national insurance contributions in respect of each week of incapacity.

  Habitual Residence Test
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what estimate his Department has made of the number of dependent children with United Kingdom citizenship who may no longer qualify for benefit as a result of the changes in social security regulations dealing with the criterion of habitual residence; and if he will make a statement. [27823]

  Less than £58.001 pw

  £58–£104.99 pw

  £105–£149.99 pw

  £150–£204.99 pw

  £205–£439.99 pw

  £440+ pw

  Full year

  nil

  75

  115

  245

  1,395

  1,085

  First year

  nil

  65

  105

  220

  1,250

  970

  1 The current lower earnings limit is £58.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the revenue which would be raised by charging employers' national insurance contributions at 20 per cent. for weekly incomes in excess of £1,000. [28145]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The additional revenue is estimated at £1.65 billion in a full year.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the cost of abolishing employers' national insurance contributions for employees on weekly earnings of up to and including £204.99. [28146]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The estimated cost is £2.5 billion in a full year.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the annual cost to the Exchequer of raising the starting point for paying employee national insurance contributions to the
  422
  Mr. Roger Evans
  Dependent children are not entitled to income support, housing benefit or council tax benefit in their own right. No estimate has been made of the number of adult claimants with such dependent children who are not entitled to these benefits because they do not satisfy the habitual residence criteria.

  Child Support
  Ms Lynne
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research he is undertaking to establish to what extent unpaid child support payments are being improperly avoided; and to what extent they represent a genuine inability to pay. [27946]

  Mr. Burt
  The 1995–96 Department of Social Security research programme includes a planned survey of absent parents. It is intended that the survey will consider all aspects of the impact of the Child Support Act 1991.

  Where arrears of child support maintenance are due, the Child Support Agency will contact the absent parent to discuss means of repayment, including reasonable instalment arrangements. In cases where the absent parent refuses to make repayment, appropriate, action to collect and enforce the arrears will be taken. The proposed departure scheme will provide additional help for the small numbers facing genuine difficulties in making payment of maintenance because of exceptional circumstances.

  National Insurance
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the costs to the Exchequer of reducing the rate of employers national insurance contributions by 1 per cent. for each of the ranges of weekly earnings(a) below £59, (b) between £59 and £104.99, (c) between £105 and £149.99, (d) between £150 and £204.99, (e) between £205 and £440 and (f) above £440. [28147]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information in respect of the 1995–96 year is in the table.

  weekly earnings equivalent of the annual sum of £3,525; and what is his estimate of the number of individuals who would cease to be liable to pay employee national insurance contributions if such a change were to be implemented. [28144]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The estimated reduction in national insurance contributions from employees would be some £450 million a year. At any one time some 500,000 employees, the majority of whom would be women in part-time employment, would no longer pay contributions.

  This answer assumes that employers would continue to pay contributions starting at the lower earnings limit and that there would be no change to the range of earnings governing benefit entitlements.

  (Estimates based on rates for 1995–96 and the April 1994 new earnings survey).

  Source:

  Government Actuary's Department.

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