Written Answers of 16 May 1995

TREASURY

  Manufacturing Industry
  Mr. Austin Mitchell
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what assessment he has made of by how much imports of manufactures would have to fall in each industry to take up the spare capacity of each of the principal import-saving and export industries, all other things remaining the same; [23792]

  (2) what estimate he has made of by how much exports of manufactures would have to increase in each industry to take up the spare capacity of each of the principal

  Cigarettes £ per 20

  HRT £ per 250g

  Cigars £ per 5 small

  Pipe £ per 250g

  Actual

  Real

  Actual

  Real

  Actual

  Real

  Actual

  Real

  1965

  0.27

  2.72

  1966

  0.27

  2.61

  1967

  0.23

  2.14

  1968

  0.24

  2.18

  1969

  0.26

  2.23

  1970

  0.26

  2.12

  1971

  0.26

  1.96

  1972

  0.27

  1.88

  1973

  0.27

  1.74

  1974

  0.32

  1.84

  1975

  0.42

  2.02

  1976

  0.45

  1.75

  1977

  0.49

  1.64

  17.70

  25.72

  0.52

  1.74

  16.95

  23.22

  1978

  0.55

  1.67

  18.90

  27.05

  0.54

  1.64

  17.50

  22.80

  1979

  0.66

  1.83

  19.20

  25.57

  0.55

  1.53

  17.80

  21.68

  1980

  0.73

  1.71

  9.10

  21.37

  0.63

  1.48

  7.70

  18.08

  1981

  0.95

  1.97

  10.10

  20.98

  0.72

  1.50

  8.30

  17.24

  1982

  1.02

  1.89

  13.20

  24.48

  0.89

  1.65

  10.50

  19.47

  1983

  1.09

  1.93

  14.60

  25.80

  0.97

  1.71

  11.60

  20.50

  1984

  1.23

  2.07

  15.60

  26.23

  1.03

  1.73

  12.10

  20.34

  1985

  1.33

  2.13

  17.50

  28.01

  1.14

  1.82

  12.50

  20.01

  1986

  1.48

  2.25

  18.90

  28.67

  1.18

  1.79

  13.10

  19.87

  1987

  1.52

  2.22

  21.10

  30.81

  1.22

  1.78

  13.60

  19.86

  1988

  1.56

  2.20

  21.40

  30.25

  1.24

  1.75

  13.90

  19.65

  1989

  1.63

  2.14

  22.30

  29.33

  1.29

  1.70

  14.30

  18.81

  1990

  1.67

  2.04

  23.00

  28.10

  1.35

  1.65

  15.00

  18.33

  1991

  1.80

  2.02

  25.10

  28.15

  1.46

  1.64

  15.70

  17.61

  1992

  2.08

  2.24

  29.00

  31.22

  1.64

  1.77

  18.00

  19.38

  1993

  2.27

  2.40

  31.70

  33.56

  1.76

  1.86

  19.10

  20.22

  1994

  2.52

  2.60

  35.30

  36.47

  1.91

  1.97

  21.10

  21.80

  1995

  2.70

  2.70

  36.80

  36.80

  2.02

  2.02

  22.60

  22.60

  1 10 ounces

  Note:

  Actual prices at 1 January. Real prices at January 1995 prices, calculated using the RPI (All Items).

  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received in the last year concerning tobacco taxation; how many have been in favour of(a) an increase and (b) a decrease in the level of taxation; and if he will list the representations received. [22961]
  106
  import-saving and export industries, all other things remaining the same.[23791]

  Mr. Nelson
  The Confederation of British Industry's April Quarterly Industrial Trends survey reported the strongest rise in export optimism since July 1973. This does not suggest that manufacturing companies are running short of spare capacity.

  Tobacco
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in each year since 1965 the cost, in current and in real terms, of an average(a) packet of 20 cigarettes, (b) 250g of hand-rolling tobacco, (c) packet of five cigars and (d) 250g of pipe tobacco. [22960]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Information on average prices for tobacco products is not readily available. The table gives information based on manufacturers' recommended retail prices during the period 1965–1995 for the current leading brands of tobacco products. I regret that the figures for hand-rolling tobacco, cigars and pipe tobacco between 1965 and 1976 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  We have received a number of representations. The majority of these asked that tobacco taxation should be kept at a minimum. I regret that more precise information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

  Alcohol Smuggling
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what is the estimated loss in tax due to illegal imports of(a) beer and (b) wine for (i) 1980, (ii) 1985, (iii) 1990, (iv) 1994 and (v) 1995. [23260]

  (2) what is the estimated amount of illegal imports of (a) beer and (b) wine for (i) 1980, (ii) 1985, (iii) 1990, (iv) 1994 and (v) 1995.[23259]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Before the completion of the single market on 1 January 1993 only seizures of spirits were separately recorded as seizures of other alcoholic drinks were insignificant. It is by definition impossible to calculate the true extent of smuggling and there is no current estimate. The actual amount of goods seized and the corresponding revenue evaded during the last two financial years are shown in the table.

  Beer

  Wine

  Financial year ending

  Revenue (£000s)

  Quantity (hlitres)

  Revenue (£000s)

  Quantity (hlitres)

  31 March 1994

  500

  7,000

  155

  840

  31 March 1995

  1,000

  11,000

  330

  1,900

  Cross-border Shopping
  Sir Thomas Arnold
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his latest estimate of the loss of revenue from cross-border shopping. [23357]

  Administrative costs1 of privatization

  £ million

  Year

  Selling and other commissions

  Marketing2

  Receiving bank costs

  UK advisers Fees

  UK underwriting

  Other costs3

  Total

  Amersham International

  1982

  —

  0.1

  —

  —

  0.4

  —

  2.9

  Associated British Ports

  1983

  —

  0.3

  —

  —

  0.4

  —

  2.6

  1984

  —

  0.1

  —

  —

  40.9

  —

  1.4

  British Aerospace

  1981

  —

  0.6

  —

  —

  42.3

  —

  5.6

  1985

  —

  1.9

  —

  —

  7.0

  —

  17.8

  BAA

  1987

  4.2

  10

  16.0

  2.4

  13.6

  —

  46.2

  British Airways

  1987

  2.9

  6.2

  8.3

  4.3

  7.8

  5.2

  34.7

  BP

  1979

  —

  —

  —

  —

  3.8

  —

  7

  1983

  —

  —

  —

  —

  8.3

  —

  22.8

  1987

  2.1

  48.3

  4.7

  5.4

  38.2

  55.3

  5154.0

  British Steel

  1988

  1.7

  11.6

  4.3

  5.6

  21.3

  13.9

  58.4

  BT

  1984

  13

  14

  20

  6

  74

  58

  185

  1991

  30.2

  38.8

  39.1

  7.4

  —

  66.9

  182.4

  1993

  48.5

  29.2

  14.9

  5.6

  —

  32.9

  131.2

  Britoil

  1982

  —

  0.3

  —

  —

  9.8

  —

  12.6

  1985

  —

  4.1

  3.7

  —

  6.9

  5.6

  23.3

  Cable and Wireless

  1981

  —

  0.3

  —

  —

  43.4

  —

  8.9

  1983

  0.2

  0.9

  —

  —

  4.3

  —

  12.5

  1985

  —

  2.8

  —

  —

  8.7

  —

  21.4

  Enterprise Oil

  1984

  —

  0.2

  —

  —

  47.0

  —

  10.7

  National Freight Consortium

  1982

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  0.3

  Rolls-Royce

  1987

  4.2

  4.0

  11.0

  2.2

  12.5

  —

  33.9

  1 Only costs borne by the Exchequer are shown. Costs shown include VAT and stamp duty, but exclude the cost of incentives and interest earned on application monies.

  2 Including the operation of the Share Information Office (where applicable).

  3 Includes overseas expenses.

  4 Includes some advisory fees.

  5 Excludes the cost of the Bank of England purchase scheme (27m).

  108
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  Estimates for the amount of legal cross border shopping for alcohol and tobacco in the year to December 1994 are now available.

  The consequential loss of tax revenue may be expressed in one of two ways. On the traditional measurement, which formed the basis of the Customs and Excise advice to the Treasury and Civil Service Committee in 1994 and excludes both additional consumption effects and pre-single-market purchases, the revenue loss would be £210 million compared with the previous estimate of £200 million. However, given the additional passage of time, I am minded in future estimates to stop deducting the value of the pre-single-market element. On that adjusted basis the total revenue loss is £360 million.

  Privatised Companies
  Ms Armstrong
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the administrative costs of the share offers relating to(a) International, (b) Associated British Ports, (c) British Aerospace, (d) the British Airports Authority, (e) British Airways, (f) British Petroleum, (g) the British Steel Company, (h) British Telecom, (i) Britoil, (j) Cable and Wireless, (k) Enterprise Oil, (l) the National Freight Corporation and (m) Rolls-Royce on the basis of the answer of 23 March, Official Report, column 287. [23027]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]The table shows the administrative costs for the sales requested. These costs have been shown disaggregated into the same categories as the answer of 23 March,Official Report, column 287 to the degree that this information is held centrally. Administrative costs for these sales of just under £1 billion need to be set in the context of their gross proceeds of over £32 billion.

  Income Tax
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish estimates for the revenue cost in 1996–97 and for a full year of reducing the 20 per cent. tax rate to(a) 5 per cent., (b) 7 per cent., (c) 9 per cent., (d) 10 per cent., (e) 12 per cent., (f) 15 per cent., (g) 16 per cent. and (h) 18 per cent. on taxable income of (i) £1,000, (ii) £2,000 (iii) £3,000 and (iv) £3,200 retaining any balance of £3,200 at the 20 per cent. rate. [23354]

  (2) if he will provide estimates for the revenue cost in 1995–96 and for a full year of reducing the 20 per cent. tax rate to (a) 5 per cent., (b) 7 per cent., (c) 9 per cent., (d) 10 per cent., (e) 12 per cent., (f) 15 per cent., (g) 16 per cent. and (h) 18 per cent., on taxable income of (i) £1,000, (ii) £2,000 (iii) £3,000 and (iv) £3,200 retaining any balance of £3,200 at the 20 per cent. rate. [23974]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: The table gives available estimates showing the variation in revenue costs over the specified ranges of tax rates and bands of taxable incomes. No change in the rate of advance corporation tax or the rate of tax on dividends has been assumed.

  Full year revenue cost, at 1995–96 levels1

  Band of taxable income (£)

  5 per cent.

  (£ billion) lower rate 10 per cent.

  18 per cent.

  1,000

  3.8

  2.5

  0.5

  2,000

  7.3

  4.9

  1.0

  3,000

  10.5

  7.0

  1.4

  3,200

  11.1

  7.5

  1.5

  1 The figures include consequential effects on the yield of capital gains tax.

  Tax Burden
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out in the form of table 4A9 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report 1995–96, revised tables, what the average ratio is if non-North sea taxes and national insurance contributions to non-North sea gross domestic product for(a) 1965–66 to 1969–70, (b) 1970–71 to 1973–74, (c) 1974–75 to 1978–79 and (d) 1979–80 to 1996–97. [21759]

  Sir George Young
  [holding answer 28 April 1995]: The figures requested are (a) 34¼ per cent., (b) 34¾ per cent., (c) 36 per cent, and (d) 37 per cent. But the tax burden should not be looked at alone. Since 1979 the public finances have been in much better shape and people are much better off than in the period 1974–75 to 1978–79.

  The average public sector borrowing requirement has been 2.5 per cent. of gross domestic product well below the 6.8 per cent. average during the 1974–77 to 1978–79 Government. Sound public finances are the key to lasting improvements in living standards.

  VAT on Fuel
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the amount which will be raised from VAT on domestic fuel in 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1997–98 at its present rate of 8 per cent. [24366]
  110
  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  The total revenue raised from the introduction of VAT on domestic fuel is estimated to be as follows:

  Year

  £ million

  1995–96

  1,230

  1996–97

  1,320

  1997–98

  1,325

  Publicity
  Mr. Malcolm Bruce
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total expenditure on(a) all forms of publicity and (b) all publications and pamphlets produced for his Department and for all the agencies and public bodies for which his Department and is responsible for each year since 1979, including the budgeted figure for 1995–96, (i) including and (ii) excluding privatization-related expenditures and expressed in 1994 prices; and if he will supply information for the period from 1 April 1993 to 1 March 1995 showing (1) the nature and (2) the purpose of each publicity campaign and of each publication involving the expenditure of more than £50,000.

  Mr. Nelson
  [holding answer 17 March 1995]: The Treasury has no central budget for publications. Expenditure on publications and pamphlets since 1988–89 was as follows:

  Year

  Expenditure

  £ At 1994 prices

  1988–89

  202,700

  272,197

  1989–90

  207,285

  260,136

  1990–91

  218,531

  253,854

  1991–92

  139,865

  161,892

  1992–93

  171,311

  180,090

  1993–94

  202,719

  206,773

  1994–95

  238,139

  238,139

  No individual publication between 1993 to 1995 cost more than £50,000.

  Comparable data relating to the agencies and public bodies responsible to the Chancellor of the Exchequer could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  The Treasury does not have a specific advertising budget. Since 1993, £8.1 million has been spent on advertising the sale of the Government's remaining share in the electricity generating companies in England and Wales.

  Information about publicity costs since 1979 including publications and pamphlets, for the Treasury and the Chancellor's agencies and public bodies, could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

  Unleaded Fuel
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will undertake a review of the excise differential favouring unleaded and super-unleaded fuels. [24182]

  Mr. Heathcoat-Amory
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]My right hon. and learned Friend will be reviewing the tax treatment of all road fuels in the run-up to the budget in the normal way.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

  Malaysia
  Miss Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs between which dates in March and April 1989 the Secretary of State for Defence visited Malaysia; which Malaysian Government Ministers he met; and if aid funding for Malaysia was discussed during that visit. [22675]

  Mr. Goodlad
  My right hon. and noble Friend Lord Younger, while Secretary of State for Defence, paid a visit to Malaysia on 31 March 1989 as part of a tour of the region. He met the Malaysian Ministers of Defence and Finance. The purpose of his visit was to discuss defence matters, but it is normal for a Cabinet Minister on such visits to discuss any important outstanding issues. In a general discussion on bilateral issues with the Finance Minister, he asked about progress on two planned civil infrastructure projects for which aid and trade provision support had been offered—the Pergau dam and another project not in the event won by a British firm.

  Nuclear Weapons
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the report on dual capable nuclear technology, prepared by John Large, sent to him by Greenpeace on 4 May; and what response he has made to the questions raised about United Kingdom nuclear export policy in the report. [24399]

  Mr. David Davis
  I have seen the report sent to the Foreign Secretary by Greenpeace. It points to dangers of which we are aware, but it underestimates the complexities of developing nuclear weapons. I am satisfied that our nuclear export policy meets our obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty not

  1992

  1993

  1994

  Applied

  Issued

  Refused

  Applied

  Issued

  Refused

  Applied

  Issued

  Refused

  a) New York

  15,425

  15,033

  157

  17,498

  17,312

  130

  18,726

  18,559

  110

  b) Moscow

  50,303

  49,732

  1,502

  61,367

  59,743

  1,624

  86,661

  84,761

  1,900

  c) St. Petersburg

  —

  —

  —

  1,429

  1,313

  116

  16,622

  15,820

  607

  d) Accra

  16,699

  11,507

  5,048

  15,753

  11,051

  4,094

  16,130

  11,684

  3,825

  e) Lagos

  47,181

  31,552

  11,145

  44,526

  29,447

  9,894

  49,176

  32,411

  10,529

  f) Abuja

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  —

  6,113

  4,955

  655

  g) New Delhi

  39,291

  32,261

  3,464

  37,148

  31,652

  3,708

  43,258

  35,857

  7,373

  h) Bombay

  38,913

  34,905

  4,301

  37,988

  34,125

  3,785

  43,425

  39,924

  3,342

  j) Calcutta

  7,156

  6,538

  232

  6,826

  6,491

  253

  7,308

  7,139

  153

  k) Madras

  10,363

  10,079

  291

  10,348

  10,043

  247

  12,807

  12,624

  204

  l) Dhaka

  18,414

  14,043

  3,901

  19,359

  14,990

  4,447

  20,861

  14,615

  5,892

  m) Islamabad

  45,625

  31,611

  10,791

  41,485

  30,715

  9,526

  42,445

  29,850

  10,018

  n) Karachi

  23,397

  19,169

  2,610

  24,368

  20,712

  2,181

  28,266

  22,921

  2,516

  p) Colombo

  9,026

  7,139

  1,172

  9,200

  7,937

  874

  9,969

  7,610

  821

  It should be noted that St. Petersburg started entry clearance work in November 1993 and Abuja in February 1994.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the latest political developments in Nigeria. [24183]
  112
  to assist, encourage or induce non-weapon states to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons.

  Brazil
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Brazilian President on his recent visit to the United Kingdom, regarding human rights abuses and in particular the case of Wagnor dos Santos. [24487]

  Mr. David Davis
  The Brazilian Government are well aware of the concern felt in Britain about human rights abuses. We are in regular touch with them.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will seek assurances that the safety of Wagnor dos Santos will be safeguarded by the Brazilian authorities and that the shooting of him will be investigated with a view to bringing those responsible to justice. [24488]

  Mr. David Davis
  We understand that the case of Wagnor dos Santos is under investigation by the Brazilian authorities. Our embassy is monitoring developments.

  Immigration
  Dr. Kim Howells
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many entry clearance applications were (1) made, (2) granted and (3) refused in(a) New York, (b) Moscow, (c) St. Petersburg, (d) Accra, (e) Lagos, (f) Abuja, (g) New Delhi, (h) Bombay, (j) Calcutta, (k) Madras, (l) Dhaka, (m) Islamabad, (n) Karachi and (o) Colombo in the financial years (i) 1992–93, (ii) 1993–94 and (iii) 1994–95 to the latest convenient date. [22648]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: During 1992, 1993 and 1994 calendar years the number of UK entry clearance applications 1) made, 2) granted and 3) refused in the posts listed was as follows:

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The national constitutional conference is expected to present its report to the Nigerian Government in June. We urge the authorities to respond quickly to the conference recommendations and announce their plans for the next stage of the political process, including a credible timetable for an early transition to civilian democratic rule.

  Sierra Leone
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps have been taken to prevent the recruitment of mercenaries, including former members of the British armed forces, by the Government of Sierra Leone. [24296]

  Mr. Baldry
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The recruitment of mercenaries of whatever nationality is a matter for the Government of Sierra Leone.

  Rwanda and Burundi
  Mr. Ottaway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action he is taking to strengthen the United Kingdom's diplomatic representation in Rwanda and Burundi. [24916]

  Mr. Baldry
  We have informed the Government of Rwanda of our intention to replace the British Government's liaison office in Kigali with an embassy as soon as protocol and staffing formalities permit. We have also established a temporary office in Bujumbura staffed by a diplomatic service officer.

TRANSPORT

  Gospel Oak to Barking Line
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when resignalling of part of the Gospel Oak-Barking line to replace obsolete semaphore and colour light signalling will be undertaken. [24490]

  Mr. Norris
  I understand form Railtrack there are no current plans to replace the signalling equipment on the Barking-Gospel Oak line.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the condition of railway viaducts and over-bridges on the north London line, between Gospel Oak and Camden Road stations; if they are able to carry heavy freight trains with special reference to the Mendip rail aggregate trains; what restrictions are currently being imposed on the section of railway between Gospel Oak and Camden Road; and what remedial works are required on the viaducts and over-bridges in the Kentish Town area to permit all freight trains to traverse the line.[24489]

  Road accident casualties by severity and road type in England and Great Britain: 1990–93

  Non-trunk A-roads

  Trunk roads

  Motorways

  Killed

  Seriously injured

  Slightly injured

  Killed

  Seriously injured

  Slightly injured

  Killed

  Seriously injured

  Slightly injured

  England

  1990

  1,781

  19,078

  92,325

  804

  5,781

  23,818

  211

  1,500

  8,255

  1991

  1,604

  16,441

  85,628

  649

  4,650

  21,363

  208

  1,272

  7,775

  1992

  1,435

  15,844

  87,383

  594

  4,225

  21,562

  219

  1,214

  8,408

  1993

  1,374

  14,724

  89,209

  526

  3,853

  20,712

  181

  1,233

  8,912

  Great Britain

  1990

  2,088

  22,079

  103,950

  1,023

  7,423

  28,800

  229

  1,643

  8,969

  1991

  1,855

  19,160

  96,429

  848

  6,165

  26,086

  234

  1,394

  8,377

  1992

  1,671

  18,407

  97,790

  792

  5,575

  25,852

  238

  1,338

  9,046

  1993

  1,589

  16,871

  99,160

  689

  5,035

  24,933

  201

  1,338

  9,507

  114
  Mr. Norris
  Railtrack inform me that work is now under way on the arch at Kentish Town. This is due to be completed in mid-June and there can then be a resumption of freight traffic. Railtrack is at the moment carrying out a complete structural survey of the north London line.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if passenger services over the Gospel Oak-Barking line are delayed more than 30 seconds when freight trains are diverted over the line; and if passenger trains are cancelled to avoid Railtrack Anglia incurring financial penalties from the freight train operators. [24491]

  Mr. Norris
  Railtrack is required to treat both freight and passenger operators fairly. I understand from Railtrack that no passenger trains have been cancelled to avoid Railtrack incurring financial penalties. All train operators are entitled to penalty payments from Railtrack if their services are delayed.

  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much are the penalties imposed on Railtrack when passenger trains are cancelled on the Gospel Oak-Barking line. [24492]

  Mr. Norris
  Penalties for the cancellation of trains are payable under the existing track access agreement and are a commercial matter between Railtrack, the train operating unit and the British Railways Board. I understand that a new performance regime is currently being negotiated between the British Railways Board, the Office of Passenger Rail Franchising and Railtrack, and will be subject to the approval of the Rail Regulator.

  Severn Tunnel
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has for the temporary or permanent closure of the Severn tunnel. [24485]

  Mr. Watts
  There are no plans for the temporary or permanent closure of the Severn tunnel.

  Road Accidents
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many casualties have been killed, seriously injured and slightly injured on(a) A-class non-trunks roads, (b) trunk roads and (c) motorways for each year since 1990 in (i) England and (ii) in the United Kingdom as a whole. [24452]

  Mr. Norris
  The information requested is shown in the following table. Figures are given for England and Great Britain as equivalent data for Northern Ireland are not available.

  Pedestrian Deaths and Injuries
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what were the national quarterly figures for(a) pedestrian deaths, (b) pedestrian serious injuries, and (c) pedestrian slight injuries for people aged 60 years and over for the period 1990 to 1993; [24453]

  (2) what were the national quarterly figures for (a) pedestrian deaths, (b) pedestrian serious injuries, and (c) pedestrian slight injuries for people aged 60 years and over for his Department's baseline years of 1981 and 1985.[24455]

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

  Pedestrian casualties aged 60 and over

  Number of casualties

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  Total

  1981

  947

  3,912

  6,334

  11,193

  1985

  869

  3,866

  6,060

  10,795

  1981–1985 Average

  895.6

  3,908.8

  6,340.0

  11,144.4

  1990

  Quarter 1

  254

  968

  1,806

  3,028

  Quarter 2

  167

  642

  1,369

  2,178

  Quarter 3

  141

  692

  1,387

  2,220

  Quarter 4

  277

  1,115

  1,879

  3,271

  Total

  839

  3,417

  6,441

  10,697

  1991

  Quarter 1

  178

  812

  1,488

  2,478

  Quarter 2

  128

  619

  1,308

  2,055

  Quarter 3

  172

  661

  1,362

  2,195

  Quarter 4

  276

  990

  1,704

  2,970

  Total

  754

  3,082

  5,862

  9,698

  1992

  Quarter 1

  172

  767

  1,320

  2,259

  Quarter 2

  120

  545

  1,170

  1,835

  Quarter 3

  156

  559

  1,203

  1,918

  Quarter 4

  230

  924

  1,655

  2,809

  Total

  678

  2,795

  5,348

  8,821

  1993

  Quarter 1

  171

  646

  1,298

  2,115

  Quarter 2

  102

  515

  1,168

  1,785

  Quarter 3

  119

  572

  1,166

  1,857

  Quarter 4

  240

  858

  1,560

  2,658

  Total

  632

  2,591

  5,192

  8,415

  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what were the quarterly figures for(a) pedestrian deaths, (b) pedestrian serious injuries and (c) pedestrian slight injuries for people aged 60 years and over in Birmingham for the period 1990 to 1993. [24456]

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

  Severity

  Year

  Quarter

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  Total

  1990

  Q1

  1

  23

  42

  66

  Q2

  9

  17

  22

  48

  Q3

  2

  7

  26

  35

  Q4

  7

  25

  40

  72

  1991

  Q1

  5

  23

  34

  62

  Q2

  2

  14

  32

  48

  Q3

  3

  17

  37

  57

  116

  Severity

  Year

  Quarter

  Fatal

  Serious

  Slight

  Total

  Q4

  6

  27

  28

  61

  1992

  Q1

  6

  18

  36

  60

  Q2

  5

  12

  46

  63

  Q3

  3

  16

  30

  49

  Q4

  6

  24

  47

  77

  1993

  Q1

  3

  19

  22

  44

  Q2

  1

  9

  31

  41

  Q3

  4

  19

  21

  44

  Q4

  6

  26

  42

  74

  Annual totals

  1990

  19

  72

  130

  221

  1991

  16

  81

  131

  228

  1992

  20

  70

  159

  249

  1993

  14

  73

  116

  203

  Kiwi Arrow and Pelander Collision
  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what reports he has received of the collision off the Isle of Wight between the Kiwi Arrow and the Pelander; what were the weather conditions at the time of the collision; what assessment he has made of the bearing the Donaldson report has on the circumstances of this collision; what reports he has had from the port authorities where these two ships docked; if he intends to hold an inquiry; what representations he will be making to the International Maritime Organisation about this accident; what representations he is making to the ship registers of the two vessels; what reports he has received from his inspectors about these two vessels; what reports he has received from Her Majesty's Coastguard about this incident; and if he will make a statement.[23780]

  Mr. Norris
  At the time of the collision between Kiwi Arrow and Pelander the sea was calm and visibility was approximately five nautical miles. The Solent coastguard responded immediately to the distress call, but both ships were able to proceed to Southampton under their own power. Two surveyors from the Marine Safety Agency carried out a port state control inspection of both ships to examine the damage.

  As the incident occurred outside the United Kingdom's territorial waters and involved non-UK registered ships, the responsibility for accident investigation rests with the flag states of the Kiwi Arrow and Pelander. However, an inspector from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch visited the ships when in Southampton to obtain background information concerning the incident which has been sent to both administrations.

  The flag states have been asked to advise of the outcome of an investigation into the causes of this accident. Under the provisions of the international conventions, any representations made to the International Maritime Organisation on the circumstances of this collision will be a matter for the flag states. The flag states have been asked to inform the MSA of the measures they intend to take to ensure that the ships comply with international requirements before departure. Neither ship will be permitted to leave Southampton until the MSA is satisfied that they are fit to proceed to sea.
  117
  Until the full facts of this incident are known and its causes established, it would be premature to make an assessment of any bearing the Donaldson report might have on the circumstances of the incident.

  Mr. Barry Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what contact his Department has had with the French marine authorities about the collision between the Kiwi Arrow and the Pelander off the Isle of Wight; and what joint action channel marine countries and authorities can take to prevent incidents of this type. [23781]

  Mr. Norris
  The collision was in the UK search and rescue region and the immediate response was coordinated accordingly by Solent coastguard. No assistance was sought from the French authorities because UK lifeboats and other vessels were in the vicinity and were available to render adequate assistance.

  No contact with the French has been made since because neither Kiwi Arrow nor Pelander is registered under the French flag and the accident occurred in international waters.

  The UK Government and marine authorities will continue to work closely with all our European partners, including our counterparts in the channel, in order to seek to eliminate incidents of this nature and to minimise the pollution of the seas and endangerment of life at sea. My Department, through the Coastguard Agency and the Marine Safety Agency, maintains regular contact with the French authorities about safety, search and rescue and counter-pollution matters in the English channel.

  Heavy Goods Vehicles
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many foreign HGVs were(a) stopped for safety checks, (b) found defective and (c) not permitted to continue in each of the last three years. [24039]

  Mr. Norris
  The number of foreign HGVs inspected at the roadside and prohibited from use because of defects likely to cause danger of injury is as follows:

  Year

  Foreign HGVs inspected at roadside

  Immediate prohibitions issued (defect likely to cause danger of injury)

  1994–95

  5,575

  310

  1993–94

  6,060

  230

  1992–93

  6,175

  413

  Delayed prohibitions are not issued to foreign vehicles.

  Passenger Boats
  Mr. Hawksley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the consequences of the implementation of regulations introduced by the Marine Safety Agency on passenger-carrying boats on narrow, shallow canals; what account was taken of the existing safety record; and if he will make a statement. [24145]

  Mr. Norris
  This is an operational matter for the Marine Safety Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to my hon. Friend.
  118
  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Warren Hawksley, dated 16 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Transport has asked me to reply to your Question about the regulations for passenger carrying vessels on narrow, shallow canals.
  New regulations for passenger vessels operating on inland waterways were introduced in 1992 following an extensive consultation exercise. As a result of the consultation the inland waterways were split into four categories, the required survivability standard and scale of safety equipment varies according to the risk associated with the category of water.
  Passenger vessels of the type you have asked are in the least onerous category, narrow waterways with a depth of water of up to 1.5 metres. The requirements applied to these vessels were not significantly changed.
  The MSA is currently assessing all merchant shipping regulations as part of the Government initiative on deregulation. This will include the safety requirements for small passenger vessels.

  Herald of Free Enterprise
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) which are the two long-term recommendations of the Herald of Free Enterprise inquiry that have not been implemented; and why there were considered unnecessary; [22908]

  (2) which are the two long-term recommendations of the Herald of Free Enterprise inquiry that have been implemented in alternative ways, and what these are. [22911]

  Mr. Norris
  [holding answer 9 April 1995]: The two long-term recommendations of the court of inquiry which were not implemented because they were considered unnecessary were the recommendation that roll-on roll-off passenger ferries should have dedicated pumps capable of stripping at a rate of at least 600 tonnes an hour and that there should be drain valves which must be controlled remotely and operable from the bridge.

  Both recommendations were considered, but after consultation were felt to be unnecessary because, in practice, existing drainage arrangements could already cope with amounts of water approaching these levels. Moreover, pumps of the size recommended could not cope with the significantly larger volume of water involved in catastrophic flooding as occurred on the Herald of Free Enterprise and, indeed, on the Estonia. There may also be difficulties in guaranteeing power supplies in situations of catastrophic flooding. Automatic drain valves are now fitted as a matter of course, so there is no need for their remote control.

  The two long-term recommendations implemented in alternative ways were the recommendations that the freeboard from the margin line to the vehicle deck should be increased to a minimum of perhaps 1 m, and that attention should be given to achieving substantially higher downflooding angles. These recommendations were addressed through an extensive research programme and the subsequent adoption of the SOLAS 90 survivability standard for existing ships.

  Land Compensation Act
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedures the Highways Agency follows to inform affected individuals of their right to make retrospective claims under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973, as amended, in respect of any depreciation of more than £50
  119
  in the value of certain interests in land caused by the use of new or altered highways and resulting from specified physical factors. [23797]

  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 16 May 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport what procedures the Highways Agency follows to inform affected individuals of their right to make retrospective claims under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 in respect of depreciation in value of interests in land caused by the use of new or altered highways.
  The Highways Agency places public notices in the local press at the date of opening of a new or altered road and again shortly before the first date when owners are entitled by the legislation to make Part I claims, which is one year after the road opens. General press releases are also issued.
  The Highways Agency also draws attention to the entitlement of owners to make Part I claims in its booklet "Your Home and Trunk Road Proposals" which is made available at public consultations and exhibitions about scheme proposals. This booklet draws attention to further guidance which is available in other booklets and from Highways Agency offices of the particular circumstances which may affect an individual owner's entitlement to claim and action which they should take, if, for example, they wish to sell their property before the date when claims can be accepted.
  Special consideration for ex-gratia payment is given to any claims which are made outside the statutory claim period (more than seven years after, the road is opened) if it can be shown that initial advertising was inadequate, or there were convincing reasons why an owner could not have submitted a claim which was valid under the statutory provisions.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the Highways Agency sends individual letters to affected individuals informing them of their right to make retrospective claims under part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973, as amended, in respect of any depreciation of more than £50 in the value of certain interests in land caused by the use of new or altered highways and resulting from specified physical factors. [23798]

  Mr. Watts
  This is an operational matter for the Highways Agency. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member.

  Letter from Lawrie Haynes to Mr. David Chidgey, dated 16 May 1995:
  As you know, the Minister for Railways and Roads, Mr John Watts, has asked me to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking the Secretary of State for Transport if the Highways Agency sends individual letters to affected individuals informing them of their right to make retrospective claims under Part I of the Land Compensation Act 1973 in respect of depreciation in value of interests in land caused by the use of new or altered highways.
  The Highways Agency does not send letters to individuals in these circumstances as it is not practicable to attempt to identify every individual who may be entitled to claim. I have explained the existing arrangements publicising the entitlement of owners to claim in my answer to your Parliamentary Question reference 1684/94/95.
  We understand that local agents may also contact individual owners, advise them of their entitlements and submit claims on their behalf. The Highways Agency reimburses the cost of any agents fees incurred in submitting a valid claim.

  Ferry Safety
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assumptions were made in the SOLAS 90 standards for evacuation of roll-on/roll-off ferries of the percentage 120
  of passengers who are (a) disabled, (b) infants, (c) drunk, (d) wheelchair bound and (e) asleep when the emergency occurs. [24483]

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

  Letter from R. M. Bradley to Mr. Paul Flynn, dated 16 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the evacuation of various categories of passengers from roll-on-roll-off ferries.
  There is no specific reference in the Solas 90 standard as to what percentage of passengers may fall into any of the categories listed in your question. However, minimum training requirements for personnel nominated to assist passengers in emergency situations have been established and are promulgated by way of a Merchant Shipping Notice.

  Road Use
  Mr. Burden
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what has the total mileage been of(a) all A class non-trunk road, (b) all trunk roads and (c) all motorways, in each year since 1990 for (i) England and (ii) the United Kingdom as a whole. [24454]

  Mr. Norris
  The table sets out the road length figures by road type for 1990 to 1994.

  miles

  A Clans Non-trunk

  Trunk

  Motorway

  England

  UK

  England

  UK

  England

  UK

  1990

  15,445

  23,125

  5,085

  7,965

  1,673

  1,977

  1991

  15,728

  23,393

  4,888

  7,768

  1,692

  1,995

  1992

  15,748

  23,424

  4,890

  7,754

  1,699

  2,016

  1993

  15,815

  23,478

  4,836

  7,694

  1,700

  2,021

  1994

  15,891

  23,551

  4,792

  7,641

  1,705

  2,044

  Note:

  Roads in Northern Ireland are not classified in the same way as the rest of Great Britain. Therefore the figures provided for the United Kingdom include the lengths of class 1(A) single carriageway roads and class 1(A) dual carriage roads in Northern Ireland as A class non-trunk roads and trunk roads respectively.

  Driving Standards Agency
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the salary details for the newly appointed chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency and details of any bonus or performance pay schemes. [24424]

  Mr. Norris
  The chief executive of the Driving Standards Agency was appointed on 1 April 1995 at a salary of £58,000 per annum. He is also eligible for an annual performance bonus of up to 15 per cent. of salary.

  Rural Economy
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his estimate of the net annual financial saving, or cost, of his Department's submission for the proposed White Paper on the rural economy. [24326]

  Mr. Norris
  Proposals for the White Paper on the rural economy remain subject to continuing collective consideration and discussion. The cost of measures contained in the White Paper will be taken into account in the public expenditure survey.

  Highways Agency
  Ms Walley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if the chief executive of the Highways Agency has received either a performance related bonus or any pay increase since his appointment. [24428]

  Mr. Norris
  The chief executive of the Highways Agency received a 2.5 per cent. pay increase on 1 April 1995. He has received no other pay increase since his appointment. He is, however, eligible for a performance bonus of up to 20 per cent. of salary for the year ending 31 March 1995. This has not yet been assessed.

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

  Aid and Trade Provision
  Ms Lestor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list aid and trade programme supported projects, since 1993, by country, purpose, all companies involved, and value. [23183]

  Mr. Baldry
  A list of all the companies involved in ATP projects on which ATP agreements have been concluded since 1993 has been placed in the Library of the House.

  Rwanda
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is his policy in 122
  respect of the plan of the European Commission to suspend rehabilitation assistance to Rwanda. [23613]

  Mr. Baldry
  Some aspects of the EC's longer-term aid plans have been temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the Kibeho inquiry. But at our insistence there will be no immediate effect on humanitarian aid, all planned health and education assistance, support for human rights monitoring and the rule of law. The suspension will therefore have little immediate effect. There will be a review at the Development Council on 1 June which my noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development will attend.

  China
  Mr. MacShane
  To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what protests the United Kingdom has been made to China in respect of(a) compulsory abortion policies, (b) compulsory sterilisation policies, (c) proposed eugenics legislation and (d) treatment of women under Chinese legislation since 1990. [23697]

  Mr. Baldry
  We frequently raise with the Chinese authorities our concerns over human rights abuses in China. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs raised the issue during his talks with the Chinese Foreign Minister and Vice Premier in New York on 18 April. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State my right hon. Friend the Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Goodlad), also discussed this issue with the Chinese Vice Foreign Minister when he visited China in July last year.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

  Science Budget
  Mrs. Angela Knight
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster when he expects the Director General of the Research Councils to publish his review of the science budget portfolio; and if he will make a statement. [24367]

  Mr. David Hunt
  I have today placed copies of the Director General's review in the Libraries of both Houses. In addition, I have placed in the libraries copies of the research councils' own analyses of the strengths and weakness of the UK science and engineering base and a summary of the centres that the director general visited and the organisations that he met.

  This is an excellent assessment of the state of science and engineering research in Britain today. It shows that we have major strengths in many areas and that we are continuing to build on those strengths for the benefit of Britain and British industry. Although there are no serious problems in the science and engineering base, the review exposes some weaknesses and describes the corrective action taken in the expenditure allocations I announced on 2 February 1995.

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what research has been carried out by the Medical Research Council into the impact of fluoride on(a) the bone structure of children and adults, (b) the immune system and (c) the incidence of hip fractures. [23737]

  Mr. Horam
  The Medical Research Council is not currently funding any research in these areas.

  However, in 1990, scientists at the MRC environmental epidemiology unit in Southampton published findings snowing that water fluoridation up to levels of around 1 mg/litre was unlikely to reduce hip fracture incidence. Also, in December 1993, the MRC set up an ad hoc working group to review the evidence regarding the possible effects of fluoridation of public water supply on the incidence of osteoporosis and to suggest guidelines for the formulation of scientific strategy in this field. The working group highlighted the need to establish accurate estimates of total fluoride intake in any future studies.

  The MRC is willing to consider high quality research proposals in these areas, in competition with those in other fields.

PRIME MINISTER

  Engagements
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 2 May 1995. [23165]

  Sir Peter Tapsell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list his official engagements for Tuesday 16 May. [23164]

  The Prime Minister
  This morning I had meetings with ministerial colleagues and others. In addition to my 124
  duties in this House, I shall be having further meetings later today.

  Lockerbie
  Mr. Dalyell
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will raise at the United Nations the letter of 20 February from the Bundesminsterium der Justig to Mrs. Lisa Mosey of Glossop, relating to the Lockerbie bombing, a copy of which has been sent to him. [24499]

  The Prime Minister
  No.

  Review Bodies
  Mr. Shersby
  To ask the Prime Minister if he will list the current membership of the School Teachers Review Body and the Review Body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration. [24874]

  The Prime Minster
  The current membership, with effect from 1 April 1995, is as follows:

  Review Body on Doctors and Dentists Remuneration

  Mr. Brandon Gough (Chairman)

  Ms Christina Boyden

  Miss Sally Field

  Dr. Elizabeth Nelson

  Mr. David Penton

  Mr. Michael Innes

  Mr. John Bennigsen

  Mrs. Beryl Brewer

  School Teachers Review Body

  Mr. John Gardiner (Chairman)

  Mrs. Brigita Amey

  Mrs. Gill Rostron

  Mrs. Anna Vinton

  Mr. Michael Harding

  Mrs. Julia Cuthbertson

  Mr. Phillip Halsey CB LVO

  Mrs. Elizabeth Drummond

  Sir Alan Cox CBE

  Lady Cobham
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Prime Minister how many quangos Lady Cobham has been appointed to; and if he will list them; and what salary is paid to her in respect of each appointment. [24144]

  The Prime Minister
  According to the information available to the public appointments unit, Lady Cobham currently holds four ministerial appointments to public bodies as follows:

  Body

  Post

  Salary

  London Docklands development corporation

  Member

  £6,830

  Museum and Galleries Commission

  Member

  Unpaid

  Victoria and Albert museum

  Trustee

  Unpaid

  Historic Palaces advisory group

  Member

  Unpaid

  Hong Kong
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Prime Minister what is his latest assessment of the potential to maintain and develop trade links with Hong Kong in future years; what action
  125
  is being taken by Her Majesty's Government to encourage inward investment from and outward investment to Hong Kong; and if he will make a statement. [24130]

  The Prime Minister
  Hong Kong is our 12th largest market and I expect trading links to continue at this level well into the future. The Department of Trade and Industry maintains a strong promotional programme to encourage British business to take full advantage of the opportunities Hong Kong offers. British investment in Hong Kong, which is very substantial, continues to grow. The Department of Trade and Industry's Invest in Britain Bureau has recently established an office in Hong Kong to encourage greater flows of investment from the Asia Pacific, including Hong Kong.

  Former Prime Ministers
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Prime Minister what(a) allowances and (b) facilities are currently available to former Prime Ministers who serve in (i) either or (ii) neither House of Parliament. [24014]

  The Prime Minister
  In addition to the normal allowances for which they are eligible as members of either House of Parliament, former Prime Ministers receive a financial allowance to help meet the continuing additional office costs which they are liable to incur because of their special positions in public life. This allowance is payable in respect of actual office and secretarial expenses incurred in connection with public duties arising from their previous tenure of the office of Prime Minister, up to an amount equal to that of the parliamentary office costs allowance. The allowance is not payable to a former Prime Minister occupying the position of Leader of the Opposition and therefore in receipt of Short money.

  Other facilities available to all former Prime Ministers are: physical protection, as necessary; the use of an official car; access to the official papers of their Administration. Briefing and help from local posts may also be provided in connection with overseas visits.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Prime Minister which non-departmental bodies within the responsibility of his Department are subject to scrutiny by(a) the ombudsmen, (b) the National Audit Office, (c) the Audit Commission and (d) other monitoring officers; which are covered by the citizens charters; in which performance indicators apply; and in which members are liable to surcharge. [23966]

  The Prime Minister
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: None.

LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT

  Legal Aid
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will publish the rules on capital, income and contributions governing eligibility for(a) criminal legal aid, (b) civil legal aid and (c) green form cases for each of the previous six financial years. [24514]
  126
  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The rules governing qualification for civil legal aid, criminal legal aid and green form advice and assistance are set out in full in the legal aid handbook, produced every year by the Legal Aid Board.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the population was eligible for green form assistance in(a) 1973, (b) 1974, (c) 1984 and (d) each of the previous six financial years. [24515]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Department does not generally produce estimates of financial eligibility for green form advice and assistance and figures are not available for 1973, 1974 and 1984. However, in 1993 the Department estimated that around 21 per cent. of households were eligible. The green form disposable income eligibility limit was increased by nearly 15 per cent. to £70 in April 1994 and by a further 1.8 per cent. in April this year. Eligibility is correspondingly now at a higher level, probably somewhere between 25 per cent. and 30 per cent.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of gross domestic product was expended on(a) civil legal aid and (b) criminal legal aid in each of the last six years; and what were the equivalent figures in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, America, France, Germany and Spain. [24516]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The percentage of gross domestic product expended on legal aid in England and Wales in each of the last six years was as follows:

  Percentage criminal legal aid

  Percentage civil legal aid

  1988–89

  0.051

  0.054

  1989–90

  0.055

  0.059

  1990–91

  0.060

  0.068

  1991–92

  0.069

  0.088

  1992–93

  0.070

  0.114

  1993–94

  0.068

  0.130

  It is not possible to provide comparative figures for the other countries in question since the information is not readily available.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the population was eligible for criminal legal aid in(a) 1965, (b) 1970, (c) 1980 and (d) each of the previous six financial years. [24519]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  There is no upper financial limit for criminal legal aid, so the question of eligible population does not arise. In determining applications, the courts consider whether it is in the interests of justice for legal aid to be granted and whether the defendant needs help with the costs.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what percentage of the population was eligible for civil legal aid in(a) 1965, (b) 1969, (c) 1979 and (d) each of the previous six financial years. [24520]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The Department has no estimates of eligibility for 1965 and 1969. The
  127
  Department's estimates of the proportion of households eligible for civil legal aid in the other years requested are as follows:

  1979–80: 77 per cent.

  1989–90: 58 per cent.

  1990–91: 57 per cent.

  1991–92: 51 per cent. (53 per cent. for personal injury cases)

  1992–93: 53 per cent. (57 per cent. for personal injury cases)

  1993–94: 48 per cent. (51 per cent. for personal injury cases)

  1994–95: 48 per cent. (51 per cent. for personal injury cases)

  Estimates are based on data published in the Family Expenditure Survey.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the change in total expenditure on legal aid in each of the previous six financial years; and how these changes differ from the changes in the rate of inflation. [24521]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Increases in respect of total net expenditure on legal aid in comparison with increases in

  £ million

  Circuit

  Case type

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  South Easter

  Trials

  57.698

  63.183

  75.129

  88.749

  106.848

  111.546

  Appeals

  0.686

  0.739

  1.381

  1.141

  1.181

  1.367

  Sentencing

  0.481

  0.580

  0.604

  0.780

  0.776

  0.615

  Midland and Oxon

  Trials

  14.843

  17.723

  20.643

  22.520

  27.695

  31.719

  Appeals

  0.367

  0.631

  0.477

  0.495

  0.528

  0.704

  Sentencing

  0.285

  0.285

  0.359

  0.460

  0.392

  0.277

  Northern

  Trials

  13.700

  16.412

  18.286

  23.225

  28.359

  28.664

  Appeals

  0.360

  0.436

  0.474

  0.640

  0.666

  0.713

  Sentencing

  0.172

  0.192

  0.257

  0.343

  0.310

  0.242

  North Eastern

  Trials

  12.472

  12.955

  14.469

  18.151

  19.890

  22.697

  Appeals

  0.292

  0.319

  0.334

  0.420

  0.458

  0.532

  Sentencing

  0.189

  0.222

  0.238

  0.288

  0.294

  0.247

  Wales and Chester

  Trials

  6.071

  6.743

  7.444

  9.866

  10.916

  14.097

  Appeals

  0.127

  0.121

  0.144

  0.208

  0.194

  0.201

  Sentencing

  0.073

  0.073

  0.094

  0.125

  0.127

  0.097

  Western

  Trials

  9.444

  12.072

  13.960

  16.124

  18.459

  18.710

  Appeals

  0.262

  0.264

  0.363

  0.422

  0.453

  0.438

  Sentencing

  0.134

  0.140

  0.190

  0.224

  0.212

  0.163

  Details of gross criminal legal aid expenditure in the magistrates courts, by region, are given in table general 6 of the Legal Aid Board's annual reports for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94, and in appendix 4D of the annual report of the Law Society for 1988–89 and appendix 4D of the Legal Aid Board's annual report for 1989–90, copies of which are available in the Library. A breakdown of expenditure in each year by type of case is not available.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary,Lord Chancellor's Department what was the level of civil legal aid expenditure(a) by region (b) by type of case for each of the last six financial years. [24523]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Details of gross expenditure on civil legal aid, by region, and giving a limited breakdown of type of case, are given in table general 6 of the Legal Aid Board's annual reports for the years 1990–91 to 1993–94, and in appendix 4D of the annual report of the Law Society for 1988–89 and appendix 4D of the Legal Aid Board's annual report for 1989–90, copies of which are available in the Library.
  128
  the rate of inflation, in each of the last six years, were as follows:

  Percentage change in expenditure

  Percentage change in inflation (gdp)

  1988–89

  9.4

  6.7

  1989–90

  19.1

  7.0

  1990–91

  20.7

  8.1

  1991–92

  32.8

  6.3

  1992–93

  20.7

  3.8

  1993–94

  10.7

  3.3

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the level of criminal legal aid expenditure(a) by region and (b) by type of case for each of the last six financial years. [24522]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  The table shows gross Crown court legal aid expenditure on a regional and case type basis for each of the last six financial years for which records are available.

  Woolf Review
  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects to implement those reforms to the civil justice system recommended by Lord Woolf and accepted by the Government; and if(a) primary legislation, (b) statutory instruments and (c) practice directions will be require to implement those recommendations. [24517]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Lord Woolf expects to present his interim report to the Lord Chancellor in June and to complete his inquiry by this time next year. When Lord Woolf's proposals are received the Lord Chancellor will consider how best to take matters forward.

  Mr. Boateng
  To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he expects(a) to receive and (b) to publish the interim report of Lord Woolf's civil justice review. [24578]

  Mr. John M. Taylor
  Lord Woolf expects to publish his interim report in June.

WALES

  Suicide
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the suicide rates for persons employed in agriculture in each county of Wales. [23407]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The latest available information is for deaths registered as suicide in 1993 and is given in the following table:

  Suicide of farmers and farm workers in Wales, 1993

  Number

  Rate per 1,000 farmers and farm workers1

  Clwyd

  1

  0.14

  Dyfed

  5

  0.28

  Gwent

  1

  0.26

  Gwynedd

  —

  —

  Mid Glamorgan

  —

  —

  Powys

  4

  0.39

  South Glamorgan

  —

  —

  West Glamorgan

  —

  —

  Wales

  11

  0.22

  Source:

  Office of Population Censuses and Surveys and June Agricultural Census.

  Note:

  1 At June 1993, as estimated by the Agricultural Census which excludes very small holdings with very little or no agricultural activity.

  Housing Stock
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish data relating to the Welsh housing stock that is comparable to the energy supplement to the 1991 "English House Condition Survey". [23671]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Data for the housing stock in Wales comparable to the energy supplement to the 1991 "English House Condition Survey" are not available. The 1993 "Welsh House Condition Survey" did not cover energy consumption or related matters.

  Countryside Council for Wales
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales to what extent the action plan he has agreed with the board and chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales differs from the conclusions of his departmental financial management policy review; and if he will make a statement on the principal components. [24478]

  Mr. Redwood
  The financial management policy review of the Countryside Council for Wales was overtaken by the review of the council's functions which I announced in response to the question by my right hon. Friend the Member for Conwy (Sir W. Roberts) on 3 November 1994. The action plan reflects the conclusions of the review of these functions.

  Employment
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people are currently in full-time employment in Wales; and how many were employed full-time in 1987. [24193]
  130
  Mr. Redwood
  According to the Employment Department, the number of full-time employees in employment in Wales was 677,000 in December 1994 and 704,000 in September 1987.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list the numbers of long-term unemployed people in each of the constituencies of Wales. [24195]

  Mr. Redwood
  The data requested are available from the NOMIS database, which can be accessed by the staff of the Library of the House.

  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in the Deeside constituency are self-employed; and how many were self-employed in 1987. [24192]

  Mr. Redwood
  According to the 1991 census of population, the number of self-employed residents aged 16 and over in the Alyn and Deeside constituency was 3,629. Data for 1987 are not available.

  Business Expenditure
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he has taken to encourage business expenditure on research and development in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24338]

  Mr. Redwood
  My Department actively encourages business expenditure on research and development through the promotion of a number of Government initiatives to encourage innovation, including the SMART and SPUR schemes.

  Play Areas
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines he has issued to local authorities to encourage the provision of safety surfacing on play areas; what special financial provision he has made available to local authorities to encourage and enable them to meet this need; and if he will make a statement. [24087]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  In January 1992 a joint publication, "Playground Safety Guidelines", was issued by the Department of Education and Science, the National Children's Play and Recreation unit, and the Welsh Office to Welsh local authorities, interested voluntary organisations, the Sports Council for Wales, the Welsh Trades Union Congress, trade unions in the education field and church education authorities.

  Local authorities fund the provision of safety surfacing on play areas from resources made available through the annual revenue and capital settlements. It is for individual authorities to determine the priority they give to this provision when apportioning resources between services. Central Government support is provided by way of grant to help meet the costs of Play Wales, an advisory body made up of representatives from county and district councils and the voluntary sector.

  Smoking
  Mr. Peter Griffiths
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what facilities are provided and arrangements made for the well-being and comfort of staff who(a) smoke and (b) do not wish to be affected by smoking, at (i) the work

  131
  station and (ii) rest, recreation and refreshment facilities at Gwydyr house, Whitehall, London. [24198]

  Mr. Redwood
  The general rule is that staff in Gwydyr house are not allowed to smoke at their work station, unless they are the sole occupier of a room, through smoking is allowed in the locker room for security staff and messengers, which is also used as the work station for the drivers of official cars.

  Smoking is not allowed in the room designated as the refreshment-rest room for the building.

  Hospital Visits, Clwyd
  Mr. Barry Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will visit(a) Dobbs Hill hospital, (b) Deeside hospital and (c) Meadowsleigh hospital.

  Mr. Redwood
  I have no current plans to visit these hospitals.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will publish his guidelines concerning the declaration of interests of quango board members when dealing with agenda items which may involve pecuniary interests; and what are the Welsh Office guidelines concerning public access to such information. [24339]

  Mr. Redwood
  Guidance on the treatment of the financial interests of board members is included in the "Code of Best Practice for Board Members of Public Bodies" published by H M Treasury in June 1994. All Welsh executive non-departmental public bodies are establishing registers of members' interests which will be published or made available for inspection.

  Giant Hogweed
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he plans to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate heracleum manteggazzianum; if he will give local authorities a duty to control heracleum manteggazzianum; and if he will make a statement about the dangers associated with this plant. [24100]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  Controls on the spread of the plant already exist. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to introduce the plant into the wild. There is, however, no evidence to show that it is widespread or that it causes a particular problem in Wales. The control of the plant is a matter for relevant local authorities if there is a perceived threat to public health. Direct contact with the plant can cause severe irritation to the skin as well as swelling and painful blistering.

  Planning Policy Guidance
  Mr. Gareth Wardell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the future of policy planning guidance in Wales; and if he will make a statement. [24497]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  I refer the hon.Member to the reply I gave him on 24 April 1995 at column 371.

  Sheep
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the estimated sheep population in Wales 132
  in 1980, 1985, 1990, and 1994; and what percentage of the United Kingdom flock they formed. [24558]

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  The information requested is given in the following table:

  Sheep population in Wales

  Total sheep and lambs (000s)1

  Total as a percentage of the UK flock

  1980

  8,013.8

  25.5

  1985

  9,129.7

  25.6

  1990

  10,935.3

  25.0

  1994

  11,092.6

  25.6

  Source:

  June Agricultural Census and Minor Holdings Census.

  Note:

  1 At 1 June.

  Operations Cancelled
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will set up a system for the collection of data on(a) cancellations and (b) double cancellations of hospital operations; and if he will make a statement. [24718]

  Mr. Redwood
  As part of monitoring the patient's charter, information on cancelled operations is reported regularly to the Welsh Office. Between 1 April and 31 December 1994, 18 patients were admitted to a Welsh hospital more than one month after the second cancellation of a non-urgent operation.

  From January 1995 the information collected on cancellations was altered to reflect the tightening of the related charter standard to focus on the number of patients who experience a delay of more than a month after the cancellation of just one non-urgent operation. During the three months to 31 March 1995, Welsh hospitals reported that 27 patients had experienced such a delay during the same quarter hospitals in Wales treated 189,059 as in-patients and day cases.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what rights under the patient's charter patients whose operations have been cancelled twice, due to shortage of intensive care beds, after they have been prepared for surgery have.

  Mr. Redwood
  The latest edition of the Patient's Charter for Wales, which was published in October 1994, makes it clear that patients should receive priority treatment within a month if they have had to face the cancellation of a non-urgent operation. Hospital performance against the new standard is monitored quarterly by my Department.

  Intensive Care Beds
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairman of the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff Royal Infirmary trust concerning patients with liver cancer who have had their operation cancelled twice due to a lack of intensive care beds after being prepared for surgery. [24719]

  Mr. Redwood
  I have not discussed these specific cases with the chairman of the NHS trust involved. However, on 4 April my Department asked all health authorities and hospitals in Wales to review urgently the
  133
  need for intensive care beds and to ensure adequate provision is available.

  Policy Reviews
  Mr. Sweeney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what arrangements he has made for publishing the conclusion of the 1991–92 financial management and policy reviews of the Welsh development agency, the Development Board for Rural Wales and the Land Authority for Wales. [24869]

  Mr. Redwood
  I have today arranged for copies of the conclusions of all three reviews, and of the action taken in response, to be placed in the Library of the House.

  Number of in-patient cases and day cases per 100,000 population1

  Health authority of residence

  Discharges and deaths

  Completed consultant episodes2

  1980

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1990–913

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Clwyd

  10,945

  13,800

  14,027

  12,590

  19,106

  20,283

  21,908

  East Dyfed

  10,746

  13,892

  14,430

  15,929

  21,244

  27,123

  27,623

  Gwent

  9,897

  14,022

  15,053

  17,514

  18,149

  20,286

  21,000

  Gwynedd

  11,893

  15,280

  17,046

  17,760

  21,124

  17,274

  21,036

  Mid Glamorgan

  11,727

  16,553

  18,131

  21,504

  25,064

  25,530

  26,821

  Pembrokeshire

  11,337

  13,164

  14,358

  15,684

  21,361

  25,381

  24,738

  Powys

  6,303

  8,085

  8,765

  10,122

  12,977

  14,222

  15,435

  South Glamorgan

  10,762

  16,342

  17,433

  18,063

  20,768

  21,737

  22,193

  West Glamorgan

  10,329

  14,305

  15,045

  14,212

  18,326

  18,434

  21,527

  1 Excluding patients treated outside Wales.

  2 Where there is more than one completed consultant episode during a patient's in hospital, only the first of these episodes is counted.

  3 Data for 1990–91 are incomplete in some areas.

EDUCATION

  Stratford Grant-maintained School
  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education (1) pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) of 5 May,Official Report, column 338, on Stratford grant-maintained school, what is the latest date she expects to receive the strategy adopted by the new governing body and the period over which it will be subject to appraisal; [23872]

  (2) if she will name all the governors of Stratford grant-maintained school; when and at what meeting Mrs. Marinda Bailey was elected chairman of the school's governing body; when she was appointed to the governors; and what qualifications, experience or local knowledge she possesses relevant to this post. [23874]

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend announced on 5 May four new appointments to the governing body of Stratford school. She expects the newly constituted governing body to begin work immediately on a range of strategies to improve the standards of education on offer. Ofsted will be undertaking another monitoring visit to the school in the autumn term and my right hon. Friend expects there to be significant signs of improvement by then.

  I understand that Mrs. Merinda Bailey was elected chairman of governors at the governing body meeting on the 4 May 1995. She was previously vice-chairman and is a parent of a pupil at the school. The names of all the governors can be obtained from the school.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what is the maximum planned intake in September at Stratford grant-maintained school and the
  134
  Government thinking and policy on these three bodies has evolved since these reviews, as I have explained to the House.

  Morbidity Rates
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the average morbidity in terms of annual admissions to hospital per 100,000 population in each district health authority in(a) 1980, (b) 1984, (c) 1985 and (d) each year since 1990–91.

  Mr. Gwilym Jones
  [holding answer 14 March 1995]: Latest estimates of the number of in-patient cases and day cases per 100,000 population are given in the following table.

  number of forms this represents; how many (a) pupils and (b) forms had entered each September since the school attained grant-maintained status; how many other pupils joined during each academic year as a grant-maintained school; and how many are entered to join in September 1995. [23873]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Stratford school's approved admissions number at the time of the decision on grant-maintained status was 180, indicating six forms of entry. The Department does not collect information in the precise form requested. Returns from the school indicate the following first-year intakes, organised in each case in five forms:

  September 1991: 124 pupils

  September 1992: 116 pupils

  September 1993: 129 pupils

  September 1994: 111 pupils

  An estimated figure for the 1995 intake can be provided by the school.

  Mr. Spearing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to her answer to the hon. Member for Aylesbury (Mr. Lidington) of 5 May,Official Report, column 338, on Stratford grant-maintained school, what consultancy help the school has received; for what purpose; at what cost and from whom; and what further grants it has received from the Funding Agency for Schools and for what purposes. [23875]

  Mr. Forth
  Decisions on the appointment of consultants in a grant-maintained school are the responsibility of the school's governing body. The cost of consultancies is met from within a school's normal recurrent funding, plus any additional grants which may have been agreed.
  135
  The funding of Stratford school is a matter for the Funding Agency for Schools. I have asked the chairman of the funding agency to write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

  Mathematics and English Teachers
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many qualified(a) mathematics and (b) English teachers there were in secondary schools in each year since 1979; and what proportion of the total of teachers of each subject they represent. [23982]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested is available only for 1984, 1988 and 1992 from the secondary school staffing surveys. In those years the number of full-time teachers who were teaching mathematics and English in maintained secondary schools in England and who had post A-level qualifications in the subject were as follows:

  Year

  Number of Maths teachers ('000)

  Number with Maths qualification ('000)

  Percentage with qualification

  1984

  40.5

  30.0

  74

  1988

  35.5

  26.1

  73

  1992

  31.0

  23.5

  76

  Year

  Number of English teachers (000)

  Number with English qualification (000)

  Percentage with qualification

  1984

  42.8

  30.8

  72

  1988

  36.3

  26.1

  72

  1992

  30.8

  22.4

  73

  The total number of full-time teachers with post A-level qualifications in mathematics and English, including those not teaching the subjects, are as follows.

  Thousands

  Year

  Mathematics

  English

  1984

  47.9

  54.6

  1988

  42.0

  45.7

  1992

  38.1

  40.1

  School Transport, Brent
  Mr. Pawsey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what consideration she gave to issuing a section 68 or 99 direction to Brent borough council in relation to its school transport policy for denominational schools; and if she will make a statement. [24597]

  Mr. Forth
  My right hon. Friend is currently considering whether in her view Brent local education authority is acting unreasonably or unlawfully when dealing with applications for free transport to denominational schools.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many people work for(a) the Higher Education Funding Council, (b) the Funding Agency for Schools, (c) the Further Education Funding Council and (d) the Teacher Training Agency; and how much was spent on (i) administration and (ii) salaries in respect of each, in the last financial year. [23983]
  136
  Mr. Boswell
  The information requested is given in the following table:

  Staff (fte) March 1995

  Administration Costs1 £000

  Salary costs2 £000

  HEFCE

  193.5

  6,635

  5,113

  FAS3

  261.8

  6,712

  4,215

  FEFC

  390

  13,200

  10,600

  TTA4

  48.2

  1,106

  536

  1 Excludes salary costs.

  2 Includes employers national insurance and superannuation costs.

  3 The FAS was established with effect from 1 April 1994. Staff numbers have built up over the year.

  4 The TTA was established on 21 September 1994. Staff numbers have increased gradually over the 6 month period.

  Vocational Training and Education
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will make a statement on the priority she attaches to the involvement of industry in vocational training and education. [24493]

  Mr. Boswell
  The Govnerment attach high priority to the involvement of industry in vocational training and education. In the case of general national vocational qualifications, for which my Department is responsible, industry is involved in the preparation, development and, through work placements, the delivery of the qualifications.

  Student Funding
  Mr. Heald
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will announce the postgraduate bursary and studentship rates payable by this Department for the academic year 1995–96. [24873]

  Mr. Boswell
  The main maintenance rates under the Department's own postgraduate awards scheme for certain professional and vocational courses in the academic year 1995–96 will be as follows. 1994–95 rates are shown in brackets:

  1995–96 £

  Bursaries

  London

  3,375 (3,295)

  Elsewhere

  2,665 (2,600)

  Parental home

  2,015 (1,965)

  Studentship

  London

  5,695 (5,555)

  Elsewhere

  4,525 (4,415)

  Parental home

  3,335 (3,255)

  These represent increases of 2.5 per cent. on the current year's rates. The relevant supplementary allowances will be increased broadly in line.

  Capital Spending, Northamptonshire
  Mr. William Powell
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list the capital spending approvals allowed for Northamptonshire schools in each year since 1987–88. [23940]
  137
  Mr. Robin Squire
  Credit approvals for building work at county and voluntary controlled schools in Northamptonshire are as follows:

  Year

  Amount £000

  1987–88

  1,460

  1988–89

  2,823

  1989–90

  3,676

  1990–91

  5,218

  1991–92

  7,887

  1992–93

  4,107

  1993–94

  4,558

  1994–95

  3,404

  1995–96

  3,454

  Grant-maintained Schools
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list the applications she has received to open new grant-maintained schools. [23664]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Applications to establish new grant-maintained schools have been received from three independent schools:Oak Hill school, Avon, to establish an all age interdenominational Christian school;
  St. Anselm's college, Wirral, to establish an 11–18 Roman Catholic grammar school for boys; and
  Upton Hall convent school, Wirral, to establish an 11–18 Roman Catholic grammar school for girls.

  A fourth application, for the establishment of a new grant-maintained Jewish high school in Leeds, has been withdrawn. A number of prospective promoters of new grant-maintained schools are currently in consultation with the Funding Agency for Schools.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what are the arrangements within her

  Pupils and Full-Time Equivalent of Qualified Teachers in Maintained schools in each local education authority area in England January 1994

  Pupils

  FTE Qualified Teachers

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Local Education Authority area

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Full-time

  FTE

  FTE

  FTE

  Corporation of London

  0

  0

  20

  194

  0

  0.0

  13.6

  0.0

  Camden

  33

  40

  495

  10,433

  10,657

  3.0

  521.6

  696.7

  Greenwich

  342

  332

  2,298

  18,782

  13,980

  23.0

  948.9

  854.5

  Hackney

  108

  62

  1,398

  15,485

  7,445

  8.0

  812.7

  509.5

  Hammersmith

  303

  275

  600

  8,591

  5,885

  26.3

  471.2

  387.7

  Islington

  177

  153

  579

  15,078

  7,215

  13.2

  757.6

  469.7

  Kensington and Chelsea

  83

  169

  231

  6,210

  3,162

  15.0

  357.5

  253.8

  Lambeth

  262

  190

  1,439

  17,493

  6,306

  20.0

  953.8

  425.3

  Lewisham

  136

  97

  2,122

  18,692

  10,888

  9.0

  917.9

  671.1

  Southwark

  346

  199

  1,894

  20,626

  9,384

  21.6

  963.4

  551.2

  Tower Hamlets

  280

  432

  1,054

  20,678

  11,888

  38.1

  1,179.5

  837.2

  Wandsworth

  102

  114

  1,324

  16,113

  8,941

  9.5

  845.8

  606.8

  Westminster

  136

  53

  581

  8,645

  7,464

  12.0

  508.4

  482.0

  Barking

  0

  0

  1,815

  14,287

  9,756

  0.0

  687.1

  570.3

  Barnet

  532

  21

  2,109

  21,893

  18,790

  15.0

  1,091.3

  1,251.8

  Bexley

  0

  0

  1,425

  18,083

  14,525

  0.0

  801.1

  882.4

  Brent

  42

  181

  1,713

  20,691

  12,688

  15.0

  978.5

  799.7

  Bromley

  0

  0

  169

  22,261

  17,150

  0.0

  916.8

  1,059.2

  Croydon

  462

  0

  1,125

  25,891

  14,909

  13.5

  1,212.0

  881.3

  Ealing

  498

  16

  3,118

  22,477

  13,480

  16.3

  1,130.8

  829.2

  Enfield

  0

  0

  1,713

  22,110

  17,848

  0.0

  1,018.9

  1,076.1

  Haringey

  71

  168

  1,991

  17,786

  9,222

  14.5

  922.9

  662.4

  138
  Department for monitoring complaints about grant-maintained schools; and how many complaints have been received to date over (a) admissions, (b) exclusions and (c) the conduct of the schools. [23665]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The Department receives a variety of complaints about schools of all kinds—independent, local authority maintained and grant maintained—which are followed up as appropriate. Details are not aggregated, nor recorded by school type.

  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list for each application from a grant-maintained school for a change of character to(a) add whole or partial selection of pupils and (b) to add or extend a sixth form (i) the number of objections submitted to the Secretary of State, (ii) the number of objections submitted by the governing bodies of other schools and (iii) if an objection was submitted by the local education authority. [23125]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: The information requested has been placed in the Library. The table includes only statutory objections. Some cases were supported by a large a number of signatories.

  Teacher and Pupil Numbers
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what were the numbers in each local education authority area and nationally of(a) provisional full-time equivalent teachers for (i) nursery, (ii) primary and (iii) secondary schools as at January 1995 and (v) the provisional pupil numbers in (i) nursery, (ii) primary and (iii) secondary schools as at January 1994. [23666]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  Information on pupils and the full-time equivalent of qualified teachers in maintained schools in each local education authority area in England in January 1994, the latest date for which information is available, is shown in the table. Information for January 1995 will not be available until the autumn.
  139

  Pupils and Full-Time Equivalent of Qualified Teachers in Maintained schools in each local education authority area in England. January 1994

  Pupils

  FTE Qualified Teachers

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Local Education Authority area

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Full-time

  FTE

  FTE

  FTE

  Harrow

  0

  0

  1,016

  18,332

  8,320

  0.0

  916.9

  531.6

  Havering

  0

  0

  1,471

  18,637

  14,892

  0.0

  837.5

  901.2

  Hillingdon

  120

  0

  3,125

  17,418

  14,115

  3.2

  858.9

  860.2

  Hounslow

  0

  0

  2,395

  17,200

  14,526

  0.0

  872.8

  894.8

  Kingston upon Thames

  157

  63

  1,463

  9,308

  7,787

  8.8

  427.3

  487.3

  Merton

  0

  0

  2,866

  12,788

  7,313

  0.0

  702.7

  453.7

  Newham

  851

  84

  3,527

  22,059

  14,067

  27.0

  981.0

  823.8

  Redbridge

  0

  0

  1,264

  18,443

  15,362

  0.0

  832.3

  927.4

  Richmond upon Thames

  62

  8

  1,790

  9,405

  7,622

  2.0

  500.1

  451.2

  Sutton

  241

  0

  1,609

  11,861

  11,359

  6.0

  518.2

  671.6

  Waltham Forest

  279

  41

  2,216

  17,948

  11,506

  9.1

  870.7

  722.0

  Birmingham

  1,460

  865

  6,318

  101,382

  64,728

  71.1

  4,495.3

  3,961.2

  Coventry

  176

  30

  1,946

  27,879

  19,013

  8.4

  1,272.2

  1,201.2

  Dudley

  60

  10

  2,764

  26,818

  18,124

  1.0

  1,252.7

  1,083.5

  Sandwell

  106

  111

  4,308

  27,983

  18,418

  9.0

  1,339.5

  1,158.5

  Solihull

  0

  0

  1,837

  18,283

  13,505

  0.0

  823.2

  823.3

  Walsall

  719

  88

  3,517

  25,009

  19,506

  16.8

  1,194.9

  1,233.9

  Wolverhampton

  826

  0

  2,978

  22,630

  16,001

  20.1

  1,130.4

  1,041.1

  Knowsley

  0

  0

  2,748

  16,252

  9,096

  0.0

  749.3

  537.2

  Liverpool

  362

  218

  5,416

  46,200

  30,556

  22.0

  2,093.1

  1,920.8

  St. Helens

  70

  5

  1,596

  16,039

  11,759

  2.0

  764.1

  771.1

  Sefton

  313

  3

  2,189

  25,210

  19,030

  8.0

  1,136.0

  1,159.9

  Wirral

  314

  12

  1,960

  29,672

  21,159

  8.5

  1,359.2

  1,299.3

  Bolton

  497

  27

  2,278

  25,360

  17,031

  15.0

  1,201.9

  1,059.6

  Bury

  105

  56

  1,224

  16,024

  10,332

  5.4

  712.1

  603.6

  Manchester

  160

  417

  2,842

  44,081

  21,693

  27.6

  2,040.1

  1,383.1

  Oldham

  0

  0

  1,519

  23,255

  16,331

  0.0

  1,049.9

  1,050.1

  Rochdale

  865

  50

  1,107

  20,551

  12,942

  22.5

  869.9

  767.6

  Salford

  517

  457

  852

  22,413

  11,639

  32.0

  964.9

  700.2

  Stockport

  845

  81

  1,050

  24,545

  16,019

  20.0

  1,061.1

  977.8

  Tameside

  344

  0

  2,198

  21,098

  13,372

  10.0

  891.2

  767.9

  Trafford

  0

  0

  2,257

  18,308

  11,947

  0.0

  795.8

  735.8

  Wigan

  189

  4

  2,012

  27,951

  19,523

  6.0

  1,267.2

  1,237.2

  Barnsley

  181

  0

  2,787

  18,715

  12,730

  4.0

  831.3

  743.6

  Doncaster

  0

  0

  3,435

  26,024

  21,868

  0.0

  1,178.8

  1,343.8

  Rotherham

  401

  1

  2,726

  22,228

  18,187

  10.0

  1,105.6

  1,148.9

  Sheffield

  722

  129

  5,058

  39,505

  26,981

  24.6

  1,873.4

  1,637.4

  Bradford

  320

  196

  5,840

  35,389

  46,297

  22.5

  1,802.5

  2,680.2

  Calderdale

  0

  0

  1,566

  18,315

  13,390

  0.0

  806.8

  822.1

  Kirkless

  569

  0

  3,849

  33,870

  24,875

  17.0

  1,618.3

  1,572.7

  Leeds

  92

  0

  8,526

  60,902

  43,627

  4.6

  2,782.0

  2,728.1

  Wakefield

  478

  0

  4,361

  26,347

  20,084

  13.0

  1,235.5

  1,232.1

  Gateshead

  57

  7

  1,770

  16,596

  11,751

  2.0

  810.8

  748.7

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  30

  594

  1,547

  20,894

  16,902

  25.4

  946.2

  1,023.6

  North Tyneside

  186

  38

  2,318

  14,297

  14,342

  6.3

  667.7

  844.9

  South Tyneside

  408

  18

  1,792

  14,231

  9,570

  11.0

  652.9

  563.3

  Sunderland

  995

  41

  2,318

  27,739

  19,436

  29.0

  1,310.2

  1,209.1

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  0

  14

  155

  122

  0.0

  11.5

  13.8

  Avon

  1,116

  784

  3,278

  77,422

  54,418

  68.1

  3,423.4

  3,352.3

  Bedfordshire

  1,160

  338

  4,275

  39,236

  44,711

  47.2

  1,880.1

  2,592.5

  Berkshire

  2,031

  134

  4,259

  58,196

  47,005

  63.2

  2,630.7

  2,935.8

  Buckinghamshire

  569

  0

  4,348

  58,017

  37,166

  12.5

  2,617.1

  2,216.8

  Cambridgeshire

  715

  18

  1,570

  57,557

  40,904

  19.3

  2,505.7

  2,398.2

  Cheshire

  814

  25

  4,686

  85,258

  63,583

  19.0

  3,665.4

  3,788.0

  Cleveland

  134

  0

  9,124

  55,978

  36,437

  4.0

  2,540.4

  2,144.3

  Cornwall

  96

  21

  3,270

  37,261

  28,977

  3.3

  1,669.5

  1,678.0

  Cumbria

  802

  1

  2,252

  40,588

  31,215

  18.0

  1,853.2

  1,947.5

  Derbyshire

  1,423

  146

  9,237

  76,181

  57,548

  43.8

  3,461.3

  3,670.5

  Devon

  259

  44

  2,450

  78,183

  58,826

  6.4

  3,461.3

  3,593.7

  Dorset

  0

  0

  4,570

  41,233

  41,286

  0.0

  1,859.7

  2,399.5

  Durham

  2,530

  47

  4,577

  51,757

  37,708

  63.1

  2,356.3

  2,271.6

  East Sussex

  300

  0

  3,960

  48,021

  34,349

  7.6

  2,244.8

  2,129.2

  Essex

  296

  0

  2,334

  121,663

  95,893

  8.0

  5,389.3

  5,594.0

  Gloucestershire

  0

  0

  15

  43,582

  33,389

  0.0

  1,940.6

  1,890.8

  Hampshire

  298

  2

  5,430

  131,883

  79,199

  8.8

  5,998.2

  4,827.8

  Hereford and Worcester

  0

  0

  1.188

  48.063

  47,472

  0.0

  2,189.1

  2,748.4

  140 141

  Pupils and Full-Time Equivalent of Qualified Teachers in Maintained schools in each local education authority area in England. January 1994

  Pupils

  FTE Qualified Teachers

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Nursery

  Primary

  Secondary

  Local Education Authority area

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Part-time

  Full-time

  Full-time

  FTE

  FTE

  FTE

  Hertfordshire

  1,710

  53

  7,709

  77,116

  68,347

  43.2

  3,654.6

  4,352.8

  Humberside

  967

  186

  7,334

  78,075

  56,111

  30.5

  3,366.5

  3,212.1

  Isle of Wight

  0

  0

  175

  7,039

  10,498

  0.0

  320.1

  597.5

  Kent

  85

  0

  5,261

  123,973

  102,229

  2.1

  5,296.6

  6,127.3

  Lancashire

  3,448

  87

  4,294

  126,282

  84,257

  90.9

  5,592.1

  5,221.7

  Leicestershire

  50

  0

  4,253

  76,195

  59,963

  1.1

  3,488.2

  3,657.2

  Lincolnshire

  187

  57

  1,149

  48,695

  37,841

  7.3

  2,113.2

  2,391.4

  Norfolk

  390

  7

  2,277

  60,354

  41,078

  11.0

  2,804.4

  2,624.0

  North Yorkshire

  402

  1

  3,632

  55,608

  44,013

  9.0

  2,502.5

  2,757.9

  Northamptonshire

  612

  0

  2,309

  48,956

  44,910

  16.6

  2,213.7

  2,712.6

  Northumberland

  90

  38

  2,898

  18,794

  29,329

  3.0

  834.7

  1,622.4

  Nottinghamshire

  598

  11

  12,866

  80,018

  63,768

  18.2

  3,774.4

  4,027.5

  Oxfordshire

  1,137

  52

  2,071

  39,242

  35,127

  40.3

  1,870.9

  2,090.8

  Shropshire

  173

  0

  2,057

  33,934

  25,223

  4.0

  1,515.9

  1,571.5

  Somerset

  0

  0

  554

  35,899

  28,038

  0.0

  1,604.1

  1,692.6

  Staffordshire

  1,392

  736

  3,332

  90,182

  69,487

  50.2

  3,661.2

  3,971.3

  Suffolk

  97

  0

  3,031

  41,324

  48,024

  2.1

  1,981.3

  2,955.5

  Surrey

  334

  84

  2,913

  70,412

  45,405

  18.1

  3,292.3

  2,698.8

  Warwickshire

  758

  0

  1,335

  45,111

  25,087

  18.0

  2,067.5

  1,562.7

  West Sussex

  465

  18

  646

  52,512

  39,952

  14.0

  2,401.3

  2,420.6

  Wiltshire

  0

  0

  709

  47,496

  34,487

  0.0

  2,089.0

  2,064.5

  England

  43,428

  9,046

  296,406

  3,945,344

  2,933,598

  1,575.2

  180,557.7

  178,780.1

  Playing Fields
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many school playing fields there were in each year since 1979. [23667]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 23 January,Official Report, columns 37–8.

  Admission Appeals
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many admission appeals were made by parents failing to obtain a place for their child in the school of their choice in the latest available year in each local education area and nationally. [23668]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested is shown in the table.

  Appeals lodged by parents against non-admission of their children to maintained (including Grant maintained) primary and secondary schools in each local education authority area in England.

  Academic year 1992–93

  Local Education Authority area

  Total appeals lodged

  Corporation of London

  1

  Camden

  378

  Greenwich

  393

  Hackney

  371

  Hammersmith and Fulham

  231

  Islington

  392

  Kensington and Chelsea

  58

  Lambeth

  380

  Lewisham

  784

  Southwark

  352

  Tower Hamlets

  596

  Wands worth

  154

  Westminster

  227

  Barking and Dagenham

  174

  142

  Appeals lodged by parents against non-admission of their children to maintained (including Grant maintained) primary and secondary schools in each local education authority area in England.

  Academic year 1992–93

  Local Education Authority area

  Total appeals lodged

  Barnet

  918

  Bexley

  434

  Brent

  145

  Bromley

  879

  Croydon

  831

  Ealing

  288

  Enfield

  710

  Haringey

  340

  Harrow

  372

  Havering

  388

  Hillingdon

  314

  Hounslow

  318

  Kingston upon Thames

  125

  Merton

  233

  Newham

  39

  Redbridge

  503

  Richmond upon Thames

  227

  Sutton

  572

  Waltham Forest

  511

  Birmingham

  1,957

  Coventry

  437

  Dudley

  193

  Sandwell

  161

  Solihull

  258

  Walsall

  39

  Wolverhampton

  75

  Knowsley

  34

  Liverpool

  897

  St. Helens

  134

  Sefton

  123

  Wirral

  438

  Bolton

  233

  Bury

  619

  Manchester

  1,263

  Oldham

  378

  143

  Appeals lodged by parents against non-admission of their children to maintained (including Grant maintained) primary and secondary schools in each local education authority area in England.

  Academic year 1992–93

  Local Education Authority area

  Total appeals lodged

  Rochdale

  262

  Salford

  134

  Stockport

  92

  Tameside

  173

  Trafford

  237

  Wigan

  158

  Barnsley

  0

  Doncaster

  55

  Rotherham

  140

  Sheffield

  595

  Bradford

  1,457

  Calderdale

  138

  Kirklees

  221

  Leeds

  2,360

  Wakefield

  93

  Gateshead

  29

  Newcastle upon Tyne

  136

  North Tyneside

  16

  South Tyneside

  45

  Sunderland

  73

  Isles of Scilly

  0

  Avon

  1,115

  Bedfordshire

  92

  Berkshire

  625

  Buckinghamshire1

  580

  Cambridge

  315

  Cheshire

  147

  Cleveland

  80

  Cornwall

  51

  Cumbria

  99

  Derbyshire

  485

  Devon

  541

  Dorset

  340

  Durham

  392

  East Sussex

  298

  Essex

  440

  Gloucestershire

  279

  Hampshire

  148

  Hereford and Worcester

  273

  Hertfordshire

  1,071

  Humberside

  457

  Isle of Wight

  37

  Kent1

  975

  Lancashire

  2,400

  Leicestershire

  373

  Lincolnshire

  240

  Norfolk

  183

  North Yorkshire

  533

  Northamptonshire

  103

  Northumberland

  51

  Nottinghamshire

  322

  Oxfordshire

  374

  Shropshire

  360

  Somerset

  379

  Staffordshire

  190

  Suffolk

  150

  Surrey

  640

  Warwickshire

  160

  West Sussex

  187

  Wiltshire

  151

  England

  41,927

  1 LEAs which did not submit a complete return.

  Physical Education
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education if she will list for each year since 1979(a) the number and (b) the percentage of qualified physical education teachers in (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools. [23669]

  Mr. Robin Squire
  The information requested for secondary schools is available only for 1984, 1988 and 1992 from the secondary school staffing surveys. In those years the number of full-time teachers who were teaching physical education in maintained secondary schools in England and who had a post-A-level qualification in physical education was as follows:

  Year

  Number of PE teachers ('000)

  Number with a PE qualification ('000)

  Percentage with qualification

  1984

  37.9

  21.6

  57

  1988

  30.3

  18.4

  61

  1992

  24.4

  16.5

  68

  The total number of full-time teachers with a physical education qualification, including those not reaching PE, in each year was:

  Year

  All teachers with a PE qualification (thousands)

  1984

  36.4

  1988

  31.6

  1992

  30.3

  No figures are available centrally for the number of physical education teachers in primary schools.

  Higher Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of the appropriate age group has attained university entrance standards in each year since 1979. [23388]

  Mr. Boswell
  There is no formal minimum qualification for entrance to higher education; however, the normal requirement for young entrants is that the candidate possesses two or more A-levels, or the equivalent.

  Figures for the proportions of students obtaining two or more A-levels are shown in the Department for Education and Office for Standards in Education departmental report which is held in the Library. The figures are in annex B, table D (page 80): GCE A/AS level examinations, England 1979–80 to 1993–94.

DEFENCE

  Land Mines
  Mr. Wigley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many representations he has received this year concerning the United Kingdom policy on land mines; and what proposals he has to change Government policy on this issue. [23941]

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department has received a number of representations this year about land mines. We have no plans to change our policy on this issue.

  Low Flying
  Mr. Blunkett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what trials or low-level flying exercises were undertaken by the RAF over the Sheffield city conurbation on Monday 1 May; for what purpose; and if he will make a statement. [23640]

  Mr. Soames
  Military aircrews are instructed to avoid flying low over major towns and conurbations. We have no record of any specific authority having been given for a waiver of this regulation in respect of Sheffield on Monday 1 May. If the hon. Member is concerned about a particular incident he should provide details, including the times, the names and addresses of any witnesses and, if possible, the number of aircraft involved, to my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence who will arrange for the matter to be investigated.

  Mr. Perry Miller
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his Answer of 9 May,Official Report, column 401, how many days' notice his former special adviser, Mr. Perry Miller, was required to give under his terms and conditions of employment following the decision to end his employment; and how many days Mr. Miller actually served following his notification that he wished to end his appointment. [24609]

  Mr. Rifkind
  Under his terms and conditions of employment, Mr. Perry Miller was required to give 35 days notice; he served 57 days following formal notification that he wished to end his employment.

  E-mail
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extend his Department uses e-mail to transmit messages and information amongst his staff. [24611]

  Mr. Freeman
  E-mail is being used on various computer systems within the Department, the largest of which is the corporate headquarters office technology system CHOTS currently links 6,700 users at 14 sites by e-mail, including the Secretary of State for Defence's office, and 3,000 Ministry of Defence users in the main building alone. A significant proportion of MOD Departmental business is now conducted on the system.

  CHOTS Computer
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the total cost of his Department's corporate head office technology systems computer; what was its original estimated cost at today's prices; when the computer system first began operation; when it will be fully installed; who manufactures the CHOTS system; how many people it serves; to what extent it is out of date; what communications he has had with his departmental staff concerning CHOTS and what were the results of these consultations; what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the CHOTS; and if he will make a statement. [24616]

  Mr. Freeman
  The latest assessment of total cost at current prices, which includes installation and support of the system, MOD manpower costs and enabling works, amounts to £392 million over an agreed 10-year period.146
  This compares with approved funding agreed in 1991 which uprated to current prices is £394 million.

  Operation of CHOTS began in October 1992 and by the end of April 1995 there were 6,700 users. Implementation was originally planned to complete in 1996 but the present plan contains four sites that will be implemented after 1996 because of internal restructuring within the MOD and the armed forces.

  Hardware and software from a variety of sources is procured and installed by the prime contractor, ICL. CHOTS has been upgraded four times since the original technical design in 1989 but was not able to support MS Windows applications. A recent review involving a wide range of existing and potential CHOTS users established a clear need to operate a range of modern commercial software on the CHOTS workstation. As a result it was agreed that a further development be undertaken to meet this requirement.

  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which computer system is used by his Department's Procurement Executive; if the Procurement Executive is fitted with the corporate headquarters office technology system; how many people at the Procurement Executive use CHOTS; and if he will make a statement. [24617]

  Mr. Freeman
  At present the Procurement Executive utilises a number of computer systems appropriate to its needs. This includes CHOTS for those staff employed in areas in which CHOTS has been introduced. A total of approximately 1560 PE staff currently have access to CHOTS.

  Bosnia
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his answer of 9 May,Official Report, column 401, how many British troops will be located in Bosnia after the withdrawal of British troops from Gorazde in September 1995; and how many British troops are currently stationed in Bosnia. [24608]

  Mr. Soames
  We intend to maintain a major contribution to UNPROFOR for as long as the force can continue to carry out its mandate at an acceptable level of risk, though it is too early to say how many British troops will be in Bosnia after September 1995. There are currently some 3,4000 British troops in the former Yugoslavia.

  Departmental Paperwork
  Dr. David Clark
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence through what mechanisms his Department monitors the quantity of its internal paperwork. [24610]

  Mr. Freeman
  My Department has no formal mechanism to monitor the quantity of its internal paperwork, nor would it be easy to develop such a mechanism. None the less, the Department is keen to ensure that staff are encouraged to generate no more paperwork than is absolutely necessary to achieve departmental objectives.

  As part of the Department's campaign to improve working practices, described in the essay on the "New Working Culture" on page 94 of SDE 1995, new guidelines are to be issued to staff on preparing and circulating written work. In due course, one measure of

  147
  the effectiveness of this campaign should be a reduction in the amount of paper consumed.

  Tri-service Chaplaincy School
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed location of the tri-service chaplaincy school. [24912]

  Mr. Soames
  As part of "Front Line First" we announced our intention to establish a single tri-service chaplaincy school. Further work on this issue has led us to conclude that, subject to consultation, the school should be located at Amport house from 1 April 1996. A consultative document covering this proposal is being issued today. As part of the further work we are examining the future of Eltham palace and Queen Elizabeth barracks Guildford and, if no alternative defence uses are found for either site, we will seek to dispose of our interest in them.

  Postal and Courier Service
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he has begun the review of the Defence Postal and Courier Services agency. [24913]

  Mr. Soames
  A review of the agency status of Defence Postal and Courier Services is under way. As a Defence agency, the performance of the Defence Postal and Courier Services will be subjected to the prior options review set out in the 1993 "Next Steps Review", CM 2430.

  Comments and contributions from those with an interest in Defence Postal and Courier Services and its work will be welcomed and should be sent by 27 June to:

  DPCS Review Team,

  Log Sp Pol 2,

  HQ, QMG,

  Andover,

  Hants,

  SP11 8HT.

  Hydrographic Office
  Mr. Robathan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the Hydrographic Office Defence agency's triennial review was completed; and what were its conclusions. [24914]

  Mr. Soames
  The Hydrographic Office's triennial review has now been completed and has confirmed that the Hydrographic Office should continue as a Defence agency. In addition, an evaluation study was carried out regarding the agency's performance over the first three years, which has concluded that;

  (a) Both commercial and Government customers found that the Hydrographic Office's products were second to none, and its response time had considerably improved, whilst continuing to provide good value for money;

  (b) Target setting procedures had been refined and developed which has resulted in robust and realistic targets, most of which have been met;

  (c) Agency management had made full use of delegated powers and is actively working to extend them, particularly in the personnel field where it has instigated a pay and grading review.

  148
  An executive summary of the evaluation study is being placed in the Library of the House.

NATIONAL HERITAGE

  National Lottery
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what recent representations he has received concerning the distribution of national lottery funds to Scottish voluntary organisations for the funding of sports and sports facilities for disabled people; and if he will make a statement. [23343]

  Mr. Dorrell
  I have received no such representations.

  Commonwealth Games
  Mr. Beggs
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many technical officials in England received grant aid towards travel expenses in respect of the Victoria, Canada, Commonwealth games in 1994. [23703]

  Mr. Sproat
  Twenty technical officials received grant aid towards travel expenses.

  Welsh Fourth Channel
  Mr. Garel-Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage whether he has now received the report of the inquiry into applications for funding under the business sponsorship incentive scheme in connection with payments made by the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority; and if he will make a statement. [24917]

  Mr. Dorrell
  I announced on 27 February Official Report, column 680, that my Department had commissioned a report from a senior Treasury official, Mr. John Beastall, to review the circumstances of the applications for matching funding under the business sponsorship incentive scheme made by Pengwyn Pine and certain other Welsh arts bodies. I have now received and considered Mr. Beastall's report. Copies have been placed in the Library.

  The report takes account of reports received by the Department of National Heritage from the Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts, which runs the BSIS on the Department's behalf, and from the Welsh Fourth Channel Authority—S4C. It draws on an examination of the relevant records and a series of interviews with staff of S4C and the companies and organizations involved in the applications conducted, at S4C's request, by Grant Thornton, S4C's auditors. Mr. Beastall has interviewed certain S4C and ABSA staff himself.

  The report's main conclusions are:
  In 1993 and 1994 S4C made sponsorship payments via intermediary companies to Welsh arts organizations totaling £53,500 in respect of which BSIS matching funding was claimed. These claims were an abuse of the BSIS because of S4C's position as publicly-funded body.
  All the intermediary companies were genuinely trading and wholly independent of S4C. Confirmation has been obtained that the relevant arts organizations received the S4C money in full. There is no evidence that any of the intermediary companies, their directors or S4C staff received any financial gain from the transactions. A thorough investigation has revealed no other instances of abuse of the BSIS through sponsorship funds originating from S4C.

  149
  The recipient arts bodies, to the extent that they were aware of the ultimate source of the sponsorship funds, must share responsibility for the improper claims because they completed the BSIS application forms without disclosing the true source of the sponsorship funds and because their applications were not consistent with the BSIS objective of encouraging extra sponsorship from businesses. The intermediary companies must similarly share some responsibility.
  In two cases, where S4C staff were the prime movers in the setting up of artificial arrangements designed to secure additional public funding for recipient bodies which would not otherwise have been obtainable and which was clearly contrary to the rules and objectives of the BSIS, the main responsibility lies with S4C. S4C staff should in any event have consulted ABSA in all the cases about whether the proposed arrangements were acceptable.
  In the Pengwyn Pine case, ABSA should have checked with S4C whether the claims made by the company about likely future contracts from S4C were valid.
  In order to ensure that there is no loss to public funds, S4C have agreed to pay to ABSA from their non-public sector funds a sum equivalent to the BSIS grants which were wrongly made, to the extent that these are not recoverable by ABSA. S4C should consider whether they can appropriately recover the relevant sum from the arts organizations concerned.
  Disciplinary action has been taken against one member of S4C's staff. S4C is considering whether there is a case for disciplinary action against any other staff involved.
  ABSA should have notified S4C in writing that S4C's sponsorship payments were no longer eligible for BSIS matching after S4C's change in status to a statutory corporation from 1 January 1993.
  The new BSIS rule requiring full disclosure if a sponsor is acting as an indirect source of sponsorship from a third party should be amended so that applicants must state that they are not deriving their sponsorship funds from a third party.
  In future ABSA should make rigorous checks in any case where there is doubt whether the sponsoring company is making the payment from its own funds. ABSA should also make it clear that in future any arts body or sponsoring company knowingly involved in arrangements designed to secure BSIS funds contrary to the rules or objectives of the BSIS will be disqualified from benefitting from the BSIS either permanently or for a substantial period.
  The arrangement between ABSA and the trade association Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru Cyf—TAC—whereby TAC receives applications from arts organizations and proposes to member companies that they should sponsor particular arts events, should have been referred to ABSA headquarters before it was agreed. It is accepted by ABSA that this arrangement with TAC should now cease. Any future arrangement for BSIS matching of sponsorship by TAC members should require that sponsorship payments made by a company derive solely from that company's own funds and should take appropriate account of previous sponsorships.
  In future ABSA should obtain an account or auditor's certificate that the BSIS grant has been spent as intended in all major cases and should establish a procedure for checking a sample of smaller cases. ABSA already have such arrangements in hand.
  All future sponsorship payments made by S4C will be clearly identified as such. All sponsorship proposals will be approved by the authority on the recommendation of the chief executive.

  S4C has agreed that when it makes sponsorship payments in future:

  (a) the payments should be made direct to the final recipient, not via any third party;

  (b) the recipient should be explicitly told in writing that the sponsorship payment is not eligible for BSIS matching;

  (c) S4C should inform ABSA in confidence of any arts sponsorship payments it makes.

  S4C should require a subsequent account or auditor's certificate that sponsorship funding has been spent appropriately. This procedure is now in effect.
  150
  S4C's relationship with TAC should be clearly at arm's length. This does not preclude the continuation of the arrangement whereby S4C, on TAC's behalf, deducts a percentage of programme fees due to TAC members and transmits it to TAC for the purpose of funding such activities as training and sponsorship. S4C has agreed that any future contributions by S4C towards TAC's administrative costs should be covered by a contract specifying the services to S4C for which the payment is made.
  It has been S4C's policy that fees paid to TAC members should not be higher than the market rate. There needs to be a continuing effective check that this remains the case.
  The role of S4C staff who are members of the ABSA Wales Committee should be defined and agreed between S4C and ABSA.
  S4C has introduced arrangements to prevent possible conflicts of interest arising in cases where members of the Authority or S4C staff are involved in the work of other companies or organisations.
  The chief executive as accounting officer is responsible for ensuring that appropriate standards of financial propriety are maintained within S4C and has already taken action to this end. However to assist him in this a senior member of management below chief executive level should have the clear responsibility of promoting appropriate standards of financial propriety throughout the organization and of acting as the acknowledged source of advice when any issues of propriety arise.
  DNH should check whether there is any risk of the improper use of public funds in any other cases where the department provides funds on a matching basis.

  I am grateful to Mr. Beastall for carrying out this thorough review and for making practical recommendations to ensure the proper use of public money. In a number of instances, the bodies concerned have already taken the necessary steps to implement these conclusions. My officials will monitor carefully the action taken by the bodies concerned in response to the report's recommendations.

  Public Library Review
  Mr. Alan Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if he will publish the ASLIB consultancy study commissioned as part of the public library review. [24915]

  Mr. Dorrell
  The ASLIB consultancy was commissioned by my predecessor to produce a report as part of a major review of the public library service in England and Wales. I am today authorizing the publication of the report and seeking public reactions to its contents, and depositing copies in the Libraries of the House.

  This is a time of major change for the public library service. The review aims to provide fundamental examination of its future, and ASLIB has produced a very full report as part of that process. In doing so, it has examined the public library service currently provided by local authorities in England and Wales and the context within which they operate; and it has consulted widely.

  Public libraries are important to all sectors of the community. Each year more than 24 million adults in England and Wales use them. The ASLIB report draws attention to those services which the public values particularly highly, and demonstrates that libraries play a crucial role in the economy of the United Kingdom.

  The report addresses a number of recommendations to the Government. We shall of course consider them carefully; but I can make it clear now that:

  151
  I have no intention of introducing charges for the present free core of the public library service;
  I will be taking forward the proposals that Government should produce guidance notes for local authorities to define more clearly the range of core services which libraries should provide. In doing so, however, I am conscious of the desirability of leaving decisions about how best to provide such services for local authorities to decide in the light of local circumstances.
  I am not inclined to establish a new independent library inspectorate; and
  I do not intend to change the present legislation governing public library services.

  Most of the recommendations in the report are addressed to local authorities, and I am seeking their views. However, I can make it clear now that I support in principle an approach under which local authorities:
  state explicitly what kind of library service they want to buy, however that service is delivered; and
  explore innovative ways of providing that service, including new technology and diverse sources of finance.

  The separate study that I have commissioned of the scope for contracting out public library services will make a valuable contribution to this debate.

  Following consultation with local authorities and other interests, I expect to make a further statement on the outcome of the review later this year.

  Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage how many mobile telephones being used by his Department have been cloned during the last 12 months. [23431]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: My Department has never been a victim of mobile telephone cloning.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what use his Department makes of hand-held and car-based mobile telephones; what were the costs for each financial year of these services since mobile telephones were first introduced to his Department; and how many mobile telephones are currently in use. [23445]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State to the hon. Member for Leicester East (Mr. Vaz) on 20 May 1994, Official Report columns 601–2. In 1994–95 the costs were £12,600 running costs and £6,800 capital.

  Public Bodies
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage which non-departmental public bodies within the responsibility of his Department are subject to scrutiny by(a) the ombudsmen, (b) the National Audit Office, (c) the Audit Commission and (d) other monitoring officers; which are covered by citizens charters; in which performance indicators apply; and in which members are liable to surcharge. [23960]

  Mr. Dorrell
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: My Department's executive and advisory non-departmental public bodies are listed in "Public Bodies 1994". On 4 April 1995, the Advisory Council on Libraries took over from the Library and Information Services Council (England) the statutory responsibilities established under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964. The
  152
  functions and responsibilities of each body are specified in its founding legislation or charter. The information requested is as follows:

  (a) Bodies subject to the jurisdiction of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration are listed in schedule 2 of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 as amended. This includes:

  Arts Council of England

  British Film Institute

  British Library Board

  Crafts Council

  English Tourist Board

  Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission (English Heritage)

  Museums and Galleries Commission

  Trustees of the National Heritage Memorial Fund

  Register of Public Lending Right

  Sports Council

  (b) All of my Department's executive NDPBs are subject to scrutiny by the Comptroller and Auditor General with the exception of the National Film development fund. The funding of most of the Department's advisory NDPBs forms part of DNH's expenditure and DNH's accounts are audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. The accounts of the Theatres Trust are audited by a commercial firm.

  (c) None.

  (d) My Department monitors the performance of its NDPBs as part of the corporate planning process, through which targets and performance indicators are set. The principles of the citizens charter apply to all the Department's NDPBs. There are no surcharging arrangements with regard to members of the Department's NDPBs.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

  Electricity Generation Inquiries
  Mr. Ainger
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list the applications by power generating companies under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 that have been referred to a public inquiry(a) directly by his Department or (b) as a result of a decision by a local authority; and if he will list the length of time between the referral and the completion of the public inquiry in each case. [24297]

  Mr. Page
  The information requested is as follows:

  Public inquiries under section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989

  Station

  Announcement made

  Inspector's report

  (a)

  Didcot B

  6 September 1991

  8 June 1992

  (b)

  Hinkley Point C

  21 March 1988

  4 June 1990

  Ryedale

  13 September 1991

  18 June 1992

  Staythorpe C

  29 October 1991

  19 March 1992

  Belvedere

  30 June 1992

  3 November 1993

  Note:

  Pursuant to the Electricity Generating Stations and Overhead Lines (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 1990, SI 1990 No. 528 a period of not less than six weeks from the announcement of an inquiry being made to it opening must be given in order to allow for the serving of statements of case.

  Energy Use Forecasts
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the extent to which 8 per cent. reduction in electricity prices, announced as part of the nuclear review, affects the forecasts for energy use and CO2 emissions contained in Energy Paper 65. [24217]

  Mr. Eggar
  Energy Paper 65 assumed that the nuclear component of the fossil fuel levy would cease in 1998. It is expected that the early removal of the levy will have a negligible impact on the long-run energy and CO2 projections contained in Energy Paper 65. There will, however, be a small short-run impact on energy and CO2 levels. In view of this, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 11 May 1995, Official Report, columns 564–65, that he would make available an additional £25 million a year to the Energy Saving Trust to promote energy efficiency measures, from 1996 until the gas and electricity markets are fully liberalised.

  Nuclear Industry
  Mr. Clapham
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of the investment of the fossil fuel levy in Sizewell B by Nuclear Electric; [24570]

  (2) what was the application of premium income received by Nuclear Electric under the fossil fuel obligation contract with regional electricity companies, reimbursed through the fossil fuel levy, for each year from 1990–91 to 1994–95; and what estimates have been made for the use of this income up to the end of 1996. [24572]

  Mr. Eggar
  Payments to Nuclear Electric from the fossil fuel levy are not hypothecated to any particular purpose. It follows that the information requested is unavailable.

  The economics of the Sizewell B project were examined exhaustively during the planning inquiry, which gave planning consent for its construction, and again in 1990 by the Government when they confirmed the decision to continue construction.

  Mr. Milburn
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to his answer of 7 December 1994,Official Report, columns 257–59, if he will list those projects in the civil nuclear power industry which have received European regional development funding over the last 10 years indicating, in each case, (a) the level of funding and (b) when it was received. [24673]

  Mr. Eggar
  There were no such projects.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the basis for the assumption made in the footnote to the table at paragraph 5.22 and in paragraph 5.23 of the nuclear review White Paper, Cm 2860, that the lifetime cost for electricity from a Sizewell C pressurized water reactor would fall in the range of 3.5p to 5.75p per kilowatt hour. [24400]

  Mr. Eggar
  The judgment that lifetime generation costs of Sizewell C would fall within a range of 3.5p to 5.75p per kilowatt hour, expressed in 1990 price,s was based on an assessment of evidence to the nuclear review. The range takes account of uncertainties in such key variables as capital cost, station load factor and the required rate of return for a private sector nuclear generation project. These uncertainties are discussed in 154
  chapter 4 of the White Paper. The range quoted in paragraph 5.23 covers the bulk of the range of cost estimates given in evidence to the review as reported in chapter 4.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to paragraphs 7.30 and 7.31 of the nuclear review White Paper, Cm 2860, if he will make a statement on the ways in which those existing nuclear plant sites which jointly contain Magnox reactors and advanced gas cooled or pressurized water reactors which currently share common safety, waste management, railhead or other facilities will have these roles and assets divided between the Magnox public company and the private GB Co. operating on the same sites after privatisation. [24661]

  Mr. Eggar
  Arrangements will be put in place to ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of all the nuclear stations currently operated by Scottish Nuclear and Nuclear Electric when the AGR and PWR stations are privatised and the Magnox stations placed in a new public sector company. Safety will be the paramount consideration and the arrangements will be subject to the requirements of the nuclear installations inspectorate.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what evaluation was made in the nuclear review on non-proliferation concerns addressed at paragraphs 10.43 and 10.44 of the nuclear review White Paper, of doubts raised by submissions, including that by the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith), on whether sufficient resources had been allocated to ensure the proper implementation of the nuclear safeguards measures to which reference is made on page 74 of Cm 2860. [24420]

  Mr. Eggar
  All submissions to the nuclear review were given careful and detailed consideration. We are satisfied that appropriate resources have been allocated to ensure the proper implementation of nuclear safeguards measures in the UK.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will list those local authorities and environmental organisations consulted by KPMG Peat Marwick in its evaluation of nuclear liabilities as mentioned at paragraph 8.12 of the nuclear review White Paper, Cm 2860; what criteria were adopted in choosing these bodies for consultation. [24421]

  Mr. Eggar
  The liabilities management study was carried out as part of the nuclear review. All the documents submitted as part of the nuclear review process were made available to KPMG, and were taken into account by KPMG, in so far as they were relevant to its terms of reference. It was for KPMG to decide what level of further consultation was necessary, and with whom, to enable it to complete its study. I understand that, in the event, KPMG followed up the submissions from Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace by holding direct meeting with them, but that there were no direct meetings with local authorities.

  Mr. Alan W. Williams
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total cost at 1995 prices of construction of(a) the Sizewell pressurised water reactor and (b) each of the advanced gas-cooled reactors in Britain. [23947]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: I refer the hon. Member to the note on tangible fixed assets on page 67 of the report and accounts of nuclear electric 1993–94. Copies of which are available in the Library of the House.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of
  155
  Trade what is his estimate of the financial value of the liabilities to be transferred to the privatised nuclear holding company and its subsidiaries. [24290]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The Government's aim is to privatise as much of the nuclear liabilities of Scottish Nuclear and Nuclear Electric as possible. The liabilities associated with their AGR and PWR stations will be transferred to the private sector when these stations are privatized under the holding company structure. The Magnox stations and associated liabilities will be retained in the public sector, initially in a stand alone company. The value of the liabilities in each case will be published in the accounts of the various companies in due course.

  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if article 14 of the 1978 tripartite safeguards agreement between the United Kingdom, Euratom and the International Atomic Energy Agency, Cmnd 6730, permitting the withdrawal of civil nuclear materials for national security reasons, will apply to the safeguards arrangements set out at paragraph 10.44 at page 74 of the nuclear review White Paper, Cm 2860. [24312]

  Mr. Eggar
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: Yes.

  Car Seat Covers
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will takes steps to include loose car seat covers and car seats in the definition of furniture in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 as is amended or introduce legislation to set safety standards for car seats and loose car seat covers. [24434]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  I have no present plans to do so. So far, there is no evidence to suggest that the flammability of current loose car seat covers or car seats represents a significant risk to life and would warrant inclusion within the scope of, for example, the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended.

  Director General of Fair Trading
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when the appointment of Sir Bryan Carsberg's successor as Director General of Fair Trading will be announced. [24439]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  Good progress has been made towards making an appointment and I expect an announcement to be made within the next few weeks.

  Monopolies and Mergers Commission
  Mr. Nigel Griffiths
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what decisions the Office of Fair Trading has taken concerning the provision of misleading information to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission investigation into the supply of ice cream; [24438]

  (2) if any criminal proceedings are either under consideration or pending under section 93B of the Fair Trading Act 1973 as a result of misleading information being provided to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission over the past three years; [24436]

  (3) how many reports from the Monopolies and Mergers Commission in the past three years are considered unsafe and have been or are being reconsidered by the Office of Fair Trading as a result of
  156
  powers given to the Director General of Fair Trading by the Deregulation and Contracting Out Act 1994. [24437]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  No reports received from the MMC in the past three years have been considered unsafe. However, the Office of Fair Trading is currently pursuing inquiries concerning allegations that certain evidence presented to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission during its investigation into the supply in the UK of ice cream for immediate consumption was misleading. No decisions have yet been taken concerning any further action which might arise under section 93B of the Fair Trading Act. I am not aware of any other inquiries in connection with section 93B of the Act.

  Energy Research and Development
  Mr. Hardy
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the expenditure from public funds on research and development relating to the production of energy in each of the last five years; and what expenditure he expects to be devoted to these matters during each of the next three years. [24201]

  Mr. Eggar
  Details of expenditure in the last five years by DTI and the former Department of Energy on research and development relating to the production of energy are contained in Departmental annual reports and expenditure plans, Cm Nos. 1505, 1905, 2204, 2504. The latest departmental report "Trade and Industry 1995: The Government's Expenditure Plans 1995–96 to 1997–98," Cm 2804, also gives information about the Government's plans for such expenditure in future years.

  Information about expenditure on research and development by public corporations is contained in their annual reports and accounts.

  These publications are available in the Library of the House.

  VSEL
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects to announce his decision on the Monopolies and Mergers Commission report into the future ownership of VSEL. [24509]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade will publish the MMC reports on the proposed acquisition of VSEL, together with any decision which it falls to him to take, as soon as is reasonably practicable.

  Nigeria
  Mr. Wray
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will instruct his officials in the overseas trade division to suspend their trade promotion visits to Nigeria. [24184]

  Mr. Needham
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The Government recognize the difficulties of conducting business with Nigeria in the present political and economic climate. Nigeria nevertheless remain the United Kingdom's second largest export market in Africa. UK exports in 1994, although significantly down on the previous year, still amounted to £457.9 million. It would not be appropriate to withdraw the support the Department of Trade and Industry gives to UK companies continuing to do business in Nigeria.

  Companies House
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the contract to advise on the contracting out of functions in Companies House was(a) competitively tendered for and (b) publicly advertised; and if he will make a statement. [23977]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: I can confirm that the appointment of consultants to advise on the contracting out of Companies House, London, and the satellite offices was as a result of a competitive tender following an advertisement in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the current estimate of the dates on which he anticipates letting out the contractorisation contracts within Companies House at(a) Edinburgh, (b) London and (c) Cardiff. [23981]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The London contract is likely to be awarded by the end of January 1996 and the Edinburgh and Cardiff contracts by the end of the current financial year.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade if the value of the contract awarded to PA Consulting group to advise on the contracting out of functions at Companies House exceeds £250,000 per annum; on what date PA started the contract; and how long it is estimated to last. [23976]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: While the precise value of the contract with PA Consulting group to provide advice on contracting out Companies House, London, is commercially confidential, I can confirm it is less than £250,000. PA started work in February this year. The target is to have a contractor in place in Companies House, London, by end January 1996.

  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what guidelines he has given to PA Consulting group debarring the letting of contracts for the contractorisation of Companies House, Edinburgh, London and Cardiff to the same contractor. [23978]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: No such guidelines have been issued.

  PA Consulting
  Mr. Morgan
  To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultation he had with the special compliance office of the Inland Revenue concerning its allegations of tax irregularities at PA Consulting prior to the appointment of that company to oversee the contracting out of Companies House functions at Edinburgh, London and Cardiff. [23868]

  Mr. Jonathan Evans
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: There were no such consultations. Tax affairs of individual companies are confidential.

EMPLOYMENT

  Health and Safety
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications to industrial tribunals there have been under the Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977 for each year since 1978. [23373]
  158
  Mr. Oppenheim
  The number of applications to the industrial tribunals under these regulations was as follows:

  Year

  Number of applications

  1994–95

  14

  1993–94

  11

  1992–93

  2

  1991–92

  16

  1990–91

  11

  1989–90

  7

  1988–89

  10

  1987–88

  4

  1986–87

  5

  Prior to these dates, applications under the above regulations were not separately identified, but were aggregated with appeals dealt with under the Health and Safety Improvement and Prohibition Notice Appeals Regulations. However, detailed records of applications under these regulations are no longer available for the period prior to January 1984.

  Jobseeker's Allowance
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) if he will list the information technology that will be required to implement the jobseeker's allowance; what are its costs; and if it will be installed and ready to use by April 1996; [23933]

  (2) what contingency plans have been developed in case the information technology that will be required to implement the jobseeker's allowance is not installed and ready to use by April 1996; if such plans could process annually (a) fewer than 100,000, (b) between 100,000 and 250,000, (c) between 250,000 and 500,000, (d) between 500,000 and 1 million, (e) between 1 million and 2 million and (f) more than 2 million; and what are its costs. [23934]

  Miss Widdecombe
  The new computer systems will support the implementation of the jobseeker's allowance. The labour market system will replace current computer systems in Employment Service jobcentres used to support vacancy filling and advisory work, at an implementation cost of around £70 million.

  The JSA payments system is being developed to pay JSA, by girocheque or automated credit transfer, at an implementation cost of around £40 million to March 1997.

  In addition, the stand-alone computer system currently used in ES sector adjudication offices, adjudication officer automation, will continue to be used to support adjudication and appeals casework.

  We are keeping progress on the development and installation of information technology systems and equipment under close review. If we conclude that the arrangements being made cannot be put in place or only at an unacceptable level of risk in April 1996, alternatives will be considered.

  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will undertake that no job seeker will lose any money due to him or her if the information
  159
  technology that will be required to implement the jobseeker's allowance is not installed and ready to use by April 1996. [23945]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Yes. The aims of the Jobseekers Bill are to help people into jobs, improve our services to people while they are unemployed and achieve better value for the taxpayer. The Government's priority is to introduce the jobseeker's allowance through the network of 1,200 jobcentres for unemployed people throughout the country. This is a large and complex undertaking. It involves development of two substantial new computer systems and very large-scale training programmes. We have kept the project under close review. Substantial progress has been made but we have now concluded that, in order to deliver an excellent service to unemployed people from day one, JSA should be introduced in October 1996.

  The transitional arrangements for JSA will be such that the duration of an unemployed claimant's entitlement to unemployment benefit will, from April 1996, be the same as it would have been had JSA been introduced on that date.

  Plans for the introduction of the back-to-work Bonus are unaffected. The bonus will be introduced as planned in October 1996.

  Asbestos
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what inquiry the Health and Safety Executive has conducted into the asbestos removal industry; what its conclusions were; and what plans there are for a further inquiry. [23718]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  The Asbestos (Licensing) Regulations 1983, which require contractors to obtain a licence from the Health and Safety Executive to carry out work removing asbestos, have been subject to two reviews. The reviews found that the regulations have been effective in improving the standards of performance of asbestos removal contractors, and that the regulations are working well in practice. No further review is currently considered necessary. HSE's field inspection programmes for 1994–95 and 1995–96 include increased visit targets for asbestos contractors' sites.

  Benefit Fraud
  Mr. David Atkinson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the change since 1992 in personnel involved in investigating fraud and abuse of the unemployment benefit system; and if he will make a statement on the results that have been achieved including a comparison between the cost and the amount saved. [24450]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Responsibility of 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. David Atkinson, dated 16 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the numbers of, and results achieved by, Employment Service (ES) personnel involved in the investigation of fraud and abuse of the unemployment benefit system.
  The table below contains the information you requested:

  160

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Total number of staff (investigators)

  1,343 (780)

  1,343 (780)

  1,343 (780)

  Gross savings1

  £71.15 million

  £80.12 million

  £92.1 million

  Cost of fraud operation

  £26.44 million

  £26.84 million

  £27.5 million

  Net savings

  £44.71 million

  £53.28 million

  £64.6 million

  Investment return2

  £2.69

  £2.99

  £3.35

  Number of sign-offs3

  61,129

  67,426

  78,231

  1 This figure is calculated by multiplying the weekly amount of benefit saved by 22. The 22 week figure was identified by the Department of Social Security research and represents the average number of weeks claimants would have remained on the register if they had not been investigated by fraud staff.

  2 £s of benefit saved for every £ of cost.

  3 Number of clients withdrawing their claims to benefit after investigation by ES inspectors.

  The number of claims withdrawn following investigation by ES inspectors has risen impressively over the past three years, indicating effective targeting of fraudulent activity and increasingly efficient use of resources.
  The year on year increase in savings has been achieved without any significant increase in resource.
  I hope this is helpful

  Job Vacancy Advertisements
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of state for Employment what instructions his Department gives to jobcentres on the circumstances in which they can include minimum or maximum age restrictions on advertised job vacancies. [23732]

  Miss Widdecombe
  Jobcentres are instructed to challenge age restrictions placed on job vacancies and to persuade employers to consider all job seekers on their merits. The only exception to this is where age limits are essential to the performance of the job, for example the need for the applicant to hold a driving licence or to qualify for insurance cover.

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

  This approach is outlined in the booklet "Too old … Who Says?, which gives job search advice to older workers. The Booklet was recently published as part of the campaign to combat age discrimination in the workplace. Copies are available to the public at jobcentres."

  Wages Councils
  Mr. Byers
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment pursuant to his answer of 5 May,Official Report, column 322, if he will identify the industrial sectors in which wages councils mainly operated. [24175]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: Wages Councils mainly operated within the hotel and catering, retailing and clothing manufacture sectors.

  Labour Statistics
  Mr. McCartney
  To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what information has been gathered through
  161
  surveys and on the basis of notified redundancies on how many jobs have been lost and created, together with their pay rates, in the regions of the United Kingdom in the last quarter. [21797]

  Mr. Oppenheim
  [holding answer 1 May 1995]: The labour force survey is the Department's main source of information on the number of redundancies. The latest regional figures from the LFS on redundancies and the net change of numbers in employment are given in the following table. There is no information available on the pay rates of jobs lost and created. Figures for Northern Ireland are only available for the spring quarter of each year.

  Not seasonally adjusted (Thousands)

  Region

  Redundancies1 Autumn 1994

  Employment change summer 1994–autumn 1994

  Employment change autumn 1994–winter 1994–95

  Great Britain

  190

  18

  -135

  North

  13

  0

  -23

  Yorkshire and Humberside

  16

  24

  -13

  East Midlands

  20

  16

  16

  East Anglia

  2—

  -3

  0

  South East

  52

  33

  -57

  South West

  14

  0

  -25

  West Midlands

  17

  -20

  4

  North West

  23

  -6

  -18

  Wales

  2—

  -9

  -15

  Scotland

  17

  -16

  -5

  1 Number of redundancies that took place in the three months prior to interview.

  2 Less than 10,000 in cell; estimate not shown.

HEALTH

  Casualty Units
  Mr. Corbyn
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to meet health authorities to discuss casualty units. [22862]

  Mr. Sackville
  We have no such plans.

  Social Deprivation
  Mr. Olner
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the link between social deprivation and ill health. [22863]

  Mr. Sackville
  Variations in health status between different socio-economic groups have been documented in Britain since the 1860s and are found across the developed world.

  Dermatology Services, London
  Mr. Fraser
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her strategy for dermatology services in London. [22864]

  Mr. Sackville
  It is a matter for local purchasers to determine the most appropriate arrangements for providing dermatology services.

  Smoking
  Mr. Steen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to restrict smoking. [22865]
  162
  Mr. Sackville
  On 7 February 1994 the Government published "Smoke Free for Health", an action plan to achieve "The Health of the Nation" targets on smoking, copies of which are available in the Library. The action plan sets out the full range of measures being taken to reduce smoking.

  Sandwell Health Services Authority
  Mr. Spellar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement regarding the conduct of Sandwell family health services authority and Sandwell health plan. [22866]

  Mr. Malone
  The setting up of Sandwell health plan by Sandwell family health services authority has been the subject of an investigation by the Audit Commission. Its report under section 15(3) of the local Government Finance Act 1982 and the subsequent action proposed by Sandwell family health services authority were discussed at a public meeting of that authority on 30 March 1995.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Mudie
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many nurses she estimates will receive at least a 3 per cent. pay award. [22867]

  Mr. Malone
  Across the United Kingdom, 321 national health service trusts and directly managed units have made formal offers or made clear to staff their intentions for local pay increases. Of these, some 75 per cent. have been for proposed increases of around 3 per cent. We have been told by the majority of the remaining 164 trusts that they will have made offers by the end of this month.

  Mr. George Howarth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what considerations led to the pay offer made to(a) doctors and (b) nurses; and if she will make a statement. [22874]

  Mr. Malone
  Pay for doctors and nurses is based on the recommendations made by the independent pay review bodies which were accepted in full by the Government.

  Mr. Canavan
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many representations she has received this year about the pay of nurses and other NHS employees; and if she will make a statement. [22875]

  Mr. Malone
  A number of representations have been received this year. Correspondence and some petitions have been received and verbal representations have been made.

  Patient Care
  Mr. Brazier
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of NHS staff currently provides direct care to patients; and what was the position 10 years ago. [22868]

  Mr. Malone
  The proportion of direct care staff in hospital and community health services has increased from 61.3 per cent. in 1983 to 65.7 per cent. in 1993.

  Conflicts of Interest
  Mrs. Dunwoody
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she has taken to prevent potential conflicts of interest between those who hold senior posts in NHS trusts and in private sector health service consultancies. [22869]
  163
  Mr. Malone
  The codes of conduct and accountability, which were issued to all national health service board members in April last year, introduced stringent measures to prevent conflicts of interest arising at board level. All NHS boards now maintain a register of members' relevant private interests and these are available for inspection by the public.

  District Health Authority Funding
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to ensure that district health authorities have equality of funding. [22870]

  Mr. Sackville
  We remain committed to the principle of weighted capitation as being the fairest way of achieving equality of funding for health authorities.

  Emergency Hospital Admissions
  Mr. Congdon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the recent change in emergency and urgent hospital admissions. [22871]

  Mr. Sackville
  The number of non-elective admissions has remained constant as a proportion of the total number of admissions for several years.

  Consultant Oncologists
  Mrs. Mahon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action her Department is taking in respect of the number of consultant oncologists in the NHS. [22872]

  Mr. Malone
  Establishment of consultant posts is the responsibility of individual employers, who have regard to the needs of the local population and available resources. The specialist work force advisory group advises the Department on the number of higher specialist trainees needed in each specialty to provide an appropriate supply of suitably qualified candidates for consultant posts.

  The number of medical staff, including consultants, in oncology is shown in the table.

  Hospital medical staff in medical oncology and clinical oncology (radiotherapy) by grade

  England—30 September 1993

  Whole time equivalent

  Grade

  Medical oncology

  Clinical oncology

  Total

  Consultant

  40

  200

  240

  Senior Registrar

  20

  50

  70

  Registrar

  10

  70

  80

  Senior House Officer

  30

  100

  130

  House Officer

  10

  10

  20

  Other grades

  10

  20

  30

  Totals

  120

  450

  570

  Note:

  Figures are rounded to the nearest 10.

  Heart Surgery, Waiting Lists
  Mr. Sutcliffe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients are dying each year on the waiting list for heart surgery. [22873]

  Mr. Malone
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply the then Minister for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough (Dr. Mawhinney), gave the 164
  hon. Member for Bristol, South (Ms Primarolo) on 19 May 1994, Official Report, column 557.

  Community Care
  Mr. Jon Owen Jones
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she last met organisations representing carers to discuss the effect of the community care changes. [22876]

  Mr. Bowis
  I meet frequently with organizations representing carers to discuss a range of matters including community care.

  Mr. Clifton-Brown
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the future time scale for implementing the supervised discharge provisions of the Mental Health (Patients in the Community) Bill. [22879]

  Mr. Bowis
  The Bill which received its first reading on 11 May, would come into force on 1 April 1996. This is intended to allow sufficient time, following Royal Assent, for the necessary regulations to be made and laid and guidance issued to those who will be responsible for implementing the new provisions.

  Infertility Treatment
  Mr. Barron
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what services are provided under the NHS for the treatment of infertility; and if she will make a statement. [22877]

  Mr. Sackville
  Information on the services available under the national health service for the treatment of infertility is contained in "The Effective Health Care Bulletin" on "The Management of Subfertility", August 1992, published for the NHS management executive by a consortium of Leeds and York universities and the research unit of the Royal College of Physicians. A copy is available in the Library.

  Local health authorities are responsible for the provision of local health services, including the provision of infertility services. Decisions about the resources to be made available for these services must be left to individual health authorities as they are in the best position to determine priorities in the light of local needs and circumstances.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice New River health authority has sought from her Department in respect of the most efficacious provision of infertility treatment and diagnosis; [23807]

  (2) what contracts her Department has had with New River health authority in respect of infertility treatment and investigation in the United Kingdom. [23808]

  Mr. Sackville
  The provision of infertility diagnosis and treatment locally is a matter for New River health authority. Guidance on infertility services has been issued by the Department and as far as I am aware New River health authority has not sought any additional advice from the Department. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mr. David Kleeman, chairman of the authority, for details of local arrangements for fertility services.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what comparative studies her Department has conducted of one type of infertility treatment against another in the United Kingdom; [23806]
  165
  (2) what comparative studies of one infertility treatment against another in the United Kingdom have been assessed by her Department. [23805]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Mr. Couchman) on 18 April,Official Report, column 114.

  Health Care, London
  Mr. Dowd
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the future of London's health care following the recommendations of the second "King's Fund Monitor". [22880]

  Mr. Malone
  The Government's plans for London's health care are as set out in "Making London Better", published in February 1993, copies of which are available in the Library, and in a number of statements since that date. These include action to develop higher quality, more accessible primary and community health care for Londoners; action to provide a more balanced hospital service to meet the needs of London's resident, working and visiting population; and action to enhance and foster London's role as a centre of high-quality education and research.

  On 10 May, a seven-point pledge was given to the House that there would be no closure until alternative and better services are up and running; that there will be modern emergency services, including an improved London ambulance service; that local health authorities will continue to be held to account for providing comprehensive and effective services in each area, including a proper supply of beds to meet demand; waiting times will improve further; patients charter standards must be met; efforts will continue to recruit and retain the very best doctors and nurses; staff and the public will be involved in the changes so they can see and contribute to objectives; and support will be given to innovation and development in teaching and research.

  Primary Care, Ealing
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much is to spent on primary health care in the borough of Ealing; what were the figures three and five years ago; and if she will make a statement. [22010]

  Mr. Malone
  The main elements of primary health care are the demand-led family health services. Expenditure on these services within the borough of Ealing is not separately identifiable from information available centrally. A summary of the total FHS expenditure by the Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow family health services authority, whose area of responsibility includes the borough of Ealing, is set out in the following table. Expenditure on the final element of primary health care, the community health services funded by health authorities, is not separately identifiable in data available centrally.

  Gross expenditure on family health services within the Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow family health services authority

  £ million

  1990–91

  1992–93

  1994–95 (provisional)

  Total gross expenditure

  78.3

  96.6

  108

  Notes:

  1. Gross expenditure includes prescription and dental charge income collected from patients.
  166
  2. Figures include payments made by the Dental Practice Board to dentists in contract with the Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow FHSA. Figures exclude GP fundholders' management costs and budgets for purchasing secondary care services, and the FHSA's administrative costs.

  3. Figures for 1990–91 and 1992–93 are based on receipts and payments returns submitted by the FHSA with its annual accounts. The provisional figures for 1994–95 are based on in-year monitoring data.

  Access Committee for England
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the future funding of the Access Committee for England. [23590]

  Mr. Bowis
  Funding in the current financial year is £105,000. Decisions on further funding will be taken at the appropriate time and will be based on current core grant tapering policy.

  Doncaster Healthcare NHS Trust
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to disband Doncaster Healthcare NHS trust. [23864]

  Mr. Malone
  None.

  Burnley Health Care NHS Trust
  Mr. Gordon Prentice
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health if Burnley Health Care NHS trust acted in accordance with the NHS code of openness in respect of the timescale of release of details of the incident at Burnley general hospital in which ophthalmic patients each lost an eye. [23862]

  Mr. Malone
  The code of practice on openness in the national health service, which takes effect on 1 June, will increase public access to information held by the NHS. Burnley Health Care NHS trust, in recognising the sensitivity of the incident, issued a press release as soon as treatment of all the affected patients had been completed and the full facts were known. Its action was entirely in keeping with the spirit of the code of practice.

  London Initiative Zone
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what capital schemes in the London borough of Newham have been allocated funding through the LIZ initiative; and what sums have been allocated to each of these and on what dates. [23924]

  Mr. Malone
  The London initiative zone capital schemes and sums allocated are as shown in the table.

  LIZ Primary Care Capital Funded Projects in Newham

  Project name

  Capital allocation £000

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  Newham

  Essex Lodge (Primary Care Centre)

  25

  65

  0

  Shrewsbury Road

  285

  483

  0

  Improvement Grants to GP premises (various)

  279

  259

  0

  Star Lane (Primary Care Centre)

  470

  500

  80

  Stratford Corridor (Primary Care Centre)

  310

  0

  300

  Cyprus Dock (Resource Centre)

  192

  133

  675

  Freemasons Road

  —

  —

  40

  326 Stratford High Street

  —

  —

  80

  167

  LIZ Primary Care Capital Funded Projects in Newham

  Project name

  Capital allocation £000

  1993–94

  1994–95

  1995–96

  140 Claremont Road

  —

  —

  40

  50 Upper Road

  —

  —

  150

  497 Barking Road

  —

  —

  130

  751 Barking Road

  —

  —

  50

  85 Stopford Road

  —

  —

  10

  125/127 Prince Regents Lane

  —

  —

  250

  39/50c Romford Road

  —

  —

  250

  17 Turley Close

  —

  —

  300

  533 Barking Road

  —

  8

  0

  1 Kennard Street

  —

  89

  0

  Newham GP Forum

  —

  71

  0

  Security improvements to GP surgeries

  —

  1

  0

  Total Expenditure

  1,561

  1,649

  2,355

  NHS Estates
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has for the privatisation of NHS Estates; and if she will make a statement. [23681]

  Mr. Sackville
  I refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam (Lady Olga Maitland) on 1 December 1994,Official Report, column 825.

  NHS Domestic Cleaning Standards
  Mr. Redmond
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to advise NHS trusts to control domestic cleaning standards by introducing the Asda and Tesco control systems. [23935]

  Mr. Sackville
  National health service trust management determine locally the domestic cleaning standards for each of their units and then monitor to ensure those standards are met. We have recently introduced a patients charter standard which emphasises the need for a clean and safe environment in hospitals.

  Star Lane Medical Centre
  Mr. Timms
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health in which year funding was allocated from North Thames regional health authority for the proposed Star Lane medical centre, London E16; and where that funding currently resides. [23943]

  Mr. Malone
  Funds have been set aside for the proposed Star Lane medical centre in 1993–94 and 1994–95. Funds of £500,000 for 1994–95 have been carried over to the 1995–96 financial year and work will begin on the centre in July 1995.

  GP Suicides
  Mr. Alex Carlile
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many suicides by general practitioners took place in each of the last five years for which figures are available in each family health services authority area; and if she will make a statement. [23678]

  Mr. Malone
  The information is not available centrally.

  Gorton Medical Centre
  Mr. Kaufman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action she intends to take to remedy the situation created by the decision of the High Court that the Manchester family health services authority applied more than £250,000 unlawfully; and if she will as a consequence increase the funding allocation to make possible the building work necessary to Gorton medical centre. [23694]

  Mr. Malone
  I am considering the implications of the judgement as a matter of urgency. Separately, I understand that Manchester family health services authority will shortly contact the doctors at the Gorton medical centre to advise what financial assistance can be provided to them to improve their premises.

  Child Labour
  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what powers she proposes for local authorities to cope with the problem of child labour. [24031]

  Mr. Bowis
  Local authorities have sufficient powers under existing legislation to deal with any instances of illegal employment of children that may occur.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives arising from the UN Year of the Child and the UN Year of the Family have been instituted to deal with the issue of child labour. [24032]

  Mr. Bowis
  I am aware of no initiatives in the United Kingdom on child labour arising from either of these years.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources are available to reduce the use of child labour; and what resources were made available in each of the last five years. [24034]

  Mr. Bowis
  It is for local authorities to devote resources to this activity as they think necessary.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment has been made by her Department of the numbers of children currently illegally working; what assessment her Department has made of the extent of child labour for each of the last five years; and what comparable information she has about other European countries. [24030]

  Mr. Bowis
  I am not aware of any significant evidence that the illegal employment of children is a widespread problem. We have no information about the situation in other European countries.

  Mr. Jim Cunningham
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussion on child labour took place at the recent UN conference on poverty in Copenhagen; and what contribution the Government made in this regard. [24033]

  Miss Widdecombe
  I have been asked to reply.

  The world summit for the social development identified family poverty as a main cause of child labour. The Government demonstrated their commitment to international action in this area by endorsing recommendations to ensure the protection of working children and to promote the elimination of child labour.

  Rural White Paper
  Mr. Colvin
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her estimate of the net annual financial saving, or
  169
  cost, of her Department's submission for the proposed White Paper on the rural economy. [24329]

  Mr. Sackville
  Proposals for the rural White Paper remain subject to continuing collective consideration and discussion. The cost of measures contained in the White Paper will be taken into account in the public expenditure survey.

  Census Questions
  Ms Gordon
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to ensure that the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys includes questions in the next census to record the number of hours which women and men spend doing unpaid household, caring and voluntary work and to record household income. [24394]

  Mr. Sackville
  The census offices in Great Britain—Office of Population Censuses and Surveys and the General Register Office for Scotland—have started to consult users about information needs for the next census which is being planned for 2001. Some support has already been expressed both for a question on income, and for a question on unpaid work such as housework, voluntary work, and caring for others.

  Users have requested more new and revised questions than can be accommodated on the form without placing an undue burden on the public and a preliminary assessment is being made on whether the census is the most appropriate means of collecting the required information. Questions for which there is likely to be a good case will be tested for acceptability to the public, and for the ability of the public to respond with data of a quality adequate to meet users' needs, in a programme which will run over the next three years.

  Formal business cases for including particular questions will be considered in early 1998. The Government's proposals will be published later that year, and the final selection of questions will be approved by Parliament.

  Exeter and North Devon Health Authority
  Mr. Harvey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what were the full legal costs incurred by the Exeter and North Devon health authority and its predecessor authorities(a) in its dispute with Mrs. Carol Rudd and (b) in the cases of (i) Mrs. Mikibbin, (ii) Mrs. Gerlach and (iii) Mrs. Filer Cooper; what reports she has called for into these cases; to what extent the payment of costs complied with her Department's guidelines; and if she will make a statement. [24706]

  Mr. Malone
  This is a matter for the Exeter and North Devon health authority. The hon. Member may wish to contact Mrs. R.A. Day, chairman of the health authority, for details.

  Hospital Matrons
  Mr. Harry Greenway
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many trust and non-trust hospitals use the title matron; and if she will make a statement. [23166]

  Mr. Sackville
  This information is not available centrally. The exact titles and responsibilities of senior nurses are for local decision. The title "Matron" may be used if appropriate.

  Fluoridation
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which European Union countries currently have artificial fluoridated public water supplies; and which European Union countries have abandoned artificial fluoridated public water supplies in the last 20 years. [23733]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is shown in the table.

  Water fluoridation in Europe

  Current status

  If discontinued in last 20 years

  Austria

  Natural only

  —

  Belgium

  Natural only

  —

  Denmark

  Natural only

  —

  Finland

  Natural only

  Kuopio fluoridated 1959 to 1992

  France

  Natural only

  —

  Germany

  Natural only

  Schemes in GDR ceased on reunification

  Greece

  Actively pursuing

  —

  Ireland

  Mandatory, approx 70 per cent. coverage

  —

  Italy

  Actively pursuing

  —

  Netherlands

  Natural only

  Artificial fluoridation 1953 to 1973

  Spain

  Approx. 2 million people receive artificial fluoridated supplies, actively pursuing extending coverage

  —

  Sweden

  Natural only

  —

  United Kingdom

  Approximately 10 per cent. coverage, actively pursuing extending coverage to approx. 25 per cent.

  —

  Luxembourg

  No data

  No data

  Portugal

  No data

  No data

  Source:

  British Fluoridation Society—12 May 1995.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether water companies that add fluoride to the public water supplies are indemnified by her Department for legal claims of negative health effects. [23734]

  Mr. Malone
  The Department of Health, subject to Treasury approval, offers water undertakers wide indemnities against civil liabilities, including costs and expenses in connection with any proceedings, in connection with the fluoridation of the water supply, provided that the actions of the water undertaker are within the terms of the agreement with the health authority.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the extent of medical research on the long-term benefits of artificial fluoridated water supplies for(a) children and (b) adults, based on detailed studies of the dental records of communities with added artificial fluoridated public water supplies and communities without added artificial fluoridated public water supplies but with similar economic and social backgrounds. [23736]

  Mr. Malone
  Our assessment is that it has been shown conclusively that water fluoridated at one part per million can result in a 50 per cent. reduction in tooth decay in children and also helps adults to keep their teeth longer.
  171
  A number of studies have been carried out into the long term benefits of artificially fluoridated water supplies for both children and adults in comparable fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas of similar social and economic backgrounds. Summaries of such studies and their findings are set out in the recent book "One in a Million: Water Fluoridation and Dental Public Health", published jointly by the Public Health Alliance and the British Fluoridation Society, pages 8 to 18, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what instructions her Department gives to the manufacturers of dental products containing fluoride concerning(a) the need for adults and children to be informed of the potential harm of such products if consumed in excess and (b) the suitability of such products for young children. [23738]

  Mr. Malone
  The Department of Health is responsible for regulating those dental products containing fluoride and regarded as medicinal. Medicinal products are granted licences on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy. The dangers of excess consumption and the products' suitability for young children are addressed in the licence.

  Dental products containing fluoride include toothpaste, gels, mouthwashes, tablets and drops. Some of these products are medicines and come under the responsibilities of the Department of Health, while others are cosmetics and are regulated by the Department of Trade and Industry.

  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health which health authority areas in England and Wales currently have fluoridated public water supplies; and on what dates the fluoridation of public water supplies commenced in each such area. [23739]

  Mr. Malone
  This information is set out in the book "One in a Million: Water Fluoridation and Dental Public Health", published jointly by the Public Health Alliance and the British Fluoridation Society, pages 33 to 52, copies of which are available in the Library.

  Hip Fractures
  Mr. Chidgey
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the incidence per capita of hip fractures for people aged 60 years or above for each health authority in England and Wales. [23735]

  Mr. Sackville
  In 1993–94, the number of finished consultant episodes of hospital care for fracture of femur suffered by those aged 60 and above, per capita in England, was 0.0052, about one in 200. A breakdown at health authority level is not available.

  NHS Organ Donor Register
  Mr. Churchill
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been spent so far this year in the campaign to promote the national organ donor register; what has been the response; how many and what proportion of responses are currently awaiting processing; what steps she proposes to take to expedite processing; and what plans she has to carry forward this campaign. [24717]

  Mr. Sackville
  Some £1.53 million was spent in 1994–95 on publicity material and activities to promote the national health service organ donor register which was launched in October 1994. Over 1,300,0001 applications to join the register have been received so far, of which
  172
  nearly 270,000 were received and processed in April. On 12 May, some 86,000 postal applications, 6.5 per cent. of the total applications received, were waiting to be processed. Temporary staff were recruited from April mainly to help process the surge of applications following the March publicity campaign. The register will continue to be promoted in 1995–96.
  1Includes about 400,000 transferred from the lifeline Wales register.

  Selenium
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment her Department has made of the effects of selenium deficiency; what those effects are; and what action she recommends to avoid selenium deficiency; [24166]

  (2) if she will make a statement setting out her policy for combating dietary deficiency in selenium. [24169]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department of Health considered selenium deficiency as part of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy's review of dietary reference values for food energy and nutrients for the United Kingdom. A copy of this report is available in the Library. There is no deficiency disease known to result solely from selenium deficiency, although a specific cardiomyopathy may occur with low selenium intakes which responds to selenium. There is no evidence that selenium deficiency is a problem in the UK. No action is recommended specifically to avoid selenium deficiency.

  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations her Department has received regarding research suggesting that selenium deficiency may speed or trigger the growth and spread of the AIDS virus; what action she proposes to take; and if she will make a statement. [24168]

  Mr. Sackville
  The Department of Health has received no such representations. The Department is aware of a number of recent publications in the scientific literature on this topic and continues to monitor the situation. There is currently no clear evidence that selenium supplements produce an improvement in haematological or immunological parameters of disease progression in HIV-AIDS patients.

  Temazepam
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 21 April,Official Report, column 309 (1) what is her latest estimate of the total amount of prescription units of the drug temazepam produced and imported into the United Kingdom in the 1994 calendar year; what is the latest estimate of the total amount of prescription units of the drug temazepam required to meet known legitimate use; and if she will make a statement; [22070]

  (2) what is her latest estimate of the amount of temazepam required for prescription under the national health service, in kilograms and prescription units, in the 1994 calendar year; and if she will make a statement. [22044]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 1 May 1995]: Information on the amount of temazepam manufactured and imported in 1994 is not yet available. Information on total quantities dispensed in family health services authorities in England in 1994 is shown in the table.
  173

  Temazepam dispensed in the family health services authorities in England 1994 (provisional figures)

  Thousands

  Prescription items

  Kilograms

  Tablets

  3,392

  1,595.6

  Capsules

  2,837

  1,577.3

  Oral preparations

  116

  58.3

  Total

  6,345

  3,231.2

  Note:

  The data are from the prescription cost analysis system and include all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists, dispensing doctors, and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered.

  Table A: Summary of annual returns for temazepam from Schedule 4 authority holders in the UK for the period 1989 to 1993 (kilograms)

  Percentage change from previous year

  Year

  Quantity manufactured

  Manufacturers stocks at 31 December

  Total imports

  Total exports

  Quantity manufactured

  Imports

  1989

  2,238.00

  2,284.311

  3,672.010

  752.955

  —

  —

  1990

  2,912.70

  2,226.262

  2,787.380

  170.598

  30.15

  -24.09

  1991

  2,918.00

  3,005.970

  3,442.124

  712.890

  0.18

  23.49

  1992

  3,271.90

  3,978.215

  4,486.190

  1,018.726

  12.13

  30.33

  1993

  970.20

  923.039

  4,505.314

  1,815.770

  -70.35

  0.43

  Table B: Temazepam dispensed in the family health services authorities in England for the period 1989 to 1994

  Percentage change from previous year

  Year

  Prescriptions1 (000s)

  Kilograms of temazepam

  Prescription items

  Kilograms of temazepam

  1989

  25,946

  3,347

  —

  —

  1990

  25,985

  3,297

  0.7

  -1.5

  1991

  36,427

  3,449

  —

  —

  1992

  36,914

  3,625

  7.6

  5.1

  1993

  36,651

  3,434

  -3.8

  -5.2

  1994 (provisional)

  36,345

  3,231

  -4.6

  -5.9

  Source:

  The data are from prescription cost analysis system.

  Notes:

  1 The data up to 1990 are not consistent with data from 1991 onward, so it is not possible to give meaningful figure for percentage changes between 1990 and 1994. Figures for 1989 and 1990 are based on fees and on a sample of one in 200 prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists and appliance contractors only. Figures for 1991 to 1994 are based on items and cover all prescriptions dispensed by community pharmacists, appliance contractors, dispensing doctors and prescriptions submitted by prescribing doctors for items personally administered.

  2 Fees.

  3 Items.

  NHS Hospitals
  Mrs. Beckett
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS hospitals there were in England(a) by region and (b) in total in each year since 1979. [17068]

  Mr. Malone
  [pursuant to the reply, 30 March 1995, c. 716]: The number of national health service hospitals as defined by section 128 of the NHS Act 1977 is not

  Table A: Number of hospitals with available overnight beds by regional health authority in England, 1979 to 1990–91

  RHA

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Northern

  135

  131

  129

  129

  128

  127

  124

  124

  112

  109

  105

  105

  Yorkshire

  164

  159

  157

  155

  155

  149

  147

  144

  133

  124

  120

  128

  Trent

  199

  194

  188

  185

  185

  187

  170

  170

  173

  166

  150

  143

  East Anglian

  93

  94

  90

  88

  90

  85

  80

  79

  78

  78

  76

  75

  North West Thames

  118

  112

  109

  102

  101

  99

  99

  100

  95

  102

  88

  88

  North East Thames

  121

  114

  114

  122

  121

  114

  114

  114

  117

  120

  117

  122

  174
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 21 April,Official Report, column 309, what is her latest estimate of the trend of temazepam production and amount of imports and the amount required for prescriptions by the national health care service over the last five years; if she will give these figures in kilograms, prescription units and the percentage change from year to year and from 1990 to 1994; and if she will make a statement. [22069]

  Mr. Bowis
  [holding answer 1 May 1995]: Information on the total quantity of temazepam manufactured, held in stock, imported and exported in the United Kingdom during the last five years is shown in table A. Information on total quantities dispensed in family health services authorities in England is given in table B.

  available centrally. The information on the number of NHS hospitals in 1994 in the previous reply was estimated from energy consumption returns submitted to NHS Estates by NHS trusts and directly managed units. This number should be treated with caution. Comparable information for previous years is not available centrally. Returns based on a count of hospitals providing residential facilities is available from 1979 until 1991 as follows.
  175

  Table A: Number of hospitals with available overnight beds by regional health authority in England, 1979 to 1990–91

  RHA

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  South East Thames

  145

  141

  135

  137

  138

  137

  130

  129

  123

  118

  122

  117

  South West Thames

  124

  119

  112

  113

  115

  112

  106

  99

  115

  115

  107

  108

  Wessex

  147

  146

  146

  148

  154

  163

  178

  187

  138

  137

  134

  130

  Oxford

  92

  88

  88

  88

  88

  88

  84

  89

  83

  83

  79

  77

  South Western

  223

  221

  226

  224

  223

  221

  221

  227

  202

  203

  192

  200

  West Midlands

  202

  201

  200

  201

  203

  196

  204

  203

  187

  182

  174

  165

  Mersey

  87

  83

  79

  79

  74

  68

  65

  66

  64

  62

  59

  55

  North Western

  130

  129

  128

  126

  128

  125

  123

  124

  114

  105

  104

  100

  Special Health Authorities

  27

  26

  26

  20

  20

  20

  17

  17

  18

  18

  17

  16

  Notes:

  1. 1987–88 numbers for South West Thames were estimated as complete numbers were not available.

  2. Numbers may include a small number of community units for patients with learning disabilities.

  3. From 1987–88 collection of data changed from years ended 31 December to years ended 31 March.

  4. Numbers are based on a count of hospitals which provided residential facilities.

  5. The table has been estimated from available data which was not used to compile the total figures given in table B. Where possible, account has been taken of changes in the way data was collected over the period, and of boundary charges.

  Table B: Total number of hospitals in England

  Year

  1979

  1980

  1981

  1982

  1983

  1984

  1985

  1986

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  Total hospitals

  2,023

  1,984

  1,926

  1,917

  1,923

  1,891

  1,862

  1,870

  1,737

  1,722

  1,646

  1,624

  These figures are taken from the annual published health and personal social services statistics and were not collected after 1990–91. The analysis from which these figures were compiled is no longer available.

  Folic Acid
  Mr. Cohen
  To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the fortification of cereal grain flour with folic acid will take place. [23543]

  Mrs. Browning
  I have been asked to reply.

  Currently manufacturers may voluntarily fortify flour with folic acid.

  The issue of fortification of foods is currently being considered by the committee on medical aspects of food policy.

ENVIRONMENT

  Construction Industry
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to give small firms in the construction industry protection against unfair terms of contract imposed by larger companies. [23410]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  My Department will shortly be issuing a second consultation document taking forward recommendations made in Sir Michael Latham's report "Construction the Team" which will deal with contractual issues in the construction industry.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce a long-term strategy for the construction industry and on maintaining relations between the Government and the industry. [23415]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  My Department has a coherent strategy to assist the construction industry and its suppliers by promoting a programme of research, innovation and development; assisting the industry in markets abroad; encouraging the development of technical and professional training; and reviewing the contractual arrangements which operate within the industry. To 176
  facilitate this, the Government have joined with the industry on a new forum, the Construction Industry Board, which has been set up to promote dialogue between the various parts of the industry and its clients.

  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to introduce a Bill on construction contracts. [23409]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  The Government will consider legislation in the light of the responses to the consultation exercise now being undertaken.

  Closed Circuit Television
  Sir David Steel
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the level of funds allocated to local authorities for closed circuit television systems in England and Wales. [23642]

  Mr. Curry
  Support for CCTV schemes may be given through programmes such as the urban programme, the urban crime fund, city challenge, safer cities and under the single regeneration budget. The Home Office CCTV challenge competition also injected £5 million into local schemes.

  House Condition Survey
  Mr. Matthew Taylor
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he proposes to publish the energy supplement to the already published results of the 1991 English house condition survey. [23672]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Later this year. However, some key findings from the 1991 survey have been included in a guided "Energy Efficiency in Council Housing: Condition of the Stock" which is being sent to all local housing authorities by 19 May. I am arranging for copies of this guide to be placed in the Library.

  Access Committee for England
  Mr. Tom Clarke
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the future funding of the Access Committee for England. [23588]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  I refer the hon. Member to the reply given today by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health, the hon. Member for Battersea (Mr. Bowis).

  Local Government Reorganisation
  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment which former county boroughs in existence immediately prior to the 1974 local government reorganisation will have their area divided between two or more unitary authorities as a result of proposals from the Local Government Commission. [23683]

  Mr. Curry
  The area which, between 1968 and 1974, comprised the county borough of Teesside will, from 1 April 1996, constitute parts of the unitary authorities of Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton-on-Tees.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 30 March to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike)Official Report, columns 731–33, what local government structure existed in the Stockton and Langbaurgh areas immediately prior to the local government reorganisation of 1974. [23685]

  Mr. Curry
  The present district of Stockton-on-Tees is made up of parts of the county borough of Teesside—the Billingham East, Billingham West, Grangefield, Hartburn, Mile House, North End, Norton, Stockton South, Thornaby East and Thornaby West wards—the administrative county of Durham, part of the rural district of Stockton and the administrative county of Yorkshire, North Riding, part of the rural district of Stokesley.

  The present district of Langbaurgh-on-Tees is made up of parts of the county borough of Teesside—the Coatham, Eston Grange, Kirkleatham, Ormesby, Redcar and South Bank wards—and the administrative county of Yorkshire, North Riding—the urban districts of Guisborough, Loftus, Saltburn and Marske-by-the-Sea and Skelton and Brotton.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date and from whom he received a copy of the opinion of the Audit Commission on the Local Government Commission's review of the Cleveland and Durham area and if that opinion included the relevant appendices. [23687]

  Mr. Curry
  A copy of the opinion provided by the Audit Commission to the Local Government Commission in respect of the report containing the latter's draft recommendations for Cleveland and Durham was sent to my Department by the Local Government Commission in November 1993. It included three appendices.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 30 March to the hon. Member for Burnley (Mr. Pike),Official Report, columns 731–33, when Middlesbrough ceased to be a county borough council; and what local government structure existed in that area between that date and the subsequent local government reorganisation of 1974. [23684]

  Mr. Curry
  The area of the county borough of Middlesbrough became part of the county borough of 178
  Teesside on 1 April 1968, and remained so until 1 April 1974.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps were taken to ensure that hon. Members were made fully aware, prior to the debate on the Cleveland Structural Change Order, of the view of the Audit Commission on the Local Government Commission's estimates of transitional costs which would result from the proposals for local government change in the Cleveland area. [23686]

  Mr. Curry
  The Local Government Commission has made available for public inspection all written opinions and other representations it received in response to its draft recommendations for Cleveland and Durham. It also summarised them in its final report for the area. There was no Audit Commission opinion submitted in relation to the estimates of transitional costs set out in that final report.

  Mr. Frank Cook
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if, when he tabled the Cleveland Structural Change Order before the House, he was aware of the view of the Audit Commission on the Local Government Commission's estimates of transitional costs which would be incurred as a result of the order and the views of both the Local Government Commission itself and its financial advisers Ernst and Young on the relative costs of a unitary structure of the kind proposed in the order and the present two-tier local government structure. [23688]

  Mr. Curry
  When we took our decisions on local government structure in Cleveland, we had before us the estimates of costs and savings contained in the Local Government Commission's report on its draft recommendations for Cleveland and Durham, and the written opinion of the Audit Commission on those estimates. We also had the revised estimates contained in the Local Government Commission's final report for Cleveland and Durham, and the financial appraisal—based on the financial model developed by the Local Government Commission with Ernst and Young—on which those revised estimates were based.

  Giant Hogweed
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures he plans to require the owners of land to which the public may have access to eradicate heracleum mantegazzianum; if he will give local authorities a duty to control heracleum mantegazzianum; and if he will make a statement about the dangers associated with this plant. [24081]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act for any person to plant, or otherwise cause to grow in the wild, the giant hogweed.

  The control of giant hogweed is a matter for individual local authorities to consider if they believe there is a localised threat to public health.

  I understand that contact with giant hogweed can cause a dermatological reaction which, if exposed to strong sunlight, may result in blistering and swelling, however individuals handling the plant only on an occasional basis may experience no reaction at all, or only transient irritation.

  Ozone Levels
  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about ozone levels affecting Tyneside on 4 May. [24021]

  Mr. Atkins
  The reported "poor" ozone levels recorded at Newcastle on 4 May between 2 and 3 am were not real levels but due to a technical fault in the analyser, which is currently being corrected by our contractor.

  Ms Quin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to ensure that British cities do not exceed World Health Organisation guidelines for low-level ozone concentrations. [24022]

  Mr. Atkins
  Ozone is a transboundary pollutant, and reductions of ozone concentrations to WHO guideline levels in Europe will not be possible by any one country acting in isolation. The Government believes that harmonised action at an international level is necessary to ensure cost-effective reductions in ozone levels. The Government are pressing for such action in the appropriate international fora.

  Contaminated Land, Liverpool
  Mr. Loyden
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take to deal with the problem of contaminated land on the site of the former synthetic resins plant in the Liverpool, Garston constituency. [24274]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  An investigation of the contamination on the site has recently been funded by English Partnerships. Liverpool city council have subsequently initiated further survey work to examine leeching of contamination into adjoining residential properties at Bradford road. On the basis of these surveys, the city council will consider what remedial work is necessary and how such work should be funded.

  Business Rates
  Mr. Robert Banks
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set out the amounts allowed in reduction of business rates by local authorities in England for the last financial year. [24163]

  Mr. Robert B. Jones
  Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available. In 1993–94, English local authorities granted £1.9 million in hardship relief from non-domestic rates. In addition, £35 million was granted in discretionary relief to charities and other non-profit-making bodies.

  Sheffield Airport
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the plans for the development of Sheffield airport by Glenlivet. [24408]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department has received detailed information from the Sheffield development corporation about the plans for the development of Sheffield airport by Glenlivet. This is currently under consideration.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice and evaluation were available to him between 1989 and the present of the possibility that companies in the Budge group or successor companies to the contract could gain the benefit and profit of opencasting at Tinsley, Sheffield, without fulfilling 180
  commitments to provide infrastructure for an airport on the site. [24410]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My predecessors were aware that there was no contractual linkage between the opencasting operation and the provision of infrastructure for and construction of the airport.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he became aware that the guarantee given by A. F. Budge Mining for the construction of Sheffield airport would not be honoured. [24412]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The guarantee, or surety, for the construction of Sheffield Airport, was held by A. F. Budge Ltd., rather than A. F. Budge (Mining). My Department became aware that A. F. Budge Ltd. would not be in a position to support the airport development when the administrative receivers were appointed to it in December 1992.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conditions requiring work towards the construction of an airport at Tinsley, Sheffield, were contained in the original planning application for opencasting awarded to British Coal Opencast; and what conditions in relation to such work were contained in the agreement between British Coal Opencast and A F Budge (Mining) Ltd. [24414]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The planning permission awarded to British Coal for Opencasting at Tinsley contained the following conditions relating to the construction of an airport.

  i. the construction of a road linking the site to the existing road network

  ii. the site to be reclaimed

  iii. specific parts of the site to be compacted and made suitable for use as an airport

  iv. drainage outfall to be provided for the site.

  My Department was not party to the terms of agreement between British Coal and A F Budge (Mining) for the opencast mining of the site.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will have to give approval before any proposals to develop an airport at Tinsley, Sheffield, are agreed to. [24416]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Yes.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what information he has obtained of past or present connections or involvement between Glenlivet and any of its directors and RJB Mining or A F Budge Ltd, or any of their subsidiaries or any of the directors; [24418]

  (2) what information he has received on the involvement by RJB Mining or any of its directors in the scheme to develop an airport at Tinsley, Sheffield, proposed by Glenlivet. [24419]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The only information I have about connections between the directors and the companies mentioned is that a former director of three subsidiary companies of A F Budge Ltd. is currently advising Glenlivet on the aviation elements of its airport proposals.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much public money to date has been spent on the infrastructure for the Sheffield airport site at Tinsley; and how much more is committed in the future. [24409]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Sheffield development corporation has spent £95,000 on the design of
  181
  infrastructure for the Tinsley site for airport and other development.

  In addition, British Coal has spent £1.9 million providing access to the site and has committed £25,000 to provide site drainage. British Coal will also be providing a drainage outfall for the site which is expected to cost in the region of £500,000.

  There are plans for a further £5 million of expenditure on roads and drainage funded by Industrial Development Act grants, European funding and the Sheffield development corporation.

  All of the infrastructure provided at Tinsley park will benefit commercial development in addition to a proposed airport.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he became aware that the guarantee to construct Sheffield airport and the right to opencast the site of Tinsley were invested in separate companies and were not mutually enforceable; when he was officially notified of the separation; and when he gave approval to such a separation. [24413]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department was notified in December 1991 of the proposed company restructuring which would separate the mining and airport construction interests within the A F Budge group. No approval was required from my Department.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what financial checks he intends to make of the financial viability of the scheme to develop an airport at Tinsley, Sheffield, proposed by Glenlivet. [24415]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  Checks on the financial viability of the Glenlivet scheme for the development of Sheffield airport will be carried out by the Sheffield development corporation.

  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has about the funding arrangement for the development of an airport at Tinsley, Sheffield, by Glenlivet. [24417]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  We will wish to be assured that adequate funding will be available to secure the project.

  Opencasting, Tinsley
  Mr. Betts
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he became aware of the transfer of the opencast contract at Tinsley, Sheffield to RJB Mining; when he was officially informed of it; and when he approved it. [24411]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  My Department became aware of the proposed transfer of the opencast contract at Tinsley to RJB Mining in December 1991 when informed by Sheffield development corporation. As set out in my answer to the hon. Member on 9 May,Official Report, column 421, no approval was required.

  Security Facilities Executive
  Mr. Mans
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what targets he has set for the Security Facilities Agency for 1995–96. [24707]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  For 1995–96, the agency has been set the following targets. They require the agency to make further improvements in its performance particularly in the quality of the service it delivers, with the exceptions 182
  of the targets for surplus and sales turnover, where a marginal reduction on the previous year acknowledges the reducing need for expenditure on security.

  Category

  Measure

  Target

  Financial

  Cost recovery in accruals terms

  100 per cent. Cost recovery including 6 per cent. cost of capital

  Outturn on the vote

  A surplus of £1 million

  Outturn on net running costs

  Break even

  Sales

  Sales turnover

  Turnover of £40 million

  Efficiency

  Unit costs

  2 per cent. reduction in real terms

  Quality of service1

  Customer surveys

  90 per cent. satisfaction rating

  Management

  Achieve and maintain ISO9000 standard on quality management systems

  Environmental

  Management

  Achieve BS7750 standard on environmental management systems

  Vehicle fuel efficiency

  Annual average of 25 mpg for GCS and IDS fleets

  1 The quality of service target in addition to requiring an overall 90 per cent. satisfaction rating in customer surveys, comprises also a number of separate targets applying to different ways to each part of the agency's business, viz:

  Notes:

  1. Government car service—90 per cent. customer satisfaction targets for driver appearance, punctuality, driving standards, vehicle presentation; at least 70 per cent. of pool service calls to be met by in-house drivers; all customers to be visited at least once a year to review delivery and needs.

  2. Inter-dispatch service—To implement service enhancements resulting from the service's market test, and implement new performance measuring systems; both by June 1995.

  3. Special Services Group-security furniture—To keep within 90 per cent. of approved project timetables and estimates; deliver 98 per cent. of SFS standard items within 15 days.

  4. Custody service—To achieve a monthly target of 99.5 per cent productive hours as percentage of total hours; a nil target for entry violations; have at least yearly liaison visits to customers; improve image with new uniforms and conduct code.

  Wind Farms
  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many wind farms are currently operating in each county in England. [24510]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The information requested is as follows:

  County

  Number of wind farms

  Cornwall

  6

  Cumbria

  3

  Lancashire

  2

  Norfolk

  1

  Northumberland

  1

  South Yorkshire

  1

  North Yorkshire

  1

  West Yorkshire

  1

  Mr. Hutton
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many planning decisions for wind
  183
  farms were overturned after an appeal by his Department in each of the last 10 years; [24511]

  (2) how many planning applications for wind farms were (a) granted or (b) rejected in each county in England in each of the last 10 years. [24512]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  This information is not kept centrally and would be obtainable only at a disproportionate cost.

  Middlesbrough Football Club
  Mr. Devlin
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assistance was given to Middlesbrough football club by the Teesside development corporation in respect of its new stadium. [24675]

  Sir Paul Beresford
  The Teesside development corporation has provided no direct assistance to the football club in regard to its new stadium. The corporation is actively promoting access improvements, site preparation and reclamation of the overall Middlehaven site, part of which is occupied by the football club, in order to encourage the economic regeneration of the former dock area.

  North Sea Conference
  Mr. Tyler
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he will be making concerning protection of the marine environment at the North sea, ministerial conference on 8 and 9 June. [24524]

  Dr. Spink
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what will be his policy objectives for the fourth North sea conference on 8 and 9 June. [24808]

  Mr. Gummer
  I have placed in the Library a statement of the policy objectives of the United Kingdom for the fourth international conference on the protection of the North sea. The topics which we expect to be discussed, and the main points that the United Kingdom would wish to achieve, are:

  (a) protection of species and habitats: action on the protection of wildlife outside territorial waters, which, with the protection inside territorial waters already offered by the EC birds and habitats directives, will constitute a comprehensive strategy for this purpose;

  (b) fisheries: getting the European Commission to propose measures to control over-fishing, especially in industrial fisheries, and to carry out more research into the effects of industrial fisheries and how to regulate them;

  (c) prevention of pollution by hazardous substances: a practical approach built on the concept of sustainable development and the precautionary principle, which aims for goals that are capable of being achieved; and agreement on the urgent need for internationally coordinated research to improve our knowledge of the possible effects of some chemicals on reproductive systems;

  (d) further eduction of nutrient inputs to the North sea: bearing in mind that the United Kingdom does not contribute to problems in, eg, the German bight and the Kateggat, strategies that are aimed at solving the problems actually faced by different countries; these should address, where appropriate, the problems of agricultural run-off, particularly where this results from unsustainable agriculture supported by feed from industrial fishing;

  (e) the prevention of pollution from shipping: the need to complete the international framework—for example, ratifying conventions already agreed and completing a
  184
  hazardous and noxious substance convention—and effective enforcement by flag, coastal and port sates;

  (f) the prevention of pollution from offshore installations: commitment to agreeing, if possible by 1996, a harmonised mandatory control scheme for chemicals used and discharged offshore; there is not need for further action on the abandonment of oil rigs, since we have a recent international convention which provides for case-by-case decisions;

  (g) radioactive substances; the need for commitment by the North sea states who are not members of the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency to the safety fundamentals for radioactive waste recently adopted by the board, and support for the IAEA process aimed at a global convention on radioactive waste management;

  (h) future co-operation: acceptance of Norway's generous offer to host a fifth North sea conference in 2000–2002, and to link this much more closely with the work of the convention for the protection of marine environment of the north-east Atlantic, the OSPAR convention.

  Crime
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the single regeneration budget since 1994 has gone into projects aimed at tackling crime. [22836]

  Sir Paul Bersford
  [holding answer 10 May 1995]: The single regeneration budget encompasses 20 programmes from four Departments and tackling crime is a key objective of many of the funded projects. For example, city challenge partnerships, estate action schemes and task forces all tackle crime, or the causes of crime, as part of their regeneration strategies. Because the SRB takes an integrated approach to regeneration, it is not possible to sensibly apportion costs to individual scheme objectives, such as crime prevention, but the estimated total expenditure on SRB programmes in 1994–95 was £1.45 billions. It is expected that substantial funding will be directed to projects aimed at tackling crime through the SRB challenge fund.

  The safer cities programme, which is directly aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime, spent £2 million in 1994–95.

HOME DEPARTMENT

  Police Authorities
  Mr. Morley
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if an independent member of a police authority has to resign immediately if elected to a new shadow unitary authority; and whether that person may continue to serve on the police authority until the vesting date. [24732]

  Mr. Maclean
  The interpretation of the law is a matter for the courts. Nevertheless, in our view a new shadow authority becomes a council for a district only when it assumes full powers on re-organisation date. If this view is shared by the courts, then an independent member of a police authority who is elected to a new shadow authority may continue to serve on the police authority until the date on which full powers are assumed by the new authority.

  Asylum Seekers
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a breakdown of the number of applications for asylum since 1 January by location of application. [23799]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  During the period 1 January 1995 to 30 April 1995, 12,720 applications were made for asylum in the United Kingdom. Of these, 3,910 were port applications and 8,810 were applications made after entry into the United Kingdom.

  Decisions(1) on applications(1) received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, 1 January 1994 to 30 April 1995

  Number of principal applicants

  Total decisions2

  Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum

  Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave

  Total refused

  Refused asylum and exceptional leave after full consideration

  Refused on safe third country grounds3

  Refused under para. 340 of Immigration Rules4

  1994

  January

  1,245

  45

  245

  955

  740

  100

  120

  February

  1,430

  80

  245

  1,110

  925

  60

  130

  March

  1,685

  55

  240

  1,390

  1,195

  85

  110

  April

  1,300

  35

  230

  1,040

  785

  125

  130

  May

  1,915

  110

  370

  1,435

  1,100

  85

  250

  June

  1,780

  60

  350

  1,365

  1,125

  35

  205

  July

  1,835

  85

  245

  1,505

  1,185

  35

  285

  August

  1,985

  75

  265

  1,645

  1,115

  50

  485

  September

  1,950

  55

  355

  1,540

  1,045

  55

  440

  October

  2,170

  90

  415

  1,660

  1,220

  75

  365

  November

  2,185

  70

  425

  1,690

  1,315

  85

  290

  December

  1,500

  65

  275

  1,160

  905

  85

  175

  Total

  20,990

  825

  3,660

  16,500

  12,655

  865

  2,985

  1995

  January

  2,450

  130

  435

  1,885

  1,435

  145

  305

  February

  2,385

  155

  570

  1,665

  1,275

  100

  290

  March

  2,515

  135

  525

  1,855

  1,525

  120

  210

  April

  1,965

  65

  470

  1,430

  1,195

  75

  160

  Total

  9,315

  480

  2,000

  6,830

  5,425

  440

  965

  Notes:

  1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5.

  2 Information is of initial determination decisions, excluding the outcome of appeals or other subsequent decisions.

  3 Refusals on the grounds that the applicant had arrived from safe third country.

  4 Refusals under para 340 (para 180F prior to 1 October 1994 and para 101 prior to 26 July 1993) of the Immigration Rules for failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period.

  Source:

  S3 Division

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a breakdown of the number of asylum seekers currently detained under Immigration Act powers by(a) nationality, (b) gender, (c) length of detention, (d) place of detention and (e) immigration status at the time of application. [23801]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  As at 10 May 1995, a total of 646 persons who had at some stage sought asylum were detained. This figure includes people awaiting the setting of directions for removal following refusal of the application, as well as those whose applications were under consideration or subject to appeal. Of this figures, 152 had been in detention less than one month, 166 between one and two months, 225 between two and six
  186
  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for asylum have been determined in each month since 1 January 1994; for each month, in how many cases the applicant was granted asylum; in how many cases the applicant was granted exceptional leave to remain; in how many cases the applicant was refused under paragraph 340 of the immigration rules; and in how many cases the application was refused under paragraph 345 of the immigration rules. [23800]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Information on decisions made on asylum applications, by month, since January 1994 is given in the table.

  months, and 103 had been in detention longer than six months.

  Information on the gender, immigration status, nationality and location of those detained, as at 10 May 1995, is provided in tables 1 to 3.

  Table 1: Number of people detained on 10 May 1995 who had sought asylum, by immigration status and gender

  Immigration Status

  Male

  Female

  Total

  Port case

  294

  29

  323

  Illegal entrant case

  253

  16

  269

  Deportation case

  49

  5

  54

  Total

  596

  50

  646

  187

  Table 2: Number of people detained on 10 May 1995 who had sought asylum, by nationality

  Country

  Number

  Albania

  8

  Algeria

  65

  Angola

  6

  Bangladesh

  19

  Cameroon

  1

  China

  76

  Colombia

  8

  Cyprus

  7

  Czech Republic

  1

  Dominica

  1

  Ecuador

  3

  Egypt

  2

  Eritrea

  1

  Ethiopia

  1

  Gambia

  5

  Georgia

  5

  Ghana

  65

  India

  84

  Iran

  8

  Ivory Coast

  4

  Jamaica

  5

  Kenya

  3

  Lebanon

  3

  Liberia

  3

  Libya

  4

  Mauritius

  2

  Morocco

  9

  Nigeria

  108

  Pakistan

  29

  Phillippines

  1

  Poland

  3

  Romania

  7

  Russia

  5

  Sierra Leone

  5

  Sri Lanka

  20

  South Africa

  1

  Sudan

  5

  Tanzania

  1

  Trinidad and Tobago

  2

  Tunisia

  1

  Turkey

  30

  Uganda

  3

  Former Yugoslavia

  11

  Zaire

  10

  Zambia

  1

  Nationality not known

  4

  Total

  646

  Table 3: Number of persons detained who have claimed asylum as at 10 May 1995, by place of detention

  Place of detention

  Number detained

  Prisons

  HMP Haslar

  93

  HMP Rochester

  36

  HMP Winson Green

  32

  HMP Greenock

  14

  HMP Manchester

  12

  HMP Wormwood Scrubs

  7

  HMP Exeter

  5

  HMP Wandsworth

  5

  HMP Horfield, Bristol

  4

  HMP Belmarsh

  3

  HMP Brinsford

  3

  HMP Brixton

  3

  Other HMP Prisons

  23

  188

  Table 3: Number of persons detained who have claimed asylum as at 10 May 1995 by places of detention

  Place of detention

  Number detained

  Other places of detention

  Campsfield House

  145

  Harmondsworth

  80

  Police Cells

  42

  Gatwick Detention Centre

  38

  Dover Harbour Board

  18

  Queens Building

  14

  Newhaven

  12

  Stansted

  8

  Manchester Airport Detention Suite

  4

  Other1

  45

  Total

  646

  1 Includes Immigration Service detention centres, police cells and HM prisons

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been removed to the Netherlands on safe third country grounds since 26 July 1993, and how many of those removed have been returned to the United Kingdom by the Dutch authorities. [23802]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  Seventy-one persons who had been refused asylum in the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds have been removed to the Netherlands since 26 July 1993. Of these, 11 have been returned to the United Kingdom.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a breakdown by nationality of the number of asylum seekers removed from the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds since 1 January. [23803]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  A list of nationalities removed from the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds is given in the table.

  Table 1: Number of persons who had sought asylum who have been removed from the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds, by nationality, between 1 January—to 10 May 1995

  Number

  Algeria

  18

  Romania

  11

  China

  9

  Poland

  8

  Nigeria

  6

  Ghana

  5

  Afghanistan

  4

  Iran

  4

  Sri Lanka

  4

  Zaire

  4

  Lebanon

  3

  Pakistan

  3

  Somalia

  3

  Turkey

  3

  Bangladesh

  2

  Cameroon

  2

  Iraq

  2

  Ivory Coast

  2

  South Africa

  2

  Yugoslavia

  2

  Albania

  1

  Colombia

  1

  189

  Table 1: Number of persons who had sought asylum who have been removed from the United Kingdom on safe third country grounds, by nationality, between 1 January—to 10 May 1995

  Number

  Ecuador

  1

  Eritrea

  1

  Ethiopia

  1

  Israel

  1

  Kenya

  1

  Liberia

  1

  Morocco

  1

  Russia

  1

  Rwanda

  1

  Uganda

  1

  Total

  109

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been removed to other countries in the last two years; to which countries they have been returned; and how many of those so removed have been returned to the United Kingdom by the authorities of those countries. [23804]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  A total of 824 persons who had been refused asylum were removed on safe third country grounds in 1993 and 1994. Information on the number of persons returned to specific countries and the number returned to the United Kingdom from these countries is not available for 1993 and 1994.

  Wheel Clamping
  Mr. Corbett
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultations he has had with West Midlands police during his review of the practice of wheel clamping on private land. [24513]

  Mr. Maclean
  The police service, via the Association of Chief Police Officers, has provided an assessment of the current extent of the problems associated with wheel clamping on private land and the practicality of the various proposals to overcome those problems. I understand that the West Midlands police have contributed to providing that ACPO view.

  Passports
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will establish a computer system on which all lost or stolen passports can be recorded. [24615]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  The United Kingdom computerised passport issuing system has been in operation since 1988 and has the facility to record machine-readable passports that have been reported lost or stolen.

  Probation Areas, Wales
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes he plans to make to the boundaries of the probation areas of Mid-Glamorgan and Gwent following the creation of the new unitary authority of Caerphilly. [24871]

  Mr. Nicholas Baker
  I propose to make a combined probation areas order under the Probation Services Act 1993 altering the boundary between the probation areas 190
  of Gwent and Mid-Glamorgan, subject to consultation with the justices concerned and other interested parties. The order would involve combining the petty sessions divisions within the unitary authority Caerphilly with those in the existing probation area of Gwent, and withdrawing the corresponding divisions from the Mid-Glamorgan probation area, with effect from 1 April 1996. Subject to the views of consultees, I believe that this outcome would promote the effective and efficient provision of probation services in South Wales and their co-ordination with other criminal justice services.

  Review Group on Appropriate Adults
  Mr. Hendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the findings of the review group on appropriate adults; and if he will make a statement. [24872]

  Mr. Maclean
  The review group reported its findings on 1 May and I have placed a copy of its report in the Library. Copies will also be sent to interested organisations for its comments. The Government will consider the recommendations made by the review group in the light of any further comments received on its findings.

  Criminal Injuries Compensation
  Mr. Khabra
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the total legal costs of defending the Government's tariff scheme for criminal injuries compensation in the courts up to and including the House of Lords. [23617]

  Mr. Maclean
  The full costs are unlikely to be known for some time. The accounts settled to date have amounted to some £42,000.

  Mrs. Roche
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) police officers, (b) firefighters, (c) nurses and (d) shopworkers in each parliamentary constituency were awarded compensation for criminal injuries under the tariff scheme; and in each category how many were (i) women and (ii) received less money under the tariff scheme than they would have done under the old scheme. [23527]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 10 May 1995]: This information is not recorded centrally and could not be obtained without disproportionate cost.

  Football Restriction Orders
  Mr. Pendry
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many restriction orders made under section 15 of the Football Spectators Act 1989 were enforced with regard to the Arsenal versus Real Zaragoza football match in Paris on 10 May. [24395]

  Mr. Maclean
  None.

  MI5
  Mr. Mike O'Brien
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consideration he is giving to whether MI5 should take a lead role in work against drug trafficking or organised crime; [21735]

  (2) what consideration he is giving to legislation to change the functions of MI5; and if he will make a statement. [21736]
  191
  Mr. Howard
  The functions of the Security Service are set out in section 1 of the Security Service Act 1989. The Government has no plans to amend that legislation. If, however, resources were available to the Security Service and if, within their statutory functions, a useful role were identified for them in support of the police and other law enforcement agencies in their work to counter serious crime, I would be ready to consider such proposals.

  Race and Community Relations
  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many trainers from Bramshill have undergone training in race and community relations by the HOSSU. [24344]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: At present two trainers at the Police Staff College are graduates of courses provided by the Home Office specialist support unit.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what reports he has received from the Association of Chief Police Officers regarding the effectiveness of the training in race and community relations carried out by the HOSSU; [24347]

  (2) what representations he has received from the Association of Chief Police Officers regarding the training in race and community relations provided by the HOSSU. [24345]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: None. However, the work of the Home Office Specialist Support Unit is overseen by a Management Board on which ACPO is represented.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the ID codes for negroid types, including mulatto, octoroon, and quadroon have been removed from the pocket books issued to(a) Metropolitan police officers and (b) other forces; and if he will make a statement. [24342]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The provision of pocket books for police officers is a matter for chief officers. I understand that the pocket book issued to officers in the Metropolitan police service was updated in 1993 without these classifications. Some of the old books may remain in circulation but steps are being taken to replace them. I am not aware that the same classifications have been used in other forces.

  Race and Community Relations
  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who has been awarded the contract for the training of the police officers in race and community relations for 1995–96. [24351]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: Equalities Associates' contract to provide the Home Office specialist support unit for police community and race relations training was renewed, for a period of three years, in July last year.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) senior officers,
  192
  (b) trainers and (c) others in the Metropolitan police have been sent on the courses in race and community relations provided by the Home Office specialist support unit in each of the last six years; and how many still remain (i) in training at Hendon and (ii) in divisions in the Metropolitan police area. [24346]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that 13 senior officers have attended the HOSSU Training for managers course since its introduction in 1992. Seventy-three trainers have attended the six week race and community relations course since 1989. Of the 73 officers who have undergone the training, 15 are currently trainers at the Metropolitan police training school in Hendon. At least 37 trainers continue to have a training responsibility at a division or unit. No other officers have attended this six week course.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the standard of training provided by Equalities Associates Ltd; [24349]

  (2) if he will make a statement on the results of the latest HMI report on the work of the Home Office specialist support unit for the training of police officers in race relations; and if he will place a copy of the report in the Library. [24350]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answers 15 May 1995]: The work of the specialist support unit was inspected in 1991 by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary, supported by HMI (Schools) and an independent assessor.

  It was found that the provider of the unit, Equalities Associates, was meeting its contractual objectives, and recommendations aimed at further enhancing the effectiveness of the unit's contribution to police service training in community and race relations have been implemented.

  I have placed in the Library those parts of the assessment conducted by Her Majesty's inspectorate of constabulary.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made as to whether the police trainers who have undergone training in race and community relations are competent to train their fellow officers in these issues; and if he will make a statement. [24353]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: All police trainers are assessed on their competence to deliver training programmes, including those concerning community and race relations.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the amount by which the Home Office specialist support unit for the training of police officers in race and community relations, has been reduced for the year 1995–96; and what are the reasons for this budget reduction; [24348]

  (2) if (a) the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and (b) other chief constables for England, Wales and Scotland were consulted before the decision to reduce the budget of the HOSSU was taken; and what was (i) his and (ii) their response. [24446]
  193
  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answers 15 May 1995]: The funding of the unit this financial year is £39,000 less than in 1994–95. This reduction reflects public expenditure pressures and the terms of the new contract negotiated with the unit in July 1994.

  Issues of funding are discussed by the unit's management board, on which the Metropolitan police and the Association of Chief Police Officers are represented.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made whether all senior police officers have been sufficiently trained in race and community relations. [24352]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: All police officers, by the time they have attained a senior rank, will have received training in community and race relations matters. In addition to formal courses the Home Office provides an annual one-week seminar on this subject for senior officers; and steps are being taken with the Home Office specialist support unit to provide further support to senior officers in those forces serving major ethnic minority communities.

  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many police trainers who have undergone training in race and community relations are still working as trainers in the police force. [24343]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: It is for chief officers to allocate individual officers to appropriate duties. This information is not held centrally.

  Motor Vehicle Theft
  Mr. Robert Ainsworth
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 1 May,Official Report, column 96, what was the recorded number of notifiable offences of theft of motor vehicles in 1994. [24266]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The number of notifiable offences of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle, including aggravated vehicle taking, recorded by the police in England and Wales in 1994 was 534.7000.

  Year

  Primary

  Secondary1

  Expenditure per pupil £

  Expenditure per pupil at 1992–93 prices £

  Expenditure per pupil £

  Expenditure per pupil at 1992–93 prices £

  1979–80

  388

  924

  597

  1,442

  1980–81

  493

  993

  749

  1,508

  1981–82

  561

  1,030

  855

  1,570

  1982–83

  599

  1,027

  922

  1,580

  1983–84

  630

  1,032

  977

  1,600

  1984–85

  665

  1,037

  1,064

  1,659

  1985–86

  715

  1,057

  1,144

  1,691

  1986–87

  807

  1,158

  1,305

  1,873

  1987–88

  882

  1,202

  1,427

  1,944

  1988–89

  973

  1,243

  1,571

  2,006

  1989–90

  1,079

  1,288

  1,725

  2,059

  Long-handled Batons
  Mr. Bernie Grant
  To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been(a) injured and (b) killed by the new long-handled batons since their introduction; and what is their ethnicity according to police codes. [24341]

  Mr. Maclean
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: This information is not centrally available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

NORTHERN IRELAND

  Autism
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision is currently made within Northern Ireland for children with autism. [23601]

  Mr. Ancram
  It is the responsibility of the five education and library boards in Northern Ireland to make special educational provision for children with special educational needs, and this includes autistic children. Placements may be made in special schools, in special units attached to mainstream schools or in mainstream schools themselves. One board has established an advisory and support service for autistic children and their families.

  The Department of Health and Social Services will be providing grant-aid of £25,000 in 1995–96 to autism via the TEACCH programme, a multi-disciplinary project involving professionals from the fields of education and health and social services, now available at all schools for children with severe learning difficulties.

  Schools Expenditure
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the expenditure per(a) primary school and (b) primary school pupil in real and constant price terms in each year since 1979. [23382]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information requested in respect of primary and secondary school pupils is set out in the table for years 1979–80 to 1992–93, which is the latest year for which details are available:
  195

  Year

  Primary

  Secondary1

  Expenditure per pupil £

  Expenditure pupil at 1992–93 prices £

  Expenditure per pupil £

  Expenditure pupil at 1992–93 prices £

  1990–91

  1,186

  1,311

  1,859

  2,054

  1991–92

  1,285

  1,336

  2,053

  2,135

  1992–93

  1,408

  1,408

  2,195

  2,195

  Notes:

  1 Includes preparatory pupils at grammar schools.

  1. In the 1992–93 financial year there were 189,995 full-time equivalent pupils at primary schools, 3,659 at preparatory departments in grammar schools and 144,773 at secondary schools.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the expenditure per(a) primary school and (b) secondary school pupil in real and constant price terms in each year since 1979 excluding staff costs. [23384]

  Year

  Primary

  Secondary1

  Expenditure per pupil £

  Expenditure per pupil at 1992–93 prices £

  Expenditure pupil per pupil £

  Expenditure per at 1992–93 Prices £

  1979–80

  65

  155

  107

  255

  1980–81

  76

  153

  128

  258

  1981–82

  88

  162

  145

  266

  1982–83

  92

  158

  156

  267

  1983–84

  93

  152

  159

  260

  1984–85

  98

  153

  193

  301

  1985–86

  104

  154

  193

  285

  1986–87

  139

  199

  244

  350

  1987–88

  122

  166

  237

  323

  1988–89

  130

  166

  257

  328

  1989–90

  161

  192

  296

  353

  1990–91

  168

  186

  317

  350

  1991–92

  188

  195

  326

  339

  1992–93

  217

  217

  341

  341

  Notes:

  1 Includes preparatory pupils at grammar schools.

  1. In the 1992–93 financial year there were 189,995 full-time equivalent pupils at primary schools, 3,659 at preparatory departments in grammar schools and 144,773 at secondary schools.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the capital expenditure in real and constant price terms on(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in each year since 1979. [23383]

  Mr. Ancram
  Capital expenditure by education and library boards for each of the financial years from 1979–80 to 1992–93 is analysed by school sector in the statements and summary of the educational and library boards; accounts, Command 8143, 8508, 8816, 9225,

  Year

  Voluntary and grant-maintained integrated primary schools (including Nursery)

  Voluntary and grant-maintained integrated secondary schools

  Grants £ million

  1992–93 Prices £ million

  Grants £ million

  1992–93 Prices £ million

  1984–85

  1.983

  3.092

  4.072

  6.350

  1985–86

  2.457

  3.632

  3.809

  5.631

  1986–87

  3.064

  4.397

  4.860

  6.975

  1987–88

  2.294

  3.126

  8.268

  11.266

  1988–89

  3.497

  4.466

  11.148

  14.237

  1989–90

  4.389

  5.239

  14.229

  16.985

  196
  Mr. Ancram
  The information requested is set out in the table for years 1979–80 to 1992–93 which is the latest year for which details are available:

  9487, 9820, 255, 388, 690, 1105, 1531, 1977, 2249 and 2603, copies of which are available in the Library. The figures for 1993–94 will be published in July 1995.

  Capital grants paid by the Department of Education in respect of approved capital expenditure incurred by voluntary schools and grant-maintained integrated schools since 1984–85 are set out. Information in the form requested for the years 1979–80 to 1983–84 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
  197

  Year

  Voluntary and grant-maintained integrated primary schools (including Nursery)

  Voluntary and grant-maintained integrated secondary schools

  Grants £ million

  1992–93 Prices £ million

  Grants £ million

  1992–93 Prices £ million

  1990–91

  6.390

  7.062

  19.717

  21.790

  1991–92

  6.060

  6.301

  25.615

  26.635

  1992–93

  6.850

  6.850

  23.232

  23.232

  Higher Education
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to increase the inflow of students from outside Northern Ireland into higher education in Northern Ireland. [23392]

  Mr. Ancram
  None. Universities in Northern Ireland are autonomous and independent bodies and, as such, it is for them to set entry requirements and select students.

  Age participation index1

  Percentage

  1985–86

  1986–87

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–95

  1993–942

  19.2

  20.1

  21.0

  22.9

  25.6

  27.7

  29.2

  33.4

  36.4

  Notes:

  1 Does not include agricultural college or nursing college students or students attending institutions outside the United Kingdom.

  2 1993–94 figure is provisional.

  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of the appropriate age group has attained university entrance standards in each year since 1979. [23385]

  Mr. Ancram
  Entrance requirements to university vary enormously. As a general guide 2 A-levels or equivalent is often used as the standard entrance requirement. Figures on this basis are available only for 1991–92 and 1992–93,

  1979–80

  1980–81

  1981–82

  1982–83

  1983–84

  1984–85

  1985–86

  1986–87

  Primary

  23.8

  23.6

  23.5

  23.3

  23.4

  23.3

  23.4

  23.4

  Secondary

  15.3

  15.4

  15.4

  15.4

  15.3

  15.2

  15.0

  14.9

  1987–88

  1988–89

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  Primary

  23.5

  23.2

  23.2

  22.8

  22.6

  22.2

  21.6

  Secondary

  14.8

  14.8

  14.7

  14.7

  15.1

  15.2

  15.1

  Drugs White Paper
  Mr. Clifford Forsythe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he intends to publish a White Paper for Northern Ireland similar to the recent "Tackling Drugs Together" publication concerning England. [24674]

  Mr. Moss
  The Northern Ireland Committee on Drug Misuse, which advises the Department of Health and
  198
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of the appropriate age group has progressed to higher education in each year since 1979. [23391]

  Mr. Ancram
  The percentage of young people entering higher education is given by the age participation index—the number of full-time undergraduate new entrants aged under 21 expressed as a percentage of the 18-year-old population. The API is available only from 1985–86 onwards and the information is as follows:

  when 38.1 per cent. and 39.9 per cent. respectively of young people aged 21 or under had achieved this standard.

  Pupil-Teacher Ratios
  Mr. Worthington
  To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what has been the pupil-teacher ratio in(a) primary schools and (b) secondary schools in Northern Ireland in each year since 1979. [23602]

  Mr. Ancram
  The information is as follows:

  Social Services on issues relating to drug and solvent misuse, issued for consultation in March 1995 a draft policy statement on drug misuse. Following the consultation period, which ends on 31 May, the committee will submit a final draft to the Government for consideration as the basis of a policy framework for tackling drug misuse in Northern Ireland. The draft policy statement is designed to be consistent with the "Tackling Drugs Together" White Paper.

AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

  Trade Balance (Beer)
  Mr. Martyn Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the United Kingdom's trade balance for beer for the years(a) 1980, (b) 1985, (c)(d) 1994. [23270]

  Mr. Jack
  Official statistics for the United Kingdom's trade balance in beer made from malt, including ale, stout and porter, are shown in the table:

  Imports

  Exports

  Value (£000s) trade gap

  1980

  35,440

  19,000

  -16,440

  1985

  84,471

  42,490

  -41,981

  1990

  169,493

  80,854

  -88,639

  1994

  254,592

  173,449

  -81,143

  Notes:

  1. Because of differences in the valuation principles for imports and exports, the crude trade gap between them overstated the contribution of beer the deficit on visible trade in the balance of payment statistics.

  2. The above figures exclude trade by private persons.

  3. Data are provisional.

  Live Animal Exports
  Dr. Lynne Jones
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what checks have been made on the length of time calves are waiting in transporters at Baginton airport prior to being flown to Europe and on the implications for the maximum journey time limit without food and water. [23361]

  Mrs. Browning
  Arrangements have been made to check consignments of calves awaiting flights from Coventry airport to ensure that their welfare needs are being met. In circumstances where there is the possibility that the 15-hour rule could be breached because of delayed flights, officials have powers to intervene to prevent the journey continuing, and to order the calves to be returned to their premises of origin so as to arrive within 15 hours of the time their journey started.

  Meat Hygiene Service
  Sir Donald Thompson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will hold an annual meeting with representatives of the meat and livestock industries to review the performance of the Meat Hygiene Service. [24791]

  Mr. Waldegrave
  Yes. I intend to meet the members of the Meat Hygiene Service's industry forum to discuss the agency's performance as recorded in its annual report. The first annual report is likely to be available in mid-1996.

  Intervention Stores
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much(a) beef, (b) butter, (c) wine and (d) cheese is presently held in intervention stores in (i) the United Kingdom and (ii) the EC; how many days' supply this represents and what were the equivalent figures for the previous 12 months. [24287]

  Mr. Jack
  Tables showing levels of all produce held in intervention within the EU are placed in the House 200
  Library at regular intervals, most recently on 15 May. The information currently held in the House Library goes back to January 1985.

  Food Surpluses
  Mrs. Ann Winterton
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish a breakdown by type of foodstuff of the volumes and tonnage of surplus foodstuffs made available for(a) free distribution within member countries of the European Union and (b) overseas aid purposes in the most recent year for which figures are available and in each of the previous three years. [242298]

  Mr. Jack
  Details of the quantities of surplus food made available under Council regulation (EEC) 1035/72, on the common organisation of the market in fruit and vegetables, and Council regulation (EEC) 3730/87, on the supply of food from intervention stocks for distribution to the needy, for the most recent four years for which figures are available are given in the table.

  There is also provision under Commission regulation (EEC) 1501/83 for the disposal of fishery products which have been withdrawn from the market, including by distribution to the public. This option has not been used in the UK, where the usual method of disposal is for use as animal feed. Information is not available on methods of disposal in other member states.

  Produce made available under Council Regulation (EEC) 1035/72.

  (tonnes)

  1989–90

  1990–91

  1991–92

  1992–93

  Cauliflowers (1 May-30 April)

  1,095

  368

  852

  1,799

  Apricots (1 June-31 May)

  88

  8

  5

  24

  Nectarines (1 June-31 May)

  716

  298

  124

  364

  Peaches (1 June-31 May)

  4,438

  822

  438

  1,155

  Lemons (1 June-31 May)

  4,716

  285

  291

  618

  Tomatoes (11 June-10 June)

  50

  217

  205

  382

  Pears (1 July-30 June)

  51

  319

  66

  768

  Apples (1 August-31 July)

  6,090

  3,656

  293

  4,486

  Clementines/Mandarins (16 November-15 November)

  105

  384

  59

  274

  Oranges (1 December-30 November)

  9,766

  2,605

  7,467

  31,248

  Produce made available under Council Regulation (EEC) No3730/87

  (tonnes)

  11991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Common Wheat

  12,330

  11,530

  14,970

  14,950

  Durum Wheat

  42,200

  42,300

  49,850

  55,350

  Rice

  9,500

  10,500

  4,700

  4,700

  Olive Oil

  2,700

  4,700

  7,000

  9,000

  Milk Powder

  4,525

  4,425

  7,325

  8.800

  201

  Produce made available under Council Regulation (EEC) No 3730/87

  (tonnes)

  11991–92

  1992–93

  1993–94

  1994–95

  Butter

  15,125

  13,140

  9,455

  10,520

  Beef/Veal

  30,318

  34,915

  33,415

  34,950

  Cheese

  0

  500

  2,000

  2,300

  1 1 October to 30 September.

  In most cases, surplus foodstuffs are not suitable for use as food aid. Nevertheless, in 1992, 62,000 tonnes of wheat was released from intervention for famine relief in Somalia.

  In addition, since 1992 the EU food aid programme has provided 2.4 million tonnes of food for Africa, while the total value of humanitarian aid from the EU to Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia has now reached £251 million and £524 million respectively. In addition to contributing to these food aid packages, Britain has provided direct bilateral aid, including 450,000 tonnes of food to Africa since 1992 and £88 million worth of aid to the former Yugoslavia.

  Selenium
  Mr. Hain
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what recent studies have been undertaken by his Department on the consumption levels of selenium; what were the findings of those studies; to what extent the survey indicates that selenium consumption levels are meeting the recommended daily amount; if he intends to publish the results of the surveys; and if he will make a statement; [24164]

  (2) what is the current recommended daily amount of selenium which should be consumed for (a) adult men and (b) adult women; what steps have been taken to calculate the current actual average daily consumption of selenium by such adult men and women; and how he accounts for differences between the figures for recommended and actual consumption; [24165]

  (3) what is meant by the terms reference nutrient intake and lower reference nutrient intake; what are the amounts of those references in relation to selenium; and how those amounts compare with the actual amounts of selenium currently consumed by the adult population. [24167]

  Mrs. Browning
  The selenium content of foods was measured as part of the Ministry's total diet study in 1985 and 1991, and as a separate research project in 1994. The estimations of average intake based on these results are either 30–40µg/day or 50–60µg/day, depending on the method of analysis used. The most sensitive method leads to the higher estimate, but further research is planned to resolve this analytical uncertainty. The reports of these analytical studies have been published in the scientific press, or have been announced in the MAFF/DH Food Safety Information Bulletin and are available on request to the MAFF library.

  There is no recommended daily intake for selenium. The Department of Health's committee on medical aspects of food policy reported on dietary reference values1 in 1991, and gave a reference nutrient intake of 75µg/day for men and 60/µgday for women, and a lower reference nutrient intake of 40µg/day for both men and women. The RNI is the amount of a nutrient that is estimated to be enough, or more than enough, for about 97 per cent. of a population to fulfil the functional
  202
  criterion against which the RNI was set, which in this case is to maintain maximum glutathione peroxidase activity. The LRNI is the amount of a nutrient which is estimated to be sufficient for those in the population who have low needs. Populations with average selenium intakes above 20µg/day are not at risk of clinical adverse effects.
  1 Report on the Panel on Dietary Reference Values of the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy, Department of Health, HMSO, 1991.

  Surplus Wine
  Mr. Davidson
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to distribute the EC wine lake. [24498]

  Mr. Jack
  Responsibility for management of the EU wine regime rests with the European Commission. Surplus wine is distilled into alcohol. The United Kingdom Government support the Commission in its efforts to dispose of wine alcohol stocks at the best price available; sales are mainly to third countries for use in the fuel sector. The UK also supports the European Commission's aim to reform the EU wine regime so as to bring production into line with demand.

  Ochratoxin A
  Mr. Flynn
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects his Department's research into the possible toxic effects of ochratoxin A in coffee and other foods to be completed and published. [23793]

  Mrs. Browning
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: I refer the hon. member to my answer of 28 February 1995, Official Report, col. 481, for information on the MAFF-funded research and surveillance concerning the contamination of coffee by Ochratoxin A. In addition the results of surveys of other foodstuffs have been published in the "Food Safety Information Bulletin", September 1994 and January 1995 and in Food Surveillance Paper number 36, "Mycotoxins: Third Report." Copies are available in the Library. We are planning further work to increase our knowledge of UK dietary exposure to Ochratoxin A. This work is scheduled to be completed in 1998 and the results of any surveillance will be published in the usual manner in the bulletin.

  Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations his Department has made to the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the need for legislation to prevent the cloning of mobile telephones. [23469]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: The Department has made no representations to the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the need for legislation to prevent the cloning of mobile telephones.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what use his Department makes of hand-held and car-based mobile telephones; what were the costs for each financial year of these services since mobile telephones were first introduced to his Department; and how many mobile telephones are currently in use. [23456]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: The Ministry and its associated executive agencies have a large number of field officers providing service to food, farming and fishing interests. They are often working in isolated areas away from fixed telephones. In order that the service they
  203
  provide can be fast and efficient, these officers need to be able to make contact whatever their situation. Senior officers travel more frequently nowadays and they, too, make use of mobile telephones in order to keep in touch and respond quickly.

  Local management evaluate the business need and financial justification in order to decide who should be issued with mobile telephones. Financial, technical and procurement advice is available centrally.

  The Ministry's estimated costs for service rental, excluding VAT, are broken down into each financial year as follows:

  Financial year

  Service Rental (£)

  1 April 1990 to 31 March 1991

  8,640

  1 April 1991 to 31 March 1992

  45,630

  1 April 1992 to 31 March 1993

  96,120

  1 April 1993 to 31 March 1994

  222,480

  1 April 1994 to 31 March 1995

  379,620

  The costs for call charges are available centrally for financial year 1994–95 only:

  Financial Year

  Call Charges (£)

  1 April 1994–31 March 1995

  206,066

  The Ministry and its associated executive agencies currently have approximately 1,400 mobile phones.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what steps his department has taken to prevent the cloning of telephones being used by his Department; and if his Department has discussed this matter with any official agencies. [23452]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: We are aware of the risks of analogue mobile phones being cloned. For this reason, the Department has issued an advice note to all telecommunications managers which gives advice on the more secure nature of digital mobile phones over analogue. To minimise the potential cost of cloning, one of MAFF's largest agencies has instituted a blanket bar on the majority of their mobile phones on international and premium rate services which will prevent unauthorised calls to expensive numbers.

  Public Bodies
  Dr. Wright
  To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the executive non-departmental public bodies sponsored by his Department which are subject to(a) investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner, (b) scrutiny by the Audit Commission, (c) scrutiny by the National Audit Office, (d) statutory provision for open government, (e) performance indicators and (f) provisions under the citizens charter. [20651]

  Mr. Jack
  [holding answer 25 April 1995]: The Milk Development Council is currently being set up. The information required on other executive NDPBs is as follows:
  Subject to:

  (a)Investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner

  —Agricultural Wages Council

  (b) Scrutiny by the Audit Commission

  —None

  204

  (c) Scrutiny by the National Audit Office

  —Wine Standards Board of the Vintners' Company

  —Agricultural Wages Committees

  —Agricultural Wages Board

  —Regional Flood Defence Committees

  —Food From Britain

  —Sea Fish Industry Authority

  —Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

  —Horticulture Research International and access rights to the following bodies are under review

  —Home-Grown Cereals Authority—review of existing arrangements

  —Meat and Livestock Commission—review of existing arrangements

  —Horticultural Development Council

  —Apple and Pear Research Council

  (d) Statutory Provisions for Open Government

  —There are no statutory provisions for Open Government

  (e) Performance Indicators

  —Wine Standards Board of the Vintners' Company

  —Home-Grown Cereals Authority

  —Food From Britain

  —Sea Fish Industry Authority

  —Meat and Livestock Commission

  —Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

  —Horticulture Research International

  Discussions are in progress with

  —Horticultural Development Council

  —Apple and Pear Research Council

  (f) Provisions under the Citizens' Charter

  The following NDPBS have produced or are producing service statements

  —Home-Grown Cereals Authority

  —Meat and Livestock Commission

  —Sea Fish Industry Authority

  —Horticulture Research International

  —Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

  —Wine Standards Boards of the Vintners' Company

SOCIAL SECURITY

  Retirement Pension
  Mr. Dewar
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what state earnings-related pension would be received in the years 2010 and 2040 by(a) a man and (b) a woman both with a full national insurance contribution record and earning throughout (i) national average earnings, (ii) one and a half times average earnings, (iii) and half average earnings, using the assumptions used by the Government actuary in Cm. 2714, "Report on the Financial Provisions of the Pension Bill on the National Insurance Fund," before the changes to SERPs introduced in 1988, under the present scheme and on the assumption that the changes in the Pensions Bill, as introduced in the House of Lords, are implemented in full. [22449]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  The information is in the table.

  1995–96 prices £s per week

  Pre-1988 changes

  Present

  Proposed

  Male: retiring in 2010–11

  Average earnings

  87.90

  75.30

  71.60

  1.5 average earnings

  128.40

  102.90

  99.30

  0.5 average earnings

  36.90

  31.60

  27.90

  205

  1995–96 prices £s per week

  Pre-1988 changes

  Present

  Proposed

  Female: retiring in 2010–11

  Average earnings

  87.90

  75.30

  71.60

  1.5 average earnings

  128.40

  102.90

  99.30

  0.5 average earnings

  36.90

  31.60

  27.90

  Male: retiring in 2040–41

  Average earnings

  144.60

  102.70

  97.50

  1.5 average earnings

  173.60

  112.10

  107.00

  0.5 average earnings

  65.30

  52.20

  47.00

  Female: retiring in 2040–41

  Average earnings

  143.70

  101.20

  97.50

  1.5 average earnings

  160.10

  107.10

  107.00

  0.5 average earnings

  65.30

  52.20

  47.00

  Notes:

  1. Pensioners are assumed to retire in the tax years 2010–11 and 2040–41. Under the proposed scheme State pension age for women in 2010–11 will be between 60 years and 1 month and 60 years and 6 months, and in 2040–41 it will be 65. In all other schemes it will be 60.

  2. Future real earnings growth is assumed to be 1.5 per cent. perannum.

  3. The pre-1988 amounts are based on the best 20 years of revalued earnings.

  4. The earnings figures used are national, all adult full-time average earnings.

  Benefits Agency Framework Document
  Mr. Waterson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to his answer of 29 March,Official Report, column 687, when the revised Benefits Agency framework document is to be published. [24837]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The revised Benefits Agency framework document has been published today, and a copy has been placed in the Library.

  Mortgage Interest
  Mr. David Nicholson
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many claimants of income support for mortgage interest currently receive assistance with loans taken out to facilitate improvements to a property which are reasonable in the circumstances, as set out in paragraph 8, schedule 3 to the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987; [24677]

  (2) how many claimants of income support for mortgage interest currently receive assistance under the deserted partner rule as set out in paragraph 7, schedule 3 to the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987; [24676]

  (3) how many claimants of income support for mortgage interest currently receive assistance (a) to pay the interest on arrears which have accrued during the first 16 weeks of a claim when only 50 per cent. of the eligible interest is payable, (b) to pay the interest on arrears where a mortgage has a deferred interest payment arrangement for at least a two-year period, (c) where other arrears of mortgage payments have accrued and a standard amount of £2.35 per week is deducted from the claimant's entitlement to income support and (d) the total expenditure in each of these areas. [24678]
  206
  Mr. Roger Evans
  A total of 135,000 income support claimants have an amount deducted from their benefit and paid to their lender to help with the clearing of mortgage interest arrears. This does not involve any additional expenditure on income support. The other information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

  Source:

  Income Support Statistics Quarterly Enquiry, May 1994.

  Note:

  The figure has been rounded to the nearest thousand.

  Fraud
  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many officials in his Department have been(a) suspended, (b) disciplined, (c) dismissed and (d) prosecuted for each of the last 30 years for irregularities in connection with benefit fraud from which they or their associates have gained; [24612]

  (2) how many officials working on the departmental central index have been (a) suspended, (b) disciplined, (c) dismissed and (d) prosecuted for each of the last 30 years for irregularities in connection with benefit fraud from which they or their associates have gained. [24613]

  Mr. Arbuthnot
  This information is not available in the form requested and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Benefit fraud by staff is treated very seriously, resulting in dismissal and prosecution when proven. A total of 34 staff have been prosecuted for matters relating to benefit fraud since 1 April 1994; it is not possible to say how many of these had access to the departmental central index. I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave him on 8 March,Official Report, columns 693ߝ94.

  Mr. Frank Field
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list those local authorities who use(a) auditors and (b) specialist trained fraud investigators to investigate housing benefit fraud; and if he will detail each authority and the total number of staff who have been employed for each of the last 10 years. [24614]

  Mr. Roger Evans
  The information requested is not available.

  Family Credit
  Mr. Bradley
  To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proportion of(a) new family credit claims and (b) renewal family credit claims are being processed within one week, four weeks, six weeks, eight weeks and longer than eight weeks. [23623]

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

  Letter from Ian Magee to Mr. Keith Bradley, dated 15 May 1995:
  The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the clearance times of new and renewal claims to Family Credit.
  The table below details the information you have requested. Such figures are produced on a monthly basis and I have therefore provided information for the month ending 30 April 1995 which is the latest full month available. For the purposes of this question, one week has been calculated as 5 working days.

  207

  Percentage

  1 week (1–5 days

  4 weeks (6–20 days)

  6 weeks (21–30 days)

  8 weeks (31–40 days)

  Over 8 weeks (41+ days)

  New claims

  46.65

  40.34

  8.08

  3.01

  1.92

  Renewal claims

  45.92

  44.6

  646

  1.88

  1.14

  The Family Credit Unit is currently operating a pilot section, introduced during April 1995, which is processing new claims from customers who have not previously claimed Family Credit. The pilot section accepts new (first-time) claims from one of the ten operational areas that process claims within the Family Credit Unit. These claims can be from customers who have recently started work but have not used the Fast Track service available through the Employment Service, had a change of hours and earnings, or have simply not previously claimed Family Credit.
  A claim form is submitted and any additional information required is, wherever possible, taken over the telephone which allows the claims to be processed more quickly. A verification exercise is then conducted on a sample of the claims where telephone evidence has been accepted. Figures for the month ending 30 April showed that 97.5% of customers using this system had their claim decided in 5 working days.
  I hope you find this reply helpful.

SCOTLAND

  Chernobyl
  Mr. Llew Smith
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total compensation paid to farmers for loss of earnings and clean-up of radioactive contamination of Scottish farms arising from the fallout from the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. [22025]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The sheep compensation scheme was introduced in July 1986 to compensate farmers whose enterprises had been disrupted as a result of statutory movement and slaughter restrictions following the Chernobyl accident. The total paid out under the scheme in Scotland up to the end of March 1995 was £2,491,842.

  Drumkinnon Bay
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what direct representations the Minister with responsibility for industry and local government received in writing or in person from Drumkinnon Development Company Ltd. or any associated companies regarding the latter's negotiations with Dumbarton district council and its subsequent sale of land to Dumbartonshire Enterprise. [23057]

  Mr. Kynoch
  Neither I nor my predecessor received any representation from Drumkinnon Development Company Ltd. or any associated company on the matter to which the question refers, although the Scottish Office Environment Department was approached by agents of the Drumkinnon Development Company Ltd. in support of a request from Dumbarton district council that the decision on the planning appeal should be deferred for an additional month to allow the discussions between the district council and the Drumkinnon Development Company Ltd. to be completed.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the Minister with responsibility for industry 208
  and local government was informed of Dumbartonshire Enterprise's interest in the acquisition of Drumkinnon bay from the Drumkinnon Development Company. [23059]

  Mr. Kynoch
  I first learned of Dumbartonshire Enterprise's interest in the acquisition on 8 March 1995.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) on what date the Drumkinnon Development Company approached Dumbartonshire Enterprise to negotiate the purchase by the latter of Drumkinnon bay, Balloch; [23060]

  (2) what information the Drumkinnon Development Company provided to Dumbartonshire Enterprise regarding the original price paid by the former for the land eventually acquired by the latter at Drumkinnon bay; [23054]

  (3) what is the name of the company employed by Dumbartonshire Enterprise which assessed the value of the Drumkinnon bay site at £2.743 million; and what was the date of this assessment; [23061]

  (4) when the Scottish Enterprise Board agreed in principle to allow Dumbartonshire Enterprise to acquire Drumkinnon bay from the developers. [23063]

  Mr. Kynoch
  This is an operational matter for Scottish Enterprise. I have asked its chairman to write to the hon. Member.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he became aware of Dumbartonshire Enterprise's interest in acquiring Drumkinnon bay from the developers. [23062]

  Mr. Kynoch
  My right hon. Friend became aware of Dumbartonshire Enterprise's interest in the acquisition on 8 March 1995.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Sctoland what ministerial discussions took place either with Scottish Enterprise or Dumbartonshire Enterprise regarding the acquisition of Drumkinnon bay by the latter; and on what date ministerial consent was given. [23056]

  Mr. Kynoch
  No such discussions took place. Ministerial consent was not required in this case and no request for such consent was made.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the involvement of Dumbartonshire Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise in written or oral communication with the Minister with responsibility for industry and local government on the subject of the development at Drumkinnon bay. [23058]

  Mr. Kynoch
  There has been no written or oral communication between me or my predecessor and Dumbartonshire Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise on the subject of the development at Drumkinnon bay.

  Scottish Enterprise
  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what(a) formal or (b) informal reporting mechanisms operate to ensure that Scottish Enterprise is made aware of developments being undertaken by local enterprise councils which involve projects greater than £250,000; and how and to whom these are communicated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise to the Industry Department. [23064]

  Mr. Kynoch
  A local enterprise company is required by its operating contract to refer to Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise proposals which wouldinvolve expenditure in excess of specified delegated
  209
  limits. The amounts of these limits vary according to the nature and purpose of the proposed expenditure, but expenditure exceeding £250,000 in any of the categories would require to be referred to Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise as appropriate.

  Similarly, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are required to refer to the Secretary of State proposals which would involve expenditure in excess of certain limits, although these limits are generally higher than those which apply to local enterprise companies. Again, the amounts of the limits vary according to the nature and purpose of the proposed expenditure, but are for the most part set at amounts above £250,000. Cases involving property acquisition have to be referred to my right hon. Friend if the expenditure involved exceeds £5 million.

  Mr. McFall
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the project capital threshold expended by either Dumbartonshire Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise above which the Minister with responsibility for industry and local government is consulted.

  Mr. Kynoch
  The delegated authorities which apply to the Scottish Enterprise network vary according to the nature and purpose of the proposed expenditure. Cases involving property acquisition have to be referred to my right hon. Friend if the expenditure involved exceeds £5 million.

  Forestry Commission
  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total revenue derived from Forestry Commission woodland disposals for each year since 1981 in(a) England, (b) Wales and (c) Scotland. [23402]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The information is as follows:

  £000s

  Year ended 31 March

  England

  Wales

  Scotland

  19821

  8.9

  2.2

  13.6

  19831

  8.9

  2.2

  13.6

  19841

  8.9

  2.2

  13.6

  1985

  9.2

  2.4

  3.7

  1986

  4.3

  2.2

  3.1

  1987

  4.1

  1.6

  2.6

  1988

  4.4

  0.9

  1.5

  1989

  1.9

  1.5

  1.6

  1990

  2.8

  1.8

  2.4

  1991

  2.8

  2.0

  2.3

  1992

  2.2

  2.2

  4.8

  1993

  1.6

  1.2

  2.3

  1994

  2.0

  1.7

  9.7

  19952

  2.2

  2.3

  3.6

  1 Annual records are not available for this period.

  2 Provisional.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the estimated targets in terms of(a) hectarage and (b) revenue for the disposal of Forestry Commission woodlands after 2000 in (i) England, (ii) Wales and (iii) Scotland. [23404]

  Sir Hector Monro
  No decisions have been taken on the Forestry Commission's disposals programme beyond the year 2000.

  Mr. Tipping
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list by county in respect of England and Wales and region in respect of Scotland the name 210
  and hectarage of Forestry Commission woodlands that are currently for sale. [23401]

  Sir Hector Monro
  The following Forestry Commission woodlands are currently for sale on the open market:

  County/Region

  Name of Property

  Area (hectares)

  England

  Cambridgeshire

  Langley High Wood

  49

  Cornwall

  Hay Wood

  54

  Port Elliot, Pathada, Perdredda

  95

  Treworgey Wood

  17

  Cumbria

  Black Knors

  25

  Derbyshire

  Moorhall Wood

  8

  Devon

  Bedpark

  8

  Hawkmoor

  22

  Durham

  Campville

  30

  Stanley Wood Cottages

  31

  Essex

  Audley End Estate

  57

  Humberside

  Greenwickdale Wood

  37

  Isle of Wight

  Grammars Common

  17

  Timber Copse

  8

  Leicestershire

  Bolt Wood

  27

  Lincolnshire

  Hum Wood

  9

  Shropshire

  Coed Detton

  14

  Somerset

  Higher Bitcombe

  30

  South Yorkshire

  Greensprings Wood

  12

  Old Park Wood

  41

  Owston and Duck Holt Woods

  66

  Scotland

  Borders

  Edgarhope

  143

  Spottiswoode

  191

  Dumfries and Galloway

  Glaik

  62

  Grampian

  Aquharney

  128

  Auchinroath

  62

  Glenbuchat

  539

  Greenness

  115

  Longhill (part)

  120

  New Pitsligo

  42

  Highland

  Abriachan

  865

  Achandounie Woods

  39

  Achrugan

  59

  Ardelve

  26

  Duisky

  89

  Garvan, North

  112

  Garvan, South

  183

  Loch Ashie

  437

  Lundavra

  148

  New Kelso

  43

  Strathclyde

  Daljarrock

  51

  Docherneil

  83

  Glenmard

  56

  Tayside

  Camusericht

  295

  Dalguise (part)

  7

  Upper Glenprosen

  230

  Wales

  Clwyd

  Coed Melyn Y Moch

  12

  Fron Plantation

  5

  Gwernto

  15

  Nurse Gwern Y Coed

  5

  Tan Y Fron Woodland

  3

  Trevor Hall Wood

  22

  Dyfed

  Allt Cil y Llyn Fawr

  3

  Cilflower Wood

  5

  Cynheidre Uchaf

  24

  Glan Teifi Wood

  2

  Llwyn Y Gwair

  13

  Pant Eynon and Allt y Forlan

  29

  Pencwmfawr

  9

  Penhill Wood

  4

  211

  County/Region

  Name of Property

  Area (hectares)

  Rhos Rhiwlas Isaf

  5

  Ty'r Shyme

  6

  Gwent

  Coed Chambers

  6

  Gwynedd

  Aberdunant (part)

  16

  Coed Ty Uchaf

  14

  Rhiwbach and Tyddyn Bach

  106

  Mid Glamorgan

  Bryncarnau

  23

  Powys

  Gilfach

  9

  West Glamorgan

  Bryn Wicket

  33

  Graig Ynysgollen

  10

  Nant Y Stalwyn

  44

  NHS Appointments
  Mr. McMaster
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the(a) name, (b) place of residence, (c) date of appointment and (d) honorarium of the chairman, vice-chairman and members of (i) Argyll and Clyde health board, (ii) the Royal Alexandra hospital trust and (iii) Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS trust. [24105]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The information requested is as follows:

  Argyll and Clyde Health Board

  Residence

  Date of appointment

  Remuneration £

  Chairman

  Mr. Malcolm Jones

  Helensburgh

  1 January 1995

  17,700

  Non-Executive Members

  Mrs. Elizabeth Lander (Vice-Chairman)

  Kilmacolm

  1 April 1995

  5,000

  Mrs. Sheenah Nelson

  Balloch

  1 April 1993

  5,000

  Mr. Ian Macdonald

  Paisley

  7 March 1994

  5,000

  Mr. Robert

  Rothesay Anderson

  1 April 1995

  5,000

  Miss Moira Leitch

  Islay

  1 April 1995

  5,000

  Mr. John Mullin

  Paisley

  1 April 1995

  5,000

  Royal Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  Residence

  Date of appointment

  Remuneration £

  Chairman

  Mr. Tom Gibson

  Paisley

  1 January 1993

  17,145

  Non-Executive Directors

  Mrs. Audrey Burns

  Houston

  1 January 1993

  5,000

  Mrs. Marion Ford

  Paisley

  1 January 1993

  5,000

  Mr. Alec MacDonald Gaunt

  Paisley

  1 January 1993

  5,000

  Mr. George Murray

  Paisley

  1 January 1993

  5,000

  212

  Royal Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

  Residence

  Date of appointment

  Remuneration £

  Mr. Allan Durward

  Bridge of Weir

  1 January 1993

  5,000

  Renfrewshire Healthcare NHS Trust

  Residence

  Date of appointment

  Remuneration £

  Chairman

  Dr. John Moffat

  Greenock

  6 December 1993

  19,285

  Non-Executive Directors

  Mr. David McNiven (Vice-Chairman)

  Brookfield

  6 December 1993

  5,000

  Mr. Basil Baird

  Eaglesham

  6 December 1993

  5,000

  Mrs. Jean Goldie

  Elderslie

  6 December 1993

  5,000

  Mrs. Margaret Foggie

  Greenock

  6 December 1993

  5,000

  Mr. John Hornibrook

  Kilmacolm

  6 December 1993

  5,000

  Cable Installers
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to require cable communication installers to restore all pavements and roads to their former standard and to replace trees which die within five years of the installation work; and if he will make a statement. [23298]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 and associated regulations and codes of practice already require undertakers, such as cable operators, executing road works to comply with prescribed material specifications and standards of workmanship when reinstating a road or footway and to guarantee the performance of the reinstatement for a minimum period of two years. If an undertaker fails to comply with his duties under the Act regarding reinstatements then he commits an offence. Provision is made for road works authorities to inspect reinstatements and to require corrective work where a reinstatement is defective. Ultimately, the road works authority may carry out the work themselves and recover costs from the undertaker.

  Particular attention is drawn by the codes of practice to the need to excavate carefully where trees, shrubs and other planted areas are involved. The National Joint Utilities Group has also recently published, in collaboration with the Cable Communications Association and arboriculturists, "Guidelines for the Planning, Installation and Maintenance of Utility Services in Proximity to Trees". A copy of the paper is available in the Library. The Government do not consider that it is necessary to legislate for the replacement of trees in the way suggested.

  Police Deaths (Convictions)
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will name those persons convicted of murdering police officers since 1960(a) who are still serving prison sentences and (b) who have been released under licence; and if he will make a statement. [23299]
  213
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble and learned friend the Minister of State will write to the hon. Member.

  NHS Trusts
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will include in the new code of openness in the national health service a requirement for NHS trusts to hold their meetings in public and for health authorities to cease the practice of routinely closing their meetings to the public for items on their agendas which are not confidential. [23300]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My noble Friend the Minster of State will be publishing the code of practice on openness in the NHS in Scotland later this month. It will require health boards and NHS trusts to be as open as possible about their activities and plans.

  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the capital allocation for each NHS trust in Scotland for 1995–96, 1996–97 and any subsequent year for which allocations have been made. [24055]

  Lord James Douglas Hamilton
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The capital provision included in the current external financing limit for 1995–96 is as in the table.

  Further provisions will be made throughout 1995–96 as business cases are approved for projects above trust's delegated limits.

  Capital provision on a trust-by-trust basis for 1996–97 and subsequent years has yet to be determined.

  Name of NHS trust

  1995–96 Capital provision 000s

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals

  3,669

  Angus

  896

  Argyll and Bute

  1,749

  Ayrshire and Arran Community Healthcare

  2,044

  Borders General Hospital

  816

  Borders Community Health Services

  511

  Caithness and Sutherland

  589

  Central Scotland Healthcare

  3,185

  Dumfries and Galloway Acute and Maternity Hospitals

  2,835

  Dumfries and Galloway Community Health

  1,918

  Dundee Healthcare

  1,280

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals

  4,362

  East and Midlothian

  1,306

  Edinburgh Sick Childrens

  1,206

  Edinburgh Healthcare

  2,672

  Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary

  949

  Fife Healthcare

  2,198

  Grampian Healthcare

  5,023

  Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services

  8,792

  Glasgow Dental Hospital and School

  656

  Glasgow Royal Infirmary University

  4,273

  Hairmyres and Stonehouse Hospitals

  2,310

  Highland Communities

  2,024

  Inverclyde Royal

  1,121

  Kirkcaldy Acute Hospitals

  1,327

  Law Hospital

  2,662

  Lanarkshire Healthcare

  4,373

  Lomond Healthcare

  1,251

  Monklands and Bellshill

  3,494

  Moray Health Services

  4,073

  North Ayrshire and Arran

  6,206

  Perth and Kinross Healthcare

  2,004

  Queen Margaret

  1,301

  Raigmore Hospital

  3,644

  214

  Name of NHS trust

  1995–96 Capital provision 000s

  Renfrewshire Healthcare

  1,358

  Royal Alexander Hospital

  1,277

  Scottish Ambulance Service

  8,311

  South Ayrshire Hospitals

  3,614

  Southern General

  4,447

  Stirling Royal Infirmary

  2,100

  Stobhill

  1,646

  The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

  8,371

  Victoria Infirmary

  1,443

  West Lothian

  1,941

  West Glasgow Hospitals University

  5,471

  Western General Hospitals, Edinburgh

  3,551

  Yorkhill

  2,571

  132,820

  Medical Negligence
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many cases of alleged medical negligence by(a) NHS consultants and (b) general practitioners were awaiting settlement or court hearing at 30 March in each of the last six years. [23301]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  Details of the number of cases of alleged medical negligence by NHS consultants awaiting either settlement or court hearing is available from 30 March 1991 only. The information available is set out in the table:

  year

  Number of claims awaiting settlement at 30 March

  1991

  194

  1992

  214

  1993

  222

  1994

  178

  1995

  93

  Information on general medical practitioners is not collected centrally. They are independent contractors and as such insure themselves.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the average time taken for an alleged medical negligence case to be settled; and if he will make a statement on how this average time has changed over the past six years. [22302]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The length of time taken to settle claims on medical negligence will vary depending on the nature of the case. If agreement is reached before the case goes to court, it can be settled within six to nine months of the claim being lodged. Where the claim is determined by the courts, the average time taken to reach a conclusion is around five years. Both averages have remained relatively static since 1990, when information on settlements was first collected centrally.

  Child Protection
  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to introduce safeguards to protect parents with care and their children from violent or abusive absent parents who wish to claim parental rights
  215
  and responsibilities. [24603]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  As I indicated on 1 May 1995 on the Floor of the House,Official Report, column 84, during the Report stage of the Children (Scotland) Bill, the Government will consider whether through rules of court a parent's address might be kept confidential during the lead-up to a court hearing an application for parental rights and responsibilities by the other parent. That apart, we consider the law contains adequate safeguards for a parent and children against the other parent who is violent or abusive.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to reform section 12(7) of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 to ensure that striking a child so as to cause or risk causing, injury will not be lawful whether or not the action was undertaken in terms of a parental right to chastise. [24605]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  My right hon. Friend has no plans to reform section 12(7) of the Children and Young Persons (Scotland) Act 1937 in the way suggested. As was made clear in the Report Stage debate on the Children (Scotland) Bill on 1 May,Official Report columns 49–75, the law as it stands—both statutory and common law—already offers sufficient protection to children from assault.

  Mrs. Fyfe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to ensure that registration of an agreement between a mother and a father on parental rights and responsibilities will have safeguards against duress or coercion. [24604]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  The arrangements set out in clauses 4 and 11 of the Children (Scotland) Bill

  (£ thousands)

  Health Boards

  Administration and clerical

  Actual total salaries

  Percentage

  Administration and clerical

  Current prices total salaries

  Percentage

  1988–89

  Argyll and Clyde

  9,430

  98,003

  9.62

  12,411

  128,989

  9.62

  Ayr and Arran

  6,666

  73,464

  9.07

  8,775

  96,691

  9.07

  Borders

  1,911

  23,088

  8.28

  2,515

  30,388

  8.28

  Dumfries and Galloway

  2,897

  37,610

  7.70

  3,813

  49,502

  7.70

  Fife

  5,746

  69,553

  8.26

  7,564

  91,544

  8.26

  Forth Valley

  5,133

  66,813

  7.68

  6,755

  87,937

  7.68

  Grampian

  11,263

  125,244

  8.99

  14,824

  164,843

  8.99

  Greater Glasgow

  27,357

  343,939

  7.95

  36,006

  452,682

  7.95

  Highland

  4,345

  52,637

  8.25

  5,719

  69,280

  8.25

  Lanarkshire

  8,205

  111,788

  7.34

  10,799

  147,131

  7.34

  Lothian

  18,674

  217,879

  8.57

  24,578

  286,765

  8.57

  Orkney

  266

  3,905

  6.82

  350

  5,140

  6.82

  Shetland

  362

  4,791

  7.56

  477

  6,306

  7.56

  Tayside

  11,032

  129,398

  8.53

  14,519

  170,309

  8.53

  Western Isles

  557

  6,994

  7.96

  733

  9,205

  7.96

  Scotland total

  113,844

  1,365,106

  8.34

  149,838

  1,796,712

  8.34

  1989–90

  Argyll and Clyde

  10,588

  104,651

  10.12

  13,027

  128,746

  10.12

  Ayr and Arran

  7,655

  79,776

  9.60

  9,418

  98,144

  9.60

  Borders

  2,217

  25,289

  8.77

  2,727

  31,111

  8.77

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,275

  39,904

  8.21

  4,029

  49,091

  8.21

  Fife

  6,674

  74,324

  8.98

  8,211

  91,437

  8.98

  Forth Valley

  5,905

  71,428

  8.27

  7,264

  87,874

  8.27

  Grampian

  12,837

  134,462

  9.55

  15,793

  165,420

  9.55

  Greater Glasgow

  31,142

  359,709

  8.66

  38,312

  442,529

  8.66

  Highland

  5,005

  56,668

  8.83

  6,157

  69,715

  8.83

  Lanarkshire

  9,325

  119,097

  7.83

  11,472

  146,518

  7.83

  Lothian

  21,668

  228,805

  9.47

  26,657

  281,484

  9.47

  216
  provide adequate protection for the mother and child. This was made clear on 23 February when, in Committee, amendments Nos. 238 and 239 were considered. Consequently, my right hon. Friend has no plans to change the arrangements which the Bill will bring into play.

  NHS Pay
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list for each NHS trust in Scotland what decision has been taken on the claim by nurses for an increase in wages for the current year; and if he will make a statement. [24054]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: To date, 43 out of the 47 NHS trusts in Scotland have either made offers to nursing staff at local level or have indicated their intention to do so in the near future.

  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total wage and salary costs in each year since 1988 in(a) actual terms and (b) at current prices, of health service employees, including management and clerical grades, in respect of each health board area and NHS trust in Scotland; and what percentage each sum represented of the total wage and salary costs of the respective health board or NHS trust. [20606]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 2 May 1995]: The information is set out in the table. Figures for 1994–95 are not yet available.

  The figures for administrative and clerical staff costs include amounts for those senior nurses and clinicians who have transferred to the general/senior managers' pay scales, particularly in latter years.
  217

  (£ thousands)

  Health Boards

  Administration and clerical

  Actual total salaries

  Percentage

  Administration and clerical

  Current prices total salaries

  Percentage

  Orkney

  298

  4,237

  7.03

  367

  5,212

  7.03

  Shetland

  471

  5,184

  9.08

  579

  6,378

  9.08

  Tayside

  12,311

  137,560

  8.95

  15,145

  169,232

  8.95

  Western Isles

  684

  7,351

  9.30

  841

  9,043

  9.30

  Scotland total

  130,055

  1,448,445

  8.98

  159,999

  1,781,934

  8.98

  1990–91

  Argyll and Clyde

  12,064

  112,112

  10.76

  13,741

  127,693

  10.76

  Ayr and Arran

  8,848

  87,469

  10.12

  10,078

  99,626

  10.12

  Borders

  2,575

  27,095

  9.51

  2,933

  30,861

  9.51

  Dumfries and Galloway

  3,919

  43,840

  8.94

  4,464

  49,933

  8.94

  Fife

  8,047

  81,784

  9.84

  9,166

  93,150

  9.84

  Forth Valley

  7,016

  77,780

  9.02

  7,992

  88,590

  9.02

  Grampian

  14,963

  144,566

  10.35

  17,043

  164,658

  10.35

  Greater Glasgow

  36,734

  378,673

  9.70

  41,839

  431,300

  9.70

  Highland

  6,086

  62,266

  9.77

  6,932

  70,920

  9.77

  Lanarkshire

  11,246

  128,742

  8.74

  12,809

  146,634

  8.74

  Lothian

  24,765

  241,386

  10.26

  28,207

  274,934

  10.26

  Orkney

  402

  4,775

  8.42

  458

  5,438

  8.42

  Shetland

  653

  5,775

  11.30

  743

  6,577

  11.30

  Tayside

  14,422

  149,398

  9.65

  16,425

  170,161

  9.65

  Western Isles

  806

  8,221

  9.79

  917

  9,363

  9.79

  Scotland total

  152,546

  1,553,882

  9.82

  173,747

  1,769,838

  9.82

  1991– 92

  Argyll and Clyde

  14,178

  125,534

  11.29

  15,194

  134,527

  11.29

  Ayr and Arran

  10,117

  96,968

  10.43

  10,843

  103,915

  10.43

  Borders

  2,105

  27,939

  7.54

  2,256

  29,940

  7.54

  Dumfries and Galloway

  4,277

  46,844

  9.13

  4,583

  50,200

  9.13

  Fife

  9,508

  91,140

  10.43

  10,189

  97,670

  10.43

  Forth Valley

  8,381

  86,562

  9.68

  8,981

  92,763

  9.68

  Grampian

  17,061

  160,303

  10.64

  18,283

  171,787

  10.64

  Greater Glasgow

  41,749

  407,459

  10.25

  44,740

  436,649

  10.25

  Highland

  7,263

  70,321

  10.33

  7,783

  75,359

  10.33

  Lanarkshire

  13,350

  139,726

  9.55

  14,306

  149,736

  9.55

  Lothian

  28,451

  264,872

  10.74

  30,489

  283,847

  10.74

  Orkney

  480

  5,519

  8.70

  514

  5,914

  8.70

  Shetland

  770

  6,560

  11.73

  825

  7,030

  11.73

  Tayside

  17,108

  165,259

  10.35

  18,334

  177,098

  10.35

  Western Isles

  919

  9,370

  9.81

  985

  10,041

  9.81

  Scotland total

  175,717

  1,704,376

  10.31

  188,305

  1,826,476

  10.31

  Health Boards

  Administration and clerical (£000's)

  Actual total salaries (£000 's)

  Percentage

  Administration and clerical (£000's)

  Current Prices Total Salaries (£000's)

  Percentage

  1992–93

  Argyll and Clyde

  15,744

  134,343

  11.72

  16,224

  138,454

  11.72

  Ayr and Arran

  9,603

  80,727

  11.90

  9,897

  83,198

  11.90

  Borders

  2,518

  31,628

  7.96

  2,596

  32,596

  7.96

  Dumfries and Galloway

  5,292

  52,800

  10.02

  5,454

  54,416

  10.02

  Fife

  10,462

  97,794

  10.70

  10,783

  100,786

  10.70

  Forth Valley

  9,724

  94,683

  10.27

  10,021

  97,580

  10.27

  Grampian

  14,364

  110,568

  12.99

  14,803

  113,951

  12.99

  Greater Glasgow

  47,473

  436,265

  10.88

  48,925

  449,614

  10.88

  Highland

  8,264

  75,378

  10.96

  8,517

  77,684

  10.96

  Lanarkshire

  14,240

  146,730

  9.70

  14,676

  151,220

  9.70

  Lothian

  32,352

  286,483

  11.29

  33,342

  295,249

  11.29

  Orkney

  553

  6,126

  9.03

  570

  6,313

  9.03

  Shetland

  868

  6,643

  13.07

  895

  6,846

  13.07

  Tayside

  19,415

  174,964

  11.10

  20,009

  180,318

  11.10

  Western Isles

  1,107

  10,512

  10.53

  1,141

  10,833

  10.53

  Sub total

  191,979

  1,745,644

  11.00

  197,853

  1.799,058

  11.00

  218 219

  Health Boards

  Administration and clerical (£000's)

  Actual total salaries (£000's)

  Percentage

  Administration and clerical (£000's)

  Current Prices Total Salaries (£000's)

  Percentage

  NHS Trusts

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals

  6,050

  61,300

  9.87

  6,235

  63,176

  9.87

  South Ayrshire Hospitals

  2,681

  25,619

  10.46

  2,763

  26,403

  10.46

  Sub total

  8,731

  86,919

  10.04

  8,998

  89,579

  10.04

  Scotland total

  200,710

  1,832,563

  10.95

  206,852

  1,888,636

  10.95

  Health Boards

  Administration and clerical (£000s)

  Actual total salaries (£000s)

  Percentage

  Administration and clerical (£000s)

  Current prices total salaries (£000s)

  Percentage

  1993–94

  Argyll and Clyde

  14,377

  110,631

  13.00

  14,377

  110,631

  13.00

  Ayr and Arran

  1,627

  4,185

  38.88

  1,627

  4,185

  38.88

  Borders

  2,801

  33,605

  8.34

  2,801

  33,605

  8.34

  Dumfries and Galloway

  5,608

  51,679

  10.85

  5,608

  51,679

  10.85

  Fife

  11,494

  96,969

  11.85

  11,494

  96,969

  11.85

  Forth Valley

  7,414

  59,633

  12.43

  7,414

  59,633

  12.43

  Grampian

  4,725

  12,449

  37.96

  4,726

  12,449

  37.96

  Greater Glasgow

  37,480

  316,086

  11.86

  37,480

  316,086

  11.86

  Highland

  5,535

  39,066

  14.17

  5,535

  316,086

  14.17

  Lanarkshire

  28,033

  163,861

  17.11

  28,033

  163,861

  17.11

  Lothian

  31,685

  239,760

  13.22

  31,685

  239,760

  13.22

  Orkney

  671

  6,619

  10.14

  671

  6,619

  10.14

  Shetland

  1,012

  6,896

  10.14

  1,012

  6,619

  14.67

  Tayside

  14,716

  114,533

  12.85

  14,716

  114,533

  12.85

  Western Isles

  1,392

  11,808

  11.79

  1,392

  11,808

  11.79

  Sub Total

  168,571

  1,267,781

  13.30

  168,571

  1,267,781

  13.30

  NHS Trusts

  Aberdeen Royal Hospitals

  7,328

  69,913

  10.48

  7,328

  69,913

  10.48

  South Ayrshire Hospitals

  3,176

  25,985

  12.22

  3,176

  25,985

  12.22

  Ayrshire and Arran Community

  Healthcare

  3,831

  34,782

  11.01

  3,831

  34,782

  11.01

  Caithness and Sutherland

  1,088

  8,553

  12.72

  1,088

  8,553

  12.72

  Dundee Teaching Hospitals

  7,012

  65,375

  10.73

  7,012

  65,375

  10.73

  Grampian Healthcare

  10,322

  81,497

  12.67

  10,322

  81,497

  12.67

  Monklands and Bellshill Hospitals

  3,271

  31,526

  10.38

  3,271

  31,526

  10.38

  Moray Health Services

  1,697

  14,773

  11.49

  1,697

  14,773

  11.49

  North Ayrshire and Arran

  5,119

  44,293

  11.56

  5,119

  44,293

  11.56

  Raigmore Hospital

  2,735

  25,819

  10.59

  2,735

  25,819

  10.59

  Royal Scottish National Hospital

  654

  13,203

  4.95

  654

  13,203

  4.95

  Royal Alexandra Hospital

  2,404

  25,700

  9.35

  2,404

  25,700

  9.35

  Southern General, Glasgow

  4,740

  46,108

  10.28

  4,740

  46,108

  10.28

  Stirling Royal Infirmary

  2,195

  23,939

  9.17

  2,195

  23,939

  9.17

  Victoria Infirmary

  4,071

  36,244

  11.23

  4,071

  36,244

  11.23

  West Lothian

  4,560

  40,801

  11.18

  4,560

  40,801

  11.18

  Yorkhill

  3,477

  35,376

  9.83

  3,477

  35,376

  9.83

  Sub total

  67,680

  623,887

  10.85

  67,680

  623,887

  10.85

  Scotland total

  236,251

  1,891,668

  12.49

  236,251

  1,891,668

  12.49

  220

  Fishing Industry
  Dr. Goodman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects European Union PESCA funds to be distributed to fishing communities; how much money he anticipates being paid for(a) the fishing industry and (b) the retraining of fishermen; if he will make it his policy to invite representatives of the fishing communities to take part in the decision and the distribution of such monies, and if he will make a statement. [24178]

  Sir Hector Monro
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]The United Kingdom PESCA programme is still subject to final agreement with the European Commission. It is not yet possible to say when funds will be available. The sum of some 16.5 mecu—£13.8 million at present exchange rates—has been proposed for projects in Scotland over the next five years of which £7.4 million will be available for European regional development fund spending, £2.6 million for European social fund spending, and £3.8 million under the financial instrument of fisheries guidance. The precise allocation will depend on the projects approved for EC support. Decisions on which projects should be supported will be based on discussion in local action groups which may involve representatives of the fishing industry.

  Telephones
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many mobile telephones being used by his Department have been cloned during the last 12 months. [23434]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]I am aware of five instances of cloning of mobile telephones being used by the Scottish Office and its agencies during the last 12 months.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations his Department has made to the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the need for legislation to prevent the cloning of mobile telephones. [23475]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 9 May 1995] No representations have been made by the Scottish Office to the Department of Trade and Industry concerning the need for legislation to prevent the cloning of mobile telephones.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what use his Department makes of hand-held and car-based mobile telephones; what were the costs for each financial year of these services since mobile telephones were first introduced to this Department; and how many mobile telephones are currently in use. [23442]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: Use of hand-held and car-based mobile telephones is made by travelling officers to facilitate communications while on official business. Mobile telephones were first introduced into The Scottish Office in the financial year 1986–87 but records of costs are only retained for the past three financial years. These indicate total cost of:

  1992–93: £110,000

  1993–94: £128,000

  1994–95: £148,000

  Our records show 380 mobile telephones as being currently in use throughout the Scottish Office and its agencies.
  222
  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what costs his Department has incurred during the last 12 months as a result of cloning of mobile telephones being used by his Department, with particular reference to the making of unauthorised calls. [23482]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: No costs have been incurred during the last 12 months as a result of cloning of mobile telephones.

  Mr. Donohoe
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps his Department has taken to prevent the cloning of telephones being used by his Department; and if his Department has discussed this matter with any official agencies. [23462]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: All departmental users are encouraged to ensure the physical security of their mobile telephones but nothing can be done of a technical nature to prevent cloning. There have been no discussions with any official agencies on this subject.

  Civil Defence Facilities
  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many civil defence facilities in Scotland it is envisaged would be used as emergency centres of government in time of war; and if he will make a statement. [23171]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 11 May 1995]: There is one purpose-built civil defence facility, at Cultybraggan, which would be available to be used as an emergency centre of government during a war.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what future plans he has for the civil defence facility underneath Cultybraggan training camp, near Comrie; and if he will make a statement. [23189]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 11 May 1995]: While much of the former civil defence infrastructure has been sold or dismantled, the Cultybraggan facility will be retained, since it houses the central node of the emergency communications network. The ECN links together all local authorities, the emergency services, a number of central Government locations, and other sites such as nuclear industry off-site emergency centres. This network is available to local authorities when responding to civil emergencies in peace time and proved to be most useful during the severe weather emergencies of 1993 and 1994.

  Mrs. Ewing
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the final cost of(a) constructing the civil defence facility located underneath Cultybraggan training camp, near Comrie and (b) the unfinished civil defence facility at the grounds of Peel hospital near Galashiels; and if he will make a statement. [23187]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 11 May 1995]The final cost of the facility at Cultybraggan training camp was £3.6 million. The Scottish Office purchased the site at the former Peel hospital at a cost of £ 100,000. Because of the change in the perceived threat of a major conflict; no start was made on construction work, and the site is currently being offered for sale.

  Hospital Beds
  Mr. Foulkes
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give the total number of hospital beds in(a) medical and (b) surgical specialisms in each health board area as at 1st April 1993, 1994 and 1995; and what are the projected figures for 1996 and 1997. [24053]

  National Health Service hospitals in Scotland: average available staffed surgical and medical beds

  Quarters ending 31 March 1993

  31 March 1994

  31 December 19941

  Surgical (1)

  Medical (2)

  Surgical

  Medical

  Surgical

  Medical

  Scotland

  8,568

  6,260

  8,051

  6,117

  7,856

  5,942

  Argyll and Clyde

  573

  451

  541

  447

  538

  439

  Ayrshire and Arran

  596

  371

  565

  382

  557

  367

  Borders

  143

  95

  137

  95

  131

  92

  Dumfries and Galloway

  210

  107

  187

  136

  186

  146

  Fife

  391

  236

  378

  240

  362

  240

  Forth Valley

  354

  193

  346

  196

  354

  192

  Grampian

  853

  593

  838

  576

  811

  576

  Greater Glasgow

  2,064

  1,661

  1,905

  1,573

  1,864

  1,470

  Highland

  384

  276

  364

  258

  356

  255

  Lanarkshire

  888

  544

  845

  536

  809

  520

  Lothian

  1,222

  1,071

  1,152

  1,012

  1,100

  999

  Orkney

  39

  —

  39

  —

  39

  —

  Shetland

  23

  24

  26

  20

  26

  20

  Tayside

  777

  589

  676

  601

  675

  582

  Western Isles

  50

  50

  52

  46

  51

  44

  1 Provisional

  Notes:

  1. Surgical: general surgery, orthopaedic surgery, ENT surgery, ophthalmology, urology, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, orthodontics and paediatric dentistry, oral surgery and medicine, restorative dentistry, spinal paralysis, paediatric surgery, gynaecology.

  2. Medical: general medicine, cardiology, metabolic diseases, neurology, gastroenterology, poisons, dermatology, nephrology, rheumatology, rehabilitation medicine, respiratory medicine, radiotherapy (consultative) paediatric medicine, anaesthetics, haematology.

  3. General practice beds are excluded.

  Departmental Accounting Officer
  Mr. Meacher
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times in the last 10 years, and on which dates, his departmental accounting officer has issued a minute in that role; and what was the issue in each case. [22564]

  Mr. Lang
  [holding answer 9 May 1995]: Where a Minister overrules an accounting officer's advice on an issue of propriety or regularity or one of value for money, the accounting officer should request a written instruction from the Minister to take the action in question.

  I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney (Mr. Rowlands) on 2 March 1994, Official Report, column 783, when I advised that no such occasion had been identified. No direction has been issued since that date.

  Any such instruction would be reported to the Comptroller and Auditor General who, after making whatever investigations he considers appropriate, would report his findings to the Committee of Public Accounts.

  NHSiS administrative and clerical staff1 2 3 4 7 by health board as at 30 September

  Whole time equivalent

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  19926

  19936

  19946

  Argyll and Clyde

  1,132

  1,191

  1,225

  1,231

  1,370

  1,400

  1,472

  Ayrshire and Arran

  754

  778

  810

  847

  913

  957

  1,019

  Borders

  224

  219

  231

  237

  257

  272

  335

  Dumfries and Galloway

  339

  348

  367

  412

  442

  463

  496

  Fife

  654

  676

  722

  769

  800

  920

  1,022

  Forth Valley

  564

  594

  632

  666

  716

  758

  775

  224
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 15 May 1995]: The information requested is shown in the table.

  Hospital bed numbers are not projected on a national basis and the availability of beds in any specialty is primarily a matter for health boards and the appropriate health care providers to agree.

  NHS Administration
  Mr. Wallace
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many health service employees, including management and clerical grades, in respect of each health board area and NHS trust in Scotland, were engaged in administration on 31 March in each year since 1988; and what percentage they represented of the total number of persons employed by each health board and NHS Trust in each of these years. [20605]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 2 May 1995]: Information is not available centrally on which staff are engaged in administration as a whole or part of their work. The table shows, therefore, the number of staff employed on senior manager, and administrative and clerical payscales. Increases in numbers can be accounted for in part due to the assimilation of some professional staff into senior manager grades. Data are shown for 30 September, the only date for which a complete census of all NHS staff is available. Information at trust level is not available centrally.
  225

  NHSiS administrative and clerical staff1 2 3 4 7 by health board as at 30 September

  Whole time equivalent

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  19926

  19936

  19946

  Grampian

  1,313

  1,371

  1,413

  1,489

  1,581

  1,636

  1,755

  Greater Glasgow

  3,343

  3,368

  3,421

  3,511

  3,679

  3,800

  3,875

  Highland

  489

  504

  548

  594

  627

  652

  713

  Lanarkshire

  1,009

  1,019

  1,091

  1,097

  1,159

  1,240

  1,322

  Lothian

  2,151

  2,274

  2,340

  2,355

  2,417

  2,635

  2,757

  Orkney

  21

  23

  29

  30

  31

  33

  37

  Shetland

  39

  43

  44

  50

  55

  59

  64

  Tayside5

  1,230

  1,229

  1,347

  1,399

  1,509

  1,478

  1,564

  Western Isles

  50

  54

  56

  65

  79

  88

  91

  Total

  13,311

  13,690

  14,275

  14,751

  15,636

  16,390

  17,296

  Notes:

  1 These data need to be interpreted carefully because of the possible inclusion of supra-area functions in the data of some boards, eg., computer consortia staff may appear on one health board payroll but supply a service across several health boards.

  2 Comprises staff on senior management grades and A and C grades one to 10.

  3 The increase in numbers can be partially accounted for by the assimilation of some professional staff to senior manager grades.

  4 Excludes nurses in training.

  5 Data for Tayside in 1989 is at 31 March for staff other than medical and dental staff.

  6 The data include trust staff within the health board area.

  7 The data exclude staff in the Common Services Agency and state hospital, Carstairs.

  Source:

  National Manpower Statistics from Payroll.

  Medical and Dental Census.

  Information and Statistics Division.

  NHSIS Administration and Clerical Staff1 2 3 7 as a percentage of all staff4: by health board as at 30 September

  Percentage

  County

  1988

  1989

  1990

  1991

  19926

  19936

  19946

  Argyll and Clyde

  14.1

  14.9

  15.6

  15.5

  17.1

  17.3

  18.1

  Ayrshire and Arran

  12.8

  12.9

  13.5

  13.7

  14.8

  15.5

  16.1

  Borders

  12.0

  11.5

  12.4

  12.9

  13.7

  14.2

  16.5

  Dumfries and Galloway

  11.3

  11.7

  12.2

  13.4

  14.2

  14.7

  15.5

  Fife

  11.5

  12.3

  13.0

  13.6

  14.1

  16.0

  18.3

  Forth Valley

  10.3

  11.0

  11.4

  12.1

  12.6

  13.5

  13.9

  Grampian

  13.2

  13.7

  14.3

  14.8

  15.3

  16.0

  17.1

  Greater Glasgow

  12.6

  13.4

  14.5

  15.2

  15.9

  16.5

  17.0

  Highland

  12.3

  12.7

  13.6

  14.4

  15.0

  15.8

  16.6

  Lanarkshire

  11.2

  11.4

  12.4

  13.0

  14.1

  15.0

  16.1

  Lothian

  13.2

  14.2

  15.4

  15.7

  16.2

  17.3

  17.4

  Orkney

  7.3

  7.8

  8.9

  9.0

  8.9

  9.0

  10.1

  Shetland

  10.8

  11.6

  11.6

  12.4

  17.0

  17.5

  17.6

  Tayside

  11.8

  11.9

  13.0

  13.9

  15.0

  15.0

  15.5

  Western Isles

  9.9

  10.7

  10.7

  12.1

  13.8

  13.7

  14.0

  Total

  12.4

  13.0

  13.9

  14.4

  15.2

  15.9

  16.7

  Notes:

  1 These data need to be interpreted carefully because of the possible inclusion of supra-area functions in the data of some boards eg computer consortia staff may appear on one health board payroll but supply a service across several health boards.

  2 Comprises staff on senior management grades and A to C grades one to 10.

  3 The increase in numbers can be partially accounted for by the assimilation of some professional staff to senior manager grades.

  4 Excludes nurses in training.

  5 Data for Tayside in 1989 is at 31 March for staff other than medical and dental staff.

  6 The data include trust staff within the health board area.

  7 The data excludes staff in the Common Services Agency and state hospitals, Carstairs.

  Source:

  National Manpower Statistics from Payroll.

  Medical and Dental Census.

  Information and Statistics Division.

  Cervical Smears
  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many women underwent surgical treatment and medical care as a result of the maladministration of the cervical smear programme at the Inverclyde royal hospital, Greenock; what types of surgical operations and treatment were involved; and if he will make a statement. [21613]
  226
  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 2 May 1995]: Following the re-reading of 1,954 cervical smear slides at Inverclyde royal hospital, 400 women received a result which indicated assessment by colposcopy. Approximately 2,000 additional cervical smear tests were carried out. Some 346 women were assessed for colposcopy in Inverclyde royal hospital. Some 147 had cervical biopsies with associated

  227
  appropriate treatment of the cervix either in Inverclyde or elsewhere.

  The forms of treatment include colposcopy without biopsy, colposcopically directed selective biopsy, cold coagulation and conization of the cervix.

  Dr. Godman
  To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many women have instituted legal proceedings against the Argyll and Clyde health board and the Inverclyde royal hospital, Greenock, as a result of the maladministration of the cervical smear programme at the aforesaid hospital; of such cases, how many have 228
  (a) been settled out of court, (b) resulted in court cases and (c) are still waiting a court hearing; what financial compensation has been paid; and if he will make a statement. [21614]

  Lord James Douglas-Hamilton
  [holding answer 2 May 1995]: Argyll and Clyde health board has received 105 legal claims as a result of the re-reading of cervical smear slides at Inverclyde royal hospital. Two claims have proceeded to a settlement. A further 10 settlements are in the process of negotiation. Once all the claims have been settled, I will be in a position to give an indication of the total amount of settlements made. No claims have resulted in a court case or are at present awaiting a court hearing.

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