Written Answers of 28 March 1995

TREASURY

  Russia (Loans)
  Mr. Elletson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the sizes of current and projected International Monetary Fund loans to Russia; and if he will make a statement.

  Mr. Nelson
  Special drawing rights 719 million was drawn under a first credit tranche stand-by arrangements approved in August 1992. Loans totalling SDR 2,156 billion were made in the form of purchases under the systemic transformation facility in July 1993 and April 1994.

  The IMF board will shortly be considering a request from the Russian Federation for a stand-by arrangement equivalent to SDR 4,313.1 million.

  Schedule D
  Mr. Berry
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the yearly gross taxation revenue, and net tax yield after allowance under schedule D from 714s and SC6Os over the last five years. [16394]

  Sir George Young
  It is impossible to provide details of the tax revenue, gross or net, from 714-holding subcontractors. But deductions made by contractors from payment to subcontractors, on account of tax and national insurance contributions, which are paid over to the Revenue under the SC60 system have been running at about £1 billion per annum over the last five years. Part of this will be repayable to the subcontractors, although the amount is unquantifiable.

  South Thames TEC
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Inland Revenue proposes to petition for the compulsory winding-up of South Thames training and enterprise council. [16298]

  Sir George Young
  The normal rules of Inland Revenue confidentiality preclude provision of information about the affairs of named individuals and entities.

  Bank of England
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what part is played by the Bank of England in determining monetary policy; and if he will make a statement; [16987]

  (2) if he will make it his policy to ensure that public pronouncements by officials of the Bank of England purporting to state or interpret Government policy are submitted to his office for prior approval. [16989]

  Mr. Nelson
  The Bank of England is an important source of advice to the Government on monetary policy.514
  The advice the Governor gives at his monthly meeting with my right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor is now open to parliamentary and public scrutiny through publication of the minutes. The bank also publishes its own independent inflation report. However, all monetary policy decisions are the responsibility of my right hon. and learned Friend.

  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on how many occasions Her Majesty's Customs and Excise investigated the importation of obscene material in the five years prior to 1993–94; and in how many of these cases prosecutions resulted. [16798]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The information requested is not available in that form. Centrally collated statistics for the period prior to 1991–92 do not distinguish between cases detected and cases where, following a detection, a full investigation was undertaken. In many cases when the detection involved only very small quantities of prohibited material a full investigation would not be justified and offence action is confined to the seizure of the offending goods.

  Between 1 April 1988 and 31 March 1993 the following numbers of individuals were prosecuted by Her Majesty's Customs and Excise in connection with importation of indecent or obscene material:

  April 1988—March 1989: 105

  April 1989—March 1990: 98

  April 1990—March 1991: 88

  April 1991—March 1992: 52

  April 1992—March 1993: 48

  From 1 April 1991 records have been kept centrally on the numbers of full investigations which have followed from Customs detections and the following information is available. Between 1 April 1991 and 31 March 1993 Customs launched full investigations in the following numbers of cases of importation of obscene or indecent material:

  April 1991—March 1992: 106

  April 1992—March 1993: 94

  National Fund
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the present value and status of the national fund; and what was the effect of the recent collapse of Barings on the valuation of the fund. [16802]

  Mr. Nelson
  The value of the national fund at 16 March 1995 was £114 million. The trustees of the fund are Baring Brothers and Co Ltd. The valuation of the fund has not been affected by the recent collapse of Barings.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when the last White Paper was produced which covered the latest position of the national fund. [16804]

  Mr. Nelson
  The last White Paper which covered the latest position of the national fund was produced in December 1984, giving a statement of the progress of the fund during the years ended 31 March 1982 and 31 March 1983.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what fee or other monetary benefit is obtained periodically by the trustees of the national fund. [16806]
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  Mr. Nelson
  A management fee is paid annually to the trustees. In the financial year 1992–93 the fee amounted to £118,719.

  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to change the trustees of the national fund, following the takeover of Barings by ING Bank of the Netherlands. [16801]

  Mr. Nelson
  The Chancellor has no powers to change the trustees of the national fund. The trustees were chosen by the original donor who provided anonymously the gift which established the fund in 1927.

  Tax Fraud
  Mr. Pope
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many Inland Revenue staff are currently employed in the prevention of tax fraud; and what was the financial benefit of such work in the last financial year for which figures are available. [16824]

  Sir George Young
  It is not possible to identify the number of Inland Revenue staff engaged purely in the prevention of tax fraud. But about 4,500 staff were involved in counter-evasion work—including the investigation of suspected fraud—during the year 1993–94. The total yield from this work was approximately £1.5 billion.

  Smuggled Drugs
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the value of smuggled drugs seized by Customs officers in Wales in each of the last three years. [16843]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Customs officers operate within geographically-based Executive units called collections. Wales is covered by two collections: South Wales and Borders; and Liverpool. It is therefore difficult to give accurate statistics for Wales as a whole. However, the street level value of seized drugs for the Welsh locations in these collections for each of the past three years is:

  Year

  1992 £

  1993 £

  1994 £

  Value

  768,261

  15,385,870

  38,926,638

  National Debt
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the value of the national debt for each year since 1965. [16805]

  Mr. Aitken
  The table shows the national debt, in nominal terms and as a percentage of GDP, at the end of each financial year since 1965.

  National Debt

  End March

  £ billion

  Percentage of GDP1

  1965

  30.441

  87.42

  1966

  31.341

  84.31

  1967

  31.986

  81.58

  1968

  34.194

  81.47

  1969

  33.984

  74.66

  1970

  33.079

  66.85

  516

  National Debt

  End March

  £ billion

  Percentage of GDP1

  1971

  33.442

  60.59

  1972

  35.840

  58.29

  1973

  36.885

  52.05

  1974

  40.125

  50.83

  1975

  45.925

  46.65

  1976

  56.572

  47.93

  1977

  67.166

  48.54

  1978

  79.180

  49.49

  1979

  86.885

  46.83

  1980

  95.314

  43.15

  1981

  113.036

  46.23

  1982

  118.390

  44.13

  1983

  127.927

  43.71

  1984

  142.884

  45.36

  1985

  158.029

  46.11

  1986

  171.367

  46.20

  1987

  185.814

  45.85

  1988

  197.430

  43.88

  1989

  197.320

  39.66

  1990

  192.981

  35.68

  1991

  198.703

  35.00

  1992

  214.528

  36.20

  1993

  248.781

  40.11

  1994

  306.897

  46.62

  1GDP adjusted for the abolition of domestic rates, centred on end-March.

  Trusts
  Mr. Matthew Banks
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has to amend the Trustee Investments Act 1961 to relax the proportion of wider to narrower range investments for all trusts in line with the change announced for charities. [17105]

  Mr. Nelson
  I am able to announce that the Government intend to undertake a consultation exercise to establish the views of trustees, and other interested parties, on the proposal to amend the Trustee Investments Act 1961 to increase the proportion of wider to narrower range investments from 50:50 to 75:25 for all trusts. A consultation document has been issued for this purpose.

  Bank of England Deputy Governor
  Mr. Campbell-Savours
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he intends to consult with members of the official Opposition on the appointment of a replacement deputy governor of the Bank of England; [16302]

  (2) what account is taken of conflicts of interest in appointing a replacement deputy governor to the Bank of England; [16304]

  (3) if the contract for the appointment of a replacement deputy governor of the Bank of England will preclude severance, redundancy, or ex-gratia payments for termination of appointment for loss of earnings during any remaining contract period after the next general election; [16303]

  (4) if he will publish the terms and conditions of the contract in the case of the appointment and employment of the replacement deputy governor of the Bank of England. [16305]
  517
  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The appointment and employment of the deputy governor is covered by the Bank of England Act 1946 and the bank's charter. The deputy governor is required to give his exclusive services to the bank. The terms and conditions of employment of the deputy governor are matters for the bank's court of directors who act on the advice of the remuneration committee of non-executive directors. It is not the bank's practice to publish details beyond what is included on remuneration in the bank's annual reports and accounts.

  It is not the practice to consult members of the official Opposition about appointments of deputy governors of the Bank of England.

  Advice Centres
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 22 March,Official Report, column 240, what factors led him to decide against considering relief on VAT on fuel for advice centres. [16637]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: As a general principle, selective reliefs from VAT, such as that suggested for advice centres, would complicate the operation and administration of the VAT system; create borderlines which would be difficult to define and so become matters of ambiguity and dispute; and cause inequity of treatment. Selective reliefs of this sort are therefore an unwelcome feature of any tax system.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that his ministerial management information system for establishing objectives for his Department, includes deregulation objectives(a) for him and (b) for each of the Ministers within his Department. [15560]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: Inland Revenue's and Customs and Excise's current management plans give the Department's deregulation objectives which are also reflected at all planning levels within each department. Copies are available in the Library.

  The Treasury's latest departmental report—Cm 2817—sets out the department's mission and strategic objectives. These include strengthening the long-term performance of the economy by improving the use of resources and the efficiency of markets. Deregulation is a key ingredient.

  Each Treasury Minister pursues deregulation in the policy areas for which he is responsible. I am the Minister with special responsibility for promoting deregulation across all the Chancellor's Departments.

  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what targets he has for withdrawing regulations within his Department. [15557]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 27 March 1995, Official Report, column 435, by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Corporate Affairs.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Press Officers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many press officers there are in(a) his Department, excluding the Overseas Development Administration, and (b) the Overseas Development Administration currently; and what the figures were in 1979. [16562]

  Mr. Goodlad
  There are currently nine press officers employed in the FCO news department compared with 11 in 1979.

  The comparable figures for the ODA press office are three and three.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much contracts with the private sector cost; and if he will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16292]

  Mr. Goodlad
  The FCO diplomatic wing spent £17.6 million in 1993–94 on various forms of publicity about Britain, almost entirely for use overseas. Virtually all this sum was for products and services supplied either by the Central Office of Information or the private sector.

  Only £390,000 was for publicity material intended primarily for distribution in the United Kingdom, of which consular advice and information accounted for £295,000. Contracts with the private sector were for the printing and production of booklets ad leaflets.

  The ODA spent £448,000 in 1993–94 on editorial work, publications and exhibitions. £105,000 of this was for private sector contract for set-up costs and organisation of the mobile exhibition as part of a regional campaign to promote awareness of overseas development issues.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what guidelines his Department has issued to its agencies and other public bodies under its authority in respect of the employment of public relations companies and the procedures to be adopted in relation to requesting tenders for public relations companies. [16273]

  Mr. Goodlad
  This Department has not issued guidance in respect of the employment of public relations companies.

  The FCO diplomatic wing's agency—the Wilton Park conference centre—uses the FCO's standard guidance on purchasing and supply and its senior staff have participated in relevant FCO training courses. The aid wing's agency—the National Resource Institute, uses similar guidance from the Overseas Development Administration. The FCO has not provided its public bodies with guidance on tendering.

  Indonesia
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the exact dates of ministerial visits to Indonesia since 1 January 1990(a) naming the Ministers and (b) the reason for the visit in each case. [16508]
  519
  Mr. Goodlad
  As part of our efforts to promote good bilateral relations with the Governments of south east Asia, Foreign Office Ministers visited Indonesia from 14 to 18 June 1990—Lord Brabazon—28 April to 2 May 1991—Lord Caithness—12 to 15 October 1992—Mr. Goodlad—3 to 5 April 1993—Secretary of State—and 6 to 7 April 1994—Mr. Goodlad.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Indonesia about the arrest of three non-Governmental organisations activists from the Alliance of Independent Journalists and one from PIJAR, between 10 March and 17 March in Jakarta; and when he next intends to raise these cases with the Government of Indonesia. [16504]

  Mr. Goodlad
  Our embassy staff in Jakarta are following developments in these cases closely. Once we are fully aware of the facts, we will decide, in consultation with EU partners, whether an approach to the Indonesian authorities would be appropriate.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he had on the issue of the human rights record of Indonesia, with particular reference to East Timor when he last met Senator Gareth Evans, Foreign Secretary of the Federal Government of Australia. [16416]

  Mr. Goodlad
  It is not our practice to disclose details of such discussions.

  Rwanda
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how the judges for the international tribunal for Rwanda are to be selected; and what United Kingdom involvement there will be at(a) the judicial and (b) any other level. [16602]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The Secretary General has invited states to nominate candidates as judges of the trial chambers of the international criminal court for Rwanda. Nominations will be forwarded to the Security Council which will draw up a shortlist of between 12 and 18 candidates. From that list the General Assembly will elect six judges.

  We are currently seeking to identify a candidate for a judge's position. We are also looking for personnel to work within the prosecutor's office.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which states have indicated their willingness to accept responsibility for the custody of convicted persons from the Rwanda genocide tribunal. [16600]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The statute of the international criminal tribunal for Rwanda states:Imprisonment shall be served in Rwanda or any of the States on a list of States which have indicated to the Security Council their willingness to accept convicted persons, as designated by the International Tribunal for Rwanda

  States have not yet been called upon to indicate whether they are willing to detain convicted persons.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action is being taken by the UN authorities to prevent the training of Hutu militiamen in or near Rwandan refugee camps in Zaire. [16599]
  520
  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is working in partnership with the Government of Zaire to ensure security in the camps. We have contributed £0.5 million towards the costs of the international liaison group established to oversee the agreement. The United Nations has no mandate to take further action within Zaire as the Government of Zaire are responsible for the governance of their own territory.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which Governments have made contributions to the trust fund for the international tribunal for Rwanda. [16601]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Contributions to the trust fund for the international tribunal for Rwanda have been pledged or contributed by Switzerland, New Zealand, Chile, Norway, the USA, Israel and Lebanon.

  The United Kingdom has pledged £200,000 towards the cost of seconding British personnel to the tribunal.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of producing and circulating the last departmental annual report; what was the circulation list; how many copies were produced; how many copies were sold; and at what price. [16646]

  Mr. Goodlad
  Publication and marketing of the FCO's—including the ODA—1995 departmental report, cover price £16.70, are the responsibility of HMSO.

  Some 2,000 copies of the report were distributed directly by the FCO to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, key contacts within Government and aid organisations overseas, the media and members of staff. The FCO and ODA spent £33,023 on art work for the 1995 report.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost of producing and circulating the departmental annual report for each of the last 10 years in real terms. [16647]

  Mr. Goodlad
  Publication and marketing of the FCO's—including the Overseas Development Administration—Departmental report are the responsibility of HMSO.

  Departmental Reports were published for the first time in 1991. The cost in real terms of art work for the last three years of publication was as follows:

  1993: £17,524

  1994: £26,333

  1995: £33,023

  Figures for previous years are not available.

  Iraq
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress the Government of Iraq has made in identifying the fate of Kuwaitis missing since the Gulf war. [16607]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  Iraq has submitted its initial findings on a number of the 607 International Committee of the Red Cross case files on the detainees passed to Iraq over two years ago. The response has not been sufficient to enable any of the files to be closed. We have made clear to the Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister that the lack of
  521
  progress to date is unacceptable. The United Kingdom will continue to play a role in the tripartite commission and its technical sub-committee set up last December to speed up the review of ICRC case files.

  Stability Pact
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EU conference on regional stability held in Paris. [15687]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  The stability pact concluding conference which took place in Paris on 20–21 March was attended by all participating States of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The Pact's aim has been to help nine prospective members of the EU—Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania—resolve problems, especially concerning frontiers and minorities, before enlargement, by promoting good neighbourliness on the basis of OSCE principles. The conference adopted the stability pact and transferred it to the OSCE which is entrusted with its implementation. The EU joint action under the common foreign and security policy has now been successfully completed.

  Mr. Stephen Crouch
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 23 February what was the nature of the discussions which took place with Mr. Stephen Crouch at the British Embassy in Amman in September 1994. [16722]

  Mr. Douglas Hogg
  No discussions were held at the British embassy, Amman in September 1994 between officials and Mr. Stephen Crouch. A member of the embassy staff encountered Mr. Crouch at a reception in honour of Qatar's national day. No issues of substance were discussed.

  Foreign Affairs Council
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the Foreign Affairs Council held in Brussels on 6 March 1995. [17205]

  Mr. David Davis
  The chairman of the Consultative Commission on Racism and Xenophobia—established by the Corfu European Council in June 1994—briefed the Council on proposals for a racism-xenophobia observatory and for education support targeted on urban areas.

  On openness and transparency, Danish proposals were remitted to the Committee of Permanent Representatives for further work.

  The Commission described the state of play in negotiations with Israel, Morocco and Tunisia, and the presidency briefed the Council on preparations for the forthcoming Euro-Mediteranean conference.

  The Council discussed relations with Russia, and in particular preparations for the visit to Moscow on 9 March by Foreign Ministers of the Troika.

  The Council discussed the situation in former Yugoslavia and agreed a negotiating mandate for a trade and co-operation agreement with Croatia.
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  The Commission presented a report on economic reform in Malta.

  On Ukraine, the Council discussed progress in implementing the action plan on energy sector reform which was launched at the G7 summit in Naples in July 1994.

  The presidency reported to the Council on the Troika ministerial visit to the middle east from 7 to 10 February.

  There was a discussion on candidates for the position of executive director of UNICEF.

  A partnership and co-operation agreement between the EU and Belarus was signed.

  A Co-operation Council with Lebanon was held, at which it was agreed to open negotiations for a new EU/Lebanon agreement.

  The presidency and the Commission discussed the preparations for the concluding conference to adopt the stability pact, which will take place in Paris on 20 to 21 March.

  There was a further discussion of EDF VIII. No agreement was reached.

  Agreement was reached on the abolition of quotas for ACP light rum and rum from the overseas countries and territories—OCT. A reduction of excise tax was also approved for exports of rum from the French overseas departments to metropolitan France. A quota on ACP traditional rum was set at 58,000 hectolitres, rising by 3,000 hectolitres each year before abolition in the year 2000. A declaration proposing support for Spanish sugar producers was remitted to COREPER for further discussion.

  The Council agreed by qualified majority, with only Spain voting against, to increase the Community quotas on imports from China, to take account of the Community's enlargement. Some of the quotas were redefined, to exclude products not made in the Community such as work gloves and certain sports footwear. The quotas on toys were further increased as originally proposed by the Commission in July 1994.

  The Council confirmed its support for Signor Renato Ruggiero's candidature for the director-generalship of the World Trade Organisation, and issued a declaration urging others to support him in the current round of consultations in Geneva.

  Sir Leon Brittan introduced a Commission paper on trade and investment. The paper examines how best to liberalise investment flows world-wide. It will be discussed at the April meeting of the Council.

  There was unanimous agreement on a Council statement rejecting the Canadian demand for a 60-day moratorium on the disputed Greenland halibut fishery pending bilateral discussions, and condemning the extension of Canadian enforcement powers on Spanish and Portuguese fishing vessels beyond their 200-mile limit.

  The presidency noted agreement on the importance of securing a successful outcome to the forthcoming non-proliferation treaty review conference.

  The presidency noted the Council's agreement that the Political Committee should examine the Council of Europe additional protocol on the cultural rights of minorities.

  The Council agreed a negotiating mandate for a European agreement with Slovenia.
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  The Council agreed on the terms of Customs Union with Turkey, together with the resumption of EU financial assistance. An Association Council with Turkey was held, attended by the Turkish Prime Minister.

  The A points listed in Commission document 5342–95 were agreed unanimously, with the exception of number 22 which was withdrawn. A copy of this document is available in the Library of the House.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Ludlow (Mr. Gill) of 17 March,Official Report, column 726, relating to legal aid provision, how the merits of the case are assessed; and in what ways and by what process the relevant guidelines can be modified. [16797]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  An applicant for civil legal aid must satisfy the board that he has reasonable grounds for taking, defending or being a party to the proceedings. It must also be reasonable in all the circumstances of the case for legal aid to be granted. This second test permits legal aid to be refused if, for example, the potential financial benefits of litigation seem unlikely to outweigh the probable cost to public funds. The basic merits test is set out in section 15 of the Legal Aid Act 1988, supplemented by the Civil Legal Aid (General) Regulations 1989. In addition, the Legal Aid Board issues guidance on the merits test which is published in the "Legal Aid Handbook". The guidance is amended by the Legal Aid Board when this seems appropriate.

  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how much money has been paid in legal aid for persons whose cases(a) are being considered and (b) are in the stages prior to being considered by (i) the European Court of Justice and (ii) the European Court of Human Rights; and if he will list the number of (1) cases and (2) people involved. [16809]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The information is not readily available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the amount of legal aid paid to Mr. Gordon Foxley. [15448]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The total amount of legal aid paid to lawyers acting on behalf of Mr. Gordon Foxley was £160,228, including VAT. This amount also includes disbursements and other expenses necessarily incurred by the solicitors acting in this case.

  Mr. John Marshall
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if Mr. Gordon Foxley disclosed assets held overseas in his aplication for legal aid. [15449]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Applications for legal aid in criminal proceedings are considered by the court. Section 38 of the Legal Aid Act 1988 prevents the disclosure by the court of any information given to it in connection with a legal aid application.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Financial Statistics
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the cost to the benevolent fund of donations for charitable purposes in(a) England and (b) Great Britain in the last 10 years. [16905]

  Mr. David Hunt
  The information is as follows:

  1985: £31,554

  1986: £46,088

  1987: £61,063

  1988: £81,122

  1989: £99,805

  1990: £119,124

  1991: £129,653

  1992: £161,318

  1993: £149,436

  1994: £168,293 (subject to audit)

  Payments were made to charitable causes in Lancashire, Greater Manchester or Merseyside or those with Duchy connections in the remainder in England. The figures for Great Britain are the same.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what deductions were made to cover the Duchy"s Palatinate and special costs from the total sums paid to the Duchy of Lancaster in the last four years. [16903]

  Mr. David Hunt
  The information is as follows:

  1991: £406,882

  1992: £474,933

  1993: £564,367

  1994: £580,322

  The Duchy solicitors costs of administering devolutions were included in the costs of Palatinate administration and historical obligations in the figures in the parliamentary accounts in 1991 and 1992. In 1993 and 1994 they were shown separately and have therefore been added to the costs for those years.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the income to the Duchy of Lancaster from devolutions in the last four years. [16902]

  Mr. David Hunt
  The information is as follows:

  1991: £938,597

  1992: £1,053,121

  1993: £1,069,028

  1994: £960,295

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the total amounts transferred to the benevolent fund in each of the last four years. [16906]

  Mr. David Hunt
  The information is as follows:

  1991: £531,715

  1992: £578,188

  1993: £504,661

  1994: £379,973

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the cost to the benevolent fund of donations for charitable purposes in Lancashire in the last 10 years. [16904]

  Mr. David Hunt
  To calculate figures for the county of Lancashire for the last 10 years would involve disproportionate cost. However, figures for the Counties
  525
  of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside—the Duchy area—are as follows:

  1985: £21,500

  1986: £29,000

  1987: £47,180

  1988: £59,180

  1989: £75,656

  1990: £88,518

  1991: £93,607

  1992: £121,944

  1993: £127,225

  1994: £148,819 (subject to audit)

  Central Office of Information
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what has been the expenditure on behalf of Government Departments and agencies by the Central Office of Information for each year since 1979, in 1994 prices; and whether he will provide a breakdown to show the division between(a) television advertising, (b) radio advertising, (c) newspaper advertising and (d) all other advertising and publicity. [16725]

  Mr. Horam
  Expenditure by the Central Office of Information on behalf of Government Departments and agencies is set out in the following table. An analysis of expenditure in the form requested is not available for years prior to 1984–85.

  COI Expenditure: 1994 Prices

  £000

  Year

  Television advertising

  Radio advertising

  Press advertising

  Other

  Total

  1984–85

  10,353

  702

  21,275

  72,310

  104,640

  1985–86

  11,471

  1,379

  21,005

  69,165

  103,020

  1986–87

  67,141

  4,835

  48,925

  88,322

  209,223

  1987–88

  63,961

  2,208

  46,254

  84,512

  196,935

  1988–89

  46,435

  2,108

  55,277

  88,403

  192,223

  1989–90

  56,533

  3,445

  50,837

  91,984

  202,799

  1990–91

  57,596

  1,839

  42,805

  85,659

  187,899

  1991–92

  44,694

  2,058

  33,741

  82,569

  163,062

  1992–93

  21,199

  1,784

  22,822

  73,945

  119,750

  1993–94

  29,451

  1,986

  27,888

  68,350

  127,675

  All figures exclusive of VAT.

  Government Information
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the deterrent effects of reported charges by Government Departments or other public bodies in respect of applications for the release of information under the code of practice on access to Government information. [15991]

  Mr. David Hunt
  The great majority of requests for information under the code of practice have been answered without charge. Charges have been made only where requests have required significant additional work. These arrangements reflect the principle that charges should strike an appropriate balance between the interests of the applicant and those of the taxpayer.

  The explanatory leaflet on the code of practice makes clear that charges will not be made without the applicant's being notified in advance and asked if they wish to proceed.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many press officers there are in his Department currently; and what the figure was in 1979. [16554]

  Mr. Horam
  There are currently 10 press officers in my Department. This figure does not include press officers within the Central Office of Information.

  My Department did not exist in any comparable format before May 1992 and figures for 1979 are, therefore, not available.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Astra plc
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those of his officials, including Ministers, who have been in contact with the Ministry of Defence in relation to the attempt by directors to obtain their own copies of documents relating to Astra plc; and if he will list those Ministry of Defence Ministers or officials contacted. [16997]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I am not aware of any contact in this respect between Minister and officials in my Department and Ministers and officials in my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence"s Department.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what evidence he has received of former directors of Astra plc being denied access of their own copies of the board minutes of the Astra Group of companies during the course of his inspectors inquiry. [16996]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  None.

  Company Directors" Documents
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the policy of his Department in relation to the availability to directors of companies who are subject to a DTI inspectors investigation of their own personal copies of the board minutes and related documents; and if he will make a statement. [16995]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Inspectors appointed under the Companies Act 1985 are primarily concerned with company records. Where documents are referred to in the questioning by the inspectors of directors or others, the usual practice is for the inspectors to provide copies or allow sight of such documents. The inspectors might ask to see personal papers of directors if, for example, the company's records are incomplete or if they are considered otherwise relevant.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what potential he sees for the use of the order making power as set out in the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994 to reduce the burden on small businesses. [16672]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The Government recognise that small businesses are particularly vulnerable to
  527
  over-regulation, whether arising from legislative provisions, administrative requirements or enforcement. The deregulation order-making power provides a useful new means of reducing burdens arising form primary legislation.

  A list of potential candidates for the use of the power was included in the publication "Cutting Red Tape", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House. We would welcome any suggestions for further ways in which the power could be used to reduce burdens on business—and particularly small business—arising from primary legislation.

  Rugby Radio Station
  Sir Peter Emery
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many persons who have been employed at Rugby radio station are known to have developed cancer.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  This is a matter for the board of British Telecommunications.

  Classified Directory Advertising
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will consider referring "Thomsons Yellow Pages" and the market in directory advertising to the Director General of Fair Trading; [16484]

  (2) what assessments he has made of the competitiveness of the market in directory advertising for small businesses; [16483]

  (3) if he will insist on the introduction of compensation schemes for small businesses whose entries in advertising directories are published inaccurately.[16485]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  The market for the supply of classified directory advertising services was referred to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission by the Director General of Fair Trading on 1 March. The MMC is due to report to my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade by 29 December. It would be inappropriate for me to comment until the MMC has reported its findings. However, the hon. Member should bring any concerns to the attention of the MMC so that they may be taken into account during the inquiry.

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Mr. Hoyle
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade for what reasons the chemical weapons convention has not yet been ratified. [14654]

  Mr. Rooney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to ratify the chemical weapons convention. [14649]

  Mr. Heseltine
  Legislation is required before the UK can ratify the chemical weapons convention. This will be introduced as soon as parliamentary time and the Government"s other legislative priorities permit.

  Regional Selective Assistance
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total value of regional selective assistance grants made in each assisted area since 1992 in(a) cash terms and (b) constant 1994 prices. [16404]

  Mr. Eggar
  Information on the amount of regional selective assistance paid is published in the "Annual Report of the Industrial Development Act 1982". GDP deflators to convert expenditure to constant prices are 528
  published in the public expenditure statistical supplement to the "Financial Statement and Budget Report". Both publications are available in the Library of the House.

  Defence Diversification
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will publish details of his Department's research into defence industries diversification and the sums of money spent on diversification research projects in each of the last 10 years and in total. [14639]

  Mr. Eggar
  The Department of Trade and Industry has undertaken no formal research into defence industries diversification during the last 10 years. It will, however, be participating in a NATO advanced studies institute on defence diversification to be held in Scotland in July this year, to which it is contributing £5,662 in support of costs.

  Post Offices, London
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what discussions he or anyone in his Department has had on the future of(a) Crouch End and (b) Wood Green post offices with Post Office Counters Ltd. [16200]

  Mr. Page
  Decisions about the location and organisation of individual post offices are the responsibility of Post Office management, not the Government. Therefore, neither my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade nor any member of my Department has had any discussions with Post Office Counters Ltd. on the future of Crouch End and Wood Green post offices.

  Accounts Service Agency
  Mr. McNamara
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what are the costs, in total, to his Department in relation to the contractorisation of the Accounts Service Agency; what is the breakdown of these costs between(a) the annual cost of the CSL Group Holdings Ltd. contract, (b) the annual cost of the contract monitoring unit, (c) the annual cost of the policy work transferred from the ASA to the finance and resource management division, (d) the annual cost of any other department overheads previously borne by the ASA and (e) the cost of the contracting-out process, written off over the contract period in respect of (i) redundancy or early retirement, (ii) solicitors' advice, (iii) consultancy fees and (iv) departmental costs. [15211]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 23 March 1995]: The process of contracting out the services provided by the Accounts Services Agency has yet to be completed. At this stage therefore many of the associated financial details can only be estimated. Estimates for the various elements are:

  a) the annual cost of the contract with CSL Group Ltd. cannot be determined in advance. It will be a volume contract where the price paid will be determined by the level of services demanded. The schedule of rates cannot be revealed because it is commercially confidential;

  b) and c) the policy work to be transferred from ASA to the finance and resource management division of DTI will be undertaken by the accounts services management unit which will also manage the contract. The annual cost of ASMU, including overheads, will be £307,500 falling to £256,500 after the first year;

  529

  d) as a result of the contracting out of the Department's overhead attributed to accounts services will fall from £99,000 to £45,000 per annum; and

  e) a breakdown of the costs of the contracting-out process could reveal information of a confidential nature, both commercial and personal. The estimated annualised total cost of the items requested is £163,000.

  Defence Export Licences
  Mr. Fatchett
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the items of surplus Ministry of Defence equipment for which an export licence was granted in the last year for which information is available, giving the total number of items involved and the recipient of the export licences in each case. [15811]

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: It has been the policy of successive Administrations not to disclose details about export licences that have been issued. In any event, it would not be possible to identify all such equipment from records.

  Executive Agencies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the jobs that have been lost to agencies in his Department in the past two years that have(a) been taken over by contractors and (b) disappeared.

  Mr. Ian Taylor
  [holding answer 15 March 1995]: I have asked the chief executives of the agencies to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from John Hobday to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 21 March 1995:
  I refer to your recent question to the President of the Board of Trade concerning the loss of jobs in the Department of Trade and Industry over the past two years as a result of their being taken over by contractors and subsequently disappearing.
  No jobs have been lost for this reason in the Accounts Services Agency.

  Letter from David Durham to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  You recently tabled a Parliamentary Question regarding the loss of jobs in agencies over the past two year as a result of contracting out of work.
  In Companies House over the past two years there have been no jobs lost due to the employment of contractors.

  Letter from Peter Joyce to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about jobs which have been lost in The Insolvency Service in the past two years.
  One post has been lost as a result of work being taken over by a contractor. Forty five posts have been saved through the introduction of a computerised local office information system in The Service's Official Receivers' offices (with a further forty five posts to be saved in 1995–96). Adjustments have been made in the grading of a small number of posts to reflect changing requirements of The Service's work.

  Letter from R. D. Worswick to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply for the Laboratory of the Government Chemist to your question about jobs lost at Agencies in the DTI during the last two years.
  The number of posts in LGC has reduced by 42 since 1 April 1993, of which less than half can be attributed to having been lost due to market tests by customers in Government. During this period, however, LGC has been successful in winning work in other areas.
  530
  Letter from W. Edgar to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  I would refer to your Parliamentary Question to the President to the Board of Trade concerning the number of jobs in this agency in the past two years which have been taken over by contractors or have disappeared. The only jobs which have been taken over by contractors are those associated with the reprographics unit, this resulted in the loss of 4 jobs. During the period from 1 April 1993 to the present time the reduction in staff numbers, in addition to those lost in the reprographic section has been 126. These staff reductions were found to be necessary to tailor the size of the organisation to match the market demand for our services.

  Letter from Dr. Peter Clapham to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply to your question about jobs lost to agencies in DTI in the past two years. This reply concerns my Agency, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).
  The number of staff in NPL has reduced from 786 on 1 March 1993 to 666 on 1 March 1995. Over the same period the number of casual employees has increased from 18 to 54 and the Laboratory also currently uses 29 agency or other staff whereas the number was about 10 two years ago. Therefore some 65 posts have been lost in the last two years.
  I trust this provides the information you require.

  Letter from Seton Bennett to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  The President of the Board of Trade has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory to your question about jobs lost to Agencies in DTI during the last two years.
  No job in this Agency has been taken over by contractors in this period, although the number of posts in NWML has been reduced from 48 on 1 April 1993 to 46 on the same date this year.

  Letter from P.R.S. Harntack to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  I have been asked to reply (with respect to the Patent Office) to a question—number 94—which you recently tabled in The House.
  Overall numbers in the Patent Office declined from 1,073 end of February 1993 to 964 at end February this year, so 109 posts have disappeared. These totals include staff not directly employed by the Office, but provided through clerical and IT manpower agencies. Their numbers increased from 53 to 76, so an additional 23 jobs have been 'contracted out'.
  No other work has been taken over by contractors during this period.
  I hope that this is helpful.

  Letter from Jim Norton to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 28 March 1995:
  As you know, I have been asked to answer, in relation to the Radiocommunications Agency, your question to the President of the Board of Trade about jobs lost to agencies in the past two years that have (a) been taken over by contractors and (b) disappeared.
  On 31 March 1993, the Agency had a complement of 565 with 524.5 staff in post. The comparable figures on 31 March 1994 were 580 and 534 respectively. At the present time, RA has a complement of 582 and 552.5 staff in post. During the period, following market testing, ships' radio licensing is being contracted out with effect from 1 April 1995 with the loss of 6 Agency posts.
  I should emphasise that the Agency has succeeded in meeting demanding efficiency targets set by Ministers in each of the years in question. The figures reflect strongly growing demand for all the Agency's services and also delegations of management, IT and personnel functions from the Department.
  Within the overall totals, posts have been moved in the Agency in response to changes in patterns of workload and in the interests of efficiency and customer service. For example, the licensing of private mobile radio has been decentralised from the Agency's headquarters to its local offices, which has improved service and been much appreciated by customers.
  I hope this information is helpful to you.

HOUSE OF COMMONS

  Exhibitions
  Mrs. Maddock
  To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee if he has considered an application for an exhibition relating to East Dorset Schools Art to be displayed in the Upper Waiting Hall. [16932]

  Mr. Michael J. Martin
  I understand that under procedures agreed by the Administration Committee, arrangements have been made for the exhibition to be held in the Upper Waiting Hall from Monday 26 June to Friday 30 June 1995.

  IT Training
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Chairman of the Information Committee, pursuant to his answer of 7 March,Official Report, column 283, whether on-site IT training for hon. Members will be provided by (a) employees of the House or (b) outside trainers brought in by hon. Members for non-PDVN training.

  Mr. Waller
  Details of the training have not yet been finalised. It is not expected that hon. Members will need to engage their own training staff, although it will be open to them—as now—to do so, using their office costs allowance.

  Energy Efficiency
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee, pursuant to his answer of 20 March,Official Report, column 50, if he will place in the Library a copy of the 1994 survey of energy efficiency.

  Mr. Ray Powell.
  A copy of the report by the Director of Works entitled "Energy Conservation on the Parliamentary Estate" dated 20 June 1994 is available in the Library.

  Media (Office Space)
  Mr. Peter Bottomley
  To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee (1) if he will make an assessment of the relationship between office space in the Palace and the direct reporting of parliamentary speeches and answers; [16992]

  (2) if he will estimate the office space available to the media in the Palace in 1975, 1985 and 1995; and what policy considerations underlie this allocation; [16991]

  (3) if he will arrange for the Committee to review the need for office space for the media and recommend whether the amount should be decreased. [16993]

  Mr. Ray Powell
  Office space currently available to the media in the Palace of Westminster is estimated to total some 700 sq m. Comparable figures for 1975 and 1985 are unavailable, but I do not believe that the amount of space occupied has changed markedly in recent years. The Committee currently has no plans specifically to review the requirements of the media, but a study is currently being prepared on the utilisation of space on the parliamentary estate to the end of the century. The offices occupied by the media will be included in that study, which will be considered by the Committee in due course.

  Audio-visual Resources
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Lord President of the Council, pursuant to his answer of 9 March,Official Report, column 284, if he will list the interested parties who are discussing the multi-media presentation of Parliament and British democracy.

  Mr. Waller
  I have been asked to reply. For reasons of commercial confidentiality, it would not be appropriate to list the companies involved. I shall write to the hon. Member.

TRANSPORT

  Trespass (Railway Lines)
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many prosecutions have been commenced during each of the past four years in cases of trespass on railway lines. [15757]

  Mr. Watts
  The information is as follows:

  Year

  Prosecutions commenced

  1991

  1,513

  1992

  788

  1993

  716

  1994

  691

  Rail Users Consultative Committee
  Mr. Charles Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is the remit of the rail users' consultative committees in respect of the right to call public inquiries into the proposed withdrawal of any ferry service; and if he will make a statement. [16721]

  Mr. Watts
  The statutory powers of the central rail users consultative committee and the rail users' consultative committees in respect of ferry services are set out in sections 76 to 79 of the Railways Act 1993.

  Uninsured Drivers
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will set out the policy options he has(a) considered and (b) pursued to tackle the problem of uninsured drivers.

  Mr. Norris
  We are considering various options with colleagues in other Government Departments, the insurance industry and the police; these include the suggestion that drivers should be required to display a windscreen insurance disc. The changes we propose to the vehicle registration and licensing system will provide for a more effective regular check on vehicles and their owners. As well as other benefits they will contribute significantly to combating the problem of motor insurance evasion.

  Impact Resistance (Cars)
  Mr. Channon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action Her Majesty's Government is taking to ensure that the recommendations of the European experimental vehicles committee are included
  533
  in the European Commission's directive on the front and side impact resistance of cars. [16907]

  Mr. Norris
  We have taken every possible action to persuade the Commission to propose, and other European Union member states to support, the quickest practical implementation of the recommendations of the EEVC. To that end, we have carried out extensive research programmes and shared all the results with our European partners.

  Continuous Agency
  Mr. French
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects the consultation exercise on continuous licensing to be completed. [16794]

  Mr. Norris
  I will be issuing consultation documents tomorrow, 29 March, outlining changes to the vehicle licensing and registration system. Copies will be placed in the Library and the Vote Office.

  Bridge Works
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when his Department will approve the funding for the bridge works at Southend lane, London SE26, and when he expects the road improvement scheme to commence and finish. [16175]

  Mr. Norris
  A scheme including the reconstruction of the bridge was not successful in Lewisham's transport policies and programme bid for 1995–96. The Government office for London are discussing with Lewisham how the proposals might be modified for consideration in next year's submission. Nothing definite can be said at present about the funding or timing of the scheme.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what was the cost of producing and circulating the departmental annual report for each of the last 10 years in real terms; [16610]

  (2) what was the cost of producing and circulating the last departmental annual report; what was the circulation list; how many copies were produced; how many copies were sold; and at what price. [16609]

  Mr. Norris
  Departmental reports were first published in 1991. From 1994, the Department of Transport has published its report in conjunction with the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and the Office of the Rail Regulator. The cost to the Department of publication by HMSO is as follows:

  1993–94 prices £

  1991

  2,388

  1992

  3,214

  1993

  5,554

  1994

  5,354

  Costs for 1995 have yet to be finalised. Figures do not include costs of circulation and other internal costs, which are not recorded separately.

  There were 2,100 copies of the 1995 transport report—Cm2806, published 7 March—printed. Some 1,300 copies
  534
  were produced for sale by HMSO at a price of £13.20. The remainder were circulated to Parliament and other Government Departments, and internally to staff within the Department, including its agencies.

  Driving Tests
  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on theory testing within driving tests with particular reference to motorway driving. [16502]

  Mr. Norris
  Questions on motorway driving can be included in the session at the end of the current driving test, and will also be among the topics covered by the theory test required by the second EC directive on driver licensing. An announcement on our proposals for the new theory test will be made shortly.

  Mr. Pike
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what percentage of drivers passing their test now take voluntary motorway driving tuition; and if he will make a statement. [16503]

  Mr. Norris
  Information is not held centrally on the percentage of newly qualified drivers who take motorway tuition. However, motorway driving is one of the elements included in the post-test driver training scheme, "Pass Plus". That scheme was introduced on 6 February and already over 500 certificates of completion have been issued.

  Airlines (Overbooking)
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what action he intends to take to discourage airlines from overbooking passengers on flights; [16505]

  (2) if he will discuss with British Airways its practice of overbooking passengers on flights. [16506]

  Mr. Norris
  It is for each airline, including British Airways, to determine its own policy on booking, according to its commercial judgment. A Council regulation provides for compulsory minimum levels of compensation to be paid to passengers with a valid ticket and a confirmed reservation on a scheduled flight departing from a Community airport who are denied boarding because the flight is overbooked.

  Joint Aviation Authority
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what assessment he has made of the implications for the United Kingdom of adopting joint aviation authority requirements not embodied in present United Kingdom legislation through air navigation orders or other statutory instruments; [16294]

  (2) what assessment he has made of the legal implications of the Civil Aviation Authority's proposals to adopt joint aviation authority regulations. [16293]

  Mr. Norris
  The joint aviation authorities are recognised by both the United Kingdom and the European Union as the appropriate body to harmonise European aviation safety requirements. The Civil Aviation Authority participates fully in the development of all joint aviation requirements and makes a thorough assessment of their implications. The UK will not approve a JAR unless the CAA is satisfied that it would enable the UK to maintain its very high level of aviation safety.

  First Aid
  Sir Gerard Vaughan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will consider legislation to require all cars to carry a first aid box; [16868]

  (2) if he will bring forward proposals to require all first-time applicants for driving licences to have a basic knowledge of first aid before being passed for a driving licence. [16867]

  Mr. Norris
  We have no plans to make compulsory either first aid training for drivers or the carrying of first aid kits in cars. The "Highway Code" contains basic advice on what to do in emergencies and encourages drivers to learn about first aid from voluntary organisations and to carry first aid kits. However, basic training and equipment are of limited use for dealing with injuries in road traffic accidents and the best course of action is to summon skilled medical help as quickly as possible.

WALES

  Family Services Grant Awards
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the grant awards for 1995–96 made under the child and family services grant scheme; what were the figures for 1994–95; and if he will make a statement. [17149]

  Mr. Richards
  I am pleased to announce that grant offers totalling £2.635 million have been made for 1995–96. This compares with an equivalent figure of £2.1 million in the current financial year. This represents a 25 per cent. increase and reflects the Government's commitment to family life and values. Details of the 84 grant awards have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Senior Management Review
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the senior management review of the Welsh Office will be completed. [17150]

  Mr. Redwood
  The review is now complete. The review report is being made available to Welsh Office staff today and I have placed copies in the Library of the House.

  Historic Buildings Council for Wales
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he intends to present to Parliament the next report of the Historic Buildings Council for Wales. [17182]

  Mr. Richards
  The 38th report of the Historic Buildings Council for Wales has been presented to Parliament today. The report covers the financial year 1993–94 and copies have been placed in the Library of the House.

  Polling and Public Survey Organisations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the employment of polling or public survey organisations by his Department during the current and previous financial years, on the 536
  organisations employed by his Department, on the values of individual contracts for these services, on the total amounts of money spent and on the purposes of the research undertaken by these organizations.

  Mr. Redwood
  [holding answer 20 March 1995]: The information requested is as follows:
  Beaufort Research Ltd., contracted by Welsh Office 1993–94 Cost: £1,292.50—collection of data for inclusion in 1993 "Digest of Welsh Statistics".
  Research and Marketing Ltd., contracted by Welsh Office 1993–94 Cost: £72,000'—to undertake the 1992 Welsh Social Survey.
  Niace Cymru, contracted by Welsh Office 1993–94 Cost: £5,000—study of adult learning routes in Taff Ely district, Mid Glamorgan.
  ERES/Beaufort Research Ltd., contracted by Welsh Office 1993–94 Cost: £39,921—examined the nature of higher than average levels of economic inactivity in Wales.
  Durdle Davies Business Research, contracted by Welsh Office February 1994 Cost: £5,000—measured public awareness of the 1991 patients charter for Wales and sought views on how the 1994 edition could be improved.
  Development Unit Community Health Councils Wales, contracted by Welsh Office January 1995 Cost: £5,000—measured public impressions of the 1994 patients charter for Wales and sought views on frequency of updating and communicating contents.
  Beaufort Research Ltd., contracted by Welsh Office 1994–95 Cost: £1,292.50—collection of data for inclusion in 1994 "Digest of Welsh Statistics".
  Office of Population Census and Surveys, contracted by Welsh Office 1994–95 Cost: £149,0002—extension of labour force survey to provide data at TEC level on progress of national targets for education and training.
  Beaufort Research Ltd., contracted by Cadw 1993–94 Cost: £11,392 Cadw visitor survey—the third year of a three year project.
  Hall Harrison Cowley, contracted by Cadw 1994–95 Cost: £8,800 Cadw visitor profile research—the purpose of both contracts was to establish more information about the requirements of visitors to Cadw monuments.

  Surveys are also undertaken as part of the Department's value-for-money evaluation of publicity campaigns. The following evaluation studies have been undertaken since 1 April 1993:
  Beaufort Research Ltd., contracted by Central Office of Information 24–26 November 1994 Cost: £6,991—measured the effectiveness of the parents charter booklet in Wales.
  Beaufort Research Ltd., contracted by Central Office of Information 14 February 1994–30 March 1995 Cost: £12,700—measured the effectiveness of Welsh and English language road safety advertising on bus backs in Wales.
  1The total cost of employing Research and Marketing Ltd. was £375,000 but £303,000 was invoiced in the 1992–93 financial year. The Welsh training and enterprise councils made a financial contribution.
  2Welsh training and enterprise councils and the Welsh Development Agency contributed £35,100.

  Motorway Construction
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many miles of motorway have been completely constructed in Wales since 1979; and at what cost. [14869]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Nearly 23 miles of motorway have been completed at a cost of some £220 million.

  Crime Prevention Expenditure
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much was spent on a crime prevention scheme by his Department and the Home Office in the latest year for which figures are available. [15826]

  Mr. Redwood
  The Welsh Office has no formal policy responsibility for crime prevention, although some expenditure within the strategic development scheme is for crime prevention activity. In 1994–95, this amounted to £817,594.

  There are also some schemes funded by the Welsh Office which include elements of crime prevention, but it is impossible to quantify the amount specific to it. These include grants to combat drug and alcohol misuse, and expenditure on the estates partnership scheme.

  The level of crime prevention expenditure by the Home Office is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary.

  Citizens Advice Bureaux
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a grant to the citizens advice bureaux in Wales in respect of the North Wales regional office at Prestatyn. [15982]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The North Wales regional office at Prestatyn is the area office for the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. Government funding of the association, provided by the Department of Trade and Industry, was £11,916,000 in 1994–95. The same amount of Government funding will be made available in 1995–96. It is for the association to determine the allocation of funds to individual area offices.

  Railway Lines (Road Bridges)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what additional finances he proposes to make available to county highway authorities in Wales to meet the cost of upgrading road bridges over railway lines; and if he will make a statement. [15892]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  It is open to Welsh local authority associations to identify any additional costs falling on Welsh authorities in their annual assessment of need to spend on local authority services. This will be taken into account, together with all other relevant factors, in determining future funding for local authorities.

  Education Grants
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total sum per annum being made available through his Department's grants for education support and training to help governors, headteachers and 538
  senior teachers develop effectiveness skills for the management of schools; and what criteria will be used in deciding how such GEST resources are distributed. [15946]

  Mr. Richards
  Planned expenditure in 1995–96 is £1.19 million. Allocations are made by reference to a formula which has been drawn up in consultation with LEAs in Wales.

  Training and Enterprise Councils
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what review procedures he has put in place to ensure that TECs in Wales demonstrate how their activities will mesh with developments plans established by local authorities, as set out under the aims and responsibilities sector of this departmental report, on an agenda for action in Wales, are met. [15989]

  Mr. Richards
  TECs are being asked to discuss with local authorities and others how the action plan "People and Prosperity; an Agenda for Action in Wales" can be taken forward to meet local circumstances. The Welsh Office reviews TEC performance regularly.

  Departmental Annual Report
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what was the cost of producing and circulating the departmental annual report for each of the last 10 years in real terms; [16616]

  (2) what was the cost of producing and circulating the last departmental annual report; what was the circulation list; how many copies were produced; how many copies were sold; and what price. [16615]

  Mr. Redwood
  The first Welsh Office departmental report was issued in February 1991. That and subsequent reports have been published as Command Papers by HMSO which has borne the printing and publishing costs with the aim of recovering these from the sales revenue.

  The report is produced bilingually in English and Welsh and the Welsh Office has made the following contributions towards the additional costs involved, expressed in 1994–95 prices:

  1991: £7,046

  1992: £5,831

  1993: £5,220

  1994: £4,497

  1995: £3,500

  Some 1,600 copies of the 1995 report, Cm 2815 were printed and published. In addition to those copies required by Parliament, Government Departments and agencies, just over 900 were produced to satisfy other sales at a price of £15.40 net.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much his Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much contracts with the private sector cost; and if he will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16279]

  Mr. Redwood
  My Department bought in no public relations services from the private sector. The cost of running my information division in 1993–94 was £616,085, excluding the cost of purchasing media advertising and promotional material.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average delay between the initial request by parents for a statement of special educational needs for their child and its delivery in each of the counties in Wales in the latest available year. [16838]

  Mr. Richards
  The information is not collected centrally. The responsibility for the assessment of special educational needs and the preparation of statements rests with local education authorities; regulations made under the Education Act 1993 set out time limits for this process.

  Welsh Development Agency
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to point 7 of his letter of strategic guidance to the Welsh Development Agency dated 23 February, what representations he has had concerning the per diem consultancy fee paid to Mr. Stuart Ruben of KLR and Co. for his term was temporary chief finance officer of the agency; and if he will make a statement. [16911]

  Mr. Redwood
  None.

  Geriatric Care
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 3 February,Official Report, column 906, what procedures exist for further intervention by his medical officer for complaints where additional complaints concerning sub-standard levels of care are made shortly after the completion of the six months probationary period for the implementation of any changes pursuant to an independent professional review. [16852]

  Mr. Redwood
  Additional complaints would be investigated in the normal way. The medical officer for complaints is independent from the Department and would be consulted only if the complaint was not resolved locally.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 3 February,Official Report, column 906, (1) what information he has received from the director of public health medicine of the South Glamorgan health authority concerning the implementation of changes in the standard of geriatric care on ward B6 at the University hospital of Wales; and if he will make a statement; [16851]

  (2) what representations the medical officer for complaints in Wales has made to the director of public health medicines of the South Glamorgan health authority in relation to the follow-up action required by that authority pursuant to the independent professional review carried out on 6 October 1994 in relation to complaints about ward B6 and the standard of geriatric care at the University hospital of Wales. [16853]

  Mr. Redwood
  In the first instance, it is for the health authority to consider and implement any changes that may be necessary in the light of the findings of the medical officer for complaints. The director of public health medicine will be asked by the Department's chief medical officer, what measures have been undertaken six months after the issue of the MO(C) report.

  Education Spending
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much is currently spent on education in each local education authority; and to what extent this has changed in relation to last year's figures in(a) real and (b) percentage terms. [16791]

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

  Net current expenditure on education (excluding school meals and milk)1

  Percentage increase between3 1993–94 and 1994–95

  1994–952 (£ million)

  Real terms Per cent.

  Cash Per cent.

  Clwyd

  169.1

  -1

  1

  Dyfed

  161.9

  -0

  2

  Gwent

  198.8

  -1

  1

  Gwynedd

  100.3

  0

  2

  Mid Glamorgan

  253.1

  -1

  1

  Powys

  55.3

  -1

  1

  South Glamorgan

  168.2

  2

  4

  West Glamorgan

  157.7

  -3

  -1

  Total Wales

  1,264.4

  -1

  1

  1 Includes residual expenditure on further and higher education and LEA payments in respect of grant-maintained schools.

  2Budgets.

  3Increase in 1994–95 budgets over 1993–94 revised estimates.

  Cardiff Bay Development Corporation
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will specify the arrangements by which a part of his annual grant-in-aid to the Cardiff Bay development corporation is allocated for grant-aiding of the Cardiff Bay opera house trust by the corporation; if that part of the grant in aid is ring-fenced; what is the amount passed on to the trust; and in which financial years it occurred; [16908]

  (2) if he will specify the arrangements for the grant aiding of the Cardiff Bay opera house trust by the Cardiff Bay development corporation on a matched basis with grants from Associated British Ports; and if he will make a statement. [16912]

  Mr. Redwood
  The corporation's detailed funding arrangements for the opera house trust is an operational matter. From its annual grant in-aid allocation, the corporation has financed the administration of the trust and the opera house design competition as follows:

  1992–93 £000s

  1993–94 £000s

  1994–95 £000s

  1995–96 (Planned) £000s

  Administration

  —

  200

  840

  200

  Design

  Competition

  85

  109

  105

  —

  Total

  85

  309

  946

  200

  541
  In addition, the corporation is planning to match an £80,000 funding contribution from Associated British Ports towards the trust's campaign to secure capital funding from the private sector.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Social Marketing
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many and which non-governmental organisations are being funded to carry out social marketing programmes; in which countries they are based; what is the amount of funding granted; and for what length of time. [16086]

  Mr. Baldry
  ODA is currently funding three non-governmental organisations to carry out social marketing programmes. Details of which countries, the level and period of funding are given in the table:

  NGO Social Marketing Programmes Funded By ODA

  NGO

  Country

  Period

  Total commitment (£ million)

  Population services international (PSI)

  Cambodia

  1994–95

  0.150

  PSI

  India

  1995–98

  1.020

  PSI/Society for family health

  Nigeria

  1995–97

  3.300

  Marie Stopes international(MSI)

  India

  1989–95

  0.519

  MSI

  Ethiopia

  1991–95

  0.207

  Total commitment

  5.196

  Family Planning
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on social marketing of contraceptives in family planning programmes overseas. [16098]

  Mr. Baldry
  ODA supports the social marketing of contraceptives as an effective strategy to improve access to contraception and thereby promote "Children by Choice, Not Chance."

  Currency Speculation
  Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to support the proposal put forward by President Mitterrand at the world summit for social development for an international tax on currency speculation to fund assistance to developing countries for the eradication of poverty. [14928]

  Mr. Baldry
  We support the summit's conclusion that this type of taxation should not be promoted as a way of assisting developing countries. Taxation on international transactions essentially amounts to a barrier to trade which reduces global economic welfare.
  542
  The best way to help poorer countries develop is to allow them to trade freely. That is why my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development made clear in her address to the summit that full implementation of the general agreement on tariffs and trade is likely to generate more jobs worldwide than any other single international development.

  Slovakia
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the United Kingdom's financial or contractual responsibilities for investments made in nuclear power installations by the European bank for reconstruction and development in the event of future accidents. [16846]

  Mr. Baldry
  The United Kingdom Government would not assume any financial liability in the event of an accident at the Mochovce nuclear power station in the Slovak Republic, the only proposed EBRD investment in nuclear energy. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Taylor) on 21 February at column 129.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contributions the United Kingdom made in resources or policy creation in the decision of the European bank for reconstruction and Development funding of the Mochovce nuclear plant in Slovakia. [16847]

  Mr. Baldry
  The United Kingdom know-how fund has financed EBRD's engagement of consultants (i) to provide financial advisory services; (ii) to undertake an environmental impact assessment and (iii) to audit the public participation programme.

  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what calculation was made in assessing the 10 per cent. predicted decommissioning costs for the Mochovce nuclear installation made by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. [16845]

  Mr. Baldry
  The cost estimates for Mochovce include an allowance of US$337 million for fuel storage and decommissioning. The Slovak Parliament passed a law in August 1994 whereby 10 per cent. of the revenues derived from the sale of nuclear power are to be transferred to a state fund. This fund is intended to finance all expenses relating to nuclear waste management, final waste and spent fuel disposal and decommissioning of all nuclear plants.

  East Timor
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the Indonesian public officials trained under the United Kingdom aid programme who have subsequently served in East Timor. [16796]

  Mr. Baldry
  This information is not available.

  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent the advice and training given to the Indonesian national police under the Overseas Development Agency's police management training project has been used in policing East Timor; and to what extent such advice and training related to crowd control techniques. [16727]
  543
  Mr. Baldry
  The police management training project strengthens the central capacity of the Indonesian national police to respond more effectively to a wide range of management and public service issues. It has not dealt with crowd control techniques. The project has helped the INP to establish a consultancy unit which engages in active problem solving. Advice or assistance from the unit is available to all branches of the INP. The East Timor police authorities have not sought advice directly from the unit.

PRIME MINISTER

  Astra plc
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Government Departments which have been in contact with Mr. C. Barlow of Coopers and Lybrand or his colleagues in relation to Astra plc documents. [16999]

  The Prime Minister
  Officials of the inspectors appointed by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and officers from the Ministry of Defence police CID have been in contact with Mr. C. Barlow of Coopers and Lybrand in relation to Astra plc documents.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the Government Departments which have been contacted by Mr. J. Ramasahoye of S. J. Berwin and Co., solicitors, or his superiors, in relation to Astra plc documents; and if he will list those Government Departments who have contacted Mr. Ramasahoye or S. J. Berwin in relation to Astra plc documents. [16998]

  The Prime Minister
  Officials at the investigations division of the DTI responsible for monitoring the inspection of Astra Holdings plc under the Companies Act 1985, have been in correspondence with S. J. Berwin over the production of copy documents from the inspectors.

  Pepper v. Hart
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will publish the report on the implications of the House of Lords ruling on the 1992 Pepper v. Hart case. [16825]

  The Prime Minister
  The report referred to is an internal document containing recommendations from officials to Ministers. In line with the practice of successive Administrations regarding such documents I do not propose to publish it.

  Terrorism
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his oral answer of 16 March,Official Report, column 1022, referring to concrete evidence being brought forward and being fully investigated and, pursuant to the Leader of the Houses's oral answers of 16 March, Official Report, column 1033, alluding to reflection on concrete evidence, what assessment he has made of the telex, a copy of which has been sent to him, involving the special action group of the CIA, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the agency at 48 Westminster Bridge road involving No Home Runs, Pirates and Senators and the Major Charles McKee. [16910]
  544
  The Prime Minister
  I have asked the relevant authorities to look into this matter. I will reply to the hon. Member's letter shortly.

  Pornography
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Prime Minister what inter-departmental committees are considering pornography; what are their terms of reference; and if he will make a statement. [16799]

  The Prime Minister
  I share my hon. Friend's concern about pornography, and as part of the on-going monitoring and review of controls in this area the Government have established an inter-departmental working group on obscenity. The group will monitor developments in the area of obscenity, with particular reference to emerging trends in child and computer pornography, and will identify any actual or potential difficulties in enforcement or weakness in the relevant law and consider possible ways of overcoming them.

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 28 March 1995. [14934]

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

  Press Officers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Prime Minister how many press officers there are in his Department currently; and what was the figure in 1979. [16563]

  The Prime Minister
  There are currently six press officers in No.10. Detailed records are not available for 1979. The earliest date for which figures are available is 1983 when the number of press officers was five.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Metropolitan Police Committee
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 21 March,Official Report, columns 138–39 from which vote the funding for the Metropolitan police committee will be taken. [16691]

  Mr. Maclean
  From 1 April 1995 funding for the Metropolitan police committee will be provided from the metropolitan police fund. The relevant vote is class VII, vote 1, Subhead P1, which is Home Office grant towards expenditure incurred by police authorities, including the receiver for the Metropolitan police district.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if members of the police committee receive payment for their work. [16693]

  Mr. Maclean
  Members will be entitled to claim reimbursement of reasonable travelling costs, plus an allowance of £15 for each hour spent in attendance on committee business.
  545
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Minister or Ministers will decide whether to act on the advice of the Metropolitan police committee. [16692]

  Mr. Maclean
  My right hon. and learned Friend and other Home Office Ministers.

  Libya
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his responsibilities in relation to extradition relations with Libya. [16909]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The United Kingdom Government do not have extradition arrangements with Libya.

  European Frontiers Convention
  Mr. Marlow
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what parliamentary proceedings will occur in respect of the European frontiers convention prior to the Government signifying their agreement to the instrument. [16808]

  Mr. Howard
  As I indicated in standing Committee B on 22 March at column 23 the Government will bring the final text of the external frontiers convention before Parliament before it is signed. If the convention is signed, the Government will not ratify it before the necessary legislation has been enacted by Parliament in accordance with the normal procedures.

  Single Regeneration Budget
  Mr. Alan Williams
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much funding remains available for allocation to safer cities projects; and how much funding has been transferred to the single regeneration budget at the Department of the Environment. [16844]

  Mr. Maclean
  The Home Office transferred to the single regeneration budget £3,760,000 for 1994–95, £6,335,000 for 1995–96 and £6,996,000 for 1996–97 for the continuation of the safer cities programme. The estimated outturn of the Department of Environment safer cities projects for 1994–95 is £2 million. The Home Office retained sufficient funds to provide for the four remaining phase 1 projects until they cease to receive Government funding in September 1995, and three projects being set up in Wales. Home Office provision for 1995–96 is £749,000.

  Miscarriages of Justice
  Mr. Michael
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost(a) to his Department and (b) to each police force in England and Wales of investigating miscarriages of justice at the request of his Department in each of the last 10 years. [16945]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Information about the staff costs of the section in the Home Office which considers and investigates possible miscarriages of justice is set out in the following table.
  546

  Staff costs £ million

  1990

  0.31

  1991

  0.35

  1992

  0.44

  1993

  0.53

  1994

  0.56

  The Home Office also incurs other miscellaneous costs including those of transcripts obtained and scientific tests carried out at its request, but no firm figures for these costs are available.

  Information about the costs of investigations carried out by police forces is not available in a form which enables miscarriage of justice inquiries to be distinguished from other investigations.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to announce the recipients of closed circuit television challenge funding. [16795]

  Mr. Maclean
  One hundred and six winners sharing £5 million Government funding were announced on 27 March. The successful bids, by region, were as follows:

  North-east:
  Whitley Bay town centre, Gateshead Team Valley industrial estate and Gateshead town centre; Chester le Street town centre; Bishop Auckland town centre; Skippers Lane industrial estate, Cleveland; and Mill Lane primary school and community centre, Stockton.

  North-west and Merseyside:
  Blackpool town centre; Penrith town centre; Tameside town centre and Tameside business development centre; Rochdale town centre; Chester; Wigan town centre; Carlisle town centre; Clitheroe town centre; Neston town centre; Bury town centre; Lancaster town centre; Morecambe town centre; and Kirkby railway station, Merseyside.

  Yorkshire and Humberside:
  Harrogate town centre; Outwood Grange school, Wakefield; Balby Street school, Doncaster Lower Don Valley industrial estate, Sheffield; Scawsby community centre and playfield, Doncaster; Driffield town centre, Humberside; Keighley town centre; Scarborough town centre; Suttonfields industrial estate; York city centre; Boroughbridge town centre, North Yorkshire; and Brigg town centre, Humberside.

  London:
  Harrow town centre, Hillingdon; Sunbury Cross shopping centre and car park; Islington: Hounslow town centre, Erith town centre (Kent); North Walthamsow industrial estates; and Richmond town centre.

  South-east:
  Newhaven town centre; Egham town centre, Surrey; Eastbourne town centre, Sussex; Sandwick town centre, Kent; Rochester industrial business estate; Dartford town centre; Tonbridge and West Mailing town centre; Addlestone town centre; Banbury centre; Wokingham town centre; Basingstoke town centre; Chesham town centre; Fawcett Road shopping area, Portsmouth; Ashford town centre; Dover and Deal business and town centres; Folkestone town and residential areas; Maidstone town centre; Havant town centre; and High Wycombe town centre.

  West Midlands:
  Rugby town centre; Hereford shopping and business areas; Solihull town centre and car parks; Lichfield car parks and town centre; Ledbury high street, Worcestershire; Worcester town centre; Shrewsbury town centre; Tamworth town centre; and Stratford upon Avon town centre.
  547
  Eastern Region:
  Chelmsford town centre; Ely town centre, Cambridgeshire; Peterborough town centre; Stevenage town centre and car parks; Hitchin town centre and Letchworth business centre; Harlow town centre; Thetford, Breckland; and Hadleigh and Sudbury town centres.

  East Midlands:
  Boston town centre, Lincolnshire; Kirton (nr Boston) town centre; Illkeston town centre; Moira town centre; Donington town centre; Loughborough town centre; Mansfield shopping centre; Market Harborough town centre; Gainsborough industrial estates; and Kettering town centre.

  South-west:
  Bodmin town centre; Cirencester market place, car parks and bus station; Falmouth town centre; Newquay tourism areas; Truro town centre; Salisbury town centre; Torquay town centre; West Wiltshire mobile system; Gloucester city centre; Tiverton business park and town centre; Crown Glass centre, Nailsea, Bristol; Boscombe town centre; and Clifton, Bristol car parks and shopping centre.

  Wales:
  Colwyn Bay town centre; Cwmbran town centre; West Glamorgan mobile CCTV; Rhondda residential area; and Haverford West town centre.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much his Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much contracts with the private sector cost; and if he will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16290]

  Mr. Howard
  My Department did not employ any public relations agencies in 1993–94. The publicity budget was used to fund public interest advertising campaigns and a range of support material. These campaigns were listed in the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Truro (Mr. Taylor) on 16 February 1994 at columns 801–3.

  Police Committees
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the rate of remuneration for members of police committees. [16257]

  Mr. Maclean
  Councillor and independent members of new police authorities may claim a member allowance of £15 per hour for time spent on police authority business, up to a limit of £120 a day and £3,000 per year—£6,000 per year in the case of the chairman of the authority.

  Magistrate members of new police authorities will, as at present, be able to claim financial loss allowance at the rates payable to them as magistrates. That is:

  £24.72 (£32.96 for the self employed) for up to 4 hours.

  £49.44 (£65.92 for the self employed) for over 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

  Full details of the allowances regime for members of new police authorities are set out in the Home Office circular letter dated 5 August 1994, a copy of which is in the Library.

  Police, Hampshire
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many additional police constables the new financial arrangements will allow for in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. [15852]

  Mr. Maclean
  The spending power of Hampshire police authority will increase by £16 million in 1995–96.548
  It is for the chief constable and the police authority to decide on how to allocate available resources between priorities, and to decide to what extent money should be spent on extra constables. The average full cost of a police officer in provincial forces in England and Wales is £42,000.

  Defendants' Property
  Ms Hodge
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what requirement there is for the police to return property to a defendant where that property is held as possible evidence. [16101]

  Mr. Maclean
  Code of practice B issued under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 provides that anything lawfully seized by a police officer may be retained only for as long as is necessary in the circumstances. It may be retained, among other purposes, for use as evidence at a trial. Property must not be retained where a photograph or copy of the item would suffice.

  A person seeking return of property seized by the police may make application to a magistrates' court under the Police (Property) Act 1897 for its possession.

  Speeding Fines
  Mr. Day
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much revenue has been collected for each year since 1990 through fines resulting form(a) speeding offences detected by automatic speed cameras and (b) all other speeding offences. [15662]

  Mr. Maclean
  The information requested is not available.

  However, information available to me suggests that some £13.3 million was ordered to be paid in fines for speeding offences in England and Wales in 1991, £12.7 million in 1992 and £12.5 million in 1993.

  Veal Calves
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of costs resulting from the policing of protests related to the export of veal calves from the United Kingdom. [15921]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Stoke on Trent, North (Ms Walley) on 24 March at column 374.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Green Housekeeping
  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide results of the success of the green housekeeping action plan and the other schemes in(a) the Northern Ireland Office and (b) each of the other Government departments in Northern Ireland. [15422]

  Mr. Moss
  All Government Departments in Northern Ireland have adopted the green housekeeping approach and many measures have been implemented successfully.

  Significant success has been achieved in the areas of energy efficiency and recycling.
  549
  Over the first three years of the UK"wide energy efficiency campaign to reduce energy consumption within the public sector by 15 per cent., Northern Ireland achieved an 8.12 per cent. improvement in energy performance £/m2. Work will continue to implement fully the strategy for the public sector campaign.

  Paper recycling has been introduced throughout the entire Northern Ireland civil service, with most offices now having introduced schemes for the recycling of normal "basket" waste paper and a single tender has been awarded for the shredding and pulping of classified material.

  Other recycling schemes include the letting of a contract for the collection and recycling of ink/toner cartridges from personal computers.

  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set out the cost of implementing the green housekeeping action plan and similar environmental schemes in(a) the Northern Ireland Office and (b) each of the other Government Departments in Northern Ireland. [15421]

  Mr. Moss
  There are no separate budgets assigned to green housekeeping activities within the Northern Ireland Office and other Government Departments as these, to a large extent, formalise good management practice. Costs are absorbed within existing budgets for buildings repair and maintenance, and the purchase of equipment etc.

  Green housekeeping measures do not always incur a cost since for example, the shredding and pulping of waste paper instead of incineration provides both financial savings and environmental improvements.

  Ms Mowlam
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will provide a list(a) of the Property owned by the Northern Ireland Office and leased out and (b) of the property leased by the Northern Ireland Office. [15419]

  Sir John Wheeler
  The Northern Ireland Office either leases or owns various properties, most of which are used for official business but there are a number of residential properties.

  The Northern Ireland Office does not lease out any of the property owned by the department.

  Disclosure of the details of the properties is not considered advisable on grounds of personal security.

  Residential Care
  Mr. Peter Robinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what is the fully allocated cost for the provision of a continuing care bed for(a) a frail elderly person and (b) an elderly dementia sufferer in (i) an NHS hospital and (ii) a residential bed provided by social services. [15126]

  Mr. Moss
  This information could be supplied only at disproportionate cost.

  Animal Diseases
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many cases of goat pox were reported in each year since 1985. [15981]

  Mr. Ancram
  None. There has never been a case of goat pox in Northern Ireland.

  Water and Sewerage Charges
  Mr. Nicholls
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 15 March,Official Report, column 63, regarding water and sewerage charges paid by his Department, if he will define disproportionate cost. [15931]

  Mr. Moss
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the then Financial Secretary to the Treasury on 18 February 1993,Official Report, columns 313–14 to my hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford (Mr. Burns).

  Consultants
  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which management consultants have been employed by his Department to assist in the assessment of applications by NHS units for trust status; how much each was paid; and how many assessments they undertook in each wave. [15847]

  Mr. Moss
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him on 19 July 1994 by my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Ancram) Official Report, column 194. There has since been a fourth wave of applications for health and social services trust status.

  Two assessments were made by IHSM Consultants in the fourth wave, for which they were paid a total of £12,470.69. This includes fees and expenses.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  Arts Events (Ministerial Attendance)
  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the(a) stage plays, (b) concerts, (c) operas, (d) films and (e) dance performances he has seen since 1 January, together with dates. [16183]

  Mr. Dorrell
  Since 1 January 1995, I have seen:

  a) "An Inspector Calls" Aldwych Theatre, London, 16 January 1995

  "The Knocky" Royal Court Theatre, London, 27 February 1995
  "A Christmas Carol" Barbican Theatre, London, 2 March 1995.

  b) none.

  c) "Otello" Royal Opera House, London, 1 February 1995

  "Cunning Little Vixen" Coliseum, London, 13 March 1995

  d) "The Madness of King George" Lumiere Cinema, London, 19 March 1995.

  e) none.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the(a) museums, (b) galleries, (c) theatres, (d) arts centres and (e) public libraries he has visited since 1 January, together with dates.

  Mr. Dorrell
  Since 1 January 1995, I have visited:

  a) Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 11 January 1995 and 24 January 1995

  Loughborough Carillon Museum, 4 February 1995

  The Exploratory, Bristol, 6 February 1995

  Quarry Bank Mill Trust Ltd. Museum, Cheshire, 10 March 1995

  Science Museum, London, 16 March 1995 and 21 March 1995

  Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 21 March 1995

  National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, 21 March 1995

  551

  b) Arnolfini Gallery, Bristol, 8 February 1995

  Tate Gallery, London, 21 February 1995

  RSA, London, 23 February 1995

  c) Aldwych Theatre, London, 16 January 1995

  Royal Opera House, London, 1 February 1995 and 22 February 1995

  Theatre Royal, Bristol, 6 February 1995

  West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, 8 February 1995

  Royal National Theatre, London, 20 February 1995 and 21 February 1995

  Royal Court Theatre, London, 27 February 1995

  Barbican Theatre, London, 2 March 1995

  Blackpool Grand Theatre, 10 March 1995

  Coliseum, London, 23 March 1995

  Royal Albert Hall, London, 23 March 1995

  d) Henry Moore Institute, Leeds, 8 February 1995

  Charnwood Arts, Loughborough, 4 February 1995

  e) Belgrave Library, Leicester, 6 March 1995

  Leicester Central Libraries, 6 March 1995

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the arts organisations with whom he has met since 1 January, together with dates. [16181]

  Mr. Dorrell
  I meet representatives of arts organisations very frequently. The specific information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  National Lottery
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage (1) what sum has accrued to Camelot Group plc in respect of its operation of the national lottery, arising from its percentage income agreed under its contract; [15653]

  (2) what has been the initial outlay of Camelot Group plc on the establishment, administration and promotion of the national lottery since the date of the award of the contract; [15652]

  (3) what was the total number of staff employed at the Office of the National Lottery; and what is the total annual cost to the Exchequer of the Office of the National Lottery. [15654]

  Mr. Dorrell
  The administration costs of the Office of the National Lottery are met from the national lottery distribution fund. The net cost to the Exchequer is therefore nil. I have asked the Director-General to write to the hon. Member on the other matters raised, placing copies of his letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will state Mr. Peter Gummer's term of office and salary as head of the Arts Council lottery committee; and what provision has been made for severence pay in the case of early termination of office. [16252]

  Mr. Dorrell
  Mr. Gummer has been reappointed as a member of the Arts Council of England for a three-year period from 1 April 1995. One of his responsibilities as a member of the Council is to chair the Arts Council's national lottery advisory board. No remuneration is attached to membership of the Arts Council or its advisory committees.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will require Messrs Camelot to publish, on a weekly basis, a statement of revenue, distribution, expenses and retained profit. [15862]

  Mr. Dorrell
  Camelot Group plc is subject to the provisions of the Companies Acts and is required to lodge accounts with Companies House annually. I have no 552
  powers to require Camelot to publish information regarding retained profit on any other basis.

  Mr. Fisher
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list the percentage of receipts from the national lottery being held by Camelot plc each week. [16193]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 24 March 1995]: This is a matter for the director-general of the national lottery. I have therefore asked him to write to the hon. Member, placing copies of his letter in the Library of the House.

  Mr Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage to whom each of the five lottery distributing bodies are accountable. [16670]

  Mr. Dorrell
  The 11 national lottery distributing bodies—including the four national arts councils and the four national sports councils—are accountable to Parliament and will be preparing annual reports and accounts which will be laid before Parliament as soon as possible after the end of the financial year.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what is the average period between national lottery competitions held so far and the payment of lottery duty to the Treasury. [15860]

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

  To date, there have been 15 national lottery competitions for which payment has been received. The average period between the date of the competition and the payment of lottery duty to the Treasury was 27 days.

  Mr. Wilson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will calculate the additional amount of revenue which would have accrued to the Treasury in interest if payments of lottery duty had been made within 10 days of each competition since the inception of the national lottery. [15861]

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

  To date, there have been 15 national lottery competitions for which payment has been received. If the lottery duty due on these competitions had been paid 10 days after the date of the competition the additional interest which would have accrued to the Treasury is approximately £200,000.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many press officers there are in his Department currently; and what the figure was in 1992. [16547]

  Mr. Dorrell
  My Department currently employs seven press officers; the same number was employed in 1992.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how much his Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much contracts with the private sector cost; and if he will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16277]

  Mr. Dorrell
  My Department's public relations requirements are normally met in-house. During 1993–94, a public relations company was contracted to assist with a programme of events marking the 50th anniversary of D-day. The contract, which was in line with central Government guidelines, cost £62,500.
  553
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what guidelines his Department has issued to its agencies and other public bodies under its authority in respect of the employment of public relations companies and the procedures to be adopted in relation to requesting tenders for public relations companies. [16211]

  Mr. Dorrell
  Central Government conventions for the use of public relations companies are set out in "A Working Guide For Government Information Officers", a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.

  Albert Memorial
  Mr. Chris Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage from what part of his Department's budget the additional funding for the restoration of the Albert Memorial announced on 22 March came. [16669]

  Mr. Dorrell
  My predecessor announced on 30 November 1993 that funding of £2 million a year is planned in 1995–96 and 1996–97. No allocations have yet been made beyond then, but it is my hope that I shall be able to make £2 million available in the two subsequent years.

  Ministerial Visits
  Mr. Simon Hughes
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will list all the visits he has made since the start of the current parliamentary Session to the constituencies of other hon. Members without prior warning to these hon. Members for any purpose connected with his departmental responsibilities. [15026]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 21 March 1995]: I always do my best to give prior warning to hon. Members when I visit their constituencies in an official capacity.

  BBC
  Mr. Welsh
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if the annual analysis of hours and range of output made in different parts of the United Kingdom will include programme expenditure across the range of output; and if he will make statement. [15903]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 24 March 1995]: The BBC's "Statement of Promises to Audiences" will include quantifiable targets underpinning the undertakings in the new agreement regarding regional programme-making. In addition, we will expect the BBC to provide sufficient information in its annual report to allow Parliament and the public to assess how well the BBC has performed against these targets. We are discussing the details with the BBC.

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Incapacity Benefits
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of(a) severe disability allowance, (b) income support and (c) incapacity benefit who will be assessed as capable of work he estimates will appeal against this decision in each of the years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98. [16125]
  554
  Mr. Hague
  The information is not available in the form requested, as estimates are not made for the individual benefits listed. Current planning assumptions are that the number of appeals which will be lodged on the question of incapacity for work will be in the region of 140,000 in 1995–96, 190,000 in 1996–97 and 90,000 in 1997–98.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security on what date he will be sending guidance about the assessment of the all-work test for incapacity benefits to(a) adjudication officers and (b) the Benefits Agency medical service. [16124]

  Mr. Hague
  The independent central adjudication service, which has responsibility for adjudication matters, has produced guidance on the application of the all-work test for incapacity benefits. The guidance was delivered to adjudication officers in the week commencing 20 March.

  A programme of detailed and comprehensive training on the all-work test for Benefits Agency medical service doctors has been under way since January. Procedural guidance to supplement this training will be received by all those involved in the application of the test before it comes into force on 13 April.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he estimates will move from(a) severe disability allowance, (b) income support and (c) incapacity benefit in each of the years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98 to sign on as available for work.[16122]

  Mr. Hague
  No estimates have been made of the number of people leaving severe disablement allowance. The estimated number of people who will move from incapacity benefit and income support with the disability premium to sign on as unemployed earlier than would otherwise have been the case, as a result of the new medical test, is in the table.

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  From incapacity benefit to unemployment

  160,000

  120,000

  60,000

  From income support with disability premium to unemployment

  50,000

  30,000

  10,000

  Note:

  Estimates rounded to the nearest 10,000.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he estimates will fail to qualify for(a) severe disablement allowance, (b) income support and (c) incapacity benefit in each of the years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98 as a result of being assessed as capable of all work. [16118]

  Mr. Hague
  No estimates have been made of the number of severe disablement allowance claimants being found capable of all work. The estimated numbers of new and existing claimants of income support and incapacity benefit who will be found capable of work are in the tables.
  555

  New claimants found capable of work under the new medical test (Table shows the estimated number of people leaving benefit earlier than they would have done under current arrangements)

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Total over 3 years

  Incapcity benefit1

  45,000

  55,000

  55,000

  160,000

  Income support with disability premium2

  10,000

  10,000

  10,000

  35,000

  Total—invalidity benefit and income support2

  55,000

  70,000

  70,000

  195,000

  Existing claimants found capable of work under the new medical test (Table shows the estimated number of people leaving benefit earlier than they would have done under current arrangements)

  1995–96

  1996–97

  1997–98

  Total over 3 years

  Invalidity benefit

  140,000

  80,000

  20,000

  240,000

  Income support with disability premium2

  50,000

  30,000

  5,000

  85,000

  Total—invalidity benefit and income support2

  190,000

  110,000

  25,000

  325,000

  Notes:

  1Figures for incapacity benefit relate to those who would have qualified for invalidity benefit under the current arrangements.

  2Figures for income support do not include those also receiving invalidity benefit/incapacity benefit.

  1. All estimates rounded to the nearest 5,000; totals may not sum due to rounding.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many claimants of(a) severe disability allowance, (b) income support and (c) incapacity benefit he estimates will be examined by the Benefits Agency Medical Service in each of the years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98. [16126]

  Mr. Hague
  The information is not available in the form requested, as estimates are not made for the individual benefits listed. Current planning assumptions are that the number of medical examinations relating to incapacity for work will be in the region of 625,000 in 1995–96, 660,000 in 1996–97 and 375,000 in 1997–98.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people who will move off incapacity benefits during 1996–97 he estimates will fail to qualify for contributory jobseeker's allowance. [16120]

  Mr. Hague
  Around 70,000.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people he estimates will qualify for(a) severe disability allowance, (b) income support and (c) incapacity benefit in each of the years (i) 1995–96, (ii) 1996–97 and (iii) 1997–98 because they fall within one of the groups exempt from the all-work test. [16123]

  Mr. Hague
  The information is not available in the form requested. Estimates have not been made of the number of severe disablement allowance and income support claimants who will be exempt from the all-work test. It is estimated that around 50,000 new incapacity benefit claimants per year will be exempt from the test and that around 900,000 existing invalidity benefit claimants will be exempt.
  556
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people will qualify for unemployment benefit or jobseeker's allowance he expects will need to claim an incapacity benefit on the basis that they are unable to work, in each of the years(a) 1995–96, (b) 1996–97 and (c) 1997–98. [16119]

  Mr. Hague
  It is not possible to make the estimate specified in the question, as data are not held on benefits received by claimants at the point of a claim for an incapacity benefit.

  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people who will move off incapacity benefits during 1995–96 he estimates will qualify for unemployment benefit. [16121]

  Mr. Hague
  Around 95,000.

  Dr. Bray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will set out full details of the procedures to be used under the Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act 1994 by the Benefits Agency medical service agency in the assessment of severe mental health problems, and the criteria by which the Benefits Agency medical service doctors will assess each individual to decide who is, and who is not, to be exempt by reason of mental illness from the all-work test. [17011]

  Mr. Hague
  Before the all-work test is applied to any claimant with a diagnosis of mental health problems, a Benefits Agency medical services doctor will consider whether the claimant's mental health problem is a severe one. This consideration will be based on medical evidence already held and on further information from the Claimant's GP or other medical practitioner, which may be sought specifically to inform the decision. Where a claimant is certified by the Benefits Agency medical service doctor as suffering from severe mental illness, he will be found incapable for work automatically, without having to undergo the test.

  The guidance for Benefits Agency medical service doctors in assessing severe mental health problems is as follows:
  Severe mental health problems are characterised by the presence of mental illness so adversely affecting a person's mood, behaviour or social or environmental awareness, including interpersonal relationships, that continued psychiatric care is essential. This care could include:
  sheltered residential facilities where the person receives regular medical or nursing supervision; or
  day care at least one day a week in a centre where qualified nursing care is available; and/or
  long-term medication with anti-psychotic preparations including depot neuroleptics or mood-modifying drugs.

  Family Credit
  Mrs. Anne Campbell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many claims for family credit have been made in the period 1 April 1994 to 30 September 1994; [15947]

  (2) how many claims for family credit and child care disregard there were for (a) one-parent and (b) two-parent families in the period 1 April 1994 to 30 September 1994;

  (3) how many claims for family credit had a request for child care costs to be disregarded in the period 1 April 1994 to 30 September 1994. [15948]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  In the six-month period from 1 April to 30 September 1994, there were a total of 677,000 claims for family credit.
  557
  Child care charges were not a relevant factor in the determination of family credit entitlement until October 1994. Consequently, the family credit claim form did not ask for details of child care charges before that date. No information is available about any family credit claimant who may, nevertheless, have made a request for child care charges to be taken into consideration.

  Ilford Park Polish Home
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what representations he has received from the residents in the Ilford Park Polish home near Newton Abbot, Devon, about the market-testing exercise being mounted by his Department in relation to the home; [16172]

  (2) when he expects to reach a decision about the operation of the Ilford Park Polish home and the market-testing exercise currently in operation there. [16161]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  We have received a number of written representations from the residents of Ilford Park Polish home. In addition, on 20 December 1994, my noble Friend the Minister of State also met with the residents' committee on his visit to the home.

  The information necessary for us to make a decision on the award of the market-testing contract is to be presented by the end of September 1995.

  Unemployment Benefit (Local Councillors)
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reconsider the regulations which prevent serving local councillors from receiving unemployment benefit by virtue of being regarded as unavailable for work; and if he will make a statement. [15945]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  Availability for work is a long-standing and basic condition for the receipt of unemployment benefit. There are no plans to remove this condition in respect of local authority councilors.

  Social Fund
  Sir Irvine Patnick
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what gross budget will be set for the discretionary social fund in 1995–96. [17184]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The social fund gross discretionary budget for 1995–96 will be £406 million. Some £97 million will be allocated to grants and £309 million to loans. The new allocations represent an increase of £38 million over the total gross budget for 1994–95.

  At a time when we need to look very carefully at every aspect of public expenditure, I am pleased that we are once again able to sustain our record in increasing the social fund budget each year since it began.

  The recycling of loans means that we are able to give more help to more people. The loans system is being widely used; between 1 April 1994 and 28 February 1995 well over 1.8 million non-repayable grants and interest-free loans were made. This is 100,000 more than during the same period last year—an increase of 6 per cent. The increase from April 1995 will allow even more people to be helped.

  Details of individual district budget allocations have been placed in the Library.
  558
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list(a) the number of applications for budgeting loans, (b) the number of applications for crisis loans, (c) the number of successful applications for budgeting loans and the percentage success rate expressed against the total number of applications, (d) the number of successful applications for crisis loans and the percentage success rate expressed against the total number of applications, (e) the total budget allowed for (i) budgeting and (ii) crisis loans and (f) the total amounts awarded for (iii) budgeting and (iv) crisis loans for each Benefits Agency district within Scotland for each of the financial years since their introduction. [16306]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The administration of the social fund is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write the hon. Member with such information as is available.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Brian H. Donohoe, dated 27 March 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Social Fund in Scotland.
  The information you have requested is at Annex A and a copy has been placed in the Library. There is no separate budgeting and crisis loans budget, but each district has an overall loans budget. Information has therefore been provided for the total loans allocations for each district.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

  Statutory Sick Pay
  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to allow employers to opt out of the statutory sick pay scheme and what progress has been made towards simplifying the rules. [17205]

  Mr. Lilley
  I am issuing a consultation paper today which seeks views on allowing employers to opt out of the statutory sick pay scheme where their occupational sick pay schemes meet certain requirements. It would be in everyone's interest for sick pay arrangements to operate as simply and smoothly as possible.

  Research carried out for the Department of Social Security in recent years shows that around 85 per cent. of employers make some form of short-term provision for sickness.

  One of the main advantages for employers in opting out of SSP would be a reduction in the amount of records they are required to keep at present. They would no longer have to operate SSP rules and could keep simpler records of sickness absence, payments made to employees and transfers to state incapacity benefits.

  Record keeping can be an administrative burden for every employer, not just for those with occupational sick pay schemes, so I am also seeking views on a significant reduction in the amount of mandatory records to be kept by all employers.

  The proposals have been made by a working group of employers and payroll organisations which I set up to examine ways for cutting red tape in the SSP scheme.

  The group has also identified a number of changes that would make the scheme simpler to understand and operate. It is now important to seek wider views including those of employee's representatives.

  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the group for the time they have given and

  559
  the commitment they have shown in undertaking such a thorough review.

  Copies of the consultation paper with the working group"s report have been placed in the Library. Comments are sought by 30 June.

  Housing Benefit
  Mr. Thurnham
  To ask the Secretary of State of Social Security if he will list for each of the past five years,(a) how many people claimed housing benefit, (b) how much was paid in housing benefit, (c) how many claimants have had their housing benefit reduced due to the presence of a non-dependent adult in the household,(d) by how much the total housing benefit bill has been reduced due to the provisions on non-dependent lodgers, (e) by how much the housing benefit bill would be reduced if all single householders with spare bedrooms were assumed to be providing lodgings to a second non-dependent adult. [14926]

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

  Thousands

  All housing benefit recipients

  Estimate of number of housing benefit cases with a non-dependant in the household

  May 1989

  3,926

  n/a

  May 1990

  3,979

  323

  May 1991

  4,021

  333

  May 1992

  4,320

  297

  May 1993

  4,521

  311

  Source:

  Housing benefit management information system annual 1 per cent. sample inquiries taken at the end of May each year.

  Total housing benefit expenditure

  £ million

  1989–90

  4,299

  1990–91

  5,100

  1991–92

  6,375

  1992–93

  7,793

  1993–94

  9,193

  Source:

  Departmental report 1995.

  The amount by which the housing benefit bill is reduced due to the provisions on income from lodgers, part (d), cannot be calculated because information is not collected centrally.

  Information on the size of accommodation, part (e), is not collected centrally.

  War Pensions
  Mr. Hinchliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what actions he has taken in the last three years to encourage eligible persons to claim a war pension. [15917]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This is a matter for Mr. Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the War Pensions Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
  560
  Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 27 March 1995:
  I have been asked by the Secretary of State to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about actions taken in the last three years to encourage eligible persons to claim a war pension.
  The Agency, previously the War Pensions Directorate under the Benefits Agency, has actively publicised War Pensions through our own Welfare Service which has 29 offices located throughout the country; the War Pensions Committees which are also regionally based; the various ex-Service organisations with whom we have close and frequent dialogue, and with the Press.
  Claims have risen in the last 10 years from 15,000 to an expected 120,000 for this year, and it is our aim to continue to raise awareness of the War Pensions Agency, the War Pensions Scheme and the service we provide, so that those with potential entitlement know of their right to claim.
  Activities over the last 3 years include:
  attending many exhibitions and, through our Welfare Service, providing seminars and advice days throughout the country which are advertised through the appropriate local press;
  ensuring that welfare outlets and organisations (doctors hospitals etc) and advice centres (NACAB, Age Concern etc) know of our service, and to target places our potential customers are likely to visit;
  poster campaigns ( a new one has just started);
  providing information and factual articles for newspapers, magazines, television and radio programmes. We ensure wherever possible that the War Pensions Agency Helpline telephone number (01253 858858) is quoted which is proving successful, with calls to the Helpline now averaging over 9,500 per week;
  British Telecom telephone directories now prominently mention War Pensions Agency in the form of a ½ column entry;
  following successful trials last year of a mobile office, we will continue this service;
  establishing contact with new areas such as ex-service magazines and Regimental museums to discuss WPA publicity material and areas of common interest such as VE/VJ day;
  providing information for servicemen on discharge for inclusion in a Benefits Agency pack;
  the Agency will shortly be appearing on Charter Television which is aimed at hospital waiting areas.
  I hope you find my reply useful.

  Attendance Allowance
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is his estimate of the numbers of people requesting the DS2 claim pack for attendance allowance but failing to return it. [16072]

  Mr. Hague
  The administration of attendance allowance is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 27 March 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about claims for Attendance Allowance (AA).
  The claim pack DS2 is exclusively for use in AA claims. In the period April 1992 to January 1995 some 2,300,000 DS2 claim packs have been issued to Benefits Agency outlets. Though the vast majority of these have gone to customers, information is not available in respect of the number still held in stock.
  Additionally, DS2A packs are issued to organisations such as Welfare Rights and Citizen's Advice Bureaux. Although 1,500,000 DS2A packs have been issued in the period April 1992 to January 1995 information is not available in respect of the number still held in stock.

  561
  DS2 packs, supplied to customers direct from BA offices, provide an opportunity for a customer to complete and return their claim within a 6 week period whilst maintaining their original date of claim.
  The total number of AA claims received for the period April 1992 to January 1995 is 1,400,000.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

HEALTH

  NHS Doctors
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the percentage of doctors still working in the NHS in each of the first 10 years after qualifying; and what were the figures for each of the last 10 years. [15770]

  Mr. Malone
  Data are not available in the form requested.

  Evidence on doctors leaving the profession prematurely is based in studies published in 1991 by Professor James Parkhouse. These studies suggest that about 20 per cent. of doctors are not practising in the national health service five years after qualification. The majority of these however, are not lost permanently to medicine. Many are working in short-term postings overseas, to develop their skills further, while others are working in United Kingdom medical work outside the NHS, or taking short career breaks. The Department has commissioned further cohort studies to provide up to date estimates of wastage from the medical profession.

  A recent study by Isobel Allen containing more up-to-date information, based on a sample of 200 doctors qualifying in 1986, found that very few young doctors had left medicine altogether six years after qualification.

  Mixed-sex Wards
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities in each regional health authority area have a policy on mixed-sex wards; and how many do not. [16100]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Clinical Outcome Indicators
  Mr. Bayley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to publish health service clinical outcome indicators similar to those published in December 1994 by the Secretary of State for Scotland in respect of individual(a) health authorities and (b) NHS trusts in England; and what timetable is envisaged. [15866]

  Mr. Sackville
  Many of the indicators published in Scotland were published for individual health authorities in England in 1993. Existing indicators will henceforth be published annually as part of the public health common data set. Some of the indicators published in Scotland are dependent on linking patient records and this is not yet possible in England. As part of our longer-term plans we are currently working with the clinical professions on a programme to develop new outcome indicators.

  Dental Services
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make an urgent response to the consultations concluded on 30 November 1994 on the Green Paper, "Improving NHS Dentistry". [15983]

  Mr. Malone
  The Government are considering carefully all the contributions received during the consultation. An announcement will be made shortly.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to her answer of 13 March,Official Report, column 400, how many letters from the public mentioned concern with problems of gaining access to NHS dental services en passant; and how many letters from (a) hon. Members, (b) community health councils, (c) local authorities, (d) professional organisations and (e) patient groups have been received. [16400]

  Mr. Malone
  Since January 1994 some 209 letters in which the main point has been availability of general dental services have been received from hon. and right hon. Members. Additionally, two letters have been received direct from patient groups and one letter direct from a professional group.

  Family health services authorities consistently report that they can help patients to find national health service dentists.

  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many family health services authorities have been unable to provide emergency dental services in each month since April 1991. [16402]

  Mr. Malone
  General dental practitioners have an obligation under their terms of service to provide emergency cover to their registered patients. They may also offer emergency treatment to non-registered patients. Family health services authorities can make arrangements for emergency treatment for those patients who are not registered and are able to assist all those who inquire about emergency treatment.

  Where there are already adequate emergency services available from general dental practitioners, or the community or hospital dental services, there is no need for FHSAs themselves to make arrangements.

  Information on provision of emergency dental services by family health services authorities is available only for the period from July 1992 to July 1994. Data were received on a weekly rather than a monthly basis and are shown weekly in the table. Since 1 August 1994 more detailed data have been collected weekly on the number of patients referred to the emergency dental service, the community dental service, hospital dental service and salaried dentists instead.

  General dental service: Total number of family health services authorities reporting that they were not providing emergency dental services in each week from 3 July 1992 to 29 July 19941 3

  Week ending

  FHSAs

  England

  3 July 1992

  13

  10 July 1992

  7

  17 July 1992

  8

  24 July 1992

  7

  31 July 1992

  8

  7 August 1992

  8

  14 August 1992

  7

  21 August 1992

  7

  28 August 1992

  8

  563

  General dental service: Total number of family health services authorities reporting that they were not providing emergency dental services in each week from 3 July 1992 to 29 July 19941 3

  Week ending

  FHSAs

  4 September 1992

  8

  11 September 1992

  8

  18 September 1992

  8

  25 September 1992

  8

  2 October 1992

  8

  9 October 1992

  8

  16 October 1992

  8

  23 October 1992

  8

  30 October 1992

  8

  6 November 1992

  8

  13 November 1992

  7

  20 November 1992

  7

  27 November 1992

  7

  4 December 1992

  6

  11 December 1992

  6

  18 December 1992

  6

  25 December 1992

  —

  1 January 1993

  —

  8 January 1993

  6

  15 January 1993

  6

  22 January 1993

  6

  29 January 1993

  6

  5 February 1993

  6

  12 February 1993

  6

  19 February 1993

  6

  26 February 1993

  4

  5 March 1993

  7

  12 March 1993

  5

  19 March 1993

  5

  26 March 1993

  6

  2 April 1993

  6

  9 April 1993

  5

  16 April 1993

  5

  23 April 1993

  7

  30 April 1993

  5

  7 May 1993

  6

  14 May 1993

  6

  21 May 1993

  5

  28 May 1993

  6

  4 June 1993

  7

  11 June 1993

  6

  18 June 1993

  5

  25 June 1993

  5

  2 July 1993

  6

  9 July 1993

  5

  16 July 1993

  5

  23 July 1993

  5

  30 July 1993

  6

  6 August 1993

  5

  13 August 1993

  6

  20 August 1993

  6

  27 August 1993

  6

  3 September 1993

  5

  10 September 1993

  5

  17 September 1993

  5

  24 September 1993

  5

  1 October 1993

  5

  08 October 1993

  5

  15 October 1993

  5

  22 October 1993

  8

  29 October 1993

  7

  5 November 1993

  8

  12 November 1993

  6

  19 November 1993

  5

  26 November 1993

  6

  3 December 1993

  6

  10 December 1993

  6

  17 December 1993

  5

  24 December 1993

  —

  31 December 1993

  —

  7 January 1994

  6

  564

  General dental service: Total number of family health services authorities reporting that they were not providing emergency dental services in each week from 3 July 1992 to 29 July 19941 3

  Week ending

  FHSAs

  14 January 1994

  6

  21 January 1994

  7

  28 January 1994

  5

  4 February 1994

  6

  11 February 1994

  6

  28 February 1994

  5

  25 February 1994

  7

  4 March 1994

  6

  11 March 1994

  5

  18 March 1994

  5

  25 March 1994

  5

  1 April 1994

  6

  8 April 1994

  2—

  15 April 1994

  8

  22 April 1994

  8

  29 April 1994

  6

  6 May 1994

  5

  13 May 1994

  5

  20 May 1994

  5

  27 May 1994

  5

  3 June 1994

  7

  10 June 1994

  4

  17 June 1994

  4

  24 June 1994

  4

  1 July 1994

  4

  8 July 1994

  4

  15 July 1994

  4

  22 July 1994

  4

  29 July 1994

  6

  Notes:

  1 Data was not collected during the Christmas and new year periods.

  2 Data received for the week ending 8 April 1994 are not compatible to the other data.

  3 From the 1 August 1994 the data is not available.

  Source:

  Department of Health.

  Accident and Emergency Units
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which trusts regularly employ general practitioners to work in accident and emergency units; and what has been the effect on waiting times. [16099]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally.

  Paramedics
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 13 February,Official Report, column 498, if she will advise ambulance NHS trusts that they should not charge paramedics for their training. [16271]

  Mr. Sackville
  This is a matter for individual ambulance trusts.

  NHS Pensions Agency
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on plans to privatise the NHS Pensions Agency; and how pensioners will be protected. [16205]

  Mr. Sackville
  We have no plans to privatise the national health service pensions scheme. A "prior options" review of the NHS Pensions Agency is currently under way which examines in the usual way the future of
  565
  all of the agency's various functions of administering the NHS pensions and injury benefit schemes. We shall announce our conclusions on the agency's future in due course.

  General Practitioners
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations she has received regarding general practitioners and their out-of-hours work commitment. [16425]

  Mr. Malone
  We are continuing to have regular discussions with representatives of the medical profession.

  Hospital Security
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to improve hospital security. [15643]

  Mr. Sackville
  Hospital security is a matter for local management. The Government place great importance on the creation of a safe and secure environment in hospitals as part of quality health care. Guidance has been made available to hospitals by the National Health Service Executive.

  Correspondence
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many letters have been received from(a) the public and (b) hon. Members in each of the last five years concerning (i) London"s health service, (ii) hospital closures, (iii) long-term care of the elderly, (iv) mental health services, (v) increasing bureaucracy and (vi) in total on all NHS matters either exclusively or en passant. [16401]

  Mr. Sackville
  Detailed information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. The total number of letters replied to by the Department of Health in the last five years is as shown in the table:

  Letter replied to

  Year

  1By ministers

  2By officials

  1990

  28,100

  334,000

  1991

  18,001

  30,132

  1992

  19,704

  48,543

  1993

  25,559

  58,598

  1994

  22,341

  44,518

  1 Letters received mainly from hon. and right hon. Members.

  2 Letters received mainly from the public.

  3 Estimated.

  Statutory References
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what statutory references to hon. Members have been made in legislation introduced by her Department or its predecessors since 1965. [16097]

  Mr. Sackville
  An analysis of all legislation introduced by this Department and its predecessors since 1965, for any references of the type requested, could be provided only at disproportionate cost. It would be extremely unlikely for reference to be made specifically to an individual hon. Member. Frequent references are made to officers of state and occasional general references are 566
  made to persons who are Members of one or other of the Houses of Parliament.

  Market Testing
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 16 March,Official Report, columns 702–3, if she will list (a) the location and (b) the specific clinical or clinical support service for which there are 20 local plans to market test. [16403]

  Mr. Sackville
  The notified list of local plans to market test clinical support services with other national health service or independent provider units will be placed in the Library.

  Hospital Doctors
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will define the role of hospital doctors before and after the reforms. [16405]

  Mr. Malone
  There has never been any precise definition of the role of hospital doctors. However, they have always been and continue to be responsible for providing high quality patient care.

  Drug Expenditure
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average spending on drugs by(a) fundholders and (b) non-fundholders in the latest available quarter. [16406]

  Mr. Malone
  The average net ingredient cost expenditure on drugs prescribed during the quarter October to December 1994 was £18 per patient by fundholders and £19 per patient by non-fundholders.

  Hospital Closures
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many hospitals have temporarily closed(a) their accident and emergency department and (b) any other acute services for any length of time in each of the past 24 months; and if she will list the hospitals, and give details of the length of closure and causes. [16638]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon, North (Sir J. Gorst) on 7 March at column 101.

  Hospitalised Boxer (Security Costs)
  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the cost of security guards for the American boxer Gerald McClellan in the Royal London hospital; and on whom this cost falls.[16639]

  Mr. Sackville
  National health service trusts are free to take measures that they deem necessary to protect the safety or privacy of patients. The hon. Member may wish to contact Sir Derek Boorman, chairman of the Royal Hospitals NHS Trust for details.

  Waiting Lists
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what factors account for recent trends in lengths of waiting lists for NHS hospital treatment. [16947]

  Mr. Malone
  The number of people waiting for treatment has remained at around 10 per cent. of the number of patients treated for over 20 years. Our policy is to ensure that waiting times for treatment are reduced. Nearly half of patients have a waiting time of less than five weeks. In 1987 more than 200,000 were waiting over a year; in December 1994 fewer than 55,000 were waiting over a year. This success has been achieved by a combination of increased activity and better management of specialities with waiting lists.

  Stress
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence her Department has that the stress under which(a) nurses, (b) doctors, (c) pharmacists,
  (d) physiotherapists and (e) ambulance women and other health care professions including dentists has increased or decreased in (i) the last year, (ii) the last four years and (iii) the last 15 years; and if she will make a statement on the suicide rates amongst the above professions. [16948]

  Mr. Malone
  We have commissioned Dr Toby Wall of the university of Sheffield to carry out a five-year study of the mental health of the national health service work force and the first results from this research are expected to be available later this year.

  Trauma Unit Research Project
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will give further details of progress on the trauma pilot scheme at the Staffordshire infirmary; and when she expects to receive the completed evaluation and make proposals for implementation of any recommendations for change throughout England and Wales. [16850]

  Mr. Sackville
  We now expect to receive the final report in June 1995. Copies will be placed in the Library when it is published. We will be considering our policy on trauma centres in the light of the report. Consideration of the report in respect of Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

  GP Fundholding
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what percentage of the total health budget per patient is held by GP fundholders, total fundholders and community fundholders. [14994]

  Mr. Malone
  [holding answer 20 March 1995]: For 1994–95 general practitioner fundholders hold nearly 9 per cent. of the total national health service budget per patient. In addition to the four pilots which began in 1994–95, total purchasing pilots will begin on 1 April 1995. The 52 sites involved in the total purchasing pilot schemes will manage all hospital and community health services resources on behalf of their patients. Community fundholders will not hold a budget until 1996–97.

EDUCATION

  Administrative Staff
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list the total number of administrative staff employed by each local education authority in England for each year since 1988. [16368]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I will write to the hon. Member.

  Funding
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) if she intends to meet a cross-party delegation from Devon concerning education funding during March; [16397]

  (2) when she expects to respond to the two recent letters from the hon. Member for Plymouth, Devonport, requesting an urgent meeting about education cuts in Devon; [16398]

  (3) if she will list the names of Conservative hon. Members from Devon and Cornwall who have written to her regarding education cuts in those counties; and when she last met Conservative hon. Members from Devon and Cornwall to discuss education budgets.[16399]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  My right hon. Friend met cross-party delegations of Members from Devon to discuss education funding on 22 March and from Cornwall on 9 February 1995.

  We are aware of one outstanding letter from the hon. Member to which my right hon. Friend will reply shortly.

  My right hon. Friend and I have received letters on education funding in Devon and Cornwall from the following Conservative Members:
  Mr. Rupert Allason, Mrs. Angela Browning, Mr. Sebastian Coe, Sir Peter Emery, Dame Janet Fookes, Sir John Hannam, Mr. Robert Hicks, Mr. Patrick Nichols, Mrs. Emma Nicholson, Mr. Anthony Steen and Mr. Gary Streeter.

  Computer Pornography
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education when the departmental advice for schools and parents on computer pornography will be published; how many leaflets will be available; and how they will be distributed. [16800]

  Mr. Forth
  An information sheet for schools and a leaflet of advice for parents were published by the National Council for Educational Technology in February. These are available to all schools and libraries which request them. It is for individual schools to decide how many copies of the parents' leaflet to distribute.

  School Meals
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the amount of money spent by local education authorities in England on providing school meals other than those who are entitled to free school meals in the last year for which figures are available. [16792]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is not collected centrally in the form requested. Gross expenditure by local education authorities in England on their school catering services in 1993–94, covering both free and paid meals, is estimated to have been £685.2 million.

  Ethnic Minorities
  Mr. Duncan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to review the arrangements for the ethnic monitoring of school pupils. [17067]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  We have today issued a consultation paper to local education authorities and other interested organisations, reviewing the current arrangements for the ethnic monitoring of school pupils and inviting comments on proposals to change those arrangements. Subject to the outcome of the consultation exercise we propose to replace the ethnic monitoring survey of school pupils in England with a combination of approaches:

  a. to incorporate two additional questions within the schools' census in respect of (i) the number of minority ethnic pupils; and (ii) the number of pupils for whom English is a second language;

  b. to obtain information about the progress of minority ethnic pupils in individual schools, by means of information gathered by Ofsted as part of its regular inspection process; and

  c. to undertake ad hoc surveys and research, as necessary, to look in greater depth at particular issues.

  These are designed to check that all minority ethnic groups have equal opportunities to achieve their full potential. Copies of the consultation paper are available in the Library.

  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps she is taking to increase the number of people from ethnic minorities continuing to higher education. [16388]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Government are concerned to promote wider participation in HE, including participation of people from ethnic minorities. The proportion of people from ethnic minorities continuing to HE is higher than the proportion of people from ethnic minorities in the population at large.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the cost of producing and circulating the last Departmental annual report; what was the circulation list; how many copies were produced; how many copies were sold and at what price. [16653]

  Mr. Forth
  The Department's annual report published on 7 March 1995 cost £22,500 to prepare for printing.

  It was published by HMSO and sold through their bookshops at £11.65 per copy. Printing costs were borne by HMSO, who look to recover these and other administrative costs from sales. The print run was £2,900 and 2345 copies have been sold up to 24 March.

  The Department obtained copies to distribute to its own staff at middle management level and above, to institutions of further and higher education and local education authorities and to various educational organisations. The cost of buying copies from HMSO and circulating these was some £10,000.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the cost of producing and circulating the departmental annual report for each of the last 10 years in real terms.[16654]

  Mr. Forth
  Departmental reports were published for the first time in 1991. The five reports have been published as Command Papers by HMSO.
  570
  The costs to the Department of preparing the reports for printing are as given. Printing costs were borne by HMSO, which looks to recover these and administrative costs from sales revenue.

  Financial year

  Cash terms £

  At 1993–94 prices £

  1990–91

  4,900

  5,581

  1991–92

  4,800

  5,144

  1992–93

  5,200

  5,359

  1993–94

  15,200

  15,200

  1994–95

  22,500

  22,059

  Costs of buying in and circulating copies of the report were £10,000 in 1994–95. Costs are not held separately for the four previous years.

  Special Educational Needs
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will ring fence finance for special needs pupils. [16593]

  Mr. Forth
  No. Detailed spending decisions are for individual schools and local authorities to make in the light of their own particular circumstances and from within the resources available to them.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will implement the new code to protect special needs pupils. [16595]

  Mr. Forth
  The code of practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs came into effect on 1 September 1994.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will incorporate special training for teachers in recognition of special needs pupils suffering from dyslexia. [16590]

  Mr. Forth
  It is a requirement that initial teacher training courses should equip teachers with the skills to identify special educational needs.

  The Government make money available to local education authorities to contribute, under the grant for education support and training—GEST—programme, towards the cost of in-service training for teachers of children with special educational needs. This enables local education authorities to bid for funds to provide for particular disability areas, such as dyslexia, as appropriate to local needs.

  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will institute screening for pre-school children to establish the need for special care. [16596]

  Mr. Forth
  Care facilities for the under fives are a matter for local social services departments, central responsibility for which rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health. There are already a variety of routes by which special educational needs can be recognised, including the family doctor, the child health services and playgroup or nursery provision.

  Mature Students
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations she has had from vice-chancellors and principals regarding the effect of changes in Benefit Agency regulations on mature students taking higher education courses. [16382]
  571
  Mr. Boswell
  Social security regulations are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education has, however, received a number of representations concerning students and benefits.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many press officers there are in her Department currently; and what figure was in 1979. [16558]

  Mr. Boswell
  There are currently 11 press officers in the Department. Information for 1979 is not available.

  Discretionary Awards
  Mr. Bill Michie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what was the annual expenditure on discretionary awards for students attending further education college courses for each of the metropolitan authorities, for each financial year since 1990–91. [16225]

  Mr. Boswell
  The information requested for the academic years 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93, the latest year for which data are available, is shown in the table. Financial year information is not available.

  Expenditure on further education discretionary awards in the metropolitan authorities in 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93

  £"000

  LEA name

  1990–91 Expenditure

  1991–92 Expenditure

  1992–93 Expenditure

  West Midlands

  Birmingham

  923

  1,299

  955

  Coventry

  527

  558

  514

  Dudley

  456

  393

  443

  Sandwell

  497

  871

  261

  Solihull

  129

  201

  230

  Walsall

  1,451

  1,894

  1,879

  Wolverhampton

  75

  35

  23

  Merseyside

  Knowsley

  1,047

  1,369

  1,404

  Liverpool

  5,697

  4,433

  2,329

  St. Helens

  531

  678

  665

  Sefton

  278

  224

  206

  Wirral2

  1,453

  1,653

  1,731

  Greater Manchester

  Bolton

  536

  821

  739

  Bury

  510

  642

  609

  Manchester

  —

  1,836

  2,105

  Oldham

  544

  459

  631

  Rochdale

  490

  741

  903

  Salford

  423

  314

  149

  Stockport

  504

  691

  806

  Tameside

  239

  352

  403

  Trafford1

  n/a

  302

  340

  Wigan

  418

  499

  514

  South Yorkshire

  Barnsley2

  1,270

  789

  1,064

  Doncaster

  698

  685

  685

  Rotherham

  669

  904

  727

  Sheffield

  2,026

  1,931

  630

  West Yorkshire

  Bradford

  1,612

  1,778

  2,190

  Calderdale

  250

  310

  281

  Kirklees

  1,403

  2,196

  3,123

  572

  Expenditure on further education discretionary awards in the metropolitan authorities in 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93

  £"000

  LEA name

  1990–91 Expenditure

  1991–92 Expenditure

  1992–93 Expenditure

  Leeds

  2,117

  2,743

  2,858

  Wakefield

  1,018

  1,048

  992

  Tyne and Wear

  Gateshead

  454

  376

  235

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  609

  770

  430

  North Tyneside

  706

  1,024

  738

  South Tyneside

  326

  450

  353

  Sunderland1

  n/a

  933

  —

  Total metropolitan authorities

  29,883

  337,333

  32,144

  Notes:

  —Between £0 and £500.

  1 Discretionary awards data not provided in 1990–91.

  2 Incomplete returns were received from Wirral and Barnsley LEAs in 1991–92.

  3 The 1991–92 total has been grossed to compensate for partial returners.

  Source:

  F503G

  Expenditure, Derbyshire
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much was spent in total on education in
  Derbyshire at constant prices in each of the last 20 years. [16299]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The table shows total expenditure by Derbyshire local education authority from 1974–75 to 1993–94, the latest year for which provisional outturn figures are available. These figures have not been adjusted for any changes of function.

  Derbyshire County Council

  Gross Expenditure (1994–95 prices) £ million

  1974–75

  381,861.4

  1975–76

  387,288.2

  1976–77

  395,135.5

  1977–78

  372,438.5

  1978–79

  378,791.1

  1979–80

  369,800.4

  1980–81

  378,639.3

  1981–82

  381,745.2

  1982–83

  379,909.1

  1983–84

  382,882.8

  1984–85

  385,540.5

  1985–86

  388,305.3

  1986–87

  414,685.8

  1987–88

  437,179.5

  1988–89

  451,680.7

  1989–90

  461,473.9

  1990–91

  451,060.5

  1991–92

  450,054.8

  1992–93

  461,817.8

  1993–941

  380,087.7

  1 Provisional

  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much was spent per pupils in Derbyshire in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in each of the last 20 years at constant prices. [16481]
  573
  Mr. Robin Squire
  The table shows expenditure by Derbyshire local education authority on(a) pre-primary and primary pupils combined, and on (b) secondary pupils from 1974–75 to 1993–94, the latest year for which provisional outturn figures are available.

  Derbyshire County Council Spending per pupil (1994–95 prices)

  Nursery/Primary

  Secondary

  1974–75

  1,212

  2,061

  1975–76

  1,081

  1,840

  1976–77

  1,102

  1,835

  1977–78

  1,044

  1,715

  1978–79

  1,064

  1,746

  1979–80

  1,049

  1,677

  1980–81

  1,071

  1,585

  1981–82

  1,119

  1,624

  1982–83

  1,158

  1,654

  1983–84

  1,206

  1,713

  1984–85

  1,217

  1,761

  1985–86

  1,235

  1,838

  1986–87

  1,346

  2,064

  1987–88

  1,426

  2,277

  1988–89

  1,470

  2,458

  1989–90

  1,550

  2,491

  1990–91

  1,588

  2,448

  1991–92

  1,587

  2,404

  1992–93

  1,657

  2,429

  1993–941

  1,632

  2,258

  1 Provisional

  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the amount held back by Derbyshire county council of its total education budget. [16482]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  In the financial year 1994–95, Derbyshire county council is retaining 31.3 per cent. of its general schools budget.

  Virtual Universities
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what plans her Department has to explore the concept of virtual universities. [16384]

  Mr. Boswell
  None. The use of information technology in teaching, learning and research is primarily a matter for individual universities and colleges. The higher education funding councils will shortly be consulting higher education institutions on issues surrounding the exploitation of information systems with a view to considering a strategy for their use in higher education over the next decade.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what guidelines her Department has issued to its agencies and other public bodies under its authority in respect of the employment of public relations companies and the procedures to be adopted in relation to requesting tenders for public relations companies. [16207]

  Mr. Forth
  Central Government conventions for the use of public relations companies are set out in a working guide for Government information officers, a copy of which is available in the Library. The same conventions generally apply to executive agencies and non-departmental public bodies.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much her Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much 574
  contracts with the private sector cost; and if she will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16281]

  Mr. Forth
  The Department does not employ public relation companies.

  School Places
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much an unfilled place costs at(a) a primary school and (b) a secondary school. [16300]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The national average premises-related cost of maintaining a school place is estimated to be £182 a year for a primary school and £303 a year for a secondary school at 1995–96 prices. The actual cost and the scope for realising savings from removal of surplus school places in practice will depend on local circumstances.

  Private Finance Initiative
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will state the cost of producing and distributing to schools her recent document about the private finance initiative being used in education. [16479]

  Mr. Forth
  The total cost of designing and printing the document about the private finance initiative in education, "Education means Business" was £101,000. Distribution of one copy to schools cost some £18,400. The chief target audience for the booklet was the business community.

  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the value and scope of capital spending projects in schools which have taken advantage of the private finance initiative. [16480]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  This information is not available centrally. We are, however, actively reviewing ways in which school-business partnerships may be further encouraged to enable private sector investment and expertise to play its full part in education provision.

  Student Hardship
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent representations she has received from university administrators and student unions on students facing hardship. [16387]

  Mr. Boswell
  My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations from university administrators and student unions on the subject of student support.

  Teaching and Research
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps her Department is taking to ensure parity of esteem between teaching and research in higher education. [16385]

  Mr. Boswell
  My right hon. Friend attaches importance to both teaching and research. It is however for individual universities and colleges to decide on the relative weight to attach to each in the light of their institutional missions.

  BMA Medical Students'Committee
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what were her reasons for refusal on 13
  575
  February to meet the British Medical Association's medical students' committee. [16117]

  Mr. Boswell
  I wrote again on 15 March to explain that the pressure of other commitments means that I am unable to meet representatives of the medical students" committee. I am well aware of the arguments advanced by the BMA medical students' committee, and have answered the points raised in correspondence.

  Student Support
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what representations she has received concerning the level of maintenance grant and loans for(a) all students and (b) medical students. [16116]

  Mr. Boswell
  My right hon. Friend has received a number of representations for a variety of reasons about levels of student support, both for all students and for medical students.

  Mr. Madden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what financial support is available from public funds to a person, born in 1976, who is studying at college for more than 20 hours a week and whose parents are in receipt of income support; and if she will make a statement.

  Mr. Boswell
  [holding answer 17 February 1995]: The person could apply to his or her local education authority for a discretionary award. The decision on how many awards to make, to whom, and the rate payable is a matter purely for LEAs. Anyone over 18 can also apply for a career development loan. These are designed to cover course fees and other living costs. The person may also be eligible for a mandatory award depending on the type of course. In addition, depending on his or her exact age and circumstances, some social security benefits might be available.

  Special Schools
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what percentage of statutory age pupils attended a special school in each local education authority as at January 1994; and what was the percentage nationally. [14989]

  Mr. Forth
  [holding answer 20 March 1995]: The information requested is set out in the table.

  Percentage of pupils of compulsory school age attending maintained special schools in each Local Education Authority in England January 1994

  LEA

  Percentage of pupils attending special schools

  Corporation of London

  0.00

  Camden

  1.68

  Greenwich

  2.12

  Hackney

  2.44

  Hammersmith

  2.41

  Islington

  1.40

  Kensington and Chelsea

  0.47

  Lambeth

  3.14

  Lewisham

  1.68

  Southwark

  1.53

  Tower Hamlets

  1.70

  Wandsworth

  3.30

  Westminster

  1.05

  Barking

  0.74

  Barnet

  0.70

  Bexley

  0.92

  576

  Percentage of pupils of compulsory school age attending maintained special schools in each Local Education Authority in England January 1994

  LEA

  Percentage of pupils attending special schools

  Brent

  1.19

  Bromley

  1.04

  Croydon

  1.26

  Ealing

  1.30

  Enfield

  1.10

  Haringey

  1.31

  Harrow

  0.79

  Havering

  0.60

  Hillingdon

  1.29

  Hounslow

  1.32

  Kingston upon Thames

  1.41

  Merton

  1.27

  Newham

  0.62

  Redbridge

  1.37

  Richmond upon Thames

  0.86

  Sutton

  1.10

  Waltham Forest

  2.22

  Birmingham

  1.75

  Coventry

  1.88

  Dudley

  1.42

  Sandwell

  1.75

  Solihull

  0.91

  Walsall

  1.13

  Wolverhampton

  1.39

  Knowsley

  2.40

  Liverpool

  2.06

  St. Helens

  1.71

  Sefton

  0.95

  Wirral

  1.56

  Bolton

  1.14

  Bury

  1.11

  Manchester

  2.35

  Oldham

  1.17

  Rochdale

  1.45

  Salford

  1.24

  Stockport

  0.96

  Tameside

  1.31

  Trafford

  1.24

  Wigan

  1.97

  Barnsley

  0.44

  Doncaster

  1.49

  Rotherham

  1.54

  Sheffield

  1.28

  Bradford

  0.86

  Calderdale

  0.43

  Kirklees

  1.14

  Leeds

  0.93

  Wakefield

  1.34

  Gateshead

  1.36

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  1.95

  North Tyneside

  1.56

  South Tyneside

  1.54

  Sunderland

  1.52

  Isles of Scilly

  0.00

  Avon

  1.62

  Bedfordshire

  1.36

  Berkshire

  1.57

  Buckinghamshire

  1.71

  Cambridgeshire

  1.02

  Cheshire

  0.94

  Cleveland

  1.50

  Cornwall

  0.42

  Cumbria

  0.32

  Derbyshire

  0.87

  Devon

  1.35

  Dorset

  1.34

  Durham

  1.24

  East Sussex

  1.59

  Essex

  1.20

  577

  Percentage of pupils of compulsory school age attending maintained special schools in each Local Education Authority in England January 1994

  LEA

  Percentage of pupils attending special schools

  Gloucestershire

  1.75

  Hampshire

  1.60

  Hereford and Worcester

  1.21

  Hertfordshire

  1.41

  Humberside

  0.91

  Isle of Wight

  1.34

  Kent

  1.38

  Lancashire

  1.51

  Leicestershire

  0.79

  Lincolnshire

  1.31

  Norfolk

  0.91

  North Yorkshire

  1.04

  Northamptonshire

  1.14

  Northumberland

  1.17

  Nottinghamshire

  0.92

  Oxfordshire

  1.08

  Shropshire

  0.85

  Somerset

  0.98

  Staffordshire

  1.42

  Suffolk

  0.85

  Surrey

  1.62

  Warwickshire

  1.54

  West Sussex

  1.35

  Wiltshire

  0.95

  England

  1.30

SCOTLAND

  Training and Enterprise Programmes
  Ms Short
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland in what ways the eligibility, financial and operating rules which apply to local enterprise companies in Scotland differ from those outlined in the 1995–96 training and enterprise council operating agreement for(a) youth training and youth credits and (b) training for work; and if he will make a statement. [15158]

  Mr. Kynoch
  The rules which govern the delivery by local enterprise companies in Scotland of the principal Government-funded training and enterprise programmes for 1995–96 are set out in an operating agreement between Scottish Enterprise/Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the local enterprise companies which follows closely that for training and enterprise councils.

  Housing, Wigtown
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the legal status of the Wigtown housing association and its membership; what funds have been provided to it from public sources; and if he will make a statement. [15816]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  In developing proposals for the transfer of its housing stock to a locally based housing association, Wigtown district council has supported the formation of Wigtown housing association. I understand that the steering group of Wigtown housing association has recently applied for registration as a friendly society in terms of the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. It expects to apply in due course for registration with Scottish Homes. Current membership 578
  proposals are for a voluntary board of management with 16 members, comprising three local authority members, six tenants and seven other local people with the skills necessary to run such an organisation.

  I understand that the council intends to apply for the consent of the Secretary of State, in terms of section 25 of the Local Government Act 1988, to provide financial assistance towards the new association's setting-up costs.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what request he has received from Wigtown district council regarding the transfer of its housing stock to a housing association; what response he has made; and if he will make a statement. [15814]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Wigtown district council has not yet applied to the Secretary of State for consent to transfer its housing stock to a locally based housing association, although I am aware that the council is currently developing proposals in consultation with tenants. The Secretary of State is generally sympathetic to requests from local authorities to transfer housing stock; each case is considered on it merits and must command the support of the tenants involved.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the proposed transfer of housing stock by Wigtown district council to a housing association; if the council has drawn to his attention potential conflicts of interest; what has been his response; and if he will make a statement. [15815]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Secretary of State has received six representations from two individuals on a range of issues connected with the proposed transfer of Wigtown district council's housing stock, including the potential for conflict of interest.

  The question of conflict of interest is primarily a matter for the council to address. The council is aware that it will have to take steps to avoid any conflict of interest, particularly in the context of discussions of financial arrangements, which may arise in the stock transfer process.

  Mr. McAllion
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he plans to publish his revised guidance to local authorities relating to large-scale voluntary transfers of their housing stock; and if he will take steps to prevent authorities with special reference to Wigtown district council carrying through such transfers before the guidance has been published. [16821]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I expect that revised guidance to local authorities on large-scale voluntary transfers of housing stock will be issued by early summer. This will replace advice issued in 1988 which currently guides local authorities transferring stock. There is no reason why Wigtown district council should not seek to develop proposals for a transfer of stock before publication of the revised guidance.

  Housing Stock Transfer
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has received from district councils for transfer of housing stocks to housing associations or private landlords. [15817]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Secretary of State receives many requests from district councils to transfer housing to housing associations and private
  579
  landlords. Since January 1989, he has approved over 180 applications to transfer a total of over 13,000 houses to the private sector, mainly to locally based housing associations.

  Environmentally Sensitive Area Payments
  Mr. Macdonald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many farmers or crofters in Scotland received environmentally sensitive area payments greater than(a) £100,000, (b) £50,000, (c) £10,000, (d) £5,000 or (e) £1,000 in the last year for which figures are available. [15523]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The information, in the format requested, is set out in the following table. The figures are for 1993–94, the latest year for which information is available.

  Farmers/crofters receiving payments of more than:

  Number

  (a) £100,000

  —

  (b) £50,000

  —

  (c) £10,000

  —

  (d) £5,000

  10

  (e) £1,000

  278

  In addition, a number of participants received payments of £1,000 or less.

  Hospital and Health Service Contracts
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the contracts for hospital and health services awarded so far under the competitive tendering process by(a) Argyll and Clyde, (b) Western Isles, (c) Tayside, (d) Shetland, (e) Orkney, (f) Lothian, (g) Lanarkshire, (h) Highland, (i) Greater Glasgow, (j) Grampian, (k) Forth Valley, (i) Fife, (m) Dumfries and Galloway, (n) Borders and (o) Ayrshire and Arran health boards, including the successful tenderer and value of contracts. [15768]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is available but as it is lengthy, I have arranged to place copies in the Libraries of the House.

  Animal Diseases
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of goat pox were reported in each year since 1985. [15975]

  Sir Hector Monro
  No cases of goat pox have ever been recorded in Scotland.

  Lomond Healthcare NHS Trust
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what remuneration and expenses Mr. Stephen P. Newall will receive as chairman of the Lomond Healthcare NHS Trust; and what is the membership of this board. [16877]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The chairman of the Lomond Healthcare NHS trust, Mr. Stephen P. Newall, receives remuneration of £17,145 per annum and is entitled to claim travel and subsistence expenses at standard rates. The non-executive directors of the trust board have still to be announced.

  Incontinence Services
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if NHS Executive Guidance (EL(93)54) and Agenda for Action on Continence Services (1991) or their Scottish counterparts have been implemented in all health board areas; and if he will make a statement. [15963]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The Scottish health management efficiency group published a report on incontinence services in the community in November 1993 which was circulated widely to bodies in the NHS in Scotland including health boards, which are expected to take account of its recommendations.

  Scottish Record Office
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the targets he expects the Scottish Record Office to achieve in 1995–96. [17152]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  I have set the Scottish Record Office the following key targets for 1995–96:to reduce the unit cost of preserving and making available the records of Scotland by 4 per cent. in real terms;
  to increase the number of catalogue entries available for public scrutiny on the electronic system from 119,000 in 1994–95 to 122,000;
  to produce material from the same building for readers in 30 minutes or less in 90 per cent. of cases, absorbing up to a 2 per cent. increase in demand;
  to answer 85 per cent. of correspondence within 10 days, absorbing up to a 2 per cent. increase in demand; and
  to discuss with every shadow local authority the arrangements each proposes for the preservation and management of the records of the new councils after 1 April 1996.

  Local Government Reform
  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what areas will have individual assessors appointed following local government reform in Scotland on 1 April 1996. [17151]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Having considered representations made in response to consultation on this subject, I have decided that in terms of each assessor's geographical area of responsibility, apart from in Strathclyde region, the present arrangement should continue whereby there are joint arrangements for Highland and Western Isles and Orkney and Shetland and there is one assessor appointed for each other present regional council area. In the Strathclyde area, we propose that there should be five separate assessors with geographical responsibilities extending respectively to Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Argyll and Bute together with Dunbartonshire. The new local authorities for the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Fife and Glasgow will therefore each appoint their own assessor and in other areas joint boards will be introduced to oversee this service.

  Mr. Raymond S. Robertson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what compensation will be available for staff who are obliged to take lower-paid jobs as a result of the reorganisation of local government in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [17153]

  Mr. Kynoch
  On 5 December 1994, my hon. Friend, the former Minister with responsibility for industry and local government issued for comment proposals for compensating local authority staff who may be obliged to
  581
  accept lower-paid jobs as a result of local government reorganisation in Scotland. The responses have been carefully considered and I will be bringing forward shortly regulations to introduce a new scheme for compensation.

  In essence, the scheme will allow for current staff appointed during the period 6 April 1995 to 31 March 1997 to lower-paid jobs in the new local authorities, the new water and sewerage authorities or the Scottish children's reporter administration to have their present salary maintained for a transitional three-year period.

  The scheme will allow the new authorities, during the crucial transitional period, to retain and make use of experienced personnel who would otherwise be made redundant. By avoiding the need for redundancy payments and encouraging councils to retrain existing employees in

  Pay Beds

  £

  Ayrshire and Arran

  Borders

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Fife

  Forth Valley

  Grampian

  Highland

  Lothian

  Tayside

  Scottish totals

  1979–80

  570

  606

  28,556

  3,456

  6,184

  96,705

  4,599

  50,551

  4,719

  195,946

  1980–81

  960

  387

  18,384

  4,327

  6,436

  88,698

  4,635

  51,909

  4,332

  180,068

  1981–82

  552

  204

  13,850

  3,709

  6,444

  89,711

  754

  52,388

  5,490

  173,102

  1982–83

  628

  1,729

  10,377

  4,921

  3,292

  93,309

  994

  44,907

  10,212

  170,369

  1983–84

  1,584

  345

  7,195

  8,570

  845

  92,987

  1,613

  63,629

  10,324

  187,092

  1984–85

  1,305

  995

  6,102

  6,700

  1,295

  36,747

  3,057

  63,260

  6,718

  126,179

  1985–86

  1,488

  1,142

  5,301

  5,280

  1,479

  37,022

  1,666

  64,334

  7,499

  125,211

  1986–87

  1,032

  1,254

  8,624

  5,768

  528

  33,433

  2,603

  91,264

  9,551

  154,057

  1987–88

  507

  670

  6,337

  6,771

  1,359

  40,957

  3,671

  88,027

  6,871

  155,170

  1988–89

  1,360

  3,322

  5,100

  7,020

  1,443

  35,573

  4,896

  106,790

  9,449

  174,953

  1989–90

  819

  9,563

  4,274

  6,986

  4,199

  33,821

  3,840

  126,520

  5,229

  195,251

  1990–91

  468

  10,936

  0

  7,358

  9,810

  39,135

  6,425

  158,204

  6,480

  238,816

  1991–92

  325

  12,144

  1,094

  8,608

  11,000

  49,862

  7,813

  194,065

  7,451

  292,362

  1992–93

  0

  11,773

  252

  9,380

  15,858

  19,978

  9,799

  180,223

  11,060

  258,323

  1993–94

  0

  9,403

  0

  8,357

  3,177

  0

  51

  133,854

  8,534

  163,376

  The following health boards have not had pay beds since 1979–80: Argyll and Clyde, Greater Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what guidance his Department has issued to NHS trust hospitals on the operation of pay beds with particular reference to patients with private medical insurance; [16332]

  (2) what representations his Department has received from private medical insurance companies on the operation of pay beds by NHS trust hospitals in the last three years. [16333]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: There is no compulsion on health boards and NHS trusts to provide pay beds but they are encouraged to do so as a means of contributing to income generation. The decision whether or not to provide pay beds is entirely for boards and trusts to determine within the terms of Section 55 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978.

  No representations have been received from private medical insurance companies and no specific guidance has been issued to NHS trusts on the operation of pay beds.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list(a) the number of pay beds in (i) 1979 and (ii) the latest year for which figures are available and (b) the amounts of revenue raised through the operation of pay beds in 1979 for the latest year
  582
  new jobs, this scheme should benefit staff, employers and the taxpayer.

  Pay Beds
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what amounts of revenue were gathered for the NHS by the operation of pay beds for each health board area in Scotland for each financial year since 1979. [16334]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The following table has been derived from health board annual accounts and shows revenue generated for the NHS by the operation of pay beds for each health board area in Scotland for each financial year since 1979. The amounts shown from 1992–93 onwards do not include pay beds sited in NHS trust hospitals. Information on pay beds for NHS trust hospitals is not collected centrally.

  for which figures are available and for each national health service hospital in Scotland. [16329]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The following tables have been derived from health board annual accounts. The latest year in which numbers of pay beds were collected was 1988. The latest year in which amounts of revenue raised through the operation of pay beds was 1993. The pay bed numbers for 1979 and 1988 are the total for health boards. A breakdown to hospital level is not available centrally.

  The revenue figure for 1993 excludes any revenue collected by NHS trust hospitals. Information on pay beds for NHS trust hospitals is not collected centrally.

  Table 1: Number of NHS Pay Beds

  Year

  Number of pay beds

  1979

  114

  1988

  113

  Table 2: Revenue, from NHS pay beds managed by Health Boards

  Year

  £

  1979

  195,946

  1988

  174,953

  1993

  163,376

  Pupils (Costs)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list the average amount of money spent by his Department on educating a pupil within(a) primary and (b) secondary schools adjusted for 1992–93 prices for each year since 1979 and for each education authority in Scotland; [16318]

  (2) what was the average amount of money spent by his Department on educating a pupil within (a) primary and (b) secondary schools adjusted for 1992–93 for each year since 1979. [16321]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: Direct expenditure by the Scottish Office on the education of school pupils is limited to grants made available to Jordanhill school, the self-governing Dornoch academy, and certain residential special schools. Grants are also made available for pupils at certain independent schools under the assisted places scheme. Comprehensive information on the division of

  Education Authority Schools Average number of pupils per class at September

  Education authority

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1987

  1989

  1991

  1993

  Primary schools1

  Scotland

  23.9

  23.8

  23.8

  23.8

  25.3

  25.2

  24.9

  24.7

  24.7

  24.7

  Borders

  21.8

  21.4

  21.1

  21.1

  22.5

  22.8

  23.1

  22.9

  22.6

  22.8

  Central

  23.0

  22.4

  22.4

  21.9

  24.0

  24.0

  25.0

  24.9

  24.6

  24.7

  Dumfries and Galloway

  22.3

  22.1

  22.3

  21.7

  22.7

  22.5

  22.8

  22.9

  23.3

  23.3

  Fife

  25.5

  25.6

  25.9

  25.9

  26.6

  26.3

  26.3

  25.5

  25.4

  25.4

  Grampian

  23.2

  22.9

  23.0

  22.9

  24.4

  24.7

  24.4

  24.6

  24.8

  24.6

  Highland

  21.5

  21.0

  21.3

  21.2

  22.7

  22.6

  22.7

  22.2

  21.8

  21.5

  Lothian

  22.5

  21.9

  22.1

  23.0

  25.9

  25.9

  25.7

  25.5

  25.8

  25.8

  Strathclyde

  25.0

  25.3

  25.2

  25.0

  26.3

  26.0

  25.4

  25.1

  25.1

  25.1

  Tayside

  23.5

  23.9

  23.7

  23.8

  24.9

  24.7

  24.2

  24.6

  24.8

  25.2

  Orkney

  20.6

  20.2

  20.0

  20.5

  21.2

  20.7

  19.0

  20.3

  18.8

  19.4

  Shetland

  18.3

  18.1

  17.9

  17.2

  18.8

  18.2

  18.2

  17.0

  17.5

  17.3

  Western Isles

  19.6

  19.1

  19.1

  18.7

  19.5

  20.0

  19.1

  18.8

  17.9

  17.2

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  21.3

  20.8

  20.7

  21.1

  21.4

  21.3

  21.3

  20.8

  20.1

  20.1

  Ayr

  25.1

  25.4

  25.4

  25.1

  26.4

  25.9

  25.3

  25.2

  25.0

  25.2

  Dunbarton

  24.9

  25.4

  25.3

  25.3

  26.6

  26.7

  26.4

  26.0

  26.0

  25.8

  Glasgow

  24.7

  24.9

  24.9

  24.4

  25.9

  25.7

  25.1

  24.7

  24.8

  24.7

  Lanark

  25.4

  25.5

  25.4

  25.4

  27.0

  26.5

  25.5

  25.2

  25.0

  24.9

  Renfrew

  26.1

  26.2

  26.0

  26.0

  26.9

  26.5

  26.0

  25.9

  26.1

  26.4

  Secondary schools

  Scotland

  18.9

  19.0

  19.1

  19.0

  19.5

  n/a

  18.8

  18.6

  18.9

  19.4

  Borders

  18.1

  18.2

  16.7

  17.8

  19.1

  n/a

  19.2

  17.6

  17.7

  18.0

  Central

  18.7

  19.3

  19.2

  18.8

  20.0

  n/a

  19.8

  19.5

  19.7

  19.6

  Dumfries and Galloway

  18.4

  18.8

  18.3

  19.0

  18.3

  n/a

  18.8

  17.2

  17.1

  17.7

  Fife

  18.8

  19.9

  19.6

  19.6

  19.8

  n/a

  19.7

  19.4

  19.8

  20.0

  Grampian

  17.9

  18.4

  18.5

  18.2

  19.0

  n/a

  18.0

  18.4

  18.9

  19.1

  Highland

  17.8

  17.1

  17.2

  17.4

  17.7

  n/a

  17.8

  17.0

  17.6

  18.0

  Lothian

  17.8

  17.6

  17.9

  18.1

  19.1

  n/a

  19.1

  18.3

  18.5

  19.2

  Strathclyde

  19.8

  19.9

  19.9

  20.0

  20.3

  n/a

  19.3

  19.2

  19.6

  20.1

  Tayside

  18.2

  17.9

  18.1

  17.6

  18.8

  n/a

  17.9

  17.3

  17.8

  18.8

  Orkney

  14.6

  15.5

  15.1

  13.8

  15.4

  n/a

  15.8

  15.2

  14.9

  15.2

  Shetland

  15.2

  14.3

  14.8

  14.9

  15.1

  n/a

  15.8

  14.1

  13.5

  14.3

  Western Isles

  16.2

  16.2

  17.3

  14.6

  15.5

  n/a

  15.4

  14.1

  14.3

  14.0

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  16.4

  17.3

  17.0

  17.1

  17.8

  n/a

  18.9

  16.9

  17.8

  17.9

  Ayr

  19.5

  19.6

  19.5

  19.8

  20.5

  n/a

  20.2

  18.8

  18.6

  19.4

  Dunbarton

  20.1

  20.4

  19.8

  19.9

  20.3

  n/a

  20.2

  19.7

  20.2

  20.3

  584
  these resources between the primary and secondary sectors is not available.

  Expenditure per pupil in education authority schools is the responsibility of each education authority. Local authority expenditure is supported by aggregate external finance. Such financial support is not specific to particular local authority services and it is for each authority to determine the allocation of all the resources at its disposal.

  Pupil Numbers
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will list the average number of pupils per class in Scotland for(a) primary and (b) secondary schools for each year since 1979; [16323]

  (2) if he will list the average number of pupils in each class for each education authority in Scotland for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools for each year since 1979. [16322]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The available information on average class size is given in the following table.
  585

  Education Authority Schools Average number of pupils per class at September

  Education authority

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1987

  1989

  1991

  1993

  Glasgow

  19.8

  19.7

  20.2

  20.0

  19.8

  n/a

  17.4

  18.5

  18.9

  19.5

  Lanark

  20.2

  20.5

  20.0

  20.7

  21.1

  n/a

  20.4

  19.9

  20.4

  20.8

  Renfrew

  19.6

  19.9

  20.2

  20.2

  20.4

  n/a

  18.7

  19.7

  20.2

  20.7

  1 Until the 1983 school census, classes for small numbers of primary pupils withdrawn for short periods of time from their normal classes were included in the calculation of average class size. From 1983, all pupils were counted against their normal class for statistical purposes.

  Teachers' Salaries
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average salary paid to a teacher in Scotland and the average salary paid to a teacher in Scotland as a percentage of average non-manual earnings for each year since 1979. [16320]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The information requested is as follows:

  Average salary of teachers in Scotland

  Percentage of average male non-manual earnings in Scotland

  1979–80

  5,602

  95.3

  1980–81

  7,435

  102

  1981–82

  8,390

  99

  1982–83

  8,996

  96

  1983–84

  9,620

  94

  1984–85

  10,117

  93

  1987–88

  13,649

  102

  1988–89

  15,333

  105

  1989–90

  16,409

  105

  1990–91

  17,937

  105

  1991–92

  19,611

  108

  1992–93

  21,018

  107

  Intensive care beds1: by health board area of treatment: years ending 31 March

  Intensive Therapy Unit

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  Scotland

  125

  136

  137

  142

  159

  166

  168

  166

  Argyll and Clyde

  4

  3

  4

  4

  4

  4

  4

  4

  Ayrshire and Arran

  5

  5

  5

  5

  7

  10

  8

  6

  Borders

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Dumfries and Galloway

  —

  —

  —

  2

  8

  8

  8

  8

  Fife

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Forth Valley

  4

  4

  4

  4

  4

  4

  4

  4

  Grampian

  6

  6

  6

  6

  6

  10

  11

  11

  Greater Glasgow

  65

  72

  72

  74

  80

  81

  81

  81

  Highland

  5

  5

  5

  5

  5

  5

  5

  5

  Lanarkshire

  13

  15

  15

  16

  19

  19

  20

  19

  Lothian

  12

  12

  12

  12

  12

  11

  12

  12

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  11

  13

  14

  14

  14

  15

  15

  15

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Intensive Therapy Unit

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Scotland

  166

  166

  182

  189

  198

  219

  230

  250

  Argyll and Clyde

  3

  1

  —

  —

  —

  4

  7

  12

  Ayrshire and Arran

  8

  6

  6

  6

  6

  7

  8

  8

  586
  Figures for 1985–86 are not available due to teachers' industrial action. Information for years subsequent to 1992–93 is not yet available.

  Intensive Care Units
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what recent representations he has received from Scottish health boards concerning collective arrangements for the admission of patients to intensive care units; [16316]

  (2) what arrangements exist within the NHS in Scotland for the admission of seriously sick patients to intensive care units; [16317]

  (3) if he will list the number of intensive care beds available for the treatment of patients for each health board area in Scotland for each financial year since 1979. [16328]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not received any representations from health boards concerning collective arrangements for the admission of patients to intensive care units. Arrangements for the admission of seriously sick patients to intensive care units are a matter for the relevant trusts and health boards informed by clinical decisions about individual patients.

  Information on the average available staffed intensive care beds is shown in the following table.
  587

  Intensive Therapy Unit

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Borders

  —

  —

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  2

  Dumfries and Galloway

  8

  8

  8

  8

  8

  8

  8

  16

  Fife

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  5

  Forth Valley

  4

  4

  4

  9

  9

  9

  9

  9

  Grampian

  11

  11

  10

  10

  10

  10

  11

  10

  Greater Glasgow

  80

  75

  76

  78

  77

  77

  77

  75

  Highland

  6

  6

  6

  6

  6

  6

  6

  6

  Lanarkshire

  18

  19

  24

  31

  35

  37

  37

  37

  Lothian

  14

  21

  30

  25

  28

  38

  41

  41

  Orkney

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Shetland

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Tayside

  15

  15

  15

  15

  15

  20

  24

  28

  Western Isles

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  Note:

  1 Average available staffed beds in specialties of intensive therapy unit.

  Source:

  Information and Statistic Division.
  588

  Teachers
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the numbers of teachers employed and the number and percentages of women employed in

  Education Authority Schools number (full-time equivalents) of teachers1; number (FTE) and percentage of female teachers (at September)

  Education authority

  Total

  1987 Number female

  Per cent female.

  Total

  1988 Number female

  Per cent female.

  Total

  1990 Number female

  Per cent female.

  Total

  1992 Number female

  Per cent female.

  Primary schools

  Scotland

  21,480

  19,457

  90.6

  21,586

  19,619

  90.9

  22,628

  20,745

  91.7

  22,728

  20,947

  92.2

  Borders

  448

  383

  85.5

  466

  404

  86.6

  472

  416

  88.1

  476

  425

  89.4

  Central

  1,162

  1,074

  92.4

  1,160

  1,079

  93.0

  1,165

  1,090

  93.5

  1,167

  1,095

  93.8

  Dumfries and Galloway

  654

  562

  86.0

  648

  561

  86.6

  690

  603

  87.4

  697

  620

  88.9

  Fife

  1,524

  1,384

  90.8

  1,552

  1,416

  91.2

  1,614

  1,486

  92.0

  1,617

  1,505

  93.1

  Grampian

  2,251

  1,991

  88.5

  2,261

  1,997

  88.3

  2,280

  2,060

  90.4

  2,361

  2,159

  91.4

  Highland

  1,052

  928

  88.2

  1,052

  933

  88.7

  1,109

  991

  89.4

  1,137

  1,020

  89.7

  Lothian

  2,742

  2,510

  91.5

  2,770

  2,542

  91.8

  2,842

  2,623

  92.3

  2,853

  2,636

  92.4

  Strathclyde

  9,559

  8,805

  92.1

  9,602

  8,875

  92.4

  10,311

  9,575

  92.9

  10,264

  9,557

  93.1

  Tayside

  1,612

  1,402

  87.0

  1,606

  1,399

  87.2

  1,659

  1,471

  88.7

  1,662

  1,493

  89.8

  Orkney

  113

  98

  87.3

  112

  100

  89.8

  125

  112

  89.8

  127

  117

  92.3

  Shetland

  175

  153

  87.6

  174

  151

  86.9

  174

  151

  86.7

  178

  151

  84.6

  Western Isles

  189

  167

  88.6

  182

  161

  88.3

  188

  168

  89.4

  190

  171

  89.6

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  300

  259

  86.5

  311

  270

  86.9

  357

  316

  88.4

  348

  309

  88.9

  Ayr

  1,569

  1,419

  90.5

  1,578

  1,438

  91.1

  1,696

  1,556

  91.7

  1,700

  1,572

  92.5

  Dunbarton

  1,392

  1,313

  94.3

  1,384

  1,302

  94.1

  1,431

  1,363

  95.3

  1,423

  1,359

  95.5

  Glasgow

  2,687

  2,492

  92.7

  2,696

  2,506

  93.0

  3,002

  2,783

  92.7

  3,020

  2,790

  92.4

  Lanark

  2,205

  2,025

  91.9

  2,211

  2,044

  92.4

  2,324

  2,160

  93.0

  2,296

  2,143

  93.3

  Renfrew

  1,407

  1,297

  92.2

  1,423

  1,315

  92.4

  1,501

  1,398

  93.1

  1,478

  1,384

  93.7

  Secondary schools

  Scotland

  25,462

  11,279

  44.3

  24,757

  11,028

  44.5

  23,988

  11,065

  46.1

  23,994

  11,518

  48.0

  Borders

  504

  200

  39.8

  496

  202

  40.7

  494

  209

  42.4

  501

  222

  44.3

  Central

  1,379

  634

  46.0

  1,327

  605

  45.6

  1,276

  602

  47.2

  1,283

  624

  48.6

  Dumfries and Galloway

  821

  321

  39.1

  814

  320

  39.3

  778

  313

  40.2

  759

  314

  41.4

  Fife

  1,686

  730

  43.3

  1,657

  732

  44.2

  1,615

  749

  46.4

  1,626

  791

  48.7

  Grampian

  2,452

  1,120

  45.7

  2,393

  1,101

  46.0

  2,312

  1,081

  46.8

  2,444

  1,217

  49.8

  Highland

  1,148

  498

  43.3

  1,153

  494

  42.8

  1,150

  519

  45.1

  1,229

  603

  49.0

  Lothian

  3,213

  1,413

  44.0

  3,092

  1,357

  43.9

  2,945

  1,341

  45.6

  2,888

  1,354

  46.9

  Strathclyde

  11,697

  5,247

  44.9

  11,330

  5,131

  45.3

  11,014

  5,170

  46.9

  10,879

  5,284

  48.6

  Tayside

  2,032

  914

  45.0

  1,960

  875

  44.7

  1,862

  857

  46.0

  1,832

  878

  47.9

  Orkney

  120

  36

  30.2

  126

  46

  36.1

  132

  49

  36.7

  135

  51

  38.1

  Shetland

  168

  71

  42.1

  173

  73

  42.5

  178

  78

  44.0

  190

  88

  46.1

  Western Isles

  243

  94

  38.9

  238

  92

  38.6

  233

  95

  40.9

  228

  93

  41.0

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  351

  136

  38.8

  346

  145

  41.8

  360

  160

  44.4

  352

  159

  45.3

  Ayr

  1,923

  832

  43.3

  1,856

  808

  43.5

  1,868

  859

  46.0

  1,843

  881

  47.8

  Dunbarton

  1,672

  825

  49.4

  1,630

  803

  49.3

  1,627

  820

  50.4

  1,663

  842

  50.6

  Glasgow

  3,165

  1,368

  43.2

  3,063

  1,354

  44.2

  2,828

  1,283

  45.4

  2,703

  1,275

  47.2

  Lanark

  2,683

  1,194

  44.5

  2,585

  1,154

  44.7

  2,550

  1,176

  46.1

  2,534

  1,214

  47.9

  Renfrew

  1,904

  892

  46.8

  1,850

  868

  46.9

  1,781

  873

  49.0

  1,784

  912

  51.1

  1 The total figures given are based on statistical returns made by individual teachers, and hence may differ slightly from those figures published elsewhere which are based on the totals reported by each school.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the numbers of(a) staff and (b) women employed at head teacher, assistant head teacher and deputy head teacher levels for (i) secondary and (ii) primary schools for each education authority within Scotland for each year since 1985. [16326]
  590
  these posts for each education authority within Scotland for each year since 1985 for (a) primary and (b) secondary schools. [16325]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The available information is given in the following table:
  591

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents)at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1987

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  2,299

  1,484

  14

  11

  1,611

  1,444

  Borders

  71

  36

  0

  0

  22

  20

  Central

  114

  83

  0

  0

  89

  76

  Dumfries and Galloway

  113

  58

  0

  0

  36

  30

  Fife

  142

  84

  0

  0

  112

  101

  Grampian

  260

  139

  0

  0

  135

  110

  Highland

  202

  126

  0

  0

  55

  50

  Lothian

  234

  137

  14

  11

  209

  192

  Strathclyde

  886

  661

  0

  0

  799

  734

  Tayside

  187

  101

  0

  0

  122

  102

  Orkney

  20

  15

  0

  0

  5

  5

  Shetland

  29

  16

  0

  0

  13

  11

  Western Isles

  41

  29

  0

  0

  14

  13

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  75

  45

  0

  0

  17

  15

  Ayr

  149

  91

  0

  0

  137

  126

  Dunbarton

  113

  90

  0

  0

  125

  116

  Glasgow

  232

  192

  0

  0

  214

  197

  Lanark

  210

  172

  0

  0

  179

  164

  Renfrew

  107

  70

  0

  0

  128

  117

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents)
  at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1988

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  2,255

  1,480

  238

  206

  1,340

  1,197

  Borders

  77

  43

  4

  4

  20

  19

  Central

  112

  83

  15

  14

  73

  62

  Dumfries and Galloway

  110

  56

  5

  5

  28

  24

  Fife

  142

  87

  23

  22

  78

  69

  Grampian

  265

  145

  29

  21

  108

  91

  Highland

  200

  128

  5

  5

  49

  44

  Lothian

  231

  137

  45

  39

  179

  160

  Strathclyde

  848

  636

  85

  75

  682

  626

  Tayside

  187

  105

  23

  18

  97

  81

  Orkney

  20

  15

  1

  1

  2

  2

  Shetland

  29

  17

  2

  2

  11

  9

  Western Isles

  36

  27

  1

  1

  13

  11

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  72

  42

  2

  1

  15

  14

  Ayr

  146

  90

  22

  21

  106

  97

  Dunbarton

  108

  88

  16

  15

  99

  90

  Glasgow

  220

  185

  12

  11

  185

  170

  Lanark

  199

  164

  14

  11

  172

  159

  Renfrew

  104

  68

  19

  16

  105

  96

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1990

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  2,301

  1,597

  293

  253

  1,187

  1,074

  Borders

  75

  44

  4

  4

  19

  18

  Central

  113

  85

  23

  19

  63

  57

  Dumfries and Galloway

  113

  60

  4

  4

  28

  25

  Fife

  141

  91

  25

  25

  82

  72

  Grampian

  265

  167

  40

  31

  92

  83

  Highland

  200

  134

  9

  9

  40

  34

  Lothian

  240

  154

  46

  37

  159

  141

  Strathclyde

  889

  694

  113

  102

  591

  546

  Tayside

  184

  107

  26

  20

  90

  79

  Orkney

  20

  16

  0

  0

  2

  2

  Shetland

  27

  19

  2

  2

  10

  8

  592 593

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1990

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Western Isles

  34

  27

  1

  1

  13

  10

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  74

  50

  3

  2

  11

  10

  Ayr

  151

  95

  24

  23

  101

  93

  Dunbarton

  115

  102

  20

  18

  90

  83

  Glasgow

  231

  194

  20

  20

  152

  144

  Lanark

  212

  178

  18

  16

  142

  128

  Renfrew

  107

  76

  28

  23

  95

  88

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1992

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  2,277

  1,622

  509

  464

  984

  880

  Borders

  75

  48

  10

  10

  10

  10

  Central

  113

  87

  46

  40

  41

  40

  Dumfries and Galloway

  113

  68

  23

  22

  12

  11

  Fife

  142

  98

  48

  45

  54

  47

  Grampian

  267

  172

  77

  73

  59

  47

  Highland

  194

  132

  26

  25

  21

  15

  Lothian

  236

  152

  63

  56

  146

  128

  Strathclyde

  872

  689

  153

  136

  564

  520

  Tayside

  183

  113

  58

  52

  56

  45

  Orkney

  20

  17

  1

  1

  1

  1

  Shetland

  28

  19

  3

  3

  8

  6

  Western Isles

  34

  27

  1

  1

  11

  9

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  73

  53

  3

  2

  10

  9

  Ayr

  148

  99

  26

  24

  93

  88

  Dunbarton

  115

  101

  30

  26

  79

  74

  Glasgow

  223

  184

  31

  30

  158

  149

  Lanark

  207

  172

  27

  25

  129

  111

  Renfrew

  106

  80

  36

  29

  94

  88

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1987

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  414

  17

  424

  25

  1,050

  180

  Borders

  9

  0

  9

  0

  19

  3

  Central

  20

  0

  20

  1

  57

  9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  16

  0

  17

  1

  33

  4

  Fife

  18

  0

  19

  1

  83

  17

  Grampian

  40

  3

  36

  1

  96

  18

  Highland

  26

  1

  25

  1

  42

  10

  Lothian

  47

  3

  51

  4

  145

  29

  Strathclyde

  186

  6

  194

  12

  489

  79

  Tayside

  28

  2

  30

  2

  75

  11

  Orkney

  6

  0

  3

  0

  4

  0

  Shetland

  7

  1

  7

  1

  3

  0

  Western Isles

  14

  1

  13

  1

  5

  1

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  9

  1

  9

  0

  14

  1

  Ayr

  31

  0

  29

  2

  80

  9

  Dunbarton

  24

  1

  25

  1

  69

  19

  Glasgow

  52

  2

  57

  3

  131

  23

  Lanark

  37

  2

  38

  1

  116

  16

  Renfrew

  33

  0

  36

  5

  79

  11

  594 595

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1988

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  413

  17

  417

  25

  1,028

  174

  Borders

  9

  0

  8

  0

  24

  3

  Central

  20

  0

  20

  1

  59

  8

  Dumfries and Galloway

  16

  0

  16

  0

  33

  4

  Fife

  21

  0

  19

  1

  77

  17

  Grampian

  38

  3

  38

  2

  91

  16

  Highland

  24

  1

  26

  1

  38

  7

  Lothian

  50

  3

  50

  5

  146

  30

  Strathclyde

  179

  6

  189

  12

  471

  78

  Tayside

  30

  3

  30

  1

  74

  9

  Orkney

  6

  0

  2

  0

  5

  0

  Shetland

  7

  1

  8

  1

  4

  0

  Western Isles

  14

  1

  12

  1

  7

  2

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  8

  1

  9

  0

  14

  1

  Ayr

  29

  0

  30

  3

  75

  8

  Dunbarton

  23

  1

  26

  1

  69

  18

  Glasgow

  51

  2

  53

  2

  122

  23

  Lanark

  36

  2

  36

  1

  108

  17

  Renfrew

  32

  0

  35

  5

  83

  11

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1990

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  415

  11

  406

  31

  987

  187

  Borders

  9

  0

  9

  0

  24

  3

  Central

  19

  0

  19

  1

  49

  3

  Dumfries and Galloway

  16

  0

  15

  1

  32

  4

  Fife

  19

  0

  20

  3

  73

  18

  Grampian

  38

  2

  37

  2

  85

  21

  Highland

  24

  1

  26

  2

  39

  4

  Lothian

  51

  2

  51

  4

  135

  31

  Strathclyde

  182

  4

  177

  14

  466

  89

  Tayside

  31

  2

  31

  1

  70

  12

  Orkney

  6

  0

  2

  0

  5

  0

  Shetland

  8

  0

  8

  1

  4

  0

  Western Isles

  13

  1

  13

  2

  6

  2

  Strathclyde Divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  9

  1

  8

  2

  13

  1

  Ayr

  31

  1

  29

  0

  75

  10

  Dunbarton

  25

  0

  26

  1

  64

  18

  Glasgow

  50

  0

  46

  4

  126

  26

  Lanark

  38

  2

  35

  2

  104

  19

  Renfrew

  29

  0

  33

  5

  85

  15

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1992

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Scotland

  403

  12

  405

  37

  1,021

  225

  Borders

  9

  0

  9

  0

  26

  4

  Central

  18

  0

  18

  1

  49

  5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  15

  0

  16

  0

  32

  4

  Fife

  19

  0

  20

  3

  73

  18

  Grampian

  38

  1

  38

  4

  95

  25

  Highland

  26

  1

  27

  1

  37

  6

  Lothian

  47

  1

  49

  4

  133

  30

  596 597

  Education authority primary schools total and female teacher numbers (full-time equivalents) at head, deputy head and assistant head teacher levels—September 1992

  Head teacher

  Deputy head teacher

  Assistant head teacher

  Education authority

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Total

  Female

  Strathclyde

  172

  6

  176

  19

  479

  105

  Tayside

  30

  1

  31

  1

  81

  24

  Orkney

  6

  0

  2

  0

  5

  1

  Shetland

  8

  1

  8

  2

  4

  1

  Western Isles

  15

  1

  12

  2

  7

  2

  Strathclyde divisions:

  Argyll and Bute

  9

  1

  9

  0

  20

  3

  Ayr

  29

  0

  27

  2

  80

  13

  Dunbarton

  24

  0

  25

  3

  70

  21

  Glasgow

  44

  2

  44

  4

  118

  29

  Lanark

  37

  3

  38

  3

  102

  18

  Renfrew

  29

  0

  34

  7

  89

  21

  Council Tax Valuations (Appeals)
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many appeals against valuations for council tax have been lodged; how many appeals have been considered; how many appeals have been successful; and what is the average time taken to consider an appeal against valuation in each valuation area in Scotland. [16319]

  Number of proposals/appeals and their progress as at 31 December 19941

  Region

  Number of proposals/appeals lodged

  Number settled

  Number where list adjusted/appeal upheld

  Average2 time from date of lodgement to date of settlement Months

  Borders

  3,124

  2,943

  2,314

  10

  Central

  3,115

  2,751

  1,706

  9

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,235

  3,213

  1,824

  7

  Fife

  6,735

  6,354

  3,634

  7

  Grampian

  11,741

  9,945

  6,023

  9

  Highland

  6,366

  5,286

  3,037

  8

  Lothian

  13,451

  12,569

  8,202

  10

  Strathclyde

  42,734

  35,780

  25,618

  5

  Tayside

  11,629

  7,095

  5,306

  9

  Orkney

  217

  216

  122

  3

  Shetland

  181

  176

  130

  3

  Western Isles

  929

  818

  424

  9

  Scotland

  103,457

  87,146

  53,340

  7

  Source:

  Information supplied by assessors in regular statistical returns.

  Notes:

  1 Analysis of all classes of proposal/appeal lodged with assessors, almost all of which will relate to appeals against banding. Separate statistics are not provided for each class of appeal.

  2 Average time from date of lodgement to date of settlement, of those proposals/appeals which have been settled.

  NHS Management Grading Structure
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the management grading structure currently in operation in the national health. [16324]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: New arrangements for the grading of general and senior manager posts in the national health service in Scotland were introduced as from 1 September 1993. These arrangements apply to health boards and are commended to NHS trusts.
  598
  Mr. Kynoch
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The table provides the available information, which relates to all classes of proposals to change the valuation list made to assessors and subsequent appeals. The table, which is taken from information supplied by assessors, shows the position at 31 December 1994 for all areas.

  Electoral Registers
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many individuals were on the electoral register of each local authority area in Scotland for each year since 1987. [14541]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 21 March 1995]: The information is set out in the following table. Data on the 1995 registers are not yet available centrally.
  599

  Total electors

  Area

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Scotland

  3,994,211

  3,967,334

  3,932,897

  3,936,737

  3,912,528

  3,927,475

  3,930,286

  3,946,264

  Borders

  81,963

  82,078

  82,268

  82,902

  83,346

  83,879

  84,405

  84,774

  Berwickshire

  15,020

  15,038

  15,041

  15,177

  15,261

  15,400

  15,631

  15,620

  Ettrick and Lauderdale

  26,424

  26,549

  26,849

  27,096

  27,383

  27,534

  27,795

  27,972

  Roxburgh

  28,665

  28,601

  28,450

  28,505

  28,496

  28,598

  28,572

  28,625

  Tweeddale

  11,854

  11,890

  11,928

  12,124

  12,206

  12,347

  12,407

  12,557

  Central

  211,944

  211,190

  210,333

  210,588

  210,115

  211,171

  211,041

  211,434

  Clackmannan

  36,946

  36,588

  36,360

  36,461

  36,708

  36,794

  36,806

  37,006

  Falkirk

  110,951

  110,580

  110,416

  110,554

  110,180

  110,655

  110,576

  110,424

  Stirling

  64,047

  64,022

  63,557

  63,573

  63,227

  63,722

  63,659

  64,004

  Dumfries and Galloway

  113,970

  113,601

  113,449

  115,574

  116,055

  116,708

  116,914

  116,548

  Annandale and Eskdale

  28,475

  28,541

  28,599

  29,053

  29,253

  29,415

  29,571

  29,372

  Nithsdale

  43,755

  43,501

  43,358

  44,223

  44,222

  44,612

  44,532

  44,517

  Stewartry

  18,544

  18,536

  18,494

  18,712

  18,908

  18,981

  19,098

  19,073

  Wigtown

  23,196

  23,023

  22,998

  23,586

  23,672

  23,700

  23,713

  23,586

  Fife

  266,585

  265,105

  3,590

  264,366

  263,563

  264,601

  266,807

  271,160

  Dunfermline

  97,250

  96,468

  96,480

  96,498

  95,861

  96,147

  96,839

  98,179

  Kirkcaldy

  116,580

  116,150

  115,587

  114,959

  114,291

  114,249

  114,345

  116,036

  North East Fife

  52,755

  52,487

  52,355

  52,909

  53,411

  54,205

  55,623

  56,945

  Grampian

  391,115

  388,252

  385,170

  391,081

  390,279

  397,563

  401,700

  406,199

  Aberdeen City

  175,434

  171,205

  168,266

  169,336

  168,169

  170,075

  170,627

  172,043

  Banff and Buchan

  62,864

  63,054

  62,830

  64,249

  64,126

  65,621

  66,717

  67,571

  Gordon

  53,321

  53,982

  54,188

  56,124

  56,135

  57,976

  59,095

  60,027

  Kincardine and Deeside

  36,588

  36,808

  37,048

  38,064

  38,507

  39,959

  40,677

  41,435

  Moray

  62,908

  63,203

  62,838

  63,308

  63,342

  63,932

  64,584

  65,123

  Highland

  151,641

  149,963

  151,361

  152,806

  155,078

  157,393

  159,000

  160,950

  Badenoch and Strathspey

  8,378

  8,406

  8,411

  8,516

  8,941

  9,128

  9,348

  9,227

  Caithness

  20,765

  20,462

  20,564

  20,240

  20,611

  20,624

  20,645

  20,820

  Inverness

  45,409

  45,329

  45,976

  46,856

  47,211

  48,023

  48,552

  49,216

  Lochaber

  14,744

  14,392

  14,486

  14,610

  14,531

  14,809

  14,907

  15,071

  Nairn

  7,976

  7,931

  7,992

  7,988

  8,139

  8,370

  8,496

  8,582

  Ross and Cromarty

  34,776

  34,393

  34,871

  35,379

  36,170

  36,759

  37,361

  38,065

  Skye and Lochalsh

  8,842

  8,530

  8,591

  8,752

  8,972

  9,136

  9,224

  9,320

  Sutherland

  10,751

  10,520

  10,470

  10,465

  10,503

  10,544

  10,467

  10,649

  Lothian

  599,036

  598,561

  593,864

  597,136

  590,523

  590,780

  589,218

  592,093

  East Lothian

  65,559

  65,543

  66,112

  67,519

  67,193

  67,565

  67,530

  67,832

  Edinburgh City

  367,582

  366,102

  358,940

  359,122

  351,743

  350,930

  350,281

  351,748

  Midlothian

  61,128

  61,141

  61,092

  60,981

  60,836

  61,166

  60,959

  61,050

  West Lothian

  104,767

  105,775

  107,720

  109,514

  110,751

  111,119

  110,448

  111,463

  Strathclyde

  1,819,132

  1,801,468

  1,776,392

  1,767,109

  1,746,981

  1,745,127

  1,739,901

  1,741,190

  Argyll and Bute

  49,274

  48,923

  48,704

  48,637

  48,056

  48,428

  48,991

  49,345

  Bearsden and Milngavie

  31,853

  31,806

  31,570

  31,598

  31,508

  31,593

  31,588

  31,743

  Clydebank

  38,189

  37,539

  36,691

  35,985

  35,405

  35,234

  35,182

  35,392

  Clydesdale

  44,310

  44,406

  44,227

  44,172

  44,110

  44,374

  44,589

  44,807

  Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

  46,136

  46,388

  46,341

  46,723

  46,869

  47,140

  47,415

  47,573

  Cumnock and Doon Valley

  34,107

  33,869

  33,554

  33,543

  33,332

  33,243

  33,106

  33,049

  Cunninghame

  106,060

  105,980

  105,194

  105,478

  105,058

  105,195

  105,184

  105,597

  Dumbarton

  59,490

  59,352

  58,310

  58,041

  57,680

  57,855

  57,498

  57,592

  East Kilbride

  63,993

  63,954

  63,715

  64,206

  64,331

  64,799

  65,031

  65,352

  Eastwood

  44,203

  44,621

  45,399

  46,289

  46,377

  46,712

  46,644

  46,899

  Glasgow City

  573,009

  561,512

  547,594

  537,691

  524,481

  523,080

  518,308

  518,131

  Hamilton

  81,268

  81,364

  80,918

  81,347

  80,738

  80,638

  80,743

  81,151

  Inverclyde

  75,605

  74,480

  72,957

  72,283

  71,136

  70,742

  70,282

  69,462

  Kilmarnock and Loudoun

  63,437

  63,325

  62,834

  62,982

  62,491

  62,764

  62,632

  62,544

  Kyle and Carrick

  90,290

  89,902

  89,333

  89,267

  88,736

  89,018

  89,178

  89,487

  Monklands

  80,280

  79,784

  78,456

  78,717

  78,098

  77,693

  77,720

  77,191

  Motherwell

  111,377

  110,930

  109,675

  109,582

  109,266

  108,609

  108,276

  107,933

  Renfrew

  160,171

  157,482

  155,782

  155,771

  155,206

  153,772

  153,543

  153,913

  Strathkelvin

  66,080

  65,851

  65,138

  64,797

  64,103

  64,238

  63,991

  64,029

  Tayside

  303,808

  302,852

  301,424

  300,996

  302,177

  305,415

  306,135

  306,292

  Angus

  71,661

  71,510

  71,612

  72,036

  72,345

  73,367

  74,117

  74,854

  600 601

  Total electors

  Area

  1987

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Dundee City

  137,921

  136,960

  134,949

  133,725

  133,924

  134,799

  133,525

  132,188

  Perth and Kinross

  94,226

  94,382

  94,863

  95,235

  95,908

  97,249

  98,493

  99,250

  Orkney

  14,975

  14,960

  15,029

  15,142

  15,204

  15,404

  15,552

  15,555

  Shetland

  16,357

  16,219

  16,088

  15,953

  16,139

  16,424

  16,493

  16,753

  Western Isles

  23,685

  23,085

  23,097

  23,084

  23,068

  23,010

  23,120

  23,316

  Prescriptions
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much revenue his Department has raised from payment for national health service prescriptions for each financial year since 1968(a) in total and (b) in each health board area. [14543]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 21 March 1995]: The information requested, which is

  £

  Health board

  1978–79

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  Argyll and Clyde

  253,495

  384,553

  710,375

  912,138

  1,061,996

  1,140,655

  1,248,761

  1,367,266

  Ayrshire and Arran

  229,680

  372,980

  611,728

  884,519

  945,886

  1,012,273

  1,092,777

  1,222,220

  Borders

  50,976

  82,995

  160,373

  199,830

  239,355

  261,077

  293,543

  343,694

  Dumfries and Galloway

  75,606

  125,434

  210,020

  289,827

  346,765

  381,207

  412,283

  469,511

  Fife

  192,135

  302,176

  507,722

  703,629

  819,691

  895,391

  969,976

  1,091,333

  Forth Valley

  156,147

  240,709

  447,119

  575,067

  671,486

  737,966

  800,850

  887,644

  Grampian

  243,511

  405,785

  767,762

  993,264

  1,217,667

  1,331,868

  1,515,858

  1,761,953

  Greater Glasgow

  569,490

  827,176

  1,512,904

  1,871,278

  2,104,653

  2,263,993

  2,403,376

  2,544,619

  Highland

  93,039

  152,733

  287,663

  367,900

  430,711

  473,272

  508,331

  567,855

  Lanarkshire

  340,890

  513,804

  943,964

  1,204,771

  1,382,484

  1,491,495

  1,623,988

  1,775,441

  Lothian

  342,405

  598,195

  1,004,091

  1,388,292

  1,628,506

  1,771,330

  1,923,164

  2,165,150

  Orkney

  9,030

  14,113

  26,139

  34,558

  42,707

  44,157

  49,924

  78,156

  Shetland

  11,135

  22,933

  46,290

  51,351

  53,750

  53,303

  59,549

  70,211

  Tayside

  196,643

  322,775

  600,078

  743,446

  894,191

  960,155

  1,069,281

  1,209,421

  Western Isles

  10,561

  18,437

  32,287

  347,855

  51,258

  55,486

  62,683

  69,478

  Total

  2,774,743

  4,384,789

  7,868,515

  10,267,725

  11,891,106

  12,873,628

  14,034,344

  15,623,952

  £

  Health board

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Argyll and Clyde

  1,686,047

  1,559,865

  1,801,196

  1,864,601

  1,976,974

  2,191,217

  2,362,746

  2,553,453

  Ayrshire and Arran

  1,399,374

  1,498,208

  1,537,218

  1,698,499

  1,834,772

  1,989,472

  2,141,099

  2,375,010

  Borders

  399,503

  410,304

  474,894

  496,887

  534,811

  596,394

  669,390

  752,834

  Dumfries and Galloway

  597,128

  577,792

  670,903

  703,861

  756,737

  856,385

  943,044

  1,064,693

  Fife

  1,413,629

  1,262,129

  1,372,150

  1,533,802

  1,639,310

  1,851,376

  2,006,133

  2,085,955

  Forth Valley

  1,111,409

  1,047,005

  1,196,049

  1,246,609

  1,342,106

  1,509,718

  1,624,407

  1,868,042

  Grampian

  2,025,171

  2,249,322

  2,233,299

  2,467,763

  2,691,248

  3,044,950

  3,424,948

  3,772,414

  Greater Glasgow

  3,064,898

  2,765,545

  2,962,109

  3,134,470

  3,274,768

  3,521,660

  3,728,157

  3,984,581

  Highland

  694,861

  634,423

  788,072

  845,898

  943,125

  1,075,565

  1,177,872

  1,279,493

  Lanarkshire

  2,133,117

  1,988,051

  2,166,055

  2,387,645

  2,475,710

  2,728,958

  2,932,888

  3,220,526

  Lothian

  2,725,794

  2,566,582

  2,789,551

  3,302,626

  3,338,395

  3,694,434

  4,039,914

  4,534,870

  Orkney

  89,461

  85,812

  95,512

  100,388

  119,264

  136,354

  259,837

  188,254

  Shetland

  85,335

  86,971

  93,694

  99,316

  123,642

  126,551

  138,170

  157,075

  Tayside

  1,500,871

  1,433,136

  1,557,736

  1,721,211

  1,883,434

  2,083,760

  2,307,325

  2,541,305

  Western Isles

  77,078

  88,235

  80,494

  87,552

  97,826

  101,328

  116,826

  136,040

  Total

  19,003,676

  18,253,380

  19,818,932

  21,691,128

  23,032,122

  25,508,122

  27,872,756

  30,514,545

ENVIRONMENT

  Housing Definitions
  Sir Timothy Sainsbury
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take action to clear up the
  602
  available only from the financial year 1978–79, is set out in the tables. The amounts of revenue shown include:

  (i) NHS prescription charges paid by patients in respect of drugs and appliances dispensed by pharmacists, dispensing doctors and appliance suppliers;

  (ii) the sums collected in respect of the sale of prepayment certificates, and;

  (iii) NHS prescription charges recovered from patients under health board post-dispensing checking arrangements.

  ambiguities in the statutory terms "dwelling house", "building" and "house in multiple occupation" and the two statutory definitions of an HMO which are referred in paragraph 18 of the Department of the Environment's publication, "Monitoring the New Housing Fitness Standard", reference 95/2/140ES. [15353]
  603
  Mr. Curry
  The definitions referred to are being considered in the context of the current review of the house renovation grant system and the Government's consideration of the case for licensing HMOs.

  Correspondence
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment will send the letter he undertook to write in the debate on 17 February,Official Report, column 1311.

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I wrote to the hon. Member on 23 March.

  Town and Country Planning (Costs of Enquiries) Bill
  Mr. Vaz
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received on the Town and Country Planning (Costs of Enquiries) Bill; what was the length of the consultation period for the Bill; if he will list the organisations that have responded and the nature of the response; and what action he is taking as a result of the consultation. [16174]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My letter of 23 January to the hon. Member explained that my Department's officials were inviting comments from officers of the English local authority associations on the provisions of the Bill. By the time limit of 24 February, comments had been received from the Association of County Councils, the Association of District Councils, the Association of London Authorities and the Association of Metropolitan Authorities. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. The comments are being considered.

  Carbon Dioxide
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he has revised the carbon dioxide savings target he set for the Energy Saving Trust in the climate change programme; [15893]

  (2) what representations the Energy Saving Trust has made to him regarding the carbon dioxide savings they expect to deliver by 2000; [15894]

  (3) what meetings he has held with the Energy Saving trust to discuss the carbon dioxide savings they are expected to deliver by 2000; and if he will make a statement. [15895]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Department has held several meetings with the Energy Saving Trust recently and has received a number of representations. The trust is currently reviewing its plans. It estimates that the programme of activities already established and financed will save about 0.3 million tonnes of carbon in the year 2000. Further schemes will make additional contributions, but they are not yet established.

  Coastal Erosion
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the scientific studies funded by his Department which link United kingdom coastal erosion with chemical contamination of Danish beaches. [15938]

  Mr. Atkins
  No studies funded by the Department show any link between United Kingdom coastal erosion 604
  and contamination of Danish beaches. German, Dutch and Danish coastal waters receive large inputs from the major continental rivers such as the Rhine and the Elbe. Danish agriculture is a substantial source of nutrients in their waters. Inputs are kept close to the coast by poor mixing with waters well out to sea, leading to problems such as eutrophication.

  The 1989 "North Sea Satellite Colour Atlas", published with data and financial contributions from the Department and the Natural Environment Research Council, showed a natural plume of sediment material from the Norfolk coast. The poor mixing of continental waters with those offshore prevents material from the UK reaching Danish coastal waters; there is, therefore, no link between this material and problems in Danish waters.

  Asbestos
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what statutory obligations are imposed on owners of land which the Health and Safety Executive has identified as a major asbestos contamination zone; and if he will make a statement. [15972]

  Mr. Atkins
  The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for the operation of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 1987. The regulations place duties on employers in respect of their employees when working with asbestos. Employers also have duties in relation to other persons who might be affected by such work.

  Contamination with asbestos could come within the definitions of statutory nuisances under the terms of section 79 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 if, in any individual circumstances it is prejudicial to health or a nuisance. Under section 80 of that Act, the owner or occupier of premises could be served with an abatement notice requiring the execution of such works as may be necessary to deal with the asbestos contamination, either where he is himself responsible for the nuisance, or where the person responsible cannot be found.

  The Environment Bill, which received its First Reading in this House on 21 March 1995, introduces a specific definition of contaminated land and regulatory machinery for dealing with it, to replace the use of the more general definitions and procedures relating to statutory nuisances. Under these provisions, local authorities will serve remediation notices requiring steps by way of assessment, remedial works or monitoring when they identify contaminated land. In line with the "polluter pays" principle, the primary responsibility for dealing with any contamination will rest with the person who caused or knowingly permitted the contamination to be present. However, responsibility will pass to the owner or occupier of the land, either where no such person can be found or where his responsibilities have been transferred through contractual means.

  Odour Emissions
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce on-the-spot fines for local authorities to apply to those responsible for smell nuisances to residential areas from industrial and farming sources; and if he will make a statement. [16127]

  Mr. Atkins
  No. Many industrial processes are regulated under part I of the Environmental Protection Act
  605
  1990, which provides for controls over odour emissions among other types of pollution. Controls also exist under part III of the Act to deal with complaints of possible statutory nuisances, which includes smells arising on industrial, trade or business premises and those premises being in a state which is prejudicial to health or constitutes a nuisance.

  Enclosure Acts
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will review the Enclosure Acts; and if he will make a statement. [16171]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  I have no plans to review the Enclosure Acts.

  North Sea Pollution
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research his Department has undertaken on the economic and employment impacts of North sea pollution on(a) fisheries and (b) tourism. [15937]

  Mr. Atkins
  No studies of economic and employment impacts of North sea pollution have been undertaken by the Department. The priority for the Department's marine research programme is to provide a scientific basis for measures to control pollution. It is implicit within this that high standards of water quality can only be of benefit to economic and tourism prospects.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence his Department has evaluated that discharged substances are dispersed once they reach the coastal waters of the United Kingdom. [15939]

  Mr. Atkins
  A range of studies, the latest of which is quoted in the 1993 "North Sea Quality Status Report"—page 102—have shown that physical, chemical and biological mechanisms in North sea waters lead to widespread dispersal of substances, subject to the mixing characteristics of different regions. A copy of the quality status report is in the Library of the House.

  Rights of Way
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward proposals to place a statutory requirement on highway authorities to consult persons whose property rights may be directly or indirectly affected by proposals affecting rights of way; and if he will make it his policy to require such consultations to be completed before the implementation of any such proposals. [15891]

  Mr. Atkins
  I have no such proposals. Consultations, other then those statutorily required, are at the discretion of the order-making authority.

  However, Rights of way Review Committee, practice guidance note no. 1, on consultation over changes to rights of way, recommends authorities to consult landowners affected by a proposal, including owners and occupies other than those across whose land the right of way in question runs or will run. This is helpful advice.

  "Using Water Wisely"
  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many responses he has received and 606
  from what sources, in respect of the Government's consultation paper "Using Water Wisely". [16577]

  Mr. Atkins
  The responses received in respect of the consultation paper "Using Water Wisely" are shown in the table.

  Source

  Number

  Water companies1

  10

  Professional and Trade Associations

  30

  Local Authorities (including local authority associations)

  150

  Consumer Groups

  5

  Environmental Groups

  21

  Water Industry Companies and Consultants

  29

  Government Departments, Agencies Etc

  12

  Other Organisations and individuals

  90

  Total responses

  347

  1 The Water Services Association and Water Companies Association submitted a joint response on behalf of all water service and water only companies. In addition nine water service companies submitted separate responses.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many of the responses to the paper, "Using Water Wisely", supported the proposal to give water companies mandatory targets for reducing leakage. [16552]

  Mr. Atkins
  Of the 347 responses received 126 were in favour of the proposal to give water companies mandatory targets for reducing leakage.

  Mrs. Helen Jackson
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to publish his response to the consultation process prompted by the publication of "Using Water Wisely". [16551]

  Mr. Atkins
  We expect to publish the response to the consultation process later this year.

  Water Rating
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what changes to the system of water rating his Department is considering under the Government's review of charging policy. [16424]

  Mr. Atkins
  The outcome of the Government's deliberations will be made known in due course.

  Opencast Mining
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment who is responsible for approving applications to develop opencast mining in Oxfordshire. [16241]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Mineral Planning Authority, Oxfordshire county council are responsible for determining applications to develop opencast mining in Oxfordshire.

  Smoking
  Mr. Peter Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Enviornment what facilities are provided and
  607
  arrangements made for the comfort and well-being of staff who (a) smoke and (b) do not wish to be affected by smoking at (i) the work station and (ii) rest, recreation and refreshment facilities at 2 Marsham street, London. [16567]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Smoking is prohibited in lifts, toilets, conference rooms, designated restaurant and refreshment areas, some rest rooms and in areas where there are health and safety implications. Staff may decide among themselves to ban smoking in their own or shared offices and in recreation areas. Staff are discouraged from smoking in other common areas.

  Inspectorate of Pollution
  Mr. McLoughlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the 1995–96 charging schemes for Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution. [17203]

  Mr. Atkins
  Charges to cover the costs of regulating processes under integrated pollution control and Premises Subject to Radioactive Substances Act 1993 Regulations were introduced in 1991 under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Act requires Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution to balance costs and income, taking one financial year with another.

  With the agreement of the Treasury, and following consultation with industry and other bodies, my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for the Environment and for Wales have now made revised IPC and RSA93 charging schemes, specifying the revised scales of fees and charges which will take effect from 1 April 1995.

  Most charges are held at their 1994–95 levels, the exceptions being the IPC subsistence charge which is increased by 4.7 per cent. to £1,805 per component, to contribute to additional regulatory activity of around 10 per cent. needed to implement the check monitoring programme, and an increase in the RSA93 band 3 subsistence charge of 12 per cent. to £1,115, to accommodate a request from some operators who sought and were granted a compensatory reduction of 50 per cent. to £710 in some variation fees.

  The rate per inspector day will be £924, a reduction of 5.1 per cent. in the rate for 1994–95, but offset in calculating the charges by a change in the method of accounting for inspector's travelling time.

  Full details are included in the revised schemes, copies of which I have placed in the Library.

  Copies of the schemes will shortly be sent to relevant operators and to other interested bodies.

  Compulsory Competitive Tendering
  Mr. Forman
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to publish the annual report for 1994 on compulsory competitive tendering in local authorities. [17202]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  My Department has published today the "CCT and Local Government in England Annual Report" for 1994. It describes the achievements of 1994, both on the work extending CCT to new services and in promoting and enforcing fair competition for the 608
  existing services. The report also describes two major research studies which have been published in the last year.

  Copies of the report will be sent to all local authorities in England, and to the main trade associations and others involved with CCT. Copies have also been placed in the House Library.

  During the last year CCT has been extended to further manual services, as well as to certain local authority professional services. Housing management, legal services, construction and property services, on-street parking, vehicle fleet management and security services have been added to the statute. These followed extensive consultation with the local authority associations, and representatives from the professional and trade organisations.

  My Department had to investigate over 100 allegations that local authorities had acted anti-competitively when tendering services. The majority were resolved without statutory action, but in nine cases directions were given; most required the local authority to re-tender the work. My right hon. Friend also gave 39 directions where activities had failed to meet the specified financial objective; four of these prevented the local authority from carrying out the work in-house.

  Outstanding Arrears
  Mr. Whittingdale
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will list, by local authority, the total amounts outstanding in arrears of(a) domestic rates, (b) community charge and (c) council tax; [16875]

  (2) what is the total amount of outstanding arrears for all local authorities of (a) domestic rates, (b) community charge and (c) council tax. [16876]

  Mr. Gummer
  Estimates of uncollected community charge and council tax for each local authority are published regularly by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy; figures for 31 March 1994 are available in its revenue collection statistics 1993–94 publication, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  The outstanding arrears of council tax in England as at 31 March 1994 were estimated to be £580 million, of which £226 million had been collected by December 1994. The outstanding arrears of community charge in England as at 31 March 1994 were estimated to be £1,700 million, of which £217 million had been collected by December 1994. No data are yet available centrally on the sums of either council tax or community charge written off between April and December 1994.

  Information on arrears of domestic rates is not published by CIPFA and is not available centrally.

EMPLOYMENT

  National Vocational Qualifications
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what proportion of 16 to 17-year-olds attained qualifications equivalent to NVQ level 3 in each of the last five years(a) nationally and (b) in the West Midlands. [15821]

  Mr. Paice
  The information requested is shown in the table:
  609

  Proportion of 16 and 17-year-olds attaining qualifications equivalent to NVQ levels 2 and 3 (per cent.)

  NVQ level 2

  NVQ level 3

  Spring

  United Kingdom

  West Midlands

  United Kingdom

  West Midlands

  1990

  31.6

  26.8

  3.8

  1—

  1991

  32.2

  28.7

  4.0

  1—

  1992

  32.7

  30.1

  3.8

  1—

  1993

  35.4

  34.8

  2.5

  1—

  1994

  38.5

  31.1

  2.1

  1—

  Source:

  Labour Force Survey (LFS).

  Note:

  1 — Indicates fewer than 10,000 respondents in the cell.

  Progress towards foundation target 3 of the national targets for education and training

  Proportion of young people gaining NVQ level 3 or equivalent by the age of 211

  Spring

  United Kingdom

  West Midlands

  1990

  30.2

  27.8

  1991

  30.2

  25.1

  1992

  34.0

  30.6

  1993

  36.9

  35.4

  1994

  39.4

  37.9

  Source:

  LFS

  Note:

  1 The proportion of 21 to 23-year-olds is used as a proxy for achievement at 21. The sample size of a single year's data in the LFS does not allow the achievement of 21-year-olds to be measured accurately.

  Race Relations Employment Advisory Service
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence he has, following the decision to put out to tender the services provided by the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service, that those not currently employed by the service will have greater knowledge and skills and perform in a superior manner to those currently employed in that service. [15863]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The market test of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service will explore how the service can best be delivered. In considering bids, the Department will consider most carefully which organisation is best placed to maintain the nature and quality of the service. The assessment of suppliers will cover their financial standing, experience in providing similar services and experience of staff and quality systems and methods. At this stage it is too early to speculate on the outcome of the market test.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the expected savings from the market testing of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service; over what period savings will be costed; and when he expects savings to be first identifiable. [16128]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Government's policy, which is set out in the White Paper, "Competing for Quality", is to provide high quality public service in the most cost 610
  effective way. The Race Relations Employment Advisory Service was assessed as meeting the criteria for market testing. At this stage it is too early to speculate on the outcome of the market test, including details of any savings that may be made. Tenders will be evaluated over a 10-year period.

  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assurances he can give on the maintenance of the quality and quantity of the service provided by the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16129]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Ministers have given an undertaking that the nature and quality of the service will be maintained following market testing. The precise requirements for the service, including activity levels and quality criteria, will be determined during the process. Whatever the outcome of the market test, the Department will continue to monitor performance to ensure that employers receive sound advice on the development of racial equality policies.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what was the cost of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service in 1993–94; and what is the expected cost for 1994–95 and 1995–96. [16420]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  In 1993–94, the cost of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service was £0.9 million. The cost for each of the years 1994–95 and 1995–96 is expected to be £1 million.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he will commence the market testing of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service.
  [16418]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The process of market testing the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service began in November 1994. An invitation to potential suppliers to express an interest in providing the service was published on 23 February 1995.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many companies, voluntary groups or employee groups have expressed an interest in the market testing of the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16421]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  So far, expressions of interest have been received from 18 organisations.

  Mr. Gunnell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, what criteria will have to be met by those who tender for the Race Relations Employment Advisory Service. [16419]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Department's requirement is for a national service under a single contract—or a prime contractor, if a consortium—with a clear specification of the types of services and standards required. Potential suppliers will be shortlisted on the information requested by the Department in response to expressions of interest. In broad terms, this will cover financial standing, experience in providing similar services, experience of staff and quality systems and methods. Evaluation criteria for bids are being drawn up in parallel with the statement of service requirements. Further information will be provided to shortlisted suppliers at the invitation to tender stage.

  Sheep Dip
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he intends to publish the report commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive from the institute of occupational health at Birmingham university on the effect of organo-phosphorous chemicals in sheep dip on 200 sheep farmers. [16061]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my noble Friend Lord Inglewood on 20 March 1995,Official Report, House of Lords, column 1014.

  Remploy
  Ms Estelle Morris
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the special contracts arrangements in assisting disabled Remploy workers. [16059]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Mr. Chidgey) on 15 March 1995,Official Report, column. 624.

  Incapacity Benefit
  Mr. Simpson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is his Department's proposed additional expenditure to help people coming off incapacity benefits in each of the years 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98; on what items it is to be spent; and how many people it is estimated will be helped in each of those years. [16115]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Alan Simpson, dated 28 March 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about proposed additional expenditure to help people coming off Incapacity Benefit (IB).
  We are keen to ensure that people no longer entitled to IB who make a claim for unemployment benefit are given effective help with returning to work. We therefore intend to provide a comprehensive package of additional help for them.
  Clients coming off IB will be eligible for immediate entry to a number of our programmes. As a result a number of additional places in Jobplan Workshop (JPW), and Jobclub/Job Interview Guarantee (JIG) scheme are being funded, details of which are as follows.

  Year

  Clients

  Programme

  Cost

  1995 to 1996

  86,000

  JPW

  £9,630,000

  70,000

  Jobclub/JIG

  £13,230,000

  1996 to 1997

  66,700

  JPW

  £7,837,000

  58,000

  Jobplan/JIG

  £11,063,000

  1997 to 1998

  15,400

  JPW

  £1,900,000

  14,000

  Jobplan/JIG

  £2,683,000

  Those people who are identified at an initial interview as needing specialist help will be referred to Placing, Assessment and Counselling Teams, the number of clients and additional costs for which are estimated as follows.
  612

  Year

  Clients

  Cost £

  1995 to 1996

  40,000

  11,840,000

  1996 to 1997

  29,000

  8,787,000

  1997 to 1998

  15,000

  3,266,000

  All new clients who were previously claiming IB will be given, like all new clients, a full advisory interview when they make their claim for unemployment benefit. This interview will provide the opportunity for a full discussion of the client's job goals and of the most appropriate means for achieving this.

  I hope this information is helpful and assures you of our intent to provide clients who were previously claiming IB with practical advice and information which is geared to their individual needs.

  Job Clubs
  Mr. Steinberg
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on the details of the financial assistance available to job clubs in the Durham North district to assist them in the provision of services for people with disabilities; and what were the amounts spent during the last financial year. [15997]

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

  Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Gerry Steinberg, dated 28 March 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about financial assistance available to Jobclubs in the Durham North District to assist people with disabilities.
  The cost of Jobclub provision in Durham North District between April 1994 and February was £161,940. Separate records on the cost of providing facilities for people with disabilities are not maintained.
  There are seven Jobclubs within the Durham North District, none of which are specifically for any particular client group. People with disabilities are encouraged to use the standard provision and where necessary specialist help, for example communicators for the deaf and personal readers or specialist equipment is available via our Placing Assessment and Counselling Teams (PACTs).
  During the period April 1994 to February, 111 people, who have indicated that they have a long term health problem or disability which affects the kind of work they are able to do, have attended Jobclubs in the Durham North District. None of these clients required extra assistance from the PACT to enable them to utilise facilities in the Jobclubs.
  I hope this is helpful.

  Lucas Gardner Site (Asbestos)
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment on what grounds the Health and Safety Executive has ordered cessation of work at the former Lucas Gardner site at Bath road, Bristol; and if he will make a statement. [15971]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive visited the former Lucas Gardner site at Bath road, Bristol in December 1994 where demolition work was in progress. They suspected that roofing sheets and pipe lagging contained asbestos. The manner of demolition was such that if asbestos were present it was not being properly removed or controlled to minimise the spread of asbestos fibres. A prohibition notice was served on the contractor preventing further demolition work until a safe system of work had been prepared and appropriate precautions taken.
  613
  Ms Corston
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what types of asbestos have been found on the premises at the former Lucas Gardner site at Bath road, Bristol. [15969]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  Samples taken from the former Lucas Gardner site and analysed by the Health and Safety Executive were found to contain crysotile (white), crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown) asbestos.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many people he estimates will lose their social security entitlement as a consequence of his reduction of the number of weekly hours which students can commit to their studies without losing benefit eligibility. [15944]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Government's proposals are designed to allow the same number of people to study while claiming benefits for the unemployed after the introduction of jobseeker's allowance as do so now. The new rules will not come into force until April 1996. The detail of the transitional arrangements for JSA and other social security benefits is still being considered. I explained to the Jobseeekrs Bill Committee on 14 February 1995 at column 374, however, that our intention is that no one who is currently on a course will have to give it up because of the change that we are proposing.

  Public Relations
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much his Department spent on public relations during the financial year 1993–94; how much contracts with the private sector cost; and if he will list the activities covered by these contracts. [16280]

  Miss Widdecombe
  There was no expenditure by the Employment Department Group or contracts with the private sector for public relations activities during the financial year 1993–94.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what guidelines his Department has issued to its agencies and other public bodies under its authority in respect of the employment of public relations companies and the procedures to be adopted in relation to requesting tenders for public relations companies. [16208]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Central guidance on publicity and the use of public relations consultants has been produced by the Cabinet Office for Government Departments. The Employment Department Group and its agencies have been issued with that guidance which stipulates the stated policy of successive administrations to rely on the expertise and experience of the Government's own advisers and to decline offers from commercial public relations companies.

  Training Budget
  Mr. Ron Davies
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much money he has made available for(a) modern apprenticeships and (b) youth training in 1995–96. [16272]

  Mr. Paice
  We are making £669 million available for modern apprenticeships and youth training in England in 1995–96. Modern apprenticeships are part of the youth programme budget and it is not possible to distinguish 614
  elements for youth training from those for modern apprenticeships.

  Caxton House (Smoking)
  Mr. Peter Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what facilities are provided and arrangements made for the comfort and well-being of staff who(a) smoke and (b) do not wish to be affected by smoking at (i) the work station and (ii) rest, recreation and refreshment facilities at Caxton house, Tothill street, London. [16566]

  Miss Widdecombe
  All refurbished offices and other areas are designated non-smoking areas. There are four rooms on the refurbished floors for staff who wish to smoke. In unrefurbished areas, people may smoke only if all staff in the area consent. The staff restaurant, staff tea point areas and all common areas are designated non-smoking areas.

  Careers Service Contracts
  Mr. Nigel Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if the Careers Service contracts awarded to private sector companies are identical to those awarded to TEC/LEA partnerships other than in respect of volumes and other volume-related details. [16262]

  Mr. Paice
  Yes.

  Departmental Report
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the cost of producing and circulating the last departmental annual report what was the circulation list; how many copies were produced; how many copies were sold; and at what price. [16650]

  Miss Widdecombe
  A total of 3,550 copies of the Department's 1995 departmental report, Cm 2805, were printed and published. In addition to the copies presented to Parliament and placed in the Library, the report was also circulated to the Employment Select Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, the media and internally within the Department. The costs of printing and publishing the report were borne by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, which aims to recover the costs from sales revenue. The Department met the design costs of the report, which were £35,600. The cover price of the report is £14.60. A total of 2,134 copies of the report have been sold since its publication on 10 March 1995.

  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what was the cost of producing and circulating the departmental annual report for each of the last 10 years in real terms. [16651]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Departmental reports were published for the first time in 1991. Printing and publishing costs of the reports have been borne by Her Majesty's Stationery Office, which has sought to recover these costs from sales revenue. The Department is responsible for the design costs of the report. Data for the five years of publication are as follows:

  1991:—£12.780

  1992:—£12,540

  1993:—£13,450

  1994:—£21,600

  1995:—£35,600

  The increased costs for the 1994 and 1995 reports reflect decisions to improve the range, quality and

  615
  presentation of informaiton provided to both Parliament and the public.

  Environmental Improvement
  Mr. Sheerman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action he is taking to increase the number of people involved in types of employment that enhance the environment. [16295]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The Government do not seek to influence the number of people employed in specific parts of the economy. Our role is to promote the right framework in which businesses can create jobs. If there is a demand for more jobs that enhance the environment, employment in that sector will increase. The Government's commitment to sustainable development encourages economic development that is compatible with environmental protection and enhancement.

  Press Officers
  Mr. Henderson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many press officers there are in his Department currently; and what the figure was in 1979. [16559]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The information requested is given in the following list:

  1979–80: Not available

  1994–95: 14.5

  The Department's press office was merged with the Training Agency press office in November 1989. Staffing figures reflect this.

  Client Advisers
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what are the duties and job objectives of the client advisers appointed by his Department to liaise with claimants of unemployment benefit or other benefits granted as a consequence of unemployment; and whether these objectives include facilitating clients to find work or a place on a training scheme. [16726]

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

  Letter front M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Malcolm Bruce, dated 28 March 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the duties and objectives of Employment Service (ES) client advisers.
  Employment Service (ES) client advisers have two main objectives: to help people into work as soon as possible by providing them with practical advice and information about jobs, training and other opportunities that are available; and to make sure people claiming benefit understand and comply with the conditions under which it is paid. These are that people are available for, capable of and actively seeking work.
  To fulfil these objectives all my offices offer our unemployed clients a structured and coherent information and advisory service which is based on regular interviews with an adviser. At these interviews clients are able to discuss their situation, the steps they are taking to find work and the employment and training opportunities which are available. The aim of each interview is to assess the client's situation, determine their needs and agree an appropriate course of action which, if taken, will offer the client the best chance of success in their search for work.
  As part of this, our advisers liaise closely with employers, providers of employment, training and other opportunities, to
  616
  maintain their knowledge of the jobs market and make sure clients have access to as wider range of opportunities as possible. They are also able to give clients advice and information on other benefits, including benefits available to people in work.
  I hope this is helpful and assures you of our intent to provide our clients with as much practical help as possible to support their search for work.

  Council of Ministers
  Mr. David Evans
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment, if he will make a statement on the outcome of the EC Social Affairs Council held on 27 March. [17183]

  Mr. Portillo
  I attended the Social Affairs Council on 27 March in Brussels. I was accompanied by my hon. Friend the Minister of State. The principal items on the agenda were the draft directive on posted workers, a draft decision on the programme to combat social exclusion, draft resolutions on the balanced participation of women and men in decision-making and on implementation of community social legislation, a Presidency memorandum on the social dimension of international trade and discussion of follow-up to the discussion of employment issues at the Essen European Council on 9 and 10 December 1994.

  Discussion of the draft directive on posted workers was once again inconclusive. The UK has considerable and long-standing difficulties of both principle and detail. A number of other member states also had significant difficulties with various aspects of the proposal, which the Presidency referred back to COREPER for further work.

  There was, in the event, no discussion of the social exclusion programme. The resolutions on the balanced participation of women and men in decision-making and on the implementation of directives in the social field were unanimously agreed with little discussion.

  There was a tour de table on the Presidency memorandum on the social dimension of international trade. I said that the UK was strongly opposed to child and forced labour and that developing countries needed help and encouragement to eliminate such practices. I emphasised the importance of free trade in promoting both economic and social development in the third world and that trade sanctions would hold back rather than encourage social progress. No Council conclusions were reached, though the Presidency drew some conclusions of its own.

  There was a discussion of the role of the Social Affairs Council in the follow-up to the conclusions of the Essen European Council on employment. The Commission reported briefly on progress on establishing the European Health and Safety Agency and on action it was taking under the social protocol.

  Lindane
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what instructions are to be given to workers who use or spray Lindane—Gamma HCH or Gamma BHC—as part of their employment. [15499]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: Work with Lindane—the common name for Gamma HCH, also known as Gamma BHC—is covered by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. COSHH requires employers to inform, instruct and train their employees about: the nature of the substances

  617
  they work with, the risks created by exposure to those substances, and the precautions to be taken. When used as a pesticide, lindane is also subject to the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. COPR requires that pesticides are approved by Ministers. Conditions of approval and instructions for use appear on the product labels.

  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what evidence has been supplied by the London Hazards Centre to the Government about health problems and hazards to the development and functions of vital organs possibly caused by the use of Lindane—Gamma HCH or Gamma BHC; and if he will make a statement. [15492]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The Government are not aware of any such evidence supplied by the London Hazards Centre. The Government's armoury of controls for chemicals, including Lindane, provide adequate safeguards to protect the health of users and people who might be affected by their use.

  Deregulation
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will ensure that his ministerial management information system for establishing objectives for his Department includes deregulation objectives(a) for him and (b) for each of the Ministers within his Department. [15578]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: The Department and its Ministers pursue objectives which fully reflect the need to minimise regulatory and administrative burdens on business. There is also a Minister with particular responsibility for promoting deregulation within the Department.

  Agricultural Wages Board
  Ms Harman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number of employees in employment covered by the Agricultural Wages Board, using micro data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey, for all quarters from spring 1992 to the last quarter. [16104]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 27 March 1995]: All employees in agriculture and horticulture are covered by the Agricultural Wages Board. The table gives information from the Labour Force Survey for the number of employees in agriculture for all quarters from spring 1992.

  Number of employees in agriculture and horticulture in the United Kingdom between spring 1992 and autumn 1994, Great Britain— not seasonally adjusted

  Thousands

  SIC 80

  Spring 1992

  216

  Summer 1992

  211

  Autumn 1992

  210

  Winter 1992–93

  184

  Spring 1993

  196

  Summer 1993

  212

  Autumn 1993

  216

  618

  Number of employees in agriculture and horticulture in the United Kingdom between spring 1992 and autumn 1994, Great Britain— not seasonally adjusted

  Thousands

  SIC 92

  Winter 1993–94

  195

  Spring 1994

  199

  Summer 1994

  213

  Autumn 1994

  196

  Note:

  The figures above the line are not strictly comparable with those below the line following the change in the standard industrial classification in winter 1993–94.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Butter
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price British wholesalers buy butter per 250g pack; at what price the European Community sells butter per 250g pack on the world market; what are the levels of European Community production and consumption of butter; what is the level of common agricultural policy expenditure on butter subsidies; and what is the annual cost to the British Exchequer of European Community intervention in the butter market. [16134]

  Mr. Jack
  The first-hand delivered price of butter in the United Kingdom is between 68p to 82.5p per 250g pack. The price of butter on the world market fluctuates and is currently in a range $2,000 to $2,430 per tonne.

  Estimates of production and consumption of butter in the European Community are given in "Agriculture Situation in the Community, 1993 Report".

  CAP expenditure in 1994 on internal butter disposal subsidies was 669.4 million ecu=£517.1 using the average 1994 conversion rate of 1 ecu=£0.77249 million.

  Details of the Exchequer cost of CAP support in the UK for butter can be found in section I of table 9.1 of "Agriculture in the UK". The UK also contributes to the EC budget as a whole, which funds the cost of the CAP support in other member states.

  Copies of the publications mentioned have been deposited in the Library of the House.

  Milk Quotas
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many farmers have had their monthly milk cheques withheld by Milk Marque because of administration problems at the Intervention Board for Agricultural Produce. [15940]

  Mr. Jack
  Purchasers do not inform the intervention board of payments they are withholding for milk deliveries. This is a matter between the purchaser and the producer. The intervention board has provided Milk Marque, and all other milk purchasers, on a weekly basis with all changes in the quota registered with it confirmed in the previous week. The intervention board is always ready to assist if the processing of any quota movement had been delayed for any reason.

  Farm Costs
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the cost to the United Kingdom per acre farmed in the European Community. [16136]

  Mr. Jack
  A note on "The Cost of the Common Agricultural Policy to Consumers and Taxpayers" was placed in the Library of the House on 9 March 1995. Information on the area farmed in the European Community is given in "Agricultural Situation in the Community, 1993 Report", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Food Prices
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate by how much the average food bill of the average family of four is altered as a direct result of the common agricultural policy, giving figures separately for(a) dairy products, (b) sugar, (c) beef, (d) cereals, (e) rice, (f) fruit and vegetables, (g) potatoes, (h) oilseeds, (i) linseed, (j) olive oil, (k) wine and (l) tobacco. [16154]

  Mr. Jack
  A note on "The Cost of the Common Agricultural Policy to Consumers and Taxpayers" was placed in the Library of the House on 9 March 1995. Separate figures are not available by commodity, but some information for the European Community as a whole is given in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development publication "Agricultural Policies' Markets and Trade, Monitoring and Outlook 1994" a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will estimate the cost of the common agricultural policy to each household in the United Kingdom, breaking this figure down into(a) the running costs of the common agricultural policy and (b) the amount which the policy adds to food prices; [16150]

  (2) if he will estimate the combined cost of the common agricultural policy and other national farm aids to the United Kingdom; and if he will break down this figure into (a) payments directly or indirectly received by farmers and (b) the cost to consumers in the form of higher food prices. [16151]

  Mr. Jack
  A note on "The Cost of the Common Agricultural Policy to Consumers and Taxpayers" was placed in the Library of the House on 9 March 1995.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the price at which British wholesalers buy(a) linseed, (b) tobacco, (c) cereals, (d) oilseeds, (e) milk and (f) beef per tonne; what he estimates the price of each commodity would be in a free market without European Community price intervention; what are the levels of European Community production and consumption of each commodity; what is the level of common agricultural policy on expenditure on subsidies to each commodity; and what is the cost to the British Exchequer of European Commodity intervention in the market in each community. [16153]

  Mr. Jack
  Prices received by producers for agricultural commodities are reported to Eurostat, and consistent series for cereals, oilseeds, milk and beef appear in the publication "Agricultural Prices". No representative price series is available for linseed or tobacco.
  620
  It is not possible to estimate what the price of each commodity would be in the free market without European Community intervention without making a large number of hypothetical assumptions.

  Estimates of production and consumption in the European Community for each commodity are given in the "Agricultural Situation in the Community, 1993 Report".

  The 1994 budget outturn estimates of common agricultural policy expenditure on these commodities are as follows:

  mecu

  £ million

  Cereals (Market support)

  2,087

  1,612

  Arable area payments:

  Cereals

  5,540

  4,280

  Linseed

  125

  97

  Oilseeds

  2,549

  1,969

  Tobacco

  1,057

  816

  Milk

  4,249

  3,282

  Beef

  3,467

  2,678

  Details of the Exchequer cost of CAP support in the UK for these commodities, except tobacco, for which there is no expenditure in the UK, can be found in section I of table 9.1 of "Agriculture in the UK". The UK also contributes to the EC budget as a whole, which funds the cost of the CAP support in other member states.

  Copies of the publications referred to are in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate by how much common agricultural prices have risen in weak currency countries as a direct result of the system of pegging farm prices to the deutschmark via the switchover system for each country. [16137]

  Mr. Jack
  As support prices are set by the Council of Ministers in the annual price-fixing negotiations, it is not possible to say what prices would have been set had the switchover system not existed.

  The switchover mechanism was abolished on 1 February 1995. This did not result in any change in the level of CAP support prices in national currency terms. However, there will be no further increases as a result of this mechanism.

  Sugar
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price British wholesalers buy sugar per kilogramme; at what price the European Community sells sugar per kilogramme on the world market; what are the levels of European Community production and consumption of sugar; what is the level of the common agricultural policy expenditure on sugar subsidies; what is the cost to the British Exchequer of European Community intervention in the sugar market. [16132]

  Mr. Jack
  Information on actual prices paid for bulk white sugar is not available. However, prices are likely to be in the range of the effective support price provided by the sugar regime and producers "list" prices—between about 57p per kilogramme and 68p per kilogramme.
  621
  Export refunds enable Community bulk white sugar to be sold at the world price, which is currently around 25p per kilogramme, free on board.

  Estimates of production and consumption of sugar in the European Community are given in the "Agricultural Situation in the Community, 1993 Report", a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House.

  The provisional outturn for Community expenditure on sugar in 1994 is 2,062 mecu—£1,593 million1. Production and storage levies contributed 1,118 mecu—£864 million1—to own resources.

  Details of the Exchequer cost of CAP support in the UK for sugar can be found in section 1 of table 9.1 of "Agriculture in the UK", copies of which have been deposited in the Library of the House. The UK also contributes to the EC budget as a whole, which funds the cost of the CAP support in other member states.

  1£1=1.2945 ecu.

  Rice
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price British wholesalers buy rice per tonne; what he estimates the price of rice per tonne would be in the free market without European Community price intervention and what is the annual cost to the British consumer of the common agricultural policy in the rice market. [16135]

  Mr. Jack
  Information on the price of rice to wholesalers is not gathered centrally.

  It is not possible to estimate what the price of rice per tonne would be in the free market without European Community intervention without making a large number of hypothetical assumptions.

  The only readily available information on the cost to the British consumer of the common agricultural policy in the rice market is given by the consumer subsidy equivalents in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development publication "Agricultural Policies, Markets and Trade, Monitoring and Outlook 1994".

  Organo-phosphorous Chemicals
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he intends to publish the latest report from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate on adverse reactions to organo-phosphorous chemicals by farmers; and what change to such reactions was shown by the last published report. [16062]

  Mrs. Browning
  I expect the next report to the Veterinary Products Committee, by the appraisal panel for human suspected adverse reactions to veterinary medicines, to be published by the end of April. Only one report has thus far been published, so no comparisons can yet be drawn.

  Wine
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price British wholesalers buy wine per 75 cl bottle; what he estimates the price of wine per bottle would be in a free market without European Community price intervention; what are the levels of European Community production and consumption; what is the level of common agricultural policy expenditure on wine subsidies; and what is the cost 622
  to the British Exchequer of European Community intervention in the wine sector. [16155]

  Mr. Jack
  The price at which British wholesalers buy wine is a matter for commercial negotiation and varies by consignment.

  For this reason, and because it would require a large number of hypothetical assumptions, it is not possible to estimate what the price of wine per bottle would be in the free market without European Community intervention.

  The European Commission estimates that European Community wine production in the 1993–94 wine year was 159 million hectolitres, that 129 mhl was consumed as wine in the EC, net exports were 9 mhl and other uses—for example, vinegar, vermouth and eaux de vie—12 mhl.

  Total common agricultural policy expenditure in 1994 on the wine regime was 1,220 million ecu, or £1,002 million, provisional outturn.

  The Exchequer cost of CAP support for wine in the UK is estimated at £820,000 for the 1994–95 financial year. The UK also contributes to the European Community budget as a whole, which funds the cost of the wine support system in other member states.

  Olive Oil
  Mr. Nicholas Brown
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at what price British wholesalers buy olive oil per tonne; what she estimates the price of olive oil per tonne wold be in a free market without European Community price intervention; and what is the annual cost to the consumer of taxes on imports of olive oil. [16133]

  Mr. Jack
  Prices received by producers for agricultural commodities are reported to Eurostat and a consistent series for olive oil appears in the publication "Agricultural Prices", a copy of which is in the Library of the House.

  It is not possible to estimate what the price of olive oil would be in the free market without European Community intervention without making a large number of hypothetical assumptions.

  No estimates are readily available on the annual cost to the consumer of taxes on imports of olive oil.

  Animal Diseases
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cases of goat pox were reported in each year since 1985. [15973]

  Mrs. Browning
  No cases of goat pox have ever been recorded in England.

  Fish Catches
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the value and tonnage of i(a) fish, (b) molluscs and (c) crustacea landed in (i) the United Kingdom, (ii) Wales, (iii) England, (iv) Scotland and (v) Northern Ireland in each of the last five years. [16690]
  623
  Mr. Jack
  The available information is published in table 3.3. of "UK Sea Fisheries Statistics", 1993.

  Comparable information for 1994 is not yet available.

  Fishing Restrictions
  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the defence his officials will be employing in the European Court of Justice in the case brought by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations against the Government's days at sea restrictions; and if he will make a statement. [16371]

  Mr. Jack
  It would not be appropriate for me to comment in advance of the oral hearing due to take place in Luxembourg on 29 March. The positions of both parties will, however, be a mater of public record in the reports of proceedings and, ultimately, the judgment of the court.

  Mr. David Porter
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to abandon the defence of the days at sea restrictions in the European Court of Justice in the case being brought by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations; and if he will make a statement. [16370]

  Mr. Jack
  The action in question was initiated by the NFFO by way of judicial review in the United Kingdom courts of certain measures adopted by Parliament. It was subsequently referred to the European court for a ruling on the interpretation of EU law. In the circumstances, the Government are obliged to respond and explain their position. It is, however, open to the applicants to discontinue the proceedings at any stage.

  Mr. Philip J. Corrigan
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will seek to obtain from the Minister of Primary Industries and Energy in Australia details of the nature and outcome of each of the charges under the Australian Public Service Act against Mr. Philip J. Corrigan, now appointed head of operations at the Meat Hygiene Service; and if he will make a statement on the information so obtained. [16724]

  Mrs. Browning
  My Ministry has contacted the Department of Primary Industries and Energy in Canberra on this matter.

  Agricultural Tenancies
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the number and total acreage of tenancies under the categories(a) agricultural holding tenancies as defined in the Agriculture Act 1986, (b) Gladstone v. Bower arrangements, (c) grazing or mowing agreements and (d) Ministry-approved short-term lettings and licences. [14927]

  Mr. Jack
  The surveys operated by MAFF do not require respondents to supply the level of detailed information that would enable these separate totals to be compiled. There is, however, a survey carried out annually by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers which gives information on new lettings in these categories.

  Fish Quotas
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list those producer organisations in the fishing industry that were fined in each year since 1988 for overshooting their allocated quota; [15587]

  (2) what evidence he has that producer organisations in the fishing industry have taken action against individual members who breached their quota in each year since 1988; [15589]

  (3) if he will list for each year since 1988 what action was taken by his Department against those producer organisations in the fishing industries which overshot their quota; and how many prosecutions were commenced in England and Wales; [15586]

  (4) if he will list those producer organisations in the fishing industry that have taken action against individual members; and what penalties were imposed in each case in England and Wales since 1988. [15588]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 23 March 1995]: In the United Kingdom, producer organisations are permitted to manage allocations of quota on behalf of those members with vessels exceeding 10m overall length. Once an allocation has been made, it is the responsibility of the producer organisation to ensure that its overall allocation is not exceeded and to take appropriate action to deal with those members who infringe the rules of the organisation. The fisheries departments do not maintain records of the disciplinary action that producer organisations take. Where a producer organisation has exceeded or is likely to exceed its quota allocation for any particular stock, the licences of its members will be varied to prohibit further landings of the stock in question.

  Producer organisations are subject to a system of quota penalties and compensation for over-fishing. These arrangements, which have been agreed with the industry, require that where any producer organisation or other group in the UK fishing fleet exceeds its allocation for a particular stock, the over-fish will not be included in its track record when the departments calculate the subsequent year's allocation. Where the over-fish leads to the UK quota being exceeded, and other groups in the fleet being disadvantaged by the early closure of a fishery, the over-fish will be deducted from the offending group's allocation for the subsequent year. This deduction will then be used to compensate groups prejudiced by the over-fishing, after taking account of those groups likely uptake had the fishery not been closed.

  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will list for each year since 1988(a) the total allowable catch for each International Council for the Exploration of the Seas area, (b) the British total allowable catch for each ICES area, (c) the total allocated to each producer organisation in tonnage and percentage terms of the British total allowable catch and (d) the total allocated to the non-sector in tonnage and percentage terms of the British total allowable catch; [15591]

  (2) if he will list those producer organisations in the fishing industry which overshot their allocated quota for each species in each year since 1988 in England and Wales. [15585]
  625
  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 23 March 1995]: The system of sectoral management, under which producer organisations may manage allocations of quota on behalf of their members, has been fully operational since 1991.

  I have arranged for tonnage data on Community TACs and UK quota since 1988, and on allocations made to producer organisations and the non sector and the uptake of their allocations since 1991, to be placed in the Library of the House.

DEFENCE

  Former Yugoslavia
  Mr. Gapes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to reduce or withdraw British forces in former Yugoslavia; and if he will make a statement. [14640]

  Mr. Soames
  We intend to maintain our contribution to UNPROFOR so long as our forces can continue to carry out the UN mandate at an acceptable level of risk. The size of our contribution is kept under close review.

  Mr. Wareing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what redeployment is planned for UK military forces currently serving with UNPROFOR in Croatia. [14647]

  Mr. Soames
  None.

  24. Mr. Clappison
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many British troops are currently serving in Bosnia with the United Nations; and what plans he has for increasing their numbers. [14651]

  Mr. Soames
  There are currently some 3,400 British personnel serving in the former Yugoslavia as part of UNPROFOR. Some 190 personnel are on standby to deploy to Bosnia as the remainder of the additional forces which the United Kingdom offered to the UN in January to help with the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement.

  Chemical Weapons Convention
  Mr. Dunnachie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect of the chemical weapons convention on international security. [14641]

  Mr. Soames
  The chemical weapons convention provides for a comprehensive, global and verifiable ban on a complete class of weapons of mass destruction and also for the destruction of very large quantities of existing chemical warfare agents. Once fully implemented it will make a significant contribution to international security.

  Armed Services (Deaths)
  Sir Michael Neubert
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his estimate of the number of members of Her Majesty's armed services who have died on active service since 1965. [14642]

  Mr. Soames
  In the period from 1966 to 1994, 850 members of the armed forces have died on active service as a result of hostile and enemy action or as a result of terrorist activity in Northern Ireland.

  National Army Museum
  Mr. Brandreth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the development of the national army museum beyond London; and if he will make a statement. [14643]

  Mr. Soames
  Although the national army museum receives a grant in aid from my Department, the question of development of the museum is, in the first instance, a matter for the museum trustees.

  British Defence
  Mr. Booth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy that British defence will not be run by the European Commission. [14644]

  Mr. Soames
  Yes. One of the key considerations in the Government's approach to the treatment of European defence issues at the 1996 Inter-Governmental Conference is that the essential inter-Governmental nature of decision making on defence should be preserved.

  Naval Engineering College, Manadon
  Mr. Streeter
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made in the sale of RNEC Manadon. [14645]

  Mr. Soames
  I am pleased to say that our disposal strategy has progressed well. A planning brief for the site is now complete and has been approved by Plymouth city council planning officials.

  Farms, Upper Coquet Valley
  Mr. Beith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress he has made in providing electricity supplies to farms owned by his Department in the Upper Coquet valley, Northumberland. [14646]

  Mr. Soames
  A stand-alone farm power system has been installed on one of my Department's farms on the Otterburn training area. We are at present discussing with tenants the suitability of replicating the system on other farms on the training area.

  RAF Chivenor
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he is making in considering the relocation of Marines units to RAF Chivenor; and when he expects to make an announcement. [14648]

  Mr. Soames
  Studies are nearing completion and it is our intention to publish a consultative document setting out any proposals which emerge from them. No decisions will be taken until interested parties have had an opportunity to comment and their responses have been carefully considered.

  Belize
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the training programme in Belize. [14650]

  Mr. Soames
  The British Army training support unit, Belize is set up to conduct jungle, field firing and adventure training, primarily at company level, and expects to train seven such deployments from the United Kingdom each year, each lasting for about six weeks. Although we do not have a regular requirement for
  627
  exercises of bigger units, there will be occasions when we would wish to deploy battalions and we have such an exercise planned for July next year.

  Falkland Islands
  Mr. Simon Coombs
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are currently committed to the defence of the Falkland Islands. [14652]

  Mr. Soames
  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy (Mr.Llwyd) on 15 February,Official Report, column 726.

  Ex-service Personnel
  Mr. Mackinlay
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will next be meeting representatives of the Royal British Legion and other ex-service organisations in order to discuss the promotion of the interests of ex-service personnel and their dependants. [14653]

  Mr. Soames
  My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Defence has no plans at present to meet representatives of the Royal British Legion or other ex-service organisations. At a meeting last November between the Minister of State for Social Security, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence and the Legion it was agreed that many of the matters relating to the welfare of former service personnel fall within the scope of the Department of Social Security. As a result of this agreement, that Department is now taking the lead on this issue.

  Eurofighter 2000
  Mr. Strang
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions are taking place, or proposed, to revise the share of work by each nation in respect of the Eurofighter 2000 project. [15519]

  Mr. Freeman
  Workshare and other matters relating to planning for future phases of the project are covered in our regular programme of contacts with our Eurofighter 2000 partners.

  Debriefing
  Mr. Allen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is his Department's policy in respect of debriefing service personnel formerly involved in active combat before their discharge back into the community. [15765]

  Mr. Soames
  Each of the services provides education, counselling and treatment programmes before and after active operations. These ensure that members of the armed forces are aware of the possibility of stress reaction, and that it can be identified and treated when it occurs. While the care of those who have left the armed forces is properly the responsibility of the national health service, medical summaries will in future indicate whether an individual has been treated for stress disorder while he or she was in the services.

  Overseas Students
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many students from overseas were trained at Ministry of Defence establishments during 1994. [16177]
  628
  Mr. Soames
  According to available records, 4,777 overseas students were trained at UK military establishments during 1994.

  Astra plc
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific efforts were made by his Department to establish with Mr. James himself whether any of the documents referred to in his answer to the hon. Member for Leyton, (Mr. Cohen) of 21 July 1994,Official Report, column 556, were personal rather than company documents. [17002]

  Mr. Soames
  None. The documents were taken by the Ministry of Defence police from Astra plc/BMARC after Mr. James had left the company. They were considered to be company documents and treated as such throughout the MDP investigation.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he has handed any of the Astra plc documents to Sir Richard Scott, pursuant to his Department's letter of 27 January 1993 to Mr. J. Barratt of Cork Gulley. [17008]

  Mr. Soames
  The provision of documents to Sir Richard Scott's inquiry is a matter between my Department and the inquiry.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the role of Ministers and deputy permanent secretaries in his Department in authorising or sanctioning the raid on Astra plc in 1990; and which of his officials and Ministers were subsequently consulted about the return of documents. [17010]

  Mr. Soames
  None. Ministry of Defence police who conducted the investigation are operationally independent in such matters.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what opportunity was afforded to Mr. James to recover documents which may have been his personal property or to consult with his staff; and if a list of seized documents was made available to him. [17004]

  Mr. Soames
  No opportunity was offered to Mr. James to recover documents which may have been his personal property or to consult with his staff. Documents taken by Ministry of Defence police were considered to be company documents and a list was never made available to Mr. James who had left Astra/BMARC at the time of the MOD police investigation.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the occasions when his Department has been approached by Mr. Gerald James seeking to recover his own personal documents from among those documents seized by MOD staff in April 1990. [17006]

  Mr. Soames
  Ministry of Defence police have no record of any direct approach by Mr. James seeking to recover documents seized by them.

  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the role and function of Mr. J. W. Cassey at the offices of Astra plc in 1990; and what have been his official appointments before and since that period. [17005]

  Mr. Soames
  The Ministry of Defence police have no knowledge of Mr. Cassey's role and function at the offices of Astra plc in 1990; nor of his official appointments before and since that date.
  629
  Mr. Bermingham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at what period in 1990 his staff were on the premises of Astra plc at 6 St. James place, London; and if he will summarise the documents and materials removed by his staff from those premises. [17007]

  Mr. Soames
  Ministry of Defence police have not conducted a search of the premises of Astra plc at 6 St. James place, London.

  Market Testing
  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the names and grades of the members of the panel appointed by his Department to evaluate the in-house bid by Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills), Liverpool to retain the service it provides at present. [16917]

  Mr. Freeman
  The panel appointed to evaluate the bid submitted by the Accounts (Bills) in-house team is:

  Name

  Grade

  Department

  Mr. M. J. Dymond

  Grade 3

  Chief Executive, Defence Accounts Agency (Chairman)

  Mrs. S. A. Beaver

  Grade 5

  Director of Procurement (Finance)

  Mr. M. A. Rowe

  Grade 5

  Director of Accounts (Bills)

  Mr. D. A. Thomas

  Grade 6

  Assistant Director of Accounts (Staff)

  Mr. P. J. Chafer

  Grade 6

  Assistant Director of Accounts (Budgets and Agency)

  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on which basis he estimates that the total running cost of providing the service currently provided by Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills), Liverpool would be 20 per cent. lower if it were provided by a private sector firm. [16913]

  Mr. Freeman
  This figure of 20 per cent. represents a level of savings achieved in other market-testing exercises. This is the target the in-house team have been asked to aim at in formulating its bid.

  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what market testing criteria are applicable to the in-house bid by Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills) for the retention of its service. [16915]

  Mr. Freeman
  The Accounts (Bills) in-house bid is being handled under the Department's market testing procedures. The bid is presently being evaluated against a formal statement of requirement, and if it is compliant a three-year service level agreement will be recorded between the MOD and the in-house team. The criteria for evaluating the bid include service delivery and standards, customer satisfaction,. flexibility and overall value for money.

  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the decision to reduce the running costs of Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills), Liverpool by 20 per cent. by 31 March 1996. [16918]

  Mr. Freeman
  The decision to keep the work of Accounts (Bills) in-house was made on the understanding that the in-house team should be asked to achieve the sort 630
  of savings that might have been possible with a full commercial test. The financial target is 20 per cent. but the in-house team's bid will also be evaluated against a formal statement of requirement which includes quality, standard of service and value for money performance criteria.

  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessments he has made of the impact on running costs of having the works currently carried out by Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills), Liverpool contracted out to a private sector firm. [16914]

  Mr. Freeman
  No specific assessment has been made although the levels of saving achieved through market testing have influenced the financial target set for the Accounts (Bills) in-house team.

  Mrs. Jane Kennedy
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contingency plans he has for maintaining the service provided by Defence Accounts Agency Department of Accounts (Bills), Liverpool in the event of its in-house bid being unsuccessful. [16916]

  Mr. Freeman
  The in-house bid is being evaluated. If it fails to meet the requirement the options for maintaining the service provided by Accounts (Bills) will be reviewed in the light of the reasons for non-compliance.

  Redundancies
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the ratio of field officers and above to other ranks before and after the recently announced redundancy programme; and if he will make a statement. [14935]

  Mr. Soames
  Before the recently announced programme of redundancies arising from the Defence costs study, the ratio of Army other ranks to field officers was approximately 14:1; in future it will be approximately 17:1. It has been possible to achieve these reductions without the need for a large redundancy programme, and no further Army redundancies beyond those already announced are anticipated in the foreseeable future.

  BBC "The Vet" Series
  Mr. Jamieson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) if he will make a statement about the animals and equipment which were housed at vacant dwellings owned by his Department on the Furse Park estate at Bane Barton in Plymouth, in connection with the filming of the BBC TV vet series; [14931]

  (2) how many vacant dwellings owned by his Department on the Furse Park estate at Barne Barton in Plymouth were used by the BBC this year in connection with the filming of a programme about vets; and how much was paid to his Department for this purpose. [14932]

  Mr. Soames
  A single vacant married quarter on the Furse Park estate at Barne Barton, Plymouth, was used during the filming of a production entitled "The Vet". No animals or equipment were housed in the property, and the fee paid by the company is commercial in confidence.

  Training
  Mrs. Clwyd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make it his policy to make available information on military aid to foreign countries. [16723]

  Mr. Soames
  We disclose details of those countries which receive United Kingdom training, whether in the UK or overseas, and also the total numbers of students concerned during any particular period. It is not normally our practice to disclose the precise details of military training given to any particular country as such details are regarded as being confidential between Governments. There are no plans to change this policy.

  Road Transport Regulations
  Mr. Key
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will publish the new edition of the joint service road transport regulations; and how many copies will be printed. [16807]

  Mr. Soames
  My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence will arrange for a copy of the new edition of the joint service road transport regulations to be sent, as promised in his letter of 4 January, as soon as it is available. We expect some 3,600 copies of these regulations to be distributed around the middle of the year.

  Recorders and Assistant Recorders: Sittings
  Recorders and Assistant Recorders: Sittings
  Disregard on Income Support: Up-rated Worth
  Disregard on Income Support: Up-rated Worth
  Road Pricing in London: Study
  Road Pricing in London: Study
  NHS Nurses: Suicide Rate
  NHS Nurses: Suicide Rate
  Council Housing: Local Authority Sales
  Council Housing: Local Authority Sales